weight loss for large breast reduction
madzyjj168
Posts: 1 Member
Hello, I am 21 now and in serious need for a breast reduction. I have always been big in the chest and I don't have kids. For the past 4 years I have been at a 10J/32J. I have lost approx 12kg from 90 so i am 78kg now and have noticed no difference in my breast size. I can get my band size down to a size 8/30 but not the cup. Going up a band size and down a cup size does not work for me at all. I struggle with exercise because of breathing and back/neck pain issues (sports bras do not particularly help). Any ideas on how to decrease size of breasts and overall exercises to help with weight loss in my heavy condition?
THANKS!
THANKS!
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Replies
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You might lose some weight from the breasts by losing weight overall, but the amount would be variable. Some people lose a lot from their boobs, some lose not much at all and have a worse body to boob ratio which hurts more. You won't be able to tell until you lose more weight.
As far as exercises go, just try things and find things that doesn't hurt you and do them. You will probably like low impact/lower body exercises.0 -
Mine reduced a bit after significant weight loss; I was about 34H or 36H at 185lbs; I'm around 32F or thereabouts now at 140lbs (UK sizes).0
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Unfortunately, losing weight may not make any difference. Some people naturally lose weight from the bust, some don't, and there's no way to target exactly where your body sheds. You may get lucky, but really the only reliable way to reduce breast size is surgically
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There are two types of tissue present in the breast: glandular tissue and fat tissue. By losing weight, you can reduce the fat tissue and sadly, there's no way to target that directly. You have to keep on losing weight.
If you still don't lose cups, chances are you have a whole lot more glandular tissue, and the only reliable way of reducing that is, as the poster above mentioned, surgically.
I'm working on losing fat to hopefully reduce by breasts (G cup currently). Once I hit a BMI of sub-25, and if I still have too high a volume, then my health insurance will pay for the necessary surgery. Sadly, my back makes losing cups necessary.
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Women have different proportions of fat vs glandular tissue in their breast. If yours are mostly glandular, then no amount of weight loss is going to reduce them.
Surgery may not be on your radar, but if you have a large volume of glandular tissue that you want less of, it may be the best option.
Often plastic surgeons will give a free consultation on this kind of surgery. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to get a professional opinion to be best informed about your options.3 -
Don't be tempted by surgery unless you're at your healthy weight and the problem still exists.2
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Unfortunately, it seems for you that it comes down to genetics, seeing as how your band size is fairly small, and even if you lose significant weight you probably won't see much of a reduction. I was very similar when I was younger--even when my BMI was around 19 (when I was in my 20s) I was still large-breasted. I never opted for surgery, but mine weren't interfering with exercising as yours are. Now that I'm in my 40s I have lost cup sizes--surgery might be on the table now because they look so sad!
My advice: keep losing weight as steadily as possible, and tuck aside some money for surgery for when you are near your goal weight.0 -
Its no fun being large breasted it plays havoc with the posture. I knew someone with a worse problem than mine, she was fortunate to have a breast reduction on the NHS 40 years ago. I'm not convinced they would be so obliging for someone these days. She did not take the weight loss step first. I take encouragement from what milincy says, she is more comfortable at 140 lb give or take, this is about where I would ultimately like to be. Its about where I was with a 29 inch under bust. (too much water has gone under the bridge since then) As I've reduced my band size the cup was a steady g. A g cup in a 40 is larger than in a 38 and 36 and so it goes. The problem of too much weight up front is still there.
I like the idea of researching your options, to discover the cons of surgery, not least would undergoing a ga be advisable, you are aware of the probably benefits. Your decision must be based on your pain/postural damage and how it gets in the way of your life. As someone above said this a medical health issue, she is hopeful of her costs being covered by her health insurance at a bmi of less than 25. Could it be for you, particularly as you are able to show how you are working to improve your own health first. This is not a vanity issue, its more basic than that.
All the very best.1 -
I'm in the same boat. But even when I was 60kg I was still an Australian F cup. Im now a G. I'm really really considering getting a reduction when I've hit my goal if I can afford it. I work in theatre so anaesthetically I'm not bothered because I know how amazing and knowledgable the drs are, but surgically, it's scary not knowing the exact outcome and extent of scarring. I've had a consult and I have to lose weight before they do it anyways so they are taking glandular tissue and not just fat tissue. Big boobs are painful:-( mentally and physically.1
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Weight had no impact on my cup size either, and I had reduction surgery years ago. Best thing I ever did! I only regretted waiting, and I was young when I did it. First 2 weeks after are a bit tough, but after that I was back to normal life, and now exercising is never an issue. Even after 20 years, and gained weight, my size is still the same as post surgery. Some of us really can't change cup size by losing or gaining weight.2
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I previously lost over 108lbs from 233 to 125 and still had the same DD cups (just a smaller band size). That was in 2012. I've now creeped back up to 189 so I'm back at it again.
