# Life after (huge) boobs - Reduction Surgery **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 9, 2014, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145 "2014-08-09T04:14:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/41 "2014-08-12T05:33:20Z")
Just curious, do you know any women with really small breasts, I’m thinking barely A-cup here, who have said “I wish I had your problem”? ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/42 "2014-08-12T09:16:20Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > Just curious, do you know any women with really small breasts, I’m thinking barely A-cup here, who have said “I wish I had your problem”? The smaller chested women I know are happy that they can go bra-less on occasion, easily get various types of clothing, and have mentioned how it’s no problem getting sport bras and do physical activities. Again, we’re not talking about just big here. The OP mentions back pain, headaches, and pinched nerves. Most sane people (of either sex) would want to avoid those. Maybe some day, eventually, I’ll get it done. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/43 "2014-08-12T13:19:32Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > Just curious, do you know any women with really small breasts, I’m thinking barely A-cup here, who have said “I wish I had your problem”? Never. Men are far more enamored of large breasts than women are. I got all the breast among my sisters - and when my sister had reconstruction after breast cancer she did get a little more - to a nice C cup - she certainly didn’t go for anything near my chest. With today’s fashion (and it is different depending during the era - you wanted breasts to fill out 1950s fashions), small is far easier than large to wear cute clothes. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/44 "2014-08-12T14:55:03Z")
Plus, as the Lovely and Talented Mrs. **Shodan** , who is a Full-Figured Gal, said to my sister, who is Not, you can dress to make small boobs bigger but it is much more difficult to make big boobs smaller. TLaTM **S** is “only” a D cup, and nowhere near reduction-needing territory, however. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/45 "2014-08-12T17:20:08Z")
There is this fantastic website called [breasthealthonline](http://www.breasthealthonline.org/answers/reduction)that is really helpful and comprehensive. It has info on how to choose a surgeon, what a free nipple graft is, how to eat post-surgery to promote healing, what to expect, just flippin’ everything. The most important information I think, and wished to God I’d known before I had my reduction, is how to choose a surgeon. You should consult with at least three. I went with the surgeon my internist recommended and I regretted it. I had to have my surgery re-done a year later (with a different surgeon). On the whole, though, I still am amazed how different my body looks going from a DDD to a C. It really is so awesome the first time you can put on a “tiny” shirt you can button with ease. ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/46 "2014-08-12T18:25:01Z")
Me and my GGs are reading this thread with a lot of envy! Thanks to all who have shared their experiences, it’s very interesting reading. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/47 "2014-08-12T21:24:54Z")
Thank you,\*\* **Sodalite** \*\*, for educating me on the implants! **Urbanredneck** , I’m going to have to agree with **KarlGrenze**. Most sane women I know would want to avoid a stooped back, grooves cut deep into their shoulders, headaches, and such. I think you may not quite grasp the amount of boob we’re talking about in reduction cases. [QUOTE=Carol the Impaler] There is this fantastic website called breasthealthonlinethat is really helpful and comprehensive. It has info on how to choose a surgeon, what a free nipple graft is, how to eat post-surgery to promote healing, what to expect, just flippin’ everything. The most important information I think, and wished to God I’d known before I had my reduction, is how to choose a surgeon. You should consult with at least three. I went with the surgeon my internist recommended and I regretted it. I had to have my surgery re-done a year later (with a different surgeon). On the whole, though, I still am amazed how different my body looks going from a DDD to a C. It really is so awesome the first time you can put on a “tiny” shirt you can button with ease. [/QUOTE] Thanks for adding the link for folks! And yes, that first bra and t-shirt were thrilling! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/48 "2014-08-12T23:20:00Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > Just curious, do you know any women with really small breasts, I’m thinking barely A-cup here, who have said “I wish I had your problem”? When I was younger and smaller (a c-d), yes. The small-breasted inquirers were younger too. As those envious girls get older, they realize the problems we have and do not want them. Plus, I am much bigger (hey, wear your bra cup as a swim cap!) now and I don’t know any woman who wants huge breasts unless she is desperate for attention or hasn’t thought about the consequences of her size. Even Dolly Parton downsized! ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/49 "2014-08-13T11:37:26Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > When I was younger and smaller (a c-d), yes. The small-breasted inquirers were younger too. As those envious girls get older, they realize the problems we have and do not want them. Plus, I am much bigger (hey, wear your bra cup as a swim cap!) now and I don’t know any woman who wants huge breasts unless she is desperate for attention or hasn’t thought about the consequences of her size. Even Dolly Parton downsized! I never said they wanted massive triple-D’s. I’m just talking the women who are abnormally small, like barely an A who would at least like to be a C. They want to fill out a sundress. They want to look good in a swimsuit. They want cleavage. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/50 "2014-08-13T11:42:02Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > I never said they wanted massive triple-D’s. I’m just talking the women who are abnormally small, like barely an A who would at least like to be a C. They want to fill out a sundress. They want to look good in a swimsuit. They want cleavage. Yea, that’s not what this thread is about, or what the OP and others are mentioning. **FaerieBeth** mentioned it already: > [@](#): > > Urbanredneck, I’m going to have to agree with KarlGrenze. Most sane women I know would want to avoid a stooped back, grooves cut deep into their shoulders, headaches, and such. I think you may not quite grasp the amount of boob we’re talking about in reduction cases. And note that women in most cases of reduction, at least here, have mentioned going back _down_ to a C. A barely A woman may want a C, but doubtful she would want the same amount other women who have had their breasts reduced. So no, they wouldn’t say “I wish I had your problem”. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/51 "2014-08-13T12:32:47Z")
