odd breasts...plz read...i need advice

Shingles!

Ok this is really embarrasing for me so sorry if it doesn't make sense.
Basically, one of my breasts is bigger than the other. I'm 18 and they have been odd for as long as I can remember. I stopped growing about 4 years ago so I know my breasts are at their full size, and the smaller one isn't going to grow anymore.
I wear a 32C bra. The smaller breast is about 3 sizes smaller than the bigger one. I am so self conscious over it.
Not boasting or anything but I do have a good figure. I'm about 5'6 and 8 stone. But i can't even wear a tshirt, i just wear hoodies all the time to cover up my breasts. I don't know what to do. I can't go on covering up myself for the rest of my life.
I'm going to have to wear a dress sometime, a bikini, tshirts. And yes, it is noticeable, it's not just all in my head.
I don't know what to do. I suppose the only answer is plastic surgery. I don't want to go under the knife, i don't want to be scarred. But what choice do I have? I have to do something. And they're not going to fix themselves naturally.
I'm not being vain. I don't want to look "perfect", there's no such thing. I don't want to do this so other people will find me attractive. I want to do it because I can't even look in the mirror naked without shuddering. I want to be comfortable with my body. I wouldn't care if i was flat chested, it would be better than this.
Recently, I've notice that one of ribs sticks out further than the other one. I noticed this when i took a big breath in, and I could see that the bones on the rib with the bigger breast stook out further. I suppose this is the cause of it. I can't reduce my rib so I want to get the bigger breast reduced, so it will match the size of the smaller one. I suppose it will cost thousands too

Does anyone share my experience? Have you done anything about it?
Thanks a million to anyone who replys, I really am desperate for advice here.

eth0_

Pretty much all womens breasts aren't exactly the same size. But if you have one thats three cup sizes smaller than the other...well that's a huge difference and I can understand how upsetting that would be. Really the only answer for you would be surgery, and if you can't face that I guess you could get those implants you put in your bra, they look like chicken fillets.
Surgery leaves barely any scars these days, and it's pretty cheap (about 5 grand iirc) the only downside is having to have the implants replaced every 10 years.

Shingles!

but i don't want implants. i want a reduction. i don't have a clue what that involves but it doesn't involve implants does it? i imagine a reduction would be like lyposuction (thats probably the wrong spelling!) would it?

eth0_

Originally posted by Shingles!
but i don't want implants. i want a reduction. i don't have a clue what that involves but it doesn't involve implants does it? i imagine a reduction would be like lyposuction (thats probably the wrong spelling!) would it?

It's not quite as brutal as liposuction...it involves removing skin, breast tissue and fat. It will of course leave you with more scarring than just getting one implant but I think it'd still be minimal.
This is a good page which shows the procedure:
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/public_education/procedures/ReductionMammaplasty.cfm

You could always go for a free consult with somewhere like advance cosmetic surgery in Dublin and see if you have any other options.

Shingles!

Thanks for the link at least i know what it involves now.
If only I wasn't such a chicken I might actually go ahead with it! I have never discussed it with anyone before, not even my mother, I'm that embarrassed over it. I'm starting college in September so won't be able to afford if for a good few years anyway. I suppose i'll just buy one of those chicken fillet things....and just put surgery to the back of my mind until I can afford it

Teddi

hi shingles.....

i can understand your worry about it.....but...from a guys point of view...well...mine atleast.....its not too much of a problem....like i can understand that you would want them the same size but i know if i hada GF with this problem it wouldnt bother me!:)

have you had anything said to you by other people?....if its something your obseesing about you might want to go to a consultant or something along those lines....
i know if i ever feel bad about myself about something i just think of people in wheelchairs...mentally or physically challenged and think how much more of a hard time they must be having.....in a way...makes you respect them more....just thought that might help.......teddi

Omikron1

Hey,
I've to agree with teddi, i don't think its as big a problem as you think. It only seems worse to you because its happening to you, but i don't think it'd put guys off, wouldn't put me off. Something like that is minor, its what the whole package is that counts

But if your really upset about it then yeah you should maybe go talk to your gp, maybe he/she could do something about it just with hormones/drugs or something non-surgical, its worth talking about it...yeah i know it can be embarrassing talking to your gp about personal problems, but they are professionals...well most of them are they know how to handle these things....ehhh...excuse the innuendo

loismustdie

apparently that may have been a sid eeffect from some injection you got as a baby. you can get padding or get 2 different sized bras and sew them together

Agent Smith

if i was in your situation,
i'd check out the options with a clinc, before i made any disiston.(spelling?)

for the mean time, the chicken fillet things sound the thing for you untill the time comes when you make the choice.

