Breast Reduction In Depth Case Study

I hope that by now you are all feeling more “normal” after Covid restrictions and lockdown, I’ve lost count of all the people who have been affected mentally, emotionally and physically from working at home.

Here in the office, Jayne has had to cope with a neck issue, after sitting so long in her chair and thank goodness, after some physio and massage she is getting back to her former fitness, probably better as she now goes to the gym in the morning!

NAME:  Samantha*

OCCUPATION:  Nurse

LIVES: Stoke-on-Trent

HOBBY: Swimming

AGE: 34

COSMETIC SURGERY:  Breast Reduction

1  Why did you have breast reduction surgery?

eg How did you feel about your body/face before the surgery and did this affect your confidence?

I have wanted this surgery since I was 16 years old. I was always very paranoid about how large my breasts were and very self-conscious. I hated looking at photos of myself and have always been bullied since a child regarding their size. I hated going to the gym or doing any exercise and felt people would always stare at me. People often made unwelcome and horrible comments about them. I struggled immensely to find clothes that would fit me and always had to go in bigger sizes. I was also restricted in the clothes that I could wear, such as I would never wear clothes that were low cut, low back, strapless etc and I would do anything to hide the size of them. I have been with my husband since I was 16 years old and it even affected my relationship with him. I have struggled with chronic back and shoulder pain and have indents on my shoulders from bra straps. I had very low confidence.

2  What research did you do before booking?

I did extensive research regarding this cosmetic surgery, over a number of years, from before I had children, to after. I knew if I had the surgery I would want it after I had completed my family, as I didn’t want breast reduction surgery and for them to go larger again. I researched the possible complications regarding healing and infections. I knew that I didn’t want drains, so when I was told that it would be a PICO dressing. I spoke to my friend who is a Tissue Viability Nurse and she reassured me that the PICO dressings were amazing to aid healing. I looked at many clinics and facilities that offered this surgery, and I wanted (that if I had the surgery) to have it done by the best and someone highly recommended and at the top of their profession. I looked at Mr Lambe’s extensive experience, and that he worked at The Christie Hospital and specialised in breast surgery. When I read this I knew that if I had it done that I would want it to be with Mr Lambe.

3  How did you feel after booking your consultation with Jayne?

Jayne was lovely and I felt very reassured. She answered all of my questions fully, and she knew a lot about my cosmetic surgery and the aftercare required. I didn’t feel pressured to book a consultation. She gave me the confidence to take the plunge and decide that now was the time to have the surgery for myself.

4  What questions did you have at your consultation?

I was very nervous and one of the reasons I put the surgery off for so long was that I had a traumatic experience when giving birth to my daughter. This was one of the reasons I didn’t book breast reduction surgery sooner. I discussed this with Mr Lambe and he was lovely and very understanding that I would be nervous having surgery again. I discussed what would be realistic expectations of a breast reduction and the possible complications. Mr Lambe showed me images of previous surgeries that he had completed. I asked him how often there were complications such as infections, nipple loss and problems with healing at the T-junction site. Mr Lambe discussed all this with me, and at no point did I feel pressured or rushed during the consultation.

5  How did you feel after you consulted with Mr Lambe?

I felt reassured, and that I had found the right cosmetic surgeon to complete this surgery. I felt he knew that this was a big thing for me and he was very understanding, thorough, experienced and extremely professional. I knew that I wanted to book my surgery with him.

6  Any tips for anyone thinking of having breast reduction surgery?

I would recommend that if you have the surgery you wait until after you have had children. I took 2 weeks off work and have gone back to work on light duties. I have been taking paracetamol and slow-release ibuprofen, which I find helps with the pain. It is difficult to sleep, especially if you sleep on your side, so I have brought extra pillows to support me better. I brought post-surgical bras from Macom, which have helped as they are quite supportive and easy to get on and off.

7 How was your recovery? What did you expect and how was it different?

I was really concerned about the pain that I would be in. The only way I can compare the pain is it is like the discomfort you have after you have given birth and your milk comes in 2-3 days later, that’s how sore and tender your breasts feel. As long as I keep on top of my analgesia I have been okay. I had the PICO dressing on for one week. The machines vibrate every now and again. I am still wearing dressings 2 weeks after my cosmetic surgery as the wound on my right breast hasn’t fully healed at the T-junction site, which is what I expected.  There is some bruising and swelling but this has been settling down and I’m feeling more comfortable every day. I am very impressed with how neat the wounds are, and overall I am healing well. I have been going on short walks. I don’t want to rush myself but I am actually looking forward to going to the gym for the first time in my life!

8 How was your aftercare experience? What helped?

The nurses at The Wimslow Hospital in Cheshire were all lovely and friendly and Mr Lambe was there to review my wounds when I had the PICO dressing removed. Jayne has kept in touch with me to see how I was and has been really helpful. She has been consistent and always available from discussing booking my initial consultation to the aftercare. She has been amazing throughout.

9 What do you think of your breast reduction results?

I am amazed at the results, I honestly don’t recognise myself in the mirror. The first thing I did when I woke up was look down my gown. My initial feeling was happiness and relief and I instantly knew that I had done the right thing for me having the surgery. I cannot believe how good the result is and it is only 2 weeks since I had the operation, so in another 6 weeks I am sure the results will be even better. I never anticipated it would look this good.

10 How has cosmetic surgery changed your life?

This surgery has honestly changed my life for the better. I feel so much happier in myself and I don’t feel paranoid about how I look. I have brought a swimming costume for my holiday, one I would never normally be able to wear, and it actually fits me. When I put it on I started to cry (in happiness) on my husband and that’s when I knew that this cosmetic surgery had changed my life.

I now feel confident to buy clothes that I would never even consider before. My husband thinks the results are amazing, he said he can tell a difference in me in just 2 weeks and that I am already more confident. I walked into work and everyone was so shocked by how different I look, which was an amazing feeling. I now feel confident to go to the gym and possibly even take up running – I haven’t run since high school!

My only regret is not having this surgery 5 years ago and putting it off for so long.