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Thrilled with Breast Reduction!

UPDATED FROM Cree11
6 days post

Questions about a few things...

Cree11
WORTH IT
I have a couple of questions that hv been on my mind and wasn't sure to ask but hope u can help
1. A lot of u share how u got reduction with lipo..what does that mean and why?
I didn't get lipo just the reduction..should I have also gotten the lipo?! What does it do?

I'm a little nervous cuz so many of u said u had it done should I worry? Based on my after pic should I hv gotten it done too?

2. When u shower how are you "washing" your breasts? I'm so scared to really touch them with pressure! Are u using a washcloth or just with ur hands? I'm 6 days post op and I still have some of that orangey lookin iodine they use during surgery still on my breast! I'm kinda embarrassed saying that! Don't want u to think I'm not really bathing!

3. How much "compression" should the bra give u?
Sometimes it feels like mine is too tight especially from wearing it all day. I can breathe freely and move around but it just feels kinda tight sometimes.

4. Is it bad to constantly look at urself?! I look at my new body all the time! Mirrors, reflection from TVs, windows, any appliance... Lol some of u hv shared ur feeling quite vain as well and I think we've ALL earned it, but I don't wanna be that annoying person who is always looking down at herself and checking herself out. My 17yr old nieces tease me all the time saying "they've created a conceited monster!" And I tease them by asking if I could borrow their clothes lol...obviously I'm 40 and not about to dress like a 17yr old...or will I ??!?! That's where it must stop! But I hope u all find urselves gliding ur hands over ur clothing and checking out ur chest and waistline in mirrors too!

Hope u can answer/clarify questions! Especially first one and second one!! Thanks (:

Cree11's provider

Jonathan R. Fugo, DO

Jonathan R. Fugo, DO

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Cree11 rating for Dr. Fugo:

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Replies (5)

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August 18, 2014
Lipo is used on the sides when there is an issue with fatty bulges under the arms, known as side boobs. i would wash the breasts gently with your hands using medicated or baby shower gel or soap. nothing to be overly anxious about, everything is secure. i patted them dry with kitchen paper, more hygienic than a towel and lets you see if there is any seepage. the bra should give support but i don't understand the concept of compression. if the bra tightens with swelling you can use bromelain to ease this. and what possible harm can come from enjoying your new boobs and looking at them!!!! nothing could be more natural
August 18, 2014
Thank u so much peediewife! The lipo thing was really throwing me off and that def clarified it. And I sooo like ur idea of using paper towel to dry. I can see if things r oozing and def more sanitary than towel. I was using clean gauze pad but I was wasting them! And I think I'll start using regular sports bra too. The compression one is not so comfy after a while. And ur right!! Why not love our new bodies! Thank u! (:
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August 18, 2014
Enjoy mammoplectstacy, my review shows the whole process to 6 months post op :)
August 18, 2014
Hahaha thanks peediewife I've read ur reviews and love the term mammoplectstacy!
August 18, 2014
1. I didn't have lipo, but my PS did say he does it on a case by case basis. I trust my PS's decision in not doing lipo on me. 2. I'm 12 days post-op, and I started two days ago with lathering my hands with soap and gently wiping my breasts. Before that, I'd wash every where else on my body and kinda let the soap run over my breasts. 3. Up until yesterday, I was exclusively wearing my surgical bras. I am now alternating them with a less constrictive, front-closure bra that still provides support but isn't as binding. I've found that my sides near my back have felt a bit bruised,and this new bra makes me feel a bit more comfortable. 4. As you can tell from my comment, I've been checking myself out, too. I think we've earned it after years for hiding or feeling ashamed of our bodies!
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August 18, 2014
I COMPLETELY AGREE! We have earned the right to check ourselves out and be proud of what we see! :)
August 18, 2014
THANKS [RS bleep] McGee! My PS never mentioned lipo during consult or anything but ur right I can see if he thought it was an issue he would've brought it up as an option. And like u I trust my PS 100%. And now I don't feel so bad about the showering question so thanks! I rather use my hands and let excess water run over my chest. Def gonna start alternating btn sports bra so many of u suggested so I'm gonna do it. And u were def my inspiration for the vanity question! Lol! Just wanted to b sure we were all at the same level of vanity! (:
August 18, 2014
Yes' thank u mj1964! It's our shining moment (:
August 18, 2014
I am 3 weeks post op today, and here are my answers. I hope they help. 1. I had lipo done. My PS says it isn't part of a reduction, but he says he does it for better contouring. It just depends on the doc. 2. I use a loofa when I shower, and try not to get my boobs wet, but that virtually impossible. I do the best I can, and blowdry myself when I'm out of the shower. Not sure if you have someone to help you, but I had my hubby scrub the iodine off. 3. I wear a compression bra during the day, and switch it when I start to feel uncomfortable. At night I wear a soft pullover bra, because it's comfortable. 4. I stare at myself in the mirror all the time now. I hated looking in the mirror before, didn't feel normal. I constantly look at other peoples boobs too (I know, it's bad). I was telling someone that today haha. I can't help myself. Now I'm starting to look at the clothes people wear, because I don't like the way my clothes fit. I've worn loose fitting clothes for so long, it's hard not wanting to wearing to change my wardrobe.
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August 18, 2014
During my first two weeks I was paranoid by the fear of having an infection. I would take of the bra and stare at my boobs 10 times during the day looking for signs of problems (even at night). My surgeon took of the Micropore tape off very early into recovery (1,5 week) and replaced it with a silicone tape that does not breathe and reserved for much later (around 3 weeks). So, I got very anxious, as the possibility of oozing and infection increased. But, thank G..d - nothing happened.
August 18, 2014
YEES! Curlyqueen! I say a prayer everytime I remove the bra and gauze! I'm so paranoid of seeing lots of blood or a ripped stitch or infection of some kind. That's why I think I keep them tightly compressed lol so nothing moves! But like u, thankfully it's been good at 6 days post op. Thank u!!
August 18, 2014
Thank u hallyluhopper! Gotta tell u I got weak at the knees at the mention of ur hubby "scrubbing" off ur iodine! I'm so nervous to put any pressure on my breasts and my husband is a chicken when it comes to things like that..he'd be way to nervous. Thanks for clarifying the lipo ques. I think my PS would've mentioned it if he considered it necessary for my outcome. I do trust him. I just wasn't sure if it was something that was standard. I also started using the blow dryer to dry my breasts and incisions! So thanks..and def gonna wear sports bra type thing at night cuz after wearing compression so long I need a break from it..and most of all yes u r so right for so long I avoided mirrors or if I looked in them it became a "bashing" myself session! So it finally feels right to take the time to look at myself in clothes in a new way (: glad I'm not alone in that !
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March 15, 2015
Curlyqueen I am post op day 2 and I am afraid of infection too. Nothing yet but I just am fearful.
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August 18, 2014
1. I didn't have lipo. PS said I didn't need it. Not everyone needs it. 2. I was told to shower and soap them after the second day (Surgery was Thursday. Home care nurse came Saturday morning. She called me first and told me to take the bandages off, take a nice long shower and she would be at my house in 1 hour). She said I could and should use soap. I used a washcloth and scrubbed off the yellow iodine. 3. My doctor doesn't want compression bras worn. I went home with light gauze on my incision and then switched to a bralette or loose fitting sports bra. 4. Look away.....we deserve it! :)
August 18, 2014
Thank u mj1964. I trust my PS to tell me if lipo was needed. Good to know. And I was also cleared to shower after 2 days which I did and I have been showering daily and he told me to use soap n water I am just nervous about the "scrubbing" part w a washcloth lol gotta just do it I guess. ESPECIALLY SINCE MY 1st POST OP APPT IS TOMORROW N I DONT WANT TO HV THAT IODINE ON ME FROM LAST WEEK!!! Better just scrub it off and I'm def gonna put a sports bra on..he did say to change into one so I will and I will also continue to stare (:
August 18, 2014
Cree11 - I am cracking up about washing them...Why? You are worried about Iodine and I am fairly confident that there is still marker hidden in some places from before surgery. They feel foreign to me and obviously washing with soap is going to make them fall off....
August 18, 2014
Lmao!!! Frankenboob (amcvay80) u r gonna make me pop a stitch..lol...marker still hidden somewhere since before surgery ...hahaha...u r HILARIOUS! It's so good to know there's a more neurotic person out there than me and on top of that u hv a slightly dark sense of humor! Lol gotta love it! Well since my 1st post op is tomorrow I REFUSE to walk in there as he looks at my iodine-tainted nipples from a week ago! I'll frikkin die! And u went to ur PS looking the way u did!? Just so you know they probably talked about u and ur markered-up boobs after u left...
August 18, 2014
I do not care if they talk about me! My boobs do not look like yours right now. And when I got home I noticed that the nurse put my bra on inside out....and now I am talking about her! I am going to catch up and post pics of my boobs :)
August 19, 2014
Just so you know....I took off my bra to change my dressings. ..and purple marker on my bra. I have photographic proof
August 19, 2014
Lol! I'm SOOO looking forward to ur profile story cuz I know it'll 1) make me laugh 2) reassure me that someone else is more neurotic 3) reveal pics that prove your bruising is NOT as bad as u believe!!! Side note..ur poor nurse! Lol
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August 19, 2014
LOL - y'all are cracking me up!
August 19, 2014
Southern swinger I'm telling u it's frankenboobs...shes too funny.
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August 19, 2014
:)
UPDATED FROM Cree11
4 days post

