Boobs, boobs, boobs…

[Saggyknockers]

For as long as I can remember I have never had ideal shaped breasts.

I started puberty younger than average (9yo) and was very embarrassed by my larger saggy breasts. I was never given a bra for years, not that it would have helped. Lots of weight fluctuation in my teenage years hasn’t helped.

I have to wear a bra all the time. I can’t wear strapless bras/tops or dresses because my boobs would be on the floor. Well, not the floor but they are very near my belly button. I can’t wear strappy tops because I have to always wear a bra and the straps would be on show too. Even in my wedding dress my DM commented that they looked “droopy”.When working out I have to wear a sports bra over top of my regular bra because they’re just so low. My upper back and neck constantly ache because of the weight of them. The skin on my breasts is really stretchy and wrinkles up like crepe paper. Think lots of skin with not much in there.

I’m currently breastfeeding my 7 month old DC2. I’m grateful and appreciate that my body is able to feed my baby. However, to feed I have to hold my boob up to their mouth because they’re so floppy and saggy, this doesn’t help my back much either. I’ve tried many bf positions and been to see a lactation consultant too.

It feels embarrassing and depressing that my boobs are not the acceptable, ideal perky breasts that society expects them to be.

Is it unreasonable to be sad that at 26 my breasts are this saggy and likely to get worse?😣

Not that I know of - there are lots of different causes of sagging, I don't think you can undo smoking/gravity/age/genetics to make the Cooper's ligaments retract! But giving my boobs a supportive pecs structure improved their shape and reduced the fat at the top.

There's been a bunch of research on the causes of sagging
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptosis_(breasts) (boob photo warning...) - but at 26 (I'm 10 years older), I'd start with exercise long before I'd consider expensive surgery.

I had a breast lift 2 years ago, I have yo-yod weight over the years and when my weight settled I had a tummy tuck and breast lift. No regrets, the scarring is minimal. I went to Turkey which is controversial, but ultimately I had a successful uplift ( and other surgery)
Even when I was younger and slimmer they were saggy it must have been my genes.
Changed my life.

Depending on your back size, this is my new fave sports bra and it's cheap if you don't mind orange! I went up a back size as the band is quite tight as with most sports bras
Very comfy and wired for support

www.panache-lingerie.com/shop/product/sports-balcony-bra-mango?size=34

It was me who asked 29BMI isn't great just under obese. But you've only just had a baby. Try hard to get it down

Mine is even worse 31 and I am obese. Loosing is so hard I feel your pain.

I had my reduction from a 34J to a 34DD nearly 20 years ago - boobs are still very perky! Bit of scarring underneath, had my nipples completely repositioned and I have a few small areas that are a bit numb, one under one nipple, one under my arm but minimal. Healed really quickly, only every took paracetamol.

Enjoy your newborn and breastfeeding baby for now. Good tips here on positioning. I found side lying was best for me. I could rest and nurse. Absolutely once done with pregnancies go to breast surgeon…plastics maybe? I’m in USA and I saw a plastic surgeon specializing in reductions. Female and young. Very empathetic. I had the reduction and essentially have an “anchor scar”. Around base of breast and single line up to nipple. She made nipples smaller also. I went shopping after surgery! Recovered at home no pain no pain meds needed scars healed nicely. Get a plan with the doctor…complain of back neck and shoulder pain. Inability to do your normal work… anything she asks bothering you you say yes. Then do the plan..lose weight if needed and get in line for surgery. You absolutely will not mind the scars compared to your breasts
now. You are young and have years to benefit from surgery.

There’s no funding really for breast reductions any more (I tried and met all of the criteria). I joined a GB group for reductions and some people in other areas were getting them done on the NHS but I’ll be honest - the results weren’t great. They had a stipulation for the amount of tissue to have taken and because you can’t pick your surgeon they may not follow a technique you’d be happy with.

ultimately breasts don’t actually weigh very much (I went from a 30GG to a DD) and only had 500g removed from each breast. Therefore really it is a cosmetic procedure and you want the best outcome! I paid about £8000 7 years ago and I love my breasts now even though they’re still bigger than I’d have liked (aimed for a D) - I sunbathe topless and feel so confident. If you can afford to save and go for it then do. You won’t regret it.

In terms of breastfeeding have a tried a bf pillow which ties around your back? I've found that they make a massive difference to my posture when bfing. I still have to hold my boob out the way so I don't smother my child though so no solution there - my back just suffers less!

I like an Instagram account called 'Fairlie Curved' which is dedicated to helping/styling women with big boobs. They have a fab clothing range all designed to flatter and support women with big boobs for example vest tops designed to wear with bras etc. It doesn't solve the problem of course but might help you find some things to wear you feel more confident in.

I obviously haven't seen your breasts but it does sound like you have tubular, are they nipple heavy too?
I guess it doesn't really change anything but I had them, and I absolutely hated them

Ended up having a private uplift and reshape, the restrictive bands cut so they weren't pointy

I absolutely love them now, life changing

Have a look up of pictures, if you do have this no bra/ posture/ anything in the world would have made a difference, it just is

Wow so pleased you are happy. I will probably go down the uplift route once I’ve lost the weight I want to lose. Glad to hear you are happy with the scarring as I’d say that’s my biggest concern.

Would you mind messaging me your surgeons name with you being so happy with the results please?

If you’re a K cup then M and S is hopeless. Bravissimo is ok ish but I’d spend the money and book an appointment at Rigby and Peller once you’ve stopped feeding. They sell better quality bras than Bravissimo which are vital for support in larger sizes. ( I’m an H cup).

In more recent years I’ve always worn Bravissimo with the M&S range being limited. I wore M&S a lot when I lost 4 stone and was a DD/E cup (9 stone). Thank you for recommending Rigby and Peller, I’ll definitely look into getting fitted when I’ve stopped breastfeeding my LO and I’m nearby a boutique.

I’d love to know the name of your surgeon. They sound fab.

@Wonkypictureframe he is called James Murphy, but I believe he has retired sadly
I had nipples massively reduced too, it really was nothing about big boobs, I wanted nice normal looking

I am so glad I was lucky enough to afford it

I had a reduction 20 years ago. Please don't worry about pain or scars - both were/are minimal and well worth it. It changed my life.

I don't know what they look like. But they are perfect x

How impossible would it be to get a private reduction and lift? You can get them paid in instalments with 0% interest these days

My mum felt like this and got a boob reduction. Honestly says it was the best decision ever made because she did it for herself. She's only gutted she didn't do it sooner. Is that something you would consider?

I had exactly the same problem - they just developed large and very pendulous from the start.
i had a breast reduction after having my third child ,on the NHS when I was 29, they removed a kilo of tissue from each breast, and it’s the best thing I ever did ( I’m over 70 now ) x
It’s a much simpler op now as well.( I was in hospital for a month ! )

Nothing to add to what has been said but sending warm hugs 🌺

Thank you everyone for your advice . I’m going to try out the breastfeeding position tips posters have suggested too.

I went through puberty around 9 and also hated my developing breasts as they looked droopy. I think I should have had a bra a little earlier but not sure if it would have made a difference. They were a d-cup. I remember nannying for a family when I was 18 and the father (35) said I wouldn’t pass the pencil test! Gross person but it stuck with me.. Anyhow roll on the years post kids I had an uplift and implants to fill out. I’m still pleased I had it done 20 years on and had no issues. I’d try another Gp and if no luck maybe explore private if you can. Good luck.

Just get them done. Living your life depressed over boobs which can easily be fixed