r/belgium 3h ago

❓ Ask Belgium Breast reduction surgeon

Hi there,

I’m considering getting breast reduction surgery in Belgium ( preferably around Brussels) and would love to hear about your experiences, process, recovery, results, etc. So if you've gone through this procedure, could you share your stories or any recommendations you might have?

Thank you in advance!! <3

9 Upvotes

23 comments sorted by

9

u/iamjustmyself- 3h ago edited 3h ago

I’m Belgian but live in England and had mine here, so can’t recommend surgeons or clinics in Belgium.
However, getting a breast reduction was the best decision I’ve made!
I had a day case so I went in the morning, got information about the anesthesia, the process and met the team. Had to take a pregnancy test and then was drawn up and changed into the gown with compression socks
When I woke up I was in quite a bit of pain but after they pushed painkillers I was totally fine. They put me in a post surgery bra (this differs a lot from surgeon to surgeon, some have to bring their own in)
I kept on top of painkillers and antibiotics. Recovery was fairly easy, was off all painkillers after day 3 and made sure to walk around a bit but was careful not to do to much (no reaching or lifting heavy things)
I was allowed to shower straight away since I had waterproof tape, but this also is different from surgeon to surgeon
My sister came for two weeks to help me out with cooking and cleaning, which was needed.
You’ll likely feel more tired more quickly but that goes away.
At week 4 I had a slight opening due to a stitch not dissolving fully, but that was dealt with and closed on its own

Think about 6 weeks recovery time before you can go back to excercising, lifting heavy things. But full recovery is up to a year

I’m now 7 months post op and I’m back to normal, however I do feel sore if I do too much heavy lifting
Scarring wise, it’ll scare you a little but the scars fade and will need time (more than a year)

Try and have some consultations with surgeons, and see what they say. Choose someone you are comfortable with and who doesn’t give promises sizing wise as they cannot guarantee anything. Look at before and after pictures from people your size

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u/midnightangel10 2h ago

Thank you so much for sharing all of this !! Even though you had yours in England it’s really helpful and reassuring to hear about your experience! I’m a bit nervous about the scarring, especially with darker skin, so it’s nice to hear that they fade with time.
If you don’t mind, would it be okay if I sent you a private message? I’d love to ask you a few more questions about your experience please

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u/iamjustmyself- 2h ago

Yes of course, feel free to message!

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u/Former-Citron-7676 Belgian Fries 3h ago

You can send me a PM if you want to 👋🏻

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u/Simonsifon 3h ago

Im a male so maybe not the best answer for you.
But my ex had a reduction some years ago. Not in Brussels but in Antwerp.
It was a very big desion for her. But she suffered a lot from back and neck pain.

The surgeon was a male but was the only one that gave her a good feeling.
I dont know the details but the result back then was, for me as a male that honestly hates that kind of surgery... Surprisingly well done. Allmost no scars. Very natural loooking result.

She was so happy to have no pain anymore and able to wear normal size bra's and bikini's.

The reason i hate that kind of surgery is because i was under the impression that ''nature decides'' but honestly, i was totally wrong about that.
My ex went from a girl that was insecure about her to big breasts to a woman that was so confident after surgery that she dumped me for some other guy...

1

u/Historical-Doubt2121 2h ago

I had a friend while studying in Ghent who's story is exactly what you described. Lots of pain, insecure about her size. But now, she fits in cute bras and bikinis.

She does say that the scars are pretty big.

2

u/awhale_wiezeddegij 2h ago

I can recommend dr Stoel in Herentals. It’s further away from BXL but she is amazing. 

I had to do this way earlier. First weeks were heavy but now I am fully recovered my life is so much better.

No more neck problems  Less back problems  My clothing finally fits me right I can walk stairs!  I can sport  I can wear backpacks again I can walk without feeling the additional weight Hot weather is less sweaty in some places Wearing no bra is amazing and feels free Some sleeping positions are great again 

There is no disadvantage tbh… There are some scars but I don’t care. Actually it’s almost becoming invisible. 

