POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction Reviews
Reduction complete, just waiting on this healing process...hoping my healing is normal!
UPDATED FROM tkkd1507
10 days post
Well I'm 10 days post op, got my stitches out Tues...
tkkd1507July 19, 2012
WORTH IT$3,177
Well I'm 10 days post op, got my stitches out Tues and since have had to change dressings once a day on my nipples. I have to say my nipples scare me right now, but my PS swears they look just as they should right now. He says they will eventually have a layer slough off as part of this healing process and that's why they look this way right now. I called about them being dark and they said it's normal, so any imput from you guys on my pics would be great. My nipples were completely removed and placed back on, so this is supposed to be the process. Would love to hear from anyone else who went through this. Thanks!
Replies (5)
July 22, 2012
tkkd, just to clarify: did you have a Free Nipple Graft? That would make a big difference in how your nipples are healing.
July 22, 2012
yes I did, they seem to be peeling and looking a little healthier each day when they do. So I think the healing is going as normal?
July 22, 2012
True confessions: I don't know squat about FNG, but it sounds normal and it's what your PS said to expect, right? The breast health online website has a ton of information about BR, including FNG - you might check there for more on what to expect. Meanwhile, you look great!
July 22, 2012
Lookin good girl!! Trust your surgeon!! If he says it looks to be healing normally, then I'm sure it is! I'm sure it was just shocking to see them after being completely covered for days! Good job! :)
July 25, 2012
Thank you for you blog. We had the surgery on the same date- 7/9. I did not find this site until after surgery so I am thrilled with the support and information. I also felt the breast size was smaller than I expected (especially with a large waist size). I am 5'2" and 135lbs. I was always top heavy with a size XS bottom. I think my surgeon did a great job, and I am thrilled to be rid of the heavy sagging boobs I carried around for many years. Take care and thank you all for sharing.
July 25, 2012
how are you feeling? I have just started getting nerve pain,so they told me to start massaging the scars and breasts for 15 mins each day. My nipples are still healing, but looking better each day. I hate taking it easy,I was glad to go back to work! Glad you found us!
July 26, 2012
Thank you for asking - I feel pretty good. Yesterday I had my first post opt appt. and the dr said I am where I should be. She removed a few stitches and it did sting I must say. I will definitely Tylenol up on 8/3 when they remove the rest of my stitches. I did have some redness around the stitches so she had the nurse put some antibiotic on the area. She gave me some cream to take home and said I need to put it on those areas twice a day. The area does feel much better now. My next appt with the Dr is 9/6. I asked her about going swimming and she said 4 weeks post surgery. I do miss the pool and the beach but that is a small price to pay for BR. I am just hearing about nerve pain from the blog, but not sure what it is. Take care.
July 26, 2012
Ella,
Do you still feel as if you are too small, or have you adjusted to your new size? Do you mind if I ask at what size you started and how much tissue you had removed?
July 26, 2012
I started out 36DD or 38DD depending on the bra. I always wore a minimizer bra which does absolutely nothing for your shape. I just felt more comfortable hiding them. I asked the dr just other day how tissue and she said 400 in one and 300 in the other. Do you know what the average removal amount is? For me they still feel quite small. I am not sure if that is because I am so used to having large droopy B's. Also, my B's are very firm which is something strange for me. With the bandages on I have worn a 36C bra and that feels somewhat comfortable. I am very pleased with them and feel I will get used to them as they heal and lose some of the redness. Thank you for asking.
July 26, 2012
Well I was in a 36FFF/G and I also was very droopy and surprised I was in the that bra size, but my PS only removed 287 gms from one breast and 273 gms from the other which was just 1.1lbs total he said. I was shocked, because it seems like most on here had several lbs per breast removed? Yesterday I felt they were small, right now I'm in a D but there's still swelling I'm sure. I'm actually considered big framed for 5'4", so maybe that's why they look small? I don't know, I find my mind changes daily about them =(
July 26, 2012
I don't know that there is an average amount removed. My PS removed just under 500gm from each breast, with a little more on one side. If insurance is covering the process they usually require a minimum amount, though it seems that each company is different and it is also based on each person's size, BMI, etc. I'm so glad you are adjusting to them. As they do soften and settle you will probably notice a sift in your perception of them as well. I thought mine looked smaller until they started to take shape.
UPDATED FROM tkkd1507
3 days post
Post op day 4, after taking an ambien last night I...
tkkd1507July 12, 2012
Post op day 4, after taking an ambien last night I was hopeful I'd get some much needed rest, started out on a wedge pillow to stay elevated on my bed and realized I was not getting tired or comfortable. I was however, physically exhausted. I came out and got in my recliner and fell asleep for a few hours, still hoping to sleep more. The pain is sometimes not bad and others I can just feel my breasts getting tight and hot and extremely uncomfortable. I'm trying to only take one of my pain pills when it gets really bad, if it's tolerable I go for just the ibuprofen. I still feel very dazed and dizzy when I get up and walk around. I removed the scopolamine patch yesterday and I kept wondering why my pupils were so dilated and read on another persons page it was from the patch. I hated the way it made me feel. I kind of feel zombie like, I just want to be able to get around like I used to...so hard to try to relax! I still feel like my new breasts are too small for me, but I'm hoping that will change over time. I'm so thankful for this site, it has helped me so much.
