Any of you ladies have had a breast reduction?

stephy244
stephy244 Posts: 17 Member
edited October 6 in Motivation and Support
I've been seriously considering it over the last couple of years on and off and lately it's been full on. My husband is also encoraging me to do so because of serious back issues which landed me in the emergency room and then having to have surgery on my back. Growing up being top heavy has led to many many years of chronic back pain, which has also caused some bulges in my lower back discs (one ruptured this year). Had I not lost so much weight my senior year of high school, my parents were going to take me to have it done as a grad present, however I did not need it then but after getting married and having my son my breasts have become too much to handle >.<.

For those of you who have had it, pros and cons? Do you regret having it done?

Replies

  • jacque509
    jacque509 Posts: 978
    I had it done about eight years ago. It was hte best thing I ever did! Due to finding a pre cancer cell and alot of cyst they made me a little smaller thyan planed but I still am very happy about doing it. I was a double D and my back always hurt and I had a permant hunch. Now I sit up straighter and if my back hurts at all now it my lower back due to belly fat. The only con about for me was the pain. I am allergic to the good stuff so the pain sucked for me. But a couple of my friends who took pain medicine said it wasnt bad at all.
  • MsTanya77
    MsTanya77 Posts: 357 Member
    I did mine 4 yrs ago and it was awesome. I was a 38DDD and went down to a 38C. I had ALOT of back problems, headaches, neck aches, rashes, and when I lost weight my breasts stayed the same size, so now I'm carrying large breasts on a smaller frame and it was a real hinderance. Any exercises involving jumping was nearly impossible. So happy I did it. I highly recommend it, but of course do your research, find you a board-certified plastic surgeon, and make sure you lose all the weight you want to lose before you have it done.
  • kmbrooks15
    kmbrooks15 Posts: 941 Member
    I had it done right after high school, and I was so glad I did! Relieved my back pain. I went from a 30GG to a 34C. I'm now a 38DD (weight gain added some back) and hoping to have more come off as I lose weight.

    For me, the pain was minimal. The only things that hurt was when they took the drains out and removed the stitches. The stitches were cosmetic stitches, which means they are long running stitches under the skin. They burned coming out, but thankfully it's a fairly quick process.

    Be aware that for several weeks after the surgery, you won't be able to lift anything heavier than a milk jug. You'll need help around the house because you won't be able to haul full laundry baskets, etc. But you'll feel so much better once you're healed up.

    Make sure you find a really reputable plastic surgeon. Read reviews online and ask around to make sure you're getting someone who is good and knows what he or she is doing.

    Good luck!
  • cgrout78
    cgrout78 Posts: 1,628 Member
    I had one when I was in college, I was an E or F and went down to a C. It was the best thing ever and never regretted it for a minute.
  • rhaya96
    rhaya96 Posts: 66 Member
    I had one in 2006. I was very happy after. I went from a 36DD to a 36 B/C. I wanted room to grow as I knew it was possible for them to grow back if I gained weight. I am a solid C cup now. It made me look more proportioned and helped with back problems. I have a very high pain tolerance so I only took Tylenol and was in the mall the day after surgery. (Disclaimer: that is apparently NOT normal - as my surgeon pointed out...lol)
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    Best thing I ever did. For my confidence and my health. I will admit that still have some pain in my neck, but we are thinking that is a different issue. But I don't have the grooves anymore, there's actually muscle where my bra straps go, before you could feel skin and the bone.
    Yes, find a good surgeon, ask for before and after photos of thier clients, read reviews and do your research, but if you are working with your doctor on this anyway, most likely they will be able to suggest a good surgeon.

    Definetly have someone there to take care of you for at least 2 to 3 weeks afterwards. Follow care instructions to a "T" and everything will be fine.
    I had mine done in late 2009, and you can't even tell that a knife was around my um....nipples. (Hate to say that but that's what it is)
    I still have very very light scarring under my arms, but it has faded durastically without any ointments or what not.
    If it's backed by your doctor, and your insurance will cut you a deal, I seriously say GO FOR IT!
    It is a major surgery, but don't let that stop you. Let me know if you have any more questions about it.

    Edit: Now that I think about it, the only thing that somewhat bothers me is that I'll never be able to breastfeed again, I'm not sure that I'll have anymore kids, but it's on my mind.
  • ajlarz
    ajlarz Posts: 155 Member
    I had one 2.5 years ago...best decision I have ever made for myself. Best part is being able to go to the gym without wearing 2 sports bras plus a tank top over my shirt just to be able to run!

