Anybody had breast reduction? (Full Version)

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lightshineon -> Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 10:05:18 AM)

I am thinking very seriously about it. I wear a "DD", and the rest of my frame is fairly small. It has been a problem all my life. In college at one time I weighed about 76lbs, and my breast were still huge. I have to buy seperates, have things taken up in the waist, if I do not, and I am starting to have rounded shoulders, plus other social issues. My husband ask me to take off a normal t-shirt, because it makes my breast look to big. He does not want me to draw attention to them. I do not either. For those who have had it done, does it make a difference in self-esteem, was recovery hard, was there scarring. Thank you for replies.



isaacsmom -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 11:12:22 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lightshineon

I am thinking very seriously about it. I wear a "DD", and the rest of my frame is fairly small. It has been a problem all my life. In college at one time I weighed about 76lbs, and my breast were still huge. I have to buy seperates, have things taken up in the waist, if I do not, and I am starting to have rounded shoulders, plus other social issues. My husband ask me to take off a normal t-shirt, because it makes my breast look to big. He does not want me to draw attention to them. I do not either. For those who have had it done, does it make a difference in self-esteem, was recovery hard, was there scarring. Thank you for replies.


Wow, you sound like me! I've been as large as nearly overflowing a DDD. I'm only 5ft. tall and 100 lbs. [&o] I'd love to have reduction surgery. I feel like I slouch my shoulders too much as well and I'm afraid of the long-term effect. Plus the clothing issue itself is just so frustrating.

I've known a few women who have had the surgery and been very pleased with the results. Most recently one of my aunts underwent a reduction. She seems very happy and confident with the results. I've heard from the women I know that initially recovery is painful for a couple of weeks.

I hear it's getting harder and harder to get insurance to cover the surgery, though. [&o]



lightshineon -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 1:25:12 PM)

Thank You, I glad someone understands. I hope that my insurance covers it, I am going to find out. The slouch is from heavy breast, you carry that weight for so long, and when we get older (me) you look very young, I am afraid of the osteoporosis (sp) hump in my back. I am so tired, as I am sure you are of people making comments, or talking ot your breast, instead of your face. Like isaid before, I had on a crew neck, much to big t-shirt, my husband ask me to take off, not low cut, but made my breast look huge for some creepy reason. Thanks for your aunts story. I am ging to check into it. Another thing is exercise, running even the tread mill looks vulgar. I know some women are thinking wow, that is stupid, because they want increase, I understand that too. My DD are pretty small chested. I would like to be a large B or a very small "C", kind of like when I was in the first grade (LOL).[8D]
quote:

ORIGINAL: isaacsmom

quote:

ORIGINAL: lightshineon

I am thinking very seriously about it. I wear a "DD", and the rest of my frame is fairly small. It has been a problem all my life. In college at one time I weighed about 76lbs, and my breast were still huge. I have to buy seperates, have things taken up in the waist, if I do not, and I am starting to have rounded shoulders, plus other social issues. My husband ask me to take off a normal t-shirt, because it makes my breast look to big. He does not want me to draw attention to them. I do not either. For those who have had it done, does it make a difference in self-esteem, was recovery hard, was there scarring. Thank you for replies.


Wow, you sound like me! I've been as large as nearly overflowing a DDD. I'm only 5ft. tall and 100 lbs. [&o] I'd love to have reduction surgery. I feel like I slouch my shoulders too much as well and I'm afraid of the long-term effect. Plus the clothing issue itself is just so frustrating.

I've known a few women who have had the surgery and been very pleased with the results. Most recently one of my aunts underwent a reduction. She seems very happy and confident with the results. I've heard from the women I know that initially recovery is painful for a couple of weeks.

I hear it's getting harder and harder to get insurance to cover the surgery, though. [&o]



isaacsmom -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 1:31:16 PM)

quote:

I would like to be a large B or a very small "C", kind of like when I was in the first grade (LOL).


LOL! No kidding! I remember when I was in grade school -- one of my scrawny little girlfriends would stare at my chest in amazement and say "I can't believe you've filled your bra already and you're only 11!" [8|] I started developing at 9 and had to start wearing by the time I was 10.



manda59 -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 5:29:16 PM)

lightshineon,

Have you tried wearing a Minimizer bra? I'm told they're wonderful.



lightshineon -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 5:32:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: manda59

lightshineon,

Have you tried wearing a Minimizer bra? I'm told they're wonderful.

