Moms, would you consider a breast reduction?

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LynnieLew

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After the birth of our son I noticed a significant lack of
Symmetry (to be delicate about it). There is a “cup” and a half size difference.

My doctor seems to think that my insurance would cover for a reduction surgery, once we were “done” having kiddos.

My son would not nurse from one side and as a result I definately have an issue. However, is this considered vanity on my part?

It doesn’t bug my husband but it definately bugs me because it is noticeable when I purchase/wear clothing or even purchase undergarments.

Thanks for you advice,
LynnieLew
 
Lynnie,
I don’t think I would if I was in that situation, but I can’t really say since I have always been rather under-endowed in that area. Could you pump from the one side that your child won’t nurse from? I think I would try that first. If you aren’t bfing at the moment, this could all change if you have another little blessing. If it does continue after all children are born, how about evening things up with a bra that has the removable pads? You could always just remove one side, or possibly add it to the other side.
 
I first have to state that, if you decide to do it, there is nothing morally wrong with it (unless your specific health makes the surgery extra risky or your family’s financial situation would be damaged).
With that said, I say go ahead and investigate it. Get some consults with doctors and get their medical opinions. The more information you have, the better your chance of making a good decision.
My mom just had a breast reduction/reconstruction and it has made me second guess my original thoughts that I would have one. It is taking forever to heal, infections are common, and it’s pretty painful. But, once her healing period is over, I’ll see if she would recommend it!
**Oh, and from what I’ve researched, even a great doc isn’t going to get perfect symmetry. But, since you are so lopsided (sorry if that is crude, but I am facing the same issue right now and that’s how I think of myself:) ) then any improvement would be welcome.
Take your time, pray, and don’t make any rash decisions.
malia
 
I stopped breastfeeding about a year and a half ago.
(Sorry to be crude) but one size is a DD and one is a C. (This is so embarassing to say. :o When it comes to sizes, that is a significant difference. I use the larger size when going for undergarments, but it is still noticable.

My doctor seems to think that because I do have some back problems that the extra weight could be an issue in the future.

She did definately say that I should wait to see if we will have more children. For some reason neither children nursed from that side and I am wondering if something was the matter there.
 
LynnieLew said:
I stopped breastfeeding about a year and a half ago.
(Sorry to be crude) but one size is a DD and one is a C. (This is so embarassing to say. :o When it comes to sizes, that is a significant difference. I use the larger size when going for undergarments, but it is still noticable.

It is obviously bothering you, don’t be embarrased about that!

My doctor seems to think that because I do have some back problems that the extra weight could be an issue in the future.

It may or may not…only time will tell. But just the fact that the size difference is so troubling to you is reason enough to investigate the possibilty of a reduction. No harm can come from you seeing multiple surgeons and educating yourself on the procedure, the outcomes, and the pro/cons.

She did definately say that I should wait to see if we will have more children. For some reason neither children nursed from that side and I am wondering if something was the matter there.

I wonder that about myself too. Lily is my first and is still nursing. She will nurse from the smaller breast, but doesn’t like to. I shudder to think what a battle it might become when she is old enough to “choose” a side!
Malia
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Feanaro_s_Wife said:
…My mom just had a breast reduction/reconstruction and it has made me second guess my original thoughts that I would have one. It is taking forever to heal, infections are common, and it’s pretty painful. But, once her healing period is over, I’ll see if she would recommend it!..****. ****
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I had a breast reduction after I had a lumpectomy. I was in the hospital overnight. I had no pain at all. After 3 weeks I was back at work with admonitions to “be careful”. I am a maternity tech, so that is difficult at best sometimes.
Infections can be a “side effect” and not necessarily “common”. Every one is different. Every surgery is different.
My experience was wonderful and my only regret is that I waited so long. I told my doctor that she gave me my life back. It took a year for things to “settle”. But oh what a feeling it was to buy an "off the rack " bra.
My advice is to find a good plastic surgeon and see what she/he says. My insurance paid for all but $150, of a $15,000 surgery. I say…go for it.
Kathy
 
That is very encouraging!

I guess wouldn’t want to be vain about it but, as I have realized from some posts, it isn’t like I would be getting a face lift. I think it might actually help my health in the long run.
Katie1723 said:
I had a breast reduction after I had a lumpectomy. I was in the hospital overnight. I had no pain at all. After 3 weeks I was back at work with admonitions to “be careful”. I am a maternity tech, so that is difficult at best sometimes.
Infections can be a “side effect” and not necessarily “common”. Every one is different. Every surgery is different.
My experience was wonderful and my only regret is that I waited so long. I told my doctor that she gave me my life back. It took a year for things to “settle”. But oh what a feeling it was to buy an "off the rack " bra.
My advice is to find a good plastic surgeon and see what she/he says. My insurance paid for all but $150, of a $15,000 surgery. I say…go for it.
Kathy
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LynnieLew said:
That is very encouraging!

I guess wouldn’t want to be vain about it but, as I have realized from some posts, it isn’t like I would be getting a face lift. I think it might actually help my health in the long run.
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Lynnie,
Please, be kind to yourself! If it is somethingthat bothers you, then talk to someone. It is not being vain at all. It will be amazing how wonderful you will feel. And I also know that even AFTER reduction surgery, it is possible for women to breastfeed. I have taken care of more than a few women who did!!
Kathy
 
If I had the $$ or insurance would pay for it, I’d get a reduction in a heartbeat. It has nothing to do with vanity…my size makes me miserable.
 
I have a friend who just had a reduction about a year ago. She is unable to have children, but had held out hope that she would become pregnant. Finally, she gave it over to God and they turned to adoption. She is now 38 years old.

She went from a K… yes it’s true… a K down to a small C. She had tremendous back pain before she had the surgery and after taking almost 10 lbs off her chest, she is now free from back pain and able to cuddle with her son without fear of pain.

It’s not vanity!
 
Having a breast reduction is a non issue for me as I don’t have that much to reduce.:rolleyes:

If you are in pain, or likely to be in pain, then I say go for it. You are not being vain at all.

It might even assist you in being a better mom. If you are physically more comfortable then you will have more energy to devote to your children.
 
LynnieLew said:
I stopped breastfeeding about a year and a half ago.
(Sorry to be crude) but one size is a DD and one is a C. (This is so embarassing to say. :o When it comes to sizes, that is a significant difference. I use the larger size when going for undergarments, but it is still noticable.
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I can’t even imagine… I was an A before kids… a B after kids and just this past year put on weight to where I could be an ample B or possible a scant C… I imagine this is more a health issue than a vanity issue… Owww my back hurts just thinking about it.
LynnieLew said:
For some reason neither children nursed from that side and I am wondering if something was the matter there.
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I would wonder if you have blockage in the one breast too. I think I would have this tested and possibly treated first. Then if that didn’t work, yes, in your situation I might consider it for your health…just because it has other benefits that aren’t health related doesn’t mean that it isn’t necessary or that your motivation is selfish.
 
masondoggy said:
If I had the $$ or insurance would pay for it, I’d get a reduction in a heartbeat. It has nothing to do with vanity…my size makes me miserable.
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The most it would cost is a visit to a plastic surgeons office. They ask all kinds of questions and take pictures from every angle. The toughest part is waiting for insurance approval. I know the misery associated with large breasts. All I can say is take the chance. Call the doc. She may just give you your life back too!
Kathy
 
Katie1723 said:
The most it would cost is a visit to a plastic surgeons office. They ask all kinds of questions and take pictures from every angle. The toughest part is waiting for insurance approval. I know the misery associated with large breasts. All I can say is take the chance. Call the doc. She may just give you your life back too!
Kathy
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I don’t know if I would qualify to get insurance to pay for it…I’m not “big” enough…

When I’m not pg or nursing, I am a full, full C. But the problem is sagging…and I do have backpain but I’m not sure if it’s from my chest or not. The sagging is sooo annoying, though. And it makes shopping for clothing a pain in the bum.

Now when I’m pregnant, they get so big and heavy, they cause me all kinds of misery. It’s one of the things I hate most about pregnancy. This past pg, I couldn’t even find a bra to hold them up, and I think that really contributed to screwing up my back. I still have back problems from that pregnancy…

I think that when I’m pretty sure I won’t be having any more kids, I may consult with a surgeon about it. But there’s no point in going through it right now. I’m only 30 and who knows how many more babies God plans on sending??? It’s probably best to at least wait 10 years or so when my chances of pregnancy aren’t as high.
 
I hate to be the voice of negativism, but I’d never have it done. I hate surgery, I hate hurting, I hate the anesthesia, YUCK! 😛 And how do you decide you (and your spouse AND God) are for sure done having children–after menopause? I mean that could be a long time. I would never jepordize (sp?) my ability to breastfeed my children. I know that after such surgery it might be possible, but it might not, either. It’s a major decision, that’s for sure

I used to be a 36 C when younger and pre children, I’m now a 40 D (or DD when nursing) and quite droopy (runs in the famly:D ). I do have back pain, but it’s from weak abdominals, not my breasts! Before considering surgery I would make sure you are in good physical shape and see what that does for the backpain. I’ll admit I’m not lopsided, but I wonder if they could test the breast that you have trouble nursing from to see if there is something they could fix. Of course, ultimatly, it’s your decision and I don’t necessarily think it’s vain IF there are true medical/physical/pain reasons to have it done.

