POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
25 Y/O, 111lbs, 5'6", My breast reduction journey- Spain, ES
ORIGINAL POST
DISCLAIMER First of all, I beg your pardon about...
Saskia R.July 18, 2015
WORTH IT$5,200
DISCLAIMER
First of all, I beg your pardon about my command of English. Although I work as an English teacher, I’m not an English native speaker, so it’s possible that you find that at some points my English is a bit crooked or even poor. I’ll try to be as clear as possible. Apart from that, take into account that I’m Spanish. I’ll try to clarify or explain as much as possible metric, sizes, cultural references, and so on… I am aware that the majority of RealSelf users come from a UK/ US background and sometimes European references can be difficult to grasp. So, here I go…
MY STORY
After loitering and skulking around RealSelf for some months I decided that it would be unfair not to share my (upcoming) breast reduction experience taking into account that many of your experiences have been so useful. Thank you everyone! (:
Hi ladies. I am 25 –I was born in 1990– and I live in Spain. Currently I weigh 50 kgs (111 pounds) and I am 167 cm tall (approximately 5’6”). I’ve always been a girl with a small frame so my boobs look ridiculous. The last time I was offered a professional bra fitting I was a Spanish 75H. I think that this is around a British 30G but I’m not sure. Since a bra that size is unavailable off-the-rack in Spain, where women tend to be petite and with smaller cups comparing with European/American standards –you have to order it and it can cost as much as €80, which is around $87. Outrageous to say the least. There’s always a “cheaper” option: buying a bra with cups that fit me and bands that do not fit me and mend it at home.
If my parents hadn’t taken pictures of me before I was 12 I’d have thought that I had been carrying them all my life. In less than two months I went from a straight AA cup to a D cup. When I was 14 my boobs bloomed until their current size, so I’ve been living with them for ten years. I wasn’t the first girl of my classroom developing breasts, of course, but they were the biggest. I was a target for boys and girls alike –boys would find my boobs fascinating and girls would bully and verbally abuse me because of them. I went to a private Catholic school in which a full uniform was required all times. I couldn’t hide them in baggy sweaters or loose batwing tops due to that strict uniform policy. Changing before or after PE lessons was hell for me. I used to hide in a WC cubicle because I couldn’t stand seeing my other classmates’ small breasts. Not to mention PE lessons themselves, in which I felt I was the jester of the class. Besides, I used to go to ballet and rhythmic gymnastics lessons after school. I had to drop out because of my breasts. I couldn’t keep my balance properly or do some of the required exercises.
I’ll always remember the day my parents were called to a regular meeting with my supervising teacher. She would say that I was a bright and intelligent student, so I wasn’t expecting anything new. After commenting on my progress, the teacher told my parents that I should remove the padding inserts on my boobies because they were not appropriate for school because everyone –even the teaching staff! –used to stare at them. My mother answered that my boobies were naturally big so I didn’t need any padding on them. This was my wake-up call. I was 14 years and a half.
When I was 16 I started to develop back and self-image problems. I refused to leave home. I hid myself in baggy clothes. I started wearing long sleeves during all the year, even in summer. I avoided mirrors. I hated my body and myself. I had back, neck, chest and shoulder pains. I developed bra grooves and scars. I started with migraines and got fungus under my boobs. My mother took me to the doctor and after the examination he diagnosed me with breast hypertrophy. He told my mother –I was underage –that I could be a good candidate for a breast reduction surgery. However, I needed to go through a medical board consisting of a paediatrician, psychologist, an orthopaedic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. If I passed the board, the Spanish National Health System would pay for my surgery. My mother signed the required documents and a painful process started. The waiting list for the board was long, and the waiting list for the surgery itself too, but if I passed it it would mean that in three years time I could have smaller breasts.
***
APPENDIX: THE NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN SPAIN
Spain’s National Health System (“Sistema Nacional de Salud”) is considered as one of the best health systems in the world. In fact, Spain is well-known for being every year the holiday destination of thousands of people who seek medical treatment. To cut the story short –I don’t want to spend too much space talking about that –the system is funded mainly thanks to all the people who work with an employment contract in Spain. So, this means that depending on your age, job, family situation and other factors the state keeps a part of your salary which is spent on the Sistema Nacional de Salud. This means that you –and your children if this is the case– have got free access in any situation to hospitals, doctors, etc... which is particularly beneficial for people with chronic diseases or in the case of unexpected events such as traffic accidents or pregnancies, for example. Well-off people usually pay for private health services although they are still covered by the Sistema Nacional de Salud. There are no waiting lists in private health companies and the treatments are of the same quality as in the SNS but they are exorbitantly expensive.
