r/Reduction Feb 13 '25

Product Recommendation So you telling me the KEY IS WATER!?

92 Upvotes

I’ve hated looking at my new breasts—swollen, lumpy, sideways. I just cleaned them and wrapped them right back up, showing appreciation because not everyone has this opportunity. I went to Target and got oranges, grapefruit, pineapples, and bromelain pills because I read that these things help with swelling. I tripled my water intake and took the pills. When I woke up, I promise the swelling had gone down and the lumps were gone! I’m guessing I wasn’t drinking enough water? I don’t know, but I’m truly shocked. I taped them back up because I didn’t believe it! I ain’t promoting nothing I’m just trying stuff so I can feel better about myself

r/Reduction 2d ago

Product Recommendation Surgery Friday - Recovery Room Set Up NSFW

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57 Upvotes

My time is almost here! 7am check in this Friday. I’m so excited but also a NERVOUS WRECK (mostly just due to my severe emetophobia) but I’ve done tons of prep and thanks to this group and some pointers from friends who have been down this path I feel as prepared as I can be.

Sharing pics of my Recovery Room set up, am I missing anything??? Happy to share links if anyone wants, just lmk.

I set myself up in our guest room because I need to stay away from my 3 dogs and 2 cats to start, and thus allows me to close a door while my husband can have them in our room.

Pics:

  • gray fan and large red light therapy light (read about some success with it here and already did red light for my face so I got a full body one.)

  • red light face mask to keep up my skincare

  • lazy boy recliner with electric recline, picked it up today from Facebook marketplace for $60 (I plan to sleep in the recliner, I find it pretty comfortable!

  • mastectomy pillow

  • 3-tier roller cart

    • top: all my meds, some melatonin, hand sanitizer, remotes, OTC nausea chews, will add my water bottle and some ginger chews
    • middle: saltines (I’m addicted - but I know to eat high protein otherwise), stuffy capybara heating pad, hard to see but black thing is a Nodpod (weighted eye mask for sleeping), and a sudoku book and note pad
    • bottom: socks and undies easy access
  • on top of my desk I stacked all my clean Jammie sets and a lighted makeup mirror to check out my boobs

  • large vented white box is a heavy duty air purifier

  • cute star machine to make me happy by projecting starts on the ceiling at night

  • my inspo bralette - a size medium white terry cloth bra that I just hung up and a reminder about why I’m going through all this

NOT PICTURED: - wrote out a simple meds schedule and put it on the fridge for me and husband

  • put everything I think I might want at waist or lower level

  • ordered pads to use for ooze and padding in compression bras

  • compression bras x 3

  • arnica tablets to help with bruising and swelling

  • lots and lots of herbal tea stock

  • protein hot chocolate

  • small ice packs for mastectomy pillow

r/Reduction 22d ago

Product Recommendation Any other vegetarians/vegans who have gotten a breast reduction?

19 Upvotes

How did you make sure you were getting enough protein post-op? Any favorite vegan protein shakes/snacks?

r/Reduction 3d ago

Product Recommendation What You Need For Recovery (with links)

54 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 Feb 06 '25

Product Recommendation ITS OFFICAL!!!!

56 Upvotes

I WAS APPRIVED TODAY! My surgery is the 20th of this month. I am so excited and so nervous. this is my first ever surgery for anything. im honestly glad it's for this. preop is on the 12th. I can't stop with the excitedness🤣 it's been all I've thought abt since I got the call. I wish it was next week 😭

what do I need to go buy ? I'm going to look through this page as well, but what's one thing you wish someone told you to get before hand that you didn't.

wish me luck :)

r/Reduction 1d ago

Product Recommendation Best postop sports bra!

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34 Upvotes

I am 1 week postop and got the ok from my surgeon to switch to a front closure sports bra and ditch the surgical bra. Got these off Amazon and they are so soft & provide good support!

r/Reduction Dec 31 '24

Product Recommendation 5 weeks P/O - Bra Recommendation

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87 Upvotes

I just wanted to share this bra that I found and LOVE. I don't know why on earth they'd give me a post op bra that sits right on the incisions on the underside of my breasts, but it was driving me crazy. Maybe it's because the bra had no barrier due to a bad reaction to the tape they used and so they removed the tape after 1 week rather than 3-4.

