Girl Talk: Why I Had Breast Reduction Surgery

Avah
wrote on September 18 2008 @ 09:18 am: [report]

I had a breast reduction 3 years ago - and I can tell you all honestly, that it was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It’s not necessarily the right decision for everybody, but it has changed my life.  People actually look me in the eyes when they speak to me (what a concept!), and I can buy a shirt and it actually fits me properly… Doesn’t hang off my breasts and make me look as if I’m 10 pounds heavier.  At 14 I was a full C cup, at age 19 I was a DD-E cup.  Large breasts run in my family and my mother, aunt and grandmother all had reductions as well.  I had the operation done when I was 19, and ‘in a second’  would do it all over again if I had too.  My scaring is very minimal now, all feeling has come back and I hope that one day I will be able to breast feed without any problems.  To be able to feel as good as I do now, is a true blessing.  Thank god we live in a country that we are able to get these types of procedures.  I encourage any woman who is having discomfort with her breasts/ shoulders/ neck to discuss this option with their doctor, it has changed my life.

lilo
wrote on September 18 2008 @ 10:46 am: [report]

Wendy, thanks for sharing your personal story. It’s great to hear someone talk about their breasts from a lifestyle choice, not about just what may look good to others. I have a friend who had a breast reduction as a teenager and unfortunately the doctors took TOO MUCH. She’s been self-conscious about it for years. Now, they seem to be coming back with a little weight gain!

Lynn
wrote on September 18 2008 @ 11:28 am: [report]

Thanks for this article.

I’m an H cup. One day my mom made a comment about how I shouldn’t get a reduction surgery until after I’ve had kids and breastfed - and I had never even considered a reduction. She just kind of assumed that it was one of my goals.

Sometimes I still think about it - like last night when I went out with friends, and realized that while I went to the bathroom my chest dominated the conversation. I don’t want my identity for other people to be wrapped up in the globs of fat that hang off my chest.

wendy
wrote on September 18 2008 @ 12:49 pm: [report]

Lynn, if it’s something you think you might want, don’t hesitate to go for it. Breastfeeding can still be an option if you had the surgery before kids, but even if it’s not, you might find it worth the trade-off.

Jen
wrote on September 19 2008 @ 05:38 pm: [report]

First off, thanks for posting this. I needed to see this
Ok. I’m 22, and I have 34DD’s. Apparently I was actually at 34DDD for a time last winter, according to the lady who measured me, but that disappeared with winter [thank God!]. I’ve been thinking for a loooong time about getting a breast reduction. I’m constantly in pain - neck, back, shoulders - and have been ever since I was about a sophomore in high school and discovered I suddenly had boobs. I’m kind of on the fence about it though, and not 100% sure. I’m completely sick of going shopping for shirts and being unable to buy any of the current styles. A lot of the new styles are tunics or empire waists. For one thing, my boobs don’t fit in the designated spot. They either come out the top or push out the bottom. For another, if I wear any shirts like that, people ask me if I’m pregnant! Sometimes they even ask if I’m just wearing a regular tee or tank. And when I look at them in shock, they say ‘Well your boobs are so big… I just assumed…’. Um, no. It gets really frustrating to deal with that, and, you ladies said it, people having conversations with your boobs. I guess most of my reservations stem mostly from a few things. One, I’m kind of afraid. Go ahead, call me a big baby, but it’s true. I don’t know if I want to find out how much it’s going to hurt. I mean they’re tearing part of your body out! :/ Two, I don’t have insurance right now. How am I supposed to afford this? And three, how do I know how much to get taken off? I’m just shy of 5’10”, and like I said, 34DD. How am I supposed to know how much needs to go?!  I don’t want to look totally disproportionate! Sorry this was so long, but… I don’t know. If anyone has any suggestions, PLEASE HELP!

wendy
wrote on September 22 2008 @ 12:56 pm: [report]