    As for the pain, everyone is different and mine was very minimal. Three weeks post-surgery I was at the gym running on the treadmill without pain. My insurance would not cover mine because I went from a DD to a high B and they claimed I wasn't taking enough off to make it a medical procedure. I didn't fight it and just set up a payment plan. I would do it again if I had to.

    Feel free to message me if you have more questions, and best of luck in your decision.
  • galegetsthin
    galegetsthin Posts: 1,340 Member
    I had mine done in 2006. I went from a 36H to a 36C. It was the best thing that I could have ever done! The girls are perky, the migraines stopped, the back pain is gone, I can buy cute bras now. I feel SO much better now!
  • stephy244
    stephy244 Posts: 17 Member
    My husband wants me to go from 38DD all the way down to a full B but I told him I was thinking down to a C to leave room for shrinkage when I lose more weight (still on that journey). But if I were to go down to a B it would leave room for growth whenever I did get pregnant again (hoping for just 1 more). One of my concerns is the whole breastfeeding issue but during my research I've found a website specifically for breastfeeding after having a breast reduction/nipple surgery. They said that it is possible, but a lot of work is needed. When I brought up my concern with my husband, he reassured me that it is okay to formula feed (my son was breastfed until he was 7.5 months old then he switched to formula, and both my hubby and I were formula fed babies). I think if I weren't able to BF after having the procedure done, it would allow my husband to have that bonding with baby #2 that he couldn't do with our son.
    I did write out a pro/con list at work last night and all of my cons were basically temporary except for maybe one or two and the pros greatly outnumber the cons.
    I guess my fear is just the surgery itself, the pain associated, the recovery time and not being able to pick up and hold my son, and the scars. But as my coworker pointed out it was all just temporary.

    I do know that if I had the procedure done my stomach will stick out farther. Has having a breast reduction later increased your ability to work out thus lose more weight?
  • ajlarz
    ajlarz Posts: 155 Member
    Having the surgery allowed me to do more at the gym than I ever thought possible. It is so much easier to run and lift and my back don't hurt so bad afterwards. As far as the breastfeeding, I had my surgery when I was 22, so pre-children...I had my first baby 6 months ago and honestly, I could have breastfed. I chose not to for other reasons, but my milk did come in. I might have had to supplement a bit, but formula was great for our family. My husband was a huge help and he has been able to bond with our son more than he would if I were breastfeeding solo. If I were you, I would go to a large B because in the long run, you might end up with a small C. That's exactly what I did. I was a 38DD and went down to a large B. Now, after my son, I would say I am a small C and it seems perfect!
  • jodidlyO
    jodidlyO Posts: 37
    I had the surgery when I was 21 and had my kids in my 30's.
    I never ever regret the surgery - I just wish they took more, as I'm back up to an E cup post weight gain, but it's a great motivator to me to keep them under control.
    Breast feeding was HARD. I had to pump and supplement feed my daughter (weak latch+poor let down) but lasted 5 months. My son had a great latch but I refused to pump and concentrated on it being more about attachment. I supplemented after every feed and we got to 7 months.

    I want to get it done again, anyone know if that's possible?
  • ajlarz
    ajlarz Posts: 155 Member
    I had the surgery when I was 21 and had my kids in my 30's.
    I never ever regret the surgery - I just wish they took more, as I'm back up to an E cup post weight gain, but it's a great motivator to me to keep them under control.
    Breast feeding was HARD. I had to pump and supplement feed my daughter (weak latch+poor let down) but lasted 5 months. My son had a great latch but I refused to pump and concentrated on it being more about attachment. I supplemented after every feed and we got to 7 months.

    I want to get it done again, anyone know if that's possible?

