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Original poster

Boob reduction on the NHS. I am a 28 GG what size will I go?

50 replies

Eludford · 28/05/2019 09:55

Hi, I am 21 years old and I have 28 GG boobs. I have been offered a boob reduction on the NHS. They said they take 500g out of each boob and they cannot guarantee what size I would be left with. I am scared to have this done as I am self conscious with big boobs but do not want to be left with no boobs. I suffer really badly from back ache and I struggle to find bras that fit me. I have always wanted a boob reduction but I am scared as there is no certainty of size I would be left with. Has anyone been in my situation? What size do you think I would be left with? What is the pain like afterwards? Are the scars bad? I would be grateful for advice. Thank you.

OP posts:

Nikhedonia · 28/05/2019 12:28

Firstly, are you sure you are a 28GG? I'm the same size and I'm not that heavy chested (I suppose it can be affected by a number of things).

Without knowing if you are wearing the correct size it would be hard to guess what size you will be, if that makes sense?

Original poster

Eludford · 28/05/2019 12:48

Hi, I have been measured before and my back is actually a 26 but of course bras do not go down to a 26 and they said I am a GG. I have been measured in M&S, Leia and boux avenue. I am very small and petite and my clothes size is a size 6 or 8 so it’s hard to find clothes that look nice

OP posts:

Nikhedonia · 28/05/2019 12:57

Ok, well M&S are notorious for measuring terribly.

Check your sizing via Boob or Bust and see what you are there.

There are websites you can get a 26 back from.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health

ThanksItHasPockets · 28/05/2019 13:10

I agree with Nikhedonia - use the guide on Boob or Bust and check your size. I don’t want to minimise your experience at all but 28GG isn’t that big. There are measures you can take to improve your pain and quality of life if you aren’t sure that you want to commit to surgery just yet, and a well-fitting bra will be the first step.

Longtalljosie · 28/05/2019 13:12

They won’t leave you with no boobs at all, love. But they are being a bit unfair giving you a weight without anything to help you visualise what that would look like. Hopefully someone who’s had the procedure will be along soon with more info...

Ravingstarfish · 28/05/2019 13:16

How?! I’ve been asking at various gps over ten years and all say no they don’t do it and I’m a lot bigger than you.

Theredjellybean · 28/05/2019 13:19

I had reduct surgery done privately. I was 34hh
And the surgeon discussed my expectations of size, I wanted to be a d cup
She advised it might not be possible as that was a lot of tissue to remove but she would aim for d-dd.
I had 1.2kg off each breast and ended with a d-dd cup depending on brand.
There is no way a good surgeon would not be discussing with you what you hope for, what could be possible, what size would be appropriate for your frame etc.
I have never heard them say they will only tell you volume they will remove.
And I am a doctor myself and work with doctors on communication and consenting patients, so I'd be quite suspicious of your teams approach

BogglesGoggles · 28/05/2019 13:19

That’s really awful service. Verging on issues around informed consent. On your place I would suggest getting ants that first properly (a loose band can cause back pain) and some core strengthening exercises first.

Original poster

Eludford · 28/05/2019 13:29

Thank you everyone for your comments. I have been measured in leia and they are a proper bra shop and I have Freya bras. My back always hurts and sometimes gives me headaches. It hurts to go down stairs without a bra and I have stretch marks on them. When I had my consultation they said that they can only take 500g out of each boob, no more and no less. They said they can’t say for definite what I would be left with and that’s the scary part. I just want to know what size I would be left with. They said your scarring can be quite bad and it would be unlikely I could breast feed when I have children.

OP posts:

PollyShelby · 28/05/2019 13:31

That doesn't sound right at all. Ask them to clarify that they won't give you a guideline at all and ask for it in writing.

Then complain.

ThanksItHasPockets · 28/05/2019 13:33

If you plan to have children your surgeon should also warn you that there is a chance that your breasts will grow during pregnancy and may not fully go back down. I have looked into this in some detail and have the savings ready for a reduction once I have weaned DC2; I decided against having a reduction pre-DC for this reason.

ems137 · 28/05/2019 13:36

My friend had a reduction on the NHS, she was a larger frame that you but obviously with really big boobs and the associated problems you also have.

Her boobs just grew back. Have you definitely finished having children?

MigGril · 28/05/2019 13:43

I agree that you really need refitting for bras. I had back problems before I had mind refitted at bravisimo and haven't looked back since. My GP even suggested boob reduction at the time, but also mentioned about the breastfeeding and as this was really important to me I didn't want to have it done then.

I would also caution against a boob reduction before children it's quite an invasive procedure and my boobs got a lot bigger during pregnancy. They went up at lest another 4 cup sizes. Luckly for me they did go back after breastfeeding, but this maynot happen if you can't and you could end up with the same problem again. I think it's something worth considering and seeking a seconed opoine on as your first doesn't sound that knowlagable.

ThanksItHasPockets · 28/05/2019 13:46

In your position I would get hold of some recommendations for a decent private surgeon and go and talk to them. They usually offer a no-obligation consultation. I did this and was honest when I booked that I wasn’t planning on surgery in the short term but wanted some advice. The surgeon talked me through my options and strongly recommended that I wait until my family was complete before undergoing any surgery.

Knitclubchatter · 28/05/2019 13:54

Literally one month ago I had a breast reduction (private pay) same concern as the dr would not guarantee post operative size.
I was wearing 36DD bras and probably needed a bigger cup (obviously not massive compared to some ladies).
He took 270gm and 290gm off the breasts, lifted them into position as my problem was sag.
I’m still slightly bruised so maybe still slightly swollen but this week was fitted into a 36C -38D depending on brand.
Pain, in my case I was pain free (which is not unheard of) best described as they felt hot, engorged, and tight.
Where the liposuction was performed under the armpits was the most tender!
No regrets I’m healing well but almost shocked at how big my incision (under the breast) is.

Branleuse · 28/05/2019 14:00

If you want children in the future, id think carefully about getting it done, because for a start it sounds like youre not wearing the right size bras, and that will mean your breasts are not properly supported.
28GG is not a massive size. I think you might be a lot more comfortable if you wore correctly fitting bras and do some work on your back and shoulders and core at the gym to build them up to be able to support you.

MorrisZapp · 28/05/2019 14:06

I've always wanted a breast reduction but have finally lost the stone and a half I'd been in denial about for years and they've deflated on their own.

Most women report that when losing weight, their boobs are first to go. Not sure if this even remotely applies to you but worth mentioning.

Musmerian · 28/05/2019 14:29

Go to a really good bra shop. I recommend Rigby and Peller - the places you’ve mentioned don’t know how to measure properly. I know as I wore the wrong size for years. In a properly fitting supportive bra you should find you feel a lot more comfortable. It’s expensive but worth every penny.

Nikhedonia · 28/05/2019 14:38

A badly fitted bra can cause back pain and discomfort, so it would be good to start there at least.

billybagpuss · 28/05/2019 14:39

I had one, I was wearing a GG but was probably kidding myself.

Straight after the procedure I was a D/DD I'm now an F but the difference in shape and weight is phenomenal, they are in the correct place and don't look out of proportion if you know what I mean. I wanted it done so I could properly exercise and I can now do that with no issues at all, I still can't run but thats a fitness thing rather than a boob shape thing.

I'm surprised they are happy to do this when you are so young though as mine was a particularly complicated one (happy to pm but not on public forum)

It is the best thing I ever did.

thecatsthecats · 28/05/2019 14:54

Knitclub

Do you mind me asking how much it cost you, and whether the lipo part was standard/included?

I'm planning a lift and reduction in a few years, need to budget for it!

tectonicplates · 28/05/2019 15:02

If you need a smaller band size than you can find in shops, you can make them smaller by doing an alteration. Just make a fold on each side of the band and sew it down. I've done this on numerous occasions, sewn by hand, machine not necessary. Or you can ask an alterations person to do it for you. I've paid £10 per bra to get it for before. It's actually quite a simple procedure.

SoHotADragonRetired · 28/05/2019 15:08

I... really don't see you needing a reduction if you're actually a 28GG? I'm a 28G and have been 30GG in pregnancy/when breastfeeding, it's really not that big. I'm also an 8 or so overall.

If you're really struggling with back pain and bras it kind of suggests the issue is the bras. Ewa Michalak do custom bras in 26 bans which aren't that expensive.

Knitclubchatter · 28/05/2019 15:10

I’m in Canada paid close to 8K Canadian. 2months ago there was a mn thread going and prices (uk as well as surgeons) discussed. Can’t find the link right now.
My plastic surgeon does the liposuction with the surgery. A few friends had surgery via the medical system (free, long long wait times) but had to pay for the liposuction part of the procedure.

Original poster

Eludford · 28/05/2019 15:53

I have tried all different bras and the make Freya I find helps me the most however I still have the back pain as they are just very heavy. I have had the bras with the thick and thin strap, Iv had the bras with 4 and 6 clips at the back so I know my bras are fine. I am just very self conscious about my boob size. Do you think after the 500g out of each boob I would become around a D? I am only 5 ft 2 size 6/8 with GG. How is the pain after surgery? I think I will book a private consultation to see what they say. Thank you again for all your advice and messages.

OP posts:

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