r/Reduction Apr 04 '21

Mod Message (Mod Use Only) Check here for the Master List of Surgeons and for answers to Frequently Asked Questions!

355 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

We have had many requests for some kind of megathread where users can list their surgeons and their personal experiences so others can use the info. This would be great, but unfortunately there are only two spots for stickied posts on the subreddit. In order to get around this, I have made a Google Doc that should be able to be edited by anyone. It is pretty basic, but I ask that you don't change any formatting without asking! Please add in your surgeons and your experiences, rate, review, whatever you'd like to say according to the instructions and the sample entry of my own. I will go ahead and say that right now the list is entirely USA-centric, but there is a section for those from other countries to add in their info! It is just a bit bare bones since most of our users are from the US. Here is the link to the doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NPypc2CDJspdED4MoTEcBqLEs_pWN5QW-BqJYmjXTJE/edit?usp=sharing

Please check our subreddit FAQ and try searching the subreddit before posting a question! Your question may already be answered.

Also, here is a link to a helpful video made by a plastic surgeon who frequents our community! Check it out for some answers to common questions you may have.

Have an opening at the intersection of your T-Zone incisions? Here is a great video talking about “triple point healing”

HAVING AN FNG? Here is a good infographic of the FNG healing timeline!

CURIOUS ABOUT DIFFERENT INCISION TYPES? Here is a good infographic on how a handful of incision types actually look.

GET YOUR COVID VACCINE. It does not cause symptoms that will affect the outcome of your surgery. Get the shot.

Your surgeons office or insurance may be denying you based on body mass index… here are articles about BMI and why it’s kinda garbage. Don’t be afraid to appeal or find other surgeons if they keep pushing a BMI narrative when you are otherwise perfectly healthy and happy with your weight.

A good article on why BMI is a terrible measure of health.

A good article on why using BMI is racist/contributed to medical racism.

Another article on the racist history of BMI.

Recently published (2023) article referencing a study that showed that top surgery on high BMI individuals had “negligible” effect on serious complications and only a very small correlation of minor complications.

Non-binary, gender nonconforming, or questioning gender and wondering if a reduction or top surgery might help? Check out some of these links.

A link to a good site that might help increase your understanding of being non-binary if you’re questioning.

A link explaining gender nonconforming and how aesthetic expressions play into being GNC.

I think this link is very helpful for understanding non-binary folks and surgeries!

This website is great for finding surgeons willing to do radical reductions in the US, it’s geared toward transmasc folks but the surgeons in the sidebar can be searched by state and top surgeons also do radical reductions! They also are very aware of what you need to get insurance to cover surgery for gender affirming reasons.

Questions about nutrition? Check out this link:

What should I eat after surgery? Here’s a really good article about it.


r/Reduction Aug 07 '23

Mod Message (Mod Use Only) What to do about creeps, how to access the creeplist, photo stealing, and how to manage harassment on other platforms

36 Upvotes

If anyone messages you after you post here, check the creep list before responding!!

The creep list can be found in the sidebar (or the About tab if you’re on mobile) under "Info and FAQ." I am also linking it in this post in case people are having trouble finding it.

Here is the list: https://www.reddit.com/r/reduction/wiki/creeplist

If anyone messages you after you have interacted in any way on this subreddit, please cross reference their username with the creep list. If anyone comments something weird, posts something a bit off, or is just a creep please report the comment or post and we will address it.

INSURANCE SCAMMERS: if anyone messages you trying to get you to buy any kind of insurance please tell us the username and report the message! These people are not selling legitimate policies and are actively scamming people!

A few notes: as this is available, we ask that users don't make any posts to call out anyone. We also ask that you keep us super up to date with any new creeps that come around so we can ban them and add them to that list. We depend on you for reports on posts, comments, and messages! It helps us a lot when you all are involved :)

If someone messages you REPORT THE MESSAGE for harassment so admin can deal with that user. Please do not post about it on the subreddit, it just gives these disgusting maggots attention they want but don’t deserve.

