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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Boobs, boobs, boobs…

93 replies

Saggyknockers · 29/07/2024 20:34

For as long as I can remember I have never had ideal shaped breasts.

I started puberty younger than average (9yo) and was very embarrassed by my larger saggy breasts. I was never given a bra for years, not that it would have helped. Lots of weight fluctuation in my teenage years hasn’t helped.

I have to wear a bra all the time. I can’t wear strapless bras/tops or dresses because my boobs would be on the floor. Well, not the floor but they are very near my belly button. I can’t wear strappy tops because I have to always wear a bra and the straps would be on show too. Even in my wedding dress my DM commented that they looked “droopy”.When working out I have to wear a sports bra over top of my regular bra because they’re just so low. My upper back and neck constantly ache because of the weight of them. The skin on my breasts is really stretchy and wrinkles up like crepe paper. Think lots of skin with not much in there.

I’m currently breastfeeding my 7 month old DC2. I’m grateful and appreciate that my body is able to feed my baby. However, to feed I have to hold my boob up to their mouth because they’re so floppy and saggy, this doesn’t help my back much either. I’ve tried many bf positions and been to see a lactation consultant too.

It feels embarrassing and depressing that my boobs are not the acceptable, ideal perky breasts that society expects them to be.

Is it unreasonable to be sad that at 26 my breasts are this saggy and likely to get worse?😣

OP posts:
Shudahaddogs · 30/07/2024 18:28

I don't know what they look like. But they are perfect x

Justkeeprollingalong · 30/07/2024 17:55

I had a reduction 20 years ago. Please don't worry about pain or scars - both were/are minimal and well worth it. It changed my life.

bittertwisted · 30/07/2024 15:09

@Wonkypictureframe he is called James Murphy, but I believe he has retired sadly
I had nipples massively reduced too, it really was nothing about big boobs, I wanted nice normal looking

I am so glad I was lucky enough to afford it

Wonkypictureframe · 30/07/2024 14:00

bittertwisted · 30/07/2024 08:33

I obviously haven't seen your breasts but it does sound like you have tubular, are they nipple heavy too?
I guess it doesn't really change anything but I had them, and I absolutely hated them

Ended up having a private uplift and reshape, the restrictive bands cut so they weren't pointy

I absolutely love them now, life changing

Have a look up of pictures, if you do have this no bra/ posture/ anything in the world would have made a difference, it just is

I’d love to know the name of your surgeon. They sound fab.

Saggyknockers · 30/07/2024 13:17

Notellinganyone · 30/07/2024 11:21

If you’re a K cup then M and S is hopeless. Bravissimo is ok ish but I’d spend the money and book an appointment at Rigby and Peller once you’ve stopped feeding. They sell better quality bras than Bravissimo which are vital for support in larger sizes. ( I’m an H cup).

In more recent years I’ve always worn Bravissimo with the M&S range being limited. I wore M&S a lot when I lost 4 stone and was a DD/E cup (9 stone). Thank you for recommending Rigby and Peller, I’ll definitely look into getting fitted when I’ve stopped breastfeeding my LO and I’m nearby a boutique.

OP posts:
Notellinganyone · 30/07/2024 11:21

Saggyknockers · 29/07/2024 21:28

Thank you. I think you’re right about wearing supportive bras. I never had a proper bra fitting when I was young. I had to actually ask for a vest type bra in primary school because getting changed in the classroom was very embarrassing. For as along as I can remember they have been droopy and saggy. As an adult I’ve always had a bra fitting and brought from bravissimo or M&S.

If you’re a K cup then M and S is hopeless. Bravissimo is ok ish but I’d spend the money and book an appointment at Rigby and Peller once you’ve stopped feeding. They sell better quality bras than Bravissimo which are vital for support in larger sizes. ( I’m an H cup).

CareerChange24 · 30/07/2024 10:45

ShoehornSheryl · 30/07/2024 07:27

There’s no funding really for breast reductions any more (I tried and met all of the criteria). I joined a GB group for reductions and some people in other areas were getting them done on the NHS but I’ll be honest - the results weren’t great. They had a stipulation for the amount of tissue to have taken and because you can’t pick your surgeon they may not follow a technique you’d be happy with.

ultimately breasts don’t actually weigh very much (I went from a 30GG to a DD) and only had 500g removed from each breast. Therefore really it is a cosmetic procedure and you want the best outcome! I paid about £8000 7 years ago and I love my breasts now even though they’re still bigger than I’d have liked (aimed for a D) - I sunbathe topless and feel so confident. If you can afford to save and go for it then do. You won’t regret it.

Would you mind messaging me your surgeons name with you being so happy with the results please?

