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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want to get a breast reduction at size 32F?

86 replies

Annie115 · 27/07/2021 00:15

Just wanted some advice because I don’t know if I’m overreacting, as I don’t think my breasts particularly stand out as that large when you look at me.
I have a toddler and I know the recovery can be a while, so I know I’ll be out of action when it comes to picking her up and playing with her etc which makes me wonder if it’s definitely worth it.
I’m a 32F and the only people I’ve heard of getting reductions are usually a few sizes bigger (or I could just be very uneducated about this)
I’m quite a small build and my breasts just make me look a lot bigger - not to mention all the back and neck pain. I find buying clothes a complete nightmare and exercising is hard too. I’ve been going back and forward about this operation for a while now.
Anyone else had it done around my size?

Thanks 🙂

OP posts:
Lunaballoonabear · 27/07/2021 07:11

@newnortherner111

It is a significant operation and not to be taken lightly so I think you should look at all options.
It is I agree and mine was bigger than the OP as they had to detach and reattach the nipple. However the health and lifestyle benefits, not least the confidence of finally being in proportion and my boobs no longer entering a room half an hour before the rest of my body, has been huge.

I have absolutely zero regrets, my dds have both questioned having it done, they are not as big as I was and I have cautioned them against, it’s certainly not something I would recommend before having kids but for me it’s been a godsend.

Drivingmeupthewall · 27/07/2021 07:13

@MissSmiley

I'm a 32FF and they aren't that big, I'm 5'3 and they're my best feature, still perky at 48 after 5 kids, I exercise loads and they cause me no bother at all, could something else be causing your back pain? I'm not against surgery, I had a tummy tuck after my twins
How is this helpful? It’s obviously part of your ‘look’ which you like, but the OP obviously doesn’t like it, plus they hurt her.

Why bother to come on, minimise her and boast about your own tits? 🙄 also, FYI, exercise makes sod all difference to the location of them.

malificent7 · 27/07/2021 07:14

The only thing that bothers me is scarring.
I started a thread on this recently...i hope i wasn't considered a troll...i'm definately not

Lunaballoonabear · 27/07/2021 07:14

@malificent7

I'm thinking of having one done...im a 36E butvthey are massive and people just see my tits before anything else. Its annoying
This was me, people talk to my face now, it’s quite refreshing.
Monkeyseesmonkeydoesn · 27/07/2021 07:15

If you want a reduction then go for it. You don't have to be huge to qualify. Follow Dr Dan Marsh on Instagram, he is very open and insightful about the procedure of often posts images to highlight the reality of what to expect plus scars etc months down the line.

I'm a 34K and would like a reduction. I used to be a DD pre kids 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ginqueen1 · 27/07/2021 07:27

@MissSmiley

I'm a 32FF and they aren't that big, I'm 5'3 and they're my best feature, still perky at 48 after 5 kids, I exercise loads and they cause me no bother at all, could something else be causing your back pain? I'm not against surgery, I had a tummy tuck after my twins
I am 5’6 and constantly in the gym and run I am size 10 and would be toned. All that exercise made no difference to my boobs. They never went smaller or perkier and the surgeon told me that as I had dense tissue in breasts the only thing that would work is a reduction. This surgeon is a friend of mine so he was not pushing me into it in fact he told me all the cons instead of the pros ! I wanted to go down to a b cup and he said no as it would be too much on my nipples and I would be at a higher risk of losing them
lunaballoonabear · 27/07/2021 07:32

@malificent7

The only thing that bothers me is scarring. I started a thread on this recently...i hope i wasn't considered a troll...i'm definately not
So 15 years on @malificent7

On each boob they cut two lines, one underneath, then a second vertically from the first to the nipple. The vertical one is now barely visible, just a bit dimpley. The horizontal one underneath is smooth but visible, there is a small knot under my armpit where it was so big, like when you’re sewing and have slightly too much fabric, but it was very, neatly done especially considering the size of the job, yours would be easier.

However, unless you’re planning on being a glamour model, the scarring really hasn’t been an issue, it’s not visible when wearing a bra or bikini, it does take a couple of years to really reduce as with any operation, I did swim topless in Greece a couple of years ago, which actually I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do pre op.

@Annie115 mine were toddlers when I had it done, it was one week of being in hospital and lying on the sofa, DH and DM were incredible that week. I was then more mobile but lifting and piano playing was problematic for another week or so. Then there was another week of discomfort after the stitches came out. The biggest issue was not being able to drive, but I got a dr note after a couple of weeks to say it was ok. As long as you have help with transport and hanging out washing and don’t mind the house looking like a tip,for a bit it’s fine.

Ginqueen1 · 27/07/2021 07:49

@malificent7

The only thing that bothers me is scarring. I started a thread on this recently...i hope i wasn't considered a troll...i'm definately not
I have an anchor scar so they made my nipples smaller and have a scar vertically down the middle of my boob and horizontal underneath. Even though it’s only a few weeks since the op they are very minimal and I will be using a scar gel and oil in the next few weeks. I will be honest and say I found it hard to look at them for the first few weeks but now I love them and for someone who covered up all the time I’m showing them to everyone 😂
Annie115 · 27/07/2021 11:30

Thanks so much everyone - really great to hear such positive stories about the benefits a reduction can give to your life. And also great for me to hear that a couple of people similar size to me are having/had them.
Thanks for all the suggestions I can do in the meantime regarding bra type/size as well.
I’ll probably look to see if I can have the surgery around Christmas time when my husband has more time off to help out Smile

OP posts:
FlorenceinSummer · 27/07/2021 12:27

I would be wary about whether the boobs are causing your back pain. For reference I have 28G and no back pain at 47, and 5'5 size 10 (8 on a good day - fewer and fewer nowadays). I run and play a number of active sports without issue. I would ask what your doctor has said about the pain, if it is the reason then go for it!

