Breast Reduction Surgery- A serious discussion
 

Okay, I really hope no guy gets on here and says DONT DO IT! I LOVE BOOBIES!
But seriously- I want breast reduction and have already scheduled an appointment with the doctor. Has anyone had it here?
I mean, I am 5'3, weigh around 120-125 and have had DD breasts since I was 14- that is 10 years! I can't find clothes to fit, people stare at them and I feel like a freak.
Anyone had it regret it?
Love it?
What are the scars like?
How long is the recovery?
How bad does it hurt?

Thanks!

I know someone who had it. She said it wasn't that bad and seem a lot happier with herself afterwards.

I feel your pain-- it sucks to put on a V-neck shirt and for people to stare at you like you're a porn star! I went from a DD to a D, but it was just my body changing in college. (And when you're small-boned and lean, it looks silly to have such big breasts on such a small body!).

Some advice on plastic surgeons:
Do shop around for a surgeon!
Ask to speak with former patients! (A lot of times, that will be his/her nurses or receptionist).
Ask about different techniques for reduction surgery. You might also check out a few medical message boards and talk to women who have had it done.

Good luck!

OK, I haven't had it done, but have 2 friends that have.

Scarring is minimal. Initially, it hurts like hell, but it's major surgery. Afterwards both women were much happier with themselves.

One thing to tell you surgeon though is whether or not you want to breasfeed your children (and yes, it is possible). This will change the way they approach the surgery - making sure to avoid cutting too many ducts and related vascular systems. One of the women I mentioned was finally sucessful in exclusively breastfeeding her 3rd child, who is now 20 months old, after a long struggle to find support and education of BFAR (breastfeeding after reduction).

There is some great pre-reduction surgery information on this site: http://www.bfar.org/. Check it out.

I haven't had it but someone I know just did. It really is major surgery but everyone I know who had it is very happy with the results.

I have thought about it but I have never had any kind of surgery and don't want to do it for convenience reasons only. (I have a fear of needles and medical things. heh.) If a doctor tells me to, that's another story. :)

Have you mentioned this subject in the past? If not, I am having deja vu.

I never had it, but a friend did. She was happy with the results. She went from a DDD to a D cup. Insurance covered all but $5 of it because she had back problems as a result of her large size. Her one concern was that she might not be able to nurse her hypothetical children as a result of the surgery.

I'm not sure of the answers to your questions, but good luck.

I've never had it. Well, I wouldn't need it as I am barely a B.

But I would definitely do it if I were really huge. Really big ones can cause problems later in life... like back problems!

I know many people who have done it. The recovery is a HOT MESS, but you will be better off afterwards. Just make sure you get a reputable doctor.

My aunt and one of my sisters have had it done and neither could be happier about it. They were both just thrilled that they were actually able to shop at Victoria's Secret afterwards. They both said it hurt like hell, and it was hard for my aunt since she had a toddler and couldn't pick him up at all, but both women are much happier after the fact.

Hi--it's interesting that you brought this up. My best friend at school is in exactly this situation and is planning to have the surgery next summer before she starts law school. I would recommend a great issue of Vogue (I think it was April or May's) that had a run-down of what the surgery is like. It's the one with Gwen Stefani on the front cover.

If you get a good doctor, the scars shouldn't be too bad. Make sure you do a lot of research and get a board-certified plastic surgeon. Although I think it is pretty painful. It's kind of like getting your wisdom teeth out--but on your chest.

One of my Best friend's fiancee is a plastic surgeon. He says, by FAR, his happiest post-operative patients are reductions.

I've considered it, done a lot of research on it, just not ready yet.

i had a friend who had it done before she came to college and she is really happy with it.

i have another friend who went to doctors to talk to them about getting it done last summer but it's very very hard to get insurance to cover this procedure now and it would have cost my friend over $10,000 to get it done. instead her insurance company said for her to go on pain pills to "help her back." she was very upset that her insurance company was trying to make her feel better by hiding her pain instead of actually helping her take care of it.

best of luck!

Ladies, I so appreciate your input. I have often thought about reduction, but was told that you lose "sensation" afterwards. Does anyone know if that's true?

I know a couple girls that had it, and were very happy with it.

But as the others said, make sure you do not skimp on the Doc thats doing it. If you need to travel out of state to a teaching hospital that has one of the most reputable surgeons in the nation. ITs worth the trip.