I'm not exactly sure where to ask this so I put it here. I have recently contemplated getting breast reduction surgery. I would like to know the ups and downs, the pros and cons, and any other information anyone has. Also, I would like to hear from women who have had it. How do you feel physically, emotionally afterward? Was it worth it in the long run? Thanks so much in advance for your replies.

Well it depends on your situation.

I got a breast reduction because I was an FF cup size and it was TERRIBLE on my breathing, sleeping, and back. Once it was done, I felt enormously better and I don't regret it for a moment.

Pros- I have to know your reasons before I can't give any pros. :P

Cons- you may regret it in the end.

There is also many risks involved. Of course infection, but also something called 'nipple death'
Depending on which style of cut he preforms the surgery with, he may completely remove your nipply, and then reattach it. Mine healed perfectly fine. However there is a chance that the nipple will die and fall off.

If you are considering a reduction due to extream size, I would also suggest you request a breast lift. My doctor did, and it definitely helped.


Its been 3 years since my surgery and I still have the scars. They take a long time to heal sometimes. But I don't regret it at all. :)

Also keep in mind, these questions should be asked to your doctor as well :P


That's all I can remember. I'm sure someone else will be able to think of other things.

Well, my breasts aren't extremely huge they are only DDD. But I have a small frame and it hurts my back all the time. I'm constantly slouching due to the weight of them. My posture sucks. Lol. Even with a good sports bra my back and neck still hurt anytime I exercise or play sports. I am married and I have talked extensively to my husband about it and he says that whatever makes me feel better physically is what he wants me to do. I have recently lost 24 lbs and instead of them getting smaller I had them remeasured and they went up from a DD to a DDD. The same thing happened last time I lost weight. And with the excess weight gone, it seems like they weigh even more. I have not had children yet and I know that it might cut out the possibility of breast feeding.

I hope this helps for background information. Anyone with any helpful ideas I would appreciate it. Or any personal stories.

It sounds like a perfectly ligitiment reason to do this surgery. You know the risks, and the benefits certainly seem to outweigh the risks.

I read your post and I saw you wnted respopnses on reductions... but I just wanted to say I had an enlargement about 3 yrs ago.

Pros: They look REAL good!

I had no loss of sensation, the Dr inserted the implants through the nipple... although he did not remove the WHOLE nipple, just cut a semi-circle about half around the areola (where the areola meets the skin). The scar is not visible really at all, practically need a magnifying glass to see it!! of course your scar could depend on your skin and nipple color. I have fair skin and light pink nips.My nipple sensitivity actually INCREASED afterward... that was my main concern abou the surgery! I wanted him to go through the armpit or belly button, but his policy was through the nipple, and I am so thankful for that now.I had breastfed a child previous to the surgery and it ruined my breasts, plus I always wanted to be larger, so that was my reasoning for doing it. I had another child afterward and was able to breastfeed with no problems whatsoever. Absolutely NO problems. Although, from what I was told by the Dr, implants that go UNDER the muscle do NOT (well, I'm sure it's not 100%, but darn near) affect BF'ing, BUT if they put the implants OVER the muscle, you will not be able to BF as it severs the nerves needed to signal the body to produce milk because the feeeling of the baby sucking is just not there anymore. But this info may be of no concen to you unless there is some kind of different procedures in which they can take breast tissue from different areas which would in turn make an impac on BF'ing. Just ask the Dr, I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you! Dr's recommend BF'ing if medically possible, so being a breast surgeon I'm sure he's completely knolwedgeable in this area if you're worried about it.

Cons: They're heavy! It can be hard to find clothes. It sicks to find a shirt that you just LOVE yet you can't fit because of your boobs. Posture, as you mentioned... painful.

Evereyday problems... guys are pervs and are always staring and have the nerve to ask if they're real. Of course, you already are large so I'm sure you know this, but if you are an DDD going down to a large C or small D (I'm guessing), you'll still get the stares and idiotic questions. In fact, I bet you'll get the most idiotic question of all after you do this "Why on Earth would you make your breasts smaller??"

