Breast Implants

[dirtywhiteboi]

I was reading an article this morning on breast implants.
Then I logged into this site to skim the post while I have my morning coffee at work. And I realized that I dont recall ever seeing or knowing a lesbian who has had them. And I'm talking strictly lesbian, not bi. There has to be some I'm sure, but it just seems compared to straight/bi women, the number is quite low.

The woman who wrote the article was more or less juxtaposing
feminists who have fought for abortion rights (women should have the right to control their own bodies), with these same feminists who fought to get implants off the market.
The journalists closes the article with this: "Feminists always wanted women to control their own bodies. Doesn't this count?"
Perhaps being gay I can clearly see the idiocy of this statement.
Because one would think if women were getting impants for themselveles (control over their own bodies)the rate of implants in the lesbian community would statistically be similar to that of straight/bi women. Which I seriously believe it is not. I think as gay women we know who the implants are largely for.

I'm wondering in the butch/femme community what exactly do we think of implants? Are they necessary? How do we feel about women who have them? and so on....?

[Thinker]

Great post, dwb........good stuff to think about.

I was involved with a woman, strictly gay, who had implants. She initially went in to consult for a lift. The closer she got to surgery, she opted to have the doctor give her an enlargement (mild one, nothing drastic), as well.

I don't know if I would go so far as to say that enlargements are "necessary", but I can imagine that they *feel* necessary to a lot of women.....body image and confidence stuff. I guess it's not any different than me wanting to have a different chest than what I have. For me, it's about body image stuff as opposed to transitioning to male. So...same feelings, different direction??? Maybe?

I don't have a problem with women, femme or otherwise, who have the surgery. It's her body and not for me to judge.

I've actually been known to appreciate, GREATLY appreciate, the finished product! :P

Thinker

[Words]

I don't think it's right to assume that all the womyn who want larger breasts want them because of a desire to be more appealing to others. I once wanted larger breasts, one reason being that I thought it would be rather nice FOR ME to have more to play with when masturbating/making love (that was not, I hasten to add, the ONLY reason; there were several others, one of which had to do with the 'down'side - no pun intended - of breastfeeding).

My point is, I'm sure that although there ARE many womyn who opt to go for larger breasts in order to be more attractive to others, there are always - as with everything - exceptions.

Words

[Awetum]

I think that having control over our bodies means, as a society, letting go of the "why's." YES, we want women (everyone even) to love the bodies they were born in. We can want that all day long. But it's no more anyone's business why a woman wants breast implants than it is to know why a woman wants an abortion. I do understand the points you raise about the why's, and I think they're valid. But I think they are separate from the discussion of body control. In fact, where you say, "perhaps being gay, I can clearly see the idiocy of this statement" I would go just the opposite and agree with the journalist (at least insofaras what you have described).

I just don't think it's as simple as saying that if a woman wants to make a choice about her body that is in pursuit of pleasing a man, than it's an invalid choice.

[IndigoGirl]

Great thread!!! I don't know any lesbians with implants. I have heard a few straight women say they had the procedure for themselves so I don't think the majority of straight woman are getting the to please a man. But then again you never know.

The fashion industry dictates what is "trendy" and I just read an article on how big fake breasts are out of style (ie: Pamela Anderson's breasts) and natural is back. That is a great message for the younger girls that struggle with body issues.

I am debating whether of not to get them...definately contemplating a lift though. I am a size 36C now and can't really picture myself larger. I am not doing it for anyone but myself...self image issue.

I promised this to myself as a birthday present just which birthday I don't know lol.

[JetBoy]

I know quite a few lesbians and a even a couple of dykes with implants. A couple are actress' who felt it would increase their job potential - it has. The others mostly have them to feel better about themselves - they do. Some are obvious implants others not so obvious. If they offer the "why's", I'll listen, otherwise I just kinda look and admire them.

[Words]

Originally posted by JetBoy
I know quite a few lesbians and a even a couple of dykes with implants. A couple are actress' who felt it would increase their job potential - it has. The others mostly have them to feel better about themselves - they do. Some are obvious implants others not so obvious. If they offer the "why's", I'll listen, otherwise I just kinda look and admire them.

