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I am pleased the debate about tuberous breasts rages on. It is not a simple problem for a woman to handle, that much is clear. Talking about the issue can be very helpful.

As a plastic surgery writer who knows about tuberous breasts, has seen many examples and has heard women talk about their anguish, I am thrilled when someone chooses surgery and feels so much better about her looks. At least one woman has written in to share her experience before and after surgery and it's impossible not to be overjoyed on her behalf.

I'm also delighted when a woman speaks up to say she is content with her tuberous breasts and doesn't feel the need to change them. Women like these have simply and firmly opted out of going along with what the media tells us is desirable--they inspire my admiration. They state their case in a calm, logical manner, and it's easy to feel very happy for them too.

What I've noticed is that there seems to be a group of women in between. These are the people like the woman I referenced in the original posting--those who feel so horrible about their situation and their choices that no option is right.

The in-betweeners who lean toward surgery rant and rave and sigh and moan about how they don't "believe in plastic surgery" but feel compelled against their will to go under the knife. The other group of in-betweeners are those who are adamant that they and their partners like their breasts just fine, and that nothing is wrong. They protest loudly about societal norms and the media and condemn plastic surgery for tuberous breasts--and those who choose it.

Debate is good. Sharing personal views and experiences is wonderful. What's not helpful is telling another woman definitively what she should do and why. If she's leaning toward a different answer, whatever her reasoning may be, your input makes her "wrong."

Please allow me to reiterate one thing. If you have tuberous breasts, make the decision about them that's right for you. Do your best to throw all preconceived notions out the window, about what's "normal" and about what's "right." Talk to other women. Go to counseling. Search your soul. Settle on the course you just know makes the most sense for you. If you can make peace with your tuberous breasts and don't think about them much, that's truly wonderful. If you understand why others opt for surgery but don't want to do that yourself--terrific.

But for those of you who rant about the evils of plastic surgery, whether you're headed for the knife but wish you didn't feel the need, or whether you're loudly proclaming the evils of surgery and stating that no one should do it, well, please forgive me for suggesting you might give it a rest.

Is the implied "wrongness" of your physique unfair? Yes, it sure is. It's unfortunate how societal celebration of certain norms causes many who look different to feel bad. You can argue all you want that without the media, plastic surgery would not be so popular. How true! But there's no changing what's happening in society today. You can only make decisions for yourself.

If you are a woman with tuberous breasts and, when you're really being honest with yourself, you long for rounder, more average looking breasts, give surgery a fair shake. Plastic surgery is not evil, and you don't have to feel like you're selling out or making an extreme move if you choose it. After all, you would not be altering your body in an attempt to look like someone else, or snag a boyfriend or a Hollywood contract. Your wish to change part of you that deviates from the norm is reasonable, especially your breasts. After all, they're kind of important!

If you secretly wish for surgery, find a couple of board certified plastic surgeons with experience with tuberous breasts, and let their marketing materials tell you they might be a good fit for you. Attend at least two consultations, then make your decision. If you choose surgery, schedule it, follow your doctor's orders and get on with your life.

Whatever you do, don't rant and rave about how things should be different and tell others what to think. There's no peace in that path.

July 17, 2010 - 11:25am

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