After having a child, if you breastfeed, your breaasts will most likely suffer in a few ways. Sagging, intensifying of stretch marks, flattening (like a quote I've heard before "like tube socks on a hanger" LOL)

Small Hijack, but not totally off topic.......just a friendly rant for a cause I am very active in... I personally am a major proponent of breastfeeding, and I think
You would be doing your (potential) baby a disservice by getting this surgery and then refusing to breastfeed simply for cosmetic vanity reasons. To choose second best for a baby (formula) over Dr recommended, natural, free, already warm and prepared milk just to keep up your looks would be shameful IMO. Cans of baby formula (very single one) has a doctors warning on it that you should NOT use this product, that it is INFERIOR. Cigarettes and alcohol are the only other things that come to mind on this topic. It would probably be best to have the baby first, let your boobs get ruined, THEN get them fixed... otherwise, you'd have the surgery, then the baby, baby ruins boobs again, and you'll want another surgery aain... or worse yet, you'd use formula. Sorry f I seem like a harda$$ about BF'ing, but IMO it's the ONLY way to go (of course unless you're adopting or have a medical condition, Otherwise IMO, there is NO excuse for not giving the baby the best. IMO it's a form of abuse. And, hey, you said you have a small frame too, so you'll probably get major stretch marks and loose skin on your belly anyway, so have all the surgery after th baby, makes more sense.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LINKS FROM GOOGLE IMAGE ARE NOT PORNOGRAPHIC, YET THEY DO SHOW PREGNANT BELLIES AND FEMALE AND MALE BREASTS (NOTHING SEXY ABOUT IT, REALLY, IT'S MEDICAL). Mods, lease leave the links for educational purposes, there is nothing vulgar or sexual included, it is primarily for medical research
And VERY pertinent to this thread.

Pregnant belly stretch marks pics:
pregnant belly stretch marks - Google Image Search (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS272US272&q=pregnant%20belly%20stretch%20marks&revid=1998859637&ei=GF5fSqv9MJGYMeyNya4C&resnum=0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi)

Before and after pregnancy pics of breasts : before and after pics of breasts in pregnancy - Google Image Search (http://images.google.com/images?imgtype=photo&as_st=y&hl=en&rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS272US272&um=1&sa=1&q=before+and+after+pics+of+breasts+in+pregnancy&btnG=Search+images&aq=f&oq=)

Before and after breast reduction pics (including males as well...) before and after pics of breast reductions - Google Image Search (http://images.google.com/images?imgtype=photo&as_st=y&rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS272US272&um=1&q=before+and+after+pics+of+breast+reductions)


I see you say you're marrried, and your husband is apparntly AOK with this... BUT, he may not really be OK with it in the long run. Perhaps he is a breast man and your breasts is what attracted him to you and what pleases him sexually. If all of a sudden, the boobs are gone, he might change his tune and might turn to porn, strip clubs or prostitution... I know it sounds like a harsh statement since I do not now him, but in reality (and I'll probably get slammed for this) it's really obvious that most mes are the same when it comes to sexual urges. No, not that they're all atracted to the same people, but that if they are not satisfied, many tend to seek pleasure elsewhere. It's just something to think about, it is merely my opinion as I have worked with men predominantly for the past 10 years and,at least 85% of them are exactly the same urge-wise and cheating-wise and interest in porn. So if your husband is not like this now, he might become like these other guys... or if he is like these guys already, he might get worse. All that said, that seems like more of a case for divorce and get the reduction later.

The most important thing is that YOU are happy. Don't keep the DDD's just for your man, but then again you might not want to scar your body terribly, risk losing your husband and being self conscious for the rest of your life regarding being nude or in a swimsuit... or finding a new man... If you note the scarring from the pics of the reductions can be quite bad... My post is like forever long and probably doesn't help you much, but I hope I helped you a little at least. I tend to think in a more abstract way.

