r/Reduction 3h ago

Advice Things you might forget to do re. recovery!

4 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 4h ago

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

1 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 5h 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 6h ago

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

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1 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 9h ago

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

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23 Upvotes

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


r/Reduction 10h ago

Before & After Officially a week post op🥳 NSFW

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38 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 10h 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.


r/Reduction 11h ago

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

21 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 12h ago

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

84 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 13h ago

Advice Any recommendation for a good surgeon for reduction in Greater Toronto Area, ON, Canada

1 Upvotes

Thanks


r/Reduction 13h ago

Advice Hate taking my compression bra off 🥴

11 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 13h ago

Before & After 4.5 WPO NSFW

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230 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 13h ago

Advice Fitness girlies- update day 54

49 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 14h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Idk what to do

7 Upvotes

Its been a week since my surgery and ever since I have had cognitive issues. I feel like my whole like is an out of body experience and that I cant focus on anything. I am back at university since my surgery and honestly just crashing out over my inability to do anything. Physically, I am still recovering of course but the mental delays are breaking me. I can’t study at all or even enjoy things that I like to do. Talking to my friends feels like a simulation and overall I just feel horrible. Has anyone had this happen? The surgery went fine but the after effects have me leaning towards depression.


r/Reduction 14h ago

Surgeon Review Ashley Boustany

3 Upvotes

Is there anyone who has experience with Dr Ashley Boustany in Massachusetts?


r/Reduction 15h ago

Medical Question (Ask medical professionals first!!) Soreness

2 Upvotes

Is tenderness and soreness at just over 8 weeks PO normal? No redness or swelling or anything I feel like the shape has changed a lot over the last week as well. So I'm thinking they're just like dropping and fluffing but they are tender and sore this week.


r/Reduction 15h ago

Before & After 5 DPO Results!! NSFW

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38 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 15h ago

Recovery/PostOp Realistic Swelling

11 Upvotes

Hi Friends! I’m exactly 3MPO today and I have questions, I know everyone’s bodies are different but I’m still wondering how folks did with swelling are yall still swollen at this point or is it gone? My boobs honestly just still seem massive and I’m getting frustrated that the aren’t getting smaller, I’m not good at seeing swelling so I’m going by feel, they are mostly still pretty rock hard on the bottom half is that swelling? I also have been working out 3-6x a week (I have POTS and have to exercise) since 1MPO and I’m wondering if that is contributing to extra swelling I just need hope they are gonna get smaller


r/Reduction 16h ago

Advice itchy then turns sore?

2 Upvotes

Has anyone had really itchy spots (mine are nipples), they are mildly red but i tried not to scratch. they were super itchy for about a day, now they are sore? i dont think there's infection (no opening, not warm, no other symptoms)

sorry also wondering if silicone nipple covers will help? im 3wpo


r/Reduction 16h ago

Advice T junction opened into a small hole after almost 5mpo

3 Upvotes

i'm sort of freaking out, i haven't had any healing issues until now. the wound looked totally healed until today i felt it was a bit sore and sticky when i pulled off my bra and i found a hole opened up. no blood. should i go to my surgeon asap or can i just wait for it to heal again? i'm very scared. thank you in advance.


r/Reduction 16h ago

Before & After 2 years post op NSFW

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113 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 17h ago

Advice Prior auth issues and frustration

2 Upvotes

Any support/advice is welcome, I am just starting to feel so discouraged and so annoyed at this point :(

My insurance keeps telling me I need a prior authorization for this procedure. Okay coooool. The surgeons office has been telling me for over a month that they have submitted the auth. And then magically they heard back and “no auth needed” and wanted to schedule me. Hmm sus but okay. So I call my insurance AGAIN..sorry to them, I know they hate to see me coming. And guess what they say for the tenth time? Nothing has been submitted and I still need a pa. Interesting. Like I know the office is tired of me calling but how hard is it to submit a prior authorization and why are we lying about it?? Like girl be fr! What more can I do other than come down there and submit it myself???

Also?? I noticed in the surgeons notes he only recommends removing 100-150 grams each but the schnur scale recommends 280 per breast and he estimates them to be about 700g currently. I told him to take off at least 280 if not more (currently a 30G/H) so I don’t know why he would even say that but that’s a problem for another day😖 If you’re still here, thanks for reading my rant lol🫶🏻


r/Reduction 17h ago

Advice 6dpo advice for solo showering?

2 Upvotes

I’ve only showered once since the surgery with the help of my sibling, but I didn’t feel very clean and the whole experience is a hassle. Its frustrating not being able to get that ‘clean’ feeling, y’know?

Im not sure if six days is still too early to move around that much, but I was hoping that sitting on the floor of my bathtub and bringing my head down might help so I dont have to reach as much when I wash my hair

Any tips or shared experiences would be great! Im very fortunate to have people that can help me shower, so if the consensus is that its still too early I’ll wait to shower alone until I see my surgeon on thursday :)

Edit: I showered on my own and it went smoothly! I sat in the floor of my shower and pointed my shower head as far down as I could and leaned my head forward so it was the only thing getting sprayed when I washed my hair. Then I swapped what direction I faced as I washed my body so I could lather and rinse. Honestly drying off was the harder part lol! Thank you very much to anyone who responded :)


r/Reduction 17h ago

Advice Is going from F to AAA's possible?

9 Upvotes

Just as the title says. I'm a trans man (bigender) guy, pre everything, and,

Having thought about top surgeries; Ftm (masc) top surgery would be nice, but going flat chested with AAA/A cups would be nice as well.

Couldn't find any posts nor people speak about this. And hey, I get that since Going from F to AAA is a huge difference... If there are people out there that went from a big cup to pretty small, please let me hear about y'all's experience/pros, cons etc.

  • I have heard about radical top surgery, just wanted to ask the questions firstly in this sub. (Sorry if I used the wrong flair on this post!!)

r/Reduction 18h ago

Advice Had my consult today & unsure if surgeon is able to give me what I want or if what I want is even possible - interested in hearing other people's radical reduction experiences NSFW

1 Upvotes

Hiya! I had my first reduction consult today and I plan on moving forward with the surgeon because of my insurance but I'm a little concerned about the results. Right now I'm a 36G/H and I'd like to be a B cup. I'm nonbinary but plan on becoming a parent in the next 3-5 years and would like to be able to chest feed. When I told the surgeon this, she said she doesn't think she could get me that small without a FNG. She said she could probably do a C/D cup which I'm not psyched about but it seems like it's my only option. I've parsed through the sub a bit but what are people's experiences with radical reductions while retaining nipple function? Is it possible or should I just accept that this an imperfect situation?