Sorry, this is a bit off topic, but I'm genuinely curious; aren't all lesbians technically dykes, and if not, what exactly is a dyke?

Words

[Words]

This is funny...

Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the
letters used to define bra sizes?

If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the
letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!

A} Almost Boobs...

B} Barely there.

C} Can't Complain!

D} Dang!

DD} Double dang!

E} Enormous!

F} Fake.

G} Get a Reduction!

H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!


Words

[ThinkPynk]

Originally posted by Words
This is funny...

Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the
letters used to define bra sizes?

If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the
letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!

A} Almost Boobs...

B} Barely there.

C} Can't Complain!

D} Dang!

DD} Double dang!

E} Enormous!

F} Fake.

G} Get a Reduction!

H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!


Words

Thats cute :)


I have thought about implants... Im totally les... if I decided to do it,

I would be doing it 75% for myslef 25% for studs

* I thought Les and dyke was the same thing. I consider myself both

[Alisha_Love]

Well, I beg to differ on this one statement "I think as gay women who know who the implants are largely for.." Its not always for men love, there are a TON of butches that desire and request for their femmes to get implants, trust me, I know more than a few of them. I know butches that are mainly attracted to chicks w/ implants..its all about preferences..

I never felt the need to get them because Ive always been really large breasted..even if I wasnt, I wouldnt get it because I was brought up to believe and still believe it 100% that I am beautiful as I come...why tamper with the way God made me?

Now, I dont knock anyone for getting them. If you feel better about yourself by getting implants, then more power to you. I admire anyone who wants to get to a place where they feel content and proud of the skin their in, whatever it takes for you to get to that place, do it..

I think its a personal choice as to what each individual woman wants to do with her body. She has to live in it, and noone else. Who am I to tell her she'd be wrong by getting implants?

I dont knock anyone's hustle. I live life for me, and only hope that everyone else does the same.

Alisha

[Bejart]

Wow - there is just so much to be said here. One thing for sure, with my own exposure to trans issues these past few years, I have re-thought my own prejudices around implants.

I think women are particularly at risk for body image issues in a culture so obsessed with external presentation - and measuring up to a perfection ideal. And I don't think it's easy to separate what is inherently motivated by our insides and what is motivated by our exposure to external forces.

So the thing that really bothers me about breast implants is the health risks that women face. And certainly, that a male-dominated profession is getting a ton of cash for putting women at risk doesn't make me so happy. I know some of my trans friends have had to go through the ringer to get surgeries - notes from psychiatrists, etc. Well, I kind of wish there was some sort of process for women considering culturally acceptable forms of body alteration. But of course, I'm thinking I want that to be in some sort of way that takes into account the "whole" person - a kind of utopian process I guess.

So long story, but I think yea - women should have complete control over their bodies. And if a woman decides that implants are right for her - then great! And if that woman is a friend of mine, I will certainly ask her questions about health risk and so on. And no, I don't just think it's for the pleasure of men. We're just too complex for that.

all for now
bejart

[PhoxxyLady]

Well, it's their body, and if they are uncomfortable with it as it is... they should be able to make the decision to modify it. Now, hypocricy aside, I believe that one's natural body is beautiful and something to be celebrated rather than altered. Society can be very harsh, especially when men are pulling most of the strings; many believe that women are here solely for them... It's unfortunate that many women are taught that they aren't pretty enough just because their body is unique.

I remember having to constantly tell my ex that she was beautiful (I did so as it was, but she would often insist that she wasn't pretty). Why? Because she wasn't the thinnest girl, nor was her face the prettiest or her hair the softest, but her spirit overshadowed those less-than perfect traits. I thought she was beautiful in her entirety, but I suppose she often times couldn't see that because of how her family treated her... It's a shame that this negativity leads to things such as breast augmentation, which is a hinderance of the natural beauty a woman possesses IMO.

Although it's not likely that I will even reach a B cup in the course of my transition, I am content with the A cup I have now. I am not bothered by the standard of beauty set before many of us, because it is not something worth being bothered by. Everyone is beautiful in their own unique way, and it's a damn shame that many of us still cannot see that in ourselves... I'm happy to finally be able to see that in myself, the community here has helped me in that revelation; I only wonder how much better our world would be if it were as simple as my visiting a message board for a couple of hours every week...

[Woodie69]

Personally, I can see breast implants for someone who has had cancer surgery or who was severely burned. I also can see a woman who is totally flat chested wanting to improve her self-esteem by having implants. However, I just see way too many health risks involved. Look at my screwed up top surgery by a well known "alledged" trans friendly plastic surgeon. It is all about greed when it comes to cosmetic/plastic surgery in my opinion. I donated all of my breast tissue and skin to the burn center in Baltimore. The plastic surgeon told me that breast tissue and skin works wonders on small infants and children who have severe burns. It is also used on private parts of men and women who are burned (like firemen and women).

Body dysphoria and the trans issues always come to the top of my mind when I read about breast surgeries (implants, reductions, ftm/mtf). It just seems to go hand in hand. I am not too sure of why, but I just do. I don't think it is just a straight issue either. I think this really covers most folks. Everyone has an opinion about their body.

Most insurance carriers won't cover the bill for cosmetic surgery, so expect to pay cash for the surgery. If your insurance carrier will cover the cost of the surgery, I am happy for you. I am not in a mood to start a pissing contest over what insurance carriers will pay for what. It is worth a try if you think your plastic surgeon will take insurance payments vs. cold hard cash.

In the end, after all the surgery is just that surgery...I think how you sleep at night would determine if someone has it or not. It isn't for me to say. Everyone has to live with their own personal decisions because it is their body. But, I have to agree with Thinker...I do enjoy the results.;) (y)

[OdddGyrl]

Personally, I don't like the idea of breast implants.
I wouldn't do it personally.

However, many women desire to have large breasts and so it goes.
Its a personal choice.

As a youngster, I just wore padded bras. Now that I'm more butchy, I just go with a guy's athletic shirt under my clothes and leave it at that.

Fuck it.

;)

[dykeinabox]

It is all about greed when it comes to cosmetic/plastic surgery in my opinion.



While I'm glad you state this as your opinion, but I have to disagree. One of my very best close friends is a cosmetic surgeon. I've had great discussions with him about why he got into plastics. I've also had conversations with the other doctor in his practice. Both of them got into plastics because of children. Both have done extensive travel abroad and throughout the country working with children, burn victims, cancer survivors, etc. They are able to do a lot of that work for very little cost, often gratis, because of their other work with more "mundane" procedures like lifts, tucks, etc. So, no, it isn't all about greed.

To the initial poster... yes, I know several queer women with implants. I know several queer women who would have implants in a heartbeat if they could afford it. I know several queer women who have had reductions, lifts, you name it.

[FemmeBabyGrrl]

Wow - there is just so much to be said here. One thing for sure, with my own exposure to trans issues these past few years, I have re-thought my own prejudices around implants.

I think women are particularly at risk for body image issues in a culture so obsessed with external presentation - and measuring up to a perfection ideal. And I don't think it's easy to separate what is inherently motivated by our insides and what is motivated by our exposure to external forces.

So the thing that really bothers me about breast implants is the health risks that women face. And certainly, that a male-dominated profession is getting a ton of cash for putting women at risk doesn't make me so happy. I know some of my trans friends have had to go through the ringer to get surgeries - notes from psychiatrists, etc. Well, I kind of wish there was some sort of process for women considering culturally acceptable forms of body alteration. But of course, I'm thinking I want that to be in some sort of way that takes into account the "whole" person - a kind of utopian process I guess.

So long story, but I think yea - women should have complete control over their bodies. And if a woman decides that implants are right for her - then great! And if that woman is a friend of mine, I will certainly ask her questions about health risk and so on. And no, I don't just think it's for the pleasure of men. We're just too complex for that.

all for now
bejart

Thank you for your post, I couldn't have said it better myself.
No topic is ever really black & white.

For me on the one hand women should be allowed to do whatever they want with their bodies. And on the other hand I'm just hoping that a woman who is getting implants or any other surgery isn't doing it so that she thinks society or men or butches or whomever else will accept her more.

