Hey everyone! I'm just shy of 2 years post-op, and am STILL super happy that I had my reduction. I've lurked (and participated) in a few Reduction forums, so I thought I'd answer a few common questions with MY experience (your mileage may vary, naturally).
1 - Shape. Mine are a weird shape. Not just the whole boob, but around the nipples a bit too. I PERSONALLY am perfectly ok with this, as my main goal with my reduction was to get the weight gone, and it is! I'm sure if the shape or anything bothered me that badly, I could have then fixed through more surgery, but it SERIOUSLY does not bother me. Plus, I figure if they bother anyone else, that's someone who doesn't need to see me naked anyway!!
2 - Underarm Lipo. I had it. No question in my mind it was worth it. From my observations, it seems the larger reductions practically require it to make things look and feel right. I know my breast tissue went WAY back under my arms and along my sides. Now, my arms can rest down at my sides like they belong. It's nice.
3 - Scar softening. I heal pretty well, but I scar easily. My scars were HARD when they healed. It felt like wire under the skin, hard. My Plastic Surgeon (I believe in other parts of this, I just referred to him as PS?) used small injections of some sort of steroid to soften them, even around the nipples, (which I think contributed to the odd nipple shape, but maybe not). As far as fading? Mine are a bit faded, but I'm not holding my breathe on them going away. Again, your body may heal differently.
4 - Post-op bras. Right after surgery, I stayed wrapped in a light wrap-around bandage (similar to an ace bandage, but way more gauzy). After I fully healed and the swelling went down, I went and bought myself some soft cup bras. That's still what I prefer, but I have a general dislike for bras anyways.
And that's all I can think of right now. Feel free to comment or message me if you're curious or have any questions.
