Breast Reduction: Stories

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3 weeks post op- Manchester, UK

Christiepie
posted 4 months ago
updated 4 months ago

Not Sure
Cost: $8,000
Manchester GB

Firstly I would like to say thanks so much. This...

1 Jan 2013

Firstly I would like to say thanks so much. This website and your reviews have been a great help to me over the last few months.

I am going to try and keep it simple. I was flat Chester until the age of 14. I went from nothing to an F practically overnight. At my biggest I have been a GG and my smallest (right before surgery) an 32 E/DD. my breasts have always been saggy, and breast feeding two babies didn't help with that!

So after many years of longing for breasts to look in proportion with my small frame, I take the plunge. I discussed with the surgeon size and shape. He said he could take me to a B/C. I was vocal in telling him B would be my preference. As you know discussions on size can sometimes be vague as they can't say 100% there is no guarantee. But we agreed B/C. Which I was happy with.

Surgery was on 20thDec and let me tell you the run up to it was stressful due to a few personal reasons which nearly jeopardised my operation. However all was fine and surgery carried on nearly 2 weeks ago.

When I came out of theatre I was in a great deal of pain as my sports bra was on so tight. I also felt very sick and confused. My heart rate was very slow all night so I had to have regular obs and wear oxygen tubes all night which was a pain! The nurse was lovely though. I was very sick for a few hours after surgery and completely dazed. They surgeon said straight after surgery 'you should find you are a B cup'. I didn't need drains although I kind of wish I did as I am still holding fluid. So it is hard to get an accurate idea of size and shape.

I was totally wiped out for a few days after surgery, sleeping through the day then not very well through the night. This is normal. I got completely blocked up (impacted bowel) and didn't have a BM for a week after surgery. In the end I needed 4 enemas which was an awful and extremely painful. This was a real set back to my recovery as I was tired and trying to recover from both now.....plus Christmas with two small children!!! Busy busy.

I am gonna post some before and after pics now. On a whole I do like my shape and compared to before they are great. Just not small enough yet.

2 weeks post op today! Feeling a little tired...

3 Jan 2013

2 weeks post op today! Feeling a little tired today as I have had Norovirus! Not good. Started back at work yesterday so just feel totally whacked. My boobs feel good though. This is probably the first day I have felt positive about them. I have been feeling they are still too big, but today it seems the swelling has reduced a little more and they now fit nicely into my 34C sports bra. Still hoping they will go down even more. The scars are still very scabby and I noticed there is a little extra blood at the t-junction on one side. Might have popped a stitch lifting the children.
I had no idea this was going to be such an emotional roller coaster. I was expecting this feeling of euphoria. For me it has been up and down. One minute I love them next minute I feel they are still too big. My mind is going a little mad. Basically I have come to the conclusion that they are the perfect size for my body but still too big for my mind. If that makes any sense. It is hard to explain. My husband looks at me like I'm crazy when I say I still want them smaller.
This site has been my saving grace! I love it!

Well back to normality now after op, Christmas and...

9 Jan 2013

Well back to normality now after op, Christmas and illness that followed. I have to say it is nice to be back. I was moping around the house feeling sorry for myself. Being more active and running around after the Kids has helped me move on in my recovery. This week it's all go. Saw the nurse on Monday and she said everything looks fine. I still have a little swelling on the left side (right in pictures). I mentioned again that I still feel they are on the large side and her response wound me up. She has lovely small boobs and said to me 'I would kill for boobs like yours' it is exactly the one comment that I didn't want to hear. I really don't want to be the person that girls with small boobs say they wished they had mine (if that makes sense). Especially when I have just had a reduction. I thought it was a thoughtless remark. I would much prefer just to be the girl with small boobs.....that's the point!
Anyway that aside I am getting more use to them and they have gone down in swelling. They also feel much more normal now. Less throbbing and getting hot to the touch.

Had another appointment with the nurse today. She...

14 Jan 2013

Had another appointment with the nurse today. She instantly looked at me and said I needed a bigger bra. My 34 C is too small. The bottom is sitting on my scars and is generally too tight all over. She told me to go up a side. So hard to hear. I came away feeling totally fed up. She said there is a chance I might get back into it but for now not too wear it. The plan was to be a
B/small C not a large C/D and more of a D than a C at that. I didn't really go through all of this to just come down a cup size.

I am meeting with the surgeon in a few weeks and I can't wait to ask him a few questions. I know it is early days but I really don't think I will have dramatic changes now. Any advice on that?

