Darlene Stainbrook. Photo by unknown.

Breast reduction surgery, quite literally, takes the weight of your chest both physically and mentally for women struggling with heavy breasts. While surgery is becoming more accepted, it still proves to be surrounded by gendered stigma for women who want to qualify.

“I was extremely frustrated,” said Darlene Stainbrook, “because it wasn’t for cosmetic issues, it was for health issues.”

Stainbrook, a retired librarian, received her breast reduction surgery in 2013. Stainbrook suffers from chronic headaches. Her general practitioner (GP) suggested breast reductive surgery to reduce the strain on her neck and shoulder areas, relieving her headaches.

“The idea was in hopes to relieve some of that pressure on the head to remove some of the breast,” said Stainbrook.

Stainbrook was referred to a Saskatoon clinic where she was first dismissed by the secretary and doctor.

“He said he wouldn’t see me unless I lost weight and had kept it off for five years,” said Stainbrook. “The receptionist wouldn’t book me an appointment until I lost the weight.”

Stainbrook’s GP then referred her to a doctor in Regina who granted her surgery. This time around, her doctor listened to her requests about how a surgery could help her, rather than looking straight towards her body image.

“It’s something that I’ve dealt with my entire life, and to me it’s a very common thing,” said Stainbrook. “The first time you ever meet a doctor, the first thing they evaluate is your physical impression, and then tell you to lose weight. Some of us don’t get a choice.”

Typically, doctors require patients to have a Body Mass Index of 30-35 or lower to be approved for surgery. An average BMI is between 23-24.

People who struggle with heavy breasts can experience symptoms of pain in the neck, shoulders, and back area. On top of being painful, large breasts can be a source of self-consciousness making an individual’s body feel disproportionate. Discomfort with heavy breasts can be an insecurity and pain for women.

Although the surgery is meant to reshape and resize breasts, there are still risks.

“You have made a major incision into your body,” said Stainbrook, “and you will be guaranteed that it’s not going to be flawless on the exit.”

Non-profit organization Medical Herstory advocates for unbiased medical care for all genders, they have promised a response in the next 24 hours about gendered stigma within breast reduction surgeries.

On the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Breast Reduction information page it states that surgical marks may fade, but they might remain long after healing is completed. Other risks include uneven nipples or breasts that are not the same shape. Higher risk consequences can include excessive bleeding, infection and potential blood clots.

While surgery was difficult to access for Stainbrook, she does say it is well worth the hassle. While her surgery did not end up relieving her headaches, she feels more confident with how clothing fits her, as well as paying less money for bras which properly fit her. Her advice is to seek a doctor who will listen to your concerns.

“I think being your own advocate for your issues is huge,” said Stainbrook. “Finding a healthcare who will listen is essential.”