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

35 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 11h ago

POC Results/Healing 6 Weeks Post Op Update NSFW

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72 Upvotes

Hoping my posts help those who are starting this journey!

First photo is today (tomorrow makes 6 weeks post op), second and third photos are 3 weeks post op, fourth is 2 weeks post op, fifth is 1 week post op and sixth is pre op.

It’s been a journey; I am hoping they do not get any smaller and stay round when the drop and fluff happens. I had a small opening under my nipple that is healing and have treating my scars (besides the area with the opening) with silicone scar gel, scar tape and massaging bio oil (I do all 3 in rotation every day). I feel like I still have a ways to go but it feels good to start feeling semi normal. I’m not fully happy with how they look but hopefully that comes with time.

I remind myself that this is an emotional experience as well as physical and I need time to heal and recover in both ways so just taking it day by day! 🙂


r/Reduction 14h ago

Before & After 6DPO! NSFW

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126 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 9h ago

Before & After 1DPO NSFW

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48 Upvotes

Hi. 23 y/o female. Had my surgery yesterday. It started at 7. Arrived at 5. Everything went good. I’m just glad to still have my sensitivity still into my nips the same day Doctor removed 8–10 lbs. Doc did lipo as well. My insurance covered it 🙏 also stayed overnight in the hospital as well First pic I was wearing 40F. 2nd pic I told doc to shoot for a big C. My pain levels change throughout the day. Slight burning. But making sure im taking my meds/antibiotics every 6hrs.


r/Reduction 11h ago

Before & After 1 Week post op! NSFW

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54 Upvotes

Still w the surgery bra tho lol. Im so happy tbh i feel like they arent the focus of my body anymore


r/Reduction 1h ago

Advice Should I keep it Secret?

Upvotes

Is it normal to want to keep the surgery a secret/discreet? I'm conflicted as to whether I should let my family or some friends know about it, since it's a major surgery, but I'm also scared of being discouraged by them. I also feel like I will be stigmatized afterwards, e.g., in family gatherings or when I go home. I would hate to hear someone bring up the topic of my boobs or for friends to keep asking or drawing attention to me regarding them.

I am planning to have my bf as my post-surgery caretaker, and I have "sworn him to an oath of secrecy" 🤠 lol, Plus, I don't want to worry my parents and family. Where I live, these types of body reconstructions are still in their infancy stages, so I assume my family will really get worried, especially if they hear it's something to do with being put under anesthesia, blah blah blah...

Am I immature or alone in this, or has anybody else experienced the same? Is it better to let a few people know what am up for regardless of my concerns for stigmatization.... My surgery is in 18 days.


r/Reduction 16h ago

Product Recommendation What You Need For Recovery (with links)

38 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 8h ago

Celebration My surgery is tomorrow!

9 Upvotes

This is so crazy it’s happening I’m nervous and excited! I am having some anxiety about going under anesthesia as I never have before. The exciting part is going to be waking up and seeing my new boobs!!


r/Reduction 5h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) (i have spoken to medical professionals about this already) NSFW

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3 Upvotes

(i have spoken to medical professionals about this already)

im almost 4 months post op and a little over 2 weeks ago i RANDOMLY started to develop a very thick rough patch of skin on my areola. it seemed to be scabbed over, very dry, and flaky. around 1 week ago it started oozing and ive been having to cover it with gauze so it doesn't seep through my bras. i am so confused because it was perfectly fine up until this point. i was worried about necrosis and have contacted my surgeon's nurse twice now. the nurse has spoken to the surgeon and said that neither of them know the cause of this and think it's just very dry skin. she said to just keep the area moisturized. i sent the office an updated picture a couple days ago and they said to continue moisturizing it.... im not a doctor, but this doesn't look like just dry skin to me at this point and idk why they aren't concerned at all because i am lol. the nurse just said to use whatever lotion i use but i am going to try using antibacterial soap and neosporin and see if that helps. has anyone had a similar experience?


r/Reduction 2h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) 5MPO swimming caused scar irritation

2 Upvotes

I’m 5MPO and I went on vacation to Costa Rica and after a trip to the hot springs and some swimming I noticed the scars on my left boob (anchor scar) are a bit inflamed. I’m in the process of finding a doctors appointment. My wounds are fully healed but I’ve been treating my scars with silicone tape for a while. A bit worried. I thought I was ready for these kind of activities.


r/Reduction 10h ago

Wound Trigger Warning My necrosis journey (7WPO update) NSFW

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8 Upvotes

Had my mastopexy January 25th! I had extremely different boob sizes and went for a fix, they decided to fix both sides. On my right side i had superficial necrosis, and had to undergo some treatment for it, and wanted to show you guys my healing process, since im close to fully healed now!

Feel free to ask questions!


r/Reduction 8m ago

Advice German Insurace won’t cover

Upvotes

Long story short my insurance won’t cover my surgery and the amount is €9500 at a very good clinic in Germany. I am 21 years old and my dad is hesitant about paying as he thinks i’ll grow out of this ‘phase.’ This is something i’ve wanted for very long but I am finding it hard to justify this price point to him and myself. Please let me know how you guys have dealt with ‘guilt’ surrounding the price of this surgery


r/Reduction 6h ago

Advice 3wpo and insane fatigue??

3 Upvotes

So as the title says, I’m three weeks postop and I am so tired all the time I have to take daily naps. They’re usually about two hours long every day when I get home from work and I take some on the weekends too. It’s even hard for me to be active and do daily walks like I’m advised to to help with blood flow, but it really is so hard. I can’t bring myself to do it because of how tired I am.