Gordon

Originally posted by loismustdie
apparently that may have been a sid eeffect from some injection you got as a baby.

Are you trying to start an urban myth or something?

I'm with Teddi and Omikron1 on the size issue from a guy's perspective.

At least start with speaking to your mother about it.

Samson

To a layman like me, it does indeed sound like surgery is your only solution Shingles.

However, as you mention, the cost for cosmetic surgery, to a student, would be prohibitive.
I don't want to get your hopes up, but, there is the possibility that this procedure could be performed by the health service*, if there is evidence of depression due to your condition.
VHI/Bupa may also cover such procedures.

Consult your GP, impress upon him/her how much this is getting you down.
If you don't get much sympathy, get a second opinion.

As far as scarring is concerned, I can't comment on breast reductions, but for enlargements, the scars are usually along the crease under the breast, and cannot be seen.
An ex of mine had an enlargement, and her scars could not be seen unless she was upside-down, and even then they were hardy discernible from her creases.







*With what I suspect would be a very long waiting period.

Shingles!

Thanks for the advice everyone. It's a bit clearer in my head now. I'm just going to start buying those chicken fillet things and they'll just have to do for now. I will get a reduction someday but I'm not ready for it now. It's a big step and plus won't be able to afford for at least another 5 years.
Thanks again

KlodaX

just out of curiousity ... have you spoke to your doctor about it?

I'd be slightly worried about the reason to why one of my breasts where larger than the other, as opposed to worrying about the appearance.

I honestly don't want to worry you. Its just that you said you where gonna get those chicken fillet things... meaning you won't be seeking professional help.

I read about a girl once who was reletively large. She had a big tummy so she went on a diet... she lost the weight but still looked like she was pregnant ... turns out she wasn't fat at all and there was this huge growth or something in her stomach.

especially saying your ribs are odd... I'd get that checked out... just incase.

Doodee

To be honest.

I doubt many guys would measure or even notice, they'd just be silently grateful that they are being shown a pair of breasts

Beruthiel

Originally posted by KlodaX
especially saying your ribs are odd... I'd get that checked out... just incase.

no need to worry the girl unduly
there is no such thing as a perfect body, scoliosis (sp) runs in my family, it's were the back is not formed correctly which in turn can raise one side of your rib cage more than the other, it's not a big thing and you can lead your life just fine, in one of my sisters it's quite noticeable when she wears a tight t-shirt, but so what, it hasn't stopped her from leading a full life and it shouldn't stop you either Shingles!
I do think it's no harm to get yourself checked out by a doctor anyway,
perhaps they will come up with a suggestion that we haven't thought of.
a

Shingles!

Originally posted by KlodaX
[/B] especially saying your ribs are odd... I'd get that checked out... just incase. [/B]

Well I just presumed it was because the right side of my body is bigger than the left. Like rings that fit my left hand won't fit my right hand and the toes on my left foot are smaller the toes on the right foot. But it's nothing noticeable.
But with my ribs, on the right side of my chest, between my neck and breast, they are very obvious. But I'm not worried about them. I'm just not a very symmetrical person! Well I hope that's all it is.

By the way, does anyone know where I can get these "chicken fillets"?

GuanYin

Despite what those above has said, this is something to be considered before hand. First off no matter what you think, your body may still be growing. The days where people stop growing at 16-18 are long gone and now its not uncommon for people to continue growing into their early 20's. As a rule of thumb 21 is about right. In the last few your body makes subtle changes and its is possible that your breast may even out slightly.

It is pretty common for women to have breasts of different sizes, though its uncommon that the difference would be a full three cup sizes. It is unknown what causes this, but the first step is to have a breast exam and mammograms which you can arrange with your GP. If they are normal (and it is extremely likely that this will be the case) then it really is down to how you want handle it, as its not really a medical problem.