That’s my $.02 😉 God bless you as you think about your options!

Jennifer
 
Jennifer_J said:
I hate to be the voice of negativism, but I’d never have it done. I hate surgery, I hate hurting, I hate the anesthesia, YUCK! 😛
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LOL, me too! I felt the same for a long time and never thought I’d go through any surgery voluntarily.

But the more I thought seriously about it, I think it’s a sacrifice worth making in order to live the rest of my life in a comfortable body.
 
I don’t mind hearing boths sides of the argument, that is why I posted this! 🙂

A big problem is that I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 2 years ago. At 32 years old I find myself in a difficult position. Studies show that will each birth that the RA gets worse after the baby is born. I have already seen that with my two children. There is a point where my husband and I have to make the decision of whether I will be ABLE to care for another baby if we have one.

We use NFP and so we rely on God’s plan HOWEVER we are very conservative with NFP because according to 2 very good priests, we have grave reason because of my health.

I would love to have another baby but three may have to be the limit if I want to be able to take care of the rest! Ultimately it is God’s decision but we pray about it constantly.

So, would I have to wait for menopause, I am thinking maybe not.

I too hate surgery. My sister had a reduction in high school. She was a DD in 10th grade and thin as a rail. She was in so much pain because of the weight. It really changed her life!
Jennifer_J said:
I hate to be the voice of negativism, but I’d never have it done. I hate surgery, I hate hurting, I hate the anesthesia, YUCK! 😛 And how do you decide you (and your spouse AND God) are for sure done having children–after menopause? I mean that could be a long time. I would never jepordize (sp?) my ability to breastfeed my children. I know that after such surgery it might be possible, but it might not, either. It’s a major decision, that’s for sure

I used to be a 36 C when younger and pre children, I’m now a 40 D (or DD when nursing) and quite droopy (runs in the famly:D ). I do have back pain, but it’s from weak abdominals, not my breasts! Before considering surgery I would make sure you are in good physical shape and see what that does for the backpain. I’ll admit I’m not lopsided, but I wonder if they could test the breast that you have trouble nursing from to see if there is something they could fix. Of course, ultimatly, it’s your decision and I don’t necessarily think it’s vain IF there are true medical/physical/pain reasons to have it done.

That’s my $.02 😉 God bless you as you think about your options!

Jennifer
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During my baby having/nursing stage of life I was also very lopsided. One breast just didn’t work as well as the other, and the kiddos didn’t care to nurse from it. I gave up on it entirely with the third one, and just went around horribly lopsided for a while. But, now, years later, they are pretty much the same. Droopy with use and age…but pretty much equal.

I don’t know if yours will even out or not, but that was my experience. Mine are small, like I don’t need a bra small when I am normal weight and not preggers or nursing, but get very large when I am overweight or pregnant.

cheddar
 
Lynnie,

I had a reduction in 1999, between children #1 and #2. While I wasn’t able to breastfeed after the surgery, it was a definitely a wise decision in retrospect. Prior to surgery, I was an F cup and suffered horrible upper back and neck pain. Some folks also have problems with skin-on-skin rashes and shoulder grooving where bras straps cut. I could only wear extra-large shirts and could never get backpacks, life jackets - anything that had to fit over my bosom - to fit at all. The procedure was a day surgery. Back then, it cost under $7000 (and insurance did cover it for me; they just had to be sold on the reality that it was not for cosmetic reasons).

I decided not to b-feed my two youngest because I could only produce about 4 ounces per day after surgery - not worth the effort! Formulas are a perfectly healthy alternative and my youngest kids didn’t miss out on any cuddling or closeness. Once my body had adjusted to the changes, the headaches and back pain went away and I was able to return to running, aerobics and other activities that I’d had to give up for the sake of modesty and comfort. In short, it was well worth it all. No infection, very little pain (compared to c-sections) and a body that was in proportion were well worth the temporary discomfort.

Best wishes with your decision.
 
My baby making days are over. I don’t think with my husband and I no longer together that I could ever think of been with another man ever again. I keep getting told that it is silly at 32 you will meet somebody one day and what he wants children.

As for the breast reduction I would definately do it I am a DD and I just feel that they are like hanging water melons. If I had the finance I would do the breast reduction, tummy tuck and lipo. But that is only in my dreams. I watch Extreme Makeovers and wish that I could get nominated for that but it is only in the States.

So I have just learnt to be happy with my hanging water melons and not stress about them or worry about them.
 
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