Yes I have, infact, wearing one now. I have several. They take of about 1/4 of an inch. I am very scared of surgery of any kind, and if if really did not bother me between my shoulder blades, i would not even consider it.



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 6:20:53 PM)

I had a breast reduction in December of 2004 and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that anyone has regarding my experience. You can also read about some of it here My Reduction.

I think I was an F/G at the time of my reduction. I am now a C/D. There were so many pluses that I didn't even consider - I was able to give a real hug to my hubby, I could reach across the table and not worry about putting a boob in my food, and then of course there were the obvious pluses of people not starting at me anymore, being able to buy clothes that fit (no more crying in the fitting room!) etc.

Are you going to have children and want to breastfeed? If there is any chance of that you should check out www.bfar.org which is a website dedicated entirely to breastfeeding after a reduction. There is also a book called "Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After a Reduction" by Diane West that is exceptional. I had my surgery in between babies 1 and 2 and BF both. My experiences were very different with both for different reasons and I am looking forward to BFing #3 (anyday day now).

Also, my back pain is tremendously better but it can still get achy at times (but still rarely). This is my fault for not really trying to strengthen my muscles much after my surgery. That said, as you know often times there is no way to strengthen your muscles enough to take away the pain when you are larger on top. It depends on many factors.



Kath -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 6:24:04 PM)

I have removed a post for a TOS9 violation and those that responded.

Please do not offer unwelcome counsel in the community. If you have not had a breast reduction, or do not know someone who has, or cannot offer encouragement then this thread is not for you.

Sincerely
Kath

Please do not comment on this action in the community or send me a PM about it. If you have questions, comments or concerns please email Fritz at community@salemwebnetwork.com allowing time for a reply. Thanks!



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 6:42:41 PM)

Oops I also meant to add that the surgeons are required to take out a certain amount of tissue when they do a reduction so you will have to talk to a surgeon about what approximate size that will leave you AND of course, remind you that as with any general surgery there are risks.



lightshineon -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 7:44:15 PM)

thank you Julie, I am past baby days, I am so suprised you can breast feed still. I understand your pain. I will post an avatar when I was pregnant, a while ago and you will see what I am talking about. The photo now is the way I am standing that makes my breast appear ok. I am so happy for the information. Thanks so much. I am going to read your link now.[:)] Thanks again.
quote:

ORIGINAL: IAMJulie

I had a breast reduction in December of 2004 and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that anyone has regarding my experience. You can also read about some of it here My Reduction.

I think I was an F/G at the time of my reduction. I am now a C/D. There were so many pluses that I didn't even consider - I was able to give a real hug to my hubby, I could reach across the table and not worry about putting a boob in my food, and then of course there were the obvious pluses of people not starting at me anymore, being able to buy clothes that fit (no more crying in the fitting room!) etc.

Are you going to have children and want to breastfeed? If there is any chance of that you should check out www.bfar.org which is a website dedicated entirely to breastfeeding after a reduction. There is also a book called "Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After a Reduction" by Diane West that is exceptional. I had my surgery in between babies 1 and 2 and BF both. My experiences were very different with both for different reasons and I am looking forward to BFing #3 (anyday day now).

Also, my back pain is tremendously better but it can still get achy at times (but still rarely). This is my fault for not really trying to strengthen my muscles much after my surgery. That said, as you know often times there is no way to strengthen your muscles enough to take away the pain when you are larger on top. It depends on many factors.



Krislynx -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 10:15:55 PM)

This is something I have thought about. I do have a lot of upper back pain but I have not been able to determine if my discomfort outweighs the risks for me yet. I am hoping to loose some weight and plan to make a final decision after I do that. I think that Karaboo2 has mentioned breastfeeding after a reduction so she might pop in here at some time. I know lightshineon said she is past that point but I thought I would throw it out there for anyone else who is wondering about it.

