Talk to your healthcare professional about breast surgery, as they will be able to guide you through your options, and help you to make an informed choice. You will talk about your medical history, your reasons for wanting surgery, and the possible procedures. [2] X Expert Source Daniel Barrett, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 July 2020. Make sure your doctor is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has plenty of experience with the surgery you’d like done. [3] X Expert Source Daniel Barrett, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 July 2020. Scarring is an unavoidable risk that is involved with breast surgery. Other risks include nipple sensitivity and a lower blood supply to the nipples. If you are planning on breastfeeding in the future, talk to your surgeon about how the surgery will affect breastfeeding in the future. This will depend on if your milk ducts are cut during surgery, and how much breast milk you will be able to produce. [4] X Research source The recovery time for surgery is approximately 6 weeks.
Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2-5 hours, and you can often go home on the same day provided that you have someone to support you. Women usually take 1-2 weeks off from work or school. [6] X Research source The most common immediate side effects of breast reduction surgery are feeling tired, breast pain, and scarring. Tiredness and pain will ease over the following weeks, and while the scarring will never fully disappear, it will slowly fade over time. A breast lift is an additional option if you are getting a breast reduction. If your breasts are different in both size and shape, this surgery will modify your natural tissue into a shape that you find more aesthetically pleasing.
A fat transfer augmentation usually takes around 3 hours to complete, and you can go home on the same day provided that you have a support person. Women usually take up to 1 week off work after this surgery. [8] X Research source The risks associated with a fat transfer augmentation are the formation of lumps and cysts, or the fat graft not surviving. Your surgeon will run you through all of the possible risks of the surgery to give you the best information possible. [9] X Research source A fat transfer augmentation is considered a more natural option because it doesn’t use implants or silicone, but rather your own fat tissue, which will make your breasts feel more “normal”.
Breast implants are either silicone gel-filled or saline-filled. Most breast implant surgeries take 90 minutes, and usually you can go home to recover on the same day. The risks associated with breast implant surgery are the implants rupturing, having to undergo further surgeries because the implants don’t last, and the breast area hardening around the implant. Your surgeon will talk you through all of the associated risks and benefits, to help you make an informed choice.
Begin every nursing with the smaller breast if possible. You should notice your breasts starting to balance out after a few days, as the smaller breast begins to produce more milk. Imbalanced and uneven breasts are very common in the first couple of weeks after you give birth, and especially if you are breastfeeding. This is very normal and usually nothing to worry about, but if you are particularly concerned, consult your healthcare professional.
Pumping can also be useful if your baby has a preference for the smaller breast, and won’t feed on the other side.
Remembering which breast you start with during each breastfeeding session is a good way to remember to switch it up.
Another option for breastfeeding with the baby’s less preferred breast is to offer it to them when they are tired. This is because they will be less aware of their surroundings, and hopefully more willing to try out the other side.
Get a proper bra fitting to make sure that you get the best fit possible. The consultant will also be able to give good recommendations as to what bras will work best for you.
The fabric of these bras is smooth against sensitive skin, and you can get full coverage without a binding or constricting feeling. Mastectomy bras also have pockets where you can insert padding or a prosthetic breast, which gives you support and balance too.
Patterned scarves and shawls are other good options to drape over your chest.
Shiny, feathery, or chunky geometric earrings are all great options because they draw attention upwards from your bust.
