Is Downsizing One’s Boobs The New Hollywood Upgrade?

nicefrenchgurl
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 10:39 am: [report]

well i had surgery when i was 18 month old. as a result have had to carry around a boob one cup bigger than the other one; so yes id love to down size (but just one please??) does this count?

_jsw_
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 10:48 am: [report]

I’m a lot more supportive of breast reduction than breast implants, in most cases. One removes tissue and can often help with health issues (back problems and so on). The other involves inserting bags into one’s body. I see the former as being less of a problem than the latter.

That said, I think any breast change should be done only after a lot of consideration. If changing the size of your breast(s) will truly make you feel better, emotionally and/or physically, and if you’re OK with the potential risks, fine. It’s your body and you should be able to do with it as you please.

But don’t do it because you think men will want you more or whatnot. Do it to make yourself feel better about your body, if you must do it at all. No matter what size your breasts are at the moment, there will be men who think they’re too big/too small and there will be many more men who like them and indeed men who would hate them if they were any other way.

So do it for yourself, or not at all.

hellosunrise
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 10:52 am: [report]

i hope not. if they have, then i’m screwed :s

pinkwhiskey
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 11:01 am: [report]

I’m a 38DD right now, when I get back down t my healthy weight I have a small 36D bra size. I won’t say that I don’t fantasize about smaller, not small, boobs. Luckily at 5’10 and with my hourglass shape, mine look proportionate. However, I have so much trouble buying anything that buttons down, whether it’s a jacket, sweater, or blouse. Dresses also pose a huge problem. The fact that my proponent tatas sex up even a basic white tank top can get a bit old some days. I’m a tomboy who dresses like a vamp because it suits my body shape better. I’ve grown to love them, they’ve been there since I was twelve, but I totally understand the urge.
These women have had larger breasts and know what they’re “giving up”. They are also giving up potentially long-term back and neck damage as well.

Jenn27549
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 11:03 am: [report]

I don’t think it has anything to do with the trend of being “stick thin.”  Its a personal preference, just as going bigger is one.  I, for one, think its great (and not just b/c I’m on the smaller end of the spectrum).  It shows that we are accepting many different female figures as beautiful and ideal, not just big breasts.  As women we are led to believe that every man wants a woman with a big chest.  I think many men are led to believe that they aren’t normal if they aren’t “boob men.”  Some men actually like the look of extremely large, fake breasts.  But there are men who like small ones, too.  I honestly never knew that until I met my husband.  Every guy I had been with had either directly or indirectly made me feel insecure about having small breasts.  It wasn’t until I was dating my now-hubby that I met a man who was open and honest about not wanting a woman huge breasts.  It has made me much more confident in the rest of my body, as well.  I never thought anything was wrong with how I looked, just thought bigger boobs would make it “better.”  He even said most girls he’s dated didn’t believe him, and his guys friends didn’t either—because the “norm” is to lust after big boobs.  I don’t judge women either way—if they want to be bigger or smaller.  As a society we shouldn’t make a big deal either way.  Again, its a personal preference and all size breasts can be beautiful.

writergirl
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 11:12 am: [report]

You know what I wish?  I wish today’s Hollywood women would be like the starlets of old—Lauren Bacall, Kathrine O’Hara, Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn and the others—all of whom had some flaw seen by casting directors but were incredibly beautiful women in their own right.  And they had the confidence to say, take me as I am, this is me.  Like me or don’t like me, but I’m not changing. 

And Hollywood did.  And LOVED them.

Today’s starlet—with a few notable exceptions—don’t do that.  If the “body type” getting cast is a size 00, they stop eating.  If it is smaller boobs—they have surgery.  If it is larger boobs—they have surgery.  Hair extensions.  Nose jobs.  Perfect teeth. 

There’s no confidence left in Hollywood anymore—there’s no originality.  There’s just women trying to fit the mold.

lostrun
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 11:30 am: [report]

I’m with Pinkwhiskey.  I have 38DDs, but i’m 5’4, so they tend to be a focal point.  If i had the money, I would absolutely reduce them.  Besides the clothing issues that Pinkwhiskey noted, it would be nice to have small perky ones.

