“Incidentally, I was later diagnosed with breast cancer, which they caught super early.
I think they were able to catch it so early partly because of the reduction.”
“It was the best thing I ever did (besides marrying my husband, LOL).
I’d have done it 10 or 20 years earlier.
“I was ecstatic.
I advise listening to your surgeon’s recommendations on this; get second and third opinions too.
Incidentally, I was later diagnosed with breast cancer, which they caught super early.
So, another potential plus.”
stressingmeout
3.
The hardest part is getting decent sleep and not being able to use my arms very much.”
My insurance covered 100% of all five procedures."
I had a major infection because my body rejected the sutures and stitches.
I had four additional surgeries to remove scar tissue and correct the way they settled as a result.
22 years later, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
My confidence grew so much, and I no longer suffer from back and neck pain."
bethanykoch
5.
I went from a 38GGG to a 38D.
“My surgeon took over 12 pounds of breast tissue!
akdla0105
7.
“Ive had two; the first was when I was 16.
I dont know what size I actually was, but I was squeezing into a 34D.
But I went down to an actual 34D, and I was so happy.”
“DO NOT allow any doctors in training to operate on you.
I was 19 when I had mine, and I didn’t know how things worked.
lucyrocket
9.
“Plastic surgery nurse here who helps breast reduction patients OFTEN!
It’s such a great procedure for women whose lives are ruled by their boobs!
Its not the doctor who determines medical necessity!”
“At 21, I was a DDD cup, and my shoulders had divots from my bra straps.
I lost as much weight as I could before the surgery and got reduced to a D cup.
The recovery wasnt terrible, and the results of a new lift were great.
I could wear cuter, smaller bras and tops without bras because of the lift.”
My nipples were reconstructed, and while I do make milk, my son couldnt latch.
I probably still would have had the surgery, but I just wish I had weighed those options better.
At 21, I didnt know how I would feel as a mother later in life.
But you better believe Im getting another lift after Im done having kids!”
Anonymous
11.
“I had my reduction in 1975, and they removed seven pounds of breast tissue.
It doesnt cure body dysphoria, but it helped me begin my process of reclaiming my body.”
helencravens
13.
You may not be able to breastfeed later in life.
I wasnt told this, but at 19, Im not sure it would have changed my decision.
“I had enormous, 40GG boobs on a size six frame.
Back problems plagued me from puberty.
After my wonderful doctor listened to my complaints, she quietly suggested a breast reduction.
“He explained the procedure and what to expect, and he also showed pictures of his work.
I thought about it, had it done, and it changed my life for the best.
No more back problems!
But my boyfriend dumped me because he loved my huge breasts.
I went from a 40GG to a 36C.
Suddenly, I could buy dresses and complete suits, not separates.
My doctor did a fantastic job; I bet my headless torso is in his photo collection.
Its been over 12 years, and my 44-year-old boobs are still perky and youthful.
There is almost no scarring.
Screw my now-ex-boyfriend too bad he doesnt know what he is missing.
My body is now perfectly proportional.”
boxingcleverlancaster
15.
I hope you’re not squeamish, because when you first take off the dressings, things are UGLY.
“I had a reduction in 2007 before turning 21.
I wish I had had better care during my overnight hospital stay.
My morphine tap made me sick, and they weren’t coupling it with anti-nausea medications.
So I’d be in pain, hit the tap, then immediately throw up.
“My only other complaint is nerve damage.
Unlike others, my nipples and everything were fine, but healing wounds itch.
I itched at my incisions but couldn’t feel my scratching, and that was a complete mind fuck.
I had to lightly pinch for my body to recognize I was trying to scratch it.
Nerves are fine now.
I would still do it again if I had to.”
“I had mine done at age 22 and had to pay out of pocket.
My insurance told me that it wasnt covered because the problem could be solved by losing weight.
For reference, Im 510, weighed 127 pounds, and wore a size four.
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