CareerChange24 · 30/07/2024 10:42

Turkeytummytuck · 29/07/2024 23:06

I had a breast lift 2 years ago, I have yo-yod weight over the years and when my weight settled I had a tummy tuck and breast lift. No regrets, the scarring is minimal. I went to Turkey which is controversial, but ultimately I had a successful uplift ( and other surgery)
Even when I was younger and slimmer they were saggy it must have been my genes.
Changed my life.

Wow so pleased you are happy. I will probably go down the uplift route once I’ve lost the weight I want to lose. Glad to hear you are happy with the scarring as I’d say that’s my biggest concern.

bittertwisted · 30/07/2024 08:33

I obviously haven't seen your breasts but it does sound like you have tubular, are they nipple heavy too?
I guess it doesn't really change anything but I had them, and I absolutely hated them

Ended up having a private uplift and reshape, the restrictive bands cut so they weren't pointy

I absolutely love them now, life changing

Have a look up of pictures, if you do have this no bra/ posture/ anything in the world would have made a difference, it just is

Purpleturtle45 · 30/07/2024 08:00

I like an Instagram account called 'Fairlie Curved' which is dedicated to helping/styling women with big boobs. They have a fab clothing range all designed to flatter and support women with big boobs for example vest tops designed to wear with bras etc. It doesn't solve the problem of course but might help you find some things to wear you feel more confident in.

ElizaGolightly · 30/07/2024 07:35

In terms of breastfeeding have a tried a bf pillow which ties around your back? I've found that they make a massive difference to my posture when bfing. I still have to hold my boob out the way so I don't smother my child though so no solution there - my back just suffers less!

ShoehornSheryl · 30/07/2024 07:27

There’s no funding really for breast reductions any more (I tried and met all of the criteria). I joined a GB group for reductions and some people in other areas were getting them done on the NHS but I’ll be honest - the results weren’t great. They had a stipulation for the amount of tissue to have taken and because you can’t pick your surgeon they may not follow a technique you’d be happy with.

ultimately breasts don’t actually weigh very much (I went from a 30GG to a DD) and only had 500g removed from each breast. Therefore really it is a cosmetic procedure and you want the best outcome! I paid about £8000 7 years ago and I love my breasts now even though they’re still bigger than I’d have liked (aimed for a D) - I sunbathe topless and feel so confident. If you can afford to save and go for it then do. You won’t regret it.

Lavenderandbrown · 30/07/2024 00:42

Enjoy your newborn and breastfeeding baby for now. Good tips here on positioning. I found side lying was best for me. I could rest and nurse. Absolutely once done with pregnancies go to breast surgeon…plastics maybe? I’m in USA and I saw a plastic surgeon specializing in reductions. Female and young. Very empathetic. I had the reduction and essentially have an “anchor scar”. Around base of breast and single line up to nipple. She made nipples smaller also. I went shopping after surgery! Recovered at home no pain no pain meds needed scars healed nicely. Get a plan with the doctor…complain of back neck and shoulder pain. Inability to do your normal work… anything she asks bothering you you say yes. Then do the plan..lose weight if needed and get in line for surgery. You absolutely will not mind the scars compared to your breasts
now. You are young and have years to benefit from surgery.

theredspindletree · 30/07/2024 00:27

I had my reduction from a 34J to a 34DD nearly 20 years ago - boobs are still very perky! Bit of scarring underneath, had my nipples completely repositioned and I have a few small areas that are a bit numb, one under one nipple, one under my arm but minimal. Healed really quickly, only every took paracetamol.

Needanewname42 · 29/07/2024 23:26

Saggyknockers · 29/07/2024 22:28

Thank you so much! This is really kind and encouraging. I have actually just ordered this exact bra so I’m now very excited to try it! Someone on here did ask for my BMI and I’ve calculated it to be 29.8, not great 😕 I know I’m capable of losing the weight as I lost 4 stone a couple of years ago. However, the result of such weight loss is even saggier empty boobs for me. I’ll be onto the YouTube for some workout ideas to ease myself back into a routine and work my pectoral muscles like others have said. I’d love to swim but I’m a poor swimmer, I have tried lots of times with it being easier on my joints.

It was me who asked 29BMI isn't great just under obese. But you've only just had a baby. Try hard to get it down

Mine is even worse 31 and I am obese. Loosing is so hard I feel your pain.

spikeandbuffy · 29/07/2024 23:08

Depending on your back size, this is my new fave sports bra and it's cheap if you don't mind orange! I went up a back size as the band is quite tight as with most sports bras
Very comfy and wired for support

www.panache-lingerie.com/shop/product/sports-balcony-bra-mango?size=34

Turkeytummytuck · 29/07/2024 23:06

I had a breast lift 2 years ago, I have yo-yod weight over the years and when my weight settled I had a tummy tuck and breast lift. No regrets, the scarring is minimal. I went to Turkey which is controversial, but ultimately I had a successful uplift ( and other surgery)
Even when I was younger and slimmer they were saggy it must have been my genes.
Changed my life.

