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

[Annie115]

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 🙂

Annie115 I do think you need to go bra shopping! All bras are not equal.
The band stretchiness. The shoulder strap stretch. The wire strength & flexibility. The wire shape. How high up it goes in the middle. There are many factors. Even in 1 shop there will be many differences between bra styles.

Can you measure around your ribs? And go to a big John Lewis to get a fitting.

I'm not against surgery, but it is worth doing your bra research before committing to surgery.

@GrrrlPwr yes probably should go shopping.
Don’t get me wrong I have done a huge amount of research when i wasn’t even thinking about surgery and have tried many different types of bras but I suppose since lockdown I have had more of a focus on what is actually comfortable for me rather than which bras make my clothes look the best.
Will try going to John Lewis anyway.

What size do you normally wear OP? Do you have a tummy? My mum was a G cup and had a reduction 10yrs ago. She was a size 16, and with the boobs reduced to a C/D, it suddenly made her stomach seem huge and out of proportion! I think she had a kilo removed from each breast! The relief on her back, shoulders and neck was amazing apparently.

She was 65, and far from someone who got hair/nails/facials/lips or anything done at all. She ended up getting an apronectomy (tummy tuck/flap removal) a year after the boobs. It was the best thing ever for her. She looked in proportion, could move around so much easier and lost weight as she could actually exercise. The surgeon said its very common to end up having both procedures to even things out. Obviously, if its just the boobs you want and you are slim otherwise, then not an issue, but something to think about.

@Eleoura should be a size 8 on top if it wasn’t for the boobs. And size 10 at the bottom, never really been worried about my stomach.

Although it’s always useful to think about all the factors when it’s such a big operation. Glad your Mum got to a stage she was happy

No a 32 is more a size 12 so average not small. I really don’t think at a size 8 you can genuinely be a 32 back, have you tried the bra interventions way of measuring. You are more likely to be a 30G.

I had a BR from a 34F and now a 34B/C, best decision I ever made.

I had a reduction at 31 I was a 32E
Best thing I ever did.

Go for it. At your size you may qualify for NHS if your BMI is under 26. I had one due to back pain and shoulder grooves and it has made such a difference.

@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

Lucky you. I'm smaller than you and my boobs cause me endless grief. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones instead of questioning what other people know about their own bodies

@Mummyford thanks for that link
Glad to hear you had a good experience with the reduction too.

@Audacity7 thanks I assumed NHS was a no go, but I might as well ask.

Amazing there’s so many positive stories, I hadn’t realised how many people have had it done.

Friend who was bigger couldn't get it done on the NHS. She's a medic and tried but she didn't meet criteria despite pain and depression over it.

@Chailatteplease

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?

Lol yes everyone saying otherwise must be doing something wrong. Can't you understand that everyone is different? Why are you so confused? Weird.

[quote Annie115]@GrrrlPwr yes probably should go shopping.
Don’t get me wrong I have done a huge amount of research when i wasn’t even thinking about surgery and have tried many different types of bras but I suppose since lockdown I have had more of a focus on what is actually comfortable for me rather than which bras make my clothes look the best.
Will try going to John Lewis anyway.[/quote]
Ignore people saying it must be the bra, it's utter bullshit. I totally get everything you're saying and I'm 'only' a DD so nothing to complain about according to some posters but depending on where your boobs sit even smaller sizes can be a nightmare.

I did read an article a while ago, which said they would be cutting down on breast reduction surgery in the NHS. I suppose they see it as a cosmetic procedure, clearly most women do not get it done for purely cosmetic reasons. Certainly not from the stories on this thread, you can see it has been life changing for many women in all sorts of ways.
Boris should have a read!

Yes I'd be wary of going for surgery too. I'm a 32ff and don't have any pain or problems with them either. I was a 34D for years until I got measured again and was 32ff.
So it could be worth getting measured again to be on the safe side and try out lots of different styles etc.

Thanks @ImprobablePuffin I know mine are a nightmare whatever the bra size!

I had a reduction almost 7 years ago, I went private as the NHS told me that they would pretty much never give me one.
I went from JJ to DD and now sit at a comfy F but they don't really look any bigger than post op.
Happy to chat and answer any questions :)

ALSO! I recommend the MYA forum for stories etc... You can use it even if they're a company you don't plan on using. My surgery was with MYA and they were amazing.

Those of you who aren’t troubled by the size of them, I wonder how old you are?

Mine never caused any problems until my late 40’s. Then l started to get increasing upper back and neck pain which was getting worse and worse. I was missing work and on painkillers all the time.

I had the op at 52. Now at 57, l have hardly any pain at all.

The NHS will not fund surgery for a breast reduction. I had paid privately - I was 32JJ. Very glad I had the operation.
If you have a reduction be aware that you will need recovery time and you will have scaring. You will also be saying goodbye to quite a lot of money. Do not make the decision lightly and choose a good clinic.

They funded mine. I had to go and have my huge boobs photographed to be put before a committee!

@PaulGallico what kind of recovery time did you have? This is what worries me, the recovery time and time off work. I work in a male dominated industry and don't fancy the discussion with my manager, as lovely as he is, so would be hoping to fit it in annual leave.

I'm a 32FF and wear a 14 top. When I was a 30FF I wore a 12. What is your underbust measurement because I think it's worth making absolutely sure you're in the right size before major surgery.

To everyone saying OP must be mistaken because your size is not the same just stop. I'm flabbergasted by how many people think because they are a certain way everyone must be the same. Let's just trust that OP is capable of getting measured correctly AND is still considering surgery. It's really ignorant to say 'mine aren't like that so you must be wrong'