Elite Ambassador Vee - My Personal Journey with Congenital Breast Asymmetry | Mildura Intimate Boudoir Portraits

Elite Ambassador Vee - My Personal Journey with Congenital Breast Asymmetry | Mildura Intimate Boudoir Portraits

Never, in her wildest dreams, did Vee picture herself wearing lingerie for a Boudoir Photography Shoot, let alone become an Elite Brand Ambassador for Pure Beauty Photography. Vee shares with us her very personal story about Congenital Breast Asymmetry and envelops us in her emotional and powerful journey to loving and embracing her body.

Growing up, I was always a happy kid, with really supportive parents and siblings.
As I started high school, I struggled with Breast Development and I spoke to my mum about it. I had always struggled with bras, both padded & not.  My mum was amazing, and always had me professionally fitted. When we went shopping it was my biggest insecurity, I developed on my right side - around a B cup, but was flat chested on my left side. I was always assured by the women whom fitted me "It’s okay, it’s normal, everyone has different sized breasts.”  That helped to a degree at the time, but my insecurities became worse as I was getting older. Girls around me, were a lot more developed… but I was still the same...
I was 18 when I went back to my GP.  I had waited to see if I would develop, but there was no change at all.

I didn’t feel right about it

My GP referred me to a Specialist in Breast Surgery, who told me I had Congenital Breast Asymmetry - I was born that way and it wouldn’t have developed naturally.
It was an emotional rollercoaster that day, but my Specialist advised surgery was available. I would have two implants, one larger than the other, to make them the same size.  Unfortunately the price of the surgery was extremely expensive, but was offered to go on a waiting list.  It was a relief knowing that there was help available.

 Some people think it's silly, but being at my age and not being able to fit in a bra was a massive struggle. I would look at my body every day in absolute disgust and hatred.
 I travelled to Melbourne many times, meeting my Surgeon and hoping a date would be confirmed.  Every time I went, “We still don’t have a date for you”, it became harder and harder.

​The travel, appointment and returning the same day was so difficult. I was tired - physically and emotionally, but was lucky that I had such a great support network from family and my boyfriend, who all flew with me at individual times.  My Surgeon was so lovely, and she helped me understand the procedure, the side effects if the surgery happened, the bonuses and what I would have to do post surgery. But every time I went, there were tears.
​
I was becoming a woman and constantly covering or hiding myself.

​At my final appointment (I didn’t realise it would be my last), they said they didn’t have a date, and I could still be waiting for a really long time.  I cried so much, but my Surgeon was amazing - very comforting and understanding. I called mum and told her that they still had no news - we both cried a lot.

 A few months later, I received a call from the hospital and was told my surgery would be in 2 weeks if I could attend!  I was in shock! I cried and had to ask several times if she was serious! She assured me she definitely was.
​
I had to get a mammogram and ultrasounds before my surgery.  I called mum and told her the news, we both couldn’t stop crying!  I called my dad and my boyfriend, and they were so happy for me. I told work that I finally got my appointment, and they gave me all the leave I needed for the surgery and recovery.

The lead up was so exciting and it also made me extremely anxious, but FINALLY it was happening.

 It was the day of the surgery. I checked in and waited for an hour before seeing the nurses and doctors.  I cried a lot due to my nerves and the “unknown”. Being knocked out scared the hell out of me, and having waited 4 whole years for this, all culminated to this moment - TODAY WAS MY DAY!

​Before I knew it was in the hospital bed, in my gown and being dotted and lined ready for the dissection (well, that’s what it looked like to me at least!). I met my Surgeon once again, and she comforted  me and told me it was going to be okay. I met the other staff for the surgery and they were all so amazing, I couldn’t have been left in better hands.

BAM! I was asleep and all of a sudden it was done.  A doctor from the surgery rolled me out, and as I was waking up he said he had called my mum and my boyfriend to let them know that I was awake. Even though I was super out of it from all of the anesthetic, I was crying, I couldn’t believe after all this waiting it was over.

I was in the hospital for just under 24 hours, was looked after wonderfully by the staff and nurses. I went home the next morning and stayed with my family and mum. Later in the week, I was surprised by my Dad, sister and boyfriend a few days earlier than expecting them.
I had an amazing week, my recovery was incredible. I was booked in to see my Surgeon for a check up the following week, I gave her the biggest hug and she honestly changed my entire world.  She fought so hard for me to get this surgery. If it wasn’t for her I may still be on that waiting list.

I want to thank my family, my amazing siblings and especially my parents for all the support and reassurance through the tears and stress and insecurities. My Surgeon, Dr Yvonne Chow - I couldn’t have picked a better Surgeon.  My aunts for having me stay, and my beautiful friends.

I really hated my body beforehand, and I wish I hadn’t.  Congenital Breast Asymmetry is a lot more common than even I realised. I am glad I went through it, and now, FINALLY after two years, am able to share what I went through.

I am now an Ambassador for a Boudoir Photographer!  Never in my mind did I think I would pose for photos in lingerie! This surgery has given me so much more confidence and happiness I ever thought I’d be able to  have. I’d be lying if I didn’t say some days I still look at myself, and if in a negative frame of mind, I will doubt myself. Then I look at myself again and smile, because I have come so far!

I still cover up a lot, I am generally a lot more comfortable, but I’m not afraid to wear something a little more revealing anymore.

If you have Congenital Breast Asymmetry, I am always happy to talk, or even if you suffer from body image issues, I am here to listen. See your GP and discuss it with them and ask for a referral to a Specialist. There is so much help out there.

 Please don’t look at yourself in disgust like I did. You’re beautiful, and amazing
​
 There is so much more I could write about this journey but it was crazy emotional.
Thank you for reading this, it was hard to write and share but I did it.
  
Love you all, Vee xx