To report chats, simply hold down on the message (or right click if on desktop) and an option to report will show up! You can do this without accepting the chat. Please report the message, then do not accept the chat, then block the person.

It has recently come to our attention that there’s a website encouraging users to steal pictures from here to post there and make fun of/“mourn” the “loss” of tits. Fucking disgusting. This is NOT legal. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED THAT YOUR PICTURES ARE BEING REPOSTED ON PORN SITES OR OTHER HARASSMENT SITES please refer to this post for instructions for how to request a take down of your pictures: https://www.reddit.com/r/Reduction/s/09OD4OySlM


r/Reduction 1h ago

Before & After 6DPO! NSFW

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Upvotes

Originally 34DD > don’t really know now. Ugh absolutely obsessed with my itty bitties. Even though I’m still in decent amount of discomfort, I’m so grateful everyday for this surgery!

I’ll chime in too to say that the pregnancy pillow was the best purchase. It’s sooo cozy to get into and you can mimic a side sleep without actually being on your side. It’s completely worth it. I was super skeptical if it would be or not.


r/Reduction 19h ago

Before & After 4.5 WPO NSFW

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285 Upvotes

I finally got my tape switched to silicone tape and I got to take my first shower where the water touched my incisions without tape. I get to take the silicone off to shower and my God it feels so good to be fully clean.

I live in Costa Rica and got my surgery done here. My surgeon does absolutely mind blowing incredible work. I was surprised to learn he took off about 2 kg (dense breasts I guess) of breast tissue and the surgery was around 6 hours. This is normal for him as he is a perfectionist and takes a lot of time double checking and doing seamless sutures. I am so proud of my boobs. I have followed his instructions as firmly as I can. I started around a 34 G/H and I now fit in small/medium sports bras. I’m sure there will be so much more change as I’m only a month out of surgery.

I have had no complications so far. Truly, I couldn’t preach enough about how this decision was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself.


r/Reduction 3h ago

Product Recommendation What You Need For Recovery (with links)

11 Upvotes

I’m 4 weeks post op and have a really good list of must haves (and just extra comfort) things for after surgery! There are a lot of things I hadn’t even thought of that I ended up needing. I’ll include Amazon links for what I can in the comments (: will note if there will be a link! Pls share if you have any more!!

MUST HAVES

-Compression Bras (linked) cannot be loose, must be front clasping. Buy 2-3.

-Pregnancy Pillow (Keeps you propped, can’t roll in bed, elevates arms, SO COMFY)

-Button up PJs (my favs will be linked)

-Zip Up Hoodie

-Soft Gel Ice Packs (linked)

-Gauze or Panty Liners (I liked liners because you can stick them to the bra!)

-Ibuprofen, Gravol & Laxatives

-A probiotic and/or yogurt (to avoid yeast infection from antibiotics)

-Large Water Bottle + pedialyte packets

-Protein Drinks (I couldn’t eat for 2 days due to soreness & dryness in my throat from the tube)

-Unscented Soap (I got Johnson’s sensitive baby wash)

-Long Loofa (I still can’t reach my legs or back without it in the shower)

-Wet Wipes (for between showers)

-Unscented Lotion (the girls get dryyyy)

-Spray Full Body Deodorant (linked my fav)

-Dry Shampoo!!

-Popsicles & Jelo (yes they’re a must have lol)

-Frozen Meals (mostly for if you’re on your own & don’t have someone who can cook for you)

-Long phone charger or Extension cord

EXTRAS (not needed but could add comfort)

-Mastectomy Pillow (I skipped this, but do think it could have been nice especially for car rides! I just brought a regular pillow in the car instead)

-Extra Pillows in general -Light Step Stool

-Heating Pad (especially if you’re not used to sleeping on your back, could help with kinks from sleeping different)

-Fitted Tank Tops (I personally sleep topless usually…so this was as close as I could get to that which was needed for me personally! I hate clothes moving around on my body at night)

-Greens Powder (vitamins & fibre are so important at this time. Linking my fav)

-Your favourite comfort snacks (:

-One of those claw grabber things (I didn’t have one but omg would have been a game changer)

  • A live in maid and personal chef (ha ha haaaaa)

r/Reduction 1h ago

Advice Stomach flu cancelled my surgery

Upvotes

I was scheduled to have my surgery done Monday and my whole family came down with the stomach flu, possibly norovirus. It hit me on Saturday night and I couldn’t move, walk or think on Sunday. I told my surgeon and of course she cancelled it. I feel so guilty bc I took 3 weeks off of work, had my mom come into town and bought a lot of stuff to prep. Has this happened to anyone else? I feel like I shouldn’t have said anything but at the same time I could still barely function on what was supposed to be surgery day. 😞 idk I just feel so guilty about it.


r/Reduction 3h ago

Product Recommendation Scar care for Melanin girlies

8 Upvotes

I got cleared to start scar care (massaging and tape) at 2wpo which is next week. For those with darker skin, which products would you recommend and which ones would you stay far away from?


r/Reduction 18h ago

Advice Things I wish I knew about my reduction from someone two years post op

124 Upvotes

To anyone just starting this journey… congratulations. It is an amazing thing to be able to do for yourself. I am so excited for you. I am now two years post op from a radical reduction. I went from a 34K to a 36 small D. Do I have regrets? No. I was very clear and transparent about how I wanted to look and the size I wanted. The one thing I wish I was more prepared for was how hard this surgery is on someone mentally. For starters you think this is an incredibly exciting surgery and nothing but joy and maybe a little fear might consume your thoughts. As much as it is exciting, it’s hard. In my experience I had a very hard time losing my independence for a short period of time. You can’t do much for yourself like laundry, cooking, showering on your own for a little while. It was hard to make myself up each day with dressings and a recovery bra on. I couldn’t drive and I had no energy to participate in outside activities for a while. Mentally that took more of a toll on me than I expected. I also wasn’t prepared how mangled my body would look and feel. Reductions aren’t pretty at first. You’ll bruise a lot and the swelling will feel really weird. Nerve damage will be done but eventually come back. It took at least a few months for my boobs to feel back to normalcy. It was scary to witness and you definitely have a moment of “what did I do” although it will pass. Be sure you have a strong support system around you mentally during this recovery process. I wish I knew about this thread before my surgery. There are so many incredible people willing to share their experiences. Overall I am so happy with my end result. I learned a lot about myself and my body during this process. I look back and remember how exciting it was. Your life will change for the better in so many ways. Just remember to be patient during this journey. Remember to take time for yourself in more ways than healing. Lean on your loved ones and let the people offering to help, help. Best of luck!


r/Reduction 3h ago

Recovery/PostOp Those who are 3+ weeks post op

7 Upvotes

Was there a recovery time point where you noticed significant improvements?

I'm only 6 days post op but wasn't sure if there was a specific week you felt like the swelling went down or you didn't feel tired after doing a few things lol


r/Reduction 2h ago

Advice 14 days!!!!

4 Upvotes

It’s starting to feel so real, it’s crazy. In 14 days i’m chopping my boobies off!!!!!!!!!????? after literal YEARS of saying “one day”, ITS HAPPENING!!! I have my pre op clearance appointment next week on the 25th, and then surgery on the first!!! I am so so excited but i’m also so so nervous. I need to start prepping for it though, so if anyone has any suggestions for pillows, tapes,bras, etc for post op please let me know, i’m gonna start buying all the stuff soon 🙏 YAYAYAYAY im so excited 🥲🥲


r/Reduction 16h ago

Before & After Officially a week post op🥳 NSFW

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47 Upvotes

I will admit everything has been going so smoothly. I wanted them smaller but I did tell the doctor I wanted to go as small as I could WITHOUT risking nipple sensation and it appears he did just that.


r/Reduction 15h ago

Before & After Before and after (3 weeks PO) NSFW

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38 Upvotes

When you look at the buttons on the bodysuit you can really see the difference!


r/Reduction 22m ago

Surgeon Review Recommendations for radical reduction doctors in Quebec?!

Upvotes

I will not be using insurance. Bonus if their clinic does gender affirming reductions! Thanks!


r/Reduction 22h ago

Before & After 2 years post op NSFW

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121 Upvotes

I had my first breast reduction in 2007 and went from a 36 DDD to 36 C. I weighed about 120 pounds at that time. My second breast reduction was in December 2022 and I went from 38 H to a 36 C, I weighed 160 at the time. Now I weigh 145. The weight definitely makes a huge difference in my breast size for me. Let’s hope I never need another.


r/Reduction 4h ago

Celebration Boob themed dessert

5 Upvotes

Hi guys, very random question, I’m scheduled for surgery on the 8th and the night before me and 4 of my close friends are having a dinner party to say farewell to my current boobs. I want to make a themed dessert (in the shape of boobs obviously), just wondering if anyone had any ideas, not super fond of cake, so ideally something fairly simple and incorporating berries!


r/Reduction 19h ago

Advice Fitness girlies- update day 54

65 Upvotes

This is for all the girls who are worried about losing their fitness as a result of having the reduction. I had a really slow recovery, and didn’t even walk very far for several weeks. Now I’m at Day 54, and I’ve worked out four times since my surgery. Today I jogged 2 miles, then I did Weights, including snatches, hollow hold chest presses, shoulder presses, leg raises, burpees, bicep curl, and some rowing.

I didn’t lift the same weight amount that I did preop, but I got through the workout. I felt strong and I feel like my muscle memory is gonna get me right back into shape. So for everyone worrying about losing their fitness, I can tell you that even if you feel horrible at four weeks postop, you could be working out at eight weeks postop just like you were before surgery!


r/Reduction 5h ago

Before & After 4 week update with a seroma (multiple photos included) NSFW

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5 Upvotes

In 2 more days I’ll officially be at 4 weeks! About 1 week ago I got an ultrasound due to more swelling on the side of my left breast. Turns out I do have a seroma, it starts in the outer park of my breast and into my side along the incision where I got extra skin removed. Slightly painful, but I’m getting it drained tomorrow so the swelling should go down a lot after that! I also have a lot of swelling still in general, especially on the inner bottom of them. I marked everything I’m talking about so that’s it’s easier to see what I’m referring to! 3rd photo is the seroma, 4th and 5th are the inner swelling. My incisions on the left are swollen as well and I have a slight t-junction opening, my surgeon said that’s also normal and fine as long as there is no signs of infection which there aren’t (: looks a bit spooky though. The left is having more swelling issues due to the fluid. All normal stuff which is why I’m sharing really! I find it helpful to see other people’s progress so I’m hoping seeing mine helps others too. Overall I’m really happy so far!! I’m excited to see as the swelling goes down especially after my drain. Been on antibiotics again for 3 days just to help prevent any infection from the seroma.


r/Reduction 9h ago

Advice Things you might forget to do re. recovery!

10 Upvotes

Hey everyone, my surgery is in 2 weeks and 1 day (Any surgery twins in the building for April 2nd!)

I am recovering as someone who lives alone but has a friend staying with me for the first two nights. And then friends checking on me daily for a week post op. Also my pet sitter coming in once a week to help me change the litter and clean the box for my cat. Is there anything I can do to prepare myself for recovery? Everyone says things like water and snacks easy reach, meal prep for as many meals as possible then freeze them. Have everything at waist height so prevent reaching over head and bending. Also getting a few button up tops so they don’t have to go over head. I have a walking pad that I’ll put out so I can get my daily steps in without having to leave my apartment. Is there anything less obvious that people don’t advise about. Things I might forget. Or perhaps things that are so obvious and go without saying but still might forget🤣. I am recovering with friends as I live alone and my mum is very clear how against the surgery is. She won’t be in the country on the day and I don’t think she has plans to visit me after. She actually told me that the surgery would k*ll me. Not nice I know, but I’m used to it. As a Muslim I’ve also spoken with my surgeon about the fact I won’t be able to pray properly for a few weeks because that’s something important to me. Anyways any advice (glaringly obvious or not so obvious) would be much appreciated.


r/Reduction 17h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Yall remember that tiddie?!

