POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
There and Back Again, A Titty's Tale (Lump Removal then Back Again for Reduction) - Irvine, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Hello! So I stumbled upon this forum while on my...
bustybalrogJanuary 20, 2013
WORTH IT
Hello! So I stumbled upon this forum while on my adventure to breast reduction. I'm 23 and for a long time I've really hated how large my breasts are. My measurements are currently 40-28-35, 5'7.5 and 150 pounds. I've suffered from random headaches, back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain. Heck, sometimes I get so tired carrying these things around that I just rest them on the table when I'm sitting down. I started considering a breast reduction when my step-mother brought it up, she said, "You complain about their size so much, why not just DO something about it?" I had actually never thought it was something I could change or that was even necessary to change. I hunch over, wear baggy shirts most of the time, feel fat or like some sex toy because for some reason having big breasts means men can say and do whatever they want, right? So I've decided to just take the plunge. My goal is to try and loose as much weight as I can before the surgery and to get these puppies down to an E cup or maybe even a small D. I'm a little afraid of loosing the ability to breast feed and horrible scaring, but seeing how many of you on here are such successes and how happy you are I can't imagine regretting a thing!
Also, partly what spurned this on is I am getting five VERY large lumps removed from both breasts (three on one side two on the other), which will unbalance and change the size of my breasts, so I would have had to go in for some reconstruction anyway. My surgery for lump removal is scheduled for the 7th of Feb and the surgery goal for reduction is the 25th of march!
UPDATED FROM bustybalrog
5 months post
Recovery Post
bustybalrogAugust 9, 2013
So, as soon as I woke up I felt very happy with what was done. I was, however, in an incredible amount of pain and found out that my body is strangely resistant to morphine. The first two days were a blur, I remember it hurt and I remember the drains. The third day was mostly pain medication and sleeping. I did not look at my breast for the first week and I highly recommend this to others who want to get the procedure done. According to my mom, who changed my bandages, it was very graphic the first few days. However, each time she changed them she constantly reassured me as to how wonderful they looked considering what they just went through. By day four I was up and walking a little bit and by day five I was very, very mobile. Each day was better and better than the last and by day 7 I had my stitches out and was ready to see my chest. It was a little shocking, but I was, overall pleased. I am now about 2 weeks post op, I wear gel strips for my scars, and am feeling pretty good. However, my breasts seem to be healing at different rates. One is smaller, perkier and has less bruising. The other is bigger, swollen and has much more bruising than the other. I asked a question about it, I really hope it'll heal soon and that it's not Hematoma. Here are some pictures of my pre op and then two weeks post OP (give or take a day or two). Overall, I am BEYOND happy I got this procedure done!
Replies (4)
August 9, 2013
I saw your pictures and I just wanted to let you know that even though you feel like your breasts are uneven/different just give it time. My left breast was MUCH bigger in person (it was hard to see in the pictures bc of the angle). I am almost 9 weeks post op and my swelling has finally started to go down. They are much closer in size and shape. Just give it some time!
August 10, 2013
thanks :) I guess giving it time is the hardest part, since I feel better I keep expecting everything to look better right away!
August 10, 2013
You look great! I had mine done on Aug 2nd, a week ago. I feel the same way. My right breast is smaller and the left is much more swollen. Based on what I've read, as long as your doc says its not a hematoma, the swelling will go down and even things out. I too am slightly worried, but need to be patient. I would say at least three months before starting to worry...happy healing :)
August 10, 2013
Hey! thanks so much. Yah, I think it might also be because it's my dominate side, so it's not getting as much of a change to heal. It doesn't seem to be hematoma, so I have to be patient. That's really the worst part of healing! The patience! Happy healing to you as well! I remember the first week being the worst. Now, in my second week, I'm much more comfortable, but ready to be active again :)
UPDATED FROM bustybalrog
5 months post
Day 6 and 7 Stitch Removal!
bustybalrogAugust 10, 2013
Recovery day 6 and 7: Stitch Removal
So today was a really good day overall. However, this morning I took a pain pill for the stitch removal, unfortunately yogurt is not enough for Vicodin and I received the lovely side effect of nausea and vomiting. For those taking Vicodin for pain it is imperative that you get adequate carbs and protein BEFORE you take it. I had been so well taken care of by my step-mom that I forgot how important it was to properly eat on my own. I promptly threw up everything, slept through lunch but managed dinner.
ONTO THE DR APPOINTMENT!
