Breast enhancement
Original post by Barbara:
Our page on natural breast enhancement has an excellent article pointing out the misleading information that natural breast-enhancement pill manufacturers put on their bottles.
Cancer Research UK summarizes:
“Many of the companies who promote their use say that for women with small breasts, enlarging them will
* Boost your confidence
* Improve your self esteem
* Give you a fuller life!
* Regain the attention you deserve
* Help you fill out swimsuits and bras
* Put you in control of your body
* Make you the envy of all eyes!
These are all direct quotes from websites selling breast enhancement products.
We find this information very disturbing and misleading.”
Go Cancer Research UK!
First of all, yes I’ve been married for a long time, but seduction is in the whole package. Exercise that makes you healthy, radiance, the look in your eyes, the XBox 360 you get for your guy (OK, I’m joking ;-), but taking natural hormone pills to try and trick your breasts into thinking you’re pregnant is not a good thing. If that’s what a guy needs to be attracted to you, he will never love YOU.
I think people risk too much for a false sense of vanity. Self-esteem for women should come from achievement. Seduction is in the mind. Any product that claims your self-esteem will be raised when you become the envy of others is not a product I’d trust.
Signature
Barbara
Moderator, WEGO Mental Health Communities
Response by PaulaWKY:
Barbara I agree. For me personally I can’t see this anyway because I’m at the other end of the spectrum on this particular topic. If I had anything done I would prefer a reduction or maybe a lift. After reading our topic page on Breast Lifts I must say the thing that really stuck with me the most on a lift is that it is a temporary fix at best. Even with getting a lift the tissue will stretch again (due to gravity and obvious reasons) and unfortunately the pain and money you spent getting a lift will be for naught. I also read the topic page on Breast Reduction and I can’t say after reading all the information that I would subject myself to that either (especially if I wanted to have more children). Both of these pages provide some very good information and in my opinion doesn’t try to sway you one way or the other, but tries to inform you of all the pros and cons of getting these procedures.
With my other job (editing medical transcription) I see all of these surgeries quite often with breast enhancement being the most popular. The saddest part is when you see a 50+ year old woman coming in because she has had and implant rupture and she is either having them removed or is having to get new implants. Believe it or not I see this all the time.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Barbara:
Psychotic vanity disorder? ha! Let’s create a new name for a disorder: PVD ;-)
PVD is when you need to see some imagined enhancement that you are convinced will make you look more beautiful, and you’ll do anything to yourself to get it.
You’d think it was younger women who were getting bulemia from trying to look like a Vogue model. I guess the 50-year-old women are influenced by Vogue, too. The ones rich enough to buy haute couture are older women, who go to these shows in Paris. They see great art by genius designers on anorexic teen models, so I guess they feel it’s a privilege of wealth to stop the aging process with plastic surgery. The problem is they look like artificial creations, and everyone can figure out they had plastic surgery.
On the other hand, a lot of us dye our hair. I take an antibiotic to stop pre-menopausal acne, which could be seen as a vanity pill.
How far is it from common appearance maintenance to breast enhancement?
Signature
Barbara
Moderator, WEGO Mental Health Communities
Response by Julia:
Specifically, I think it’s sad that so many young women are getting breast enlargement surgeries in their late teens and early twenties. I grew two cup sizes after I got married, in my early-to-mid twenties. This wasn’t a result of pregnancy, either.
My best friend recently decided on breast reduction surgery because she was so uncomfortable. She was having horrible back problems, and her two pregnancies were very uncomfortable because of this. She had the surgery just a few weeks ago, and is recovering well.
Why is our society so obsessed about breast size? To be honest, I was perfectly happy with my original cup size--I’m more uncomfortable because of the growth, and I’m probably still smaller than some who want breast augmentation surgery.
Signature
Julia Temlyn
WEGO Health Community Moderator
Skin & Beauty, Women’s Health, Sleep Problems, and Pregnancy & Infertility
Response by PaulaWKY:
I don’t know Julia I don’t understand it either. You know my other job involves editing medical transcription. I had a 67 year old woman coming in today because her breast implants had ruptured (and yes she was 67). This woman had a reduction and then decided she didn’t like her breasts being that small so she got some implants put in. She wanted additional implants put in this time but the doctor absolutely did not want to do it for lots of reasons (mainly he was fearful of interrupting blood supply to the area because of the multiple surgeries). She ended up not getting more implants put in (and the result of having no implants where there once was implants) but can you imagine having breast surgery at that age because of your breast implants rupturing. I see it more often than you would think and I think if women only knew how often this happens they might think before getting breast augmentation done.
