The week leading up to my surgery was the most surreal week of my life. It’s hard to describe exactly how I felt. But mostly, I was in disbelief that the surgery was so close and finally happening. I remember calling Britnee and telling her that I was waiting/expecting a call to tell me the surgery was cancelled. It was hard to accept that something I had wanted for so long was finally going to happen. I thought the rug was going to be pulled under me at any moment. But it was not, and I’m still standing.
I also was getting cold feet in the weirdest way. Not like, “I’m going to miss my boobs.” But in the, “is this really the right move? Am I just being a baby about my issues?” However, I reminded myself this was not a quick decision that I made nor something I randomly wanted. I had been wanting a breast reduction since high school, and wanting something that long is definitely not a hastily made decision.
Monday: I woke up at 7:30 on Monday morning already knowing I didn’t get enough sleep. I spent Sunday night googling everything about anesthesia and how it works, so I was aware being unconscious during surgery wasn’t going to help my case. (By the way, I had surgery before but I was freaking out like I never did.) I was instructed not to eat past midnight but even if I could have eaten, the nerves wouldn’t let me. I got ready and headed to the hospital. After being admitted, I realized this was it. There was no cancellation, this was really happening.
My boyfriend Oscar, my mom, and one of my best friends Rachel, were all in attendance for support. I went back alone at first and a nurse took my vitals and asked me the regular questions. Then my anesthesiologist came to ask me more questions and assure me that he would do his job to make sure I wouldn’t feel a thing. He was definitely a character and really relaxed me. After that, I was instructed to undress and put on my gown and the scrubbie socks and another nurse came to IV me. (Fun fact: I have tiny veins, so they put the IV through the veins on my first.) My family was summoned afterwards to meet me.
At this point, I didn’t feel so nervous anymore. Then, the surgeon came to “mark me up.” She asked if I was okay with everyone one and I was. My mom and my boyfriend had obviously seen my breasts before, but Rachel had not and her time had come. The first thing she said was, “Wow, you really do wear good bras!” I was trying my best not to laugh and not to be tickled by the marker. Her saying that though definitely added another confident thought in my mind, “Okay, she agrees they are huge. I’m not crazy.”

Like I said before, I was having some cold feet issues. But there was no turning back now. Soon after the surgeon left, the operating nurses came to wheel me away and took me into the very cold and chilly operating room. I moved to a table, and my anesthesiologist told me he was about to start injecting me. He said, “I’m sorry this first one is going to burn.” As the liquid is being pushed into my veins, I am getting a breathing mask put on me. The last thing I remember is my hand feeling as if it had been set on fire and thinking, “Motherfucker this is more than a burn!” And that was it…
Next thing I remember, was opening my eyes and feeling like my throat was sandpaper. A person greeted me and asked me how I felt. I said “I’m going to throw up,” and was promptly handed a bag to throw up in. I didn’t know then, but I was in the recovery room. I was in and out of it during this part. I remember I kept falling asleep, only to be awoken and reminded to breathe. “Take deep breaths, come on you can do it.” Some time after, I was wheeled back into the first room I was in. The nurse informed me my “husband” was here and they were going to get him. I remember thinking the wrong person was going to walk into my room because I don’t have a husband. It was the right family though, and the minute I saw them I started crying. I figured this would happen because after my last surgery, I also woke up crying. I was crying and muttering, “no I’m not in pain, I’m just so happy.”
I was sent home right after and the car ride home was the worst of my life. I felt every single bump in West Reading in my chest. I was never happier than the moment the ride was over.
Tuesday: The remainder of Monday and Tuesday I was in an Oxycotin induced haze. I slept on and off and was very emotional. Between my sleeping moments, I was awake being irritated by my throat. (Surprise, surprise, they put a breathing tube down your throat during surgery.) I didn’t feel like eating since I had no appetite. My pain level was minimal due to the medication schedule advised by the nurse. My other best friend Rose came to visit me that afternoon, and I was in and out during her visit.

Wednesday and on: On Wednesday, I decided I no longer needed the Oxy, thanked it for its services, and took Advil only twice as needed for any pain. Now the pain I was feeling is hard to describe. It wasn’t particularly painful, like a cut. It felt as if I was wearing a bra that was 3 sizes too small and the band across the bottom of my boobs was irritating me. My appetite was still away at sea, but my thirst was still realer than ever. Also, my back pain was the worst. I never slept on my back and being forced to during this process has made sleeping my enemy. I even bought a wedge pillow, as recommended by my reduction subreddit, and could not get comfy. Luckily, my hero Britnee brought me a heating pad and saved my life on Thursday.
The rest of the week, I felt better and better as each day went on. Every day a lovely friend came to visit me and that helped tremendously. Everyone was super supportive and loving! Emotionally and mentally, I felt amazing! I did feel the weight being lifted off of my shoulders. Even with the loss of appetite, sore throat, no showering, maxi pad looking bra, lack of mobility, and uncomfortable sleeping, I would redo this surgery in a heartbeat. In just a short week, having this surgery really changed my life. I can see myself standing straighter, and no longer feeling the strain on my neck and back.
It is Tuesday and I’ve had my first post op appointment where my ugly surgical bra and excess padding was removed. I almost cried in the surgeon’s office looking at myself. I only loss 7 pounds last week, and I can’t tell you what was from the surgery and then from my loss of appetite, but looking at how different my torso looks, you would think I lost 15 to 20 instead. I still have ways to go to recover. My breasts are still sitting extra perky and have some swell to it. I won’t be able to wear a regular, wired bra until 3-6 months later but at this point, I do not really need it. If I had to guess a cup size, I would guess a C/D. I can do mostly everything, like driving, but I can’t and won’t be able to lift for a while. I still have to take it easily. I can return back to work on Monday, 1/23, after being out just two weeks.
Here are some of my before and after pictures. I have included the most appropriate ones because I want to be as transparant as possible. Seeing other peoples before and after pictures, really helped me proceed with my decision.




I can truly say this was the BEST decision of my life. My regret, as with many others, was waiting as long as I did to get serious with wanting the surgery. However, I had such an amazing support group during the surgery and recovery, I have no doubt that this happened at exactly the right time. If you have any questions about my experience with getting the surgery, please feel free to reach out to me! I was helped by asking others, and now I hope to do the same.
Hello,
I’m 22 and have been dealing with large breasts since middle school. I am currently a size H and doing everyday things can be such a hassle. I have been wanting to get a breast reduction for years but was afraid that my insurance company would not allow me to use their coverage. I wanted to know what the process was for you to get the surgery?
Hi!
For me the process wasn’t as long or complicated as for others. I made a consultation with a surgeon. I met with the surgeon who talked to me, asked me questions, measured my breasts, and took pictures to submit to the insurance. From there it was a waiting process to see if insurance would cover it. After 3 or so weeks, the surgeons office called me that I had been approved and scheduled my surgery date. I had my consultation in October and surgery in January. I’m blessed that it worked out quickly, however for many it isn’t that simple due to insurance!
Hi, just wondering what your breasts will look like after and if it makes it any more difficult/painful to have a mammogram done!
Hi, I was reading the sub reddit forum on reduction and saw your story. Thanks so much for being brave and sharing your story. I have my first appointment in Feb and I’m so excited – been dreaming for this since teenage.
Good luck on your recovery and may you and your body heal really well.
I also read a few other posts on your blog and was amazed to find how well you write your thoughts – very articulate – and how mature you are inspite of being 21 yrs. I’m around 18 yrs older to you and found it very refreshing to see such clarity.
Don’t worry about bad decisions you took – it’s all a part of process in life. We learn so much from bad decisions and previous behaviours. And we become better person and better decision makers because of those.
Much love and hugs!
Thank you so much for the kind words! First, I’m so happy you’re getting started and I hope that your journey goes smoothly. It will be so worth it.
Thank you for reading the rest of my blog! I’m turning 24 next week and since I’ve started blogging, it’s really helped my outlook on my life and learning from my mistakes. I definitely thing it’s aged me mentally. It’s not always easy to share everything, but for me, it’s part of my process. Thank you so much again! Love and hugs your way ❤✨
Way to go!! I finally got my date scheduled and like you, I’ve always wanted it but WOW – It’s going to happen! You look amazing.
My girlfriend is looking into getting this procedure done by a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles and any personal insight and perspective on the process helps. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! If she would like any more information I can be contacted privately through email at thewonderofivy@gmail.com. This really changed my life so I’m an open book!
Hi dear. i’ve been wanting to do the surgery long time ago but i was too scarred, but now i decided i’m going for it. Went for consultation and surgery will be in Feb. Just worried about been in pain and hey i must do it. And feel more brave reading you journey to say its duable. Thsanks
I’m so happy to hear that! Honestly, I would do this surgery 10 times over before I would get my wisdom teeth removed again! I hate pain and I survived so I know you’ll be okay. It’s so worth it 🙂