I’m not going to tell you how much money my parents have been deprived of since they started working, but I can tell you that it is a quite large amount. In fact, the medical needs of my family –I’m the oldest of three children –would have be perfectly covered by a private health company.
***
As you can imagine, I didn’t pass the medical board. And you wouldn’t image who knocked me down. Yes, it was the plastic surgeon. I’ve just turned 17 when we got the appointment to his office. At that time I was 124 pounds (56 kgs) and 5’4” (165 cm). Yes, I still kept growing up until my late teens)... He measured me, weighed me, measured and checked my breasts and declared tactlessly that I was plainly FAT. He said that even if I lost some weight I would never be able to qualify for a breast reduction surgery. He played down my physical problems and said that I was being such a drama queen hiding in black, baggy tops. Let me insist on the fact that I had very positive reports from the paediatrician, the psychologist, and the orthopaedic surgeon. I left the plastic surgeon’s office in tears, as you can imagine. This was another blow to my battered self-esteem. I had been looking forward to that meeting for almost a year. It was also a blow to my parents, who couldn’t afford to pay for a private health insurance to cover only my breast reduction.
After that day I must confess that I developed eating problems. To be honest, I’ve never starved myself to death, or followed mia or ana patterns of behaviour. I’ve never been diagnosed with a restrictive/purgative eating disorder but I know that it has been lurking me for years. Eight years have passed from that day and I still watch out strictly what shall I eat and what not and I usually feel guilty after eating a slice of pizza or some ice-cream. Even though we’ve always had a healthy and balanced diet at home I managed to shed some weight during the last few years.
I’m pretty much miserable now. Besides all the physical problems I have, I missed many events in my life such as beach parties, pool barbecues and trips to the countryside. I can’t go running. I’m constantly hunching over. Driving with a seatbelt on leaves a red angry mark on my neck. I had a car accident some years ago and since the seatbelt didn’t fit me properly because of my tiny body and huge breasts I broke three ribs and my nose. Raising my arms over my head is painful after 20 seconds, not to mention carrying or lifting weight. Every time I go through my clothes I cry because I don’t like the clothes I own. I am even slightly embarrassed around my long-term boyfriend. Every time we go dinner people stare at me and I’m fed up with getting unwanted attention from men. The worse thing of all is the looks from my students. They keep staring at my breasts constantly and I feel like a tart.
After saving since I was 18 –I had to work really hard for it and even moonlight in three different jobs at the same time because I had to pay for rent, petrol, the car, university taxes, clothes, etc. –I am now in a financial position in which I can afford to pay for private surgery. My parents feel guilty about the fact of not being able to afford for it, but as I said before, they've got three children so it wouldn't be fair for my brother and my sister.
I had the appointment with my surgeon the 29th June. I’ve got my pre-op tests the 31st July and my pre-op appointment the 5th August. The big (or small) day is scheduled for the 7th August.
I’ll keep you informed! (:
First of all, I beg your pardon about my command of English. Although I work as an English teacher, I’m not an English native speaker, so it’s possible that you find that at some points my English is a bit crooked or even poor. I’ll try to be as clear as possible. Apart from that, take into account that I’m Spanish. I’ll try to clarify or explain as much as possible metric, sizes, cultural references, and so on… I am aware that the majority of RealSelf users come from a UK/ US background and sometimes European references can be difficult to grasp. So, here I go…
MY STORY
After loitering and skulking around RealSelf for some months I decided that it would be unfair not to share my (upcoming) breast reduction experience taking into account that many of your experiences have been so useful. Thank you everyone! (:
Hi ladies. I am 25 –I was born in 1990– and I live in Spain. Currently I weigh 50 kgs (111 pounds) and I am 167 cm tall (approximately 5’6”). I’ve always been a girl with a small frame so my boobs look ridiculous. The last time I was offered a professional bra fitting I was a Spanish 75H. I think that this is around a British 30G but I’m not sure. Since a bra that size is unavailable off-the-rack in Spain, where women tend to be petite and with smaller cups comparing with European/American standards –you have to order it and it can cost as much as €80, which is around $87. Outrageous to say the least. There’s always a “cheaper” option: buying a bra with cups that fit me and bands that do not fit me and mend it at home.
