Age old story of a girl who gained too much weight, a lot of it in my chest, lost it and had big saggy breast’s. I decided to finally get the breast reduction I’d wanted since I reached a 12D at the age of 13 and kept on growing. The largest I got to was a 24EE and when I lost the weight I settled at 14E.
So I’m just at the start of my journey, 4 days post-op and counting, but I’ll keep everyone updated! So far Dr Layt’s been fantastic at being realistic about the procedure and outcomes and very calming as I was heading into surgery. The pain has been minimal, I’m just waiting to get my bandages off to see the scarring and what we’re working with.
So far I’m down to a 16C, because of the need for a loose band with the swelling, which means I’m likely to settle at a 14C - amazing! I’ve weaned off the pain medication, though I wish someone had told me to spread them out so I still had some to sleep on - trying to get to sleep when you’re healing, itchy and there’s a dull ache in your chest isn’t the best. Also if you’re anything like me, don’t let the painkillers convince you that you can do things! You’re not to lift ANYTHING over 2.5kgs for 4-6 weeks, don’t put your arms above your head for a similar amount of time and for all that’s good in the world don’t carry groceries or laundry baskets!
That said, I have no regrets so far, less pain than I thought I’d have and am excited to see how they progress.
Updated on 3 Jul 2019:
So a week later and I’ve had my bandages removed and my water proof tape has been applied, can’t wait to have a shower! My nipples have never been so small and I’m excited to see how they settle.
My week follow up appointment entailed getting the bandages/tape removed (thank god because my skin was starting to react to the adhesive), sutures snipped and sounds cleaned. Then I did a session under the lighting machine to promote healing and the water proof tape was applied. One thing I would recommend is making sure you save some painkillers for this visit, as they helped dull the few pain points of this visit.
Updated on 8 Jul 2019:
Today I got all of the tapes off and saw my scars for the first time. They Dr said they’ve healed really quickly, so they’ve switched me to the Siltape a few days earlier - here’s to reduced scarring! Hot tip, siltape needs to be taken off if you slightly sweat in and or get wet for any reason. However it loves to get stuck to your finders when taking it off, so pinch the non-stick side together and lay it down gently. I’ll check back in at 1 month, but so far no regrets! Already back to driving, cooking and wearing non-button ups...love my new chest.
Updated on 23 Jul 2019:
Well we’ve reached the one month mark and I’m back to work, most activities and driving. While I don’t do anything that engages my chest wall (no weights or push ups etc) and I still sleep on my back the healing is going well. I’m committed to wearing the post-surgical bras for 3 months and every night I wash my scars with anti-bacterial soap, before replacing the Siltape and moisture from my breasts.
Keeping the tissue moist and supported is a key component to optimal recovery and my scarring is minimal. I’ve thrown two stitches, you can feel them poking out like fishing line when you run your hand over them. I have an appointment next week to have them removed by the surgical nurse, it’s super common and they don’t hurt.
Every now and then I get twinges that feel similar to light period pain in my chest, other than that I can lift my arms over my head now and have no issues with range of motion. One thing I need to remember to be careful with is bouncing when I sit on the bed, always brings a twinge under my breast - never forget it takes 6-8 weeks for internal stitching to heal.
There’s still a little swelling, but they say it takes 6 months for that to go and for the breasts to settle in their final shape. Still 110% happy with the choice I made and I’ll post an update at 3 months.
Let me know if you have any questions I can answer and I’ll get back to you x
Updated on 25 Sep 2019:
I’ve reached the 3 month mark and it feels like an age ago that I had 14E breasts! My appointment with Dr Layt was quick and easy, he recommended that I use my siltape for a little longer to ensure my scars heal even faster. While I don’t love having to take the tape off every night, what’s a few months in a lifetime?
I’m completely back to normal activity and am trying to shed the 4kg I gained after surgery...too much sugar and no exercise. A few things to note:
• I still can’t lay on my stomach for long periods, I got an hour long massage and it was uncomfortable
• I get twinges around the side of the scarring, it’s internal stitches healing and isn’t bad, just unexpected
• I still won’t do any activity that requires jumping or running, but that’s preference as it takes 6mths for internal stitching to heal
• I moisturise every night with Bio Oil over the siltape, with Lush Rose Argon body condition to minimise the redness
• WEAR THE BRA, just do it, it helps don’t be silly and think you get go braless
• I still sleep on my back, it’s more comfortable and I don’t worry about squishing them
Long story short, take care of yourself. It’s such a small amount of time in the grand scheme of things and your healing needs to be prioritised.
Updated on 25 Sep 2019:
Also as a comment on my surgeon, I could not recommend Dr Layt highly enough! Besides the fact that’s he’s a great surgeon, he’s also clear and calm. He explained the outcomes, doesn’t waste your time, but makes you feel valued. While I can only speak from my own experience as someone who didn’t need their hand held through this process and did a lot of research prior to seeing a surgeon, I’m so thankful I chose him!
Updated on 26 Sep 2019:
Also as a comment on my surgeon, I could not recommend Dr Layt highly enough! Besides the fact that’s he’s a great surgeon, he’s also clear and calm. He explained the outcomes, doesn’t waste your time, but makes you feel valued. While I can only speak from my own experience as someone who didn’t need their hand held through this process and did a lot of research prior to seeing a surgeon, I’m so thankful I chose him!
Updated on 21 Nov 2020:
It’s just over one year since my surgery and I can barely notice the scaring. While there’s been a bit of drop since they were freshly done my surgeon did warn me that would happen as the initial swelling boosts the perk. I’ve got a small keloid scar under my right breast from where I pulled a stitch trying to do laundry, but other than that the scarring is negligible. I would 100% do this again with my wonderful surgeon and wish I’d done it sooner.