This is why I love breast reductions. A note from a patient.

I have tried to express on a number of occasions what getting my breast reduction has meant to me. But this weekend, I experienced pure body joy for the first time in my life. I went to a wedding in Dallas. Normally weddings are stressful for me. Finding a dress that fits, feeling uncomfortable in my skin, feeling like I can’t dance, not wanting to get photographed, etc. I ordered a dress online (I am down a whole dress size), not knowing if I could pull it off.

When I was a teenager shopping for school dance dresses, I quickly came to the conclusion that I would simply never be able to wear a dress without a bra, let alone a spaghetti strap or backless dress. My dress for the wedding was low cut, spaghetti strap, backless, and strappy. I was in the wedding, reading a poem in front of 120 people, feeling confident, beautiful, and joyful. Without a doubt, this is the most beautiful dress I have ever worn and I’ve never felt more beautiful in a dress.

At the reception, they had a hired artist who did portraits from behind. While most people posed with their partner, I wanted to pose alone to commemorate the backless dress. I shared with the artist why it was significant and the finished product made me cry.

I have spent my entire life hating my chest, feeling sexualized even when wearing a t-shirt, feeling constrained by my clothing options, feeling anxiety about how I’d look on camera, and obsessing daily about my figure. This weekend, I felt so free and embodied and joyful. And that’s all because of you.

I attached a couple pictures, including the drawing the artist did.

Thank you, this has changed my entire life.”