If my parents hadn’t taken pictures of me before I was 12 I’d have thought that I had been carrying them all my life. In less than two months I went from a straight AA cup to a D cup. When I was 14 my boobs bloomed until their current size, so I’ve been living with them for ten years. I wasn’t the first girl of my classroom developing breasts, of course, but they were the biggest. I was a target for boys and girls alike –boys would find my boobs fascinating and girls would bully and verbally abuse me because of them. I went to a private Catholic school in which a full uniform was required all times. I couldn’t hide them in baggy sweaters or loose batwing tops due to that strict uniform policy. Changing before or after PE lessons was hell for me. I used to hide in a WC cubicle because I couldn’t stand seeing my other classmates’ small breasts. Not to mention PE lessons themselves, in which I felt I was the jester of the class. Besides, I used to go to ballet and rhythmic gymnastics lessons after school. I had to drop out because of my breasts. I couldn’t keep my balance properly or do some of the required exercises.
I’ll always remember the day my parents were called to a regular meeting with my supervising teacher. She would say that I was a bright and intelligent student, so I wasn’t expecting anything new. After commenting on my progress, the teacher told my parents that I should remove the padding inserts on my boobies because they were not appropriate for school because everyone –even the teaching staff! –used to stare at them. My mother answered that my boobies were naturally big so I didn’t need any padding on them. This was my wake-up call. I was 14 years and a half.
When I was 16 I started to develop back and self-image problems. I refused to leave home. I hid myself in baggy clothes. I started wearing long sleeves during all the year, even in summer. I avoided mirrors. I hated my body and myself. I had back, neck, chest and shoulder pains. I developed bra grooves and scars. I started with migraines and got fungus under my boobs. My mother took me to the doctor and after the examination he diagnosed me with breast hypertrophy. He told my mother –I was underage –that I could be a good candidate for a breast reduction surgery. However, I needed to go through a medical board consisting of a paediatrician, psychologist, an orthopaedic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. If I passed the board, the Spanish National Health System would pay for my surgery. My mother signed the required documents and a painful process started. The waiting list for the board was long, and the waiting list for the surgery itself too, but if I passed it it would mean that in three years time I could have smaller breasts.
***
APPENDIX: THE NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN SPAIN
Spain’s National Health System (“Sistema Nacional de Salud”) is considered as one of the best health systems in the world. In fact, Spain is well-known for being every year the holiday destination of thousands of people who seek medical treatment. To cut the story short –I don’t want to spend too much space talking about that –the system is funded mainly thanks to all the people who work with an employment contract in Spain. So, this means that depending on your age, job, family situation and other factors the state keeps a part of your salary which is spent on the Sistema Nacional de Salud. This means that you –and your children if this is the case– have got free access in any situation to hospitals, doctors, etc... which is particularly beneficial for people with chronic diseases or in the case of unexpected events such as traffic accidents or pregnancies, for example. Well-off people usually pay for private health services although they are still covered by the Sistema Nacional de Salud. There are no waiting lists in private health companies and the treatments are of the same quality as in the SNS but they are exorbitantly expensive.
I’m not going to tell you how much money my parents have been deprived of since they started working, but I can tell you that it is a quite large amount. In fact, the medical needs of my family –I’m the oldest of three children –would have be perfectly covered by a private health company.
***
As you can imagine, I didn’t pass the medical board. And you wouldn’t image who knocked me down. Yes, it was the plastic surgeon. I’ve just turned 17 when we got the appointment to his office. At that time I was 124 pounds (56 kgs) and 5’4” (165 cm). Yes, I still kept growing up until my late teens)... He measured me, weighed me, measured and checked my breasts and declared tactlessly that I was plainly FAT. He said that even if I lost some weight I would never be able to qualify for a breast reduction surgery. He played down my physical problems and said that I was being such a drama queen hiding in black, baggy tops. Let me insist on the fact that I had very positive reports from the paediatrician, the psychologist, and the orthopaedic surgeon. I left the plastic surgeon’s office in tears, as you can imagine. This was another blow to my battered self-esteem. I had been looking forward to that meeting for almost a year. It was also a blow to my parents, who couldn’t afford to pay for a private health insurance to cover only my breast reduction.
