Wondering what to expect....

[Saja]

I am so excited. I found out yesterday that I will be getting a breast reduction. FINALLY... I have been trying for about 6 years. THe date isnt confirmed yet, but we are trying for Dec 21 ( the doctor is free, we are hoping the OR is too) Anyways....Im wondering if anyone here has had one, and can shed a little light on what to expect. I know its going to hurt, but im wondering if anyone has any ideas what else to expect, or any tips for an easier recovery.

 

[lynnda]

I haven't had one but I would like to someday. Keep us updated! Good luck and congratulations!!

 

[empericalbeauty]

Man..gimme some titties, please! i wouldnt mind going up a cup size. good luck with everything. keep us updated

 

[Thais]

I have never had one but you can expect some degree of post-operative pain, swelling and bruising before you start seeing the final results. Just be patient.

Are you sure you want to do this right before Xmas?

 

[pinksugar]

ooh how exciting for you! keep us updated and let us know how it goes! if you don't mind my asking, what size are you going from, and what size would you like to go down to?

best of luck chicky. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the OR will be free when you'd like him or her to be

 

[Saja]

Originally Posted by Thais /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have never had one but you can expect some degree of post-operative pain, swelling and bruising before you start seeing the final results. Just be patient.

Are you sure you want to do this right before Xmas?

Not the best time, but i have two weeks off school so its really he only good time.I only have to stay one night, and the hospital is only like 10 minutes from my house ( hahah like everything else here ) so i will be home for xmas

 

[Marisol]

What To Expect After Breast Reduction Surgery

• Once the stitches are in place, the incision will be covered in gauze dressing and then wrapped in a bandage or surgical bra to hold them in place. A surgical bra is somewhat like a sports bra with a front opening. It is constructed in such a way that the seams don't hit the incision sites, and it is very adjustable.
  
• There may be some pain in the first day or two after the procedure and some discomfort for about a week. Moving around and coughing may make the pain worse. The doctor will prescribe medication to control pain and discomfort.
  
• Women are advised not to shower for at least the first several days after the operation.
• The bandages and drainage tube are removed a day or two after the operation, but the surgical bra should be worn 24 hours a day for about a month.
  
• Stitches are usually ready to come out one to two weeks after the operation.
• It is normal for the area around the nipple and lower breast to feel different after the surgery. It usually returns to normal in a couple of months, though in some patients can take much longer. If the nipples were moved, the loss of feeling on the nipples will likely be permanent.
  
• A small amount of fluid draining from the wound, and even some crusting around the incision, is normal. However, if there is severe pain or bleeding, contact a doctor.
  
• Breasts will ache and feel tender for a couple of weeks. The first menstruation after the operation may cause pain and swelling in the breasts.
• You can usually get back to light work in 2 to 3 weeks. Your surgeon will discuss this with you. The stress and strain of surgery leaves most people feeling fatigued for several weeks.
  
• Exercising should be limited to stretching, bending and swimming for the first few weeks until stamina returns. A good athletic bra is recommended for support.
  
• It is best to avoid heavy lifting or pushing for at least a month.
• Surgeons often ask women to refrain from having sexual intercourse for a week or so after the reduction procedure because becoming sexually aroused can cause the wound to swell. Anything but gentle contact with the breasts should be avoided.

How should I prepare for the recovery process?

Plan to spend about two inactive weeks at home engaging in light activities such as reading and watching television. It might be a good idea to gather a supply of your favorite books, magazines, and videos.

In addition, it might be helpful to:

• Stock the house with easy-to-fix meals, like frozen dinners. Get bendable straws and canned drinks instead of heavy 2-liter bottles.
  
• Get soft ice packs or have packages of frozen peas available to apply to sore areas.
  
• Put plates, cups, and other frequently used items in low, easy-to-reach places.
  
• Put pet food in smaller containers to avoid lifting heavy bags at feeding time.
  
• Have slip-on shoes or slippers that don't require bending down, as well as button-front tops that don't need to be pulled over the head.
  
• Get a seamless cotton sports bra that hooks in front.
  
• Have plenty of pillows on hand.

Source

Good luck!

 

[Jennifer]

good luck!

 

[luxotika]

Just wanted to wish you success!