Kris



Karaboo2 -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 11:01:43 PM)

I had my reduction 2 years ago (April 4/06) I'm in Canada, so unsure about the US insurance requirements, but I can most definitely give you my support and answer any questions you may have (including what it was like to end up preggers 6 weeks post-op ... 'the gals' grew a full cup size during that pregnancy!) I went from a J+ (depending on whether I was preggers or not) down to a D, and they've settled at a DD.



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 11:11:19 PM)

That is one of the "risks" of the surgery, sometimes they grow "back". But one of the problems with us busty gals ;) is that our breasts just don't seem to know to stop growing. So if they keep growing bear in mind that they would have done that without the surgery as well and then you'd just be that much bigger.

I was lucky and have not had regrowth after my surgery. I also had a nearly full supply when I breastfed afterward and I didn't really try many suppliments or other things to boost my supply, not to mention that my DD was a terrible nurser and that can affect supply on someone who hasn't had the surgery as well.



lightshineon -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 11:13:56 PM)

I am calling insurance tommorow. even if I could be a D, i would be happy. clothing that fits, is great, but the pain is always between the shoulder blade. Thanks for support.



Karaboo2 -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 11:15:27 PM)

Yeah -- I took the risk that there would be some regrowth [:)], but at the same time, it probably wasn't the wisest to get pregnant less than 2 months post-op ... because I had ds less than a year after surgery, I had major BF issues ... this time around, I've already discussed it in advance with my midwife, so if meds to help my supply are warranted, she will already have a script waiting from a local OB (our midwives can't write scripts for anything except Diclectin, an anti-nauseant)



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/10/2008 11:16:58 PM)

Darn, I keep forgetting things I want to write. It may be helpful to have documentation of your pain such as from a chiropractor when dealing with the insurance company. Many companies still consider a reduction cosmetic but even some of those will bend if you can show a real medical problem stemming from your size.



campfan -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 8:59:57 AM)

Yes...I had a breast reduction about 7 years ago. I would do it again in a heartbeat. My insurance paid for all of it excpet my out of pocket expense. Of course I had to have so much removed for my insurance to cover it....which wasn't a problem. I had like 2.5 lbs removed. It is very painful, but worth it. You will have ugly scars, but eventually will fade to wear you can barely notice. When I first got out of surgery I remember thinking what have I done! One because I was so sore and 2 because it didn't look like I had anything left. [:)]

It takes about a good year for them to settle into where they are going to be. I even had a child after my reduction and there was no problems there. My milk still came in. It just wasn't as bad as it was when they were HUGE...haha. I am now a C cup and I'm very very happy with that. I don't have the neck and back pain like I used to. I can actually find bra's that fit. I don't have to wear shirts that are too big for me just because of my breasts being so large. Like I said I'd do it again and I know several people personally that have had it done too and have said the same thing.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer what I can. I know I may have left out some details that you may want to know.



wareaglekd -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 9:43:19 AM)

I had it 2 1/2 years ago & it has helped a lot in relieving the back problems. Right now I have major weight problems, so it looks embarrassing, but I'm not giving up hope that I can get down to a size where they look appropriate.

Make sure you get all information, because it is major surgery. Just becuase it is called plastic surgery, you won't be up jumping around in a couple of days. For me, it took me over 6 weeks to recover just from having surgery. I think it was over 3 months before I could sleep on my side again. Surgeons rarely tell you all the stuff for fear you won't go through w/ it, but if you are a strong woman, you can endure.

If you are through having children, this is fine, but if you are not & you breastfeed, there is the risk that you will lose sensitivity. There are improved cuts now, I have one of them, but it still happened. Fortunately, that is not a problem for me at this point in life, but it is hard to get used to.

Support system is important too. You'll need help for the first week or so because you don't need to be doing strenuous work, lifting children, etc.

Lots of information on-line, so be fully informed & check on your insurance information, so there won't be any surprises. I wish you all the best. kd



funny_girl -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 3:31:13 PM)

I was a 34 D for most of life. Couldn't wear button up shirts and had back pain. I wanted a breast reduction. Then, my husband and I got into really good shape. I was trying to get my body fat down to 23 %. I think I got to 25 or 28% and guess what was the first thing to go?!?!?! MY BOOBS! I went down to barely being able to fill out a B cup! Then, I wanted them back! LOL Now, I'm a full C as I gained some weight back and need to reduce my weight. I hope I can reduce my fat in such a way to keep my boobs! [:D]

Try eating a diet w/only 10% fat. See what happens! It's a lot cheaper than surgery.



