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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

Any Tips, Advice Greatly Appreciated!

ORIGINAL POST

I am a 44 G. I have a chronic pain from...

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morgan2417
WORTH IT$7,023
I am a 44 G. I have a chronic pain from degenerative arthritis in my spine. I have had back surgery to remove disc that disintegrated. I also am Bipolar Type 2. I am concerned about how the surgery may affect my mental health along with all the usual concerns about recovery. I am healthy now but have had 11 surgeries in the past. But for some reason, this surgery is scaring me. Any advice would be so appreciated. But please, no horror stories or negative experiences besides telling me things I should be prepared for, with advice on how to.

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Thomas Edward Vaughan

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Replies (16)

December 29, 2016

Thank you for joining us.  The thought of any surgery is stressful and you are not alone in these thoughts.  The guilt with my surgery came from it being an elective surgery.  I can tell you that my breast reduction was one of the best surgeries I have ever done for myself.  My recovery was more soreness than actual pain.  I honestly did not have any serious issues with recovery, very uneventful.  

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December 29, 2016
Thank you for the reassurance. I am getting so much helpful advice from other women. This is a wonderful site!
December 30, 2016

You're welcome:)

December 30, 2016
Yes, it sure is a great site! Very helpful and supportive!
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December 30, 2016
It is. I'm learning a lot.
January 1, 2017

:)

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December 29, 2016
You'll do great. Unlike (I'm assuming) your past surgeries this one is FOR YOU and makes an immediate positive impact on you physically and emotionally. You can do it....it is worth it!
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December 29, 2016
Thanks. This site has been so comforting.
December 30, 2016
I can't speak to you about medical advice regarding your current conditions-but I am glad to offer support! This is a great community filled with really supportive people. Much luck in your journey- both my sisters have had breast reductions and they are super happy. Keep us updated and know u aren't alone!!
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January 4, 2017
Will do! Thanks!
December 30, 2016
I hear you about being nervous about the surgery! Mine is coning up January 11/17! I too, have had many surgeries in the past, and I also have chronic back pain! We will do fine, I'm sure!
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January 4, 2017
I would rather have temporary pain then fight with the chronic pain I am in now. I'm sure you must feel the same way.
January 4, 2017
Just had mine Dec 22nd, I have severe back issues and bone spurs from neck to spine. BR is a breeze compared to back surgery. I opted for BR over back surgery.
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January 4, 2017
Thanks, that's reassuring! I also have to have facet joint injections in my spine 2-3 times a year. Those I have to take Xanax for just to get through it. I actually just got a tattoo and it was nothing, just annoying. I'm hoping it will be an easy recovery so I don't have to miss much work.
UPDATED FROM morgan2417
25 days pre

Hello, So here I go. Here are some photos of me in...

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morgan2417

Hello, So here I go. Here are some photos of me in the before phase. I have degenerative arthritis in my spine and have had 2 back surgeries, one was debriding surgery for MRSA because of that surgery. The MRSA ate away at some tissue and caused a lot of nerve damage. I can be walking along and my legs will go out from under me. I have wanted this procedure for over 30 years now. I am scared as hell but I am doing it. Anyone that has any positive advice or stories is very welcome to follow along with me. PLEASE no negative photos or stories. I am scared enough. My surgery is on Jan. 24. He is taking 900 out of one and 1,000 out of the other. I'm hoping for a C cup but he has said he wants me to be proportionate and may have to go with a D cup. I was 332 lbs, but have lost 100 lbs so far. I'm hoping after the surgery I will be able to be more active and lose the rest.

Replies (9)

December 29, 2016
You will be absalutely fine!! once you have had your surgery you will wonder what you fussed for. I had no pain apart from when i first woke up, it just felt a little stingy for a couple of hours. I only took pain killers on the day of the surgery even though i didnt really need them. After that i didnt take any. The only thing i would like to make you aware of is the shock you will go through until you adjust and get used to your new size. I know you dont want any negatives, but no one mentioned it to me so it came as a bigger shock to me. I had over 900g taken from each breast (its a lot!) so for the first week i was panicking it was too much. My nurse said its a normal reaction that most people go through. after a week i got used to them. I absalutley adore my breasts, but i do wish they where a bit smaller still. I have full nipple sensation since the moment i woke up from surgery. i didnt even experience the severe itchyness that some talk about. All in all i would deffo do it again.

Well done on the weight loss!!
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December 30, 2016
Thanks. If it wouldn't be disproportionate to do so, I would go down to an A cup. I have gone through so many years in pain because of them that losing it all wouldn't bother me. But I can definitely understand your concern. I'm glad it went so well for you! Fingers crossed for me.
December 30, 2016
Fingers crossed for you and me both! Take care and try not to stress too much! It's normal though to be nervous! You are not alone there, but I know we will both do great!
December 31, 2016
Isn't thst funny !! At first it's like oh no! They're all gone!
And then it's like " can you make them smaller please ?"
Cuz once they are smaller you fall in love with them! Very first time I have ever liked my breasts in fifty years
December 31, 2016
Nothing negative to say!
Honestly it is the best thing I have ever done. No downside only good things!
This is one surgery were you come out feeling prettier happier and glad !
Yes there is the healing process - no dodging that but for me it wad a total of maybe ten days at most. Everybody's healing is different of course... My advice is to baby yourself so that your breasts can settle in.
I would do it again I'm a heartbeat
Good luck!
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December 31, 2016
Thanks. I am definitely excited too. I can't wait for it to be all over with though. I think Tom Petty was right when he said the waiting is the hardest part! Lol!
February 4, 2017
Took me 39 years. I to had to settal for a D. Dr said it best. I went from the largest fat lady size to the largest regular size. I wanted a B or even A. The D is still a good shape.
For several months I had to ware a silky slip under my bra and as a nightgown. Now I don't even bother with a bra. At most I ware a cotton T shirt now. Never thought I could go without a bra! And sure don't miss the bleeding shoulders or the skin infection OR wearing a sock under my bra. Don't miss guys touching me and saying "they're real!" After 10 years still thrilled I had it done! Was 60 now 70. NEVER sorry even one day I did it!
February 4, 2017
Congratulations
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February 6, 2017
I used to have to do the cloth under the bra band thing when I exercised. So happy I won't have to do that ever again! I am down to a large C, small D. Still swollen and I measure a D cup right now. But I am very tall, large frame so it looks good on me. Plus, I lost 100 lbs before the surgery and am going to be able to exercise a lot easier now. I am going to try to get to a C cup that way. I too am excited to not have to see men being gross and staring at my breasts instead of looking me in the eyes.
UPDATED FROM morgan2417
23 days pre

Bought some supplies

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morgan2417
I picked up some gauze pads and things I'll need today and for some reason it made me realize this was really going to happen. It somehow made it more real. I guess I have waited for so long that I can't believe it is going to actually happen. I picked up some tylenol extra strength, 4x4 gauze pads, 5x9 gauze pads. (Although they said ABD pads so maybe they were not the right thing.) Bacitracin, Vit. B 12 & C, Wooden tongue depressors to apply ointment. I still need, Iodine, extra surgical bra, extra binder, and a partridge in a pear tree.... Seriously though, can anyone think of anything else they wished they had picked up before their surgery? I have straws already. that's been mentioned a lot.

Replies (10)

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December 31, 2016
I live alone so I'm also going to make & freeze individual meals. Something I learned was helpful to do after my 3rd surgery.
January 1, 2017
When is your surgery? Mine is January 11! All the best to you!
January 1, 2017
Make sure your gauze pads are non stick. Try and keep to a low salt diet, it help keep swelling down. I did ice packs which helped with pain and swelling. (Just not directly on skin). Check with your doctor, some say not to, some say go ahead. Extra pillows to prop your arms up. I had a new set of white towels just for me and washed them separately from other clothes with a little bleach. I also used sensitive skin body wash instead of bar soap to avoid bacteria. Hibiclens wash before surgery and afterwards until incisions closed. Zip or button up tops for until you can lift your arms over your head.
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January 1, 2017
Non stick pads are a great idea! And I didn't know about the salt issue either. I have a list of q's for my dr. He told me to make a list of any concerns I may think of before my pre op appointment. I will ask him about ice. I use Hibiclens before and after all surgeries because I have MRSA dormant in me due to a back surgery. Great stuff!! Lots a great advice here. Thank you so much!!! I will add this to my notebook!
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January 1, 2017
Also already have Mederma, and will be buying Hibiclens and Iodine. Which kind is best? I'm thinking of buying the iodine swabs.
January 1, 2017
Going to start picking up some supplies the next few weeks too. Eeeek!! Do you have someone staying with you for the first few days?
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January 1, 2017
I'm staying overnight in hospital, then I have a friend next door and a neighbor across the hall that are going to take care of me. But I've had eleven surgeries the last nine years. All of them I've taken care of myself. I'm a pro.
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January 1, 2017
Mine is the 24th. I wish you the best as well.