Worried about upcoming reduction (had lumpectomy 3 weeks ago)

Hello @jfhpink
I had a reduction and lift after a lumpectomy. My plastic surgeon was able to use the same incision line as the surgical oncologist and continued on from there. He’s a younger plastic surgeon and used a technique that did not require drains afterwards, which reduced the chances of infection and a quicker recovery. The most uncomfortable part of recovery was the compression bra rubbing against the incisions, but as with everything, the pain/discomfort passed after a few weeks. Sleeping on my back was an adjustment and I placed a pillow under my arm on the same side as the lift, which was much more comfortable. I wish you well!

Thank you very much for the response! My plastic Dr will be doing both sides so he will need to make new incisions- i am have the anchor technique. Can't wait. LOL. I hope you are doing well and so grateful for your help.

Hello. I had reduction right after my lumpectomy had drains on both sides due to a reconstruction on my right. Drains were not bad. The compress bra help stay together tight and having ice packs to help with swelling which my plastic surgeon recommended. I slept on a recliner which help me sleep on my back for a few weeks until drains came out. Hope this helps.

Hi and thanks! I am worried about drains too. I have been practicing back sleeping since my lumpectomy so I think I will be ok there- just nervous about the pain that I am facing now. But thinking about my new "girls" so this one should have a happy ending!

I didn’t have any pain. Sore yes uncomfortable yes. You will be fine. I don’t have to wear a bra now. Only if I have too.

Wow that is making me feel much better. THANK YOU AGAIN and best of luck to you!!

Hi! I'm going to have the same procedure in a few weeks. I have a question, would you be taking radiation or chemo after all. Take care and hope a good recovery.

@joan23
I had the lumpectomy in the beginning of October 2021, followed by the lift/reduction surgery at the end of Oct 2021 on the one breast. Because of an oncotype test score, I had to have chemo, which occurred beginning of Dec 2021 - Mid February 2022. After that, radiation from mid March 2022 through mid April 2022. Quite the process and am back to my "old" self....whatever that really means! 🙂
I'm glad I had the lift/reduction but I only had it done on the one breast with cancer. I am contemplating having a lift/reduction on the other breast to match the first one. I'm worried about having another surgery for "vanity" reasons. Others don't consider having the second lift/reduction done as "vanity" but I'm concerned about the risks associated with it since it really isn't needed (but I kind of feel it is needed) I guess I'm all over the place! I wish you well and good luck!

I had lumpectomy on left breast and lift/reconstruction for both at same time April 4. No drains. Laying on back was kinda tough, the rubbing of bra , not comfortable for sure. I still don’t have a bra I love - besides a sports bra.
Good luck. I’m glad I had them done. It was the choice for me.

hi. I had a lumpectomy on my r breast and a reduction on both breasts on 4/11. i went from a ddd to a small c. I had no drains and not much pain..i was really relieved and surprised. Sleeping on my back I put a pillow under each arm by my side to keep me from rolling over because I am a side sleeper.. it worked great.
My doc said to put sterile gauze between the compression bra where the stitches/ sutures were rubbing and aggravating me if I couldn’t
stand it. About the 3rd week I did put in gauze in 2 places.
It’s almost 5 months now and I’m pleased with my progress.
scars are healing nicely .
Best wishes and hugs.