15 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My Breast Reduction Surgery

I think I am finally starting to get used to having smaller breasts. However, I do find myself crossing my arms a lot as if I still had my old ones (but then I realize “oh wow I can properly cross my arms!”).  After sharing my story on xoJane and HuffPost, a lot of women have reached out for tips in preparation for the surgery. There’s so much that I learned going through this reduction process — some things I wish I’d known sooner. If you are considering breast reduction in the near future, here’s some info you should know:

Be prepared to fight for insurance coverage: It took me nearly a year to finally get a surgery date. I was supposed to have my surgery last year, but my insurance reneged on its coverage — I’m guessing because I had to postpone the date due to work. Because breast reduction can be seen as a cosmetic surgery, insurance companies need to know that your request is absolutely medically necessary. So when you have a date, stick with it! I had to provide medical records of my back issues, get physical therapy and even prove that I’ve lost weight to get insurance approval. After all the paperwork, I had to wait to get a new approval. Once approved, my insurance gave me a deadline to get the surgery done.

Research all the risks: Breast reduction has a high success rate, but it does come with risks that may change your life significantly. For one, loss of breast and nipple sensation is a huge risk especially if you are coming down from a very large size. My doctor didn’t expect me to have nipple sensation due to my 34HH size, but surprisingly my nerves are way more sensitive than ever before! Another important risk to consider is that the surgery may prevent you from ever breastfeeding. The surgery almost always interferes with the milk ducts and many women have lost the ability to breastfeed — and there are some who’ve had miracles. This factor almost made me reconsider the surgery, despite my physical pain. But, the way I see it is: I’m currently single and I truly don’t know what life has in store for me. Plus, there’s more to being a mother than just breastfeeding (though it is such an intimate and beautiful experience I’m sure).

Size matters: Talk to your doctor about the size you want. My doctor explained to me that the smallest size he could safely bring me down to was a C cup. However, surgeons don’t create true-to-size boobs. They can only estimate what size you’d be able to fit.  I’m not yet able to wear regular bras so I don’t know my true size.  The sports bras I’ve been wearing range from D to XL. Though I would like my new breasts to be smaller, I am content. I’m trying to lose a few pounds and I’m certain my breasts will reduce a bit in size. So if you have any weight-loss goals post-surgery, it may be ok to go for a D or DD cup because you will work your way down.

Speak with your hospital a day before surgery: Even if you think you have all the information needed for surgery, you should still call the hospital. I called and found out that I shouldn’t eat or shower 12 hours before surgery. I would’ve never known if I did not call.

Post-surgery side-effects are pretty weird…and gross: Yeah, I explain all the gross details including bloody noses, yellow discharge, and dry throat in my 3-day post-op update.

Get help: You will be pretty weak for the first few weeks. I’m not one to sit in bed all day, so I thought I’d be able to go out and about 2 weeks after my surgery. Boy was I wrong! I was super dizzy and walked very slowly. Be sure to have a loved one nearby to help you get along.

Antibacterial products and bandages are a must: Stock up on some gauze, Neosporin, bacitracin ointment, antibacterial soaps, and surgical tapes to keep your incisions healthy and clean. Sometimes the bandages from the hospital will fall off and you may have to play doctor at home until your next follow-up appointment.

Prepare to sleep on your back…for a long time! I miss sleeping on my tummy! After about 4 weeks, I became able to sleep on my side. If you already sleep on your back this should be no issue for you.
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You may be out of work longer than expected: When I did my research and spoke to my doctor, I was advised to stay on bed rest for 2-3 weeks. I did get stronger after about 4 weeks but the body is incredibly unpredictable. I actually had an out-of-state work opportunity that I ultimately gave up due to my extended healing time. I didn’t expect to have so many follow-up appointments or physical limitations. If you have a hectic job that requires a lot of traveling or moving, try to give yourself at least a month to heal.

Don’t make any sudden travel plans post-surgery: My doctor and I thought I’d be able to travel within 3 weeks of my surgery but it sadly just was not the case. Every body is different and heals at its own pace. Even on the day of surgery, it took me a while to get discharged just because of the stress my body was under. After the surgery, my doctor suggested I postpone all travel plans (including that job I mentioned before) to July/August. Flying too soon after any surgery may result in blood clotting. Furthermore, suture removal may be done within a few weeks, so you’ll want to be close to your doctor until you’re stitch-free. It took three visits for my suture removal to complete. Take it easy and book that flight a few months after surgery.

Don’t lift adorable babies that weigh over 5lbs: My baby niece and nephew are just way too cute for my own good! Attempting to lift my 4-year-old niece was not a good idea to say the least. Stay away from lifting anything (or anyone) over 5lbs.

Stitches may rip…and bleed…and ooze: The stitch under the breast is a common place for rip and tear. I remember sitting down and feeling something wet on my torso — it was from a broken stitch! I freaked out. I don’t want to be too graphic but it really looked like a horror scene. I called my doctor’s office and they calmed me down by telling me how often this kind of thing happens. Thank God for that Neosporin and gauze! I got checked out by the doctor and the wound was not infected. It took about two weeks to heal.

Sports bras is bae: You’ll be in a surgical bra (provided by your doctor) for the first few weeks. By week 3 or 4 you should be able to wear wireless sports bras. Buying cheap bras off the rack is such a blessing! I can’t believe I can feel comfortable in a sports bra. I can’t believe I can wear a wireless bra! K-Mart has been my go-to for all my bra needs.

Your body will look so different: The biggest shocker to me was my new figure. As I looked smaller in one area, I looked bigger in others. My big boobs were my tummy guard! And now my belly is exposed to the world.  I’m even more motivated to work out now. (Side note — working out feels way better now than ever before! I don’t feel all that pain in my back and shoulders). After surgery you will most likely be incredibly bloated due to the anesthesia and pain meds which can slow down your bowels and leave you constipated (thus the round tummy).

People will voice their “opinions”: If you choose to talk about your surgery, beware of idiots.

There are quite a few things that you’ll learn throughout your breast reduction journey. Anything not on the list? Share your experiences in the comment section below!