We’ve all had breast reductions - happy to help

[Madagascary]

Setting up as thread 2 is now full here

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/4876452-weve-had-breast-reductions-ask-us-anything?reply=134967968

props to @bigtitsbettyforgotherpassword And all who contribute.

Surgeon advised that I should wear a well fitting underwired bra for support.

But I don’t wanna!

I’ve never heard that before

I have a question about sleep, post surgery. I usually sleep on my front, which I assume won’t be an option for a while after surgery. Anyone else sleep on their front and how long did it take until you could go back to this after surgery? Am I right in thinking you have to sleep fairly upright initially? The sleep thing is a concern as I am not good at sleeping on my back.

Yes. It’s hard even if you like sleeping on your back
doesn’t last forever tho

would be interested in your experiences of supportive non wired bras, bralettes etc thank you

Hi there. My first time posting. Have read through all 3 threads - took a while - and am wondering if I’m being silly to think I need a reduction.

I am a 34G - have lost some weight so think I have come down from a 34GG. I’m 5 foot 10 and BMI of 26 (down from 29).

I don’t think my boobs are as out of proportion as some of you on here as Im tall and curvy but they just seem so low and heavy. I would never walk around without a bra on, I would feel so uncomfortable. I swim a lot and am always so conscious of them in a swimming costume. I get rashes and I have bad posture.

But are these reasons brought to go through major surgery and the cost??

I was a 34g and the difference in not carrying the weight around, less neck and back pain. Bras are more comfortable because they don’t need to dig in to hold the weight up. Not having to hold on to them to go upstairs! Clothes fit better, exercise is easier and my posture has improved. It’s hard to explain the difference. Bras and swimming costumes are cheaper and easier to buy too. Not having to pick my boobs up to put them in a bra or swimsuit surprises me every day! Only you can make the decision but it’s been life changing for me. May be worth doing the measurement to see where your nipples would be -mine went up 14cm! I would say it is worth having a consultation to chat through what results you could get, you don’t have to proceed.

Thanks for your reply.

I’ve contacted one consultant to have a 15 minute free chat.

i did the nape to nip measurement and its 28cm 🫣

I’ve just seen I asked this question back in 2023 in the original thread, and then have been side tracked by life, but would anyone recommend their surgeon in the Surrey / SW London area?

I'm also a 34G and I'm 64. I have struggled with the same conundrum about whether it's bad enough, as well worrying I'm now too old.

But I'm also a keen swimmer and an enthusiastic (but unremarkable) runner and I decided to go ahead just so I can be more comfortable doing both.
I've never let my big bust stop me doing anything, but I am self conscious and uncomfortable.

I realised that if I don't do it now, I'll never do it and I just so desperately want to be comfortable.

I saw a surgeon who had done the same surgery for friend, and she was delighted - and she looked so much better and more comfortable. He comes very highly recommended and is expensive ( I live in the north west) but I've decided to bite the bullet and am scheduled for surgery in May.

Thanks for your reply and very best of luck.
I’ve made a few appointments so have bitten the bullet to kick this off. One with a surgeon recommended by a friend and the other with someone recommended by one of you lovely women in this thread

I too have debated whether I should not go ahead, but with a 34GG bust and feeling more uncomfortable as I am getting older (48) I figured that it will only get worse I.E. neck/back/shoulder pain, migraines, posture, issues with exercising, etc., and I am also fed up with bad fitting clothes and my boobs making me look bigger/heavier than I am - so after years of contemplating, I am booked to see a surgeon next month for a consultation. It’s not a done deal but I need to know that I’ve at least explored this and gotten some medical advice. I’m scared of the thought of it, the recovery worries me as does the cost of going private etc., but with so many positive outcomes, I think this massively outweighs my reservations.
For those also starting out on their journeys, I’d love to know how you get on so please keep posting as it helps to know there are others at the same stage.

Thanks. This all sounds familiar x

I’ve got my first initial appointment with a consultant tomorrow and feeling very nervous.
Not sure what to expect and thinking he’ll think I don’t need the op. Will he do measurements at this appointment or is this the time to just ask lots of questions.

Both

they do a nape to nipple measurement. Google it and you’ll see the ideal .. and reality. Also any asymmetry.

I had my second consultation this week. Surgery is booked for 7 May and I can't quite believe I'm doing it.

I've got to have a mammogram and then it's pre-op time.

I have acupuncture once a month and told my practitioner yesterday because I'll need to miss a treatment. She's a no nonsense woman and just said what a great thing for me to do. As my concern is that I'm being a vain old woman and that there's no really much point in doing this at 64, I felt really reassured by her genuine reaction.

It’s not vanity it’s sanity!

Great news tbh at you have a op date.

I told a friend yesterday I was thinking of getting a reduction and she said just buy a better bra. I spend £££ on bras.

dont think I’ll be telling anyone else

Thank you.

It's such a personal decision that I'm not sure we should look for affirmation from others, only we have to be comfortable with this but it's nice to have your nearest pals on side.

I told my two closest friends - one was lovely, said she knew this had bothered me since my 20s and offered her full support.

The other, an academic, was very sniffy about it and mentioned 'unnecessary surgery at this age'. I've not mentioned it since and that convinced me to keep it to myself.

Husband is completely supportive and although at times he drive me bonkers, when it comes down the wire, he's always got my back.

I hope you get the support you need here.

Yes the decision needs to come from us not others. My husband is also supportive, he says he is happy either way and wants me to be happy

People just don’t understand it. You hear ‘I’d love bigger boobs’ not understanding the discomfort, the logistics or costs of big boobs.

Well I was really interested when I found these threads and decided to get a breast reduction. Always wanted to do & just contacted clinic a month ago & had the operation done yesterday and feel much better today. I was in a lot of pain after and during the evening but it’s settled now. Because of cost I’ve travelled to Lithuania & it’s all gone really well. Removed 1.6kg!!
I have dressings on and medical garment. The dressings need to come off in a week but i can shower in the meantime. I’m so pleased I did it now they look so small !

congrats!! I regarded the pain as like tight clothes on sunburn. I lost 2.5kg. Felt amazing.

interested in Lithuania. Tell us about that

Wow 2.7kg! I asked to go as small as possible because I’m going to go on hrt and heard oestrogen gel & increase your breast size? I’m 47. I felt sorer than sunburn!! Very sore under breast like I couldn’t wipe on toilet was too sore to bend! Much better today but back little sore where he did some lipo as well. They do outreach clinics where you can meet surgeons maybe once a year or so at home. I knew someone who’d had a positive experience so I just came & met surgeon here on the morning of operation. I had messaged and zoomed before. You can get met etc put up in apartment all organised etc by a coordinator.
But I just arranged hotel & taxi myself as cheaper. Nice single room,electric bed anll mod cons- all professional. Had ecg bloods etc & met anaesthetist before operation. Had massage this morning & can get lymphatic massage at hotel if want also. Cost €3900, they’ve given me my antibiotics, painkillers, antiseptic spray cream, antibiotic cream & dressings etc to do at home. You email them pics and any issues, signs of infection go to own gp or can come back if prefer.
Can’t have anyone come with you though as no visitors infection control. My husband collected me this morning. English speaking staff so overall I’m so pleased I read your threads & decided to go for it! My neck feels lighter already 😀

Lipo bruises last for AGES