Question
I have an appointment on July 17th to talk to my doctor about a breast reduction. I'm 21 years old, 5'2 and a size 40DD or a 40E depending on the bra style. I want to go down to maybe a 38C I havn't made up my mind completely. My boyfriend is really concerned about me. I have been getting a lot of back spasms. It also seems that I become more self conscious about my breasts. It makes me really upset to the point of almost crying because I can't go shopping with my friends to "normal" stores to buy shirts. I have to go to stores like Penningtons or addition-elle to buy shirts.

What kind of questions should I ask her about the surgery? What should I expect to find out? What are these draining tubes i've heard about? Staples or disolvable stitches?

I really have no idea what to expect

Answer
Hi pinky,

I had a breast reduction about 15 years ago, when I was 33. I was about a 34DD or E. I was reduced to a 34B. I now wear a 36C (I've gained some weight over the years), but I'm still much smaller than years ago.

I have laser surgery, and disolving stiches. I don't remember the drain tubes, but I think I did have them. I had a child about 5 years later, and was able to breast feed.
I have scar's. They've faded over the years, but are still noticeable. I think I was in the hospital for one overnight.
I'm glad I have this done, it has meant no more back and shoulder aches. My insurance covered the operation.
Hope this answers some of your questions.

marymk

Answer
I had my surgery last Sept. It was a same day surgery. I went from a 38DD/DDD to a 38 B or C, depending on the bra. They used disolvable stitches. THe tubes are placed in between the breast, one for each breast. They drain off the fluids that will build up after the surgery. You have to drain them every couple of hours or so. As soon as you have less than 25cc you will be able to have them removed, usually about 2-3 days after the surgery. I would suggest taking a pain pill or a Tylenol before you have them removed. It's not incredibly painful, but in my case I felt them pull one of them out and it was very uncomfortable. I have what they call an anchor scar. It runs from my side to where my breasts join. There is then a scar that runs from the bottom of my breast to the nipple and one around the nipple. They basically cut your nipple out and then replace it when they have removed the necessary breast tissue. My scars healed pretty well. I did end up with a keloid scar on one section of the scarring. The incisions didn't take too long to heal. THey itched a bit, and still do sometimes. I had numbness around the incision sites for a few months. The nipples were very tender for months, they still are a little bit. I had to take 6 weeks off work because I'm required to lift at least 50 lbs. If you have an office job or something that doesn't require lifting, you won't be off work anywhere near that long. Don't expect perfection. You will have ugly scars, but they do fade over time. You may also notice that your nipples may not be exactly even. They may be, but just know to expect that they may not be. They might just be slightly off. I also wish I had lost some weight before I had this done. I didn't realize my stomach was as big as it is until I didn't have the big breasts over it. Of course, with the big breasts it was harder to excercise, so I guess I just have to work on the stomach now.
I wore a lot of sports bras after the surgery. The hospital will give you one to go home with. You won't even want to wear anything else for a while. If I remember correctly, they don't want you wearing anything but a sports bra for a bit. I still prefer to wear a sports bra. Sometimes a regular bra irritates the scar sights.
Hope this helps.

Answer
i'm scared about the whole thing. i have never been in a hospital for myself. i am always so used to knowing exactly what is going on and having some sort of control over a situation. the idea of someone else making physical and life altering changes to me just sets me off. i am scared out of my mind about this.

Answer
Hi I understand your fears I just had reduction in Feb. I am 5'2 and 40DD or 40 E depends on bra NOW I am a 38 b or c depending They removed 1250grams on left and 1311grams on right (almost 5lbs ) I would do it all over again if I had to. It is the best thing I have ever done.I have no back,or neck pains anymore no rashes under my breast no headaches I now jog with ONE small sports bra (not 3 or 4 ) I run and play with my son and can breathe (when I drop food now it is in my lap not on my chest LOL)
When I went to the dr. he told me the number I was (36....40 ) was up to me and if i lost weight he could change the cup and HE DID!!
I was scared and excited the day or the surgery. I Didn't have a drain tube I had disolveable stitches and two or three on each side and one or two under each breast that had to be removed (only a pinch did not hurt at all) my dr recomended maderama for scars and you can't even see some of them now. I did not loose any sensitivity in my nipples . You will have some pain that will be worth it I garantee it. the more you move around the better it gets be sure to take you pain meds and take it easy for a few days. By the time I had the few stitches removed like day 7 I was up and ready to hit the tread mill I felt so GOOD. I know my post is long I just wanted you to hear my story because I feel for you I was just like you a few months ago.I hope you do get the surgery you will LOVE the NEW you.Good Luck and I wish you a speady recovery just like I had RELAX IT IS SO WORTH IT I PROMISE. I lost 30lbs to go with it because I can now my back don't hurt anymore I love to work out NOW. Please let me know if you have any questions I will be glad to help
Tami

Oh almost forgot on buying shirts now the old ones swallow me I now buy shirts in Junior sizes and I don't have to wear a bra no one can tell the are where they are suppost to be I feel like a 25 year old women now not a freak.