Until puberty I was an “A” cup so very small but I didn’t even think about having something like this done. So many girls in high school are getting these as graduation or birthday presents if you can believe that. Now I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum and while I wouldn’t mind having a reduction it still isn’t something I would consider at this point.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Margarita Tartakovsky, MS:
Hi Ladies,
What an interesting discussion! I genuinely enjoyed reading all your posts. Paula, I’m shocked at how often you see older women with complications! I’m guilty of watching all of those plastic surgery reality shows (mostly Dr. 90210) and you’d think getting a breast augmentation is like coming in for a facial—In and Out, with a bit of irritation.
Yes, plastic surgery is certainly a personal choice, but it’s one that should be made with much thought and education. But in a society where quick-fixes made very quickly (i.e. immediate gratification) is common, the education and thought part may be forgotten. Especially when it comes to young women. I don’t presume that everyone who has the surgery doesn’t do their homework. That’s definitely unfair and inaccurate, but it’s scary when teens - who are always on the look-out for the latest trend and change their minds a lot! - are opting for breast augmentation. A college friend of mine had the surgery at 18 along with her mom. I remember thinking that was sorta odd, but she was really happy with the results.
I wanted to share with you these two articles. One is on implants as the new graduation gift, which Paula just mentioned. And the other notes the rising number of teens having breast augmentation and the very real risks that can occur.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17932515/
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1861/context/archive
And what do you say to your 18 year old daughter who’s saved up the money on her own about having the surgery? I’m 25 so I have yet to cross that bridge smile But it’s tough. Nowadays it’s a vain society we live in (but hasn’t it always been?). Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion and pretty things, but teens and breast implants...I think when it deals with having surgery that’s not vital to your health and you’re soooo young, it just doesn’t make sense to.
Signature
Margarita Tartakovsky, MS
Response by Jennifer Cochran, BS:
PVD?! I love it (and must admit I may suffer from it from time to time! But I think we all do a teeny bit!!)
I have never ever ever considered breast enhancements for my humble little girls (32B), but was stressing out over trying to fill out a bridesmaid’s dress a few weeks ago. Even after it had been tailored, it STILL did not fit! I attempted to fill the empty space with some gym socks and it just didn’t look right. So, I went to Target to look for a super-duper-ly padded bra and instead, I found a terrific product in the lingerie department. Water push up pads.
http://www.target.com/Lingerie-Solutions-Water-Push-Up-Pads/dp/B000...
Reluctantly, I purchased them. I brought them home to find them just as good, if not better, than similar, but far more expensive, push up pads I’ve seen at department stores. For the first time in my life I had a bit of natural looking cleavage- and not to mention a fuller chest. And it only cost me $5.99!
In bit of a PVD-induced delirium, I went on to try my new breasts out with some of my ill-fitting tops that sit in the back of my closet because I fail to fill them out. Viola. A whole new wardrobe!
So ladies, whether you are considering alternatives to breast enhancements, or simply want to flaunt a bigger chest once in a while, try these water push up pads from Target!
Signature
Jennifer Cochran, BS
Response by SarahLiz:
Growing up, I was incredibly flat-chested, and I was proud of it. I was a long-distance runner and it was so nice because I never had to wear two sports bras, I never had to worry about being rubbed raw, I didn’t have excessive “#### sweat” (I bet Google searches are LOVING this thread, ladies!) and it was overall just great.
I gained about 30 (very very needed) pounds in college and my breasts were suddenly a C-cup. I was distraught. They got in the way ... they hurt when I run ... I had to buy NEW bras and new shirts and double-up the sports bras. I was miserable. I still don’t like them. They still get in the way. I’m just frustrated. I have friends who complain about their small breasts all the time and I offer mine up to them as a joke - but if it were painless, I’d share with no qualms!
My mom, however, hated her small breasts. She had a breast augmentation four years ago this month, and while she wouldn’t do it again (her words, not mine) she doesn’t regret it. It took a long time for her to heal (long-time-to-heal runs in our family apparently) and she was in so much pain afterwards that she was miserable. My aunts are all small-breasted and tease me about my naturally full breasts and it’s hard on me - even though they’re not actually _that_ large. I have trouble wearing v-neck shirts because they get in the way and I’m not comfortable. I’ve never considered reduction surgery, but I have been trying to lose some weight in hopes that they shrink again. It’s not quite working (it’s all coming off my non-existent rear-end instead)!