    It is possible...my mom had it done twice, about 10 years apart. Since I had my surgery when I was 22, I have a feeling I may need to do it again down the road, and I won't think twice about it!
  • mznisaelaine
    mznisaelaine Posts: 2,262 Member
    I would considerate it if they don't go back down once I reach my goal weight. I heard lots of good success stories about breat reductions but I'm not too sure if I'll go through with it I'm just hoping that once I lose the weight they would natural go down.
  • jadick825
    jadick825 Posts: 34 Member
    I had it done back in 2008. It was the best experience of my life. I went to an amazing doctor and walked out the door an hour after my surgery. I was in minor pain for 2 days but then went right back to work without any problems. You should do it if you can! Also, check with your doctor because it sounds like you are doing it for medical reasons which your insurance might cover. Good luck!
  • raindropwishes
    raindropwishes Posts: 182
    If they haven't shrunk significantly by the time I hit around my goal weight, I'm having mine done - don't care what I have to do to get it done, I cannot stand them - I'd love to have the surgery done - I can't handle the backache anymore, and it makes working out really hard & I feel so self-conscious!
  • furbs905
    furbs905 Posts: 10 Member
    I had it done about 10 years ago.Best decision I ever made as well. I went from a 38H to a small 36D.

    Ten years and three kids later I could have another one but hope lozing a ton of weight willhelp. Theyre still pretty perky.

    I was never able to bf my first two, maybe I could have if I tried harder. But my supply was very low and neither one of them would latch. With my daughter I tried so hard, struggled in the beginning and she did need to be supplemented but here we are at 16 months and shes still going strong
  • StrongerJess
    StrongerJess Posts: 185 Member
    Bump!
  • ladylaine
    ladylaine Posts: 26 Member
    I HAD MINE DONE IN 2008. WAS THE BEST DECISION I MADE. I WENT FROM 44DD TO 38C AND I AM VERY PLEASE WITH IT. MY TOP AND BLOUSE FIT WONDERFUL I USE TO BUY LARGER SHIRT TO FIT FULL SO THEY WOULDN'T LOOK SO LARGE
  • soccer8s
    soccer8s Posts: 238 Member
    Great question. I've seriously thought about doing mine too...haven't yet - but this is a great thread!!!!

    I'm a 40DD and I'd love to be a B...wow...I'd love it!!!!

    Finishing up my weight loss and then I'm all there....hoping to get rid of this baby belly too!!!
  • onefitdiva
    onefitdiva Posts: 331 Member
    Not surgical tho.... with the 40 lb weight loss I went from a very full C to a very small B. It sucks. I actually considered implants but kids going to college is more important than great ta tas. Oh well. Good luck OP.
  • getsveltEagain
    getsveltEagain Posts: 1,063 Member
    I had mine done 3 years ago... It was great. I could wear clothes that fit me instead of fitting my chest. I no longer have the pain of holding them up. That is what I told my family doctor, that I was in pain from them. I got a referral and insurance covered it other than my outpatient fee. The scarring is very minimal and I was told that breastfeeding is possible or might not, depends on the person and how they heal. My doctor said that he took care to do the best job of me being able to incase I have more kids.

    I was out and about the next day and back to work the next week. I had it done on a Thursday. I would get the referral and talk to the professional if nothing else :wink:
  • poesch77
    poesch77 Posts: 1,005 Member
    I did in 2009....was a 40F 1st pregnancy...always had big boobs though....at 14 yrs old I was already a 34C......after baby #1 I settled at a 38DDD .....going to Chiro 3x/wk and had bad grooves in my shoulders....neck always hurt....my insurance paid for it with the help from my Chiropractor. I was warned that they may come back if I have anymore kids....I had my 2nd child last December and they never changed.....just got fuller. I am a 36/38C now and the surgery was the best thing I ever did! They are'nt as perky as they were when I first got the surgery but they look a whole lot better than the saggy lugs I had before!
  • stephy244
    stephy244 Posts: 17 Member
    Thank you ladies for your positive feedback! One of the forums I had found about the procedure and breastfeeding and all of them had negative comments. But like I said before, even though I would like to breastfeed again, if I can't it will be an opportunity for my husband to bond with #2 (whenever we have #2).
    Because of you awesome ladies I've decided that I am going to at the very least get a consultation! :D
    But I hope this thread does keep on going, I would love to hear everyone of you ladies' experiences! :D Again thank you so much!
  • ajlarz
    ajlarz Posts: 155 Member
    Thank you ladies for your positive feedback! One of the forums I had found about the procedure and breastfeeding and all of them had negative comments. But like I said before, even though I would like to breastfeed again, if I can't it will be an opportunity for my husband to bond with #2 (whenever we have #2).
    Because of you awesome ladies I've decided that I am going to at the very least get a consultation! :D
    But I hope this thread does keep on going, I would love to hear everyone of you ladies' experiences! :D Again thank you so much!

    Good for you! Keep us posted on what you decide!
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