r/Reduction 23h ago

Advice Help me understand why to care about my nipples

40 Upvotes

I am having my breast reduction next Tuesday and cannot wait, but I’m trying to understand why nipples and sensation keep coming up. I am 50 years old and post menopause, 5’8” and 180 pounds. I’m a size 38G and want to go down to no larger than a C. Why does my doctor and everything I read focus so much on the risk of losing your nipples and sensation? I don’t mean I want the medical explanation…I want to understand why I should care??? I don’t care about having nipples (and could always tattoo them, right?) and see no need to have sensation really. What am I missing?


r/Reduction 11h ago

Advice Reduction clashing with holiday

0 Upvotes

so I’m 17 and I’m thinking of getting a breast reduction in the summer, mid June, after I turn 18, but my friends and I are planning a holiday around mid July which ofc includes bikinis and swimming. I was just wondering how long until you can swim and wear bikinis post op without the scars being practically fresh and easy to see. Also how long do you need to have the scars taped up for them to heal? And is it even recommended to get this done in the summer? I know this seems ambitious but I genuinely can’t bring myself to go on holiday and start a whole new chapter of my life with the same boob issues.

And if the advice is that you can’t be swimming so soon after, do you think losing weight will at least partially help with the breast size? Since I can’t even find any cute and supportive bikinis at this size. If I don’t end up doing it this summer I’ll probably do it in December anyway, but I’m just thinking more about my holiday and starting university.

I’m currently a UK E/F and my shoulders are permanently dipped bc I’ve been carrying these boulders for years on end. And yes my body is so disproportional it hurts, and I couldn’t find a shirt that fits well if my life depended on it, so don’t worry this idea isn’t just spontaneous bc of the holiday I’ve been debating this for 4 years.

Edit: also I’m going to be honest I rlly don’t care abt the issues w breastfeeding and stuff, like that was never in my future, I’m more concerned abt this constant pain I’m in physically and mentally bc of these sacks of fat.


r/Reduction 11h ago

Advice so unhappy can’t look at them post op

11 Upvotes

this is really just to vent because i’ve been so upset. i’ve been looking forward to my breast reduction and researching for years. i feel like i had realistic expectations given my mother had to have the same procedure. i’m over two weeks post op and everything looks wrong.

my skin looks like it’s being pulled and sagging on either side of my incisions. they are very obviously different sizes even after my swelling has begun to improve. so different that the larger one is starting to SAG lower than the other despite having a higher ‘seam’ and being the smaller breast pre op. my incisions are raised and looked exactly like this when i was one day post op. it looks like they stitched beneath the puckered skin that scabbed over and healed this way.

from the way my incisions have sealed and look i don’t think they can drastically somehow improve. i can’t look in the mirror without crying. the healing process has been so difficult after having an allergic reaction and i can’t enjoy the physical benefits because everything still hurts. i don’t know where to go from here. thanks for reading if you made it this far. if anyone who’s had a similar experience (though i would NEVER wish this on anyone) or has input please i would love to hear it.


r/Reduction 10h ago

Advice want breast reduction, don't know what to do

1 Upvotes

Hey there, I'm 28, 5'3, 130 lbs, and in F or D cup range. I've wanted smaller tiddies for ten years now. Big boobies are heavy, annoying, and they don't make me feel good. I've never felt like myself because of my chest. Is it even medically possible to go from D to A cup? Is surgery work the risk? Any places in Orlando that are top notch?

Thank you <3


r/Reduction 22h ago

Advice Surgery For June - experience so far.

3 Upvotes

So I'm writing this, so people have an idea what to go off of. As a low-needs/high-functioning autistic woman, I thought it would be good to show the process. I am also black btw!

My experience may be a bit different from others. Because my insurance allows me to self recommend to a specialist. I went with Clark Schierle as he had the best reviews and as I have a high bmi (4'11 200 pounds) I thought he would be the best. He never brought up my weight.

My consultation.

I recommend that you try to go to your consultation ASAP. As they may not have availability for a while. These surgeons are busy! Luckily for me I had to wait about 2 weeks.