My doc said since the base of my breasts is so large, plastic surgery meant only going from a DD to a D. Not worth it in my opinion. I hope you have better results than me!!!0 -
Weight had no impact on my cup size either, and I had reduction surgery years ago. Best thing I ever did! I only regretted waiting, and I was young when I did it. First 2 weeks after are a bit tough, but after that I was back to normal life, and now exercising is never an issue. Even after 20 years, and gained weight, my size is still the same as post surgery. Some of us really can't change cup size by losing or gaining weight.
What is the scarring like? Is it extensive or did it fade a little over time?0 -
Weight had no impact on my cup size either, and I had reduction surgery years ago. Best thing I ever did! I only regretted waiting, and I was young when I did it. First 2 weeks after are a bit tough, but after that I was back to normal life, and now exercising is never an issue. Even after 20 years, and gained weight, my size is still the same as post surgery. Some of us really can't change cup size by losing or gaining weight.
What is the scarring like? Is it extensive or did it fade a little over time?
I know you were asking another poster but thought I'd share as well (b/c this is a hard decision for most people!).
I was a person who was fairly small in body size but very large chested even as a teen. In my early 20's I had a breast reduction. On the one hand, I have no regrets and was sooooo happy when it was done. I literally walked out of surgery without 10 pounds of breast tissue. I looked and felt normal for my body size. The only regret I have is that I was completely unable to breastfeed my children. Before surgery the surgeon said I would be able to BF but I would probably have to supplement. However, during surgery they had to remove so much tissue that nerves ended up getting cut that were needed for let down. I had milk like crazy, but zero let down (and no feeling when my milk came in either). So I would just say that if a person wants to BF they need to really consider that during surgery things could change and they may not be able to and they should be prepared for that. If BF is non-negotiable for them then they should wait until after they are done having children.
Scarring wise, you can't even see my scars today (I had it done at 21 and today I'm 47). They make an incision like a cats face. Think of it as a line from the bottom of the n*pple to below the breast and then all along the underside of the breast. Within a year I could barely see I'd had surgery. I married at 25 and my husband would have never known had I not told him. And even after gaining weight from being pregnant and living, I only regained one cup size. I was just never one to gain or lose much in my chest. Those are the type of people that seem to do best with reduction surgery.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Would I have waited until I was done having children, yes. But otherwise, one of the best decisions I ever made (and probably one of my better ones at 21!
). 9 -
ronjsteele1 wrote: »Weight had no impact on my cup size either, and I had reduction surgery years ago. Best thing I ever did! I only regretted waiting, and I was young when I did it. First 2 weeks after are a bit tough, but after that I was back to normal life, and now exercising is never an issue. Even after 20 years, and gained weight, my size is still the same as post surgery. Some of us really can't change cup size by losing or gaining weight.
What is the scarring like? Is it extensive or did it fade a little over time?
I know you were asking another poster but thought I'd share as well (b/c this is a hard decision for most people!).
I was a person who was fairly small in body size but very large chested even as a teen. In my early 20's I had a breast reduction. On the one hand, I have no regrets and was sooooo happy when it was done. I literally walked out of surgery without 10 pounds of breast tissue. I looked and felt normal for my body size. The only regret I have is that I was completely unable to breastfeed my children. Before surgery the surgeon said I would be able to BF but I would probably have to supplement. However, during surgery they had to remove so much tissue that nerves ended up getting cut that were needed for let down. I had milk like crazy, but zero let down (and no feeling when my milk came in either). So I would just say that if a person wants to BF they need to really consider that during surgery things could change and they may not be able to and they should be prepared for that. If BF is non-negotiable for them then they should wait until after they are done having children.
Scarring wise, you can't even see my scars today (I had it done at 21 and today I'm 47). They make an incision like a cats face. Think of it as a line from the bottom of the n*pple to below the breast and then all along the underside of the breast. Within a year I could barely see I'd had surgery. I married at 25 and my husband would have never known had I not told him. And even after gaining weight from being pregnant and living, I only regained one cup size. I was just never one to gain or lose much in my chest. Those are the type of people that seem to do best with reduction surgery.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Would I have waited until I was done having children, yes. But otherwise, one of the best decisions I ever made (and probably one of my better ones at 21! ).
I've done my time with breast feeding. But thank you soooo much for sharing:-) I've been wanting it done FOREVER.0 -
Yeah, if most of your breast size is coming from glands, weight gain/loss doesn't change cup size, just band size. The only thing that changed my size significantly was pregnancy and nursing, and I went right back to my old size afterwards. And every year when I get my mammogram I get a message about "difficult to read; dense tissue."