After that day I must confess that I developed eating problems. To be honest, I’ve never starved myself to death, or followed mia or ana patterns of behaviour. I’ve never been diagnosed with a restrictive/purgative eating disorder but I know that it has been lurking me for years. Eight years have passed from that day and I still watch out strictly what shall I eat and what not and I usually feel guilty after eating a slice of pizza or some ice-cream. Even though we’ve always had a healthy and balanced diet at home I managed to shed some weight during the last few years.
I’m pretty much miserable now. Besides all the physical problems I have, I missed many events in my life such as beach parties, pool barbecues and trips to the countryside. I can’t go running. I’m constantly hunching over. Driving with a seatbelt on leaves a red angry mark on my neck. I had a car accident some years ago and since the seatbelt didn’t fit me properly because of my tiny body and huge breasts I broke three ribs and my nose. Raising my arms over my head is painful after 20 seconds, not to mention carrying or lifting weight. Every time I go through my clothes I cry because I don’t like the clothes I own. I am even slightly embarrassed around my long-term boyfriend. Every time we go dinner people stare at me and I’m fed up with getting unwanted attention from men. The worse thing of all is the looks from my students. They keep staring at my breasts constantly and I feel like a tart.
After saving since I was 18 –I had to work really hard for it and even moonlight in three different jobs at the same time because I had to pay for rent, petrol, the car, university taxes, clothes, etc. –I am now in a financial position in which I can afford to pay for private surgery. My parents feel guilty about the fact of not being able to afford for it, but as I said before, they've got three children so it wouldn't be fair for my brother and my sister.
I had the appointment with my surgeon the 29th June. I’ve got my pre-op tests the 31st July and my pre-op appointment the 5th August. The big (or small) day is scheduled for the 7th August.
I’ll keep you informed! (:
UPDATED FROM Saskia R.
18 days pre
First meeting with my surgeon. Q/A time!
Saskia R.July 19, 2015
My first appointment with my surgeon was the 29th June. My plan was to go alone to the surgeon’s office, and eventually my mother was able to come with me. I was a bit anxious but everything went OK. My surgeon could not have been nicer. The previous night I prepared a list of talking points to make sure that I didn’t forget anything.
-Possible risks.
-Anesthesia. (type, possible allergies)
-Pre-op tests.
-Things I must buy before surgery. (Antibacterial soap, stool softener, silicone strips, scar creams, etc.)
-Final cup size (I want to be proportioned but if I can choose I’d rather be too small than too big)
-Is August a good month for surgery? Do I have to wait until Sept-Oct? (My holidays are in August. I didn’t want to take any days off-work in September. I was concerned about that issue because August is the hottest month here.)
-Prescriptions before/during/after the surgery.
-Time off-work.
-When can I go home? Same day? 24h after?
-Stitches. Internal? External? Removable?
-Drains.
-Scars.
-Keloids. (my mother had a ganglion cyst removed some years ago and developed a really ugly keloid there...)
-Nipple size and placement.
-Bras. Do I need to wear a surgical bra after the surgery? For how long? Bras after the post-op period. When can I wear wire bras again?
-When can I shower?
-Instructions for my caretakers during my recovery time. (That’s why I went with my mother)
-When can I resume to my daily-life activities?
-Final cup size to be seen in how much time?
-Will my breasts grow back after surgery? (pregnancy, etc.)
My surgeon was really kind and reassuring and he made me feel comfortable. He was a bit surprised about my body size after I removed my bra. He says that I am so petite for having such huuuuuge breasts. He complimented my outfit as a concealing device!
He told me that surgery and anesthesia are risky, but taking into account that I’m young and I lead a very healthy lifestyle (I don’t do drugs, I don’t smoke, I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, I drink alcohol sparingly...) the risk is minimal. About the things I must buy he told me that he’ll give the full list the day of my pre-op, but the most important items are: three or four sports bras that can be opened at the front, and a moisturizing cream for the scars. About the cup size he asked me what I wanted, so I said that a B-C cup would be fine. He said that according to my body shape and weight he’ll try to leave me with a B. Since I do not take any supplements, or other medical prescriptions I do not need to worry about that. He told me that I should stop drinking alcohol 2 weeks before the surgery (I’m missing my dinner wine and weekend IPAs and stouts A LOT!). No aspirin or ibuprofen 3 weeks prior surgery. Since I planned to undergo surgery in August and I don’t start teaching until September I could start the academic year without asking for a medical leave. He even told me that generally patients undergo surgery in August to avoid asking for a medical leave + their significant ones/families are on holidays too and can look after them.
