Breast Reduction or Tummy Tuck

It takes three years for your body to get back to normal after birth. Three years. You had three babies in three years. Give yourself some time (two more years) before doing something drastic like major surgery. If you continue to eat well and work out, and chase those babies around, you'll get back to a "normal" self. However, "normal" will be different too, since every time you give birth, your body does change.

If the breasts are causing back pain and irritation, then that is something I would consider, but if you can wait a bit, and see how your body bounces back they might get smaller too.

Good luck! And keep working on that self-confidence - that's a huge part of the battle.

W.

Hi C.,

Although I haven't had either of those procedures I felt compelled to offer you some answers for your husband. I've been in the healthcare industry for years and can tell you that in some women no amount of time at the gym is going to get that stomach flat again. Throughout pregnancy the fascia that holds your muscles and organs in stretches like a balloon. In some women the fascia retracts back, close to where it originally was. This is not the case for most moms. When you let the air out of a balloon it collapses, but never goes back to its original shape. Same thing here. To make it even worse, it's not uncommon for your stomach muscles to separate a little during pregnancy. This is also permanent in most women. Of course repeat pregnancies, especially when spaced close together, stretch everything out even more.

If you're uncomfortable with your body and feel you that surgery is the right choice for you, then do it. Be prepared for the long road to recovery. Neither of these procedures will have you up and moving immediately. Best of luck to you!

S. - Mom of 2 boys

Hi C.,

I'm a mother of 3. A 7 yr old boy, 5 yr old girl and 1 1/2 year old boy. Pre-children, I was always complimented on my body. Flat abs, muscular arms and legs. Well, after 3 children, things have changed quite a bit. I'm not as thin as I was. I'm tired from trying to keep up with the children, keep the house up, be a good wife and work a full time job. Exercising takes soooooo much energy that I just don't have.

I too considered surgery, but there are risks! I didn't want to risk my life to have a body that is socially acceptable. I finally came to the realization that my body is this way because I've decided to enjoy the family that my husband and I created. I will not over exhert myself trying to "be thin" again. I have to be happy with who I am now. This is my grown up body. I'm not 20 any more. I do believe it is important to be fit, but it is not required to be thin with flat abs. Your body is not why your husband married you and that is not why your children love and look up to you.

You do what makes you happy because thats what's important. When we believe that we look good, we feel better. Go shopping for clothes that fit the body that you have now (that was a major part for me), get your hair done, get a manicure, and enjoy your family. Sometimes little things help us to feel better about how we look.

3 small kids that close together...your body needs time to heal before you do something that drastic to it. A breast reduction is major surgery, but if they are causing your body distress, it might be worth it.
Make sure you look at the pros and cons before you decide.

Hope this helps!
Be Blessed!

I work in an industry where almost all of my clients have had something done, including myself. A tummy tuck is removing the loose skin, lipo is what removes fat. Exercise doesn't do much for skins elasticity so it's not a matter of you being "lazy". You should schedule a free consultation and have hubby go with you. If you are going to do both, do it at the same time, it will cost you less and you'll only have one recovery period. Recovery after a tummy tuck isn't pretty, so you'll definately need some help with the kiddos. Good Luck!

I hope it was just worded wrong, but if your DH actually had the nerve to say you weren't working hard enough, he deserves a kick in the ______ (Someplace very painful!). Having three babies in three years and then taking care of them full time at home is way more work than any man has a right to speak of!

The structure of a woman's tummy area and what happens to it when she carries a baby makes it virtually impossible to "exercise" back into pre-baby shape. A few women may have incredible good luck, but it is definitely no fault of yours if that miracle doesn't happen for you.

You may actually be working too hard. What do you do to take care of yourself? Do you have hobbies or activities that regularly take you out and away from that mommy role? You need to have an image of yourself as a real and unique individual to have that self-confidence that you are seeking. Hopefully your DH is just trying to talk you out of a procedure that terrifies him without admitting it, and he will be supportive and loving enough to make sure you get those opportunities! ;)

Hi C.
I can relate, well kind of. I dont have your large bust problem. So someone else can help you there. I have someones bad genes since my stomach is not great. My muscles are in as good of shape as possible with having 4 children and i work out. My skin is loose and would love to have a tummy tuck but i dont know if i can afford it.If i could I would probably do it. Good luck with your decisions..make sure you get the correct information and you are sure about what decision you make. Laurie D

My sister had a tummy tuck after having two kids. She looks incredible and feels even better. I think that most women, after being pregnant more than once, have loose skin that no matter how much you exercise it will never get tight again. I have 2 1/2 year old twins and baby #3 due in two weeks. In my twins club we like to refer to that loose stomach skin as "twin skin." I say if you can afford the surgery go for it. I don't consider that vain at all. Especially breast reduction because large breasts can cause back problems, etc. and that's all you need with three young kids to chase after. Just be sure to find a good surgeon. Good luck!

