Refused a breast reduction

[Questionablmouse]

I'm so totally fed up. I'm absolutely desperate for them to be gone. I'm a 38N, fitted by Bravissimo, and they cause me constant pain, anxiety and are stopping me from doing so much. I'm actively trying to lose weight but it's not coming off my boobs so they look even bigger in comparison. I'm terrified I'm going to end up like my mum who has multiple things wrong due to her weight. Genuinely feel like crying at the moment and don't even know if it's worth trying to appeal.

Do you mean on the NHS?

Yes. I'd love to do it privately but it's way out of my reach financially unfortunately.

Why have they refused. What was the reason? You are most certainly in need

Apparently I don't meet the criteria

Blooming annoying
. I've been asking for years.. im now 67 and just been to see my muscoskeletal specialist today.. l have developed cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy and stenosis and I've to have major surgery on top of my spine... she asked me today if I've always had large breasts ( l have) and she said they have been a contributing factor to my diagnosis.

I'm really sorry, I do feel for you it's misery making. I was a 44hh and that was bad enough.

My 16yr old has also got a huge bust and had the same outcome as you. The GP agreed to refer her and when the clinic called to make an appointment they very kindly saw her urgently as she has severe MH issues and autism so huge sensory problems , I could go on....

The consultant who saw her was lovely, totally agreed she definitely needed a reduction and a full lift BUT went on to say because they would refuse it because she wasn't at the lowest BMI. They don't consider the mental health or about you feel about yourself as apparently this could still be an issue after a reduction (it's not reason alone).

She basically told us if your skinny with huge boob's you may get funding. She said they were so strict they even had to weigh the breast tissue at each op and report back!

The only suggestion I could make would be if you went privately could you look at a clinic that offers a payment plan option?

Wish you all the best.

you will just have to slowly save and have it done privately.
at that size it really is a necessity.

You mention your weight - are you physically overweight?

I know surgery can be dangerous if you’re too overweight and so could this be why you were turned down?

I would actually sign a petition over this.

I think it’s awful how many women have to suffer because of something they can’t help.

Is it your overall weight that has stopped you from qualifying? It’s hard to understand how you don’t, have they explained anything further or have you just received the letter?

@Questionablmouse

Taking all emotionality out of it, their criteria is very strict, especially wrt to weight.

Key Criteria for IFR Approval

• Medical Necessity: Strong evidence of symptoms like chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, or severe skin infections (intertrigo) under the breasts.
• Failed Conservative Treatments: Proof that physiotherapy, professionally fitted bras, and other non-surgical methods haven't resolved symptoms.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Typically, a BMI below 27 kg/m² and stable for a period (e.g., 12 months).
• Breast Size/Weight: Often a cup size F or larger, or a significant amount of tissue (e.g., 500g per breast or more) needs removal.
• Functional Impairment: Difficulty performing daily activities, finding clothes, or significant emotional distress related to physical function (not just appearance).

The BMI they use is from 25.0 to 26.9 which is considered overweight. If you are outwith that range, it's unlikely they would give approval.

Although you are unable to privately fund the surgery, are you in a financial position to afford WLI?

This could kick-start your journey.

I have total empathy, it is a miserable position to be in.

Put all your time and energy into focusing on losing weight and then reapply.

Should have said you want to identify as a man, they’d have bitten your hand off.

But that’s seriously shit OP - it’s barbaric to expect women to live like you do.

I was just thinking that, or non-binary. It's obvious that the decision-makers don't know how painful and uncomfortable having large and heavy breasts actually is. I really feel for you. I agree with PP that you might want to try weight loss injections.

If it's any incentive, keep losing weight as it will eventually reduce your bust.

A few years ago I got down to a pretty slim (for me) 9st and my bust was the last thing to go.

i would focus on weight loss and as pp said possibly the injections.
you havent said bmi ? But its likely over 25?
ive also struggled since having kids and bf. Annoyingly D went much larger even without any weight gain. Now in 40s weight gain has made the issue ridiculous.

i had mine done in Spain, cheaper than UK
I was also refused on NHS.

The pic I posted is literally all it says.

Are you overweight?

Actually, I've just remembered your other thread. You were 16st in October. So that will be why you've been refused, I think.

On your previous thread you states you are 5ft and 16 stone, which would put your BMI at 43. Surgery would be very high risk at that BMI. You'd be better off asking for weight loss treatment on the NHS - check your local trust's criteria.

Later it is clarified that it is a typo and @Questionablmouse is 5'6".

I was 'granted' a breast reduction on the NHS in 2018. I met all the criteria. My BMI was 21 a 30GG. Never smoked, didnt drink. Healthy as possible. Had all the photos and tests. Then my female consultant went on holiday and I met with a male one for my final consult. He said he didn't think they looked very big. And the CCG at the time said i would need 500g from each breast to qualify and he wouldn't do that.

I was furious and appealed...then covid hit and they changed the criteria to 1kg from each.

Since then I paid and had one privately (by the female consultant i met previously) They easily removed 500g from each and I'm still a 30dd.

So basically, even when you meet all the criteria, they try not to do it.

which would equate to a BMI of ~36

well I’m glad a 16yo still growing autistic child wasnt immediately approved! that would be very inappropriate. she can have another consultation as an adult

I would of lied & said you want top surgery as you want to be a trans man they would of done it straight away.

that said, they are shit making that decision. Its like they want women to suffer!