If everything runs smoothly in the operating room I’ll be discharged 24 hours after the surgery. I’ll have drains until I am discharged from hospital. There’s always some scarring left and it’s impossible to know whether a patient will develop a keloid or not, though they are more likely in dark-skinned patients (as you can see I am very fair of skin for Spanish standards). About the nipple size he told me that it will be around 4 cm (now it’s 12.5, almost 5 inches!). He doesn’t like recommending surgical bras to BR patients so I’ll be using sports bras that can be opened at the front during the first month post-op. About wire bras he raised his eyebrow and said: “after surgery you won’t need them anymore!” The best thing of all is that I can shower as soon as I get home. Regarding the instructions for my caretakers, he said that nothing special apart from no housework, no physical activity and lots of relax. He said that he’ll be more specific in the pre-op appointment. I can resume “daily” life 10 days after surgery (including driving or going shopping for new clothes, HOOOORAY!). The final cup is to be seen in 6 months after surgery. And unless I put on a lot of weight it is unlikely that my breasts will grow back (or at least come back to a size similar to the current one).
His assistant gave me a complete schedule. As I said in my previous review:
-20th-23rd July -> Pay for the surgery. If you hadn’t read my previous post I am assuming the full cost of it.
-31st July -> blood test. Since I am young and lead a healthy lifestyle I do not need a chest X-ray or an ECG.
-5th August -> pre-op appointment. He’ll draw the lines, will take pictures, and will give me instructions for the big (small) day.
-7th August -> Big (small) day. Most likely to be during the morning. He’ll tell me the exact time the 5th.
-17th August -> first post-op appointment.
I’ll keep you updated! (:
p.s: Sorry for the grammar mistakes and typos.
-Possible risks.
-Anesthesia. (type, possible allergies)
-Pre-op tests.
-Things I must buy before surgery. (Antibacterial soap, stool softener, silicone strips, scar creams, etc.)
-Final cup size (I want to be proportioned but if I can choose I’d rather be too small than too big)
-Is August a good month for surgery? Do I have to wait until Sept-Oct? (My holidays are in August. I didn’t want to take any days off-work in September. I was concerned about that issue because August is the hottest month here.)
-Prescriptions before/during/after the surgery.
-Time off-work.
-When can I go home? Same day? 24h after?
-Stitches. Internal? External? Removable?
-Drains.
-Scars.
-Keloids. (my mother had a ganglion cyst removed some years ago and developed a really ugly keloid there...)
-Nipple size and placement.
-Bras. Do I need to wear a surgical bra after the surgery? For how long? Bras after the post-op period. When can I wear wire bras again?
-When can I shower?
-Instructions for my caretakers during my recovery time. (That’s why I went with my mother)
-When can I resume to my daily-life activities?
-Final cup size to be seen in how much time?
-Will my breasts grow back after surgery? (pregnancy, etc.)
My surgeon was really kind and reassuring and he made me feel comfortable. He was a bit surprised about my body size after I removed my bra. He says that I am so petite for having such huuuuuge breasts. He complimented my outfit as a concealing device!
He told me that surgery and anesthesia are risky, but taking into account that I’m young and I lead a very healthy lifestyle (I don’t do drugs, I don’t smoke, I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, I drink alcohol sparingly...) the risk is minimal. About the things I must buy he told me that he’ll give the full list the day of my pre-op, but the most important items are: three or four sports bras that can be opened at the front, and a moisturizing cream for the scars. About the cup size he asked me what I wanted, so I said that a B-C cup would be fine. He said that according to my body shape and weight he’ll try to leave me with a B. Since I do not take any supplements, or other medical prescriptions I do not need to worry about that. He told me that I should stop drinking alcohol 2 weeks before the surgery (I’m missing my dinner wine and weekend IPAs and stouts A LOT!). No aspirin or ibuprofen 3 weeks prior surgery. Since I planned to undergo surgery in August and I don’t start teaching until September I could start the academic year without asking for a medical leave. He even told me that generally patients undergo surgery in August to avoid asking for a medical leave + their significant ones/families are on holidays too and can look after them.