If that's the case, then reduction is the only way you're going to change the size of the actual breasts rather than the ribcage underneath.
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Weight had no impact on my cup size either, and I had reduction surgery years ago. Best thing I ever did! I only regretted waiting, and I was young when I did it. First 2 weeks after are a bit tough, but after that I was back to normal life, and now exercising is never an issue. Even after 20 years, and gained weight, my size is still the same as post surgery. Some of us really can't change cup size by losing or gaining weight.
What is the scarring like? Is it extensive or did it fade a little over time?
I had a breast reduction at 20 years old. I was an FF and went to a D. I lost 12 pounds of tissue in the process. My doctor actually referred to my breasts as "rocks" they were so dense and heavy. Like others have said, it was the BEST decision I have made. Even though I have gained about 60 pounds since surgery, I have only actually went up to a DD.
My scars are nearly non-existent at this point. I know they are there, but they are so light, you barely notice them now. I should also add I ripped open an incision at 4 weeks, by going on a jet ski (I was 20!
doctor was NOT happy!) and even that section is very smooth and the scar is very light. Not going to lie, the surgery was pretty rough, the first two weeks were the worst and it took about 4-5 weeks to completely feel back to normal. 2 -
I don't know about reductions but I've heard of women losing nipple sensation after breast enlargement.0
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Hey @madzyjj168 I have a recommendation for workout bras. I've been from 12/34GG to 8/30FF and one thing that has really helped for me is to have a bra comfortable enough to actually exercise in without being over-conscious of my boobs the whole time. Panache underwired 5010 is my absolute favourite, and the only one I can run in without rubbing. Maybe it might work for you?2
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FreyasRebirth wrote: »I don't know about reductions but I've heard of women losing nipple sensation after breast enlargement.
This is a very good point. The main reason I couldn't BF was because they ended up completely removing my n*pples (sorry for that mental picture) while doing my reduction. That is not something they normally have to do, but in my case they did. That is where the nerves were cut which made me lose let down for nursing. But even today, I don't have near as much feeling there as I did pre-surgery. So it's certainly something to ask about. If they don't have to remove the n*pple then I have heard that feeling is not lost. If they do, one should plan on losing at least 50% of their feeling there.1 -
madzyjj168 wrote: »Hello, I am 21 now and in serious need for a breast reduction. I have always been big in the chest and I don't have kids. For the past 4 years I have been at a 10J/32J. I have lost approx 12kg from 90 so i am 78kg now and have noticed no difference in my breast size. I can get my band size down to a size 8/30 but not the cup. Going up a band size and down a cup size does not work for me at all. I struggle with exercise because of breathing and back/neck pain issues (sports bras do not particularly help). Any ideas on how to decrease size of breasts and overall exercises to help with weight loss in my heavy condition?
THANKS!
I'm going to say this someone else's probably said it too I didn't look at the replies but some women do not gain weight in their breast no they wouldn't do like I gain weight in my breasts so if I get heavier my breast size goes up and if I lose thigh weight my breast size goes back down to normal if you get what I'm saying but some women do not gain or lose weight in your breasts you might actually be genetically naturally big breasts and when you get down to your goal weight you'll still have those huge breasts so it's up to you what you really want to do in the end1 -
When I was 271lbs I was a H cup. Now I'm 190lb I'm still an H cup. And yes, my back and neck aches, and I can't wear a normal bra as it cuts into my shoulders and under my breasts. I generally wear one of those stretchy sports bra things, which I'm sure is not enough support but the only thing I can stand having on all day. I would really really like to have surgery to reduce them to a normal size and put them back up where they belong, but a breast reduction here in Australia is over $10,000. I'm not sure about health insurance or medicare - if it was needed for medical reasons.0
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EbonyDahlia wrote: »When I was 271lbs I was a H cup. Now I'm 190lb I'm still an H cup. And yes, my back and neck aches, and I can't wear a normal bra as it cuts into my shoulders and under my breasts. I generally wear one of those stretchy sports bra things, which I'm sure is not enough support but the only thing I can stand having on all day. I would really really like to have surgery to reduce them to a normal size and put them back up where they belong, but a breast reduction here in Australia is over $10,000. I'm not sure about health insurance or medicare - if it was needed for medical reasons.
Check into the insurance aspect. Mine was covered because they took into account I was a decent weight and was clearly still big chested. My surgeon was required to provide pictures to the insurance company as well. They look at the medical aspects of damage being caused (at least they do in the US) as a part of the determination of paying for it or not. The worst they can say to you is "no." And if it's no, that's no different of a place then where you're at right now. My surgery was about $10K in the US in 1991.0 -
As others have said, you won't be able to choose where the weight comes off and with breasts sometimes it's not fat but tissue and glands.