And with that said. I hope to one day get a breast reduction. Big boobs can be such a bother.

[firegal]

[QUOTE=Woodie69;2124848]Personally, I can see breast implants for someone who has had cancer surgery or who was severely burned. I also can see a woman who is totally flat chested wanting to improve her self-esteem by having implants. However, I just see way too many health risks involved. Look at my screwed up top surgery by a well known "alledged" trans friendly plastic surgeon. It is all about greed when it comes to cosmetic/plastic surgery in my opinion. I donated all of my breast tissue and skin to the burn center in Baltimore. The plastic surgeon told me that breast tissue and skin works wonders on small infants and children who have severe burns. It is also used on private parts of men and women who are burned (like firemen and women).


Hey woodie

I want to point out something, you used the term "fireman" well i have been a" firefighter "for over 20 yrs. I use the moniker "firegal" here because of all the years that certain firefighters would be purposefull, as they said "FIREMAN" they even were forcefull in speech as they said it.It was a way for them to make sure i knew how they felt about women in the fire dept.

Hence i always hear it when someone else uses what is to my ears....definately the wrong terminology. I am responding to this so hopefully you and others will be enlightened and think of this post as a learning experience.

again this isnt a bitch....just want to inform anyone who is willing to listen...

Thank you Terry

[WyldeGirl03]

I know this is completely off topic...But did ya'll know that they are bringin Silicon implants back?...I think thats CRAZY!!..

[Words]

Okay, further to my other post (this is very personal, but I thought I'd put it out there just in case there's anyone who's considering breast implants but is worried about the health risks)...

I've never been big-breasted, and like many other womyn, have always wished that I was a little larger - or, to be more accurate - fuller up top, not, however, to the point of considering breast implants. A year or so ago I happened across a piece about natural breast enlargement pills (Breast Gain Plus) and, after quite a bit of backward and forwarding, decided to order a four-month supply. I started off at 91 cm, and am now 98 cm and a full cup size larger. The pill suppliers maintain that the breasts remain the same size even when the pills are discontinued, which, so far, appears to be true.

As to how I feel now, I don't believe that my breasts actually look that much different though there are several people, TBB included, who would disagree with me on that, but they feel different, much fuller, and much more sensitive and I'm extremely happy with them, not because they now get more attention than before, but because they feel full and perky and not empty like they used to before (partly, I would imagine, as a result of breast feeding for an extended period). An added benefit of the pills is that some of the ingredients are also used for the symptoms associated with menopause - hot flashes in particular - and whereas a year ago I was indeed having the odd hot flash, that's not the case today. I couldn't swear it's the pills, but I'm pretty confident that it is.

Anyway, given that breast implants can cost a fortune and that there are definitely health riskes involved with having them, I'd say that natural breast enlargement pills are a viable and relatively inexpensive option (a four-month course, which, as I said, added an extra 7 cm - around 3" - cost me somewhere in the region of $200).

Words

[kumiko]

I remember having to constantly tell my ex that she was beautiful (I did so as it was, but she would often insist that she wasn't pretty). Why? Because she wasn't the thinnest girl, nor was her face the prettiest or her hair the softest, but her spirit overshadowed those less-than perfect traits.

I'm not trying to pick on you but I think that the fact that you described the traits that she disliked about herself as less than perfect might be part of the problem. I'm not saying that you were the problem, rather I'm saying that society's skewed view of beauty is so widespread that I doubt you saw anything wrong about what you wrote. I'm not the thinnest girl, I'm sure there are people out there with "prettier" features than my own, and I don't have the softest hair but I don't see these as imperfections. Just differences.

If everyone one held themselves up to the list of what you perceive to be imperfections the world would be a pretty awful place. Anyone not super skinny would be seen as imperfect because of that. Black people and our kinky hair could never hope to be seen as beautiful. And so on. Do you see what I'm getting at? Whether or not you saw your ex as beautiful the fact that you saw her differences as imperfections is not okay. You said yourself that everyone is beautiful in their own way... why can't everyone be perfect in their own way too?