If everything runs smoothly in the operating room I’ll be discharged 24 hours after the surgery. I’ll have drains until I am discharged from hospital. There’s always some scarring left and it’s impossible to know whether a patient will develop a keloid or not, though they are more likely in dark-skinned patients (as you can see I am very fair of skin for Spanish standards). About the nipple size he told me that it will be around 4 cm (now it’s 12.5, almost 5 inches!). He doesn’t like recommending surgical bras to BR patients so I’ll be using sports bras that can be opened at the front during the first month post-op. About wire bras he raised his eyebrow and said: “after surgery you won’t need them anymore!” The best thing of all is that I can shower as soon as I get home. Regarding the instructions for my caretakers, he said that nothing special apart from no housework, no physical activity and lots of relax. He said that he’ll be more specific in the pre-op appointment. I can resume “daily” life 10 days after surgery (including driving or going shopping for new clothes, HOOOORAY!). The final cup is to be seen in 6 months after surgery. And unless I put on a lot of weight it is unlikely that my breasts will grow back (or at least come back to a size similar to the current one).
His assistant gave me a complete schedule. As I said in my previous review:
-20th-23rd July -> Pay for the surgery. If you hadn’t read my previous post I am assuming the full cost of it.
-31st July -> blood test. Since I am young and lead a healthy lifestyle I do not need a chest X-ray or an ECG.
-5th August -> pre-op appointment. He’ll draw the lines, will take pictures, and will give me instructions for the big (small) day.
-7th August -> Big (small) day. Most likely to be during the morning. He’ll tell me the exact time the 5th.
-17th August -> first post-op appointment.
I’ll keep you updated! (:
p.s: Sorry for the grammar mistakes and typos.
Replies (4)
July 21, 2015
Saskia,
Holy cow, what a journey you have taken to get this! I am glad you have a supportive surgeon, and am sorry to hear there was no way to re-submit to the national plan. (though I understand that can be the case) Though your efforts on your behalf are amazing!
Good for you, and the relief will be wonderful!
I look forward to hearing more of your journey!
Holy cow, what a journey you have taken to get this! I am glad you have a supportive surgeon, and am sorry to hear there was no way to re-submit to the national plan. (though I understand that can be the case) Though your efforts on your behalf are amazing!
Good for you, and the relief will be wonderful!
I look forward to hearing more of your journey!
July 21, 2015
Hi AVL123,
Thank you for your support! I'm really glad to have found such a supportive community. About our national plan... well, it's a bit weird, believe me. Getting or not getting some things done depends on the surgeons you get assigned according to the area where you live. Many borderline surgeries -I mean, between the cosmetic and the medical realm are includad, for example wisdom teeth extractions, nose, breast, ear and tummy surgery and even sex reassignment surgery!
And don't worry, I promise to keep you all posted! (:
Thank you for your support! I'm really glad to have found such a supportive community. About our national plan... well, it's a bit weird, believe me. Getting or not getting some things done depends on the surgeons you get assigned according to the area where you live. Many borderline surgeries -I mean, between the cosmetic and the medical realm are includad, for example wisdom teeth extractions, nose, breast, ear and tummy surgery and even sex reassignment surgery!
And don't worry, I promise to keep you all posted! (:
UPDATED FROM Saskia R.
16 days pre
One step closer
Saskia R.July 21, 2015
First of all, thank you ladies for all your support! It’s great to have this website in which we can help each other and share our thoughts and experiences. You are amazing!
Today I went to the bank just to order the payment of the surgery. I thought that I would have mixed feelings about paying it and seeing that hole on my bank account –I paid €4,725 for it, which is around 5,200USD. This is a lot of money for me considering my (low) salary as an adjunct professor/researcher at a local university. However, I feel relieved. The big (small) day is drawing near and I’m eager to see the results.
Today I told some of my colleagues about my upcoming surgery. I thought that it would be better if I told them about it rather than to leave them to find out about it when we come back in September. I said that I was going to have my breasts reduced and one of them asked me if I was going to get my implants removed. I was utterly shocked. When I told her that what I’m getting is a breast reduction and not an implant removal she apologized and said that she was positive that my breasts were fake. I can’t believe it. What is the point of having implants –I said –if I always wear button-ups and never show any cleavage? Another colleague admitted that she also thought that my breasts were implants because "you are so skinny that it is impossible that you have naturally big breasts." Thank you, gals?
