Seeking advice on whether or not to pursue BR (Mental Health)

By emmaco on 02 Mar 2012

Hi everyone, I'm not sure where my story fits in but I am really thinking about getting a reduction-more now than ever. I am 25, 5'4 and 135 lbs, and wear a 36C (very full C cup). While I can't say I really feel physical or back pain with the exception of some PMS discomfort (I feel like they weigh ninety pounds each that time of the month), my size has really caused problems for me mentally. I am in recovery from an eating disorder and still have problems with disordered eating. In the past couple of years I have developed a lot of Body Dysmorphic Disorder tendencies, where I have anxiety over leaving the house because I'm so worried about my appearance and what others will say to me. I get nervous that someone will make a comment over the large size of my chest, and I have definitely avoided social situations. Summer is the worst for me, where everyone is parading around in tank tops and halters I feel like I have to cover myself up with heavy clothing to mask the size. I don't know if getting a reduction will change my life but I always think of how wonderful it would be to live without the burden and anxiety of having these boobs and all the distress they cause. I am terrified about getting surgery and anesthesia, so when I've looked at alternative ways to make your chest smaller it just seems like "weight loss" is the only possibility. And I am no stranger to dieting, I've been extreme with it my entire life. I am actually trying to find some normalcy because years of these body image issues have affected my life in a very negative way. And I don't know if I'm a good candidate for a BR because of these problems or in spite of them. It's hard finding resources on the web for breast reductions and mental health. It seems like more often than not the responses are overwhelmingly encouraging toward getting surgery and I realize the procedure can make life greatly improved. I would love to be an A-Cup. I would even settle to go down a cup. What does everyone think, any thoughts or opinions?

Comments (3)

herban_cowgirl 6 Mar 2012

Emma, I agree with the other 2 ladies. I think you know the problem is not really with your breasts. I'm doubtful that a respected plastic surgeon would even do a reduction on you to an A cup. Even if they did, it would still not be good enough for you or you would move onto how big your stomach looked now that your boobs are smaller, or you would hyper-focus on something else afterwards.
At least you acknowledge these tendencies, and I hope you find the professional support to ease your stress and anxiety. Good luck to you!

Iowa71 (RealFriend) 4 Mar 2012

Hi Emma. Welcome to RealSelf. I agree with everything Aimee says and want to add that one thing to keep in mind is that if you do have a full breast reduction you will have scars. I'm not sure how you will feel about those. I do not suffer from BDD but the idea of scars was a big issue for me because I have seen some women whose scars are quite large and noticable even after three years. And even though I've had wonderful results with my scarring...they are still there and I can see them and feel them. Would that impact how you feel about your breasts, your body, and yourself? I wish you the best of luck with your decision. Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of us if you would like or if you need us.
Molly

AimeedoubleGs 2 Mar 2012

Hi there! First of all, I am sorry you are going through so many struggles with your body image. This may not be what you want to hear, but I really don't think you should get this procedure right now if you are struggling with BDD tendencies. I would find a good therapist you trust and seek their council. You may have to go through a few before you find one you like, but stick with it until you do, then see what they have to say.

Not to belittle your pain in any way, but a C cup is simply not that large, and you aren't having any of the physical symptoms that generally cause people to seek out this surgery. If there were some sort of guarantee that your mental state would improve I would also say go for it, but if it's true BDD you will likely either shift to finding a totally new part of your body to hate so quickly you have no time to happy about your breasts, or be just as unhappy with the small breasts and wish for big.

This is, of course, just my opinion and that is why it is important for you to work with a good therapist-- So you can figure out how YOU feel about it instead of needing us!