So, there are heaps and piles of women out there who are unhappy with their small breasts, but there are women like me out there unhappy with their “large” (to them, I know that a C-cup is small for the “average” woman) breasts as well. Gotta love having dysmorphic body images!
Signature
~ Sarah
WEGO Health Mental Health & Women’s Health Community Leader
Response by SarahLiz:
Growing up, I was incredibly flat-chested, and I was proud of it. I was a long-distance runner and it was so nice because I never had to wear two sports bras, I never had to worry about being rubbed raw, I didn’t have excessive “#### sweat” (I bet Google searches are LOVING this thread, ladies!) and it was overall just great.
I gained about 30 (very very needed) pounds in college and my breasts were suddenly a C-cup. I was distraught. They got in the way ... they hurt when I run ... I had to buy NEW bras and new shirts and double-up the sports bras. I was miserable. I still don’t like them. They still get in the way. I’m just frustrated. I have friends who complain about their small breasts all the time and I offer mine up to them as a joke - but if it were painless, I’d share with no qualms!
My mom, however, hated her small breasts. She had a breast augmentation four years ago this month, and while she wouldn’t do it again (her words, not mine) she doesn’t regret it. It took a long time for her to heal (long-time-to-heal runs in our family apparently) and she was in so much pain afterwards that she was miserable. My aunts are all small-breasted and tease me about my naturally full breasts and it’s hard on me - even though they’re not actually _that_ large. I have trouble wearing v-neck shirts because they get in the way and I’m not comfortable. I’ve never considered reduction surgery, but I have been trying to lose some weight in hopes that they shrink again. It’s not quite working (it’s all coming off my non-existent rear-end instead)!
So, there are heaps and piles of women out there who are unhappy with their small breasts, but there are women like me out there unhappy with their “large” (to them, I know that a C-cup is small for the “average” woman) breasts as well. Gotta love having dysmorphic body images!
Signature
~ Sarah
WEGO Helath Mental Health & Women’s Health Community Leader
Our page on natural breast enhancement has an excellent article pointing out the misleading information that natural breast-enhancement pill manufacturers put on their bottles.
Cancer Research UK summarizes:
“Many of the companies who promote their use say that for women with small breasts, enlarging them will
* Boost your confidence
* Improve your self esteem
* Give you a fuller life!
* Regain the attention you deserve
* Help you fill out swimsuits and bras
* Put you in control of your body
* Make you the envy of all eyes!
These are all direct quotes from websites selling breast enhancement products.
We find this information very disturbing and misleading.”
Go Cancer Research UK!
First of all, yes I’ve been married for a long time, but seduction is in the whole package. Exercise that makes you healthy, radiance, the look in your eyes, the XBox 360 you get for your guy (OK, I’m joking ;-), but taking natural hormone pills to try and trick your breasts into thinking you’re pregnant is not a good thing. If that’s what a guy needs to be attracted to you, he will never love YOU.
I think people risk too much for a false sense of vanity. Self-esteem for women should come from achievement. Seduction is in the mind. Any product that claims your self-esteem will be raised when you become the envy of others is not a product I’d trust.
Signature
Barbara
Moderator, WEGO Mental Health Communities
Response by PaulaWKY:
Barbara I agree. For me personally I can’t see this anyway because I’m at the other end of the spectrum on this particular topic. If I had anything done I would prefer a reduction or maybe a lift. After reading our topic page on Breast Lifts I must say the thing that really stuck with me the most on a lift is that it is a temporary fix at best. Even with getting a lift the tissue will stretch again (due to gravity and obvious reasons) and unfortunately the pain and money you spent getting a lift will be for naught. I also read the topic page on Breast Reduction and I can’t say after reading all the information that I would subject myself to that either (especially if I wanted to have more children). Both of these pages provide some very good information and in my opinion doesn’t try to sway you one way or the other, but tries to inform you of all the pros and cons of getting these procedures.
With my other job (editing medical transcription) I see all of these surgeries quite often with breast enhancement being the most popular. The saddest part is when you see a 50+ year old woman coming in because she has had and implant rupture and she is either having them removed or is having to get new implants. Believe it or not I see this all the time.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Barbara:
Psychotic vanity disorder? ha! Let’s create a new name for a disorder: PVD ;-)
PVD is when you need to see some imagined enhancement that you are convinced will make you look more beautiful, and you’ll do anything to yourself to get it.
