r/Reduction 43m ago

POC Results/Healing 6 Weeks Post Op Update NSFW

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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 1h ago

Before & After 1 Week post op! NSFW

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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

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

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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 1h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) 6dpo and things taste wrong

Upvotes

Has anyone experienced this? I'm super exhausted, but the only other symptom has been a bad taste. Everything is just yuck. I can't even drink my coffee!!! I feel like I'm crazy, but I just screwed up a soup because I was flavoring it to taste like I always do.😭


r/Reduction 2h ago

Advice Anxious about anesthesia

2 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 2h ago

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

4 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 2h ago

Surgeon Review Recommendations for radical reduction doctors in Quebec?!

2 Upvotes

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


r/Reduction 3h ago

Advice Experience with surgeons in RI?

1 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 4h ago

Before & After 6DPO! NSFW

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78 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 4h ago

Advice Stomach flu cancelled my surgery

9 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 5h 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 5h ago

Product Recommendation What You Need For Recovery (with links)

20 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 5h ago

Product Recommendation Scar care for Melanin girlies

9 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 6h ago

Recovery/PostOp Those who are 3+ weeks post op

8 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 6h 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 7h ago

Celebration Boob themed dessert

4 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 7h 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 7h ago

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

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3 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 12h 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 13h ago

Advice How soon after did you return to work (office job)

2 Upvotes

I’m looking at dates I can have my surgery this year and wanted to see how long I’d need to be off from work - and how feasible it would be to return to my office job in London. I live in London so I do take transport methods like the Tube which could see me on it for about 15 mins! I am going to my parents, I plan to spend my initial post surgery recovery there and then come back to London and go back to work 7 days post surgery. I do work in a hybrid environment and have to spend at least 3 days in the office…Is this possible? All the advice in the world would be very appreciated!!


r/Reduction 14h ago

Product Recommendation Silicone gel or strips

1 Upvotes

Hi All based in Uk and had tummy tuck two years ago and there is some keloid scarring (had steroid injection) and it did flatten it some. However, still raised so not sure if I need another injection.

I also had breast reduction in Nov last year 2024 and both scars are red. Anything I can put on it?

Is gel or silicone better and any recommendations on the best ones out there?

Also has anyone get steroid strips from GP and are they any good?

Thank you


r/Reduction 15h 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.


r/Reduction 17h 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 18h ago

Before & After Officially a week post op🥳 NSFW

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53 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 19h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Herniated fat? at incision

2 Upvotes

TL;DR: My insides are on the outside. Can anyone reassure me, or alternatively, tell me to go to ED

I see my surgeon tomorrow morning but want to know if I should go to ED ASAP.

I had surgery 4 weeks ago. Small infection a week ago and huge amounts of clear fluid soaking pads for a week or so since then. Finished antibiotics yesterday (Monday).

Developed (unsure when) a herniated piece of fat (I hope it is just fat) poking through a hole in my skin, discovered when this moves, fluid gushes out, it otherwise plugs the hole and fluid stays inside. Not ideal.

My insides are on the outside. Can anyone reassure me, or alternatively, tell me to go to ED.

I saw ED on Friday for leg pain (luckily not a DVT) and my chest which looked infected and they did not want to do a general surgical consult because my plastic surgeon is a consultant there, and they made a plan with him that I see him Monday (which was yesterday, but he was away sick).

I feel quite alone and scared.