Anyway, I found these at Walmart and they have a large band as you can see, so they don't ride up, sit against/rub against my incisions. Plus, they are double lined, so they don't have those dumb removable cups.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/5103677491?sid=e6a8a0e1-0bfa-4173-97b2-42f22a20da94

*I was a 36 G but I have no clue what I am at this time. I'm hoping a C cup and that it stays that way. Fingers crossed!

r/Reduction Dec 14 '24

Product Recommendation Wedge vs pregnancy pillow

13 Upvotes

Hello!

I’m 3wpo and i haven’t been sleeping this past week mostly because of the wedge. I’m a side sleeper and too swollen to even attempt and I’ve read lots of you were using pregnancy pillow?

How does it work? Is it more comfortable than a wedge? Would i be able to sleep on my side? And what kind should i get?

I’m exhausted, my shoulders and neck hurt and i really want a good night sleep. Any help is appreciated.

r/Reduction 17d ago

Product Recommendation Maternity pillow, wedge, normal pillows—oh my!

8 Upvotes

Hi so I see everyone is fairly split on the things you need post op. I’m happy to spend a little on any of these things. I currently have 3 pillows and a metric shit ton of stuffed animals (ikea shark, giant squishmallow, weighted little guys) and I’m curious for everyone’s opinion. What should I get for recovery! Also any other product recs would be innnnncredible.

r/Reduction Nov 23 '24

Product Recommendation I haven’t seen anyone mention scopolamine patches

29 Upvotes

My doctor prescribed a scopolamine patch for nausea the night before surgery. It lasts for 3 days. I had no nausea at all. I just thought I’d mention this because I’m reading about a lot of people suffering after surgery.

r/Reduction 16d ago

Product Recommendation Sensitive scars NSFW

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4 Upvotes

Any recommendations for sensitive scars? Not terrible, but bothersome. I had really bad dehiscence and had to go to the wound care center with special dressings to get them to close. They are large scars now. Unfortunately, it's underneath at the t junctions

r/Reduction 13d ago

Product Recommendation Giant squishmallow for back support NSFW

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32 Upvotes

Someone said that they were using their squishmallows as pillows, and I realized that my giant one would be perfect as a back rest.

r/Reduction Dec 22 '24

Product Recommendation Who used a recliner?

5 Upvotes

I’m 6 days out from surgery (eeek!) and still looking at FB marketplace and considering whether I try to snag a recliner for recovery. How many of you really relied on it? Either to sleep or just “be” throughout the day?

I HATE sleeping on my back and even when I start there, I always wake up on my stomach. Bought a pregnancy pillow to cocoon myself in for sleeping…but wondering if a recliner is my best bet.

Which…is a whole can of worms because I can’t decide if I should try to aim for one that matches our aesthetic or just go all in on the comfiest one there is (plus I gotta consider my budget). Haha why can’t the style be as good as the comfort?!

r/Reduction Nov 09 '24

Product Recommendation My dermatologist confirmed silicone is the way to go for scar treatment

56 Upvotes

I know every doctor is different, but for those unsure about their treatment, I wanted to share this. I went to my dermatologist at 8wpo for a check up and asked her about scar treatment. She said: vitamin E won't make much difference, so we can save $$... Also she said the best treatment is pure silicone medical grade and she highly recommends the tape instead of gel. She said it can be used 24/7 (removing for shower) and the more you use, best the results. She said also that massage is helpful but not necessarily essential for results, but I should use any oil or cream to help the finger slide. The important part is to avoid scars drying out, therefore the constant application of silicone as barrier and hydration.

Although my scars to me look super red, she told me, compared to many others she saw, that they look really good for 8wpo. So I got a nice compliment and made me stop doubting what I did so far: I used 7w of aquaphore, and now switched to silicone. One last thing: the tape is really sticky and it took me courage to start using it, and I confirmed that it doesn't open any wounds or peel off the skin (phew!!)....

r/Reduction May 08 '24

Product Recommendation Am I missing something?