Annabel7 · 27/07/2021 12:45

Check out micro lipo breast reduction, I was about the same size as you and went down a good couple of sizes. It's much less invasive - I was in and out the same day - and quick recovery. No scarring, just 4 tiny dots where they go in and you can't even see that now.

I didn't have back pain but just hated being so large on a small frame. It's big in the US but only a couple of places do it here. Good luck!

Annie115 · 27/07/2021 12:57

Thanks @Annabel7 never heard of this before and will definitely look into this!

OP posts:
BigWoollyJumpers · 27/07/2021 13:02

I know a couple of people who have had reductions, and it is a major op, with considerable scarring. Both were young, and although have not regreted the operations, have had some bad experiences with young men and horrible comments..... just something to consider for the youngsters.

I am a 32HH - and would love a reduction purely from an aesthetic point of view, yes, everything does look frumpy when you have massive boobs in comparison to the rest of your body, stretchy fabric is your friend. At the moment fashions are all loose and square, which is a nightmare.

I have never had back or neck pain either, so again, just ensure you have a really good bra. Interesting to note that my shoulder straps always fall off, so my boobs are entirely supported by the back and cups, so that may be a factor for some.

Bravissimo wanted me in a 30" but I couldn't initially stand it, now I've been in 32" for a while, I have got used to the tightness and could possibly go down to a 30", but then would need bigger cups!

WildFlowerBees · 27/07/2021 13:07

If you're unhappy get it done, I had it done 7 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did wish I'd have done it sooner.

Starlight86 · 27/07/2021 13:09

Ive had one and let me tell you it has honestly changed my life.

I was a size 10/12, 5ft8 with 32JJ boobs!! Ive always had large boobs since i was young but i lost alot of weight after my kids and my boobs were just gigantic. My surgeon said it was all breast tissue with no fat therefor i could never have influenced my breast size with weight loss.

I tried to go NHS and that didnt work, eventually i scraped together the money and went private.

I would honestly recommend it to anyone. I have quite large scars but couldnt care less, i can fit in any clothes with ease.

The only thing i would say is wait until after you have had children as they will increase. I had 2 children, then had my reduction then had my 3rd child. Id say my boobs went up a cup size so not the end of the world but ideally you want to be done with kids or be prepared to have a second reduction.

Cookiebox · 27/07/2021 13:12

I am size 28FF and only petite. I hide them well but hate them. Yes I know as long as they're healthy i shouldn't complain but I hate having a large chest.
I am now 38 and wish I'd looked into a breast reduction years ago.
I'm too scared it's such a big surgery.
I admire any woman who is brave enough to do it

Annabel7 · 27/07/2021 13:14

Here's the link www.cellite.co.uk/treatments/breast-augmentation-including-breast-enlargement-and-breast-reduction/breast-reduction/

It doesn't change the shape just reduces the size. So your boobs but smaller!

Whiskeywithwater · 27/07/2021 15:29

I had this done 20 years ago. Best thing I ever did - totally transformed my life. My only regret was that I didn’t do it sooner. I went from a 32G to a 32D.
As other people have said, it is a significant operation, buy the only long term negative impact I can really say though is that I have lost sensation in my nipples. Not that I can’t feel anything, but just they feel different. I also still managed to breast feed for a period of time with my children. Perhaps for not as long and not as successfully as I may have done, so something to think about when you’re weighing up pros and cons.

Annie115 · 27/07/2021 20:33

Thanks @Annabel7 sounds really interesting, definitely looking into this!
Nice to hear more reduction success stories too - it’s certainly inspiring me to go for it.

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 27/07/2021 20:35

A 32 back isn't a small build, are you sure you have been measured correctly?

GrrrlPwr · 27/07/2021 20:51

I second getting a good sports bra. I've finally found one from Triumph that has practically zero bounce 32F.

Before that I made do with m&s sports bra and the booband thing. It is good too.

However for exercise and back pain I really recommend proper Pilates taught by a physio. This will strengthen your core and back and give you the best support.

I also think you must be a 30 rib cage, have you measured around your ribs, in inches? This is your bra band size. The adding on 4 inches thing is out of date.

Annie115 · 27/07/2021 20:57

@MyDcAreMarvel I always thought 32 was fairly small? I could try and get measured again.

@GrrrlPwr possibly…haven’t measured myself yet.

I do notice my bra does rise up a bit at the back and I know that’s not meant to happen. I do have some 30 bras but never want to wear them because I feel they give me indigestion, can’t win! Maybe need to shop around a bit.

OP posts:
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 27/07/2021 21:02

I went from a K to a DD.

It removed all my years of hideous back and neck pain. I wish I’d had it done years ago.

Chailatteplease · 27/07/2021 21:04

I’m 36G and honestly confused by those of you who are saying yours are huge but measure smaller. I don’t consider mine huge, no pain or other issues either. Are you all being measured fitted correctly?

Wimpeyspread · 27/07/2021 21:09

I had mine done about 10 years ago, I was 34G. One of the best things I ever did, no regrets. I had it done privately (did not qualify for NHS), one night in hospital - it was fine