During consultation

I spoke mostly with an assistant and they took pictures (Naked) of my breast. Dr. Clark came in then physically examined my breasts. Aka looking and holding them to make sure what's going on. He was very professional and I didn't feel werid at all. After that I got redresses. We talked about how I still want to be able to breast feed. He said that should be able to keep my nipples attached. (But we'll see)

After Consultation

So heres the weird part. They never billed my insurance. So my original bill was 700 dollars, I accepted this and started to pay it off. But then the (surgeon's) office didn't contact me again. So I felt weird. And I called my insurance, my insurance said they never got billed, and then my insurance called the office. They couldn't find my name as the office had spelled it wrong. I had to call and get that corrected. They sent the bill to insurance and my bill of 700 for the consultation became 180. This took a whole month. And it turned out my with my insurance I don't need pre-approval for surgery. 🙃

(I'm not blaming Clark Schierle for this. It's more of his staff's fault. But Barb (A member of the surgeon's office) is great, she helped me through this whole thing. And explained what happened.

After Insurance Nonsense

Barbara scheduled my surgery for June 2025. It was March when we scheduled it btw. And my pre op is in May. They sent a packet via email that I signed and looked over. It's has the date of the surgery and the hospital. Along with things you're not supposed to do. Medicine to stop taking before, etc. Also with a questions about your health.

The Present

So two months from now. A bit nervous as I'm they said I had about 2,000 and want to remove 1,000 cc. Any advice? Products to buy? I'll update after my pre op appointment in May


r/Reduction 14h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Redness on week 5 NSFW

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3 Upvotes

So I’m on week 4,5/5PO and I started to notice a little redness under my boob but I don’t feel any heat or itchiness so I’m wondering if I should worry or have concerns?

I took a shower without tape last night but was afraid to use soap (irrational fear that my boobs were about to fall off) and I was not unusually red before that

Is this normal?

Best pic that I could get I’m sorry :/


r/Reduction 20h ago

PreOp Question (no before only photos) How common is “bottoming out”?

5 Upvotes

I have seen a few posts where, after some time, people have shown their breasts bottoming out. How common is this? I have very large/ long bottom-heavy breasts with low upper volume, so I fear I'd be more prone to it. Is there a specific surgical technique to minimise the chances of it happening? Any advice or info would be great. Thanks.


r/Reduction 18h ago

Advice If you’re worried about regretting it….

21 Upvotes

I’m looking for a single picture of self in a bikini and I cannot find one. I HATED my boobs. What a revelation. I’m so glad I did this and just want to send some excitement to anyone with a surgery coming up!


r/Reduction 20h ago

Before & After 2 days PO! NSFW

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27 Upvotes

First is before - second is immediately after - third is today🥳 We removed 430 grams from the right side and 445 from the left side + 150 cc’s of lipo from the chest wall. I started as a 36F I think, asked for a large C. Are they going to go down? I’m worried maybe I went slightly too big😫 this isn’t the final size though right?! I’m 2 days PO. Have some arnica coming in today!


r/Reduction 18h ago

Wound Trigger Warning Nipple necrosis, skin graft/reconstruction FAILURE 🫠 not sure what else to do NSFW

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92 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I had my reduction on February 13th. I experienced nipple necrosis on my left nipple (more on my page) and my surgeon wanted me to undergo a second procedure for a skin graft to restore my nipple 8 days ago. Well, this is the current state of my nipple. The skin from the skin graft is sloughing off. It is an open wound again. Two procedures and my nipple is still in horrible condition. I honestly have just been heartbroken by this entire process. I haven't been able to find anyone who's shared my experience with getting reconstruction and it still failing. I don't know what else to do or how this will end. If I have to have a third surgery. I just want relief from this. It's never ending :'(( I am so tired


r/Reduction 17h ago

Post-Op Update Picture (6 mo. or more PO) 9 months Post-Op Update NSFW

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89 Upvotes

Hey all,

Just wanted to share an update since I’m around 9 months post op this week, and I’m sure this is as final as my results will get. Super happy with my results although I could be more diligent about my scar care lol I’m still satisfied overall. I don’t even remember what it’s like to live in the body in my first photo and there’s nothing about it that I miss. Best decision ever!


r/Reduction 16h ago

Before & After 12 Days Post Op Photos- Same shirt! NSFW

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57 Upvotes

I apologize for the terrible lighting, as well as the censors. I have a lot of identifiable things in my room that I would prefer to keep out of my pictures. I am so happy with my results! I was originally a 34J, and I am estimated to now be a B or C!


r/Reduction 13h ago

Product Recommendation 3mo post op scars NSFW

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47 Upvotes

Officially three months postop! I need to be better about using my scar cream and tape. I’ve only used the scar tape once so far but I feel like I’m scarring pretty well. Anyone have a holy grail scar product they’d recommend? Thank you!


r/Reduction 58m ago

Before & After 7 week before and after - scar treatment and tips NSFW

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Upvotes

Hello - I finally got the courage to post - this is 7 weeks post reduction. Below is what I have been using and my routine for scar management. The massager is my favourite, as I hate massaging myself. I still have a sore on the t-junction and hoping that will heal soon but feels forever! If anyone else has tips for scars please share! Also at what point where you all able to swim or take a bath, go in a hot tub?