It’s funny how people react to my news. I mean, breast reduction surgery is something that you can’t hide, and I thought that it would be better to tell the people that I see frequently to avoid problems when I’m done. Maybe everything is in my head. When I told my in-laws they were honestly surprised and thought that I was joking. My mother-in-law commented that she wouldn’t have said that I have such big breasts. I pulled up my blouse and she was amazed to see that I was wearing two bras. Well, I think that I’ve become a master in concealing my “assets”. I should write my PhD on that instead of WWI literature.
Are you in the same position? Has anybody told you that s/he thinks your breasts are implants? Has anybody told you that s/he thinks that your breasts are not as big as they are? Please tell me!
Today I went to the bank just to order the payment of the surgery. I thought that I would have mixed feelings about paying it and seeing that hole on my bank account –I paid €4,725 for it, which is around 5,200USD. This is a lot of money for me considering my (low) salary as an adjunct professor/researcher at a local university. However, I feel relieved. The big (small) day is drawing near and I’m eager to see the results.
Today I told some of my colleagues about my upcoming surgery. I thought that it would be better if I told them about it rather than to leave them to find out about it when we come back in September. I said that I was going to have my breasts reduced and one of them asked me if I was going to get my implants removed. I was utterly shocked. When I told her that what I’m getting is a breast reduction and not an implant removal she apologized and said that she was positive that my breasts were fake. I can’t believe it. What is the point of having implants –I said –if I always wear button-ups and never show any cleavage? Another colleague admitted that she also thought that my breasts were implants because "you are so skinny that it is impossible that you have naturally big breasts." Thank you, gals?
It’s funny how people react to my news. I mean, breast reduction surgery is something that you can’t hide, and I thought that it would be better to tell the people that I see frequently to avoid problems when I’m done. Maybe everything is in my head. When I told my in-laws they were honestly surprised and thought that I was joking. My mother-in-law commented that she wouldn’t have said that I have such big breasts. I pulled up my blouse and she was amazed to see that I was wearing two bras. Well, I think that I’ve become a master in concealing my “assets”. I should write my PhD on that instead of WWI literature.
Are you in the same position? Has anybody told you that s/he thinks your breasts are implants? Has anybody told you that s/he thinks that your breasts are not as big as they are? Please tell me!
Replies (5)
July 22, 2015
Thank you x100 for your post! This has been so comforting you have no idea. I am 17 with very large breasts (and since childhood I have hated breasts in general so imagine my upset watching my boobs grow and grow!) but people also tell me my boobs aren't as big as they are. People tell me I should feel "blessed" all the time- not realizing the amount of emotional pain I go through! I am so insecure because of them!
July 22, 2015
I'm so happy the day is getting closer for you! I also had to save for my own surgery. I'm currently in S.Korea doing my master's degree with a scholarship and I've tried to save as much as possible. I'm going back home as the end of August and then I'll start arranging my BR. I'm a 30H, pretty small frame and gigantic boobs that I hide with minimizers and loose clothes, so no one believes me when I say I hate them cause they're so big. As well as constant back and shoulder pain that not even yoga can stop ):
I'm looking forward to seeing your results! Suerte!
I'm looking forward to seeing your results! Suerte!
July 23, 2015
Good luck to you. Had mine in December and yes, many people told me mine were not that big etc, including my mother. Sorry but I think 28F was very big and very uncomfortable. I am only sorry that I didn't do it much earlier and save myself years of embarrassment. My neck, back and shoulders are as relieved as I am be so much smaller.
July 23, 2015
Aww
Heck, when I was a teenager, an old geezer at the pool/beach asked me if I was wearing falsies! I was horrified. I told my mother, and she told me to take it as a compliment!
"in may [her] day, a girl would love to have my assets"... blah, blah, blah
in the following 25 years; I had guys chase me across sports fields in jr high trying to cop a feel, and teachers tell me I should be less forward.. Ummm, excuse me!!?? The only way to be less forward was a reduction! I wore baggy clothing, people thought I was fat...
College, people think breast size is inversely proportionate to brain power.. that was awesome... (NOT) (BTW, I'm an engineer)
Now.. well, thank goodness, NOW they are smaller. But two months ago,.. walk into a restaurant with your back strait and the women think you are selling and the guys think you are easy.
the only answer: Slouch.. try to look smaller.. always be ashamed.. and then the physical pain, the bras, the shoulder pain, pinched nerves...
NO.. For most of us, this is sadly a VERY common story. And EACH of us not only share your pain, but feel FOR you!