Also what bugs me is that so far when I have said to the nurses I still feel a little on the large size they instantly say to you 'well it all depends where you buy your bras' as if I have never bought bras before. In my 17 years of wearing bras I have not gone to one shop and been 2 cup sizes bigger than bras in another shop. It is true that there is some variety in fits with certain styles but generally not a massive difference in cup size.

Anyway, feeling a little down. Better get some sleep!

Great review?

Comments (35)

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Marisol75 12 Apr 2013

Thank you for your review! I am struggling with size too and your experienced is helping me to have a better understanding. I am wondering how you are doing and if you breast got any smaller? I am on the same boat wanting to go to a 36B. I think they look great!!!!! but I can understand your concerns bc I do want to be the girl with small breast too! Please let me know if they got any smaller or any feedback. Thank you!

Karen1969 22 Feb 2013

You look great. Im on the nhs waiting list in derby i have been told its about for months that was on Jan 17th i just can't wait fir that letter to arrive. Im 43 years old and Im currently a 34g/h cup. id like ti be a c cup. Hope you continue to heal well xx

Christiepie 16 Jan 2013

Thanks for all the lovely comments ladies! Hope you are all feeling well and positive!

January7ME 14 Jan 2013

You look way smaller that just a cup size to me! And you look great! Is there a chance that maybe you were bigger pre op than you realized??! So now it seems that you only came down one size, but really it could be more?! Just a thought! You got a great breast lift out of the deal too :) Maybe you are still slightly swollen too. As far as the bra sizes go, I have heard that a 36 C in one brand can be a 36 DD in another.....very frustrating for us ladies trying to figure out what size bra to get!!

Deb1768 12 Jan 2013

Hi Christiepie, just read your post and it sounds like you have written all my thoughts ( pre-op) long story short I developed boobs late at 16 from nothing to FF I only have a tiny back 28-30 so as the years went on and my boobs grew more ( I am now 30GG :-((( god I hate them with a passion!! ) The pain in my back, neck and shoulders was awful. Finally got funding from PCT last year and had my appointment on tues this week and been accepted for surgery by the P. surgeon, waiting list is around 4 months he said. just wondered where you had your surgery? Your healing remarkably well and although you have said u want to be smaller I've been told it takes months for them to take their proper shape, they do look fab tho and if I get the same results as you I will be made up. I didn't realise how emotional people are saying this op is and although I have been thro everything regarding this procedure that's one thing I didn't take into account. Only found this website by chance the other night and its amazing to read that I'm not alone no one understands how much these two big lumps cause me so much pain and how much I hate them so much, how distressed I get when I go shopping because I can't find anything that fits or makes me feel good. It's nice to read about yourself too someone from Manchester area. Look forward to reading more of your posts this site will definitely keep me going take care Debs

Christiepie 14 Jan 2013

Hey Debbie, thanks for your kind comments. I went with The Harley Medical Group. I have found them really great on a whole. I had some complications pre surgery and they were very supportive etc. I think the shape is fantastic however I just wanted to be a tad smaller. I saw the nurse tonight and she told be to get a bigger bra (D) as the C was putting pressure in the scars. I made it very clear to my surgeon I wanted to be as small as he could take me. I am looking forward to chatting to him in a few weeks so he can talk me through the procedure etc. I have been overwhelmed with the emotions of this surgery. Up and down up and down. I guess I never realised how much depended on it. I suffered from back problems all through my 20's and for me it was about being as small as possible to try and relieve some of those symptoms. I understand how you feel about the shopping. After I had my son and before I had my daughter I was a GG and I gave up on shopping altogether. I have bought a few bits since the op. but I still feel in limbo as to what size I will be. Patience! I hope all goes well with your op and you get the. Results you desire! Good luck :-) x

Deb1768 15 Jan 2013

I think your doing amazing the pics are fab, don't know how you did the 3 pics together but it's good how you can see the progress all together. When I spoke to my PS colleague she told me to get a couple of sports bras, just wondering on any recommendations? And if front fastening is better? Happy pain free healing :-) Thanks Debs x

Christiepie 16 Jan 2013

Hey Debbie, I am wearing the shock absorber they are a bit pricey but supportive. I also got the fantastic little crop top bras from sainsbury's they were £5 each and fantastic for bed. Love them. I was told by my surgeon to avoid the front closing bras as they can cause irritation on the scars but saying that I still got irritation from my shock absorber.....had to get a bigger size. So I think it just depends. I know the front closing bras are really popular in the states with BR. Which hosp will you be in? Have you met your surgeon? The app for putting three pictures onto one is called PicFrame. ThAnks for your message x

