Byrdie
Note
This is about one author’s personal, anecdotal experience and should not substitute medical advice.
If you’re having health concerns of any kind, we urge you to speak to a healthcare professional.
I was in the office because I had decided to get a breast reduction.
Byrdie
I turned away from the screen where my body was projected across the room with each snap and flash.
It was undoubtedly an uncomfortable situation, but I didnt care.
My breasts felt like foreign objectslike a weight I had to carry around that wasnt my own.
I began researching my options, and a breast-reduction surgery sounded like freedom.
Making the Decision
At first, my parents werereallyagainst it.
All of which are good argumentsbut they werent the ones guiding my decision.This choice was all mine.
My breasts felt like foreign objectslike a weight I had to carry around that wasnt my own.
During the first semester of my junior year, boobs were all I thought about.
Shortly after, our insurance company accepted the claim, and we were able to move forward.
I swear the differences were immediately palpable.
I went in on a Thursday and was out at brunch by Tuesday.
It wasnt an easy processby any meansbut I was shocked at how little time off I ultimately needed.
I excitedly agreed and looked at my new body for the first time.
Naturally, there were scars and bruises, but I barely even noticed them.
I was proud, happy, relieved, and beautiful.
And, its not just me.
I went on to have the most transformative months of my life.
I was confident in a way I hadnt ever been before.
I didnt have back pain or annoying marks from my bra straps.
Naturally, there were scars and bruises, but I barely even noticed them.
I was proud, happy, relieved, and beautiful.
I hadnt thought about the scars in years until recently when a boy I was seeing mentioned them.
He practically yelled, Did you get a breast reduction?I was shocked.
And quickly that feeling turned into intense humiliation, and, without thinking, I answered, No!
and tried to forget about it.
That wasnt the end of it, though, as he continued to press the issue.
Did you get a boob job?
I felt uncomfortable and had him leave shortly after that.
It was also the first time I thought I should write about my experience with the surgery.
The seven years since my reduction have been so positive.
Truthfully, theyre barely visible, which is why I think of them so rarely.
for outline this piece, I had to have a beginning, middle, and an end.
This essay was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.
2012;130(2):e339-46.
2013;132(2):285-90. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829587b5
