Thread: Should I do Breast Reduction Surgery?

I'm 16 years old and around 5'0 or 5'1.

My bra size is 32 DD and my chest started growing in fourth grade, finally getting to its full size around the beginning of fifth.

I used to be a scrawny, tiny kid and even now I'm average weight.

My breasts look really awkward compared to my body, which makes me self concious.

Not only that, but my straps dig into my shoulders and my upper back and neck hurt constantly.

Running has become awkward to me and sports bras never work for me, as they don't fit properly. So, either way, running is uncomfortable, and at times painful. As you can imagine, I dread gym class :/

I've been harassed about my size, as one girl has said behind my back "They look like they are weighing her down."

I've been to the doctor and they say I show signs of needing a reduction and have talked with me about getting it done, because they're pretty big for my size.

The insurance company turned me down the first time, but I'm sure we can convince them and either way I can get it done when I'm 18, so that's not the problem.

The problem is that I'm very scared and unsure now ):

Oh, and I also lost a considerable amount of weight a year or so ago to see if they'd go down, but they didn't budge

I myself have never had it done, but I'm sixteen and I have a friend who has the same problem. She has back problems and can't even sleep on her stomach because it hurts so badly!
Her mother was the same way and got a reduction, and she loved it. When it comes to teens, sometimes people resist surgeries thinking they might not be done growing... but I highly doubt that at this point, after a reduction you'll end up growing back to a size that makes you that uncomfortable.

So while I'm no expert on the subject, I'd like to say that the procedure itself is definitely a good idea. You shouldn't be scared off by the notion of cosmetic surgery. A lot of people will tell you to be "happy with who you are," but when it comes to physical pain, a reduction is more than justified. Just make sure to look into it before you sign yourself up for the surgery; read reviews on the surgeon, go in for a consultation, and read blogs and diaries from people who have had it done so you have an idea of how you'll feel afterwards.

In the end, whatever you don't learn from a bit of research you'll learn during the standard preparation for the surgery: consultations, pamphlets, things the doctor will give you before he does his thing.

Good luck, whatever you decide. In this situation, I can tell you that I personally would do what my doctor suggested, which would most likely be to go through with the surgery. Don't let being sixteen slow you down—your boobs are NOT going to disappear by the time you're eighteen, and if you're uncomfortable having them, surgery might be your only option. And if it's not, your general doctor can probably point you in a different direction before you consult with a surgeon, so bring it up during your next checkup.

Edit :: I myself just stumbled upon another thread in this subforum detailing side effects of the surgery, so I'd like to stress that you really need to know and trust your surgeon before you go through with anything, and you should take a look at some of these accounts to weigh your discomfort now with the potential discomfort in the future. Sorry for the edit, I'm finished now ♥!

you need to do whats right for you. I don't know if your close to your mom or if you have an Aunt or someone you are close to. If you do talk to them about it get your fears out maybe they can point out something you haven't thought of. In the end no matter what anyone says listen to your gut and do what happy and healthiest for you.

why are women so worried about their body size. shape and all?

Back problems are serious and can lead to life long pain. So that is something to consider. Sounds like you tired losing weight to solve the problem and you're still where you are at. Have you gone to see a chiropractor? With a diagnosis from another doctor that it's physically hurting you, the insurance company may cover it. I have a friend who got her's done for the same reasons and it was covered.
Do you want the surgery for health reasons or to stop people from talking and staring? That's an important question to ask yourself. You're in high school, if it wasn't your chest it would be something else that others would pick on. But it does sound like it's negatively affecting your daily life. I can only imagine how hard it is to find clothing for a gal who is 5' tall with such a large chest. Whether or not you want to get the surgery is up to you, but just make sure you are doing it for health reasons and not just because some comments from kids at school.

Did anyone see that more men are getting plastic surgery these days?

My optinion: wait until your mid 20's or later to get it. I was a 34 DD in my Freshman and Sophmore year and a 36 E my Junior and Senior year. Now I'm even larger. I gain weight in my breasts first and have gained a bit. If you get it too early, you may grow them back, becuase a lot of women gain weight in their 20's. It happened to my aunt. I am now waiting to get mine after I have my kids so around 30 ( i hope). I understand your pain, and its hard to live this way. YOu should read into it extensively, and choose a good time to get it for you.