Dave The Rave
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 11:47 am: [report]

The celebs will do something and then the average women flock to that trend.  If they can reduce your boobies, etc, and you feel you would want that, then go for it.  However, as jsw said, do it only AFTER careful consideration.

sweetswissjenn
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 11:53 am: [report]

well, to be honest, i’m a big-boobed girl who is pretty content with them at the mo, especially since going off the pill and losing about ten pounds. if big boobs don’t go with your frame, the real problem is fitting into the cute dresses and tops that are out there, without looking like a tightly-wound sausage. christina ricci is the perfect example. thora birchs’ luckily shrink when she loses a few pounds, so her body works in her favor.

the bigger question is: is the small boob trend an indirect consequence of the global crisis, i.e. doing more with less, getting by with less? i’ve heard some odd theories on changes to our bodies, our dress sense and our eating habits when something as severe as this crisis hits close to home….any thoughts?

Dave The Rave
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 12:51 pm: [report]

sweetswissjenn,

I think thanks a good one.  The “Less is more”, etc., argument.  Still, if the celebs do it, some women will follow suit.  Plus, liposuction, breast and body augmentation are the rage now and some procedures may now be covered.  THAT was a big thing years ago, since some items were not covered, as they were not medically necessary.  Progress.

Anniekins
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 03:31 pm: [report]

I’m glad that some of the hollywood women that had ridiculously balloon-like implants are starting to downsize.  Nobody wants to look at a couple of flesh-colored wrecking balls.

The women with naturally large breasts might have a legit reason (besides vanity) for downsizing.  I’ve known plenty of people who have had issues with their breasts, including painful growths, back problems and straps that cut into their shoulders.  Breast reduction surgery is supposedly quite painful and can leave quite a bit of scarring.  I can’t imagine a woman doing that so she can be a stick figure.

Allegra
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 04:51 pm: [report]

I was always aware of our culture’s obsession with womens’ breasts, but wow it really takes on a whole new dimension when you are faced with breast cancer. Having just had to undergo a double mastectomy three weeks ago, I can say that I’ve never noticed so many “boob” comments or blatant displays in the media.

I liked the size of my (fairly small) breasts just fine before losing them, and I’m sure the reconstruction will be okay too. Not perfect I know, but then I am not my breasts.

Good health to all.

lawyrgrl
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 05:09 pm: [report]

@Allegra Best of luck with your reconstruction and future health.  Your comment definitely puts the conversation into perspective!

Dave The Rave
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 05:12 pm: [report]

@Allegra,

My sister had breast cancer and had the lump removed.  I forget if she had reconstructive surgery or not - I think she hasn’t.

SusieQ27
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 05:40 pm: [report]

Breast reduction is considered the most brutal surgery available.  The surgery is extremely painful and there is a long recovery period.  You need to carefully consider the risks before proceeding (including the high probability of necrosis where the breast tissue dies during surgery).  If you decide to have the surgery, you need to research the doctor you are interested in.  Be sure to ask around for references from family and friends, and you also need to check for patient comments on websites such as ratemds.com.  As a final check, make sure you review the court records in your area to find out if the doctor has been sued.

canadiancutie
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 08:31 pm: [report]

I had a really think girlfriend who wanted to get implants. We’re both B-cups. I have no idea what that feels like, to want bigger boobs. Mine are small and perky and I couldn’t be happier about them. They fit well with my scrawny arms. I think women should just be happy with what they have. If that’s voluptuous cups that runneth over, good. If that’s perky little B-cups like mine, good. Enough of this “let’s modify my chest” stuff. Weird weird weird.

canadiancutie
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 08:32 pm: [report]

really thin**

*sam*
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 08:39 pm: [report]

@canadiancutie: that’s awesome that you’re happy with your breasts!!

but as for me: if they were just the same size —whether it be the left B cup, or the right C cup, I’d be happy. is it normal to have that much of a difference between them?? b/c it drives me NUTS!!

though, I do have to give my bf credit, he compliments both of them

I Go To 11
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 08:44 pm: [report]

I used to want a reduction; weight loss has helped me change my mind. I’ve always had large breasts (even after losing 50 lbs. they’re still DD!) and they get in the way of stuff. They don’t get in the way as much now that I’ve reached a healthy weight, but I still have problems finding tops that fit me. :\

My aunt had a reduction several years ago and said it was one of the best decisions she ever made. But as other posters have said, it’s not something you can just jump into without lots of consideration.

kannf1982
wrote on August 16 2009 @ 08:52 pm: [report]

women *should* be happy with what they have? why does everyone want to tell everyone else how to feel?  why dont you just live and let be!? i dont get all the hubbub. I am 5’3”, 110 pounds, and had really nice B breasts that I def could live with, but I like the look of fake breasts, and could afford it, so I got them and now Im a C. I do not think theyre for everyone and I am not following any trend. I have wanted them since I was in junior high long before i really even knew what kind of boobs id actuallly end up with…I dont care if every guy I know has something negative to say about fake boobs or what they think about girls with fake boobs (not realizing that min are fake)...its just a thing i liked and di for me, it is nobodys business, and i guarantee any asinine theories anyone has about who has big boobs small boobs fake ones real ones, surgically reduced ones, whatever, are not correct, because you do not have all the answers to why people are the way they are. I wish women would stop scrutinizing every other women and just accept their choices about their own bodies, whatever they may be.

Frederica Bimble
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 04:31 am: [report]

lostrun:  You may be wearing a bra with a “too large” back size.  I am going by your height.  I don’t know how much you weigh but if you are wearing a 38, then you would be very large in circumference.  Most women ARE wearing the wrong bra size, indeed.  I don’t know where you live because choice is limited in smaller towns in America.  If you have access to some of the better bra ranges found in better department stores, then you could try (and I’m only going by your height and the bra size you’ve written here) a 36E or a 34F - even a 36F or 34FF or G may be more accommodating.  I would find it surprising - unless the woman is obese - that your back size could be so large.  We have a bra company over here in the UK called “Bravissimo” which caters to women with larger cup sizes.  I went from wearing a 34C - which the lady who fitted me described my boobs as “hanging” in the bra - to a 30E and now that I’ve lost a bit of muscle tone from not working out, I’m now in a 30F.  Wearing the correctly fitted bra size will change your life.  You’ll appreciate what you see in the mirror more and that IS life-changing. 
The website for Bravissimo is:  http://www.bravissimo.com

Frederica Bimble
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 04:36 am: [report]

Oh my!  I just realised that my comment looks like SPAM!  I can assure everyone that I am a real person at work who should be reading some documents full of dry information to prepare for a meeting on Wednesday but I’m slacking by posting comments on the web…. What I have written above is “real” and yes, I do buy my bras there - well, either there or Harrods when there’s a sale on…..

Steph9668
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 05:11 am: [report]

I’ve always had small breasts and I used to feel like I should have had implants. I’m so glad I got over the insecurities and comparisons. There is no beauty template… the most beautiful women I’ve ever met don’t look the same or like supermodels… they are the women that are happy about who they are and what they’ve accomplished in their life.

GreenAura
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 09:29 am: [report]

I’ve always had a large chest.  When I was chubbier, I was wearing a DDD.  Now that I’m pretty thin, I’m in a D.  I’m happy with the size now, but I think I want them lifted because the weight change has made them lower then where I *think* they should be.  My hubby and I are currently trying to have a baby, so I want to see what happens after I breast feed.  It would be a total waste of $$ to get any kind of breast procedure if you know you want kids. 

Has anyone had a lift done?  If so, what happens to your nipple shape and sensitivity?

skywalk
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 09:46 am: [report]

I have big breasts and for the most part I don’t mind but they do draw a lot of attention from both men and women because not are the only large but they are firm and perky.  Do other people get the same attention from both sexes about their breasts?  I think it is a little odd I’ve never commented on another woman’s breasts!  The thing that sucks is buying clothes I can’t wear certain styles or some button up shirts because I have to buy large to x-lg in order for the shirts to fit over them but the shirt may be way too big other areas.  They also don’t really get much bigger or smaller when I lose weight.

justme
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 10:00 am: [report]

@ Frederica Bimble
People come in all shapes and sizes which is why they make bras in all shapes in sizes.  I agree that bra fittings are a must but I’m also sure that people can very easily be 5’4” and 38” in circumference.

