Come and tell me about your breast reduction experience..

[ThreeBecameFour]

I am having surgery next week! I'm a size 12 with 34G bust and back problems, surgeon says I'll lose about half the weight - woo hoo! But I am feeling nervous. Eek! I have researched my surgeon carefully so do feel I am in good hands. But it is a big op...
Please tell me all your experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly... what is recovery like? Are you pleased with the results? I am mainly worried about recovery with a 4 and 2 year old at home, but DH will be helping out and has taken time off work...
Tell me your stories please!

[Grok]

Good luck with the surgery, Three! I haven't had one but have been waiting years for one. I'm currently breastfeeding but look forward to reducing my 34H chest on my 5'3" frame.

Good luck!

[IdaShaggim]

I had one done about 25 years ago, so I suspect my experience is a bit dated! I had a lot taken off, 5 kg each side... I am still a 34H!

I had a very bad reaction to the GA (first time) so was quite groggy for the first couple of days. Don't remember much pain, but I was quite horrified by the new shape at first... Very definitely a 'cone' boob with the nipples pointing up to my chin! However as the swelling/bruising disappeared they 'relaxed' into a more normal shape. I have noticeable scars underneath but can't see any around my nipples, so front on I look quite normal when naked.

Anything in particular you want to know??

[NotHoldenCaulfield]

Hello! I've had this done. It was the best decision of my entire life. I too had dreadful back problems.

The main issue for me was the effect it had on my self esteem. I was a size 10 with 32HH boobs. I never felt comfortable in my own skin. Could never wear clothes that I liked. Etc etc!

I had this op in Jan 2010. Like you OP I very carefully researched my Surgeon. He was fantastic and I trusted him implicitly. I am now a size 32D. I can wear what I like and have so much confidence.

I was very ill after the surgery - due to the anaesthetic. Obviously this won't be the case for everyone. I had two weeks of moderate pain and limited upper body mobility and after that felt great. My scars are very fine and the only one who sees them is DH. They aren't visible in a bikini.

I am a different person now. I can look in the mirror and think 'you look alright!' NO more sore backs either!

Good luck OP. You'll never look back 🤗

[oliviafrombolivia]

A friend recently had it done. I saw before and after, it is incredible. She is absolutely over the moon. On a small frame she was out of proportion. about a month in the scarring was healing and fading nicely, she didn't have too much pain and said it wasn't as bad as she had thought it would be recovery wise. Good luck.

[ThisIsStartingToBoreMe]

www.spirehealthcare.com/southbank/Cosmetics-at-South-Bank/Cosmetic-Consultants/Miss-Joanna-Skillman/

Miss Skillman did mine. She is fantastic. Best thing I ever did.

[Everstrong]

Ooh very interesting thread! I have long dreamed of having a reduction, I'm size 8 and a 34G which looks a bit barbie like on my 5ft 3 frame!

I've just turned 30 and have started saving for an op (I was offered one on the NHS yeeeeaaars ago and was too scared, what an idiot!)

Those who have already had the op noticed a difference in levels of back pain?

Good luck with your operation op please come back and update is!

[Destinysdaughter]

Oh I hope you have a good experience. I'm a 34g and have had back problems since I was 19. Always been to scared to get a reduction tho and not sure they're big enough to get one on the NHS. I did know someone who had them done tho, she was v petit and looked amazing afterwards, much more in proportion and seemed v happy. Please come back and tell us how you get on.

[Truckingalong]

Just make sure you go small. My op was totally issue-free but I wish to god id insisted that the surgeon go smaller. My shape is amazing but I'm still a bit too big for my liking and everyone else I know or have read about ultimately says the same.

[DamsonInDistress]

Everstrong your measurements rings alarm bells to me - a 34 rib cage on a tiny size eight frame?! I'm a size ten/small size 12 and a 30GG. Your bra measurement is the actual rib cage measurement - we don't add for anymore. See here for details. I don't know if that will have any impact on your decision, but it probably also means you're bigger than a G cup.

[BeachysFlipFlops]

I had mine about 7 years ago on the NHS. I wasn't that big, 32G, but I had had back problems and a lot of wear on my shoulder bones.

