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

[Eludford]

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.

The surgeon cannot say for sure what size you will be until they actually operate, every patient is different. The priority will be maintaining symmetry, fullness and function.

You cannot select a cup size, that is not how a breast reduction works. No reputable surgeon will give you this.

However I would be surprised if you ended up with very small breasts, afaik they are generally not able to take enough tissue, rather than too much.

It is a fairly invasive procedure, and the results can be very variable. But if your breasts are causing you that much discomfort and your not going to get into debt for it then it must be worth a try.

For info, I know 3 women who have had it done. 1 was very happy with the results, 1 was disappointed as only went down 2-3 cup sizes, the final woman put weight on and it went straight back on her boobs and they ended up as big as she started at.

Thank you, it would be on the NHS so I wouldn’t need to pay. It’s just really scary not knowing the exact outcome. I have been reading people’s experiences and they either love or hate it.

I gather from the previous post very few women now qualify are offered reductions on the nhs.
Odd that posters think so little of the referral process that they think a bra solution is the way to go.
Surely a reputable plastic surgeon would have suggested that as well if surgery was unnecessary.

When speaking to my surgeon about my expected outcome I mentioned that I expected to remain curvy.
Initially I found them small, boxy like man pecks, and without the breast tissue my tummy rolls were accentuated.
However, being aware of the belly bulge is healthy as I will need to focus on this.
The breasts no longer look boxy.

I am on the fence here. Firstly, I've known two women have this done, both have gradually gone back up to their old size - one definitely as a result of pregnancy. That's the first thing - you are so young, I would think very carefully about doing it now if you want a family. Secondly it does sound as if they've been pretty uncommunicative with you. Finally I would wait a couple of years anyway as although you're obviously adult now you still might find your boob shape changes as you get a bit older - I just think it's something that is probably better left until you are mid twenties at least, for both physical and emotional reasons, and until you've definitely finished growing.

Now very few women are offered breast reduction on the NHS. I was 32JJ and had to go privately. It is a big operation. I am now 32DD and was in theatre for a number of hours. My surgeon was really reassuring and explained everything really clearly. I think if you are still needing to ask questions on the internet you really need to make another appointment or get a second opinion. At 21yrs the risk of scarring, change in size after pregnancy and breastfeeding all needs discussing. I waited until I was 40 and have never regretted the decision - I wasn't ready at 21 (was offered the operation at the time).

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3528641-breast-reduction-surgery?pg=1

21 is young and surgery will affect the ability to breast feed and breasts certainly do change over time.

Before you make such a huge decision so young, head to bravissimo for a proper fitting and also to see the clothing ranges which are designed for us larger women.

Oh and I saw the scars of one of the people I know who had a reduction and yes, they are quite extensive - though no doubt much faded over time.

I was a 36K and directly after surgery was a 36C. They settled at a 36D and have stayed the same for over a decade now, I'm delighted with the results and the ending of neck/back pain and being able to wear normal bras.

Have they talked with you about which type of surgery they will use, as that has an impact, and while they talked with me about taking into account what I wanted to end up with, the main guidance was what would end with the best result. I agree fully with the advice about getting a private free consultation - I got about four different ones before I finally got the courage up to do it, and talked to as many people as I could.

Thanks knitclub - like I say, not planning it for a few years yet, as I am going through weight loss, then will have kids, but it's good to get an indication!

Mine were a 38K at their largest - down to 34H now, but definitely on the sad potato end of the spectrum at the moment!

(Just to add: 36C was a bit drastic and I panicked slightly after the surgery, and it didn't look quite right with my frame, but my surgeon reassured me they'd settle and they did, the 36D is perfect.)

I'm a 32 DD after two DC, breastfed them both and in 20s would have thought twice about doing this op- what about if you get pregnant as it can make them engorged with milk after (even if not planning on b'feeding) - also not being able to feed, it is really quite a life changing decision and sound like there has not been too much discussion.

Mine go up and down in size with weight loss. Could it help to lose weight? As pp have said it is not such a large size with your small 28 rib fitting as well. If I was you would try decent bra fittings first and possibly weight loss too.

Sorry- meant 34GG (above)

I just read again and you are a 6-8 in size so obviously tiny.

Sorry to go on: just saw your bit about scars and pain.

Pain: I was on Tramadol to sleep for a few days and was uncomfortable for a week or so but it was uncomfortable rather than pain. The worst part was having to sleep on my back for the first few days to avoid bumping them.

The scarring - that was my biggest fear and it was groundless. A plastic surgeon's scars are really nothing like any other surgeon's scars, I have a whopping surgery scar on my knee. The scars on my breasts are far far less obvious, they're positioned where they're hard to see and they really haven't worried me in the slightest. I did lose sensation in one nipple, but then I was very big and both nipples had to be completely repositioned. Not all surgeries are that drastic.

Too any posters telling OP that she's not that big....everybody is different. Breast tissue can vary density - heavy in some women, and in others, well, not quite fluffy weight but for whatever reason, a lot lighter.

Also, too many posters saying get a better bra.

I could have had one crafted out of fairy dust, it wouldn't have made any difference. I was tormented at the constant pain. If you have large breasts and no pain, well that's great for you. But please don't try to minimise the debilitating pain of others.

Op, for the record, the NHS refused me, so am amazed they are offering this. However, I went private 10 years ago, and never looked back, 800 g removed from each.

Do your homework though. As I say, everyone is different, surgeon needs to go over this in fine detail for your requirements. It's not really a one-size fits- all situation.

For those suggesting weight loss, the OP has said she is a size 6!

Have you seen a physio about your back OP? Do you know that the surgery may not relieve your pain? My breast size has reduced through weight loss (far more than surgery will reduce yours) but I'm still in a great deal of pain.

It's great that you're asking questions, as it sounds like you may not be ready to take such a big step at this time.

I gather from the previous post very few women now qualify are offered reductions on the nhs.
Odd that posters think so little of the referral process that they think a bra solution is the way to go.
Surely a reputable plastic surgeon would have suggested that as well if surgery was unnecessary.

NHS referrals are an absolute lottery and the guidelines are not applied consistently. From what OP has said I have concerns about the lack of information and guidance that she has been given. Certainly I think most reputable surgeons are very reluctant to operate on younger women and OP seems to have received more information about the reasons why from this thread than from her consultation.

It seems to vary with each CCG - according to NHS online. So OP may be lucky with the CCG they have.

@dancerdog I don't think that's a very fair post. OP has said she's a 26 back (as measured by M&S who are notorious for giving +4 measurements) and she's wearing a 28. Most of the support comes in the back, so if she's wearing a bra that's 6 inches too big, it's no wonder she's in discomfort.

I even said in my original post that I'm the same size but don't have issues, but that it could be due to a number of reasons.

Posters are just trying to ensure that she doesn't have invasive surgery if it's just a bra that's at fault.

I had mine done at your age pre-children (no problems breastfeeding and they didn't grow back), it isn't possible to give a definite bra size but I was left a C cup which went to an A after I dropped a lot of weight but back to the C after I gained again. Best thing I ever did btw.

@nobaggypants yes she is a size 6-8 but this doesn't necessarily mean that she can't safely lose weight or that it wouldn't help.

It is unlikely that she is overweight or the NHS probably wouldn't have offered surgery but she also said she is small, size 6-8 is a lot less "skinny" on someone who is 5ft than someone who is 5ft10.

My mum has never been more than a size 8 in trousers, currently barely a 6, but she is short and very top heavy, at times needing an 18 to go around her boobs. Fat goes to her boobs first and leaves her boobs last. She has had an overweight BMI whilst a size 6-8 waist and hips. Losing weight will help, if it can safely be done and without knowing the OPs BMI we don't know if that is possible. However it must be safe for her to lose a kilo as that is what the surgeon is planning to take away.

Increasing muscle and reducing fat will generally decrease boob size. There are safe limits of body fat reduction but people with very low body fat don't have big boobs.

I am not suggesting the OP is overweight, and I am not unsympathetic, I also have large boobs (a H cup) that cause me neck and shoulder pain. I am just saying that the suggestion of looking at her weight is not necessarily a bad one, especially not if she has concerns/worries about surgery.

I had a breast reduction 3yrs ago. Was a 34/36HH & went down to DD/E. I paid private £6700. Best thing I ever did. In terms of pain the first 2wks were pretty painful, but after that was fairly plain sailing. Have you looked on Real Self? Lots of women share their surgery stories on there with photos as well.

Hi op just wondered how it was going - are you any further along? I am a 30gg and just been put on the waiting list for an nhs breast reduction. The criteria is strict - and like you it’s 500g off and they estimate a B for me. Nervous and excited. I’m 47 so older than you but I feel that this will change my life.