My breast reduction surgery was one of the best decisions Ive ever made.
In fact, the only part I regret is not having done it sooner.
For at least another 10 years, I didnt understand that larger sizes existed.
Channing Smith
At my largest, I believe I wore somewhere around aG or H cup.
As a result I began correlating my self-worth to my breasts.
Once, at bar mitzah party, a boy sized up me and my best friend.
He said if my best friend had my breasts, she would be the perfect woman.
The rest of my body was unnecessary.
Clearly, that stuck with me: It proved that, without my boobs, I wasnt worthy.
So I worried that if I were to lose my breasts, Danielle Sinay would cease to exist.
At the same time, however, I wanted the attention and objectification to come to an end.
There were physical problems with having such large breasts too.
And I couldnt wear cute clothing the way any of my friends did.
The problem wasnt the clothing, though: Peers and friends wore the exact same items with no problem.
The real issue was my body.
But I was too young to understand and assumed this meant something was wrong with me.
At 18, I finally had enough and scheduled a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
I was told I needed to lose a decent amount of weight to go through with the surgery safely.
That, combined with how scared I was, made me realize it wasnt the time.
Consistently exercising and on a strict diet, I had lost more than enough weight for the procedure.
In hindsight, I realize, I had aneating disorderand was actually quite underweight for my body.
This is relevant to the procedure, which I’ll explain below.
But I also understand that any form of the unknown seems scary.
What is breast reduction surgery?
The range really depends on what needs to be done and how much tissue needs to be removed.
And yes, breast reductions do include a breast lift.
In performing a breast reduction, the nipple is elevated and the breasts lifted.
As for the lead-up to the procedure?
Why do people get breast reduction surgery, and what are the benefits?
So when it comes to breast reduction benefits, the list is long and vast.
Theres an emotional component too.
Will I regret my breast reduction?
Will a breast reduction change peoples attraction toward me?
I was genuinely concerned that men would stop being attracted to me after my surgery.
We obviously didnt work out, but not because of the surgery.
The same people who loved me before loved me after my surgery.
Who is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery?
However, there are some physicaland emotionalrequirements for surgery too.
A good indicator is the age at which a patientstarted to menstruate.
When the age is younger, then breast reduction can be considered at a younger age.
You also might need to make some changes to your lifestyle.
I was personally instructed to lose some weight, as it could help my body heal faster.
Plus, its helpful to see if your breasts shrink in size with weight loss before the surgery.
Is there an age requirement for breast reduction surgery?
I was 19 when I got my surgery, but patients ages vary a lot.
Are breast reductions covered by insurance?
But it also requires substantial workup.
It could be too much removed.
What are the risks and side effects of breast reduction surgery?
I still havefeeling in my nipples, but its important to know that losing it is a possibility.
It is possible to lose feeling in your nipples; 10% of patients do according to the literature.
And it is possible to breastfeed afterward, although not everyone can, says Dr. Doft.
The areola is made smaller during the procedure.
The classic size is 42 millimeters.
How can I find a breast reduction surgeon and schedule a consultation?
What do breast reduction scars look like?
How should I prepare for breast reduction surgery?
Prepare to make a few lifestyle modifications.
Plus, its helpful to see if your breasts shrink in size with weight loss before the surgery.
Other examples of pre-op life include avoiding certain medications and supplements that could cause bleeding.
You will also need to limit alcohol andquit smoking, at least temporarily.
Smoking is a big no-no.
While Dr. Shridharani asks people to quit forever, sometimes people resume because of their lifestyle.
In that case, he asks them to wait to smoke for at least another six weeks after surgery.
How difficult is breast reduction recovery?
Physical recovery takes about two to four weeks, but post-op lifestyle changes may last longer.
Which you certainly can.
Its also advised that you dont drive for a few weeks.
Some surgeons will transition their patients into a supportive bra prior to six weeks, she says.
you might also expect post-op bruising to clear up in about two weeks.
How much does breast reduction cost?
Will there be breast reduction scars and other post-op physical changes?
Yes, you will have breast reduction scars.
I still have mine.
This is the case for most other patients as well.
And if you really feel strongly about scars, there are countlessproducts that help fade scarring.
As for how I feel about my boobs now?
Well, remember how I said I was underweight at the time?
Once I returned to a healthy weight, my boobs grew toothats normal and how weight gain works.
Hormonal changes like pregnancy and menopause can affect breast size.
I have not had a patient whose breasts grew back to their original size.
It is more common that their breasts increase by a cup size.