 

[Lia]

I did , I did!!

From my experience:

Pain: i didn't feel pain , only a kinda burning sensation on the 1st day/night after the surgery, when i was in hospital - that was because i was wearing bandages around my chest , not the special bra we have to use.

Bandages change: we have to change dresses once every 2 days until the stitches are removed (which is 15 days after surgery) - it was the only time i could take a full bath (i mean from head to toe - on the other days i could only bath from waist down) - which to me was totally a PITA because i live in a hot and humid place and i got a bunch of small pimples on my chest area

To you is a blessing the fact it'll be in the middle of the winter - you won't suffer with the lack of bathing like i did.

When you remove the stitches, you can shower, bath, freely.

Prohibitions: you have to wear the surgical bra all the time for 3 months (at least it was my recommendation - but it was ok because the support of the bra was awesome - after the surgery i used it to play Pump it up because it wouldn't let my boobs move an inch) - and you can't raise your arms higher than your shoulders. That was the awful part because to shave was a bit complicated (but i managed to - i wouldn't let my arms without shaving for 3months)

I did those massages that help with liquid retention (i hired a gal who did that) - after i got the stitches removed.

If i remember something else, i'll post. It's been 6 years since my surgery, and it was the best thing i ever did...

But then, I see that if i did now i'd remove less breast tissue than i did at the time, but since i got on BC my breasts swollen to a fairly decent size , because sometimes i used to think that my boobs were a tad small - they were great for a 13-year old teenager, but not so much for a 19-year old lady

 

[pixie]

Oh, I did too!!!

Frist of all, congratulations... and you are going to love it!!!!

Second, for me, I did have some pain. However, nothing unbearable or that didn't make it totally worth it.

I was out of work for 2 weeks. When it was time to go back, that was okay. Since you mention you are in school and will be having this done during your break, you may want to invest in a rolling backpack (I can't imagine trying to carry books or a bookbag or even a backpack on my back anytime soon after the surgery).

My parents came down for about 4-5 days after the surgery to help me out, which was great. Before they left, I made sure everything I would need to reach (glasses, bowls, etc.) were on the counter within easy grasp (raising my arms up/above my head was difficult for about a month). I was lucky enough to not need drains, and I also really didn't change bandaging... my surgeon had follow-up visits scheduled, and bandages were changed at those times.

Also, PRIOR to surgery, look for some good athletic bras... the kind that zipped up the front were easiest for me (due to not being able to put my arms up much at first). I would also plan to wear button-up or zipper tops for awhile (again, just easier until it was more comfortable lifting my arms). There was some scarring, but again, nothing that I can't live with or that would make me not do it again. There's a liquid scar treatment, called Scar Guard, that you should be able to get from your doctor's office. This is good, and you can use it after the stitches come out. Mederma is also very good (I wish I'd known about that one right after the surgery). I tried Scar Therapy too, but wasn't very impressed with that one.

After surgery, don't be too shocked if you feel like your breasts are sitting up high - like directly under your chin. lol After a few months, they start "settling" into a more natural position.

While my parents were helping me, I pretty much did nothing. (They were great that way!) BUT, if I had to do it over again, I would try to be a little more active. I don't think I started fully recovering from the surgery until I started moving around more and doing more for myself after they left.

If I think of anything else, I'll certainly post! I would most definitely do this again in a heartbeat and think you're going to be very pleased! Good Luck!

 

[Saja]

Thanks girls!

I know that there are always things that the doctors dont tell you.....like that Ill need a school bag that has wheels.

 

[Saja]

UPDATE!!!

I got a letter today from the hospital and my surgery was scheduled for sure on December 14, a week early! I am OVER THE MOON with excitement!!!!! Its sooo close, I cant wait!!!

 

[Marisol]

Originally Posted by Saja /img/forum/go_quote.gif UPDATE!!!I got a letter today from the hospital and my surgery was scheduled for sure on December 14, a week early! I am OVER THE MOON with excitement!!!!! Its sooo close, I cant wait!!!

Whoo hoo...

 

[sweetnsexy6953]

Im happy for you. How about you send some my way. Lol. I could use a lil more boobage. What size are you now and what size do you wanna be?

 

[puncturedskirt]

Good luck!