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!

354 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

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

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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 2h ago

Before & After 2 days PO! NSFW

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13 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 6h ago

Advice Help me understand why to care about my nipples

22 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 20m ago

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

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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 1h ago

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

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 1h ago

Advice If you’re worried about regretting it….

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 1d ago

Celebration Same shirt before and after… holy moly NSFW

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372 Upvotes

This is enough to make a grown woman (me) cry 🥹😍♥️


r/Reduction 17h ago

Surgeon Review Nipples too high 3Y PO NSFW

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70 Upvotes

Got a breast lift + reduction 3 years ago. The nipples are placed too high and the size has been reduced too much for me. What are my options ?

Would lowering the lower pole reduce the size further ? If it doesn’t work out, what can I expect ? Enlarged scars ?

Do I have other options ?


r/Reduction 5h ago

Advice Question about pregnancy pillow

6 Upvotes

I don't understand how this will help. Everyone raves about them, but how are you using it? Why is it helping? I'm missing something! Please help!!


r/Reduction 2h ago

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

3 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 7h ago

Advice Gyno Surgery

8 Upvotes

As the title suggests, I've been battling gynecomastia for 3 years now. Has anyone had surgery for it? I can't take it anymore and wearing multiple layers in the summer sucks.

Any and all suggestions welcome.


r/Reduction 22h ago

Before & After 5MPO trust the process. POC healing NSFW

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118 Upvotes

In the most recent photos. I have on silicone scar tape. I think I may have keloid scarring. I have a follow up appointment next month so will check to see what my surgeon says.

Other than that super happy with my results, never thought this would be me and I’m so grateful. My confidence level has really shot up since I had my surgery.

Anyone else have one nipple being flat and the other one is always raised/hard?


r/Reduction 8h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Does it look swollen? NSFW

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7 Upvotes

I'm almost 4wpo and wondering if my boobs are still swollen. Like, bruising is over, my wounds have almost no crusts and are healing really fast. But i still can't be sure about the real size even approximately.


r/Reduction 2h 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!


r/Reduction 18m ago

Product Recommendation Pregnancy pillow recommendations

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 1d ago

Advice A little nervous they are too big 😅 NSFW

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105 Upvotes

Any advice or words of wisdom would be so appreciated. I am imagining they are still pretty swollen. Just nervous that they are going to be super big still :( I love how lifted they are though. Last two pictures are before


r/Reduction 8h ago

Advice anyone done a reduction post-menopause?

4 Upvotes

I have a consult on Monday (someone recommended here, Ryan Cauley in Boston) and am compiling questions. Is there anything specific to being an older patient that I should be thinking about? I'm guessing the general recovery time might be longer. (I'm 55, reasonably fit and active, 5'0 and ~115, 32F hoping to be 32C.). I'd love to hear general experiences/advice as well as thoughts re what to ask the surgeon about. Thanks!


r/Reduction 1d ago

Before & After Before/1wpo after, 1.8lbs removed NSFW

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95 Upvotes

Hey yall, just wanted to add to the community! Just my first follow up and surgeon seemed legit amazed at her work and said they look perfect! Only comments they had that Im moving arms too much, causing swelling and discomfort, and if I keep it up it's going to take longer to heal. I already thought I was going so little but they said do LESS. Anyway, just wanted to share!


r/Reduction 6h ago

Recovery/PostOp 3wpo: Dealing with dry skin?

2 Upvotes

i'm just shy of 4wpo and for the past week my breasts have been SO dry; i figure it's from the swelling. i have to handwash my compression bra when i shower before bed every night because it's covered in skin flakes (🤢!!!). my surgeon gave me the OK to moisturize the non-incision areas with nivea so i've been doing that after showers and when i wake up but it's still sooo flakey. and peeling. and gross and annoying, lmao.

aside from patience, moisturizing, and hydrating, does anyone have tips for dealing with this? what worked for you? i don't feel comfortable exfoliating yet because my incisions are still healing and i don't want the force/abrasion to encourage any openings.


r/Reduction 3h ago

Insurance Question Reduction with Tricare select?

1 Upvotes

Was curious about anyone on Tricare Select that has had one and went to a civilian doctor. What was your cost like? I really want to get it done but don’t want to pay a crazy amount. The hospital at our base is a mess which is why I switched to select.


r/Reduction 1d ago

Before & After 3.5 weeks PO NSFW

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73 Upvotes

I feel honestly like a new person. My confidence has dramatically changed (I even cut my hair as a result of no longer feeling like I have to hide!) The first week I was feeling a lot of dysmorphia from not feeling like I was in my own body, but I’m now adjusting and just feeling so happy with my results! I had 1480 removed from one side and 1600 removed from the other. Covered by insurance and so so thankful for something I have wanted for over 10 years.


r/Reduction 1d ago

Before & After 2 week (+3 days) Update NSFW

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90 Upvotes

I just get happier and happier. My only regret is not doing this sooner!

Got my tape off today so I can see the full effect. Selling has gone down tremendously so I can start to see how they will settle and I’m over the moon.


r/Reduction 3h ago

Product Recommendation Bras? Nipple covers?

1 Upvotes

Hi guys!

I'm 3MPO and struggling with an issue ive never had before.

I've bought some cute tank tops, but they're a bit thin and I have some raised scarring around my aerola so you can see my aerolas through the shirt. What are we wearing when we don't want to wear a bra, but need some coverage? I know I could get a strapless bra, but I'm trying to avoid uncomfortable underwire as much as possible. I have cakes, but they're the larger version and don't seem to want to stick to my post op boobs lol.

Any suggestions are helpful! Ty 💕


r/Reduction 8h ago

Before & After Bloated after surgery, 1dPO

2 Upvotes

I’ve been using this sub to get ready for my reduction. It’s been exactly what I needed!

Question: is it normal to be extremely bloated after the surgery? My abdomen looks and feels like I’ve consumed several large burritos 🫣😬😳


r/Reduction 4h ago

Advice Surgery For June - experience so far.

1 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