Breast Reduction: Stories

Today is day three post-op. Up until I was on the operating table, I wasn't sure it was actually going to happen. I've had large breasts since I was a teenager. When I became pregnant at 21, they grew. Breastfeeding almost didn't happen. After a second pregnancy (12 months later) they grew some more. I looked forward to seeing them diminish, which so many people assured me they would following breast feeding. Huh! Not! They just sagged. Then I lost some weight and they sagged some more.
I'm an active person and have found it difficult doing some activities. I like to kayak, mountain bike, ride horses, run, and many other activities with my family. I always feel so self conscious about my breasts. A friend (who has the same size breasts) and I have always joked about going on a plastic surgery holiday and getting our breasts done.

Last year I changed my contraception from depo shots to a Jadelle insert. This caused my breasts to swell and become heavy and tender. Last straw. I googled plastic surgeons and e-mailed a local one who looked good. He e-mailed me back, I made an appointment, and it was all go. We have a very different health system in NZ, and that means I have to pay for it - $13,650 NZD (around 10K US). Once I was booked in, I felt bad for my daughter who is/was bigger than me. So I asked her if she wanted to have the same procedure - yes please. Just as well my mortgage wasn't big to begin with.

So, she had her op on June 29th and is recovering beautifully. She looks fantastic. Much more in proportion. I had mine on Tuesday the 4th and three days later am finally getting over the anaesthesia and other drugs. Like the look of my new boobs and have already bought a bikini online. I've never worn a bikini before. Exciting!

Now I'm just focusing on getting better. I'm hoping to be back at work on the 16th. I'm also looking forward to getting back to the gym and toning up. Can't wait to go shopping, but after reading so many comments about ladies who went shopping and were worn out afterwards, I've decided to wait until I feel well.

Thanks to everyone who's shared their stories. I found them all so helpful and inspiring.

Day four
This morning I washed my hair (or at least my husband did) and put on real clothes. Ooh, that looked good. I was worried that I wasn't small enough, but I think I look really good. I'm having trouble sleeping on my back and the revolting taste in my mouth from the anaesthetic and drugs isn't helping either. Am only taking paracetamol now. I'm really glad I read others' reviews about the different sensations in the breasts following surgery. Last night there was a fullness and some strange shooting almost-but-not-quite pains. My left nipple has sensation but my right one doesn't - it has more bruising. I expect it will come right in its own time. The outside of each breast is quite yellow from bruising and there is also some bruising under my arms. Nothing drastic.
I'm just working hard at doing nothing and hoping I heal in good time.

Day ten
Even though I'd read about it in so many other reviews, I still went and overdid it yesterday - just a little - and was a bit sore last night. I did some work at school and then did the grocery shopping with my daughter who had the op four days ahead of me. Carrying stuff wears you out - even if it's not that heavy. I found it difficult to get stuff off the shelves (I even stood on the side of the refrigerators to reach something) and shutting the boot (trunk for Americans) was something I couldn't do; just as well my daughter could. Despite that, I'm off pain meds. I'm not even taking paracetamol now. Oh, but I can drive. My auto is at the panelbeaters (paint shop) because I rear-ended someone the night before surgery - oops - other things on my mind maybe, so I'm having to drive my daughter's manual (stick shift). Making do :-)

My right side is really bruised. Hubby puts arnica on it every evening for me, and he says it looks like raw meat. Attractive - not! Because of the greater bruising on one side, I think they are healing at different rates and so the right is slightly more swollen (bigger) than the left. Under my left breast there are a couple of folds. I can't see them from the top (from the top, everything looks ideal) but when I look in the mirror they concern me a little. I'll see the PS on Monday and discuss it then. I'm not going to panic because I think as they heal and drop a little, everything will be fine.

I'll take and upload some photos over the next day or so.

Day 13
Today I went back to work. Wasn't a big deal really. I even managed to write on the whiteboard - just not too high.
We (daughter and I) saw the PS this arvo and had our tape changed again. He was happy with it, and he explained how the puckering would sort itself out as the swelling subsided and gravity does its thing. He was surprised at the amount of bruising I have. We're going back to see him in a fortnight.
Having said that, I am tired now, and so I'm off to bed early. Oh, and one bonus - last night I mostly slept on my side - yahoo!

Just popping up some photos... breasts are feeling really good, but there's still a ton of bruising.