Breast reduction?

tdwpg1984

You ladies always give such good advice so I was wondering if I could get your advice on this one.

Have any of you ever had a breast reduction? I`ve been thinking about getting one for awhile, but over the last few weeks things have been getting really bad. I can`t even work out without wearing 2 bras and a compression top, and even them I`m still uncomfortable, and there`s some exercises I can`t do properly. I have a hard time finding a bra that fits, and when I do they`re usually expensive (I`m a 32G or 30H depending on the bra). I have a hard time finding tops and dresses that fit properly, forget a bathing suit. I hate the way I look. My back and neck are in constant pain, I get headaches all the time, I have permanent dents in my shoulders and I just can`t live with it anymore. 

I`ve booked a consultation with a plastic surgeon on April 11 and I`m a little nervous.

I`ve read about the risks and the scarring and the fact that I probably won`t be able to breast feed. And I don`t have a problem with that.

Have any of you done this and do you have any regrets? Any advice on what to expect with the consult? Did you have any unexpected complications? I`d like to go from my current size down to a C to DD cup. Does this even seem reasonable? 

I`m not worried about the cost since it will probably be covered, and even if it isn`t I have some money I can use for it, and my BF and parents said they would help out too (I would pay them back). It`s just affecting way too much of my life at this point, and I don`t even care if I have to pay for it myself and scrimp and save every last penny for it. I`ve been in tears several times a week over the last few months either over the way I look because of my breasts or because of the pain or because of the things I can`t do. I even have a hard time sleeping because of them. I`m almost at the point where I wish I had no breasts at all I hate them that much.

Swazzle

I've considered this for years. The first time I met with a plastic surgeon, I was told I was a good candidate by him & my PCP but my insurance still wouldn't cover it.  I was still in college & couldn't afford it on my own.  

I hate my boobs. HATE.  I will probably have the surgery in the future but I've decided I would like to breast feed if/when I have kids & so it's not something I'm looking into right now. 

I've been told to go a bit smaller than you intend because they will partially grow back. I don't know how much truth there is to this since I haven't had the surgery myself though but maybe something you should ask your doctor.   

DanieKA

I have a good friend that got one 2 years ago and LOOOOVVVVVESSSSS IT! Seriously, she has the best, most perkiest (that's a word, right) boobs now. And yes, I've seen them au natural. 

The scarring on her, though visible, is really not that bad. They made a long, underside incision and cut around the n!pple. It can seem scary at first, and I was hesitant about having a reaction (I didn't want to give her a complex), but it was so much better than I thought. She went down to a D, I think. Her boobs might be around the size mine are and I'm currently a DD (I fluctuate depending on my weight. My average is a D). 

If it's really hurting you, I definitely say do it. but make sure you "shop" around for doctors and don't just pick the first one you look up. Make sure they are all board certified and ask if they specialize in cosmetic or breast surgery as opposed to other general surgeries. Ask to speak to referrals and actually call them. I think as long as you get the right doctor, you won't regret your decision. Oh, also (and it seems like you already thought of this) make sure you get a size that's still proportional to your body type. Don't go so small that it looks unnatural, or not small enough that it doesn't help. 

Good luck!

alyaki

I've thought about doing this too, for the same reasons.  I'm just too chicken to meet with someone to talk about it. 

thejucheidea

One of my friends in high school had it done. She had H cups all through high school and got them decreased to a D before she left for college. She only has good things to say about reduction .

