Like I mentioned elsewhere on the boards, I had a breast reduction done last Thursday. Today I went in to have my stitches removed and took a bath for the first time in ten days. Today was also the first time I actually got a good look at my new breasts and the scars that would remain.

Let me tell you a little about me. I'm twenty years old, 5'4" and quite curved. I'm not thin by any stretch of the imagination and until July 26, I was a 40EE. Because of physical problems, I decided years ago to have a breast reduction done, but knew I was too young to fully comprehend the consequences of such a surgery so I chose to wait until I was twenty. Breast reduction leaves vivid scars that don't show, even in the most revealing clothes, but are definitely there.

I looked in the mirror today, at these new breasts--smaller and firmer--making my entire body look smaller, and I felt grateful. I don't have the perfect body, but until ten days ago, I had a body that made living a little difficult. Constant backaches and neck aches, grooves in my shoulders, a curved spine...all results of being heavy on top. People tell me that they wish they had my breasts and some go in for implants and I wish I had the words to change their mind.

You're beautiful, you know. Whatever size and shape you are, you are magnificent and anyone who tells you differently has a flawed perception. To be healthy, to be able to dance and move and enjoy life--that's the important bit. Recognize that and love your body because it's yours! I have scars that will last me a lifetime and yet I love this body of mine because it helps me live and love and celebrate my life. I don't need more.

Neither do you.

Love yourself.

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"Sometimes the hardest part of moving forward is never looking back."

Thank you, Rasee (and I'm glad you're feeling better! I had a friend in a similar situation who neglected to have a reduction when advised and ended up with numerous health problems, including carpal tunnel, that could have been avoided).

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Heather Corinna
Editor and Founder, Scarleteen

~Angel~

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Nobody knows what you know, nobody's seen what you've seen, nobody's lived what you've lived...so why let them judge you?
~Personal Quote~

You know, Hobbes, sometimes I think the surest sign of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.
~Calvin~