My Experience With Having Breast Reduction Surgery
This is something I've always gone back-and-forth with writing about for years. Then, a girlfriend recently asked me about it, and I thought maybe I should finally share my experience. Short version: In 2012, I got a breast reduction, and it was one of the best things I ever did for myself. And if you remember, I posted about a short essay I wrote that discusses the topic.
If you'd like to know more, keep reading for the longer version.
A little back story
Growing up, my boobs were always a point of ridicule. Girls loved to point out how big they were, as if I didn't see them for myself every day, or they would tell me how jealous they were of my huge tits. Doubtful. Boys would make fun of me. They would throw food down my shirt or snap my bra every single day. I tried to laugh it off, but looking back, I can see that was an obvious defense mechanism. Shopping was always difficult — I could either wear things that were enormous and hide them, or wear "normal" clothes and pretend to be confident with them. I once had a boyfriend who would get angry with me if I wore anything besides a turtleneck, basically, because my boobs looked huge in everything. I wore two, sometimes three, sports bras at volleyball practice. It was torture.
As I mention in my essay, I spent one summer being sized for bridesmaids dresses that cost more money because they used more fabric for my boobs. That was pretty much the last straw. This was also the same time I started showing signs of my MS, so it was a rocky year. But finally in the following year, I got engaged in June, and a breast reduction in July.
Some things to know
My doctor was wonderful. If you are local and need a recommendation, just message me, and I will fill you in.
He used staples instead of stitches, which apparently make the scarring more minimal. The stitches came out after just a few days, I think, and it didn't hurt.
I lost about 30 pounds before having the surgery, and after that, I lost about 15 more before my wedding.
I didn't have to have any drainage tubes or anything like that, which used to be typical of breast reduction surgeries, but I think they can be prevented depending on how your surgeon has to do the surgery.
After the staples were removed, I just had to wear a stretchy sports bra or some sort of compression for a few weeks.
The only bad reaction I had was to the dye they used in surgery. I broke out in a rash and had to get a really painful injection of Benadryl.
Recovery time was quick. I wasn't terribly sore for more than a few days, and just needed help washing my hair a couple of times.
My breasts now look like the best version of themselves - still natural-looking boobs, but smaller.
The scarring I have is almost completely invisible now.
The after
I went bra shopping with my sister after the surgery, and I was practically giddy. I imagined all of the ways my life would be different. Shopping would be easier. Exercise would be easier. I wouldn't feel such intense back pain or get literal rashes from my skin rubbing together. Wedding dress shopping would be a million times easier.
All of that is true. My confidence is higher and this part of my life is easier to navigate. I can more easily be active when I want to, and not feel held back by my own body.
But let me be clear...
This isn't for everyone. If you have big boobs and love them, that is so great! This is an important and personal decision. I knew it was right for me, but it might not be right for you. Remember that if you are having trouble with self-love or body confidence, this surgery isn't going to be the ONLY step. It's not a quick fix. It's just ONE step that I personally took to feel more confident in myself, and it helped me live a healthier, more positive and active life.
It might be right for you, but it also might not - and that's okay. Take the time to consider it and do some research. and if you are considering this surgery and have any questions, I would seriously love to talk to you about it, and I'll do my best to answer your questions.