Jen, I know pain is relative and people experience different levels of pain for the same type of procedure, but I can tell you that I had very little pain from my surgery. You’re knocked out during the proceduer, so of course you feel nothing then and afterwards, there are plenty of painkillers available to alleviate any pain you might feel. I was sore—like I would be after a very, very intense upper body workout and I couldn’t lift my arms very hight, but that only lasted for a couple of days. By the second week post-surgery, all soreness and discomfort had faded. As for how much you’d want to have reduced, well, that’s totally a personal decision. You can talk it over with people who’s opinion you trust and with the plastic surgeon you select, but ultimately it’s your decision. Think about what would look proportionate on you, what would make you feel most like yourself and most confident.
And as for how to pay for the surgery without insurance, that’s something I just don’t know about to answer. I was lucky enough to still be covered under my parents’ insurance. It’s a very expensive surgery, so if you don’t have the money for it and aren’t willing to go into debt for it, and if it’s something you don’t have to do right away, I’d wait until you DO have health insurance.

victoria
wrote on October 1 2008 @ 08:25 pm: [report]

Hello this is just what i wanted to do was hear some good news on breast reductions. because on Nov 21 i have goin to have one, because of the back neck shoulder all of that pain. I am 31 years old and i have finally gotten one of my dreams about to be made. So If anyone who is reading this just keep me in there prayers as I am insuregery on Nov 21 2008. And this comments i have read have encouraged me more. I also feel it will be a good motivation

naomi
wrote on October 14 2008 @ 10:48 am: [report]

Wow, I wish I could get that done. At 15 I’m already a 28-JJ and it’s awful. God knows what size I’ll be when I’m 19.
I’m definitely getting a reduction when I’m 18. Your story is one of the many success stories I’ve read about.

Kelly
wrote on October 15 2008 @ 08:10 am: [report]

Hi, I was 45 yrs old when i had my reduction and I will tell you it is the best thing I have done for myself.  I was a DD - E cup and now fit nicely into a C cup and those nice sports bras, love it.  Very little discomfort after and minimal scaring, just make sure you feel good about your surgeon and the jobs he does.  You can ask him or her to see any before and after pics they may have, this helped me a great deal, his or her rep is very important for you and the outcome.  Happy with my C cups in Canada.

Chris
wrote on October 15 2008 @ 10:43 am: [report]

I’m so happy to find this site.  I have been back and forth about having a reduction.  My chest has been an on-going issue for me for YEARS.  A good friend of mine had surgery in July 08 and looks beautiful!  That was the clincher for me!  I immediately made an appt and was seen right away.  I was just approved by my insurance company yesterday.  Once the official letter reaches my doctor, I’ll be good to go.  We’re looking at November 14th for my surgery.  I will admit I’m nervous.  I don’t like the idea of anesthesia or 4 hours of surgery. The pain I can deal with, however.  I’ve been a size 6 or 8 most of my life and carrying around 34 E’s is exhausting.  I feel my chest makes me look much heavier than I am.  I’m anxious to finally feel comfortable about how I look.  Thanks for all your wonderful comments!!!

Tracyann
wrote on November 2 2008 @ 06:19 pm: [report]

Lots of good reading and feedback here!!  sure glad I found this. I’m a 50 yr young Gal with big hug jugs..@  last count somewhere around 44DD?? 
I am in the   “just beginning”  process of research,  for a great local Surgeon..(pretty well set on Dr. Neil Zemmel, Richmond, VA.)My Lifesytle in many aspects has been affected for far too long now..and it’s time for a ‘Change’~ The Neck,back shoulder Pain is a daily deal..  it’s so nice to have support from Other Women not just from My Bra.. I just wonder what size will look Best on me?  I wanna be Much smaller round and as Perky as Possible! maybe an Option reduction with a lift? I (had) already started my supporting medical documents/ie: exams and follow-up’s with my Current primary care Doc ..so Now it’s just to reseach the Heck out of all of this and get it all ready for my Ins. Co.,  of which I’ve been told looks like a excellent chance of coverage due to my many health problems.
Thanks to all of you Gals for yr in-puts!  Ciao.~

Kath
wrote on November 6 2008 @ 05:30 pm: [report]