You’d think it was younger women who were getting bulemia from trying to look like a Vogue model. I guess the 50-year-old women are influenced by Vogue, too. The ones rich enough to buy haute couture are older women, who go to these shows in Paris. They see great art by genius designers on anorexic teen models, so I guess they feel it’s a privilege of wealth to stop the aging process with plastic surgery. The problem is they look like artificial creations, and everyone can figure out they had plastic surgery.
On the other hand, a lot of us dye our hair. I take an antibiotic to stop pre-menopausal acne, which could be seen as a vanity pill.
How far is it from common appearance maintenance to breast enhancement?
Signature
Barbara
Moderator, WEGO Mental Health Communities
Response by Julia:
Specifically, I think it’s sad that so many young women are getting breast enlargement surgeries in their late teens and early twenties. I grew two cup sizes after I got married, in my early-to-mid twenties. This wasn’t a result of pregnancy, either.
My best friend recently decided on breast reduction surgery because she was so uncomfortable. She was having horrible back problems, and her two pregnancies were very uncomfortable because of this. She had the surgery just a few weeks ago, and is recovering well.
Why is our society so obsessed about breast size? To be honest, I was perfectly happy with my original cup size--I’m more uncomfortable because of the growth, and I’m probably still smaller than some who want breast augmentation surgery.
Signature
Julia Temlyn
WEGO Health Community Moderator
Skin & Beauty, Women’s Health, Sleep Problems, and Pregnancy & Infertility
Response by PaulaWKY:
I don’t know Julia I don’t understand it either. You know my other job involves editing medical transcription. I had a 67 year old woman coming in today because her breast implants had ruptured (and yes she was 67). This woman had a reduction and then decided she didn’t like her breasts being that small so she got some implants put in. She wanted additional implants put in this time but the doctor absolutely did not want to do it for lots of reasons (mainly he was fearful of interrupting blood supply to the area because of the multiple surgeries). She ended up not getting more implants put in (and the result of having no implants where there once was implants) but can you imagine having breast surgery at that age because of your breast implants rupturing. I see it more often than you would think and I think if women only knew how often this happens they might think before getting breast augmentation done.
Until puberty I was an “A” cup so very small but I didn’t even think about having something like this done. So many girls in high school are getting these as graduation or birthday presents if you can believe that. Now I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum and while I wouldn’t mind having a reduction it still isn’t something I would consider at this point.
Signature
Paula W.
Community Moderator
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Parenting & Children’s Health, Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition Communities
Response by Margarita Tartakovsky, MS:
Hi Ladies,
What an interesting discussion! I genuinely enjoyed reading all your posts. Paula, I’m shocked at how often you see older women with complications! I’m guilty of watching all of those plastic surgery reality shows (mostly Dr. 90210) and you’d think getting a breast augmentation is like coming in for a facial—In and Out, with a bit of irritation.
Yes, plastic surgery is certainly a personal choice, but it’s one that should be made with much thought and education. But in a society where quick-fixes made very quickly (i.e. immediate gratification) is common, the education and thought part may be forgotten. Especially when it comes to young women. I don’t presume that everyone who has the surgery doesn’t do their homework. That’s definitely unfair and inaccurate, but it’s scary when teens - who are always on the look-out for the latest trend and change their minds a lot! - are opting for breast augmentation. A college friend of mine had the surgery at 18 along with her mom. I remember thinking that was sorta odd, but she was really happy with the results.
I wanted to share with you these two articles. One is on implants as the new graduation gift, which Paula just mentioned. And the other notes the rising number of teens having breast augmentation and the very real risks that can occur.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17932515/
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1861/context/archive
And what do you say to your 18 year old daughter who’s saved up the money on her own about having the surgery? I’m 25 so I have yet to cross that bridge smile But it’s tough. Nowadays it’s a vain society we live in (but hasn’t it always been?). Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion and pretty things, but teens and breast implants...I think when it deals with having surgery that’s not vital to your health and you’re soooo young, it just doesn’t make sense to.
Signature
Margarita Tartakovsky, MS
Response by Jennifer Cochran, BS:
PVD?! I love it (and must admit I may suffer from it from time to time! But I think we all do a teeny bit!!)