Anyhoo, sorry for derailing the thread everyone. And Phoxxy, I hope you don't think I was trying to offend you.

~miko(f)

[PhoxxyLady]

I'm not trying to pick on you but I think that the fact that you described the traits that she disliked about herself as less than perfect might be part of the problem. I'm not saying that you were the problem, rather I'm saying that society's skewed view of beauty is so widespread that I doubt you saw anything wrong about what you wrote. I'm not the thinnest girl, I'm sure there are people out there with "prettier" features than my own, and I don't have the softest hair but I don't see these as imperfections. Just differences.

If everyone one held themselves up to the list of what you perceive to be imperfections the world would be a pretty awful place. Anyone not super skinny would be seen as imperfect because of that. Black people and our kinky hair could never hope to be seen as beautiful. And so on. Do you see what I'm getting at? Whether or not you saw your ex as beautiful the fact that you saw her differences as imperfections is not okay. You said yourself that everyone is beautiful in their own way... why can't everyone be perfect in their own way too?

Anyhoo, sorry for derailing the thread everyone. And Phoxxy, I hope you don't think I was trying to offend you.

~miko(f)



Miko, it was not my intention to provide a negative conotation with those words... nobody is perfect. I was merely emphasizing the fact that she was not content with her own form because it was not ideal; I sure as hell didn't see it that way... I thought she was absolutely beautiful and perfect the way she was. It was frustrating to me that she made it out that she WASN'T those things around me, because I was damn sure to let her know that I saw her as being such whenever I was around her (without prompting, obviously). Everyone is unique and has their differences, that's what makes someone so damn beautiful!

Sorry that I wasn't clear in saying that the first time around...

[kumiko]

Miko, it was not my intention to provide a negative conotation with those words... nobody is perfect. I was merely emphasizing the fact that she was not content with her own form because it was not ideal; I sure as hell didn't see it that way... I thought she was absolutely beautiful and perfect the way she was. It was frustrating to me that she made it out that she WASN'T those things around me, because I was damn sure to let her know that I saw her as being such whenever I was around her (without prompting, obviously). Everyone is unique and has their differences, that's what makes someone so damn beautiful!

Sorry that I wasn't clear in saying that the first time around...

Oh no! There's no apology necessary. I was probably too quick in jumping to the defense anyway. I can be overly sensitive at times. Thank you for not taking offense.

~miko(f)

[BadBabyGrrl]

I DO have breast implants. Although mine were part of reconstructive surgery after cancer...I would have had it done at some point anyway. Having kids took its toll on my breast and knew I would want to improve on my body image sooner or later. It just happened sooner than later :s

As long as you find a reputable surgeon, I see no serious risk involved. I know several woman who have them and no one has had any issues (even the silicone variety).

I love my breast...always have. I just like them a whole lot more now :)

[honeybarbara]

no, didn't have breast implants but I did have the monsters lifted at the age of 24. I had tits off the cover of Heavy Metal. And to be totally honest, I fuckin loved it. I felt like my breasts could rule the world MWAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

I'd do it again if I had the cash.

why? I dunno, it felt fun to be a cartoon red sonja. All my partners love my tits as is. they say they are damn nice. Still, I'd love to go back to having All Destroying Tits.

[GemmeFemme]

This is funny...

Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the
letters used to define bra sizes?

If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the
letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!

A} Almost Boobs...

B} Barely there.

C} Can't Complain!

D} Dang!

DD} Double dang!

E} Enormous!

F} Fake.

G} Get a Reduction!

H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!


Words


HA! Too funny.

[BadBabyGrrl]

I felt like my breasts could rule the world MWAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

LMAO...:| (y) :o

[joey1]

I support people doing whatever makes them happy. I really try to be the kind of friend that is supportive if the results are the best or the worst.

Of course I have a preference between natural and implants, but to be honest I dont think my opinion is worth jack squat about somebody elses body...I am just greatful and lucky to be all up in em, whichever way they are!!!!!!!!

~joey

[Addiction]

Screw breast implants. I want a browlift (http://www.plasticsurgery.org/public_education/procedures/Browlift.cfm). And I want to know why that's one word, too.