Can you make a consultation with the cosmetic surgeon? Be sure to write down ALL your concerns, ask how he performs the procedure (nipple, armpit, etc... ) and so on. Typically a consult is about $75-100 and the fee is then taken off the charges for the surgery. Watch the newspaper and the back section of the phone book, many times cosmetic surgeons willl have coupons for free consults. Well, also check online! Look in the phone book for the Dr's name and see if he has a website. Maybe the website can answer most of your questions and perhaps there is a printable coupon.

I know this post is all over the place, but I think maybe it'll help... although I answered a lot of questions that you hadn't directly asked, I was trying to think ahead and provide info for future!

If you have any specific questions about my breast augmentation, feel free to ask. I am not embarrassed at all. OH, PS It hurt A LOT for about 3 weeks, it hurt mildly to moderately, unable to lift much (5 lbs), for about 2 1/2 months. Sleeping can be a NIGHTMARE!! Your husband will not be able to touch you for a long time, so he's not going to like that! AH, and the bruising... terrible! My breasts looked like they had been beaten all over with a bat. I was advised to drink lots of pineappple juice to help, it contains bromelain which is supposed to help.

I also had major panic attacks as my surgery drew near. I suffered with it, but there is nothing wrong with speaking up and telling the Dr that you are not sleeping and are worrying too much, etc. It's common practice for pre-surgery anti anxiety and sleeping aid drugs to be prescribed.

RE:reddies: Yes, the OP DID ask about BF'ing
I have not had children yet and I know that it might cut out the possibility of breast feeding. And please read my sibsequent post, it talks aboutg all things reduction. Yes, I spoke of implants, but that was to relay info thaat is pertinent, like healing time, bruising, pain, methods of performong the surgery, etc. Please read agagin, if you don't believe me.

Oooh passmeby reminded me of a side effect I still have today, and that is that I DID lose sensation in my breasts, still to this day. And the doctor said it may come back, it may not.



I see you say you're marrried, and your husband is apparntly AOK with this... BUT, he may not really be OK with it in the long run. Perhaps he is a breast man and your breasts is what attracted him to you and what pleases him sexually. If all of a sudden, the boobs are gone, he might change his tune and might turn to porn, strip clubs or prostitution... I know it sounds like a harsh statement since I do not now him, but in reality (and I'll probably get slammed for this) it's really obvious that most mes are the same when it comes to sexual urges. No, not that they're all atracted to the same people, but that if they are not satisfied, many tend to seek pleasure elsewhere. It's just something to think about, it is merely my opinion as I have worked with men predominantly for the past 10 years and,at least 85% of them are exactly the same urge-wise and cheating-wise and interest in porn. So if your husband is not like this now, he might become like these other guys... or if he is like these guys already, he might get worse. All that said, that seems like more of a case for divorce and get the reduction later.



I'm not going to slam you hon :P your right about this. But you should also note, that it doesn't ALWAYS happen. My husband also told me 'what ever makes you happy' and 3 years later we are still fine and the sex is still as good as its ever been. :P but this is something to think about. I would sit down and have a deep long conversation with your husband to make sure that he is TOTALLY OK WITH IT.

I have considered the reduction surgery but did not have it. My sister did and was not happy with the results. She had considerable pain, has very limited sensation, wanted a smaller cup size but not as small as she is today. Dressed she looks very good; undressed, not so much - the scars are very evident which she finds embarrassing.

My sister is quite slender, by the way, and the Doctor advises her that if she gains more than a little weight she will look out of proportion - again.

I have several friends who have had implants and their experience has varied according to the plastic surgeon, whether the implant is under or over the muscle, the exact procedure, hospital or out patient, how long it took to heal. Sometimes the reason it is done can make a difference - I know a lot of actresses/models who have had it done for purposes of employment, not personal reasons. Also more than a few barmaids and cocktail waitresses

Have you spoken with more than one plastic surgeon about the surgery? They can put you in touch with other patients as well as make recommendations.