Hope I Didn't overdo it!

Cree11
Well ladies I'm 4 days post op and hope I didn't overdo it! Today I was officially off all pain meds too. Since I've been inside home for 3 days i decided to venture out and go bra shopping. My hubby drove to kohls and I bought some great great bras...thanks to amcvoy80 who recommended them and she's right...very comfortable. So I walked around kohls and did everything in my power NOT to look at clothes cuz god only knows how long I've waited to just grab a cute top or dress and not have to think about the "girls"...but I avoided the clothes (for now) and just tried on a few bras. The Bali comfort revolution, one is a 2 pk seamless crop top bra and I got 2 comfort revolution flexible bra. Well after walking around kohls hubby and I went to TGIF (shame on me) but I was craving their spinach artichoke dip and chips and I got some grilled chicken skewers..yummy...anyway that's when I realized I wasn't ready to go out in public...NOT because I felt woozy...but because I could not stop STARING at other women's chest!! Every woman that passed by I would stare and wonder "once my swelling is down...will I be her size?...I wonder what size she is?....do mine look like hers?...she's about my weight, are my boobs like hers?...that's a cute top, could I wear it?...she's kinda chesty, I hope mine don't look like that.." And the staring and the thoughts went on and on until my hubby dragged me back home! So I'm tired now! Lying propped up and feeling kinda pooped! Hope I didn't overdo it. Tomorrow's my birthday! Whoop whoop! And I finally FINALLY got to cross off my list the ONE thing I've wanted for my birthday!......little (•) (•)...those are supposed to be boobies! Well happy healing ladies! I'll continue to read and learn from ur posts! (:

Replies (5)

