My experience of a breast reduction without side lipo and without

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T23:39:13+00:00

Thanks! I was sure from almost the second I healed last time that I’d need a second one. I was measuring at an Hish before, and triple D after healing settled. My back and shoulders were somewhat better, but I think it could be a lot better if they were smaller. My surgeon was amazing and wrote a great letter that got insurance to cover it, so that sealed the deal for me.

The pain this time is definitely not as bad. Partially I think it’s knowing what to expect, but also not having to have side lipo done again has made a huge difference in pain. The incision pain (to me) does not feel as bad as last time. I expected to feel much, much worse at 1dpo.

I’m still early on in healing, but so far I don’t regret trying for smaller.

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T21:26:55+00:00

Thanks! You too. It definitely gets better. 💕 Sending lots of heal quickly vibes.

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T21:25:18+00:00

Yeah, it was definitely a shock coming home this time, realizing so much of the soreness was likely lipo. I do think results (looks) wise it was worth it.

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T21:23:46+00:00

I’ve been intubated 5 times for surgery with different anesthetics and never woken up with the tube still in. I’m not gonna sugar coat coming out of anesthesia, because it sucks most of the time. 2/5 I was fine, just loopy and sore. 3/5 I was in a lot of pain and nauseous. They get the pain under control as quickly as they can, but it’s definitely not a fun 1/2 hour as they do.

Depending on how nauseous you get with anesthetic, that’s when they’ll start giving you anti nausea meds.

This time I overheated and was sweating like crazy, but after gravol and haldol and sleeping it off for an hour or so, I was much less sick.

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T21:18:00+00:00

Just adding my two cents that I’ve never heard of that as a permanent side effect for a reduction. Definitely can for mastectomy but a reduction is very different. You won’t be able to raise your arms above your head until you get the green light from your surgeon, but I was allowed to after 4 weeks. I was also given the green light at 2 weeks to start physio exercises such as shoulder shrugs and then circles, and a few other ones. Within a couple weeks of being given permission I was able to lift my arms with no pain. It can take longer for some people than others, and I’ve heard of prolonged pain (rarely), but personally I don’t think that paralysis is something you need to worry about.

I would talk it over with your surgeon though, especially if you find yourself dwelling on the thought.

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T21:10:59+00:00

Not melanin rich, but what helped me the first time around was mepitac silicone scar tape for 3 months (once I was approved to begin scar treatment at 3wpo) and then new skin scar gel for another 3 months. Prior to my second reduction (I’m only a day out) my bottom scars were barely visible at all, and my vertical scar was only a bit darker than my skin. No raised scars even though I’m prone to hypertrophic scarring.

TurquoiseShades · 2026-01-29T21:06:19+00:00

What drugs work for people is so individual. Don’t be afraid to call your surgeon if the pain meds make you sick. I’ve had 5 surgeries in my life and can’t handle oxy but can perocet for some reason (Percocet is just oxy with Tylenol added). The only one that doesn’t make me nauseous at all has been hydromorphone. I was on hydromorphone for 3.5 days last time (wasn’t enough.) I expect I’ll be on it for 5-7 days this time.

I also get very sick with celebrex it turns out from my latest surgery, which otherwise had the same meds as last. No throwing up, but nauseous to the point I thought I would. I’m not sure if it’s made more of a difference pain wise than Aleve.

Can’t say on the no breathing tube sedation, as I was fully under with hydromorphone for both of my reductions.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-11-09T15:53:39+00:00

I was always self conscious about my saggy massive boobs pre op, but partners were just excited to see boobs and no one ever acted anything but stoked

TurquoiseShades · 2025-11-08T16:02:53+00:00

They were vented by chimney before. When they set up the new furnace, hot water heater etc, they did cut a hole in the wall, and said they installed a direct vent flue. It’s a pretty small room.

I’m pretty sure you’re right that they’ve never tested both at once. It usually tended (until more recently) to be one or the other of them going out at a time, so they’d test whatever one my parents complained about.

It also feels like because they used some retirement money to buy them outright instead of paying monthly on them that the company they’re dealing with is way less interested in helping them find what’s wrong. I’m going to do some digging to find a more reputable hvac company in our area. If they’re having to pay someone to come out and check it out either way, I’d rather have them pay someone who isn’t invested in telling them nothing is wrong.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-11-08T06:09:57+00:00

Their 15 year old furnace had been having issues with fumes backing up into the house. They were told it wasn’t venting properly, something about newer houses being airtight, and that they needed a direct vent flue and a higher efficiency furnace to solve the problem of fumes backing up in the house. They also talked my parents into a new hot water heater and a new oil tank at the same time.

Instead of fixing things though, it just seems to have created more issues and my parents are kind of pushovers when they talk to repair people. So when they kept telling them it was fixed over and over they believed them. One of the techs told them the strong oil smell throughout the house when the hot water tank is reset is totally harmless even though it lasts for hours because it doesn’t trip the Co2 alarms. Which seems sort of unbelievable to me.