This reading has been quite encouraging.I have been scheduled for a reduction on December 2.I am getting very worried about pain,infection and big mistakes ..like loss of a nipple.I am 43 years old and currently a 36 F.My back and shoulders have been hurting me for years.I mean its bearable but constant and annoying.Also, some men are very awkward in my presence which I am sure that most of you are familiar with.
I am excited about feeling more comfortable.How great it will be to be able to find a bra that doesn’t cost me 150.00!And clothes will finally fit me properly!I am trying to be brave and not chicken out.

blackrose
wrote on November 13 2008 @ 05:41 pm: [report]

I have always considered breast reduction, by the time I was 16, I was wearing 36DD, by the time I was 21, I was wearing 36DDD.  after I had my first baby, I was at 36G, wearing 42DDD nursing bras, cause I couldn’t find any other that was a better fit… as you girls know, that was terrible fit as well.  now i just had my third baby, and my 36G nursing bra (bought online) are too small.  it’s definitely time to research reduction…

Katia
wrote on November 13 2008 @ 07:59 pm: [report]

JEN - Your surgeon will help you decide what size you should be. I hated my breasts so much that I insisted I wanted to be a B and my surgeon (who was wonderful) said no, I needed to be a D because of my height and shape (I’m 5’10”, shaped like an hour glass) I then asked to be a C cup and my surgeon looked at me and said strongly, “I *have* to keep you in proportion with your body shape.” She took out half my breast tissue and I ended up a D cup. Initally I was disapointed, but now I see that she was right. I would have looked really bottom heavy if I had gotten my way. Sadly, I’ve gained a bit of weight since then (3 years) and now they are up to a DD and not as high up as they were post surgery. Like the author, I was bitterly disapointed and felt betrayed by my own body, but…what can you do. I have to learn to love my breasts. They are not pretty and perky and never will be (too many stretch marks. My mother was STUNNED when she saw them for the first time before surgery. She had no idea they were that bad and now she finally understands why I was so paranoid and covering myself all the time.) I still think I’m lucky, I’ve got full sensation and my scars are barely noticable (thanks to my excellent surgeon).

One thing I definately want to say is SHOP AROUND before you pick a surgeon. The first one I went to (a man) wanted to do a slice and dice, cut everything off like it didn’t matter. I cried in his office when he was so cavalier about cutting off my nipples and the expected loss of sensation. I still remember him saying “Well, it’s not a big deal as large breasted women rarely have nipple sensation anyway.” (which actually was true for me, but still…completely cutting off a woman’s nipples is hard to accept.) After I started crying he stalked out of the office and refused me any treatment. At first I was insulted, but it was a blessing in disguise. It led me to the most fantastic surgeon who did everything she could to preserve my feeling and keep my nipples attached. I am really grateful for the way things turned out. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

crmsnkatt
wrote on December 16 2008 @ 02:48 pm: [report]

I remember once in 8th grade, one of my best (guy) friends asked me if I stuffed my bra, because there was no way I could possibly have boobs that big. How I wish that would’ve been the case. I was a DD at 19 and entering boot camp for the Navy. My Chief asked me during a PT test why I didn’t wear a bra with adequate support (I was wearing 2 sports bras PLUS a regular bra). They didn’t have any at the Exchange that supported me in the slightest. Even though I lost 13 pounds in boot camp, I still somehow managed to gain a cup size and was now a DDD. By age 20, I was resisting moving up another cup size and stubbornly still wearing my DDD bras, popping out of the top or bottom of the bra and looking ridiculous in the process.

The day I turned 21, I had a reduction. I was hesitant, because military doctors aren’t exactly known for being the best. But my surgeon, Dr. Gary Arishita (San Antonio, TX) was absolutely AMAZING. He was very up front about the pros and cons of having the surgery and was very nice to me while still maintaining his professionalism throughout the process.

The pain was there, but manageable. I slept in a recliner the first couple days after the surgery because it was easier to get in & out of than my bed was. By the time I went back to work, 2 weeks later (I do miss convalescent leave… the military had its perks, after all), I was mostly recovered and could perform my daily functions with no problem (running and jumping had to wait another few weeks, according to military post-surgery guidelines).

They took roughly 7-8 pounds of tissue and left me with a full C cup. I’ve never been happier with my body than I was, then. As soon as I managed, I went shopping and found clothes that actually FIT! When I went back to work, my supervisor (who was a good friend of mine), tripped over his tongue and stuck his foot in his mouth when he told me how THIN I looked!