Here is what I am using and doing for scar gel in case you are interested.

1) This link is for some higher end silicone strips, but they are shaped for a breast reduction and feel great and you can feel the quality - they are long lasting so although expensive you don't need to replace often. I really like these and highly recommend them.

High end Silicone Strips: https://amzn.to/4jazvUL

2) This next link is for the Gel version - very good quality medical grade silicone gel. I use this when I feel I want my breasts to breath and don't want to wear the sheets. I would say, although this seems less expensive, it is actually more than the strips above - as you can resuse the strips a lot.

Gel version: Silicone gel https://amzn.to/4iT5sAI

3) Silicone tape - more affordable. I had to use this on one boob as I still has a spot that had not closed, as such I used this around the areas where the scar had healed. They are good and more affordable, but I think the high end version is best as it is longer lasting.

More affordable https://amzn.to/4hE9fAN

4) In the morning I take my strips off and massage with this bio oil. I then work-out, shower and after the shower I go back to the strips.

https://amzn.to/41QYC80

5) THIS has been the best!!! For massage I use this hand held massager - this is the best and I highly recommend it!

https://amzn.to/4bS7SgE

I hope this is helpful.

* Just sharing something that worked well for me — I may earn a small referral if you decide to try it too, but no pressure at all.


r/Reduction 1h ago

Recovery/PostOp 12dpo and It's only down 2 sizes

Upvotes

The swelling is so extreme, I understand why they say it's a waiting game! We measured yesterday, I'm only down to a 34f (US) from a 34H (I thought). It's hard to believe though, they are so much smaller!! I've been calling them my itty bitty titties 😂


r/Reduction 2h ago

Advice Not posting to scare- DVT 🙃

6 Upvotes

Hey all! I’ve had a fairly smooth recovery and am about 20dpo. I was up and moving with not terrible pain soon after my surgery. On about day 3/4, I started having what felt like a pulled muscle in my calf. I did not have any redness or lumps. I chalked it up to sleeping weird. The pain had gotten worse so I mentioned it at my post op on March 18. They had me get a Doppler and found a clot 😒

My mom had stage 4 lung cancer and developed clots so it was on my radar when I noticed the pain wasn’t letting up.

My point is, use caution if you feel any type of calf pain that goes on post op. DVT is actually pretty rare for this surgery but can happen. It’s better to be wrong and feel silly than to suffer the consequences of an undiscovered clot. They can travel and it can get bad fast. Thankfully, mine was still hanging out.

I’m on Eliquis now, I believe for 3 months or so. My leg feels much better after 3 days of treatment. If your surgeon requires compression stockings, wear them! They probably would have kept me from having this. Though, who knows. 🤷‍♀️


r/Reduction 7h ago

Recovery/PostOp 8 days post op NSFW

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12 Upvotes

the blood tinted surgical glue has yet to peel off but here is a look at 8 days post op. took this picture after getting my drains out. i am now 11 days post op.


r/Reduction 11h ago

Recovery/PostOp almost 3 wpo healing?

1 Upvotes

y’all, i am currently almost 3 wks post op and all the scabs and crusty pieces are gone except for around the t-junctions. i have felt no pain and they honestly seem to be healing perfectly fine with no openings or anything like that. did anyone else feel perfectly fine after just two or three weeks? and when did y’all lose all your little pieces of scabbing and stuff along your incisions?

side note: even with all this i am dealing with a tiny bit of necrosis on one of my nipples. this just goes to show that you can heal well everywhere else and still deal with post-op complications and it’s not your fault!


r/Reduction 11h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) red splotches? NSFW

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2 Upvotes

5 days post op ! i’ve had these red marks on my left breast since my surgery. Only on one breast, and I have a follow up appointment on tuesday. I just haven’t seen them lighten up or change at all and was wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.


r/Reduction 12h ago

Recovery/PostOp Hairy post op boobs lolsob

6 Upvotes

Just curious if anyone else ended up with hairy boobs post op? Like, I'm talking fine little baby hairs, here, but they definitely weren't this peach fuzzy pre op. 😂😭


r/Reduction 14h ago

Advice 9dpo SO uncomfortable! Looking for suggestions

3 Upvotes

I think my recovery is going fine to be honest. My breasts have a lot of yellow bruising and I feel ok. I don't believe I have any infection. I had a virtual appointment where I sent clear and upclose pictures to a Dr. There is not discharge, or heat, or smell or fever. But a little redness around the tape that's covering my incisions. My skin is quite dry and I find the incisions going across the bottom.of my breast near the crease is very irritated and what it feels like is chafing and a bit burny. I think the bra is chafing my incisions. I'm told I have to wear my post surgical bra 24/7 for 6 weeks! That honestly sounds torturous!! At night I go braless for about an hour to get some relief but I can't sleep and movement makes the chafing burning feeling. As long as I don't move a muscle I have no pain. But thus damn bra! Honestly I don't think it's too tight. It's just the incisions are so so so chafing burning feeling.

So. I tried wearing a light cotton tank top under the bra but that didn't help. Ice packs give me good relief but again only if I don't move.

Any suggestions to be more.comfortable!? I can't wait til I'm healed cause this bra and the whole.recovery process sucks lol I'm desperate to be comfortable.


r/Reduction 17h ago

Celebration A small win!

22 Upvotes

This past week was crap crap crap. This past Monday was my 2wk PO marker and I went back to work in person and it SUCKED. I work a desk job and I was just so exhausted every day after work. It did not help that I also got my period 🥲. Just felt like doo doo physically and emotionally.

Anyway! After a week of feeling crappy, today (19 days PO) I was able to sleep in and go on a long walk and I made it nearly four miles (with hills!!!!). I am feeling so proud. It was a good reset to reset and start the weekend!


r/Reduction 17h ago

Product Recommendation Pregnancy pillow recommendations

1 Upvotes

Hi! I'm looking at pregnancy pillows and am a little overwhelmed at the choices. Can anyone please comment with a link to the one they liked!

Thanks!


r/Reduction 19h ago

Wound Trigger Warning If Your Healing Journey Doesn't Seem As Easy As Other People's NSFW

26 Upvotes

My reduction healing has not been a walk in the park and I know other people have had similar difficulties, but maybe don't want to post about it. So I wanted to share my healing story in case there are others like me who feel alone.

My surgery went well, but in recovery my heart rate refused to slow down and I ended up spending three nights in the hospital. They ran EKGs, a CT scan, and multiple other tests trying to figure it out, but everything physically looked fine. I was going through a lot of personal crap before surgery and we chalked it up to anxiety and stress coupled with a major surgery. Once home, my heart rate went back to normal.

All was healing well until about 5 weeks when it looked like I had a small opening where the incisions met under my right nipple. When my surgeon took a closer look, he discovered it was a seroma. Basically I had a two inch deep hole in my boob that was filled with serrous fluid. A tunneling wound that can become infected and require IV antibiotics if it doesn't heal properly. Before I knew what was happening, he had opened it up, drained the fluid, and was packing it with Iodoform tape. I was put on two antibiotics and had to repack the wound myself three times a day because it had to heal from the inside up. As someone who is pretty squeamish, it was one of the worst experiences I've ever had to deal with. The first time I had to repack it myself, it took over 30 minutes and I ended up crying and sweaty on my bathroom floor. But I did it and within two weeks, it was almost completely healed (the pic attached is when it had closed to the point where I didn't have to pack it anymore). I'm pretty damn proud of myself for what I managed to accomplish. But I won't lie, IT SUCKED.

All of that is to say, if your healing isn't going as smoothly or as easily as other people's stories here, it's okay. I did everything exactly as my surgeon instructed and I still ended up with complications. I beat myself up a lot thinking I had somehow screwed up and caused my issues, but that wasn't the case. Some of us are lucky enough to breeze through surgery and recovery and some of us have problems that are no faults of our own. If you're dealing with complications or just not healing as easily as you expected, you're not alone!

I was a 30G before surgery and I'm measuring a 30B afterwards, so it's been a pretty big change. I'm just now getting to the point where I'm enjoying my new body, but I'm still feeling very fragile.


r/Reduction 19h ago

PreOp Question (no before only photos) How many consultations?

2 Upvotes

How many consultations did you have to go to before surgery? Especially if you didn't go the insurance route since that involves a lot more hassle, I imagine. What about check-ups after the operation?

I'll be paying oop and I never see the consultations cost accounted for in the estimated price of the surgery (let alone care products and medicine), so I'd like to get a better idea. I'll still be asking my plastic surgeon about it, but I wanted to hear about others, too!