How to Talk to Family about Breast Implants, Self-Esteem

First of all you are old enough to make this decision for yourself with or without the approval of your parents. Only you know how you feel inside about yourself and how much your condition bothers you to the point of having low self esteem. Having you be socially withdrawn, or not dating because of this condition, pleases your family? Hopefully this is not the case. You only need implants if you want to achieve a larger cup size than what you have now. Maybe all you need is a breast lift with the correction of the asymmetry. Make an appointment for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can explain your options. Good luck.

It is important to remember that you never do cosmetic surgery for anyone other than yourself.  Whether or not your family is in support should not be the question.  You are a consenting adult and if breast enhancement is important to you, then that is all that really matters. 

I often run across this dilemna in speaking with patients but find that their families often change their opinion on breast augmentation dramatically after seeing how happy the patient is following their surgery.  When done correctly by an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, breast augmentation can give you results that are very natural and that help compliment your overall figure.

I hope that helps!

It is a very personal topic to discuss.  The best way to express your feelings is to be completely honest and let your family know you are not trying to stand out and you only want to feel good about yourself.  They may be associating breast implants to outrageous results and your job will to show them natural results.  Lots of times, people who have breast augmentation keep it a secret since the results are so natural.

First of all, congratulations on losing 40lbs! Unfortunately for many women, the joy of losing the weight is often tempered by the changes that occur in breast size and shape. These changes can lead to drooping or sagginess and are difficult to improve without surgical intervention. However, many women or their loved ones have a preconceived negative view of cosmetic breast surgery. These views (described as old-fashioned in your post) are simply a result of either misinformation or misunderstanding of what breast surgery is and can accomplish.

In your particular case, I view surgery as much more of a reconstructive procedure rather than purely cosmetic. It sounds as if you highly value the opinions of your family members. I would recommend having some of your family members attend your consultation so that they can ask questions and understand the rationale for breast implants in your situation. Of course, at 30 you are fully able to make these decisions on your own without need for anyone else's approval. You may not be able to change their opinions, but perhaps you will be able to get them to respect yours.

First, I am glad you are doing the surgery for yourself and not for someone else. This is a tough question to answer, and they may be cultural issues in hand. I have had several patients who come from traditional Filipino or Hispanic back ground. These patients did not tell any one and if any one found out, it was after the surgery. I am not saying this is the only way to do it, but it seems to be an option which has been employed by several of my patients. If you do decide to discuss the issue before surgery, it is important to emphasize this is not for vanity, but to make you feel more like a "normal" female.

Good Luck.

This is a personal choice. If you feel that it is important to discuss with your family than be honest with them about your reasons, and they should understand.

One way I have approached this issue is make copies of other patients befores/afters that are similar or worse than yours. Also have a frontal of only your breasts in the mix. Initiate a conversation with the family members you wish to know about your issues. Show them the befores and afters (REMEMBER try no faces only breasts!). Than for the last photo show them your frontal view, again NO face so they do not know it is you. WAIT until they ask for the after photo, than say it will be ready when I have the surgery! Try this. It has worked for my patients with a conservative family. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

As we have said many times, breast augmentation and breast size is a decision that only you can make. Others close to us will not always see things the same way, and though it is considerate to seek approval from others and can make you feel good about your decision, you need to follow your heart and do what you feel is best for you. If you have given it time and careful thought, your decision should be a right one, and there is no need to tell.

Best of luck,

peterejohnsonmd

In my experience, my patients have told me that breast implants had a positive impact on their self esteem.  Of course, everyone is different.

I cannot advise you relative to your family since each dynamic is different. What I will say is that you are 30 years-old and are an adult so you should feel confident in making your own adult decision. Of course family and your personal culture matters so having your parent(s) sit in on a consultation may be helpful.