Sadly, it didn’t last long. I got pregnant 4 months later (I did have issues with breast feeding, but my daughter did well with formula & to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t excited about the idea to begin with). It’s now 3 years later, and I’m back to a DDD… desperately wishing for another reduction. I have to drop some more baby weight and head back to the doctor. Luckily, I have a history of back and neck pain that’s been linked to the re-emergence of The Girls, so insurance shouldn’t be too much of an issue (I’m not in the military anymore).

Danielle
wrote on December 18 2008 @ 03:56 pm: [report]

I would like to ask those of you who had breast reduction done about what technique did the doctor use.
A) Dermabond vs. sutures (stitches)
B) Totally detached the niple/aureola vs. not completely detaching the nipple

Would you please tell me about how do your scar looks and did you loose sensation permanently after surgery.

Thank you. I appreciate your imput.

I am so fed up with pain related to large breasts and practically this procedure has been recommended by several doctors after an extended physical therapy which didn’t help with the pain I experience.
Absolutely all of your comments echo my own experience as a woman with large breasts. A know all about the rude men staring down my chest while talking to me, whistles, moaning, or comments of passers by, I seem to be a magnet for older men, not being able to wear what looks pretty in small chested women, not being able to buy a business suit that actually fits, bad posture due to the heaviness of the breast and pain caused by carrying the weight all day long, struggling to find a bra that fits, disproportional body, habing to wear mostly sweaters (because they stretch and fit), not being able to see my feet when walking, etc.

I currently wear 38DDD and unfortunately my health insurance acknowledges that the procedure is medically necessary, but refuses to pay for it because it is excluded. Unbelievable!

Thanks. I appreciate your comments.

Michael
wrote on December 18 2008 @ 04:40 pm: [report]

my best friend had DD’s on a 4’11”/98lbs frame.  She threw a going away party for them when she had hers “taken in.”

Avah
wrote on December 18 2008 @ 04:55 pm: [report]

Well I wish you the best of luck and I hope you are able to get it covered somehow - this procedure is LIFE CHANGING. I am lucky enough to live in Canada and had my operation covered in full.  I also had stitches and had my entire nipple removed and re-positioned… so to speak.

I was very nervous about the possibility of loosing feeling in my nipples, I would like to breast feed one day and hopefully I won’t have any concerns.  I was lucky and got full feeling back in both nipples a few weeks after the operation. 

Make sure you look around for a good surgeon and be completely comfortable with them before you go under the knife.  Ask to see before and after pictures of past clients, testimonials or any info like that. 

When I went in I was under the impression that the doctor was going to show me an A cup, a B cup, and a C cup… and say “so what size do you want to be?”  But no, that wasn’t the case… there is no real A size, or B size - they are all determined by the professionals who manufacture our bras and bathing suites and also vary from surgeon to surgeon.  I had visited 3 surgeons and decided on the 3rd one; we had 2 consultations before I was ready to go through with it… I had a lot of questions and during the time between the appointments I had numerous sticky notes floating around my house, car and office with questions that I needed answered.

The first few times I changed my bandages, I was so scared!  I cried and I cried… They looked horrible, and small, all the stitches and dried blood, my arm pits were black and blue, and the pain was very apparent.  Be sure to keep up on your meds, if they say take ever 4 hours…. TAKE EVERY 4 HOURS - even if you don’t think you need to.  It least for the first 1-2 weeks just follow the directions, and you will be better off for it.  I used a few tenser bandages (that I swiped from the hospital) for the first few weeks along with gauze and surgical tape to keep everything clean and well padded.  My body didn’t look perportioned for the first few days I thought I had made a huge mistake - boy was I wrong. 

One word of advice for any woman who is getting this done… depending on the length of your car ride home from the hospital (mine was well over 30 mins)  make sure your driver brings you a pillow or blanket so that you can hold it up to your chest so ‘soften the blow’ so to speak, from driving… as you will feel every little bump and stop. 

GOOD LUCK LADIES!