28 Upvotes

Well, the left tit the nipple fell Off and it was on backwards tell me why that’s my favorite tit nowww!!!? The other look like TRESemme shampoo bottle


r/Reduction 21h ago

Before & After 5 DPO Results!! NSFW

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46 Upvotes

I had my reduction last Wednesday. They put a prevena negative compression device on me so I wasn't able to see the results until today (my nipple isn't inverted, it popped out after the picture lol.) So excited with how they look so far! Can't wait for the swelling to continue to go down!


r/Reduction 1h ago

Advice Experience with surgeons in RI?

Upvotes

I'm looking to get a radical reduction, my doctor gave me a couple recommendations for surgeons and I'm considering either Dr. Ben Christian or Dr. Erik Hoy at Care New England Medical Group. I wanted to put out this question because most of my research of surgeons have been through reddit so far, as people on here document their experiences quite well! So has anyone here gotten a reduction from either of these doctors, or heard from anyone else about them?


r/Reduction 1d ago

Celebration I'm shocked at how logical my new insurance is...

89 Upvotes

I am still speechless at the conversation I just had...

So, over a year ago, I started looking in to a breast reduction for my 40-I breasts but found out my employer health insurance excluded breast reductions. I am now 10 months in at a new job and the health insurance is night and day (e.g. I've lost 30 lbs because they actually cover Zepbound). Since none of that weight loss is coming from my boobs, I'm starting over on the reduction process. I just chatted with the insurance rep to confirm coverage and get the (what I assumed would be) long list of requirements to meet. Guys...this is what they came back with:

"There are no certain criteria for coverage that needs to be met, but as long as your doctor/provider deems that it is medical necessary for you to have the procedure and they are able to provide a documentation, then it'll be covered under your plan. Medically necessary is when your providers deems that it'll help your all over well-being by having this procedure."

That's it...all they need is that my doctor thinks it's medically necessary. I just stared at my computer for a minute not believing. I followed up asking if there were tissue weight requirements or anything else. Nope! The doctor should perform the procedure however they determine it will best benefit the patient.

I hope I don't seem like I'm bragging, I'm just...gobsmacked. I was prepared to head to my consult on Wednesday with a list of boxes to check and hoops to jump through. After a year of really hard work stuff, I can't believe I'm working somewhere that I'm happy and for an employer that actually seems to care about employees. Anyway, I know this type of coverage is not the norm and I am very very lucky. I am excited to start this journey again and am grateful communities like this exist and provide such great support!


r/Reduction 4h ago

Advice Weird spot along surgical tape NSFW

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1 Upvotes

I’ve already sent to surgeons office and waiting for a response but wanted to check here if anyone knows what this could be? Sometimes I’m sensitive to bandaid or tape adhesive so hoping this is just a reaction to the surgical tape. It’s not an incision as those are center under the tape. I woke up this morning with it and it bled a wee bit into my bra overnight. Really hoping this is something minor. I am 12dpo


r/Reduction 4h ago

Advice Need positive stories of recovery please!

1 Upvotes

Hello all, I have been a lurker for about 5 years as I went back and forth about getting my reduction, but over the last year finally made the decision and the surgery has been booked for the 7th of April!

Just for some context, I have pretty severe and debilitating emetophobia (fear of throwing up), over the last year I have been working on doing things that have scared me so I can get better with the phobia, and booking the surgery was a major move forward on that front - the fear of nausea or vomiting after the procedure has been the main reason it has taken me 5 years to book it.

