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.

I would love to know those answers too. Does anyone know how long roughly the actual surgery takes to do?

Hiya lee me try to answer your questions from memory:

1. Sorry no idea in your area
2. I think recovery about 4-6 weeks, definitely need help at home first 2 weeks.
3. My appointment was very soon after my consultation so I didn’t really have time to do anything to prepare.
4. This is the big one, I did not believe that people wouldn’t notice or comment but not a single person has!
5. Advicewise I’d say plan ahead, be kind to yourself, try to avoid constipation, I got a tea urn. I think you just have to remember that it will get a little bit better every day but will take time.

Im trying to catch up on this thread but just wondered if everyone here went private or did anyone successfully manage to get an nhs reduction? I've had an appointment with gp who is referring me to physio to essentially tick that box before any next steps. Just wondered if it's worth being hopeful for one or whether it is extremely unlikely that it would be granted. I'm feeling so miserable with them.

Answering different questions here but my surgery took around 5 hours.

NHS guidelines seem to vary by county but I would have qualified if my BMI had been low enough as I was above an H cup (in Hertfordshire).

I was psychologically unable to lose enough weight though as made me even more self conscious about breast size, so I ended up going private. Still need to lose the blimming weight now though!!!

So, I'm 4 weeks post op now. I have a slight infection in an incisions, so using inadine dressings for the next couple of weeks.

I'm going for lunch tomorrow and couldn't find one outfit that suits me now.

I'm starting to think I've gone too small. I dont know if its because they're still squashed into my compression bra but I just feel flat now. Is that normal?

I’ve gone the other way, I think I am probably the right size now (down from H to C) but when trying on outfits and taking photos in advance of an event recently I just kept on seeing big boobs still.

It’s obviously psychological but quite distressing.

I think for all of us it just takes some getting used to and perhaps a change to style of clothes.

Agree no one notices.
I told a few people before, and I said to them I'm going to tell you something on your reaction. is going to be "oh that's great."

Just get a loan and go private I'd say.

I had my consultation today and am booked in for the end of September!! So excited, and terrified and exited again.

What size do you think you are? Mine look a nice size out of the compression bra. Then I put clothes on and the seem wide and flat.

I was a 30H and now I think maybe a C. I know I just have to be patient, but its such a huge change, and I have large hips so that has thrown me.

I went from 36/38 H to C.

I also have wide hips so did look OK proportion wise before but I am much happier with smaller boobs.

I was just so happy not to have boobs I hated anymore.

The bit that annoys me most is my big tummy now which is more noticeable without the tent effect I was used to with a bigger bust.

I think it does just take time to adjust. I do sometimes feel I look bustier when wearing a moulded cup bra so maybe give that a try when you come away from the compression bras.

Yup. The stomach thing is a thing
I'm a 34F to a D. Perfect for me.

Anyone struggling with asymmetry? Im 4 weeks in a my left breast seems to have settled into a softer, more natural position but the right hasnt dropped at all.
Is there anything I can do to speed up the right one? The wonkiness is getting me down!

If you are concerned then speak with your consultant, however I’d easily say it took 6 months for mine to settle.

Did any one else have a major wobble, about it being actually necessary? I have wanted it done for so long but now that it’s booked in for the end of September, I’m thinking I am selfish and stupid to be interfering with myself when it’s not actually medically necessary.

Physically I will be fine I know but I seem to always overreact to medical issues. Even getting dental work done, or smear tests I faint etc I am a chicken 😃I have had surgery before but it was necessary.

I have ordered the recovery bras and a wedge pillow and have 3 weeks annual leave from work afterwards. Anything else I need to get ready? All advice welcome x

Yes! I felt exactly the same way!

But I do not have any regrets.

Hello,

I'm seriously considering a breast reduction and just found this thread, would really appreciate some advice and also perhaps details of good surgeons!

The biggest question I have is whether it is best to look at doing them soon (I am mid 40s) or wait until I am post menopause and see what size they settle at. I have heard they can get bigger then and it has happened to most of my female relatives, so I wouldn't want to do them based on their size now only to find that they then get bigger. (I am already perimenopausal, not sure quite how far into it as I'm on the coil but I don't think it will be all that long).

I also just read on another thread that they can grow back! Is that related to the menopause possibly, does anyone here have that experience?

Thanks very much in advance!

God get it done now and have years of enjoying the benefits. I had mine done late 40s and my only regret was not having it done much sooner. Personally I don't think that menopause has increased my cup size, but others may disagree.

Mine definitely did get droopy with menopause maybe a bit bigger. But I wouldn't recommend your age waiting any longer. That sounds like I think you're going to die soon! Not that, it's just so life changing -enjoy your 40s

Thank you both!

Hi, I have been thinking about this for a long time, and have had a consultation. I would be interested to know if anyone has had the operation if they have long- term health problems? I am concerned about relapsing and if my recovery will take ages. I don't have a lot of support either - I have a partner, but would probably need to get carers in for personal care, at least initially. I would also need to get taxis until I can drive again. My breast size has impacted me negatively for so long now (they are so out of proportion with the rest of me) and I can afford to get it done privately. The consultant knows all my medical history, and has been in the field for a very long time. My GP also knows of my thoughts, and isn't against it in principle, but wants me to be as stable as possible physically before going ahead.
I will try to read through all the threads but would really like some input. Thanks!

Apart from being given a lift home, I don't think you need that much help. Just imagine that your arms are like a T-Rex dinosaur and that's all the lifting you can do. You can easily open fridges or get a takeaway or something like that you just feel very tired because of the anaesthetic.

FFS. The ‘I wish had bigger boobs’ posters are out. Brace yourselves ladies, we don’t know how lucky we are 🙄

Every time there’s a discussion about big boobs and how much people hate them. Someone pipes up with the same comments. I just get so cross at how bad it is to live with big breasts. I used to cry about them all of the time.

I've got a friend who has continuously commented over the years about how enormous mine are - she knows I hate them but because she would like bigger ones she just can't absorb that it's upsetting to me! Women with smaller breasts simply haven't experienced all the negative things that go along with having larger ones.

@Madagascary thank you for your reply, that's helpful to know 😊