[Fiesty_KS]

I'm a lesbian, and I have implants. But, in doing so, it was a choice on my part to have them in repair of the mastectomy 4 years ago. I'm not overly hung up on them, although I now wish I had opted for smaller breasts. JJ isn't overly hung up on them - he pays them little attention, but when he does, he does.

Fiesty n KS

[bonn]

I was reading an article this morning on breast implants.
Then I logged into this site to skim the post while I have my morning coffee at work. And I realized that I dont recall ever seeing or knowing a lesbian who has had them. And I'm talking strictly lesbian, not bi. There has to be some I'm sure, but it just seems compared to straight/bi women, the number is quite low.

The woman who wrote the article was more or less juxtaposing
feminists who have fought for abortion rights (women should have the right to control their own bodies), with these same feminists who fought to get implants off the market.
The journalists closes the article with this: "Feminists always wanted women to control their own bodies. Doesn't this count?"
Perhaps being gay I can clearly see the idiocy of this statement.
Because one would think if women were getting impants for themselveles (control over their own bodies)the rate of implants in the lesbian community would statistically be similar to that of straight/bi women. Which I seriously believe it is not. I think as gay women we know who the implants are largely for.

I'm wondering in the butch/femme community what exactly do we think of implants? Are they necessary? How do we feel about women who have them? and so on....?

I have no idea what article you're referencing so I have no comment about the journalist's pov. I also don't understand the context of the article since it's not here. Would you be able to post a link to it or copy/paste it to the forum or thread here?

Are you insinuating or suggesting in a roundabout way that breast implants are implanted for the enjoyment of men and not women (who love other women)?

[tymejumper]

I have thought about breast implants. If I had cancer and a mastecomy, I would probably get them. I would want to see how I felt about my body afterwards. Shit, I might opt for a tattoo over the scar, who knows?

As for my current body image, I am pretty happy with my breasts as they are. I wish that I were a bit smaller, I would opt for a 36 C as I am a 36 DD now and I have back aches sometimes and get upset I can't wear those cute lacy little things other girls can. I love halters but it's really hard with breasts this size to find something comfortable and classy to wear in a halter top. I don't like that after 3 kids my breasts have changed shape also. That would be the sole reason that I would get implants now.

I think it's hard for women to have a good body image, even lesbians. We love women ourselves and surely we appreciate a womans natural beauty more than men would I guess, but we still have the same basic issues as any woman would have. We worry if we are pretty enough, thin enough or young enough. So I don't think that being a lesbian precludes you to not having implants. I think its just a way you own your sexuality. As with clothes or makeup, breasts are seen as powerfull symbols of womanhood and some women choose to express themselves through this.

[Toughy]

I have no idea what article you're referencing so I have no comment about the journalist's pov. I also don't understand the context of the article since it's not here. Would you be able to post a link to it or copy/paste it to the forum or thread here?

Are you insinuating or suggesting in a roundabout way that breast implants are implanted for the enjoyment of men and not women (who love other women)?


the asshat that started this thread (in 2003) was banned from the site several years ago......your questions will never be answered by her.......

I cringe every damn time I see a thread started by dwb appear on the front page........

[rufusboi]

My partner had a reduction this year and has never felt better. It does come down to personal reasons and issues whether you get a reduction or an implant. We tend to congratulate women who get reductions ("they must feel so much better," "you look good," "wow, I bet your back feels great," "I'm so glad you got that done," 'Are you happy you had the surgery" - all comments, btw the way, my partner has received these last six months) yet we tend to look suspiciously at women who want implants (they must be doing it for more attention, they must have body image issues, their boyfriend/husband wants them to get implants, why can't they just be happy with what they have). I wonder why we judge one and congratulate another?

Rufus

[GemmeFemme]

I've thought about breast implants but the idea of having to go through with the surgery over and over, every 10-15 years when they go flat or spring a leak is not appealing. The idea of having complications isn't appealing. Sure, I'd look great in clothes and it would balance out my ample posterior, but would it be worth it? Maybe. But I'm not willing, at this point, to find out if I'm wrong.