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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

17y.o. 30F, Much Needed Breast Reduction -BC, Canada

ORIGINAL POST

So. I just had a doctor's appointment and we both...

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So. I just had a doctor's appointment and we both decided that a breast reduction would be highly beneficial for me. I've been referred to a plastic surgeon for a consultation(yay!). However, there's my mom. She's highly opinionated and recognizes it. Her main issue with the surgery is the effect on breastfeeding. I personally want to bottle feed any future children with a homemade formula for some very practical(in my opinion) reasons:
•I have a vitamin deficiency and it will most likely affect my child(ren)
•Breast feeding seems like a hassle to me
•A formula can be whipped up at anytime and stored in bulk(same with pumped breast milk but it can be made in far larger quantities)
•Bottle feeding can be performed by family members if they so wish to; I can have some more time to relax

My mom's reasoning is that I'm still young and don't know what I want, I might change my mind, etc, etc. She highly opinionated though. She breastfed myself and my six siblings. However, I can't seem to get through to her with the fact that I want this for my health, I have no problem with scars(I don't scar easily and the ones I've had we're only visible for a couple years), and I just don't want to breastfeed. In my opinion, if I go through with it(with mother's approval and support), anything that I regret with be my own problem, my own fault. It won't have anything to do with her or her parenting, whatever. She's taught me that whatever I do, there will be consequences, good or bad, ad I just have to accept them and deal with them. But she won't let me learn that through this (hopefully) future experience. She doesn't really want to talk with me about it. Saying that I should consider it after I have kids. However, I'd much rather adopt than birth my own children. There are plenty of children already out there that need loving parents and a happy home. Why should I bring more into the world when they are not necessarily needed and another child can be spared an unhappy life? I feel that I have made an educated decision (deciding that I really do want and need this surgery) and thy it would be highly beneficial to me.

I have a very small frame, nearly underweight (50.5kg/112lbs with large breasts, imagine if I didn't have them) and I am 155cm(5'1"). All the women in my immediate family have large breasts, but they all have bodies that are larger and sturdier than mine. Plus they're taller and stronger. I'm actually so small that my professionally fitted 30F bra (that cost my mum 70 dollars) straps, even on the tightest setting, slip off my shoulders. They're still too long. So all of the weight from my breasts sits on the band and causes me rib pains. Most often, my bra band is imprinted on my ribs. Back and neck pain are a constant in my life.

My failed failed remedies include:
•Exercise(mostly strength training)
•Massage(the masseuse said she was surprised that my neck and shoulders wouldn't loosen up, even after three sessions plus daily stretches)
•Epsom salts
•Essential oils

Losing weight isn't an option for me. >.<
I've had back and neck pain for about 4 years(since grade 9), and it's only worsened in the past two. My cup size has been the same (30F) since grade 10.

My mother considered breast reduction at a young(er) age and decided against it, but she is a different person than I am.

One of my sisters is supportive of my decisions and actually thinks that with a lack of constant pain, my depression may be far easier to deal with/get rid of.

Any advice on getting my mum to see things from my perspective? She's usually pretty open minded but prefers her own opinions.

Since I'm a minor I'm only going to post clothed pics. Don't need anyone getting in trouble. ;)

Replies (14)

November 25, 2014
First, let me say that you are a beautiful young woman and wise to weigh both sides as it is a big decision. I'm a huge fan of breast-feeding if it is at all possible. When I was your age I didn't think much of it but after having four children and being fortunate enough to breast-feed all of them, I realize it is such a wonderful, natural, (sometimes painful) bonding experience and I think it is so healthy for them. They make some really good formulas out there now but none of them can compare to mother nature - none of my kids have been sick and I contribute it mostly to the antibodies they received that boosted their immune systems from breast milk. Now, with that being said, I know that there are some women who naturally can't breast-feed and their babies turn out just fine! And I completely understand that if you are suffering and having so much pain as a teenager, you would want to do this. I was a 36B before my twins and when my milk came in I was a 36FF! I cried in the shop when the worker couldn't find a nursing bra in the store that would fit, so I can only imagine what you go through on a daily basis. I just had a lift and am back to a 36B and feel great. So....I think if you are miserable, you should do it. Find a very experienced doc who can try to preserve your milk ducts (if only to make your Mom happy!) and there is still a chance you could breast feed years down the road. If you don't do the reduction, it's likely your breasts will get even larger once you get pregnant. My only concern is that later you might need another procedure as your breasts will change so much after babies (they get much softer and could get larger or smaller, regardless of whether you breastfed) Anyway, bottom line is do what makes you happy! You are gorgeous and should be free to live life comfortably and pain-free. I know your Mom wants what is best for you too...she just wants you not to have regrets:-). Take care and good luck!!
November 25, 2014
I'd just like to let you know, I had the exact same conversation with my mother when i was first deciding whether or not to go through with the surgery. I am also 17 and after 10 months of deliberation I have finally decided to do it (in 3 weeks)! I did get the final say as my mom told me it is my body so my decision. However, it did take her some time to come around but what helped me is showing her how much i needed the surgery and how happy i will be after! No one can understand how you're feeling except you so do what makes you happy! I can't picture living like this much longer so I'm going through with it! Hope this was helpful :)
November 25, 2014
My daughter is 16, a medium frame and was a 36K. She suffered from increasing back aches, neck pain and foot pain. The reduction has been amazing for her. She woke up from the procedure and began to cry. I asked if she was in pain, she said no, that she was crying because she was so happy! A day later she ask my if it was normal for the chest to move up and down when breathing. I said yes! Wow so much weight in the breast that her chest didnt even move. She is now a 36D and is active and out doing the things she loves unhindered by those big heavy breast. She is also pleased that she can now purchase clothes that fit her. Another perk, people actually look at her and not her breast! I am so glad she did not have to wait another 20 years before she had this done. It is SO worth it.
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November 26, 2014
I was 18 with size 28 DD breasts. I was 100 lbs and 5'3". I went for a breast reduction and decided against it. I am now 46 with 30 GG breasts 135lbs. I'm glad I waited until after I had my son-breastfeeding is amazing and absolutely not a hassle-formula making is a hassle. I do wish I had done the reduction earlier though. I should have done this 10 years ago and saved myself a ton of pain. If you really want it -I would do it now. Just know that as you gain weight (kids) over the next 20 years you may need another reduction somewhere down the road.
November 26, 2014
Thank you, everyone! It's nice to see things from more than two points of view. :) I have yet to talk to my mum about it again, but it will likely be when my doctor calls and tells me when my consultation with the PS is. I'll update then!
UPDATED FROM geladine

Ribs and Marks

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As I mentioned before, my bra straps, even on the tightest setting, are too long for me. So all the weight sits on the band of my bra, and there hasn't been a day that I've worn my bra and not had imprints on my rib cage since having a D cup or larger. Sometimes the marks are sore, other times not. A lot of the time I just feel rib pains and occasionally like they're bruised, which I've experienced before from a sledding accident.

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