Breast reduction and lift

[absolutpink]

Has anyone had a breast reduction, with or without a lift? If so, would you be able to share your experience?

I'm a 30G/32H on a small frame and it's something I've felt like I will have to do eventually, especially as I get closer to 40 I feel like I'm starting to look matronly. I also have constant back, neck and shoulder pain, and bra grooves. I want to be able to pick outfits not based on what fits my chest and covers them up, and experience things like running without discomfort. I'm tired of unwanted stares and comments and I want to be taken more seriously as a professional. My career has skyrocketed since WFH and I'm sure that being seen only from the neck up has helped with my professional credibility.

My issue is that I'm beyond terrified. I have some medical anxieties and phobias, and I'm worried that I won't like the results.

I know many people who have been the augementation route, but not reduction, so any help/advice/stories/personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

 

[WingNut]

No advice but going to be following this thread closely as I am in the same boat as you (only a lot older). I just feel it's time. My biggest fear is that I won't like the resulting shape. I was always VERY happy with mine until they basically grew out of control.

 

[absolutpink]

No advice but going to be following this thread closely as I am in the same boat as you (only a lot older). I just feel it's time. My biggest fear is that I won't like the resulting shape. I was always VERY happy with mine until they basically grew out of control.

 

[MySharona]

Okay Ladies, I just unexpectedly found this thread and although my experience isn’t exactly like yours, I’ll share it with you anyway.

I had a hefty pair on a smaller frame and had no plans to modify anything. However, routine screening revealed cancer. I ended up having a lumpectomy, which took a lot more tissue than I anticipated. After healing and follow-ups showed I was cancer-free, I became very unhappy with being so lopsided.

I met with a surgeon to discuss my options. The options I considered were to get an implant on the small side. However, being older, a drawback of this option would be that left side would be down lower, and right side would be perky. I also didn’t want an implant that would make future screening more of a challenge. If I got a lift on the unaffected side, symmetry would still be a problem, and I was unhappy with that possibility.

I opted for reconstruction with some fat transfer on the right, and reduction with mastopexy (lift) on the left to match up to the right-side size. Side note, my surgeon specializes in cancer reconstruction surgery and typically doesn’t do general plastic surgery.

Recovery: I had a drain on one side which was more of a nuisance than painful. I was encouraged to walk around the next day. Long story short, I was on restricted activity for a month, meaning no strenuous exercise, and no lifting anything over 8 lbs. I will say that I must have a high pain threshold, because I didn’t need or want any of the prescribed painkillers and did well using only Tylenol and ibuprofen. I had to wear a bulky surgical bra for 4 weeks, which was easily hidden by looseer clothing. I would have been fine at a desk job or WFH after 2 weeks but wasn’t officially cleared for 4 weeks. I did have to use a pillow while in the car to keep the seatbelt from causing me discomfort, and actually, the hospital provided a pillow for my trip home after surgery.

6 months later – scars had really faded, but they are visible, and don’t bother me at all. I was unhappy with some asymmetry that resulted, so my surgeon did a revision affecting both sides about 6 weeks ago. The revision was relatively easy, and I was awake and numbed for it. I only needed Tylenol the next day and after that it was routine healing.

Since the cancer was the main thing that determined my final size, I went from a 36DD to a 34B. I am very happy with my final shape. I am also thrilled that I no longer need underwires and can wear cute little bralettes or no bra at all. I admit there was a psychological adjustment to get accustomed to seeing a different me in the mirror. One of my girlfriends summed it up; she said I no longer look like a stuffed chicken.

Anyway, not sure if this provides useful info for you – I hope it does! I’m happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

 

[MillStream]

MySharona, this is so generous of you to share your experience. Two of my sisters have had cosmetic breast reduction surgery, and both have found it to be life-altering in the best possible ways. It's something I've considered, but never discussed with a surgeon. This thread has me thinking about it again . . .