I have never ever ever considered breast enhancements for my humble little girls (32B), but was stressing out over trying to fill out a bridesmaid’s dress a few weeks ago. Even after it had been tailored, it STILL did not fit! I attempted to fill the empty space with some gym socks and it just didn’t look right. So, I went to Target to look for a super-duper-ly padded bra and instead, I found a terrific product in the lingerie department. Water push up pads.
http://www.target.com/Lingerie-Solutions-Water-Push-Up-Pads/dp/B000...
Reluctantly, I purchased them. I brought them home to find them just as good, if not better, than similar, but far more expensive, push up pads I’ve seen at department stores. For the first time in my life I had a bit of natural looking cleavage- and not to mention a fuller chest. And it only cost me $5.99!
In bit of a PVD-induced delirium, I went on to try my new breasts out with some of my ill-fitting tops that sit in the back of my closet because I fail to fill them out. Viola. A whole new wardrobe!
So ladies, whether you are considering alternatives to breast enhancements, or simply want to flaunt a bigger chest once in a while, try these water push up pads from Target!
Signature
Jennifer Cochran, BS
Response by SarahLiz:
Growing up, I was incredibly flat-chested, and I was proud of it. I was a long-distance runner and it was so nice because I never had to wear two sports bras, I never had to worry about being rubbed raw, I didn’t have excessive “#### sweat” (I bet Google searches are LOVING this thread, ladies!) and it was overall just great.
I gained about 30 (very very needed) pounds in college and my breasts were suddenly a C-cup. I was distraught. They got in the way ... they hurt when I run ... I had to buy NEW bras and new shirts and double-up the sports bras. I was miserable. I still don’t like them. They still get in the way. I’m just frustrated. I have friends who complain about their small breasts all the time and I offer mine up to them as a joke - but if it were painless, I’d share with no qualms!
My mom, however, hated her small breasts. She had a breast augmentation four years ago this month, and while she wouldn’t do it again (her words, not mine) she doesn’t regret it. It took a long time for her to heal (long-time-to-heal runs in our family apparently) and she was in so much pain afterwards that she was miserable. My aunts are all small-breasted and tease me about my naturally full breasts and it’s hard on me - even though they’re not actually _that_ large. I have trouble wearing v-neck shirts because they get in the way and I’m not comfortable. I’ve never considered reduction surgery, but I have been trying to lose some weight in hopes that they shrink again. It’s not quite working (it’s all coming off my non-existent rear-end instead)!
So, there are heaps and piles of women out there who are unhappy with their small breasts, but there are women like me out there unhappy with their “large” (to them, I know that a C-cup is small for the “average” woman) breasts as well. Gotta love having dysmorphic body images!
Signature
~ Sarah
WEGO Health Mental Health & Women’s Health Community Leader
Response by SarahLiz:
Growing up, I was incredibly flat-chested, and I was proud of it. I was a long-distance runner and it was so nice because I never had to wear two sports bras, I never had to worry about being rubbed raw, I didn’t have excessive “#### sweat” (I bet Google searches are LOVING this thread, ladies!) and it was overall just great.
I gained about 30 (very very needed) pounds in college and my breasts were suddenly a C-cup. I was distraught. They got in the way ... they hurt when I run ... I had to buy NEW bras and new shirts and double-up the sports bras. I was miserable. I still don’t like them. They still get in the way. I’m just frustrated. I have friends who complain about their small breasts all the time and I offer mine up to them as a joke - but if it were painless, I’d share with no qualms!
My mom, however, hated her small breasts. She had a breast augmentation four years ago this month, and while she wouldn’t do it again (her words, not mine) she doesn’t regret it. It took a long time for her to heal (long-time-to-heal runs in our family apparently) and she was in so much pain afterwards that she was miserable. My aunts are all small-breasted and tease me about my naturally full breasts and it’s hard on me - even though they’re not actually _that_ large. I have trouble wearing v-neck shirts because they get in the way and I’m not comfortable. I’ve never considered reduction surgery, but I have been trying to lose some weight in hopes that they shrink again. It’s not quite working (it’s all coming off my non-existent rear-end instead)!
So, there are heaps and piles of women out there who are unhappy with their small breasts, but there are women like me out there unhappy with their “large” (to them, I know that a C-cup is small for the “average” woman) breasts as well. Gotta love having dysmorphic body images!
Signature
~ Sarah
WEGO Helath Mental Health & Women’s Health Community Leader
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