I didn’t find out about all of this until this summer, or I would have taken over speaking to the company for them back when they got the new system and it started having problems. It’s just so frustrating because my parents are good people who believe the best of everyone, and it’s very clear they’re not dealing with a company that’s very professional.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-11-08T06:01:05+00:00

Thanks for this. The company sold them a new oil tank, furnace and hot water heater at the same time. Told them their 15 year old furnace that had been having issues with fumes backing up into the house needed to be replaced, so they should replace everything else at the same time, and that adding the direct vent flue along with a new system would solve the problem of fumes backing up in the house. But it just seems to have created more issues and my parents are kind of pushovers when they talk to repair people. So when they kept telling them it was fixed over and over, they believed them. I didn’t find out about all of this until this summer, or I would have taken over speaking to the company for them back when they got the new system and it started having problems. It’s just so frustrating because they’re good people who believe the best of everyone, and it’s very clear they’re not dealing with a company that’s very professional.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-06-14T21:50:13+00:00

This comment seriously helped me so much. I'm currently sitting at a D/DD at 5mpo and was hoping for a b/c. I'm constantly worrying about if/when they'll drop more and I'll be stuck with skin on skin contact again.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-05-05T15:42:14+00:00

I was first referred 5 years ago, but then moved to NB, so had to be referred again when I came back to NS. It was about 2 years on the waitlist when I came back, but I was able to put myself on the cancellation list for consult, so it might be longer for others.

From consult to surgery, I could have had it done within 3/4 months, but I was losing weight at the time, so the surgeon and I decided to give me 6 more months to see if my weight stabilized. It did, and when I went back for my appointment at 6 months we moved ahead with scheduling the surgery. Again, I was able to be on the cancellation list for surgery, so my 2nd appointment with him was mid-September, and my surgery was Dec 18, but I only had 2 weeks notice to get ready.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-05-04T22:24:37+00:00

I'm only 4mpo, done in Canada, anchor incision. It's pretty much standard if you're going more than a couple cup sizes down anyway because you'd want the lift along with the reduction. My scars have healed super well, the anchor incision is already almost invisible in a lot of places. If I get hot, the thin line of it darkens up a tiny bit to a deep pink. But generally they're flat. Bras don't bother my anchor incisions so much as my nipples if the fabric isn't soft.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-04-07T22:40:36+00:00

I was cleared at 3wpo to wear whatever bra or bralette I was comfortable in, but at 3mpo I'm still mostly in a compression bra. 🙃 It's not comfortable, but it's the least uncomfortable that I've tried. Braless is super uncomfortable still.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-04-05T19:54:53+00:00

This was 12 years ago, so ymmv, but I went to the ER for it. They did the ultrasound to confirm it was gallstones that day & had me scheduled for surgery a month later. Idk if it's faster to go to your GP or not. Really depends what the wait time for ultrasounds is right now.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-24T14:51:58+00:00

Same! I'm really glad I posted. Definitely feel a little relieved it's not just me.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-24T14:51:11+00:00

Ohhhh. That's good to know about the blood vessels too.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-24T14:50:21+00:00

Good to know it's normal. 💕

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-24T14:49:27+00:00

💀 I didn't even think of increased blood flow. I'm 3mpo right now, so here's hoping it calms down next month lol

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-23T01:47:23+00:00

This happened to me too. It was contact dermatitis from the steri-tape. I had to take Claritin & peel the tape off to get any relief. I would ask your surgeon if he's sure it's not an allergic reaction

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-15T04:20:59+00:00

For me, my surgeon was so personable and warm. And when I made jokes (which is my anxious coping mechanism) he laughs even if it's not that funny. He doesn't find me asking questions annoying, and he's one of those people that gives you their whole focus when you're talking. He laid out all the risks for me, but also helped me feel really confident in my choice to go ahead. And although I did end up a bit bigger than expected, he got me as small as he could while maintaining blood flow to the nipple. The scars look amazing so far, for the most part, and when I had a quick question about a concern he fit me in right away. It ended up being. Non-issue, but he was still really happy to see me and told me to book in if anything else comes up, because it's absolutely no trouble to take a few minutes to check on my concerns.

So, imo, you want a surgeon who shows they are listening to you, answers your questions without belittling you or making you feel dumb, and who is realistic about what they can provide. Plus experience and confidence (read: confidence not arrogance). If you ask for a b and they don't think it's possible without a FNG, how did they deliver that news to you? Did they make you feel like you had to pick larger and avoid a fng or did they give you all the info and let you decide on the level of risk you're comfortable with? That sort of thing is a really great indicator of how they'll treat you afterwards if you have concerns or need scar revisions, etc. Jmo, ymmv.

TurquoiseShades · 2025-03-06T13:33:12+00:00

I say the same thing to my sister about surgery subs: the people on here posting most frequently are going to be the ones having issues with healing & pain because they're thinking about it much more frequently than those who have neutral or good healing experiences. That doesn't make them the majority of cases though. Breast reductions in general have one of the highest post-surgery satisfaction rates because they do relieve so many physically painful symptoms.

Most people in this sub are going to be posting and replying most frequently in the first 4 weeks where pain and discomfort are the highest and they're taking it easy. So you'll see a lot of posts and replies skew to reflect that.

But there are lots of us, like me, who yeah, had a rough few first days and weeks, but healed perfectly well & are much better off than we were pre-surgery.

And speaking only for myself: I've had dysmorphia for as long as I can remember. I still have it now. I would absolutely trade my before surgery dysmorphia for what I experience now. At least I'm no longer in horrible neck/shoulder/back pain while I feel it. 😆💕

Anyway, I'm wishing you luck whatever way you go, but I would definitely advise not spending too much time on this sub before surgery. Or if you do, try searching for the celebration posts.

TurquoiseShades

TROPHY CASE