To consider cosmetic surgery?

[DoItOrDont]

Well, I say cosmetic, which it partly is. But mainly it’s because I cannot cope with my humongous breasts! I’m so so so fed up.
I’m a 34HH. The rest of my frame is fairly small but they make me look huge. I have hideous indents in my shoulders from my bra straps (I get professionally fitted, I can’t go any tighter on my band without feeling like I’m suffocating) . They’re saggy. Very saggy. I’m so jealous of women who say they take their bra off as soon as they’re home, I can’t do that until the second I get into bed.
I’ve always had breasts like this, since I was young. My mum never took me to get properly fitted for a bra when I was developing so they never had the required support. Which I’m guessing is why they’re so saggy.

But. I’m terrified of getting them done. Terrified of surgery. Of general anaesthetic. Of the pain. If something goes wrong.
But I’m 31. I’m thinking if I’m going to do it then now would be the time instead of waiting until I’m older and regretting now doing it sooner, or never at all.
I have young DC. I feel it’s selfish to risk my life for this. What if I die and they are left without me?
I’m just so miserable. Nothing fits me. I look like a walking tent most of the time. If I do wear something fitted then I feel like I’m on display.
And the back ache! It’s terrible and I know it will only get worse.
I’m high risk for osteoporosis and worry about the weight of my breasts. There’s also the cost involved.

What would you do? Given how fed up I am but also equally terrified?

YABU - put up & shut up
YANBU - get them done!

Sorry this is so long! I’ve been up all night thinking about it all.

I would see your gp for a referral to a surgeon and get a consultation. They will tell you what results are achievable and what the process/risks/costs are and you can make a decision based on that.

Do you think it would be available on the nhs though? I’d feel pretty bad using the nhs for such a reason. But privately is so expensive. Up to £7,500.

I have a friend who had a reduction done and said it was absolutely life changing for her. No more back ache or problems with bras like you describe. She had 2 young children too and thinks it was absolutely worth it.

OP I can only share my experience. After being left with loose skin after significant weight loss over a number of years I made the decision to have a tummy tuck. It was the best thing I ever did. I was afraid of the GA but it is completely fine, remember there is an anaesthetist and an anaesthetic nurse there the whole time solely to look after you and make sure you’re ok while the surgeon works. Don’t worry about the GA. the recovery will be fine too but make sure you are in the very best health for at least 6 months prior, so no smoking, very healthy diet, A lot of regular exercise (so that your body is used to recovering) and you will be fine. I used to wake up thinking of my loose stomach skin and it consumed my mind constantly and held me back from so much. I am finally free.

YANBU.

I was a 36GG, now hover between a D/DD/E cup depending on my weight. It was the best thing I ever did. I'm 31 now, I had it done when I was 21/22.

Yes it hurts, but it's not unbearable pain. I remember taking painkillers the day I came home from hospital and after that, I didn't have anymore. At one point, it felt like a dog was chewing at my nipple and that's about as uncomfortable as it got.

I had to have my mum or partner wash my hair for me because I could lift my arms above my head for a while. I can't remember what I did re: showering or if I just had a bath.

Honestly, it was fine and my happiness changed dramatically afterwards.

You probably wouldn't get them done on NHS these days
Obviously like with any op, there are risks of wound infection etc but I would imagine in the long run it would be better if you did go ahead

From what I've heard anecdotally you wont get it on nhs, if you do itll be a long waiting list. I would beg, borrow or steal the money if you can.

GP should be your first port of call though, so it's on record that you asked, and they can give you more info about the procedure. They may recommend a good private surgeon.

Had it done in my 20s, best thing I ever did. You'll probably have to get it done privately but it will be worth it!

I looked into having a breast reduction privately but then read stories about them growing back which put me off. I don't really have any pain though, just discomfort.

Sali Hughes has just put up a video of her reduction experience on Instagram @salihughes

I think your quality of life is very important and this is causing you many problems. As a PP said, make sure you are eating healthily and exercising so you are in the best shape you can be and start saving. Do lot’s of research and find a surgeon you feel comfortable with. I would go for it if I were you but it is only you who can make the decision, don’t rush into it.

I think it will be worth the money with how much it bothers you currently. Good luck!

Thanks everyone. And thanks for the video recommendation @Buggedandconfused just watched it on Instagram. Seems like she had a really good experience.

I’m not sure I could ever afford it though 😢 and I’m so incredibly squeamish, the thought of it makes me want to throw up (although I felt the same thinking about my c section, not the same thing but still scary!)

But I do hate my boobs. They’d be nice if they weren’t so huge and dragging on the floor 😭

I want a tummy tuck but like you I’m scared that something will go wrong and I’ll die, leaving my kids with no mum. I’ve never weighed more than 9 stone but my pregnancy bump was huge and it’s left a flap of tummy skin that gets sore underneath and prevents me from moving around normally. So I think for quality of life I will do it even though it’s a risk.

I had breast surgery in January.I have ds 6 and had the same concerns as you regarding having an operation.It all went brilliantly and I'm pleased with the results. Definitely research your surgeon though it's imperative.

I agree with seeing your GP. Even if you don't qualify for treatment on the NHS they could give you advice on the risks and recommend a surgeon. I wouldn't be keen on implants as I saw a programme on them and it was really scarey. But you might not need implants in your case.

Oh no, I definitely don’t want implants! I’ve got enough breast tissue in there for them to work with I’d imagine! I just want them smaller.

When I think about myself, the first thing that comes to mind is the word ‘Breasts’.
I don’t want them to define me anymore. They’ve bothered me my whole life (bar early childhood).

Wish I’d had them done before having children, I would have the guilt then 😔

*wouldn’t have the guilt, not would 🙄

OP, I had enlargement surgery at a fantastic clinic in Brussels - Dr Plovier at BeClinic. It was a lot cheaper than the U.K. I’m not sure how things are now with Covid but have a look. The consultation and after care is in Harley St. I’m sure they do reductions too. The clinic was amazing, state of the art modern.

www.beclinic.com/en/

Don’t suffer with this, you are so young!

Pursue the NHS route citing back pain, osteoporosis risk and digging in straps. Anything else which impacts your mental health too.
If not, pay. You are not unreasonable. You only live once and this will change your life.

Thanks 😊

I don’t think going abroad would be a viable option for me. I’ve got the kids to think about and I’ve heard too many scary stories about surgery in other countries.

I will try the nhs route first... although it doesn’t feel right to be asking them for things like this, it really is affecting my health and I’m not just doing it for vanity reasons.

To anyone who has had it, did you have to have drains attached? That sounds utterly horrendous to me 😳

But I’m 31. I’m thinking if I’m going to do it then now would be the time instead of waiting until I’m older and regretting now doing it sooner, or never at all

Do it! Obviously look into it properly and find the right surgeon etc. Sounds like it would massively improve your life.

I would definitely pursue the NHS route, if you can as it's pricey. If you can't get it through NHS (and I really think they should), Google microlipo breast reduction. I've had this as I was a G cup post kids on a small frame and hated it. Microlipo is much less invasive and literally sucks the fat out but won't scoop them up. Recovery is minimal. Feel free to PM me if you want more info...

I like the sound of a less invasive procedure... but I fear my breasts would be even more ridiculous if they just took some volume out. They really are quite saggy. Especially so for my age.
If I were to sit down without a bra on, my nipples would be below my belly button 😞 hell, they’re near enough by my belly button when I’m standing up without a bra on!
I can sort of disguise how bad they are when I’m wearing a bra... but then there’s the issue of my shoulders. You can even see the grooves through my clothes. I wear my hair down a lot to disguise it. Or more layers of clothes 😞

You should push for surgery on the NHS. Really - men would not be left to suffer in the same way. It's a medical need and affecting your life...