I have no experience with plastic surgery, but I can tell you that two years after having my baby, my body was smaller than it had been one year after. I would give yourself at least one more year before considering anything drastic.

Hi,
I've had a breast reduction and would LOVE to have a tummy tuck so I don't blame you for your feelings!
The breast reduction; IF and ONLY IF you are done having kids you should consider it! I say that because I had extremely large breasts as a teenager and had mine done not quite a year after my first daughter was born because that's when I had good ins. that I knew would cover it and was losing that ins. shortly after. I regret it because I had another child plus my weight has fluctuated over the years so they seem so low and saggy for my age, that makes me wish I had waited a bit until I was a little older and also I would have had more taken off, I was still young enough to let my husband's opinion weigh too much on what should have really been for me and what was best for my body. I would LOVE to get a breast lift and tummy tuck but it is wishful thinking... so I say if you can do it, go for it!!!

As far as a reduction I have no advice for you there since I have the exact opposite problem as you! But a tummy tuck.......with your youngest being only one, I'd say you need to give it a little more time. A tummy tuck would be pretty drastic. I'll tell you what I did to lose 30 pounds when I finally admitted that it was no longer "baby" fat I was carrying around. Some people don't believe it is all I do. I started eating real oatmeal almost every morning. The kind you cook, not the pre packaged sweet stuff. Put a low fat yogurt and some nuts or banana on it so it's not so boring! I also cut out soda. I usually had one or two a day. And WALK. Whenever you can. With 3 it might be hard but put them in a stroller and walk them everywhere you possibly can. It will slowly but surely start coming off and when you see it working it is that much easier to keep at it.
When you aren't with the kids walk up stairs instead of the elevator, walk into the bank instead of the drivethru etc.
Good luck!

If you have the money to do it and you feel it's truly draggig you down, a reduction/tummy tuck may be a good option for you, if you have not found success in exercising. Be sure you do your research when selecting a good doctor though, there are horror stories out there of what ill-educated or otherwise poor surgeons have done to women, a family friend is one example. She went to have a breast reduction done, and they essentially butchered her breasts! Make sure you get referrals, check out examples of their work (before and after pics), and check out their policies. This can all be a dirty job, but for your sake and safety, be sure you dig up all the dirt on your surgeon before you choose to go ahead with it.

C.,

You may not want to hear this, but be happy with your body the way it is. Surgery will not give you confidence, you have to find it from inside. A breast reduction is fine if you have other medical problems such as headaches, neck aches or upper back aches from the weight of your breasts.

Hopefully your hubby loves you the way you are. You need to as well. Don't waste your money on surgery. You would be better off talking to a counselor and working on your self esteem. You are a beautiful gift from God and don't need to change a thing. Believe me.

L. :)

Since you're into eating healthy, etc. you may have heard about colonics. Basically it's a continuous enema. I bet this would help with the tummy issue. I have some friends who bought a colonic board that they use at home. I have no idea what it looks like, but they say the cost evens out by the time you've gone and had it done by professionals. They are rather young, late 20's, and they still have an icky black tar-like substance coming out and have lost up to 20 lbs. the first time they did it. Pretty amazing. If I were in your shoes, I'd check into that before surgery---yikes!

Oh girl, I can so relate. I DID have twins and for a few years there we were totally saving $$$ for those surgeries. My belly was pouchy, and the skin is just weird nasty texture and there is no amount of exercise that will change that. There is extra, loose skin, no doubt. My hubby said the same thing..."if you want the boobs, that's fine, but the belly???? Maybe just try to work out harder before we do that". I was furious at the time, but I did try and it totally worked. I lost the belly. Now, having said that the nasty skin and texture changes are there to stay no matter how skinny ya get (I'll never where another bikini). I would at least try the personal trainer route before undergoing the knife. There really are lots of risks with those kinds of surgeries, I had a friend who almost died from a boob job. Now that I have worked at it and feel decent (not great but decent) about my body the other imperfections kinda faded and I never did get the boobs done. I just adjusted the picture of the perfect body inside my head to a good enough body. Good luck, believe me girl, you're not alone!.

Everyone wants to look and feel their best, so don't feel bad about that. I'm just curious why so many women are surprised when their post-baby bodies aren't the same as their pre-baby bodies were. Time, gravity, nursing and stretching your uterus and skin can only have an adverse effect, so no one should be surprised about that. I actually have a friend who chose NOT to have children because of what the experience would do to her body. I know you would agree that your beautiful children were worth any physical changes you went through. And I have news...the changes will continue over your lifetime no matter what you do, so prepare yourself for that now.

Your mind is your enemy here, not your body. You feel physical perfection is necessary and NO ONE has perfection. Those women in the magazines are air brushed -- every single one of them. Eat healthy, get regular exercise, consult with a personal trainer and nutritionist and love, accept and celebrate your body. Your girls are watching you and learning from you. What do you want to teach them?

Best to you!!

Hi C. -

First I think you should do what will make you happy. There are risks in everything we do, so I would find references for plastic surgeons and get backround information. If this is truly something you want then do it... I as well, eat right, excercise but it is hard to tighten stretched skin, I don't feel or think any amount of excercise can change that, it needs to be nipped. Just be careful and do your homework, you will know what is right...

And you are NOT vain..

J.

I have had a Breast Reduction due to back pain and I do love it. I can find blouses that actually fit and never have to worry about it coming apart without me knowing it. But I have to warn you, Once you have your reduction if you have anything of a belly it will appear to become bigger.
Make sure you get a good plastic surgeon also. I wouldn't change the fact that I got a reduction, I LOVE IT!

I had a breast reduction when my youngest was about 18 months (They are now 8, 6, and 3 1/2). I had considered it long ago but really wanted to breast feed. It's one of the best things I have ever done!!!! My only regret is that I didn't go smaller :0). Depending on the bra, I was a 34FFF prior to the surgery and am now about a 34D/36C. It gave me a whole new lease on life...I hadn't run since high school gym required it (20+ years ago) and have done 3 sprint triathlons since the reduction. I plan to do 1 or 2 more this summer. Get referrals for a good doctor and good luck!!

First of all, you are no more vain than anyone else - we all want to be beautiful and we all want to feel confident in ourselves. Sadly, people in our culture treat people who are not the picture-perfect woman like lepers. I speak from experience, having once had a beautiful body and now not so much. :)

I think your husband is actually being supportive in his own way - although of course I don't know the particulars. Think of it as him telling you that he loves your body without surgery - how you are naturally. Then again, if he's telling you that you need to work out because you're fat - then go ahead and kick him once in his sleep for me!

Rather than go through surgery, I recommend a personal trainer who can help you tighten both areas - working out on my own didn't work for me, but having a personal trainer really did. I highly recommend Kathie Roth at Bravo Fitness in Shoreview. I have worked with Kathie extensively and I can tell you that she is phenomenal. Bravo Fitness is a private studio, so you are working out with just Kathie - generally no one else is there at the same time you are. Their website is: http://www.bravofitness.com/ or you can call them at ###-###-####. (No, I don't work for them, I just really have loved my experiences there!) By working your chest muscles extensively, you can actually lose up to 2 cup sizes.

I also highly recommend watching the show, "How to Look Good Naked" on Friday nights. It is an uplifting experience for me every Friday.

I wish you a lot of luck!

I feel your pain :o) I was able to lose 60 lbs by going low carb after I was done having babies. The first thing to go when you go low carb is your belly because it's mostly water weight and retention. You'll be amazed that within 2 weeks your stomach will be much flatter.
I would wait on the tummy tuck for a few years. I was really into it at first but then realized that most of everything got pretty close to normal again with time and now I don't need the surgery. If you had to do something then I would do the breast reduction if it's really bothering you.
Otherwise just save the money and accept that most everyone else is in the same boat and get yourself some good undergarments :o)
Good luck,
J.
Mom to 4 and soon one more through another adoption.

Hi C.,
It's been so interesting reading all of the responses to your request. I know I'm not alone! I haven't done anything, but think about it. I've actually looked into SmartLipo which is a new liposuction that they laser the fat (liquify it) and then suck it out. It is a small incision, done under local anethesia so you are awake. Down time is much less than regular liposuction, results are smoother because the fat is liquified first, and the laser is supposed to stimulate collagen to help tighten the skin. It all looks good on paper, but I don't know anyone who has done it. Also, it will not do anything for the abdominal muscles which does contribute to the problem. I'd just be happy to get rid of the extra skin.

I've decided that I'll just have to live with my "mommy tummy" and my husband is the only one who needs to see it anyway.
Good luck with your decision.
K.

Your story sounds like mine. 3 kids in two and a half years. I don't know where you are at but i just checked on one in the rock hill, sc area ( below charlotte, nc) it it will cost me $5800.00. That is for everything. He does it in his office, website is crcplasticsurgery.com . I went for the consult and i really liked him. His wife works int he office as well and she had one done years ago and doesn't mind showing it off and talking with you about it. Also he is board certified and has been doing it for over 20 yrs. Very nice place! Also with all that, he will stitch those muscle up and make them stronger (whatever that is that they do:) )
go fo for it. I feel very guilty because i could use this towards a college ed, but i am sick of being miserable with the way i look and i really think it will make a difference with my marriage. I'm hung up on the weight issue! Good luck!

Hi C.-
I'm a mom of twins- and felt the same way. I didn't need a tummy tuck- I called it my kangaroo pouch.
I can't solicit on this site- but my friends approached me and got me to to finally look at this after giving up on it after 2 years- only 17 lbs above my ideal weight but oh my shape!!- YUCK. I'm in my late 40's now and in a bikini thanks to them. If you want more info, email me at ____@____.com only thing that made me open my eyes was my friend- a guy- was going to have liposuction for his mid- section too and didnt' need to- so I listened, tried, and am glad I did. Look at all your options before undergoing surgery- I am also a med. professional and work in the OR. There are risks.
B. Jarmoluk

As of May 2nd I will have had three children (3 pregnancies) since June of 2004. All of them are c sections and it does things to your body that no woman should have to go through. Because mine were born by c section there is a large amount of scar tissue that will not go away with a personal trainer, diet, or other fad way to lose weight. I have gone up and down 14 sizes since 2004, starting out as a 0/1 and being a 12/14 and slowly making my way back to a 5, which I have decided is the lowest that my body will allow me to go. I am also thinking of a tummy tuck and totally support your decision. While personal trainers and diet work for some people, they don't work for all so I don't want you to feel as if you are alone in this matter. Mentally 3 kids in 3 years will do so much to your self esteem and self worth, it's hard to deal with if you haven't been there/done that. I also plan on saving up for a tummy tuck, not to be skinny, but to get rid of the scar tissue that has left a cliff my stomach. My husband also says the same thing that yours does, and I tell him that this is not his decision, not his body, and that I expect him to support me in my choices. This is something, again, that cannot be understood by someone on the "outside" of the situation. I think that as long as you do a LARGE amount of research, find a doctor that you consult with several times before the surgery, get refferals, possibly undergo some counseling to make sure that this is the right decision for you, and trust your instincts I think you should go for it. Maybe because we're in the same boat I can understnad how badly you want this, just don't rush into it and I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you, not for other people.

I have not have any surgery, but understand how you feel! Your body totally changes after 2 or more kids. Plus yours are very close together, so your body never really got a chance to snap back to where it was.

If you can afford to do these things and it will make you feel better about yourself, I say go for it! My only suggestion is that you take 6 months and try to really work on your body through a gym, a stable diet plan and any other physical activity you used to do. It takes time for your body to recoup, and you need to give yourself that time.

Also, get LOTS of referrals on plastic surgeons as there are many who are not that good!

Good luck!

I don't think you are vain, but I would wait a while before doing something so major. One year is very little time to give your body to recover from 3 pregnancies in a short time period. It took me a few years, but I am in better shape now than I was before my two kids. The answer for me is lifting weights. It probably doesn't work for everyone, but it might be worth a try before major surgery and its risks. I would think the recovery would be difficult with 3 little ones to take care of. Most health clubs offer childcare for free or a significantly reduced rate. Good luck with whatever you decide.

hi i had both done i had my breast reduction done 3 years ago dr kinney did it he was great and i had my tummy tuck done last year and i am happy with it dr p kumar did my tummy tuck i have 4 kids so i know what you are talking about you can email me if you want any more info my email is ____@____.com

I had a breast reduction when I was a senior in highschool and would do it again in a heart beat. It was tough and painful for a while but I would still do it again. I feel the same way as you regarding the tt. I really want to have one. I have three kids under 5 and feel like my tummy looks like kneaded bread dough! It's horrible! At first I was worried I was being vain but now I know I need to take care of myself too and feel good about the way I look. I'm not doing it to wear a two piece or anything! I would do it to feel better about myself. I know someone that had it done though and suggested waiting until the kids are older. She said it's a very grueling process that's painful and takes a long time to recover. Some people say up to six weeks! It is also pretty expensive. I think I will revisit the tt thing when my kids are all in school. Although I'd like to do it next weekend! ;) I don't think you are taking the easy way out! Having three babies that quickly does a lot to your body! Luckily the children are so worth it!! Good luck!

I only feel some of your pain. I am not blessed in the breast department, and have contemplated a breast augmentation for years. I have 4 children, with #5 due in Ocotber. I had a lap band procedure done about 2 1/2 years ago and have lose 125 pounds. I DEFINATELY will be having the tummy tuck once I'm done having babies. I have consulted very deeply with my primary doctor and she agrees that my babies have really done a number on my abdominal muscles. She said I would never gain that back without some surgical intervention. Also, since the weight loss, my belly just hangs. I won't ever get all that loose skin back to what it was. So...I say go for the reduction, if your breasts are causing problems, but as far as the tummy tuck, maybe give it a little more time and be certain you're done having babies. Surgeons don't even want to see you if you are considering more children. You'd just ruin all that work. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide, do it for you, and not for anyone else.

D.
Westfield, WI
Mother of 4 with #5 due October, 2008

I have not had either, you do what you want to make yourself feel better about you! I also have three children 6,3 and 2 (c-section) and I have the same problems "someday I will get my tummy tuck".
Are you vain "no". You do care about the way you look and feel "yes" and I think that is great. If people think its the easy way out well...... let them! Just remeber its for you not them ;).

Everybody I know that has had a breast reduction absolutaly loved the results. I have no idea about tummy tucks although I think about them sometimes myself :) keep us posted on your choice and after thoughts!

If there is any possibility that you might have more children & will want to breastfeed, you should hold off on your breast reduction unless they are causing overwhelming medical problems. A reduction may very well affect your ability to breastfeed later.

I had my breast reduction in August of 2004, and I am so glad I did it! Never regretted it - it was one of the best things I ever did. I went from a G cup down to a C, a total of 6 pounds off my chest. The difference is amazing!

Sometimes weight loss and working with a personal trainer can help you lose a cup size. A good plastic surgeon can tell you which category you fall into. If you were large chested before the kids, there's a good chance that weight loss isn't going to your best route - but then again, talk to a good surgeon. If you're even thinking about this, do TONS of research first (I probably looked at more breasts online than most men!) Its a huge decision, and not one to be taken lightly.

Good luck - if you have any questions about reduction mamoplasty, let me know and I'll help any way I can.

C.,
I would definitely consider whether or not you are having any shoulder or back pain first for the reduction, often insurance will pay for it depending on your size. I had one done a year ago and am so glad I did. I had been a perfect B until I had kids and went to a FF. I was in so much pain. Now I am in physical therapy to straighten out the mess.
I do have to tell you though, the surgeon told me I would be feeling myself again in a few days and my hubby only needed to stay home maybe a day or so. NOT TRUE!! I was in PAIN and I have a very high pain tolerance. The bruises on my breasts were there for almost 3 months.

As far as the tummy tuck goes- I have watched several other mulitples mommies have them due to the apron fold that tends to occur after twins or more and they went through a lot. It is no simple surgery. It is painful and a very long road to healing.
I can tell you that my tummy tuck was estimated to run $16,000 and I was told it was a mild one if I wanted to have it done. My breasts were $6,000. I am in the LaCrose Wisconsin area and had Dr. Lynn Martin do the redux. He is great.
Your mental attitude though about your body can have a serious effect on your success in recovering your body. Please work out a little longer, get a personal trainer first-they are infinitely cheaper than the surgeries!
Best of Luck.
J. K