Toni
wrote on March 17 2009 @ 08:25 am: [report]

Hi ladies,
I am considering a breast reduction. I met with the doctor yesterday and got the paperwork started but this is such a major invasive surgery I thought I’d look around online for any other alternatives (not much). I found your posts and thought I’d share my experience, just to give an alternate perspective.

I have been dealing with big boobs since puberty with power bras; double spandex for exercise, ribbed shirts to give support and curves, you name it.

In any case, my situation is different from many of you since I am 48 and have a daughter. I breastfed her and it was a wonderful experience that I would not have traded for the world. That’s when I figured out what boobies were made for. Plus it is incredibly, magically good for your babies health.

Since breast reduction surgery takes milk ducts along with the rest, this makes it difficult or impossible to breastfeed. So before you make a decision, I just suggest that you do all your research. If you think you might want to breastfeed, read about it. Get informed about post-surgery breast feeding. Also talk to your surgeon about it.

I’m glad we’re thinking about it enough to go online and discuss it. Having big breasts is a burden and I totally understand wanting to be more comfortable. For myself, I just want to be sure I know what I’m getting into. I encourage you all to do what you can to love and honour your beautiful selves, body and soul.
T

Melania
wrote on August 18 2009 @ 10:08 am: [report]

Good for you, and all of those with the strength to make the right choices for themselves. 
I myself am envious.  After my daughter’s birth 17 years ago, the one is bigger than the other, and both could do with a lift.  Its currently in my close future planning and your article and words make me feel confident in my choice. 
Thanks

jen_b
wrote on August 19 2009 @ 11:47 am: [report]

Hello ladies. 6 weeks ago I had a breast reduction and I am SO happy with it. I am 30 years old and my only regret is that I didn’t do it 10 years ago when I first started thinking about it. Anyhow, there is a website out there that has a ton of information about breast reductions and an online support community that is amazing. If you are considering going through this procedure I highly recommend you visit this site:

http://WWW.BREASTHEALTHONLINE.COM

CityGirl
wrote on September 7 2009 @ 09:43 am: [report]

Hi everyone,

I have to agree with the other comments that having a breast reduction was the best thing I ever did. By the 6th grade I had a full C cup and it really messed with my self image. 6th grade boys may claim they know what to do with big boobs, but they really are terrified of them and as a result shied away from me while old men had no problem leering and making inappropriate comments. So, I hid behind big tshirts for years, thinking I was fat and ugly (I look at pictures now and see that my size 6/8 butt was skinny and cute and wish it was still that skinny! Oh well). They continued to grow and by the time I was 21 they were DDD or bigger - I never would let anyone measure me and just squished them into the least granny-like (and totally not supportive) bra I could find. Shopping for bathing suits was like water-boarding to me, even in stores that had D-cup suits that you could buy smaller bottoms as a separate. I finally decided I had had enough and consulted with a plastic surgeon with excellent credentials, but a ridiculously busy schedule and was told it would be almost a year before it could happen. I went home sad and frustrated and told my sister who gave me the number of her mom’s plastic surgeon (we have different mothers). He did a very good job with the consultation, showed me before and after pictures, and gave me a recommended new ‘size’. I would still have big boobs he said since I wanted to try and breast feed if I ever had kids. I was in surgery within 2 weeks.

It was a bit scary and when I woke up it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. The beautiful thing about anesthesia is it takes a couple of days to wear off, so it really doesn’t hurt too much. Throw in a little demerol or morphine and you’ll not care too much. There are moments when he examines you and your drain that are uncomfortable, but really not screaming out loud or anything. It took me about a month before I was back to normal, but I wasn’t as healthy as I should have been so I suggest you quit smoking(you should do that anyway if you do) and go the gym before and you’ll bounce back quicker.

I still have what most people consider big boobs, but for me they are smaller and perkier. The scarring is minimal and I don’t really notice, but what I do notice is that my boobs fit in things like bathing suit tops and cute shirts and I don’t have such a hard time standing up straight (physically or mentally - standing up straight makes people thing you are pushing your boobs out, so I would hunch over to hide). It was the best thing I ever did and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

P.S. No one has mentioned this, so I’ll say it - when researching your potential surgeon, be sure that they are Board Certified and get references - you don’t want hack hacking away, and they are out there.