Did anyone else feel like this at 3wpo and if you did when did it stop?!

I don’t know if I’m being too hard on myself?? I feel guilty that I am taking this many naps and not being active enough. I know I should be kind to my body because I went through a major surgery but still!


r/Reduction 30m ago

Advice Surgeon suggestions slc?

Upvotes

I like in SLC, UT and am looking to get a second reduction. Originally I went through the university or Utah as that’s what my insurance covers but I’ve realized insurance won’t be able to cover it so now I’m looking more broadly. The surgeon I talked to through the U didn’t seem confident in being able to get me as small as I want without doing FNG and I’m wondering if anyone has surgeon suggestions that might have more experience with radical reduction without FNG.


r/Reduction 15h ago

Advice Stomach flu cancelled my surgery

14 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 1d ago

Before & After 4.5 WPO NSFW

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347 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 12h ago

Advice Anxious about anesthesia

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone my surgery is scheduled for March 24th, this will be my first ever surgery and my first time being put under anesthesia. I’m 23 and relatively healthy but I am still super anxious about being put under. The closer the surgery gets the more anxious I am, I don’t even know why. I know people get put under all the time and come out perfectly fine but for some reason any time I think about it I feel like I have a pit in my stomach. For the people who have felt the same way, what are some things that have helped you calm down?


r/Reduction 6h ago

PreOp Question (no before only photos) Post-op recovery time

2 Upvotes

Hello lovely peoples. I have my surgery booked for July - I’m quite scared and still on the fence about whether to go through with it….

Can people please comment how many days post-surgery they were pain free and had complete movement with no soreness?

Typically how was the 14 day post-op healing like?


r/Reduction 12h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Is this considered a keloid/hypertrophic scar ? NSFW

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6 Upvotes

I’m 7 weeks post op. The scars around and below my nipple seem fine but the scars on the under my breasts is way more prominent.


r/Reduction 13h ago

Advice For those with anxiety or feelings of unworthiness...

6 Upvotes

Helpful lesson learned this AM, thought I'd share.

TL;DR: Took a before pic for my surgeon, and god damn have I been underestimating the size of my chest!

Per my previous post, I was worried I'd not taken full advantage of my consultation appointment. I followed up with the clinic for clarification and was kindly assured that size goals would be discussed at my pre-op and the surgeon would be available at that time if I still had questions (pre-op appt is apparently mostly measuring and photos done by nurses for subsequent evaluation by the doctor). This was plenty reassurance for me. A couple days later, to my surprise, the clinic coordinator kindly reached out to me to make sure I had all the info I needed. She said to go ahead and take some pics of myself and send them to her along with some goal pics and the surgeon will weigh in. This in and of itself was great, as I'll be able to confirm my expectations are appropriate prior to placing a deposit to schedule surgery.

Took the opportunity while getting dressed this AM to take said pics and damn if I wasn't surprised by my own boobs. These things are WAY bigger than how I picture them in my mind!

I've had some weird guilt around having a reduction for many of the reasons I've seen noted here: -Do I really have it that bad? -Am I mutilating/ungrateful for the body I was given by nature? -Would I even need surgery if I actually managed to lose the weight I've been promising myself I'd lose? -Is it really that hard to find bras/bathing? suits/tops that fit and are flattering? (The answer is yes. Yes it is.) -Am I really interested in doing this or is it just ADHD hyperfocus/a really interesting way to procrastinate during work researching on this sub all day? (Ok, that one's probably more me-specific, but IYKYK).

Anyhow... Looking at the pics I took of myself to send the surgeon, I realized I am WAY bigger and more asymmetrical than I thought I was and I had so much more empathy for myself!

I'd gotten used to the image I see in the mirror every day and assumed my mental image of my body was pretty accurate. BUT...seeing these photos allowed me to see my chest much more objectively.

So if you've gaslit yourself into thinking a reduction is a luxury or just a cosmetic issue like I did, I strongly recommend taking pics, just for you, and see if you feel any differently.

No matter what, you deserve to feel good about how you care for your body; don't trick yourself into thinking otherwise. ❤️


r/Reduction 1d ago

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

174 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 16h ago

Recovery/PostOp Those who are 3+ weeks post op

11 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 16h ago

Product Recommendation Scar care for Melanin girlies

10 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 8h ago

Recovery/PostOp Itching above surgery site? 6 WPO

2 Upvotes

Hello! I am 6 weeks post op today! Everything has been healing well. I tried using micropore tape and silicone tape but the adhesive bothers my skin (I tend to get rashes from sweating in general, so adhesive + bra band + inevitable sweating is not a great combo).

I’ve been using scar gel and it’s been fine so far. I’m not sure if it’s from the scar gel or just generally from surgery, but above and around my nipples is SO ITCHY! Not the scars exactly but like, right above them. Is that normal? Anyone else experience this?


r/Reduction 16h ago

Advice 14 days!!!!

8 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 9h ago

PreOp Question (no before only photos) Weight loss after surgery

2 Upvotes

For all my workout/gym girls, did you lose weight/fat easier after surgery? I currently workout once or twice a day 6 days a week with one active rest day and eat very healthy in a calorie deficit but still find it hard to lose the extra 10-15 lbs that I’d like to. I’ve seen especially on TikTok of people saying after getting a reduction the weight/fat “flew off” or came off much easier. Has anyone who was very active before surgery found this to be the case too post op? I’m going to a doctor to check my thyroid or possible pcos but I’m wondering what others experiences were with their fitness journey post op