Deb1768 16 Jan 2013

Hi christie, thank you so much for your advise :) I thought about the crop tops but didn't think they would be supportive enough, just trying to get a list together of things I'm going to need to make things a little easier, I have my husband and daughter to help me but they won't be here all the time. I'm so excited I can't stop thinking about it, it really does take over your life doesn't it, I'm very apprehensive too tho the most thing that worries me is being able to get my pain under control as I take strong painkillers everyday for my back and neck. God I could wittier on all night ha ha, I will be going to Wythenshaw hospital and my PS is Mr Wilson. X x Do you live in Manchester?? How's your healing doing? Hope your well and pain free xx

Christiepie 16 Jan 2013

Pain has been totally manageable the most I have taken since surgery is ibprofen. Pretty much pain free now except for bumps (lots o small kids in my house) and nerve pain which last minutes at a time. All good I'm sure you will be fine. I have had back problems slipped 2 discs, siatica etc. the BR pain doesn't come anywhere near that. You do feel tired though. I felt wiped out (a little like having a new baby) for about 2 weeks. One thing I would recommend is lactolose or something (not laxatives) that will help with your bowels afterwards. I got really ill after surgery with impacted bowel and nearly spent Christmas Eve in hospital. It was a set back in recovery. Yeah those bras arent supportive and I have only just started wearing them at night. It feels weird without a bra for about 3 weeks after so the more supportive ones are best in the early days. I was very focused on my reduction before hand (very self indulgent) but I completely didn't get how emotional and overwhelming it was gonna be. Up and down by the hour. Bare that in mind. It was a shock to me! Feeling better by the day and even like the size a little bit more. Someone else on this website used the phrase 'big boon brain' I am guilty of that and don't think they'll ever be small enough for my mind!! :-) looking forward to following your story! Can't believe you are in Manchester!! I live in Didsbury!!!! Freaky considering this website is global!!!!!

Deb1768 16 Jan 2013

I have arthritis in my neck and upper part of my back the pain can be horrendous somedays (today's one of them days ;( ) as you will know with having sciatica, so surgery can't come quick enough. I take co-codamol & gabapentin everyday and somedays it doesn't touch the pain :( I had a hysterectomy 2 yrs ago and they really struggled to get my pain under control so for me at the moment that is m biggest fear. All sorts is going around in my head I just can't switch off, I've been like this since my GP first referred me but tried not to think about it too much then didn't wan to get my hopes up. But I've been worse since I got the all go from the ps last week, I bet my husband feels like a boob widower ha ha. I've read a few people struggling with their no 2 movements, I think that must be down to the anaesthetic, I was really bad when I had my hysterectomy but I expected that with it being abdominal surgery but was surprised to read it after BR, will defiantly get some lactolose or senna thanks there is nothing worse than being bunged up, even worse when your compacted can cause all sorts of problems, I work on the medical side so I have a tiny bit of knowledge but sometimes a tiny bit can be a bad thing lol,, did you say your back at work? What do you do? Not sure how long I need off as I do a lot of lifting in my job ;( Thank you so much for your advise its really helping me in what to buy and what to expect :-) and I can't believe you only live a few junctions down the 60" I live in Hyde that is really freaky :-@ a small world :-) x x

Christiepie 16 Jan 2013

Really quick one as I am about to start work. I am a childminder. 4 kids under 41/2. I went back to work after 12 days. Too soon. Will fill you in later :-) have a good day and try not to stress too much. Hopefully this surgery will relieve long term pain for you. The initial pain might be bad for you but think on a month down the line. :-)

Deb1768 17 Jan 2013

Thank you so much for the support ;)) How are you doing?? X

cariad 10 Jan 2013

I can totally relate to that stupid comment from the nurse. One of my colleagues who is constantly moaning about being flat chested actually said to me my first day back "you still have a good handful haven't ya?" People can be really thick!! x

Symone75 9 Jan 2013

How great do you look , and how small dose your whole frame look with out all that boob . Good lock with your healing x

Tadadd 9 Jan 2013

You look great

JeriLynn 8 Jan 2013

you look nice... give it time , good wishes for a speedy healing

Christiepie 9 Jan 2013

Thank you!! Trying to be patient!