Mek
wrote on October 7 2009 @ 08:48 am: [report]

I really appreciate you ladies sharing your stories.  They have been a big help.  I’m 30 years old 5’2 with 36K size bra I just had a growth sprout and they never stopped growing since I was sixteen.  They have been always too big for my body.  I’m scheduled to have the surgery on Oct 16, 2009 (I’M SO SCARED)I just keep thinking about the scaring.  My auntie and cousin had it done and it came out horrible.  But I also have 2 other cousins who’s came out pretty good.  I also just recently had knee surgery #4 so hopefully this will take some of the pressure of that.  I just can’t help wondering if this is the right thing to do.  I’m having mixed emotions one minute I’m so excited thinking about shopping and not having to buy a size 18 or 20 shirt when I wear a 10.  The thought of buying a coat or blazer is just Whew overwhelming.  My chest are always the center of unwanted attention and conversations.  People often stare and get others attention like I’m a freak show or something.  Well I only have a lil over a week so I better decided quickly!!!

olive24
wrote on October 17 2009 @ 02:35 am: [report]

I am 20 years old and i wear a 34G size bra, I’m still growing.  I get horrible sores between my breasts, irritated skin where they sag and rub against me, a sore back and the only bras i can fit are horrible old lady bras.  I have thought about surgery and my mum offered it to me as a graduation present but it’s a really big decision and i have no idea what i want.  I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me.

Lynn
wrote on October 17 2009 @ 11:24 am: [report]

@olive24 - As far as bras go, have you looked at Figleaves.com, figleaves.co.uk, barenecessities.com, freshpair.com, herroom.com, bravissimo.com? Those are all great places to find bras in larger cup sizes and they are not grandma bras. I’m an H and I have a ton of cute bras in my lingerie drawer. It takes a little digging but it’s worth it! Also, are you sure that you’re in the right size? They shouldn’t sag or rub against you if they’re being held up properly in your bra. And if you are in the wrong size that could be contributing to your sore back. Just a thought.

I would say do NOT get surgery if you’re still so unsure. You can always get it later if you decide you want it, but it will be a hell of a lot harder to get your boobs back if you get the surgery now and regret it.

jen_b
wrote on October 17 2009 @ 11:39 am: [report]

Hi Olive,

Breast reduction is definitely not something to rush into. It took me a lot of years to finally decide that having one was the right thing for me. The best thing to do is to do your research. Look at before and after pictures, read up on the details of the surgery - risks and possible complications, and I would also recommend going in to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon (or two or three). At this stage you may not be ready to have the surgery, but talking to a plastic surgeon is the best way to get the most accurate information (you can’t trust the internet!). That said, this website: http://www.breasthealthonline.com was and is an invaluable resource for me before and after my reduction. There are message boards with real women who are going through just what you are, women you are having the surgery and women who have had the surgery. I highly recommend that you spend some time there reading about all of their experiences.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your decision.

dilleysue
wrote on November 30 2009 @ 07:42 pm: [report]

Like you, the surgery was the best idea I ever had about myself and I darn near didn’t do it.  I started “blooming” at 9.  (A really rotten time of life to quit jumping rope) and by 13 they were a D sized family joke enhanced only my diminutive height (62.75 inches).  Gymnastics, dance and tennis were pretty much out of the question.  Guys just complicated an already tense issue: did he really think I was hot?  Or was he just mesmerized by those two semi-deflated basketballs that dragged down over my rib cage?  Don’t even get me started on clothes!

Almost 20 years ago my wonderful sister decided to restrict her twins (Never carried an extra ounce and she turned out top-heavy, genetics are crummy sometimes) which drove me to finally check it out and turn the DD bazooms into bouncing bubbly B’s.  Time and weight issues have deflated their original post-surgery shape and I have pretty much left B size behind but they still don’t drift half way to my navel and I know my husband loves the woman I am instead of the massive mammary momentum.  And (best of all) I’ll NEVER wear underwire again!!!

For anyone interested, do major research on the surgeon; interview former patients if you can.  I’m still convinced I lucked into the best in town that way.