Oh, and having a baby most definitely did not "ruin my boobs." I have no idea where that idea came from.

Well, I have not spoken to any surgeons as of right now. I will not have any medical insurance until October so I have a lot of time to think about this. And also, my husband is NOT AT ALL a boob man. He could care less about boobs. He likes the butt! He told me he is perfectly fine with it and he just wants me to be happy and better.

As I stated before I have a small frame. I am only 5'2" but I do weight a bit more than I am supposed to at 182 lbs. I recently lost 24 lbs and I am planning on losing more. I want to be 170 when I stop losing. My job is kind of demanding physically and These boobs feel like they are crushing me so many times.

Maybe I need to think of more than just I want them gone. I need to weigh the pros and cons and figure out what is best for me. I also don't want to regret it later. I am just not sure.

Judy excuse he typos my keyboard is acingg up, but I'm sure you gt the gyst. Obviously you did not fully read the post in questin.


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LINKS FROM GOOGLE IMAGE ARE NOT PORNOGRAPHIC, YET THEY DO SHOW PREGNANT BELLIES AND FEMALE AND MALE BREASTS (NOTHING SEXY ABOUT IT, REALLY, IT'S MEDICAL). Mods, lease leave the links for educational purposes, there is nothing vulgar or sexual included, it is primarily for medical research
And VERY pertinent to this thread.


Pregnant belly stretch marks pics:
Pregnant belly stretch marks - Google Image Search

Before and after pregnancy pics of breasts : before and after pics of breasts in pregnancy - Google Image Search

Before and after breast reduction pics (including males as well... ) before and after pics of breast reductions - Google Image Search



Apparently you mised this part?

.




The most important thing is that YOU are happy



AND this part perhaps:


Can you make a consultation with the cosmetic surgeon? Be sure to write down ALL your concerns, ask how he performs the procedure (nipple, armpit, etc... ) and so on. Typically a consult is about $75-100 and the fee is then taken off the charges for the surgery. Watch the newspaper and the back section of the phone book, many times cosmetic surgeons willl have coupons for free consults. Well, also check online! Look in the phone book for the Dr's name and see if he has a website. Maybe the website can answer most of your questions and perhaps there is a printable coupon

Yes, I did mention my breasr surgery BRIEFLY.


Oh, I guess you missed this too:


It hurt A LOT for about 3 weeks, it hurt mildly to moderately, unable to lift much (5 lbs), for about 2 1/2 months. Sleeping can be a NIGHTMARE!! Your husband will not be able to touch you for a long time, so he's not going to like that! AH, and the bruising... terrible! My breasts looked like they had been beaten all over with a bat. I was advised to drink lots of pineappple juice to help, it contains bromelain which is supposed to help.

So it appears here hat I have repeated nearly the whole post to prove I didn't deserve that reddie. You just didn't read it thorouhly apparently, and I surely shouldn't be punished for that. That was not fair and I think and apology is in order. Recall this reddie you gave me: [B]JudyKayTee disagrees: Please don't dictate how other people answer your posts - everyone is entitled to express an opinion, not just opinions which agree with yours.[/

Revenge reddie - unusual because it is an admitted revenge reddie. However, I do understand your somewhat agitated responses after reading your other thread. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-health-wellness/how-long-should-lft-result-take-376381.html#post1861045

The information concerning "controlling the board" has been addressed with you before. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/small-claims/did-countless-hours-research-im-still-lost-370375-5.html#post1833932

I both read and understood your post - I still don't think having "cookies" implanted in your breasts and having breast tissue removed, a far more extensive and complicated surgery, are the same, nor do I think that the OP asked about implants. For that matter, breast reduction is paid for by health insurance if medically necessary. Unless health insurance carries a plastic surgery rider, that is not the case with augmentation.