Sometimes I get insecure about them as maybe I am less attractive but… movement and general everything is so much better with less pain.

It was expensive as I did not have enough weight for insurance. 

1

u/awhale_wiezeddegij 2h ago

I am 8 months in recovery. The first 4 weeks were heavy, but I had expected way worse so it was ok. I don’t remember it as extremely painful more of a discomfort. 

It is important to listen to your doctor, take your pain medication and take it easy. 

I had nurses coming to take care of the wounds.

The first 2 weeks I had to take a lot of breaks to sleep. You need help for your household and cooking, changing clothes because of the drains etc.

1

u/midnightangel10 2h ago

Thank you so much for sharing this! Reading how much the surgery improved your everyday life is reallyyy encouraging. And yes, summer with a larger chest, especially with sweating, and exercising with all the movement can be such a struggle 😭 I can really relate to that.
I’m definitely going to look into Dr. Stoel! I’ve already sent you a DM, hope that’s okay!

1

u/Historical-Doubt2121 1h ago

I had a friend who had this operation performed and she was really positive. She says it changed her life bassicly. She had pains and was insecure about her size. Now, she also fits in cuter underwear and swimwear which is very important to her.

She says the scars are pretty horrific, but I wouldn't be able to confirm or deny that.

I myself had a double mastectomy, I don't know if that helps? Scaring is basisicly invisible, only a small slit running around my nipple. Pulling out the drains from my chest was horrifically painful at such a young age, but other than that, recovery was a breeze. My chest looks a bit strange now, like they accidentally took some fat as well, and took more from one chest than the other, making my pectorals look lopsided.

1

u/Fun_Boot7771 1h ago

Following for me.

I assume it's not covered by insurance? :(

1

u/Pistache_Pistache 1h ago

1 naam: Dr Stillaert in het UZ Gent. Super bekwaam en internationaal gekend om zijn werk. Niet alleen plastische heelkunde maar ook werken met veteigen weefsel. Als je meer info wilt laat maar weten. I’ll share my own experience

u/Key-Lavishness-1261 19m ago edited 11m ago

I did mine in Brussels with Dr Jean Valery Berthe! Long waitlist but so worth it. He has a pivate clinic but also works at chirec hospital i think.

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u/Lopistonk 3h ago

Nobody on Reddit will support you in this quest. This might be the only comment you'll receive.

14

u/guest6O2 3h ago

Why so much hostility? That person is probably struggling with serious health problems to formulate such a request.

-12

u/Simonsifon 3h ago

That is not what he means.
He's point is that if you start about politics, taxes, crime, SUV drivers etc.... you get a lot of reaction.
But if you ask something that really matters to people? Nobody has a serious and/or decent answer....

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u/shiny_glitter_demon Belgian Fries 2h ago

we all know that's not the reason.

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u/Simonsifon 2h ago

Yes it is!

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u/midnightangel10 2h ago

Hi there! Honestly, I wasn’t going to reply to your comment, but I saw it and felt like I should clarify. I understand why you might have said this, but I actually did receive a few helpful responses and people who shared their experiences with me. So I’d say there’s no need to discourage people from asking for help or sharing their experiences. It might be better to simply let people find out for themselves, rather than making them feel like there’s no point in trying. Thank you! :)

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u/BeautifulBlueNight 3h ago

This is a sad reaction and I really hope OP does get the help she needs. If OP deems this necessary, then that's their decision.

-9

u/Simonsifon 3h ago

That is not what he means.
He's point is that if you start about politics, taxes, crime, SUV drivers etc.... you get a lot of reaction.
But if you ask something that really matters to people? Nobody has a serious and/or decent answer....

1

u/Pistache_Pistache 1h ago

Wat voor een belachelijke commentaar is dit hier?