I swear, I would like to take a gallon milk jug, tie it to a 24" shoestring to another, and just hang that from a persons neck, when they say that .. and make them keep that there, in place, for a week. Not allowed to take it off. Must keep them as un-noticable as possible. Must walk to the grocery with those in their clothing, and not whine and complain, because they arn't allowed to draw attention. Ahhh... that would be nice.
I am grateful that we live in a time with this option! I am grateful every morning I wake up in my sports bra, knowing that even though I think they are too big.. they are only 38" around!! I am grateful my pinched nerve is gone, and I do some back exercises every morning and evening to learn to stand strait! It is AWESOME!
And it will be wonderful for you! You have a cheerleading squad here at R.S.! We will listen when it is difficult, and the healing is driving you nuts, and cheer for you when you get your first small bra!
Heck, when I was a teenager, an old geezer at the pool/beach asked me if I was wearing falsies! I was horrified. I told my mother, and she told me to take it as a compliment!
"in may [her] day, a girl would love to have my assets"... blah, blah, blah
in the following 25 years; I had guys chase me across sports fields in jr high trying to cop a feel, and teachers tell me I should be less forward.. Ummm, excuse me!!?? The only way to be less forward was a reduction! I wore baggy clothing, people thought I was fat...
College, people think breast size is inversely proportionate to brain power.. that was awesome... (NOT) (BTW, I'm an engineer)
Now.. well, thank goodness, NOW they are smaller. But two months ago,.. walk into a restaurant with your back strait and the women think you are selling and the guys think you are easy.
the only answer: Slouch.. try to look smaller.. always be ashamed.. and then the physical pain, the bras, the shoulder pain, pinched nerves...
NO.. For most of us, this is sadly a VERY common story. And EACH of us not only share your pain, but feel FOR you!
I swear, I would like to take a gallon milk jug, tie it to a 24" shoestring to another, and just hang that from a persons neck, when they say that .. and make them keep that there, in place, for a week. Not allowed to take it off. Must keep them as un-noticable as possible. Must walk to the grocery with those in their clothing, and not whine and complain, because they arn't allowed to draw attention. Ahhh... that would be nice.
I am grateful that we live in a time with this option! I am grateful every morning I wake up in my sports bra, knowing that even though I think they are too big.. they are only 38" around!! I am grateful my pinched nerve is gone, and I do some back exercises every morning and evening to learn to stand strait! It is AWESOME!
And it will be wonderful for you! You have a cheerleading squad here at R.S.! We will listen when it is difficult, and the healing is driving you nuts, and cheer for you when you get your first small bra!
August 9, 2015
Ohmigooodness I was just telling someone about my upcoming surgery this week and they asked if this was my second breast surgery, implying that I had implants!! I was floored! And yes, I've been told time and time again that "I'm lucky" that women pay good money for breasts like mine and blah blah blah...
One of the most humiliating moments for me was when I went with a friend to a dance at her church when I was 16. Of course I couldn't find a dress that fit my giant boobs properly and cleavage was unavoidable. I was brought outside and one of the adults had me stuff a cloth napkin in my cleavage to hide it...omg. Humiliating, not to mention I looked ridiculous with a napkin stuffed in my boobs and it only brought MORE unwanted attention to the girls!!
One of the most humiliating moments for me was when I went with a friend to a dance at her church when I was 16. Of course I couldn't find a dress that fit my giant boobs properly and cleavage was unavoidable. I was brought outside and one of the adults had me stuff a cloth napkin in my cleavage to hide it...omg. Humiliating, not to mention I looked ridiculous with a napkin stuffed in my boobs and it only brought MORE unwanted attention to the girls!!
Replies (14)
I'm sorry to hear about your experience in childhood and teenage years.
What size would you like to go down to?
Keep us posted. Good luck and wishing you good result!
Thank you for your support. Sharing my childhood/teenage experience here made me feel way much better.
My expectation was something between a B and a C. My surgeon told me that he'll try to remove as much as he safely can without affecting blood vessels and blood supply. He thinks that a full B would be the best size for my body frame. And of course I'll keep you posted! (:
Thank for your feedback about my English. (:
Can you believe that the same happened to me when I was younger? I used to hide myself in a huge Metallica hoodie if I had to leave home. My mother said that I should wash more frequently but I wouldn't lose sight of it.
Both our experiences tell that we as adults should be very careful about what we say to teenagers regarding body issues...