Today was the first day I actually saw myself without stitches, bandages and even clothing! I have to say it was a little shocking. Right now they are the size I want, maybe a little smaller, they are still riding very high and stiff on my chest. However, this is to be expected and is common with surgery. They don’t look boxy, just high and immovable. There is bruising all around the incisions, but a great thing is that I’ve retained all sensation in my nipples and breasts! Though that means it hurts a little more I am so pleased, since for some women it can take years to not-at-all for feeling to return. It also means I’ve retained my ability to breast feed if I ever want kids. The stitches are healing incredibly well, and quickly, according to the doctor. The stitch removal was okay, pinching and a pulling feeling but no true pain (all that Vicodin drama for nothing). My surgeon does his stitches in a way that cause minimal pain upon removal. After they were removed I got Gel strips for my scars to wear for the next 6weeks and I’m to keep it moisturized with ointment for the next two days. I was able to properly move around and got permission to shower today! It felt so wonderful! Anyway, sorry for the dry post. I hope it helps the ladies know just how fast this recovery is! No, you still can’t lift more than 10 pounds and have to sleep upright, but after a week there isn’t much pain and you can return to most normal, non strenuous, activity.
Improvements:
-back pain is gone
-clothing fits (I just tried on all of my clothes)
-no more awkward stares! I didn’t get one today!
-I feel balanced
-movement is much easier!
I just tried on a 34D bra today over my surgical bra and it was even a little big on the sides ._. I guess I’m a true blue 32D! After another 2 weeks ill know my real size!
So today was a really good day overall. However, this morning I took a pain pill for the stitch removal, unfortunately yogurt is not enough for Vicodin and I received the lovely side effect of nausea and vomiting. For those taking Vicodin for pain it is imperative that you get adequate carbs and protein BEFORE you take it. I had been so well taken care of by my step-mom that I forgot how important it was to properly eat on my own. I promptly threw up everything, slept through lunch but managed dinner.
ONTO THE DR APPOINTMENT!
Today was the first day I actually saw myself without stitches, bandages and even clothing! I have to say it was a little shocking. Right now they are the size I want, maybe a little smaller, they are still riding very high and stiff on my chest. However, this is to be expected and is common with surgery. They don’t look boxy, just high and immovable. There is bruising all around the incisions, but a great thing is that I’ve retained all sensation in my nipples and breasts! Though that means it hurts a little more I am so pleased, since for some women it can take years to not-at-all for feeling to return. It also means I’ve retained my ability to breast feed if I ever want kids. The stitches are healing incredibly well, and quickly, according to the doctor. The stitch removal was okay, pinching and a pulling feeling but no true pain (all that Vicodin drama for nothing). My surgeon does his stitches in a way that cause minimal pain upon removal. After they were removed I got Gel strips for my scars to wear for the next 6weeks and I’m to keep it moisturized with ointment for the next two days. I was able to properly move around and got permission to shower today! It felt so wonderful! Anyway, sorry for the dry post. I hope it helps the ladies know just how fast this recovery is! No, you still can’t lift more than 10 pounds and have to sleep upright, but after a week there isn’t much pain and you can return to most normal, non strenuous, activity.
Improvements:
-back pain is gone
-clothing fits (I just tried on all of my clothes)
-no more awkward stares! I didn’t get one today!
-I feel balanced
-movement is much easier!
I just tried on a 34D bra today over my surgical bra and it was even a little big on the sides ._. I guess I’m a true blue 32D! After another 2 weeks ill know my real size!
Replies (8)
August 10, 2013
I honestly cant tell the difference betweem them. I got my breast reduction yesterday and still shocked how small they are. Im afraid they may be too small. Youre healing great
August 10, 2013
Thanks! It's a relief to hear from others that they look like they're healing fine :) it is a huge shock! Don't worry and trust your surgeon. I was worried they were too small as well but that goes away pretty fast! They may also "fluff out" once they fall from their current stiffness and get softer :)
August 10, 2013
Awee thanks. I keep telling myself hes the best in the area and know what hes doing. Keep up the good work bevause youre healing great
August 10, 2013
Lookin great! I can't tell the difference. I know you can because they are your own ;) they look so pretty! Perfect like a models! Congrats to you and happy healing
August 11, 2013
Hey, I had a haematoma too and although it is gradually shrinking/dissolving/draining or whatever it does, one breast is still bigger than the other because it hasn't had a chance to soften and drop like the other one has yet. It's getting there though, every few days I notice that it's a bit softer/more relaxed so I'm not too worried about it.
Replies (3)