My guess is that most women think a C to be about perfect. Its enough to not be mistaken for a boy and fill out a swimsuit, or provide a little cleavage for your partner to enjoy, its not so much that clothes don’t fit, your back hurts, and that you have a hard time buying bras. On each side of that - Bs and Ds - are the “it would be nice to have a little more or less, but I can be content with who I am.” I’m sure many As want more - but they don’t want to go into the “where cup sizes get really weird” category. And, of course that is most women - some women LOVE big breasts, and some make a living off them. For most of us, they are simply a part of our bodies we need to dress - think feet - if your feet are unusually wide or narrow - large or small, its hard to buy shoes. If they are flat, its hard to buy shoes AND it hurts - but you don’t spend a lot of time fetishizing your own feet (well, probably not - this IS the internet) unless they are causing you problems or you’ll need to use them unusually (e.g. needing running shoes). Most women are like that with their breasts - if they too large or small, they might be hard to dress around - but its only when they cause health issues (big, painful, lumpy), are feeding a child, or are receiving that baffling attention men give them that we really think too much about them. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/52 "2014-08-13T18:33:21Z")
Saw the surgeon today and I will be scheduling my unilateral reduction for late September/early October. I feel crazy for saying I’m really excited but this has been bothering me for quite some time so it’s not just a spur of the moment decision. And since it is breast cancer related, insurance is legally required to pick up the tab. Woot! ---
**Author:** ![Lorene89095](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@Lorene89095](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lorene89095)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/53 "2014-08-13T19:14:57Z")
Best of luck,kiddo! I’ve been there,done that ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/54 "2014-08-13T21:14:23Z")
> [@Urbanredneck](#): > > I never said they wanted massive triple-D’s. Massive triple-Ds (and larger) are what we’re talking about in this thread. [QUOTE=Urbanredneck] I’m just talking the women who are abnormally small, like barely an A who would at least like to be a C. [/quote] So, no, they wouldn’t be telling the women with massive triple-Ds that they wish they had their problems. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/55 "2014-08-13T21:16:25Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > Saw the surgeon today and I will be scheduling my unilateral reduction for late September/early October. I feel crazy for saying I’m really excited but this has been bothering me for quite some time so it’s not just a spur of the moment decision. And since it is breast cancer related, insurance is legally required to pick up the tab. Woot! Hurray, and best wishes for a smooth recovery! I think the hardest part about getting ready for the surgery was avoiding all the foods and common medications for the weeks prior. So glad your insurance is picking up the tab! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/56 "2014-08-14T11:57:38Z")
Congratulations !!. As a side note that you might find interesting, the Master spoke on this [last year](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/3091/are-large-breasted-women-more-likely-to-get-carpal-tunnel-syndrome). ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/57 "2014-08-14T12:07:37Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > Hurray, and best wishes for a smooth recovery! I think the hardest part about getting ready for the surgery was avoiding all the foods and common medications for the weeks prior. So glad your insurance is picking up the tab! 🙂 Wait, food and medications? What type? ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/58 "2014-08-14T21:23:36Z")
> [@KarlGrenze](#): > > Wait, food and medications? What type? [This](http://www.drjoannelopes.com/cosmetic-surgery-preparation-virginia-beach/#three) page is very similar to the handout my doctor gave me, the relevant part being > [@](#): > > Check your refrigerator! > It is important that you maintain a healthy diet including many fruits and vegetables. However, there are certain foods which naturally contain salicylates, which affect the blood, and should be kept to a minimum for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Cutting down on these foods will help reduce bruising after surgery. Now is the time to clean out your refrigerator and adjust your shopping lists for the weeks ahead. > > Foods containing salicylates that should be kept to a minimum for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery: > > Almonds Cherries Grapefruit Limes Peaches Raisins > Apricots Cucumber Grapes Nectarines Plums Tomatoes > Berries (all) Currants Lemons Oranges Prunes Vinegar > > Two Weeks Before Surgery > Stop 2 weeks BEFORE until 2 weeks AFTER surgery: > > All Aspirin and Ibuprofen products including the drugs listed on the enclosed insert. > All anti-inflammatory drugs used for arthritis. (Please consult your physician prior to discontinuing). > All anti-coagulants > Vitamin E taken internally > If a medication is in question, call our office nurse. > THESE PRODUCTS MAY CAUSE EXCESSIVE BLEEDING! So, I had to go tomato-free in July in Arkansas. Talk about a hardship! Sheesh! Also, TMI warning…this first menstrual cycle after the surgery, what a novel level of discomfort I have discovered. ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/59 "2014-08-14T21:30:33Z")
I was told to avoid becoming sexually aroused after my surgery as the engorgement of my breasts would be very painful. I found I had to avoid any movies or tv shows with Jason Bateman in them for about a month. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145/60 "2014-08-15T02:07:11Z")
> [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](#): > > I was told to avoid becoming sexually aroused after my surgery as the engorgement of my breasts would be very painful. > > I found I had to avoid any movies or tv shows with Jason Bateman in them for about a month. > > 🆒 Heh! I’ve toughed that out. 😉 I do have a question for the ladies who’ve had this done, though. My headlights seem to work independently of one another right now, so it will at times look like my boobs are winking. Will they sync back up, or is that just something I’ll have to live with from now on? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-huge-boobs-reduction-surgery/695145.md?page=4)