There are specialist underwear shops for bras and swimwear that deal with women who have the same issues as you, although primarily they would be for women who have had mastectomies to lumpectomies. Again your GP should be able to get you details but failing that try the womens health clinic in Dublin (phone number is in the book) or if you still have problems post here and I'll get you the numbers on monday.

If you really want to go ahead and have surgery, you will want to consult a plastic surgeon. It seems already that you want to have one reduced.

There are a few things to be aware of.

1. It is unlikely that you will ever be able to breast feed a child as depending on where is reduced the lactation ducts will most likely be damaged or destroyed (in the case of implants breastfeeding is strongly discouraged as silicone may get into the breast milk which can be extremely harmful to the babies).

You may not think this is a big deal now, but in several years you might.

2. If you are having enhancement on one side, there *may* be a noticable difference between the breast themselves. Differences between cosmetically enhanced and natural breasts are generally noticable , but this I suppose will only be an ssue with someone who see them in the flesh so to speak.

3. There is always a slight risk of scarring. Its unlikely but it depends on the skin-healing of the individual in question.


First and foremost go to your GP (I'm not sure on how the well woman clinic deal with cosmetic referrals but you could always ring).

Its a big decision, you really need to research it, talk tothe experts and thing about it.

Syke

eth0_

http://www.lingeriebydesign.co.uk/breast-enhancers/10026.html
http://www.edirectory.co.uk/sexydirectory/pages/moreinfoa.asp?pe=JBCBJFQ_+Silicone+Breast+Enhancers&cid=1016


But i'd definitely recommend you go and see your GP, I thought it was purely a problem with the growth of one breast, not the whole side of your body....go see your doctor and get a diagnosis, if it is something that's affecting you psychologically you should be able to get surgery on the medical card/vhi/bupa, if nothing else the doctor can refer you to somewhere in Ireland to get the bra filler.

Shingles!

Originally posted by eth0_
I thought it was purely a problem with the growth of one breast, not the whole side of your body....

But doesn't everyone has one side of their body bigger than the other? One hand is usaully bigger. Nothing noticeable like.

Teddi

hey again..

everyone has one side bigger than the other...whether anyone realises it or not...it might not be obvious even to the slight change happens just as we become active when we are born....

once our bodys have distinguished whether we are left or right handed...your body has a tendancy to use that hand more....making the use of that side of your body more...in a way developes it in a stronger...more structured way....

examples of this are.....my hand is slightly bigger than my left....i wear rings and the rings i wear on my left...wont fit on my right....my right toe is bigger than my left.. although it may only be bigger my a few milemetres....it still shows that one side is bigger than the other....my mates are the same....you might have just got that process in a larger quantity......

but it still comes down to the fact taht it really doesnt matter....im sure there is plenty of things people would want to change about themselves....as you said...you have a good figure.....be proud of that....show that off ...........teddi

Nala

Originally posted by Shingles!
but i don't want implants. i want a reduction. i don't have a clue what that involves but it doesn't involve implants does it?

Lol. I doubt they will make your breat smaller by filling it with an implant.

Johnny Versace

An ex of mine got a breast reduction. She was a size 10 with an E cup.

She went to Blackrock clinic. They reshaped her breasts and removed some fat (or something.)

She has scars coming from her nipples, and has no sensation in her nipples now and will never be able to breast feed.

However, they look great and she feels great about them.

If you're seriously considering getting a reduction I can put you in contact with her.

dragon_ninja82

My ex had the exact same problem, and she got her VHI to pay for a breast implant in the smaller breast because of the mental anguish it was causing her, could be worth checking out if you have VHI.

Shingles!

yeah i'll check out the VHI thing. did she have to convince them of her "mental anguish" or what? anybody who wants a free boob job could chance their arm with that like...

Kalina

Shingles, it's easy to be self-conscious about your breast size and I think every girl worries about what guys will think. But like the guys who have already replied have said, it probably wouldn't matter to most guys.
Still, I agree that you should see a doctor just to be on the safe side and to put your mind at rest. I saw a program on Discovery Health about an English girl in her late teens who had exactly the same problem as you. She went in for the operation (to enlarge and reshape the smaller breast) in the morning and was home that evening. Everything seemed to go very well. So it's comforting to see what a success it was for her, even though I understand it may not be the option for you.

