Hi I had a mastectomy, implant and breast reduction at the same time, December 2014. I was a j cup and so relieved when the surgeon at East Grinstead offered an immediate reduction. The implant boob sits higher and is very pert. The reduced one has already dropped but is still fine. I have settled down to a dd to e cup depending on the make of bra. The natural one is a cup size larger but dressed I look even. Recovery time realistically was a couple of months before I was was up to doing much. In fact I would say about week 20 I really turned the corner. My advice is to take pain medication when you need it. Rest as much as possible. Look after your scars. I regularly used bio oil or vitamin e cream after showering once surgeon gave me go ahead.
I have healed beautifully and I have trouble finding the scar on my reduced boob. The nipple they made smaller and reattached it looks ok but no sensitivity. i had excess skin and fat removed (dog ears) from the sides in October 2015, I also had a nipple made for the implant breast and that was tattooed this week. Although I miss my boobs, I am able to do so much more with smaller boobs. I always try to look for the positive.
When you first see them after the op it may be a huge shock. I know I was horrified as I had 5 boobs! This is due to all the swelling and excess side fat and skin. Unless you are very thin, apparently most women experience "side boobs". I did wear the Macom surgical bra for several months, and still wear it for the gym and days when I am sore. I know it is ok to wear under wired bras but I personally haven't tried yet. Clothes wise I was ok with everything, except my body shape had totally changed due to the reduction so a new wardrobe was required! In the first couple of months avoid scratchy hard clothes as your skin will be sensitive. I wore lots of loose flowing jersey or soft knit tops. It can be difficult to lift both arms in the first few weeks so button up tops unless someone can help you.
I hope this helps others. I very rarely visit this site now. Do use the site as others stories help.
Yvie how long were you off work for? Im due nipple recon on implant side and lift to my good side. Dont need reduction as far as Im aware as I wear a c cup on both sides
Forgot to say I am having a reduction on the non reconstructed side so am currently sporting on B cup and one D cup. The nurse has said she would give me a temporary prosthesis until the reduction is done. For me my priority was getting all the treatment done before aesthetics as I was very concerned about secondary cancer. It cant be that uncommon with the restrictions on the size of implants,we can't be the only large breasted women!
Good look for Thursday, I've just had mastectomy and reconstruction by implant and dermal flap. I was in for 3 days because it was quite painful and I needed morphine but a week on I'm only taking paracetamol. I'm afraid I'm not much help but I just wore the hospital gown and came home in some button front pjs. Button up is much easier than over the head. I would also take some baby wipes to keep fresh, a sponge/flannel and lip balm.
hope it all goes well for you.
Hi Charlie, \im recently diagnosed, check out the time of this!!! So still in the can't sleep club. I see surgeon 3rd time tomorrow, (Ha today) they want to do mascetomy on one reduction on other Im a HH cup!!! Er no asking them to do both, do these surgoens not have any idea what living with a small and HH cup would be like, for me it has to be both I believe mine will come back in other breast, then what? theve reduced it to match the cancer removed reduced one, then they are chipping away at the other, then they can't alter the cancer removed one due to radiation.Its not for everyone, we all need to do what we think will not only give us the best chance of getter rid of the C but we have to live our lives the way the surgeons leave us, they go onto live theirs, so I wish they would listen to the patients needs and if they want a double masectomy well if it gives them better peace of mind and ultimately saves the NHS on continued monitoring of other and possible treatment, why are they so short sighted? Im lucky my company provides me with the use of private medical care, no we are not rich, we both work full time, but the consultant is more amenable to what I want and it should be same for everyone
good luck on your journey
BlossomHill
Hi Lynne1955
I am sorry that you have not had a response yet, hopefully someone will be along very soon. I hope your surgery was OK and that you are recovering well. If you have any questions, concerns or worries, please call our fantastic support line who will be glad to hear from you. 0808 800 6000.
Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer
hi all
I go into hospial on Thursday for a masectomy and breast reduction. Has anyone here had the same surgery. What was your recovery time? What if any sort of clothing can you recommend. Very concerned as only recently had hysterectomy for stage 1 ovarian cancer so have back and pelvic problems from this. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks