Breast Reduction

Rileycat · Apr 18, 2001

I just saw a breast reduction on TLC (the learning channel). I missed parts of the documentary, but I saw the woman after she recovered from the procedure. She was very happy with her results and said her scars were minimal. She was thrilled to be able to fit into regular tops and she was able to pursue her active lifestyle without the backaches and other discomforts of having large breasts. She felt so much more confident after the procedure. I don't know if you have cable tv or not. If you do, and if you have TLC...you may want to see if they are going to rebroadcast the episode. I think it was on cosmetic surgery in general. You may be able to order a tape if you are interested. They showed the surgery and everything, so it would give you a good idea of what you'll be getting into. I wish you luck with whatever you decide.

joannep · Apr 18, 2001

G'day,

I had a breast reduction 2 years ago. I am an OR nurse and was always brushing up against surgeons, very annoying. I decided to think about having a breast reduction. I thought about it for 2 years. I asked lots of questions of women who had the operation, and there was a 100% satisfaction. I decided on a surgeon and took annual leave. I had 4 weeks of work. I was thrilled with the result as soon as I woke up. The pain was severe for the first 6-8 hours where I needed a narcotic injection, but after that I managed on oral analgesics. I couldn't drive a car for the first week, and I did so want to go out and shop for tops. I wondered why I had waited 2 years to decide to have it done. I had 1.6kg of each breast, so it was quite a lot, and I felt so light! 2 years down the track I would have to say it was one the best decisions I have made.

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JennieBSN · Apr 18, 2001

I've never had one personally, but have several friends who have. They've all been absolutely THRILLED with the results, saying it's such a relief both physically and psychologically. They said there was initial post-op pain (as joannep stated), but that it wasn't that bad and was a small price to pay for getting rid of the constant back ache, poor posture, always having to buy ill-fitting tops and special ordering bras, etc..

This is absolutely NOT an inappropriate question to post here. It's totally okay. Hope this has helped you out somewhat in making your decision.

mrshayzel · Apr 18, 2001

I had a breast reduction done about a year ago. The difference is amazing. I do have tremendous scarring due to keloids that itch like crazy. But I would definately do it over again. The pain was bad for 2- 3 days but manageable with Percocet. I had JP drains for 2 days. Wear a sports bra for about 2 months afterwards- trust me..

tillie1 · Apr 21, 2001

Originally posted by mrshayzel:
I had a breast reduction done about a year ago. The difference is amazing. I do have tremendous scarring due to keloids that itch like crazy. But I would definately do it over again. The pain was bad for 2- 3 days but manageable with Percocet. I had JP drains for 2 days. Wear a sports bra for about 2 months afterwards- trust me..

i had my reduction 14 years ago and it is the best thing i have ever done for me! i was surprised to read the comments abut the pain post op, the only pain i had was on the sides where the jp drains went in and i have zero pain tolerance. only had to take two weeks off work and had great fun when i went back watching people trying not to look at my chest!

Robin61970 · Apr 21, 2001

I have not and do not need to have a reduction, but I have a friend who did....shw was very well endowed and had the worse back pain and such trouble......she had hers done and took 2 weeks off work...she is now so much happier and more comfortable...she says she wished she had done it long ago...

Sue D · Apr 22, 2001

I work on a plastic surgery ward where we do large numbers of BBR's. Whilst this op does seem to benefit the vast majority of patients I have to say that post-op complications are fairly common especially where free nipple grafts are involved- insist on a pedicled nipple graft!

Jay-Jay, RN · Apr 25, 2001

Okay, can't speak for breast reductions, BUT I have 2 patients on my caseload right now who developed massive infections after a tummy tuck. One has a cavity in her abdomen about 4" across x 3" deep, the other has fat necrosis underneath the skin. She keeps healing then developing new sterile abcesses, and this has been going on since October!! Breast tissue is mainly fat, and fat has a poor blood supply, so when infection sets in, it's in no hurry to leave.