Queen Frostine
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 10:49 am: [report]

Why do we assume downsizing is a trend? What if women are just finally listening to themselves and doing what’s right and comfortable for their body? I’d give anything to be two sizes smaller. Dealing with life long back / neck pain and clothes that don’t fit are not “accepting myself as is”.

sadie
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 11:14 am: [report]

“Breast reduction is considered the most brutal surgery available.  The surgery is extremely painful and there is a long recovery period.  You need to carefully consider the risks before proceeding (including the high probability of necrosis where the breast tissue dies during surgery).”

Where are you getting this? Are you speaking from experience. I had a reduction about 12 years ago and I am very happy to have done it.  The experience was pretty painless (they give you painkillers and Novocaine.) The recovery was pretty quick. I was home less than 24 hours later and back to doing my usual thing after a couple of weeks. I was actually up and around after a day or two, just had to be careful not to rip stitches, like with any surgery. I had no issues with necrosis. I have greater sensitivity now than I did before my reduction.

I am very happy to have had a reduction. I feel slimmer,  clothing fits better, my posture is better, my confidence improved, my bras are prettier, my boobs are perkier, I stopped getting rude comments from strangers about my boobs. While I see no problem with busty girls being happy with their size, girls who are not will probably appreciate the results of a reduction. Every woman I have met who’s had one was happy with her results.

I imagine if celebs are getting reductions, it’s probably for the same reasons I wanted mine and I don’t see a problem with it. There will always be a market for big boobs, I don’t think Playboy is going anywhere.

CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 11:18 am: [report]

@sadie: Yeah, trolls are out today in force.

_jsw_
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 11:33 am: [report]

I completely agree about the excessive description of the risks and effects by SusieQ27, although there were some good points hidden in that comment about fully reviewing your doctor first. Of course, this should be common sense, but I think people might be less likely to look into their physician’s record for a breast reduction than for, say, brain surgery. However, it’s always a good idea.

Frederica Bimble
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 11:45 am: [report]

@justme:  Give me a break.  My post wasn’t indicative of a moron.  Yes, of course people come in all shapes and sizes and over 70% of women are also wearing the wrong size bra.  The comment wasn’t needed.  I covered ALL of it.  Read what I posted and you will find that I wrote that a 5’4” would have a smaller back size UNLESS she was obese, therefore, once again, no need for the redundant reply.

callmehats
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 01:39 pm: [report]

From a practical standpoint, smaller boobs make sense. Who wants to be dragging around giant bags of fat stuck to your chest? Breasts are a hindrance.

justme
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 02:49 pm: [report]

Wow Ms. Bimble, are you sure your original comment was needed?  By the sound of it you are calling her either fat or stupid.  Neither reflect well on you.

stiffinp
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 04:48 pm: [report]

I am not a “breast” person. That puts me in the minority. That being said, I like well proportioned, small breasts. Big ones, forget it. I had a girlfriend who was completely flat and it never bothered me.
So kodos for Hollywood for swimming against the tide.

Let_Love_Rule
wrote on August 17 2009 @ 07:07 pm: [report]

Queen Frostine, I am right there with you! I wear a 34 F and my neck & back are a disaster! I have permanent indentations in my shoulders from the weight on my bra straps. Finding clothes is incredibly difficult, and I pay the tailor entirely too much. Additionally, breast exams are difficult and I worry about a lump going undetected within all that flesh.

The good news is that I have been saving and will be able to get a reduction within a year. I hope that my insurance company will help, but I’m told it’s difficult to make a case.

I’m not concerned about being less/more attractive. I think confidence is the hottest thing ever, and I know this surgery will boost mine.

JaYo
wrote on October 9 2009 @ 03:51 pm: [report]

Lostrun, Frederika Bimble does not know what she’s talking about.

I’m the same height as you and wear the same bra size as you, and yes, the girls have been professionally measured and fitted into the brassiere I’m wearing today. I’m not fat, I’m not thin, I’m proportional. Just right. It’s ridiculous to have a stranger make a comment to the contrary.