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 3:43:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Karaboo2

Yeah -- I took the risk that there would be some regrowth [:)], but at the same time, it probably wasn't the wisest to get pregnant less than 2 months post-op ... because I had ds less than a year after surgery, I had major BF issues ... this time around, I've already discussed it in advance with my midwife, so if meds to help my supply are warranted, she will already have a script waiting from a local OB (our midwives can't write scripts for anything except Diclectin, an anti-nauseant)


Kara, you should definitely check out the website www.bfar.org and Diane West's book "Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding After a Reduction". They are fantastic! The website has tons of info about upping your supply and it has a forum that is fabulous too. The women there are so knowledgable and supportive, some have been BFARing for years, they are experts! Most women also report that their experience with BFARing gets better with each child after the surgery.

Funny Girl, sadly weight loss doesn't work for many women who are busty. I would gain some weight and my boobs would grow and then I'd lose it and my boobs would stay big, then I'd gain and they would grow and I'd lose it and they'd stay even bigger. Honestly, some women's bodies just don't know to stop growing there. Kind of like Jay Leno's chin. Weight loss is great all the way around but don't assume that it's going to keep a women from needing surgery.



funny_girl -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 3:49:10 PM)

quote:

I would gain some weight and my boobs would grow and then I'd lose it and my boobs would stay big, then I'd gain and they would grow and I'd lose it and they'd stay even bigger.


Ok, I also had years of weight loss and gain and the boobs stayed but it wasn't until I changed my fat intake that I lost the boobs. Just sharing my experience without surgery. After you loose the bulk, re constructive surgery may be desired so be my guest if you can afford it.



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 3:53:59 PM)

Actually I've already had the surgery and the weight that I have right now is baby fat (SO pregnant right now). My surgery didn't cost me a penny, it was 100% covered and I was not overweight at the time. I fully acknowledge that weight loss can work for some, just wanted to mention that it won't work for another group of women.



funny_girl -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/11/2008 4:52:24 PM)

Wow! Your surgery was free?! That's awesome! It's scary to me.



lightshineon -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/12/2008 11:33:06 AM)

thanks for the info. I eat nearly all fatfee, my weight is normal for height. For those who have the reduction was lifting your arms hard for awhile? I know that is crazy question, but, lifting my arms, is something I do every day. If someone does not mind this question. What was total down time, and did you have to wear a special bra, for awhile? Where on the breast are the scars? thanks for sharing. funnygirl. lol, I wish I could lose breast fat when I have lost weight. I saw a woman, I used to go to church with, and was shocked over recent weight loss, I had achieved. She said, "do not lose anymore, and if you are trying to lose up top, it is not working." She is older, and outspoken, so I did not take offense.



IAMJulie -> RE: Anybody had breast reduction? (4/12/2008 2:11:54 PM)

I suppose it was difficult for a little while. I had a truly amazing recovery with little pain and I don't know if that's typical. The biggest "problem" with moving for a while is the case of bandages they make around your chest. Then it just depends on how sore you stay. I had a ten month old at the time so believe me, lifting my arms up was pretty necessary to be able to take care of him.

Once I started wearing a bra again I wore a pre-surgery size sports bra for a while or one of my pre-surgery size nursing bras. They were big enough by then that they were lose enough to be comfy.

The scars I have go all the way around the nipple, down from the nipple in a straight line to underneath my breast, and then in a "smile" under my breast. It's called an "anchor" cut or scar. My breasts were "pendulous" as well as HUGE so they had to completely remove the nipple and relocate it higher up as well as remove 3 lbs of flesh and reshape my breasts. They did not detach the nipple completely (inferior pedicle procedure if I remember correctly) because of my desire to BF after. I am very light skinned and my scars are not very obvious. Not that it matters, only me and DH see them.

Did you read my diary on the link that I gave you? I wrote it as I went through the process and it may answer many of your questions as well as others you haven't thought of yet. I did not go back and journal my breastfeeding experience on it though but you mentioned that isn't something your concerned about. I would still be very happy to answer questions here too. :)



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