Breast Reduction ???? To or not to ????

Indy, LPN, LVN · Aug 11, 2004

Mmkay, I know exactly how odd this question is going to sound. But I gotta ask it. Supposing that, along with your large breasts, you have areolas about 2 inches in diameter? Isn't it gonna look..... very odd if your breasts are smaller? Areolas don't shrink. Yes, I will find any excuse (for now) not to consider the possibility of reduction.

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 11, 2004

RN1976Nurse,

I'm curious...what size will you be after the surgery?

I plan on getting this done after baby #2.....good luck to you!!

:balloons:

joannep · Aug 11, 2004

Hi,

Well this is one I can speak on from personal experience.

My bra size was an 18E. I thought about having a breast reduction for around 2 years.

I spoke to lots and lots of women who had a reduction done, some up to 20 years previously, and they all, without exception, said they wished they had done it earlier. But still I kept putting it off. I kept thinking it was a vanity issue. But every month when my breasts became tender, it was agony, because they were sooo big. I used to carry them around and cry. When I look back I realise I was silly not to have had the surgery years earlier.

Anyway, I finally chose a surgeon (not an easy task when you are a perioperative nurse) and set the date. I was 39 years old, it was a present to myself for my 40th birthday.

I had 1.6 kg taken of each breast, a total of 3.2 kg of breast tissue. A huge reduction. I am now a size C.

I spent 2 nights in hospital. I required 2 injections of Pethidine, 1 injection when I returned to the ward, the other that night. After that, Panadeine Forte was fine. Post-operatively I did have a small infection, and required antibiotics. Remain diligant and examine your suture line for signs of infection, and act when you are concerned.

The problem with the areolar is easily overcome, the areolar is trimmed down to match the size of the breasts.

I had a total of 4 weeks of work, and when I came back I didn't lift anything for a year. I felt that would allow the tissue time to heal. I was also careful not to stretch my arm above my head to an extended position, like when you stretch high to reach something.

While my nipples were still sensitive as before surgery, parts of my breasts were numb for over a year, and that felt strange. But the numbness has lessened over time.

I had my reduction five years ago and I still thank myself every day for having the courage to go ahead and have it done.

My breast are just wonderful. I can run, not fast of course! I can jump, without having to catch my boobies. I can wear a shoestring/strapless top in summer, and not need a bra! I've never been able to do that.

I feel like I have a whole new lease on life. Even five years on I am still so excited about the results, and they are life-liberating. I do not know why Pamela Anderson has spent money to have large boobies, it seems insane to me!

I wish you well, and look forward to hearing how you are going.

Joanne

Sheri257 · Aug 11, 2004

This is so interesting to me. Women who are born with large breasts point out the physical problems it causes. Yet lots of women will small breasts get these HUGE implants.

I guess people want what they can't have. Although I can certainly understand the need for reduction, especially when it strains the body. I just can't figure out why other women would want these huge implants. Wouldn't that strain the body too?

:coollook:

Farkinott, RN · Aug 11, 2004

There was a thread a few weeks ago from a forum member who had a reduction. Have a look for it as it might help to see another's opinion.

mstewart · Aug 11, 2004

I know 2 people that have had breast reductions and both absolutely love their new boobs. One used to have her bras specially made so that she could tolerate them for an 8 hour work day. She just loves her new look-and being able to shop at a regular store for bras.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 11, 2004

I've known 4 people to get it done (most recently, my sister last year) and all were thrilled with the results. None of them regretted it. Of course, that's no guarantee you would be equally thrilled, but it is a hopeful sign.

llg

eltrip · Aug 11, 2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by RN1976Nurse

I know some of you may think "hey what's her problem" sorry, but anyway I have large breasts DDD cup and get alot of spasms in my neck and upper back. I have been evaluated for a breast reduction and definately qualify. I really want to have it done. I'm so tired of always having to buy bigger sizes on the top and yada yada, anyone out there have a breast reduction and any comments on whether to or not to? Thanks!

No, Thank YOU for bringing this up. I'm in the same cup size range & have been thinking about this for YEARS. My evaluation appointment is next wednesday. I am SO tired of not being able to find bras that fit...shoulder & neck spasms...etc, etc. I've been resistant to the surgery. I've thought, if I can lose 15-20 lbs, that'll shrink them some, right? I've finally realized, though, that I won't get down to a C cup unless I weigh 110 lbs again...Not highly likely, I don't think. We'll see what the doc says next week.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

Only know one person who had the procedure done (a co-worker)... so this is by no means a representative sample.

However, most (males and females) thought she looked more attractive before.

Be careful.

mstewart · Aug 11, 2004

I think the breast reduction made them look skinnier. One had always had a relatively flat stomach, you just couldn't see it before. The other one is the shape of a potato anyway-so it just makes her look marginally skinnier.

I would think that most men would think that the one looked better before-simply because she was a red head, had BIG BOOBS, and a flat stomach.

dave1117 · Aug 11, 2004

Not sure if I should chime in here but what the heck...

Both my sisters and a very close friend had this surgery for much the same reason as you. As far as the success and their happiness it is mixed. The success and the reduction went fine, the difference is in the appearance and their total satisfaction.

My older sister is delighted. She does not care about anything other than her overall comfort. My younger sister and friend are not as pleased at their overall appearance as they might be.

My sister put it this way; God gave you an overall package, big breasts equal bigger shoulders a biggger back and an overall larger frame to carry them. When you eliminate one part of the overall package your frame looks out of proportion to the rest of your body. Becasue of this she is not as happy with her overall appearance. Both her and my friend had large breasts but very flattering figures that they do not think is the nice any longer.

Just food for thought...

Personally if it were me, my comfort would be all that mattered. Difficulty shopping, back pain and any other associated problems would become a thing of the past ASAP.

Whatever you decide, good luck and best wishes.

Now I will let you ladies continue with your conversation :)

have a great day all, dave

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

... think that most men would think that the one looked better before-simply because she was a red head, had BIG BOOBS, and a flat stomach.

Gotta say that's probably right!

But can tell ya that wasn't the case with the person I mentioned before.

Both guys and gals (all of which truly cared for this long-term friend and co-worker) agreed to ourselves that from a physical attractiveness point-of-view she'd lost out in a significant way.

Our amiga did indicate her back felt better though.