Chelseaclayy

I have a friend who had a reduction a few years ago. Hers grew back after a small weight gain (like 10-15 pound gain) She was a freak situation, I'm sure. Just something to think about.

tdwpg1984

[QUOTE]I've considered this for years. The first time I met with a plastic surgeon, I was told I was a good candidate by him & my PCP but my insurance still wouldn't cover it.  I was still in college & couldn't afford it on my own.   I hate my boobs. HATE.  I will probably have the surgery in the future but I've decided I would like to breast feed if/when I have kids & so it's not something I'm looking into right now.  I've been told to go a bit smaller than you intend because they will partially grow back. I don't know how much truth there is to this since I haven't had the surgery myself though but maybe something you should ask your doctor.   
Posted by rdr716[/QUOTE]<div>According to the receptionist I spoke to, it`s very rare that Manitoba Health denies coverage for a breast reduction if there`s visible signs that your boobs are too big (I have that, with the permanent dents in my shoulders, and the curvature in my spine that I`ve been told by chiros and massage therapists is due to the sie of my chest) or if there`s physical pain (which I also have). The surgeon will work with me to ensure that it gets covered, although I may have to wait slightly longer to have them done if I want them covered. This is just one of the wonderful things about Canada!
<div>In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_breast-reduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:7d9a15c1-0c1a-49ff-983f-afedb76f55bcPost:085b6838-5a9c-4680-b415-4bab94042886">Re: Breast reduction?</a>:
[QUOTE]I have a good friend that got one 2 years ago and LOOOOVVVVVESSSSS IT! Seriously, she has the best, most perkiest (that's a word, right) boobs now. And yes, I've seen them au natural.  The scarring on her, though visible, is really not that bad. They made a long, underside incision and cut around the n!pple. It can seem scary at first, and I was hesitant about having a reaction (I didn't want to give her a complex), but it was so much better than I thought. She went down to a D, I think. Her boobs might be around the size mine are and I'm currently a DD (I fluctuate depending on my weight. My average is a D).  If it's really hurting you, I definitely say do it. but make sure you "shop" around for doctors and don't just pick the first one you look up. Make sure they are all board certified and ask if they specialize in cosmetic or breast surgery as opposed to other general surgeries. Ask to speak to referrals and actually call them. I think as long as you get the right doctor, you won't regret your decision. Oh, also (and it seems like you already thought of this) make sure you get a size that's still proportional to your body type. Don't go so small that it looks unnatural, or not small enough that it doesn't help.  Good luck!
Posted by DanieKA[/QUOTE]<div>The doctor I`m seeing comes highly recommended by a friend who used to be a plastic surgery nurse, she worked with him for a bit, before relocating and says he has magic hands. She said she wouldn`t go anywhere else in the province for a boob job. He does more augmentations than reductions (possibly because of demand, I`ll ask him about that when I see him), but still does amazing with reductions. I don`t know anyone who`s had a reduction, but know 2 people who saw him for an augmentation (one who went to someone else first, then decided hers were too small so she got a second boob job) and they both highly recommend him.</div><div>
</div><div>As for size I have a really small frame, and think that a C to DD would still look largeish but won`t look too large. I have friends who are the same or similar size to me and that`s what size their boobs are and they look very proportional. I`ve actually gotten pretty good at hiding them, especially in work clothes. Most people who look at me don`t realise how big they are. It`s not so much though what other people think or how I look to others, it`s really all about how I look to myself and how I feel, emotionally and physically.</div>
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orangehills

My friend's cousin got a reduction, but hers grew back the first time. A very rare occurence I think! She got it done a 2nd time and they stayed that way. She has great boobs now, and they look very proportional to her body. I think if it's affecting your healthy, you should def. go for it! Good luck!

doubleSS07

I haven't had a reduction but I did have an augmentation.  I'm not sure what the regulations are in Canada but in dealing with a PS just make sure you do your homework.  make sure they are certified in all the required areas, ask for photos and even if he has past patients you can talk to if they are willing.  Listen to your gut and whether you are comfortable with the Dr. and you feel they have explained everything and answered all your questions.  I think if it will enhance your quality of life in terms of health and pain levels then you should go for it!

jorja86

One of my BFFs from college had it done, and she absolutely loves it. She's a pretty small girl, and her boobs were making her look so much heavier than she really was, so she had the added bonus of looking like she lost 20 lbs on top of getting rid of the source of all that pain. 

That being said, I would also make sure you do your homework on both the procedure, the recovery, and your doctor. It is a major surgery, and you need to know what you're getting yourself into. I would look online and try to get a list of questions put together to ask your doctor when you go in for your consultation. 

tdwpg1984

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_breast-reduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:7d9a15c1-0c1a-49ff-983f-afedb76f55bcPost:2aebb1d0-e02c-4f98-8773-225d8154c357">Re: Breast reduction?</a>:
[QUOTE]One of my BFFs from college had it done, and she absolutely loves it. She's a pretty small girl, and her boobs were making her look so much heavier than she really was, so she had the added bonus of looking like she lost 20 lbs on top of getting rid of the source of all that pain.  That being said, I would also make sure you do your homework on both the procedure, the recovery, and your doctor. It is a major surgery, and you need to know what you're getting yourself into. I would look online and try to get a list of questions put together to ask your doctor when you go in for your consultation. 
Posted by jorja86[/QUOTE]<div>I have a whole big list of questions to ask and have done a lot of research! I'm not looking forward to the pain, the scars and probably not being able to breast feed, but I've weighted the pros and cons, and have decided that the way I feel now is just not worth it. I'd rather have bad scars, some severe pain for 1-6 weeks, and not be able to breast feed, than live with this pain for years. From what I've seen though, they can make the scarring minimal. I've even showed BF photos and asked his opinions and he's totally supportive of whatever decision I make. One of my concerns was that he wouldn't find as me attractive with smaller boobs and/or scars. He said even if I ended up with really bad scars and no boobs, he'd still find me attractive. He's also said several times that he loves me for who I am on the inside, not the outside, and he just wants me to be happy.
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Pixel'sMom

If you're lucky to find a good doctor, go for it! I had an anchor augmentation done right before Christmas. I couldn't be happier with results.
 
My highs: the doctor is a miracle worker- really patient with all my questions, very realistic about results. He didn’t promise the moon, but he did deliver! I had my anchor lift done on 12/20 and on 12/24 I went to my gf’s party- only two people commented that I looked a little stiff when I moved, but nobody knew what was up.

Some things to think about: you’ll need someone to take care of you for the first few days- my fiancé had to take my undies down and hold me on the toilet because I couldn’t  do it by myself for the first two days. 

Scars: it’s a genetic thing- you’ll have to ask your mother/grandmother how their scars heal if you’re super worried about how yours will look like.My lows (keep in mind, I’m a total wimp): The first 72hrs I felt like I was hit by a truck-not in pain, but because of meds I felt heavy and very weak, loopy. I slept a lot the first two days. My FI would wake me up every 4hrs on the dot to take meds so I can’t say I felt any pain. On the 3^rd day when I went it for my first post-op, they took off the bandage and put me in the ugliest bra ever!  But man, I felt 1001% better just because I could move. Animal crackers and Netflix on my IPAD were my friends the first week. LOL

The hardest part is not to do anything for the first 2 weeks, can’t lift more than 5lbs, can’t run, can’t move elbows higher than nipples. But the 14 day mark, I didn’t feel a thing.

My lesson learned was to buy two of those surgical bras and just shower in one of them and change it out after you come out of the shower. If that’s something you’ll have to do just buy two of them at the same time. Same with silicone tape- buy as much as you can at the doctors ofice, I’m still taping my scars with it, in order to minimize them, in some places you can’t even tell where they were. 

 Good luck! Really hope you have an awesome experience.

xmansmommy2010

I had a reduction 9 years ago and am still in love with them!  My insurance covered everything.  Lugging huge boobs is terrible when you're tiny, and it sounds like you are so I totally feel your pain 

I remember having several sets of photos taken during the consult, and the doctor asked me a bunch of questions about my body, health, and how my boobs affected me.  I answered him honestly and a week later, we had approval to go for it.