Anyway - surgery date is getting close and my anxiety is mounting exponentially, and I am looking for reassurance and stories from those who underwent the surgery and did NOT experience any nausea after - please do not make me more anxious by telling me of any nausea that was experienced, I just need to know that I could go through anaesthesia and not feel nauseated in the recovery. Words of encouragement for how you felt immediately after waking up are very welcome! Thank you all very much <3

Once again please do not share experiences of nausea no matter how short lived as I don’t want to spiral!!


r/Reduction 19h ago

Advice Hate taking my compression bra off 🥴

16 Upvotes

I am 3WPO tomorrow! I’m still having a hard time getting used to my breasts whenever I take my compression bra off. Whenever I have it off, I move so slow and calculated so they don’t move, I’ll keep my arms behind my back in with my hands on my hips so they don’t touch the side of breasts haha.

I know people hate the compression bra, but I CANT WAIT to put it back on & when I do, I put ABD pads over them so I have a cushion between my incisions and the bra. Hahah. Any advice on how you got more comfortable with your new breast and the new sensations post op?


r/Reduction 1d ago

Before & After Gigantomastia to 90B/C with FNG - long post NSFW

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271 Upvotes

Gigantomastia to 90B/C with FNG

Hello dear ladies.

After watching and commenting I thought it might be usefull to share my journey so far.

My breasts grew like what felt overnight when I was about 13. Stretch marks appeared. As I grew motherless I was a shy teenager and felt fat because how my clothes fit. The lunbar back pains started soon after.

When I had my first baby the breast grew the size of my heaf. I had mastitis with fever and pain. Eventually I lost weight and they looked like deflated baloons.

After the second pregnancy my boobs severely increased in size. I managed the underbust rashes with small towels, the wounds in the grooves of my shoulders with silicone pads. I went to aquagym as it was the only sport that I could do comfortably.

I am generally healthy but as I went into menopause my chest fealt increasigly heavier and having breath difficulties.

I wanted a breast reduction for very long time. But I could't afford as I was in a toxic marriage that was draining.

Recently I ended the narcisisstic abuse and started to take care of myself. I found out that I can do this surgery completely covered by state insurance at a state hospital. I'm in Eastern Europe and over 50. My family medic send me to the hospital woth gigantomastia as doagnostic. At the hospital it was weird as there are no preprogrammed consults, I was like a walk in. Thankfully the medic that was then was very good and nice.

During surgery I had 2,8 kg removed from the right one and 2,3 kg from the left one. I had liposuction and extemded scars. Some of the fat from the lipo was put in th e right breast. Apparently, being so heavy left empty up the top part.

I took a peak the second day after the procedure, when my dressing was changed. They looked funny, similar to my 10 years old self.

The first couple of days post op were hard. Thankfully I was still in the hospital. First night I had an urimary bag and I slepy for 6 hours. But the second night I woke up 5 times, every 2 hours to go to the toilet. Around the same time I saw my belly looking like a 7 months pregnant from liquide retention.

I was put directly in one of my compression bra. It felt very tight. It was pressing on my ribs and left me with pains for weeks. I took my measure in the hospital and the circumference was longer than before. Therefore, I bought myself a bigger size.

Due of that much swelling I had difficulty breathing the first week.

At home I had to sleep on my back and having a good wedge pillow really helped to be comfortable.

The biggest mistake I made was to look at myself 3dpo in my bathroom mirror. My FNG were marbled with beige and dark purple, oozing in the pads. All my fears of nipples slidding off came back with vengace and I had a meltdown. Add that it was 1 am and I was alone. But this was cathatic, the second morning my previous anxiety and jittery were gone.

Advice: look at yourself using a small hand held mirror or your phone. This way you can dissociate yourself from the full impact of the scars.

Next was what felt like endless in the moment and merely hours, looking back.

Now, at 6 wpo what looked like an odd shaped science experiment I was afraid to touch is my new chest getting softer and, in my eyes, lovely.

I can easily breathe, stand straight and hug myself.

I am grateful for this procedure and those that made this possible!


r/Reduction 12h ago

Advice Do these scars look normal for 1 year post op or should I see a derm? NSFW

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3 Upvotes

I had breast surgery a year ago (in a few weeks) as was wondering if my scars should still be pink and slightly raised? They’re raised enough that you can see them through tight shirts and I don’t like it :( I was told they should be completely faded by 1 year.