Traci's chest size robbed her of her self-confidence, so she decided to go under the knife and get her body back.
Traci's Story
"I remember trying to buy button-down shirts as a teenager, but not being able to because of my chest size."
I am five feet tall, so there's not a lot of room for even distribution on my body. I was fully developed by the age of 17. When I got to college and became more physically active, I started feeling like my chest size was a problem. Not only did I have trouble finding clothes that fit me, exercising was very uncomfortable.
If I wanted to go running, I'd have to wear two sports bras. But the running and even a lot of walking would give me back pain. It was so uncomfortable to do anything physically active, and I felt unbalanced.
"I wasn't comfortable using them to my advantage."
Having a big chest is supposed to be this great thing in Los Angeles. For me, it was more of a hindrance that made me very self'conscious, especially in college. I definitely went through that college party experience where I'd meet a guy and have to remind him, "Hi, I'm up here."
I didn't think people would take me seriously because of the size of my chest. I thought that was the only reason a guy would like me. I didn't think a guy would find me pretty or smart, because he wouldn't be able to see past the big boobs. Because I was already insecure, all of this made me even more self-conscious. It made me doubt other aspects of myself.
"My gynecologist suggested breast reduction surgery."
I had always considered breast reduction as an option, but never gave it real, serious thought. My gynecologist noticed how uncomfortable I was and recommended a great surgeon. I approached my parents with the idea, and we decided it was a great time to go for it. I had just graduated from college, was in a flexible job and was still covered by my dad's medical insurance. Because of the back pain I had suffered, my surgery was determined to be medical and not cosmetic, so the insurance company covered 90 percent of it.
"If you're interested in the surgery, find a doctor that is highly recommended by someone you trust."
It's so imperative to get a doctor that will do a good job to minimize scarring. You can't even see my scars anymore, and it's been less than two years. That has been so crucial to me because I didn't want to look like I had been cut or damaged, and I don't. I think it's so important to make sure to look at pictures of the doctors' other surgeries, consult with people, and make sure this is an investment you want to make.
"From the second day after surgery, my body looked completely different."
Because it was my first surgery, I was a little freaked out, but it was worth it. It was so amazing how quickly I saw results. I looked like I had lost weight, I could stand with better posture, and I was more comfortable. The surgery propelled me to lose more weight. I also felt more confident about myself across the board, whether it came to dealing with my family or guys, or going on job interviews. It really changed how I felt about myself and how I carried myself. It changed everything.