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August 16, 2014
Happy early birthday , please enjoy. I have not been out of the house yet. I have 4 drains and 3 wound vacs that I refuse to tug around with me so I'll just wait. My PO is Monday .
August 17, 2014
I do NOT blame u for not wanting to lug around all those containers and contraptions! Hope ur Ps can remove them at ur visit! And next time u go out you will feel light and free! (:
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August 17, 2014
Me too
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August 16, 2014
I'm glad you are well enough to enjoy some time out but try not to over do it. Get some rest for your big day tomorrow! Any big plans?
August 17, 2014
Rebornat45..def gonna take it easy tomorrow. I may hv pushed myself cuz I "felt" good today but I know the body needs healing! So my big plan is resting tomorrow (:
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August 17, 2014
Happy Birthday to you and your new boobies!
August 17, 2014
Yay! Thank u ((:
August 17, 2014
Looking great!!!
August 17, 2014
Thank you (: and good luck with your journey!
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August 17, 2014
so happy for you, getting off pain meds and getting out for a change of scene are both really good bits of a normal recovery
August 17, 2014
Thanks peediewife! I'm seriously surprised at how good I feel. Only set back so far is no BM in almost 3 days ): hate bloated feeling...but otherwise feeling quite well (:
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August 17, 2014
I surprisingly have at least 3 BM a day and I don't use stool softeners. Have u tried stool softeners
August 17, 2014
Buttafly2012 ur so so lucky. I wish I could b that regular. I finally had one BM this morning. I've tried stool softener and prune juice.
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August 17, 2014
I think I'm not having problems because I don't take the pain medicine which most times bind you up. Plus I eat 1 or 2 activia yogurts a day and you know they help keep you regular. Good luck with the stool softener and prune juice
August 17, 2014
That's def it..trying to stay away from those meds...I finally stopped them yesterday which prob explains why I finally had a BM today. I'm gonna get some Activia today too (: thanks!
UPDATED FROM Cree11
3 days post

More Pics...third day post op

Cree11
Took my second shower today. Still feel queasy "washing" my breasts..keep imaging they're gonna fall open or something...sorry for that visual. But so far they r fine! I put A&D ointment 3 times day as suggested by my PS. The marena surgical bra finally fits. I couldn't wear it yesterday cuz I think I was too swollen. I'm less swollen now and it feels good putting on the compression bra. I freaked out a bit when I asked my sister to take pictures of what it looked like under my breasts. As you can see there is some bruising and the stitches look creepy. So far this morning I only took one percocet for pain and 3 ibuprofen for swelling. My pain has been very minimal. Overall feeling well. (:

Replies (3)

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August 15, 2014
remember internal stiches hold everything tofether, you look great and everything with smooth out as you heal
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August 15, 2014
For 3 days post off you look like you are healing like a champ. I would be scared too about washing the breasts but I am glad to hear they are right where they are supposed to be. I was also thinking about getting a Marena bra, but I have no idea on what size to get as I do not know what size I will be. My surgeon said they would not be giving one and he things the bandages would suffice. I so desperately want to buy something for my recovery.
August 15, 2014
Rebornat45, I'm still grossed out to wash my breasts and do it very lightly by hand with soap and water. Hopefully as the days pass I become more comfortable! I do feel good! But I'm also following everything my PS told me. He gave me clear instructions and I follow them exact. As for the marena bra, I totally took a chance when buying it. I bought 2 from amazon. I had no idea what size I would be and I just kept reading peoples reviews about the bra. Most people suggested buy a size larger than what you would buy. I bought a medium. My regular band size before was 32F. The medium fit tight at first. But I was also swollen. It fits me much better now. I could probably have used a large as well. It's hard to tell. My PS told me I didn't necessarily need a surgical compression bra. He said any type of "jog-bra" that offered light compression would be fine. I had my surgery in a hospital and they had a surgical bra on me when I left. It's the one I wore home. I'm sure any type of sports bra is good. I also bought Hanes Comfy Bra. It offers nice support. Your best bet is to keep researching/google post surgical bras and also ask your PS. I trusted my surgeon and tried to follow what he suggested! Recovery so far has been good, altho constipation is still problematic! Keep me posted! (:
August 15, 2014
I purchased the Marena B2 bra in a large, and it fits well. I was a 36J, and my surgeon said he got me down to a full C. Hope that helps!
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August 15, 2014
Yes that does help and I just love your handle
August 15, 2014
Thanks!
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August 16, 2014
You look great! I can't believe it's only been a few days for you. Congrats!!
August 16, 2014
Thanks southern swingers! I'm glad ur prepping and getting ready! September is right around the corner! And ur right...we aren't really "strangers" we all came on this site for a reason and it's awesome we can be happy for each other and cheer each other on! Keep posting(: