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

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

A nurse friend had this done last year. She had some post-op complications but now is very glad she did the surgery. What she spent on surgery she has saved on buying clothes off the rack and no more "orthopedic" bras. People (men) no longer talk to her chest, but to her face.

Good luck on your decision.

timewood · Aug 11, 2004

I had reduction surgery about seven years ago...had several POUNDS of breast tissue removed. The only regret that I have is that I did not do it sooner. I have degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine...(back like an old woman) from being so top-heavy for so long.

I do have scars and want to have scar revision surgery. My breasts are of a much more pleasing shape and size though, even with the scars. I was never pleased with the look of my breasts until after the surgery. I usually say this: "the scars that I have on the inside from being so freakishly large are much worse than the scars that I now have on the outside."

here are some things that having smaller breasts has done for me (BTW I am still between and D and C cup)

-aerobics

-running with my kids

-having men make EYE contact with me

-having everyone make EYE contact first

-having women be more friendly to me

-being perceived by the world very differently

-wearing off-the-rack clothes

-being able to buy a dress

-buying a bra at Wal-mart (only ten bucks!!!)

-forgetting all about feeling like a self-conscience sore thumb

-feeling pretty

-not feeling beat up (physically) at the end of the day

Good luck to you...whatever you choose!

suzy253, RN · Aug 11, 2004

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.

So I have a vision of you and co-workers commenting about how your 'friend' "lost out in a significant way from her physical attractiveness". Don't you have anything better to do with your time?

I don't get it!!!

You're talking about the physical attractiveness of your co-workers large breasts and don't take into consideration the pain and suffering she went through???

It's all about physical attractivensss--not that she feels better physically and probably emotionally? :uhoh3:

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

... I don't get it!!!... It's all about physical attractivensss--not that she feels better physically and probably emotionally?...

Maybe you don't cause you don't wanna.

Hey, from my experience it's women that generally are more concerned with their appearance. To them, I believe physical attractiveness is important. Most guys aren't that much into that (with respect to themselves).

That's one of the reasons I posted about the one reduction job I've witnessed.

Please read my post. I also stated she said she felt better physically. Not sure if I can say she was better emotionally.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

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.

It's nice to know there was enough time in the day to come to a mutual agreement over the physical apearence of someone's chest. :rolleyes:

mattsmom81 · Aug 11, 2004

I would LOVE to have reduction...was a 34DD even when I was thin and now that I'm overweight its a bigger problem (no pun intended) I have the upper back/neck pain too...boob pain (Fibrocystic changes) plus rashes in the summer...ick. Would love to go braless or wear those cute litle bras too!!

Questions: Did those of you who had this done have any luck getting insurance coverage or was this considered 'cosmetic'?? And does everyone have to avoid lifting for a looong time....how can we afford to do this if we are still working at the bedside? Must we get another job in order to have this surgery successfully????

Maybe I'll just plan a year off...have my boobs done, facelift, lipo..the works...and be a whole new 'me'...hehe. Now...how to pay for it all.......theres always the lottery I guess.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

According to my health insurance's website, there has to be medical proof that the breast reduction is necessary in order for them to cover it.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2004

It's nice to know there was enough time in the day to come to a mutual agreement over the physical apearence of someone's chest...

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

You must be kidding??? You haven't heard women comment on other's clothes, make-up, nails, blah, blah, blah. Then you must be livin' under a rock.

Come on out!

mattsmom81 · Aug 12, 2004

According to my health insurance's website, there has to be medical proof that the breast reduction is necessary in order for them to cover it.

I wonder what constitutes that? Have ya'll gone to an ortho doc or??? Just curious....

Of course,most women suspect what most guys think about boob size....anyone watch some of the recent breast reduction shows on TV....some of the women were grossly out of the norm/uncomfortable w/breast size (EEE's) and hubby still didn't want her boobs reduced....it was ridiculous... IMO.

timewood · Aug 12, 2004

I would LOVE to have reduction...was a 34DD even when I was thin and now that I'm overweight its a bigger problem (no pun intended) I have the upper back/neck pain too...boob pain (Fibrocystic changes) plus rashes in the summer...ick. Would love to go braless or wear those cute litle bras too!!
Questions: Did those of you who had this done have any luck getting insurance coverage or was this considered 'cosmetic'?? And does everyone have to avoid lifting for a looong time....how can we afford to do this if we are still working at the bedside? Must we get another job in order to have this surgery successfully????
Maybe I'll just plan a year off...have my boobs done, facelift, lipo..the works...and be a whole new 'me'...hehe. Now...how to pay for it all.......theres always the lottery I guess.

with my insurance carrier...their were photos (chest only/no face) to document along with medical history, docs dx, and a certain requirment of weight/amount of breast tissue removed during surgery. check with your carrier.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2004

I'm considering it also. My Chiropractor and massage therapist feel my neck and back pain will be greatly alleviated. Someone mentioned the proportions of a h big- boobed woman: broad back, broad shoulders, etc.

I'm living proof that's not always the case. I'm not tall, I have very narrow shoulders, and am very narrow across the back. Buying off the rack, anything, is just about impossible, so I sew a lot. My neck constantly feels like it needs to be "cracked" and in fact, I've started doing that myself, almost involuntarily while I drive or read or whatever. Eeewww! The noise of that is creepy!

When you're a 34DDD/F, nobody seems to think you have a case for a reduction, but believe me, I have a case, and I'm getting my ducks in a row to make an appeal to my insurance company.

I know several women who've had it done and all of them are 100% happy with the results. The men in their lives didn't try to pressure them to keep the big ones....

shel_wny · Aug 12, 2004

As far as insurance coverage goes, some women at work were thinking of having it done and one mentioned that she has to get each weighed on a scale and they have to weigh at least X lbs in order to be a candidate for the surgery.

I would support and respect any woman who is in mental and physical pain because of her large breasts and has the guts to do something about it. I'm a risk-taker myself and I can honestly say that I've never taken a huge risk like this and come out on the short end. Just make sure that you do your homework, educate yourself, and choose a reputable surgeon. More people should do more things to change themselves and the world for the better. I'm not a nip n' tuck sort of girl but obviously this situation exceeds that of cosmetic surgery. I wish all of you considering this the best of luck.

Shel