In recent years, more and more women are reducing the size of their breasts. This is the case of Marie who took the plunge in 2020. She tells us how this surgery improved her relationship with her body.
- Marie, 34, decided to have a breast reduction because her breasts “were too large” and her chest was “sagging a lot”, which “led to issues with body image and weight”.
- In 2020, after looking for a surgeon for several months, she had surgery. The specialist removes 500 grams for both breasts during the procedure, which was not covered by Social Security.
- Today, she feels “lighter”, has resolved her eating problems and improved her relationship with her body.
“It’s been on my mind for a long time!” exclaims Marie, aged 34. Like many women who have shared their experience on social networks, the Ile-de-France woman had breast reduction surgery. “My breasts were too large. I was an F or G cup and my chest was sagging a lot. It was very complicated to get dressed, including finding and putting on a bra, or doing sports, such as running. In addition “It made me look fat, which caused me to start dieting too early and led to body image and weight issues.”, she confides. Beyond the unsightly appearance, her breast hypertrophy had caused postural problems. “I sat in front of my computer all day. I noticed that I was often hunched over and I had the beginnings of scoliosis.”
“I wanted very small breasts, but that would not have been in harmony with my figure”
In 2019, the woman, who holds a position in management consulting, decided to take the step of surgery. “I thought it was a shame that I was so self-conscious about my breasts in my late 20s and early 30s.” She then began looking for surgeons who could reduce the volume of her breasts. “I selected the best-rated specialists on the Internet. For the surgeon I absolutely wanted, there was a three-year wait. So I turned to another professional, who asked 6,000 euros for a breast reduction. C “It was a very high amount, so I preferred to wait and be sure that I didn’t want to reduce my breasts because of a fashion statement.”
A few months later, the thirty-year-old realizes that it is a real personal desire and not a fad. She consults a surgeon, from a private clinic in Paris, recommended by one of her friends. “First, he asked me questions to assess my psychological state. After asking for my consent, which was very important for me, the specialist analyzed my chest and back. I wanted very small breasts, but he advised me against it, because it would not have been in harmony with my figure. He therefore preferred to reduce my breasts to a C or D cup and raise them by 10 centimeters. He quickly convinced me!”
Breast reduction: the surgeon “removed 500 grams from both breasts”
In 2020, before operating on her, the surgeon reminded her of all the risks associated with breast reduction. “He told me that breastfeeding might no longer be possible because the ducts, which are used to transport breast milk, do not always replenish.” A few hours later, Marie went to the operating room. “The surgery, which was done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, lasted about an hour. In total, the specialist removed 500 grams for both breasts.” Thus, the patient’s operation was not covered by Social Security, which reimburses restorative interventions during which at least 300 grams are removed per breast, or 600 grams in total.
“Everything went well, I had no complications. After the surgery, I noticed that I had an ink-shaped scar below the breast. To avoid having them raised, I I massaged my breasts as the professional advised me. He also recommended that I not expose them to the sun, not work for a week to recover well and not put strain on my arms which I could not lift during three days. It was also not recommended that I do sports for two months.” The thirty-year-old, who was helped and accompanied by one of her relatives, followed the specialist’s advice to the letter. She took painkillers and wore her medical bra every day. “I thought I was going to suffer more, I was surprised!”declares the Ile-de-France woman who admits to having spent 8,000 euros for her surgery and post-operative care.
She didn’t think breast reduction could be “so beneficial” for her self-esteem
However, she does not regret her choice. “The specialist took very good care of me. I had follow-up consultations one week, one month, six months and one year after the operation. This was essential for me. When it comes to our body, you really shouldn’t look at the price and entrust it to just anyone!” In addition, the patient is very satisfied with the result she finds “natural”. “I feel lighter. This operation allowed me to overcome my eating disorders and improve my relationship with my body. I didn’t think it would be so beneficial for my self-esteem. I regret for not having done it sooner!”