Best Choice Ever! - New Hampshire
So I know I pretty much sound like a broken record...
So I know I pretty much sound like a broken record to all of you, but oh my lanta what a relief it is to find this site. There is so much going through my head about breast reduction that I can’t keep my head on straight.
I’m 20 years old, am 5’5, and about 150. In seventh grade I remember wishing that I wasn’t so flat-chested. Well, someone in the wishing world was listening and in eighth grade I went to a D. By freshman year I was a DD and by senior year I was a DDD (I take the wish back, seventh grade self, I take it back damn it!). Though I too discovered the beauty of European sized bras and I was a 32 FF in those. Though to my dismay, over the past two years I’ve gotten two sizes bigger. I’m currently a 32 GG, and in regular department stores I can squeeze into a DDD if I cross my fingers and ignore the parts that don’t fit very well. What happens when I get pregnant some day and they get even bigger? Or what if they just keep getting bigger regardless?
For years I have been so self-conscious. I’m sure all of you know how it feels, shopping trips that end up in tears, back and neck pain, and emotional distress beyond all reason. In college, one of my roommates told me she doesn’t care if I walk around not wearing around with a bra or not, she forgoes one all of the time. Well, pardon me, but are you kidding? I don’t think so, they can practically touch my toes if I try hard enough.
I’m done my junior year now in college and I’m going to be a senior. For a few years my mom has been urging me to go get a consultation. She’s in the same boat as me and has told me she has regretted not getting one. She’s 52, and I’m already a size bigger than her. I’ve been avoiding it for a while because I’m so young but it’s not like they’re going to go away or get any better. So, I sucked it up and went and had a consultation. The PS had his own private practice. He was nicer than I expected and actually told me that I was an ideal candidate, and not only that but my insurance company might actually cover it! Well hit me with a broom and call me Uncle Harry, that sure as hell wasn’t what I was expecting. Once I was out of the appointment, I also started to hear that with my specific company it will only take about 2 weeks to hear back! Since it’s a private practice, they started talking about how I’d even be able to schedule my surgery at the beginning of August.
So now obviously I’m FLOODED with questions. Am I too young for this? I’ve had a ton of things to think about – two of my aunts have had reductions and they’ve loved them and my mom is going to get one. It’s not like they’re gonna go away any time soon. What if they’re way too small afterwards and I regret getting rid of what I had? What if they don’t come out as great or as perfect as I thought they would, or they look awkward with my body.? I could go on and on. I’ve read so many posts on this website and it’s a comfort to hear what everyone has to say, and it’s also a comfort to know that I’m not alone, but now I have a huge decision to make and I need help.
Also, I'm not sure if I'm posting this correctly so bear with me..
Replies (6)
Hi Ally! Thanks for your review. I'm so glad you found a doctor you like. Sounds like you and your mom should just share a recovery room!!
I can tell you from my experience that I don't regret it one bit, except that I wish I had done it 20 years ago when I was your age, so I don't think you are too young. I doubt you will be too little. Right after surgery, I thought I looked soooo small, but I'm actually a DD...and wish I was smaller. That seems to be the case a lot, if someone is a bit dissatisfied with their size it is generally because they tend to be too big still. I doubt if they will look awkward on your body, and besides, don't you already feel awkward with your GGs? And while there is a chance that they won't look perfect to you, you need to remember that they don't look perfect now either, but will the quality of the rest of your life be better for having had the surgery? My new breasts certainly aren't perfect, but I think they are pretty stinkin' awesome and I love the confidence and freedom I now have :-)
I do feel awkward with the chest size I am now. If they actually sat up where they were supposed to and didn't sag I wouldn't be considering the BR. Since they don't I just feel so burdened all the time -- I'm 20, I shouldn't have to have boobs that sag like I'm ten years older.
I'm having difficulties with feeling guilty about getting the surgery. If I get it will it feel like I've given up on my body? I'll supposedly be going down to a C or a D, most likely a C. When the PS told me that I think I got a few shades whiter. It's not like I abhor my chest now and I love being curvy...but when I think about how things could be if I got it done, the pros (as of right now) seem to outweigh the cons. Am I the only one having this much difficulty making a decision, and should that be an indicator that maybe I'm making the wrong choice? Or am I over-analyzing everything?
Your doubts and worries are totally normal. I was a 34H and I'm a 34DD now. My PS took me down to the size that he thought he could safely get me to in order to maintain sensation and circulation, and at a DD I'm certainly still curvy, I'm just much more comfortable. The lift really does help with the strain on your back and shoulders. Look at the pictures from the PS, give it lots of thought. When you are ready you will know it. I'll be thinking of you
So I heard back from my insurance company, and...
Replies (2)
300% nervous? I'd say you are doing pretty well then!!
Congrats on the approval!
So I finally decided that I'm going to go through...
Replies (1)
You will do great Ally! There really isn't all that much you need to get ahead of time, I found that I actually had way too much and didn't use most of it. What I found essential was button front pajamas (they were so comfortable and so easy) gauze pads which I changed regularly, easy to digest foods, stool softeners like Docusate Sodium because pain meds are constipating, entertainment like DVDs, books, magazines, etc, antibacterial soap (I used this every shower from two weeks prior to surgery until at least 6 months post op and I didn't have one bit of infection)
With your surgery coming so quickly you won't have too much time to freak out and soon those GGs will be just a memory.
Welcome to RealSelf.
You are feeling and going through what we have all gone through with this process. All normal feelings and questions. I assure you that you are doing the right thing. You are miserable with your breasts and they have haunted you for years. The simple fact that you are thinking about this surgery is your answer:)
Keep your chin up and focus on the positive. I can tell you that this is the best thing I have ever done for myself and would do it all over again if needed.
You are going to find awesome support here on the site and I know all of the ladies will help you though this process.
Keep posting and join in on some of the forums as well. Here is a link for you to check out and make some connections. Breast Reduction Forums
Well the worries are all a part of this process but we are all here to support you:)