msblack 5 Jan 2013

I had my BR surgery on 12/12/12..I'm overall happy with the results although at times I still look at them and say they still look big..I went from size EE/F cup to C/D cup..Right now I have same soreness..Not pain..Just sore especially where the incision line is..My PR said it's still healing so that is normal..I did have one area under each breast T line that drained, but that's all dry now..The incision line just feels tight..Anybody got help with that?..I had to get my nipples moved due the size I was and how much w extra

Charlie123UK 5 Jan 2013

Hi. You look fabulous but I do know exactly what you mean about wanting to be smaller. I feel the same. I'm 3 months post op now and 100% back to normal but I still get the odd pang of wishing I was smaller. I didn't go through all of this to still end up with big ish breasts. Hard isn't it.

dazetrin 3 Jan 2013

I am going to have my BR in another week. I am happy for you and I love the outcome. Am presently 34i. Am scared and excited about the surgery. How long after the surgery did it take before you could raise yr hand above your head? How many days before you could go outside to do normal things like grocery shopping. I live alone and may not get much help that's why I ask. Am also in school but am determined to do it now before the summer.

Jassydesiree26 3 Jan 2013

I had my breast reduction a month ago today. I was 19 now 20 when I got it im very thin(128) & was a size DD. But I saw your question. & it all depends on your body I know friends who got the surgery it took them 4weeks. After your surgery You will feel a little dizzy in my case I threw up. You will be thirsty not very much hungry. You will need someone to take care of you the first 3 days bc getting up by yourself really hurts your chest. Four days after my surgery I was able to lift myself up raise my arms & do normal tasks. I'm very stubborn & the type who doesn't really need help. You will need it. Make sure to take the pills given. I got a large lump in my left breast the doctor said if it doesn't go sways I will need surgery again. So make sure to massage under your breast as much possible. Hope this helps

dazetrin 4 Jan 2013

Does help. Thanks

Christiepie 4 Jan 2013

I was able to sit myself up in the bed straight after surgery. I could lift my arms above my head also. The hard thing was not doing it. Just because it doesn't hurt it doesn't meant its not putting pressure on your stitches. If you do live alone and there is no one to help you then think about what you need to have to hand to make life easier for yourself. I was totally wiped out for the first two days. Just listened to the radio day and night whilst taking little naps. Drink lots of water. Also get some stool softener. I got so blocked up I nearly ended up in hospital on Christmas Eve. It's the anesthetic that does that. I know I have overdone it in the first few weeks as I now feel totally exhausted and small tasks are wearing me out. I did too much and now I am paying for it two weeks later. If you have the chance to rest then grab it. It will help in the long run!! Exciting times ahead for you!

Mrstorres 4 Jan 2013

Just prepare ahead. Have a shelf close by your couch for food I advise using a drink container that does not need unscrewing... Lol... I found that to hurt... The couch is easier to get in and out of. Have toilet paper stocked close by the toilet. Just try to get anything g you might need down at your level. Maybe buy a detachable shower head so you can take your shower with little assistance. Drains are tough in the shower, so get used to one handed showers. They sell shower chairs at rite aid... It helps I swear. Try not to take too many pain pills as this could interfere with your independence. After three days you'll feel much better. If you don't have a bowel movement for more than two days I recommend Phillips Colon care. Super important... If you want to feel good.. Get up and walk around your house every few hours... If you sit to long.., you will feel worse. I felt fine after four days. I picked up my toddler early in the second week.. Carefully of course. I drove first day of second week.. I cooked my family dinner second day of second week... I lifted my arms over my head but not over extended in the second week... Just be gentle to your body. Go slowly.. Have laundry and dishes done before surgery. Have five sports bras available so you will always have a clean one... Use dove soap...this is going to sound funny... Buy a box of cheap panty liners for that first week. The drains and incisions rub uncomfortably in the sports bra.. I used panty liners because they were thin enough to absorb leakage and soft enough to form a barrier. The drains are more aggravating than anything else... But worth it. Get lots of pillows. Sleep sitting up as much as possible. On second thought... Try to shower the first few days when someone can be with you. I almost passed out twice from showering those first couple days. After day four.., I was good. I know this seems like a lot... But I am now three weeks post op.. So it's still fresh in my head... I live it and wouldn't change a minute. 34 DD to 36 C... Love it. Please feel free to contact me. I'm in nursing school.. I am a BR patient.. I don't mind helping!!!