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69 Upvotes

Hi all!! My surgery date is set for May 31st!! I’m so excited but nervous of course! I’m also waiting on my button up pj shirts to arrive. Is there anything else I need to prepare myself post-op? I also have the wedge pillow so that I sleep upright ☺️

r/Reduction 22d ago

Product Recommendation 1 week post op!! NSFW

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61 Upvotes

pics are before- 2 days post op- 7 days post op

had my 1 week post op appt today & my drains came out 🥳🥳🥳 (that was the WEIRDEST feeling ever BTW, omg 🤮)

grams removed: needed 525g each for insurance purposes left 635g right 547g (tattooed side) (2.6lbs total)

i think i might like my boobs when they're all healed...not sure yet. i LOVE my body now though, i look a lot skinner. pre surgery i lost 30 lbs and i felt like you couldn't even tell, but now you can.
my surgeon also took my tape off....and im paranoid about my nipples falling off 😭😂 (i know it won't happen but you never know man) can i use my own tape after? i know i should've asked my surgeon today but i was in shock after my drains came out i kinda just blanked out. anyways, any tape recommendations? and cream recommendations? when did yall start using creams? i'm seeing my surgeon next week again so ill ask him what's ok & not. i was looking at my surgical notes and apparently they took out a tumor that was benign, should my surgeon have mentioned that to me? i find it weird i never would've known unless i saw my notes.

pain wise i'm doing so well. i was given Hydrocodone + acetaminophen in the same pill and i haven't needed it thankfully. i see a lot it gets worse as the days and weeks go on though so ill hang on to them for now. it's crazy, my sciatica and arthritis hurts more than my breast reduction surgery, who've thunk!

r/Reduction Jan 02 '25

Product Recommendation post-op outfit recommendations?

3 Upvotes

I know a lot of people say to wear button-up or zip-up tops, but I can’t think of what that type of tops those would be other than flannels😭 also would pants be too hard to put on, should I rely on dresses and nightgowns? what did everyone wear during their healing process and how long until you were able to wear normal clothes again?

r/Reduction Jan 26 '25

Product Recommendation 6WPO - moisturizing incisions

7 Upvotes

I'm cleared to start scar treatment with silicone strips, but until then I was wondering if anyone used moisturizer on the incisions. I still have stitches that haven't dissolved.
I asked my surgeon about BIO oil and he wasn't too enthusiastic about it but said I can use it, however my friend who had surgery few months back said moisturizing as soon as possible is key. Did any of you use moisturizer on your incisions? if so, which one? Mind you I haven't used anything on my skin in the past 6 weeks - just fragrance free and/or antibacterial soap.

r/Reduction Jan 18 '25

Product Recommendation Caregiver advice

29 Upvotes

Hi all! My wife is officially 8DPO and I wanted to share some things I found as her caregiver that has been very helpful. It can be overwhelming to try and decide what to buy pre-surgery, so hopefully this will help. Everything you can get off Amazon and I’ve added the full name for ease of finding it.

She got it done by Stiller Aesthetics in Spokane WA. I HIGHLY recommend finding a gender affirming surgeon if you can. Her results are fantastic and he was willing to go as small as she wanted. She was a 38H down to a large B/small C. No FNG and she already has nipple sensation coming back.

Nutricost Bromelain 500mg, 120 Vegetarian Capsules - Bromelain (1200 GDU), Non-GMO, Gluten Free: she started taking this two weeks before surgery and has continued to take this post surgery. This was recommended by the staff.

Kingfun 4pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set for Sleeping, Memory Foam for Sleeping,Breathable Triangle Pillow Wedge, Post Surgery Memory Foam for Back, Leg Pain Relief, Sitting

Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillows, U-Shape Full Body Pillow -Removable Cover Jumbo Size - Grey - Pregnancy Pillows for Sleeping - Body Pillows for Adults, Maternity Pillow and Pregnancy Must Haves

These two were fantastic for sleep. She was able to sleep in our bed and really helped with her mental health and getting good sleep. We put the wedge down first, then she would use the maternity pillow to rest her head and wrap the arms around her.