I will tell you that you *might* not like them in the beginning because they're new to you and they'll feel and look totally different, but when they've settled in and you're used to them, you'll be great friends lol.  I have very minimal scarring (only the incision going straight down from the nipple to the undercut is visible, and even that is minimal).  I wear bikinis all the time and no one has any idea I had a reduction.

I went from a DD to small C and couldn't be happier.  The only time I regained any of the boobage was when I was pregnant - there ain't NO fighting that.  I could have breastfed if I wanted since the doc put all (or most, whatever) of the ducts back in the proper place, and they did work -moms know what I'm talking about- but that didn't interest me.  So keep in mind that it is possible.  My girls went back to pre-pregnancy size and still look f-ing fantastic. 

tdwpg1984

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_breast-reduction?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:7d9a15c1-0c1a-49ff-983f-afedb76f55bcPost:76182dbe-963a-4377-bfac-2d49fd8ea40e">Re: Breast reduction?</a>:
[QUOTE]I had a reduction 9 years ago and am still in love with them!  My insurance covered everything.  Lugging huge boobs is terrible when you're tiny, and it sounds like you are so I totally feel your pain :/ I remember having several sets of photos taken during the consult, and the doctor asked me a bunch of questions about my body, health, and how my boobs affected me.  I answered him honestly and a week later, we had approval to go for it.<strong> I will tell you that you *might* not like them in the beginning because they're new to you and they'll feel and look totally different, but when they've settled in and you're used to them, you'll be great friends lol.  </strong>I have very minimal scarring (only the incision going straight down from the nipple to the undercut is visible, and even that is minimal).  I wear bikinis all the time and no one has any idea I had a reduction. I went from a DD to small C and couldn't be happier.  The only time I regained any of the boobage was when I was pregnant - there ain't NO fighting that.  I could have breastfed if I wanted since the doc put all (or most, whatever) of the ducts back in the proper place, and they did work -moms know what I'm talking about- but that didn't interest me.  So keep in mind that it is possible.  My girls went back to pre-pregnancy size and still look f-ing fantastic. 
Posted by xmansmommy2010[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I've heard this too, and that sometimes there's a lot of swelling and what not so they're bigger than you hope and what not.  Plus there's just all the emotions of the surgery and all that. I think my biggest worry right now is how I'll feel for the few days/weeks post surgery. It sounds like it can be hell, but I think and hope that it will be worth it.</div><div>
</div><div>Since my OP I got some good news. I actually know 2 people who have had a breast reduction done by the specialist I'm seeing for my consult! My cousin's GF, and my mom's friend. They both say he did an amazing job. So without even asking him for references I have like 4 already! I think this is definitely a good sign, because obviously he won't be giving you references who were unhappy.

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shearprincess

I had a breast reduction about 6 or 7 years ago. I was a 46III yes triple i ! I too had severe back issues and very bad raw rashes under my breast! I am a hairstylist so standing all day killed me. I thought about it for years before I actually had it done and I Must say i have mixed emotions on it! Yes my back doesnt hurt  and I can buy prettier bras but I do miss the cleavage and being "eyed"! The recover was not easy at all. Dont expect to look all round and perky right away it actually takes awhile for them to "settle" in. I have compete feeling in the nipple area( they had to completely cut them and resize them then replace them) but underneath is still 7 yrs later a little numb! Thats to be expected! I say this not warn you against it but to give the down size of this operation. If I had to do it over again I would still do it the only thing is I would make sure to see more pictures of his work! I am now a 44D but i dont have the cleavage that I was used to for so many years. And as for the being attractive after... dont sweat it! I was married at the time and my ex husband was supportive but didnt want me to do it but he understood! We are divorced now but not because of the boobs! I was afraid to start dating again because i do have some scarring, its not bad but it is there! My current Fiance never cared and always loved my body and I'm a plus size gal!  Just my opinion but if you have any questions just ask

NurseyK

I'm getting one once we are done making babies and I've lost the baby weight... so mayb 5-6 years down the road. Dear Husband is completely supportive of this.