I lost 90lbs back in 2013 and I was a 12J at maintainace. So I feel your pain. Where I live most stores don't even get down to a G. I ended up making my own bras. Which is pretty easy to do. There are stores in the UK that sell really large sizes which i used to buy online (Since I'm from Australia) but it's really iffy as you're sometimes looking at spending $100+ per bra without trying it on. Panache was an amazing brand, gave heaps of support but i found I would still need to wear 2 bras to get enough support when i worked out. It's still better than nothing =D.
When you get to goal you could consider breast reduction surgery. Sadly it's not as cheap as getting implants but it will help with back problems. I've started a "money jar" for my surgery and once I've maintained for a year i'll go ahead with it. Hoping to get down to a DD which will mean lots of skin will be removed and I will end up with "lollipop" scars at age 26. That's probably the only downside but my partner has told me the scars won't matter so long as I'm happy =D
Good luck with your journey!
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This.elisa123gal wrote: »Don't be tempted by surgery unless you're at your healthy weight and the problem still exists.
,
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ronjsteele1 wrote: »EbonyDahlia wrote: »When I was 271lbs I was a H cup. Now I'm 190lb I'm still an H cup. And yes, my back and neck aches, and I can't wear a normal bra as it cuts into my shoulders and under my breasts. I generally wear one of those stretchy sports bra things, which I'm sure is not enough support but the only thing I can stand having on all day. I would really really like to have surgery to reduce them to a normal size and put them back up where they belong, but a breast reduction here in Australia is over $10,000. I'm not sure about health insurance or medicare - if it was needed for medical reasons.
Check into the insurance aspect. Mine was covered because they took into account I was a decent weight and was clearly still big chested. My surgeon was required to provide pictures to the insurance company as well. They look at the medical aspects of damage being caused (at least they do in the US) as a part of the determination of paying for it or not. The worst they can say to you is "no." And if it's no, that's no different of a place then where you're at right now. My surgery was about $10K in the US in 1991.
My reduction was covered by insurance since it was causing back issues. I'm really happy I had it done. Even after losing 125+ pounds I was still a J cup and I was miserable (I'm 5'1 (almost) and maintain at around 130). I didn't lose any sensation and the scars are barely visible, kind of like cat scratches. I went down to a C cup and could not be happier.0 -
My reduction was also covered by insurance and I wasn't that big. Went from an F to a C. I gained weight after and bumped back up to a DD, but have since lost back to a C. The recovery wasn't too bad for me, two weeks taped up and stiff, but good after that. The scars on my breasts are unnoticeable, but the ones on the side require a wider band bikini to cover. Small price to pay for such a drastic improvement in quality of life.1
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The thing that scares me the most is the online photos where the shape isn't quite right. Is that as common as it seems?0
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The thing that scares me the most is the online photos where the shape isn't quite right. Is that as common as it seems?
I think this really comes down to the skill of the surgeon. When I had mine done I had the surgeon show me TONS of his work (before and afters). With the internet now you can do online searches for people happy/unhappy with someone's work specifically. So you definitely want to do your research on the surgeon doing the work because not all are equal for sure. I went from a 36 F/G to a large B/small C and my shape was perfect. And it really takes several months for them to round out after surgery too. The tissue "readjusts" and things get rounder/more shapely as you heal. I gained one cup size after gaining weight and even then I gained evenly. Some of the shape thing might be person specific too. A surgeon doesn't have the ability to "make" tissue resettle (round out) where you want it. Your body is going to settle where it wants to.1 -
Im a G cup. I am going to have surgery after I've lost the weight. My back hurts and my boobs look too big for my frame. I hate it. My insurance wont cover it [I have Medicare, it's crap], so I am getting it done at a teaching hospital for $1,600 which is cheap compared to a private practice. I don't mind, because the hospital does good work and has a whole plastic surgery center/wing.1
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The thing that scares me the most is the online photos where the shape isn't quite right. Is that as common as it seems?
Like @ronjsteele1 said, this is why it is important to choose a good surgeon. I also looked at a lot of before and afters, and mine took some time (maybe 3 months?) to settle into their "shape". Now, unless you see my scars, my breasts look like a typically shaped natural DD breast.
Also, regarding sensation, I also had my nipples completely removed with the "anchor" incision. I did lose a little bit of nipple sensation (not enough to really even notice). However, my "underboob" (area below the nipples near my rib cage) is basically numb. I can pinch the skin super hard and not feel it. I can feel the sensation of something touching me, but that's about it.0
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