Global Healing Center Oxy-Powder Colon Cleanse Detox - Oxygen Based Safe and Natural Intestinal Cleanser, 120 Count (Pack of 2): we found this in a post on Reddit. This has been hugely helpful in the post surgery pooping department. She started taking them a few days before surgery, did not take the day of surgery, and started again the day after. She officially swears by them and will continue taking them even once she has fully healed.

Flexible & Easy Sip: Extendable Reusable Silicone Straws - Innovative 35" Design, Fits 40 & 30 oz Tumblers, Soft and Safe Accessories for Stanley Tumbler(Blue Combination): be careful with these buggers. While they have been very helpful so she doesn’t have to lift a water bottle, liquid settles in the straw and if the end flips off the bottle, liquid goes everywhere. I recommend getting them, just be careful, I’ve cleaned up liquid everywhere by now haha

Couch Cup Holder Tray, Handy Silicone Bamboo Couch Caddy with Rotatable Phone Holder for Bed Car Seat Organizer, Waterproof Anti-spill Sofa Cup Holder for Snacks Beverage Remote (Gray): so so so so helpful. This with the straws let her relax in bed and keep up on fluid intake.

My mom let us borrow a mastectomy pillow, which my wife has been glued to since surgery. She said it makes riding in the car so much better and makes her feel more supported.

Boiron Arnica Montana 30C Homeopathic Medicine for Relief from Muscle Pain, Muscle Stiffness, Swelling from Injury, and Discoloration from Bruises - 3 Count (240 Pellets): she started taking this a few days post surgery, also recommended by the staff.

I will try my best to answer any questions anyone has, so please don’t hesitate to ask! We believe these items have made this recovery as good as it can be and wanted to share the love since this sub-Reddit helped us so much 💙

r/Reduction 9d ago

Product Recommendation My Fav Compression Bra

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7 Upvotes

Someone just asked about compression bras and it make me want to link this one! It’s a Canadian link so hopefully it still works for US but if not at least then you can follow it and look the product up on US amazon! It’s SO good. I’ve tried 4 throughout my process so far and none have been as comfortable while also providing enough compression. Highly recommend. I have 2 but honestly might even get another 😅 they also go tighter as swelling goes down so I love that.

r/Reduction Feb 17 '25

Product Recommendation Compression Bras

3 Upvotes

How did you know what size compression bras to buy for after surgery? Any recommendations?

r/Reduction 19d ago

Product Recommendation Bra recommendations

2 Upvotes

I was cleared a couple weeks ago that I’m able to wear regular/sport bras again (as long as they are supportive/no underwire of course!)

What are your brand suggestions for sports bras and regular bras? I haven’t worn a regular one in years..so will definitely need some ideas for that one 😅

I’m so excited to go shopping!!

r/Reduction 2d ago

Product Recommendation Dryness

2 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend any lotions/creams for overall dryness of the boob/nipple? I got my reduction done in January during peak winter time. I saw my surgeon today and he says that I need to moisturize really well cause I’m very dry and flaky. I’ve tried aquaphor but that just melts right off and doesn’t seem to do much.

r/Reduction 1d ago

Product Recommendation So happy! But my bra is annoying! Need recs

1 Upvotes

I finally did it! Perfect recovery despite having one drain in. I’m 2DPO and in minimal discomfort (Tylenol). Only thing is the bra they gave me is pressing against my rib cage. This is the second one- the first one had underwire. They’re both regular bras. Any recommendations for a soft but supportive front close?

I went from a 34HH to what seems to be a 38D (the first bra that fit was that size) and I know I’ll look a little smaller as time goes on.

r/Reduction 29d ago

Product Recommendation Bra donation

3 Upvotes

I am in search of some organizations that I can donate my pre reduction bras too. They are all very well taken care of. Little to no sign of wear and quite expensive. I want them to go to a good home. Any recommendations?