Breast reduction

[teenyweenytadpole]

Anyone had breast reduction on NHS? Curious about availability, waiting times etc. and also recovery afterwards as I work with small children so lots of lifting and bending.

I have 36H breasts on a narrow shouldered 5 foot 4 frame, have constant upper back and neck pain. Have seen a physio but it doesn't really help a lot. Clothes buying is a nightmare, I can't run, feel self conscious. DH loves my boobs but I am reaching the point where I hate them. I do need to lose weight but even if I do I know my boobs will still be on the big side. I am sick of being defined by them - people describe me as "the one with the big boobs"! I take after my Nana who was also small and booby, not a good look when you get old.

Thanks, I know there have been threads on this before but just wanted more recent opinions.

Watching with interest teeny I'm 5'1" and 32 GG. I'm sick of men talking to my tits and leering. I can't run, find it hard to get clothes I feel suit me, and feel defined by mine too. My bf loves them as well but I'm fed up of carting them around. I'm scared about having an operation out of choice though rather than necessity. I have a crappy pain threshold and am frightened about pain, complications etc. I remember on a recent thread about this that those that had it done were delighted. I feel as if I need to pluck up courage and talk to my GP about it, do you?

Hiya, sorry to hear you're in the same boat! Yes I think I do need to see my doc, although I googled this afternoon and breast reduction comes up as being a procedure "not normally funded" by my local PCT so I'm not too hopeful. I really can't afford to go private at the moment as I've just shelled out 1,000's for a course I am taking. I'm not particularly scared of the operation itself or pain, but the need to take weeks of work does not appeal. I work term time only so perhaps it would be possible to have it done in the summer, I don't know. I have a friend who is a GP, maybe I'll ask her..

I think there are pretty strict criteria and you have to be able to show it affects you on a physical as well as psychological level. You need to have a certain number of physical probs as well as something like unwanted male attention (definitely have THAT! Grrrrr) and that it prevents you from exercising etc. I think by the sound of it we could definitely meet these things don't you? I couldn't afford to go privately either. I have a GP friend too. We should pick their brains I think. I've just bought a bra from Bravissimo that really 'hoiks' mine up. I now look like Dolly flippin Parton and am getting MORE stares. I don't want to stand out just for my boobs either.

Hiya, I was a small-framed 5'4" 30 HH when I had this op on NHS 6 years ago. I had constant back and shoulder pain, and when I spoke to my GP was told I had various "hoops" to jump through to get this funded. May be different now, but these were: 1) Family must be complete, 2) must not be overweight, 3) must have tried to buy very good, well-fitted bras, 4) must be able to show significant impact on quality of life, including physical and psychological factors, 5) ideally should have explored all other options to treat the back pain, e.g. meds, physio. Happily, I got funding, had op, and - voila - pain gone, size 30 D bust. Op was almost painfree, incredibly, and have never looked back. Best of luck!