Agapornis · 29/07/2024 23:00

CareerChange24 · 29/07/2024 22:44

Thank you. I just wondered if there was a particular set of exercises for sagging, I will try anything before having surgery! Although I look at my mum and can see they are inherited the big size and sag

Not that I know of - there are lots of different causes of sagging, I don't think you can undo smoking/gravity/age/genetics to make the Cooper's ligaments retract! But giving my boobs a supportive pecs structure improved their shape and reduced the fat at the top.

There's been a bunch of research on the causes of sagging
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptosis_(breasts) (boob photo warning...) - but at 26 (I'm 10 years older), I'd start with exercise long before I'd consider expensive surgery.

CareerChange24 · 29/07/2024 22:44

Agapornis · 29/07/2024 22:42

@CareerChange24& @AdviceNeeded2024 - weights, and taking up a martial art that involves punching and throwing people 😅

I like being physically strong, would recommend listening to Sturdy Girl Club (BBC) for inspiration on various sports.

Thank you. I just wondered if there was a particular set of exercises for sagging, I will try anything before having surgery! Although I look at my mum and can see they are inherited the big size and sag

Agapornis · 29/07/2024 22:42

CareerChange24 · 29/07/2024 22:29

What exercises do you recommend?

@CareerChange24& @AdviceNeeded2024 - weights, and taking up a martial art that involves punching and throwing people 😅

I like being physically strong, would recommend listening to Sturdy Girl Club (BBC) for inspiration on various sports.

Saggyknockers · 29/07/2024 22:36

MeganM3 · 29/07/2024 21:31

Surgery. You are only 26, that's so very young to be struggling so much with this. I just think if you had a reduction / lift (or whatever is recommended) then you'll be happier and more comfortable in the long run.

I have had breast surgery myself and very glad I did. I was early 30s and I'm so pleased I don't have to live the rest of my life with the boobs I had before. I went private and yes it is expensive - I took on overtime and had no luxuries or holidays for quite a while. Worth it.

How did your surgery go if you don’t mind me asking ? And how are your scars ? I would have breast reduction/lift surgery if it meant that my posture/back and neck pain would be eased but would be quite anxious about scars and pain.

OP posts:
AdviceNeeded2024 · 29/07/2024 22:35

Agapornis · 29/07/2024 22:19

Since I've started chest exercises mine (30GG) look much, much better. I'm not saying it's the one and only solution, but building muscle will really support your boobs and help to reduce pain.

Can you recommend or list the exercises you’ve done?

CareerChange24 · 29/07/2024 22:29

Agapornis · 29/07/2024 22:19

Since I've started chest exercises mine (30GG) look much, much better. I'm not saying it's the one and only solution, but building muscle will really support your boobs and help to reduce pain.

What exercises do you recommend?

Saggyknockers · 29/07/2024 22:28

ellabella2345 · 29/07/2024 22:05

This is the best nursing bra on the plant for big boobs:

https://www.bravissimo.com/products/molly-nursing-bra-el101/

I have two and they have lasted 16 months of daily use.

Often cheaper on the elomi website.

Don’t stress about calorie deficit for now, try some Pilates type exercise (home YouTube bits) and lights weights for chest muscle strengthening.
Then when baby is bigger (post 6 months) you can be stricter with diet.
Swimming aha always been my friend cardio wise with a big bust (no sports bras to worry about).

Also don’t be too hard on yourself, no one’s boobs are perfect (bar internet retouched photos). Yours have done an amazing job
loose the weight see how you feel about yourself and then see if you would consider surgery (NHS criteria these days are very tight you may have to consider private) it is major surgery though.

Thank you so much! This is really kind and encouraging. I have actually just ordered this exact bra so I’m now very excited to try it! Someone on here did ask for my BMI and I’ve calculated it to be 29.8, not great 😕 I know I’m capable of losing the weight as I lost 4 stone a couple of years ago. However, the result of such weight loss is even saggier empty boobs for me. I’ll be onto the YouTube for some workout ideas to ease myself back into a routine and work my pectoral muscles like others have said. I’d love to swim but I’m a poor swimmer, I have tried lots of times with it being easier on my joints.

OP posts:
Jimmyneutronsforehead · 29/07/2024 22:28

In regards to breastfeeding, roll a muslin up and put it under your boob. 2 if you must. It will make the position more sustainable and lift the breast.

When you're done breastfeeding, I would consider surgery if you are unhappy.

I think everyone should find happiness in their bodies but if you are caused pain by your breasts and the NHS won't help you must prioritise your own health and go private. You're too young to live a life in pain and all the accumulating age related issues that are caused as a consequence of untreated heavy breasts.