Doodee

Yes kali, but you've never been self-concious about your breasts

Kalina

Originally posted by Doodee
Yes kali, but you've never been self-concious about your breasts

Wouldn't go so far as to say never, , but the advice stands I think.

eth0_

Originally posted by Kalina
Shingles, it's easy to be self-conscious about your breast size and I think every girl worries about what guys will think. But like the guys who have already replied have said, it probably wouldn't matter to most guys.

Did you read what she said? She said there's a difference of several cup sizes between the two. That's a VERY noticable difference! Lots of women probably have one cup size difference between breasts but that's pretty imperceptable, this girl has a very real problem and from the other symptoms she's mentioned it's certainly not an 'all in the mind' sort of self consciousness!

Walter Ego

* edit *

Beruthiel

Walter Ego

this is not the humour board, not that I find you comment even slightly amusing

read THE CHARTER at the top of this forum
consider this your warning
B

Walter Ego

Sorry that was dumb.

littlemiss

hey. Just had a flick through some of the replies. Just thought I'd let you know just because you are 18 doesn't mean you won't grow anymore. At 19 I went up a full cup size to a 32c. Then just before christmas at 21 I went up to 32d, they have since gone back down to 32c my point is that it doesn't matter what age you are they may still even out so give it a few years. Hormone levels vary and this is what causes the changes. In the meanwhile I'd suggest chicken fillets. I know people who use them and they look fine. I think Marks and Sparks were stocking them at one stage or try Lingerie shops. Surgery is a drastic step so see how it goes over next few years. Maybe you should go to doc about ribs. Anyway good luck:)

dragon_ninja82

Originally posted by Shingles!
yeah i'll check out the VHI thing. did she have to convince them of her "mental anguish" or what? anybody who wants a free boob job could chance their arm with that like...

Hi, sorry it took me so long to reply, been in stupid poxy work loads as of late. Im a bit sketchy on the details of it all, as it was 3 years ago and that particular ex doesnt talk to me anymore, but as far as I can remember all she had to do was go to a doctor who could confirm a significant size difference and state that it could have a psychological effect, and then send it to VHI. Your best bet really is to talk to your local doctor about this and ask him about options as he would really be more in the know than most people here. Also if only one breast gets an implant while it may intially look the same, it wont feel the same as the other breast and as you grow older the breast with the implant wont change shape as much (if at all)

Skud

i just want to say from a male point of view, why would anyone want to get them reduced???

Sorry, but i seriously have to say you know that plastic surgery where they take fat from places of your body and put it somewhere else? maybe you should go about checking that out if you don't want a breast op, or at least other viable ways of catering for you needs satisfactorily. There really isn't much point in getting one breast done in surgery and although you may want to get the bigger one reduced, don't always look at the glass half empty... You do need to consider this as it is important, i apologise for this but you seemed to make a snap judgement on ppls opinions here. this isn't a light sitaution especially if it makes you so insecure. even talk to your best friend and ask him/her to tell you the truth, chances are if they feel the way that some ppl would too.

Victor

Originally posted by Skud
i just want to say from a male point of view, why would anyone want to get them reduced?

Because some women aren't comfortable with the size of their breasts. Do you think it would be comfortable to have 46FFFs?

annag

Hi Shingles!,

I can completely identify with you post. I posted a similar question a while ago and one of the replies linked to your earlier thread. I hope you have found a solution in the meantime. I am 28, 10 years older, and just as what you said I have been assymetrical since puberty. For me it's a long story, and I wouldn't want to bore everyone.. If you want to email me, feel free. And good luck.

By the way, here's the thread that I posted:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2036577&posted=1#post2036577


Anna.

OLDYELLAR

hey i have a pair too and one of mine is a little bigger than the other , aparently almost everyone has one bigger than the other well everyone who is a woman anyway , oh yea those chicken fillets are good , i wore em one night , oh godi thought they were awkward but you would get used to them like , i could`nt stop looking at them when i had em in , ou hello laura! ah they are good though for the old evening up and stuff.