 

[880]

@MySharona , thank you for your very informative post. I am so glad that you are in good health post lumpectomy and of course also happy with the outcomes.

 

[WingNut]

Okay Ladies, I just unexpectedly found this thread and although my experience isn’t exactly like yours, I’ll share it with you anyway.

I had a hefty pair on a smaller frame and had no plans to modify anything. However, routine screening revealed cancer. I ended up having a lumpectomy, which took a lot more tissue than I anticipated. After healing and follow-ups showed I was cancer-free, I became very unhappy with being so lopsided.

I met with a surgeon to discuss my options. The options I considered were to get an implant on the small side. However, being older, a drawback of this option would be that left side would be down lower, and right side would be perky. I also didn’t want an implant that would make future screening more of a challenge. If I got a lift on the unaffected side, symmetry would still be a problem, and I was unhappy with that possibility.

I opted for reconstruction with some fat transfer on the right, and reduction with mastopexy (lift) on the left to match up to the right-side size. Side note, my surgeon specializes in cancer reconstruction surgery and typically doesn’t do general plastic surgery.

Recovery: I had a drain on one side which was more of a nuisance than painful. I was encouraged to walk around the next day. Long story short, I was on restricted activity for a month, meaning no strenuous exercise, and no lifting anything over 8 lbs. I will say that I must have a high pain threshold, because I didn’t need or want any of the prescribed painkillers and did well using only Tylenol and ibuprofen. I had to wear a bulky surgical bra for 4 weeks, which was easily hidden by looseer clothing. I would have been fine at a desk job or WFH after 2 weeks but wasn’t officially cleared for 4 weeks. I did have to use a pillow while in the car to keep the seatbelt from causing me discomfort, and actually, the hospital provided a pillow for my trip home after surgery.

6 months later – scars had really faded, but they are visible, and don’t bother me at all. I was unhappy with some asymmetry that resulted, so my surgeon did a revision affecting both sides about 6 weeks ago. The revision was relatively easy, and I was awake and numbed for it. I only needed Tylenol the next day and after that it was routine healing.

Since the cancer was the main thing that determined my final size, I went from a 36DD to a 34B. I am very happy with my final shape. I am also thrilled that I no longer need underwires and can wear cute little bralettes or no bra at all. I admit there was a psychological adjustment to get accustomed to seeing a different me in the mirror. One of my girlfriends summed it up; she said I no longer look like a stuffed chicken.

Anyway, not sure if this provides useful info for you – I hope it does! I’m happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

Thank you so much for sharing this. You must be so relieved to be healthy now!

The stuffed chicken comment has me chuckling… I just looked at a photo of myself from last year wearing a body con dress and my boob looks bigger than my friend’s head and looks like it’s going to consume her.

 

[ackst]

totally get where you're coming from. Saw someone on Reddit talkin' bout their sis gettin a reduction and she was over the moon. Said it was a game-changer for her back pain and confidence. Also read a post on tpf bout a gal who had a lift with it, and she was happy too. Lotsa positive vibes, as for the anxiety, maybe chat with the doc to ease those worries. Good luck and hope it all goes well for ya!

 

[fluges]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's really interesting how life can throw unexpected curveballs, right? I'm glad to hear you're doing well after all you've been through. Your journey sounds pretty intense, but it's awesome that you found a solution that worked for you. Kudos to your surgeon for specializing in cancer reconstruction, that's pretty remarkable.

It's great to know you're loving your final shape and rocking those bralettes! Scars fading and a comfy no-underwire life sound like wins to me. Your friend's chicken analogy gave me a chuckle, but hey, we all go through adjustments, right?

Thanks for being open to answering questions – it's cool to learn from others who've been through similar stuff. Stay fabulous.

Okay Ladies, I just unexpectedly found this thread and although my experience isn’t exactly like yours, I’ll share it with you anyway.

I had a hefty pair on a smaller frame and had no plans to modify anything. However, routine screening revealed cancer. I ended up having a lumpectomy, which took a lot more tissue than I anticipated. After healing and follow-ups showed I was cancer-free, I became very unhappy with being so lopsided.

I met with a surgeon to discuss my options. The options I considered were to get an implant on the small side. However, being older, a drawback of this option would be that left side would be down lower, and right side would be perky. I also didn’t want an implant that would make future screening more of a challenge. If I got a lift on the unaffected side, symmetry would still be a problem, and I was unhappy with that possibility.

I opted for reconstruction with some fat transfer on the right, and reduction with mastopexy (lift) on the left to match up to the right-side size. Side note, my surgeon specializes in cancer reconstruction surgery and typically doesn’t do general plastic surgery.

Recovery: I had a drain on one side which was more of a nuisance than painful. I was encouraged to walk around the next day. Long story short, I was on restricted activity for a month, meaning no strenuous exercise, and no lifting anything over 8 lbs. I will say that I must have a high pain threshold, because I didn’t need or want any of the prescribed painkillers and did well using only Tylenol and ibuprofen. I had to wear a bulky surgical bra for 4 weeks, which was easily hidden by looseer clothing. I would have been fine at a desk job or WFH after 2 weeks but wasn’t officially cleared for 4 weeks. I did have to use a pillow while in the car to keep the seatbelt from causing me discomfort, and actually, the hospital provided a pillow for my trip home after surgery.

6 months later – scars had really faded, but they are visible, and don’t bother me at all. I was unhappy with some asymmetry that resulted, so my surgeon did a revision affecting both sides about 6 weeks ago. The revision was relatively easy, and I was awake and numbed for it. I only needed Tylenol the next day and after that it was routine healing.

Since the cancer was the main thing that determined my final size, I went from a 36DD to a 34B. I am very happy with my final shape. I am also thrilled that I no longer need underwires and can wear cute little bralettes or no bra at all. I admit there was a psychological adjustment to get accustomed to seeing a different me in the mirror. One of my girlfriends summed it up; she said I no longer look like a stuffed chicken.

Anyway, not sure if this provides useful info for you – I hope it does! I’m happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

 

[2cello]

I had the surgery for cosmetic reasons. It was awhile ago so I don’t remember too many details but it wasn’t traumatic in any way. There were drainage tubes for a few days which was probably the most annoying thing. Loved the outcome. Scaring is personal, every one scars differently. One breast had a very very slight scar and the other one had a more noticeable scar (it’s faded years later).

Frankly, I love love love being small chested, so for me it was so worth it. Watch the weight though cause the boobs can grow back if you put on weight.

 

[absolutpink]

totally get where you're coming from. Saw someone on Reddit talkin' bout their sis gettin a reduction and she was over the moon. Said it was a game-changer for her back pain and confidence. Also read a post on tpf bout a gal who had a lift with it, and she was happy too. Lotsa positive vibes, as for the anxiety, maybe chat with the doc to ease those worries. Good luck and hope it all goes well for ya!

I had the surgery for cosmetic reasons. It was awhile ago so I don’t remember too many details but it wasn’t traumatic in any way. There were drainage tubes for a few days which was probably the most annoying thing. Loved the outcome. Scaring is personal, every one scars differently. One breast had a very very slight scar and the other one had a more noticeable scar (it’s faded years later).

Frankly, I love love love being small chested, so for me it was so worth it. Watch the weight though cause the boobs can grow back if you put on weight.

Thank you both so much!

I met with a surgeon last week and have decided to go ahead with it. I could likely get it approved through insurance, but the wait is long and I want to be able to get the exact result I'm looking for without worrying about the insurance rules. So, I have decided to get it done privately. I'm just waiting for a surgery date, which should hopefully by Nov/Dec this year.

 

[ansfe]

Thank you both so much!

I met with a surgeon last week and have decided to go ahead with it. I could likely get it approved through insurance, but the wait is long and I want to be able to get the exact result I'm looking for without worrying about the insurance rules. So, I have decided to get it done privately. I'm just waiting for a surgery date, which should hopefully by Nov/Dec this year.

That's really exciting news. Waiting for insurance approvals can be quite the hassle, and going the private route sounds like a smart move to ensure you get the exact outcome you're aiming for. November/December is just around the corner, so hopefully, your surgery date will be here before you know it.

 

[Lake Effect]

Okay Ladies, I just unexpectedly found this thread and although my experience isn’t exactly like yours, I’ll share it with you anyway.

I had a hefty pair on a smaller frame and had no plans to modify anything. However, routine screening revealed cancer. I ended up having a lumpectomy, which took a lot more tissue than I anticipated. After healing and follow-ups showed I was cancer-free, I became very unhappy with being so lopsided.

I met with a surgeon to discuss my options. The options I considered were to get an implant on the small side. However, being older, a drawback of this option would be that left side would be down lower, and right side would be perky. I also didn’t want an implant that would make future screening more of a challenge. If I got a lift on the unaffected side, symmetry would still be a problem, and I was unhappy with that possibility.

I opted for reconstruction with some fat transfer on the right, and reduction with mastopexy (lift) on the left to match up to the right-side size. Side note, my surgeon specializes in cancer reconstruction surgery and typically doesn’t do general plastic surgery.

Recovery: I had a drain on one side which was more of a nuisance than painful. I was encouraged to walk around the next day. Long story short, I was on restricted activity for a month, meaning no strenuous exercise, and no lifting anything over 8 lbs. I will say that I must have a high pain threshold, because I didn’t need or want any of the prescribed painkillers and did well using only Tylenol and ibuprofen. I had to wear a bulky surgical bra for 4 weeks, which was easily hidden by looseer clothing. I would have been fine at a desk job or WFH after 2 weeks but wasn’t officially cleared for 4 weeks. I did have to use a pillow while in the car to keep the seatbelt from causing me discomfort, and actually, the hospital provided a pillow for my trip home after surgery.

6 months later – scars had really faded, but they are visible, and don’t bother me at all. I was unhappy with some asymmetry that resulted, so my surgeon did a revision affecting both sides about 6 weeks ago. The revision was relatively easy, and I was awake and numbed for it. I only needed Tylenol the next day and after that it was routine healing.

Since the cancer was the main thing that determined my final size, I went from a 36DD to a 34B. I am very happy with my final shape. I am also thrilled that I no longer need underwires and can wear cute little bralettes or no bra at all. I admit there was a psychological adjustment to get accustomed to seeing a different me in the mirror. One of my girlfriends summed it up; she said I no longer look like a stuffed chicken.

Anyway, not sure if this provides useful info for you – I hope it does! I’m happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

Thanks so much for posting this. I was curious and looking through this Subforum for anything like this. I am a 42 G/H, post menopausal and just diagnosed with breast cancer from a routine mammogram. The surgeon is offering breast reduction at the time of the lumpectomy ( she will step back after the lumpectomy and let the plastic surgeon step in) because she said after having treatment, specifically radiation, it will change the tissue such that reduction at a later time would not be an option.

 

[MySharona]

Thanks so much for posting this. I was curious and looking through this Subforum for anything like this. I am a 42 G/H, post menopausal and just diagnosed with breast cancer from a routine mammogram. The surgeon is offering breast reduction at the time of the lumpectomy ( she will step back after the lumpectomy and let the plastic surgeon step in) because she said after having treatment, specifically radiation, it will change the tissue such that reduction at a later time would not be an option.

@Lake Effect - Just checking in to see how you're doing. I'm wishing for you a healthy outcome!

 

[Lake Effect]

@Lake Effect - Just checking in to see how you're doing. I'm wishing for you a healthy outcome!

Thank you so much for asking and the good wishes! My surgery date is coming up shortly. The plastic surgeon outlined similiar specifics to yours. I have to say I am really looking forward to having smaller, lifted breasts. I will circle back and keep you posted.