I don't understand the connection between breast augmentation and pregnancy "belly" stretch marks, even after rereading what you posted.

But it did give you a chance to tell your story.

To sum all of this up - Holly, I think if this is something you really want, something that will make you healthier (and lugging around big breasts isn't always fun or healthy), happier, I say to go for it. I know you have a very supportive husband (from what you've posted) and I'm pretty sure he only wants what you want so I would say - go for it.

I'd certainly check out the Surgeon very carefully, ask questions, check credentials, see if there are any complaints (if you're in a State which keeps a database of complaints) and make a wise, informed decision.

I would not have the surgery as an outpatient but that's only my personal take on things. I would much prefer to be admitted, have surgery, spend the night (until the pain/discomfort is under control) and then go home.

Let us know what you decide, okay?

Well, I have spoken to a lot of people about it, About my concerns and the pros and cons that are associated with it. Most people I speak to tell me I need to think about it a LOT before I make the final decision so I guess I will think some more. It is a big decision and I've never had surgery before (minus my tonsils) and that aspect scares me.

I thank you all for your help and appreciate the kind and educated words. I will be sure to keep you posted on whatever decision I make.

Well, the OP mentioned having a baby, so that's why I put the info on the stretch marks and breast problems after childbirth. What I was trying to convey was, if this lady is serious about having a baby, perhaps she should WAIT until afterwards to have surgeries... as otherwise it might be a complete waste.

Its not a complete waste. I have known PLENTY of women who gave birth AFTER the surgery. There is a 50/50 chance that you will be able to breastfeed after this procedure (please note, I did not look this up, this is what my doctor told me)
And many women ARE able to breastfeed.

There is no reason that the decision to have a baby or not should play a part in the decision to have a reduction.

Well, the OP mentioned having a baby, so that's why I put the info on the stretch marks and breast problems after childbirth. What I was trying to convey was, if this lady is serious about having a baby, perhaps she should WAIT untill afterwards to have surgeries....as otherwise it might be a complete waste.


Please post your source.

Hey, I just wanted to relate a story told to me by a co worker about her breast reduction. Her back hurt her and she had ruts in her shoulders from the straps, etc. Insurance would not cover the surgery because it "did not interfere" with her work.

She had a talk with the boss, also a woman with very large breasts. The boss wrote a letter to the physician stating that my friend's breasts dragged on the grill when she cleaned it. They did! So, not only did they hamper her, they got burned. The procedure was then covered by insurance.

She was required to lose weight to see if that helped... Since her surgery, her back doesn't hurt her at all and she is very happy.

Thank you very much for that surgery. I have a similar story. I have to clean off a serving line and I can't reach into it because my boobs are in the way. Kind of irritating and embarrassing you know. At least it's not burning though. Poor woman. And also the reason I lost weight in the first place was to relieve the pressure and hopefully help the pain but it didn't help. I lost 24 lbs and it actually got worse. I think it's because I had belly weight so for the longest time I was used to the pain of the boobs and the extra weight. Now, I don't have the belly and just have the boobs and the weight is concentrated in 1 area so it hurts more. If you can understand what I'm saying. Also, they recently went from a DD to a DDD. I thought they were supposed to stop growing when you are 19. That's a lie apparently. I thank you for the story. It's a very interesting one.

I can only address the issue of reduction and breastfeeding. Since it appears you wouldn't be considering a large reduction, odds increase that they will be able to maintain the necessary nerves, ducts, and glands needed for breastfeeding with one of the surgical options available.

Certainly you would let them know that you would like to preserve the ability to breastfeed as much as possible.
Ultimately you won't know until you get to that point and try them out. Some women are able to maintain a good supply, others find they need to also supplement a bit... but most will be able to provide at least partial breastfeeding. A good lactation consultant would be able to help you maximize your success with any future breastfeeding.

Good luck with your decision!

Yeah that's what I said :P I haven't had a new baby yet (trying hard! ) and when I do, I will let you guys know if I can or can't ;)