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Hi, I will be getting a breast reduction in a few months. I plan to discuss most of this with my surgeon but I would like some insight from someone who has actually been through it.

- Anything I should do to prepare for the surgery?
- I have to go to another city to do the actual surgery, how soon will I be able to fly back home? If I need to remain in the city for a few days will I be ok to just stay in a hotel room by myself or should I trouble a family member to let me stay with them?
- Do I get to choose what size I want to go down to? (This surgery is going to be covered by health insurance and is due to back and neck problems, not doing it for cosmetic reasons)
- Will I be able to breast feed when I eventually have children? (an answer from someone who has successfully breast fed after the surgery or knows someone who has would be nice!)
- How long is recovery period? Very painful or only mildly painful?
- How do scars look years after?
- Problems with gaining the weight back (in the breasts) later on?

I know the results vary from person to person but any insight you can give me is much appreciated! I don’t know anyone who has actually had a breast reduction and I’d like some information from people who have been through it themselves. Thank you so much for any help you can give me!

- Anything I should do to prepare for the surgery?
Not really, if you don’t have someone to help you out (mother, husband, etc), i suggest putting things in small containers on low shelves. you won’t be able to lift your arms above your head or lift anything greater than 5lbs while you are healing.

- I have to go to another city to do the actual surgery, how soon will I be able to fly back home? If I need to remain in the city for a few days will I be ok to just stay in a hotel room by myself or should I trouble a family member to let me stay with them?
you should probably have some one to stay with you. it will be much easier for you.

- Do I get to choose what size I want to go down to? (This surgery is going to be covered by health insurance and is due to back and neck problems, not doing it for cosmetic reasons)
they will need to remove a certain amount to be covered, but after that you can go smaller if you like.

- Will I be able to breast feed when I eventually have children? (an answer from someone who has successfully breast fed after the surgery or knows someone who has would be nice!)
my doctor told me there is no reason why i shouldn’t be able to. technology has changed, they no longer removed the nipple. they now just cut around the skin and move it.

- How long is recovery period? Very painful or only mildly painful?
the drive home from the hospital was bad and the first night was uncomfortable. but painkillers helped alot. after a week i went back to work, after a month i was back at the gym doing non bouncing activities (treadmill and stationary bike), at 2 months i went on vacation to the islands (cleared by my doctor) at 3 months i was able to resume all normal activities.

- How do scars look years after?
i am a little over a year post surgery and you can barely see the scars,. my doctor had me put paper tape over the scar line to keep them flat and thin and it did wonders.

- Problems with gaining the weight back (in the breasts) later on?
i have not gained any weight since i had the reduction so i can’t say if i did if it would go to my breasts and i don’t plan to find out.

feel free to contact me. i’d be happy to share more of my experience.