It was fantastic, not only the weight gone, I had about 500g out of one and 800g from the other, but the look is so much better and the fact that they are perky! Bra size wise I haven't changed that much but they feel so much better.

It changed my whole way of dressing and the fact that I was in proportion rather than everything 'hanging' from my boobs made me look slimmer.

My surgeon took out half breast tissue and half fat, so if I lost weight, they would go smaller and vice versa.

[momofgirls]

Another one considering breast reduction. Following this thread.
I'm 53 36 GG and 5ft 1.
Over BMI for nhs therefore looking private Yorkshire region

[Truckingalong]

I'd recommend it to anyone. I was too scared to have it done for 20 odd years and then something just clicked and I was booked in within 3 weeks. It really wasn't that bad. I was off painkillers within 36 hours, walking around fine. Couldn't lift my arms above my head or pull/push for about 10 days but I managed fine. Do it - it's life changing and having big breasts is hideous for your self confidence.

[Everstrong]

Damson I have a weird rib cage! The actual measurement is 31 but I find a 32 uncomfortable so I just wear a 34 instead! My ribs seem to stick out in a funny way!

[ThreeBecameFour]

Hi all - just an update on those who wanted to know how things went... I had my BR at the Cadogan Clinic in Chelsea, London with Mr Garrick Georgeu yesterday. Everything was fine and so far so good! I am in a bit of discomfort today but nothing I can't deal with. I had the procedure at 1pm and was home by 9.30pm. The care at the Cadogan Clinic was fantastic and so far so good! I have my first check up next Friday. I had 500grams taken from each side. So a kilo! That is a lot of additional weight to lug about!!! I am really pleased with the results so far but know my real shape in a few months. He couldn't say what size i would be but was more concerned about the aesthetic and suitability to my frame, but I think I will have gone from a 34G to a D :) I'll respond again at a later date to give you a full idea of the end results :) But so far my back pain has gone completely, my posture is better and I feel very happy! If anyone has any q's just ask.

[Destinysdaughter]

Three glad it went well! Keep us updated. I can't imagine what it would feel like to be a D, you've got some happy shopping to do now to get yourself some fab new clothes!

[Destinysdaughter]

Actually there is one thing, may be too soon to tell but have you lost any sensation in your nipples? Is one thing that's always put me off!

[momofgirls]

Pleased that your recovery is progressing.
Keep updating I'm trying to reduce weight and then hopefully will go for the procedure if finances allow.

[Bunbaker]

One of my friends had this done several years ago.

They grew back again.

[Roomba]

A colleague of mine had hers done a few years ago, and they are now bigger than ever... but she has put a lot of weight on so I imagine that's why.

My friend who had hers done about 20 years ago aged 18 still swears that it was the best thing she ever did. They were making her life such a misery (particularly the harassment from men she got from being a very young teenager) and caused awful back pain.

Glad it all went so well, OP! Make sure you don't over do it and get plenty rest and TLC.

[SausageSmuggler]

Following this with interest. I've wanted a reduction for years but now I'm finished having babies it's something I want to seriously consider seeing as I'm pretty much back to my pre-preg weight of 9st 7 but breasts are still 32FF/G. I don't know if they would be considered big enough to be done on the nhs though.

[Pupsiecola]

Can I ask, have you also had implants? I saw a surgeon about a reduction a couple of years ago. I am not keen on implants, but would worry that without them the general shape would still be saggy, just smaller... (I had a routine mammogram a couple of years ago and have hardly any actual breast tissue left - apparently it starts to disappears as you get older?!). I've lost a couple of stones recently so there will be less fat now too.

[BeachysFlipFlops]

Thanks for the update, Three.

Question on nipples, there is always a risk that they won't 'reattach' properly, but I've had no trouble. Actually they are more prominent now if anything, which is the only downside to the op. Not sure if that's normal or not.

Three, just a word of warning. The first period I had after my reduction was so painful. My boobs swelled due to coming on, but I felt like they were going to bust out of their seams. So don't be alarmed, just so you are aware....

[NaiceVillageOfTheDammed]

For those interested in nipples

My reduction, the nipples were left attached (on a stalk of tissue). This reduces the chance of the nipple not reattaching (dying) and loss of sensation.

The op scar is then around the nipple. Straight line down from the bottom of aureole and under the breast - an anchor shape.