Replies (5)
July 12, 2012
I will tell you that for me the 1st week was torturous at times..but every day you will see a slight improvement. For me, finding a comfortable spot to relax/sleep in was key. Before my surgery I went out and bought 4 new fluffy pillows..and they helped tremendously. I also got two gel/ice packs..and when I was feeling swollen/tightness/hot, I would put an ice pack on top of each breast at my cleavage area..and it helped a lot. I think its really important to just LAY as much as possible the first week. I know its hard..but it will be worth it.
July 12, 2012
Thank you, it's always nice to hear other people's experience...esp when they know what you are going through! How long did you wear your surgical bra, before you switched to something else? What would you suggest to go to next after the surgical bra?
July 12, 2012
Okay..my experience with the surgical bra was a little different than a lot of other ladies on here. My doc bound me with gauze and then put a surgical bra on me after my surgery, which stayed on for the first 7 days. I was instructed NOT to take it off the entire week! I also had drains in the whole time as well. I couldnt wait to get that torture bra off! So, when the day came to have the bra taken off, I told them to toss it, I wasnt going to wear it again. lol My nurse recommended just your basic "Fruit of the Loom" front closure sports bra. So I bought about 4 of them. They were around 8.99 at Kmart, and they have worked SO good! I am at 6 weeks post op and am still wearing them because they are so comfy.
July 12, 2012
I was wondering if you thought it was worth it? I just went and seen the PS surgeon today for a consult and he made it seem like its not that painful!!! But the stories that I have been reading sound alot different... I was wondering if you had the choice to do it all over again would you??? I am so hesitant and scared I do not know if I am going to do it or not??? You look amazing though.....
July 13, 2012
I'm not going to say it isn't painful, but it's not as bad as I was expecting. If you take the pain meds as prescribed when you need it, it helps a lot. A lot of my breast itself have little feeling, it is the drain sites and stitched areas that are most painful for me. I was more terrified of the surgery itself, which I have no recollection of lol. It depends on your reasons for doing it, mine was mainly for my back pain, headaches and constant shoulder throbbing. On top of all that never fitting into anything and just hating what I saw in the mirror sagging heavy breasts. I do think it's worth it and I would do it again. I hope this helps, if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask. I'd love to help as so many on here were kind enough to help me!
July 12, 2012
That Scope patch was a bear for me! It cause my vision to go crazy and I too felt "off"
I would encourage you to take the pain pills round the clock as scheduled. Don't try to be a tough guy and prove you can go without them. Your body will heal better if you aren't uncomfortable and in pain. Also with the pills on board you will probably sleep better. You don't necessarily have to just sleep at night. I sometimes slept better during the day, when I knew there were other people around who were keeping an eye on me and I could holler out to if I needed to. It is ok if you aren't sleeping all night right now, 2AM is the perfect time for creeping on RealSelf!!
Good luck! I promise it will get better!
July 12, 2012
I noticed my left arm where I had my IV is sore especially to the touch and slightly above where my IV was it also feels lumpy. Did anyone else experience this, should I be worried? I hate that I went to nursing school, because I am always worrying about the worst. Main thing that scares me is a blood clot! I want to try and relax, but this being my first surgery has made me a worry wart!
UPDATED FROM tkkd1507
2 days post
Day 2 post op, was a little more sore today and...
tkkd1507July 11, 2012
Day 2 post op, was a little more sore today and still no sleep. Decided to get out of the house, but found it was more tiring then I would have thought. I'm going to take it easy the rest of the night, I added a few additional photos.
Replies (5)
July 11, 2012
Did anyone else get itchy all over from the anesthesia? I am and I read it was pretty common, Unfortunately benadryl isn't helping much with it :(
July 11, 2012
Congratulations on making it to the other side! You look great. Not too small at all and keep in mind they will change a bit once they relax & settle in a bit. I felt the same way at first, I think its just our warped sense of whats normal as far as boobs go. lol
Get lots of rest, other than Benedryl I have no advice for the itching, sorry. hopefully it will calm down soon.
Get lots of rest, other than Benedryl I have no advice for the itching, sorry. hopefully it will calm down soon.
July 11, 2012
I think they look great better than before. I bet you're more comfortable too right?
July 11, 2012
Hi tkkd! You have just MADE my day!!! You new girls are absolutely PERFECT; perfect size, perfect shape and perfect for your frame!! I, too, am a G (36G) and I THINK am a similar shape, just a much older, more deflated version of your shape (so don't be insulted if you look at my photos! You had much nicer everything to begin with!) But I would KILL to end up with your EXACT after-boobs! Honest-to-God, they are PERFECTION! Can't wait to see how they evolve over the next several weeks! You have NOTHING to worry about; they are DIVINE!!
Sorry I can't be of any help. My nipples were left attached and I didn't have any sloughing off like your PS has mentioned. If you don't get much answer here, try posting a question in the forum section.