Getting A Breast Reduction Improved My Life & I Regret Not Doing It Sooner
For women that are well-endowed up top, it sometimes seems ludicrous to think of reducing what is perceived as a gift from God: a full bosom. However, I was genetically handpicked to be part of the big titty committee while in puberty, getting fit for my first big girl bra at a C-cup, and reaching an H-cup in adulthood.
Yes, you read that right, and that cup size is beyond a DDD and GG! So I can attest that it didn't make it less heavy just because I carried the load well. After many attempts to naturally reduce my breast size by exercising, eating healthy, and spending a lot of money on high-quality bras that lifted my breasts and minimized their massive appearance, I felt tired.
I was tired of wearing the same shirt as a person with a moderate breast size but being perceived as “sexually suggestive” because of my unintentional overflowing cleavage. I was tired of wearing two bras to enjoy a workout without bouncing all over the place while straining my shoulders. I was exhausted from putting in much work to lose weight and still appeared heavier than I was because of my breast size.
I can go on and on, but I am not a breast preacher, just merely a woman who understood that the growth and appearance of my breasts naturally was not something I could control. However, the appearance, size, and shape of my breasts were something that I could take steps to change with assistance.
My Breast Reduction Journey
Google was my worst enemy at first, with the image search giving my skeptical brain too many images of before and after results without much context and respect for the fact that the world of surgery is constantly moving forward. Someone's results and experiences from 2010 aren’t necessarily reflective of surgeons' access to the techniques and technology of today. After a recommendation from my mom, I made an account on RealSelf, an excellent resource for people interested in getting unbiased information on cosmetic procedures.
This tool was most helpful because I could see unpaid and honest reviews and experiences from real people in real-time who shared the good, the bad, and the ugly of their breast reduction journey. Most importantly, the site gave me the contact information of doctors in my area with great reviews allowing me to book a real-life consultation and have the whole process explained to me by a medical professional.
This step was crucial because, as they say, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” So I printed out a "wish pic" of perky boobies and headed to the surgeon's office. The consultation was free and my surgeon was fantastic and informative.
What To Know About Getting a Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery can be a medically necessary surgery. Whether it is or not depends on factors like the pain experienced, the length of the breast tissue, and the height of the person interested. In my case, I was diagnosed with breast hypertrophy, which is just the overgrowth of breast tissue caused by many factors like hormones and genetics.
When measuring for a breast reduction, it's hard for a doctor to reduce you to a specific cup size. This is because they are more concerned about the weight and length of your breasts than a clothing measurement. It is essential to advocate for how you want your breasts to look in proportion to the rest of your body. “Wish pictures” help further illustrate your desired aesthetic. In my case, I loved having full breasts but did not like how they kept growing vertically. I desired for them to naturally look the way they would in a bra without me having to wear one.
Telling them this resulted in the surgeon removing around 2-3 pounds of breast tissue, decreasing the weight and volume of my breasts while keeping the roundness and fullness. Before the procedure, when I measured my breasts from my collarbone to my nipple, it was 14 inches. After surgery, there were 10 inches. That was a vast improvement aesthetically and also felt terrific physically.
A breast reduction automatically includes a breast lift. The lifting portion was fun for me because the surgeon and I collaborated on determining factors such as the size of my areolas and the placement of my nipples. My nipples naturally being toward the very bottom of my breasts made it so that they weren't pleasurably sensitive and did not present well without my bra on. It turns out that lifting the nipple more towards the center of my breasts drastically improved their appearance and reinforced my overall satisfaction over the years with my decision to pursue surgery regardless of real-life factors like weight fluctuation.
Because of the lift, when I look in the mirror, my nipples sit high and say 'hello' back, giving them a perky appearance that I didn't have otherwise. My bras fit way better because now my breasts are more centered, and the straps do not have to lift up a lot of weight. Though cosmetic surgery is not a fairytale, there is something about a surgeon being able to mark up your breasts the day before surgery as if they are drawing breasts on you that you only dreamed about and then waking up from anesthesia to see those measurements are a reality. Yes, my boobies and I screamed, "I woke up like this?!"
If deemed medically necessary, the surgery can be covered by your insurance. This part is a money saver. In this rare case, you’ll see the intersection between a cosmetic and medically necessary procedure. Some insurance plans require you to see your primary care physician or OBGYN for a referral to approve the surgery. Others allow the surgeon to examine your breast, diagnose the issue, and send in the information needed to support the procedure.
It’s best that you call your insurance company and ask about breast reduction coverage so that they can inform you of their requirements for approval, along with how much you will have to pay out of pocket if anything
My Breast Reduction Recovery & Final Thoughts
My only regret about this procedure is that I didn't do it sooner. After surgery, real life hit me. I had to make sure I was prepared for permanent (but minimal) scarring, and post-surgery healing complications, and most of all, I had to keep realistic expectations. I quickly grew accustomed to my breasts' perky silicone implant-like appearance in the first months after surgery. Still, the breast tissues settle and position themselves more naturally after months and years.
My breasts naturally and subtly grow when I gain weight; they naturally decrease in size when I lose weight. The benefit is that they are smaller and in a better position than they would have been without surgery. In many ways, this decision allowed me to live my teenaged-dream by enjoying T-shirts without bras and without looking "disheveled" when lounging. I get to appreciate how my ta-tas look in pajamas, lingerie, and other clothes without feeling overly exposed, self-conscious, and having to adjust my shirt a dozen times.
My decision was one of self-love and self-care. If you are considering this life-changing operation, book your consultation to see how the surgery could positively impact your life too!
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Featured image by jacoblund/Getty Images
- Ayesha Curry Regrets Getting Implants In The Past: “They Weren’t Good For Me” ›
- Kandi Burruss Opens Up About Plastic Surgery And Recent Breast Reduction ›
- I've Lost 100 Pounds & Still Have Issues With Body Image ›
New Jersey native creating a life that she loves while living in gratitude. She loves using beauty, and fashion to create a balanced lifestyle while prioritizing wellness. A devoted fur mom, and a full-time lover of laughter. She is out for revenge against the darkness by being light, taking her own advice, traveling the world, and letting you know that you are so lit! Connect with her via IG @iamzaniah and please visit Zaniahsworld.com
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED