Would you have a breast lift/reduction/reconstruction if you were me?

[Titsinknicks]

Wasn't sure where to put this so S&B it is.

Long story short, I've had big tits forever and they've become very very saggy over the last few years. I've yo yo dieted for years which hasn't helped but I think I've finally cracked it and lost nine stone which I'm hopeful I can maintain.

Over the last few years I've been a J/JJ cup, going from a 40+ back to a 34 now, and around an HH cup.
My collarbone to nipple measurement is around 35cm and I believe 'normal' is 18-23cm or something.

An NHS surgeon has suggested I'm a good candidate for reconstruction - I believe they're too big and saggy for a regular lift procedure but that's what it is.

Now if I had an otherwise great body I'd do it in a heartbeat but the reality is that losing weight has left me with a very saggy tummy too and those big flappy bingo wings. I guess they bother me less and they don't make me stoop and the fact I can get my tits in my knickers means they're always in the way and uncomfortable. But is it worth it when the rest of my body looks like a gory crime scene? (I do look pretty good in clothes though!)

Added to that a couple of friends have been quite judmental about me even looking into this on the NHS (I think they don't think I'm 'worthy' of reconstructive surgery given I haven't had cancer or anything). And I'm 38, childless and looking into IVF so that's a consideration...

Sorry that wasn't short. I don't know what I'm after. Opinions?

If you're looking into IVF, maybe breastfeeding would also be on the cards?
If so, would breast surgery affect your ability to breastfeed?

Congratulations on your weight loss, that's an amazing achievement.

I am the same size bust and have considered many times the possibility on a reduction. However, I chose to prioritize ttc and my breasts were subsequently able to sustain my children. Now the kids are older, my breasts don't bother me would i still like a reduction, of course but I also appreciate the risk and recovery time, it's a significant procedure. Only you can decide on the best way forward but for me I doubt I will ever have it done, instead I wear very supportive bras 😉

It can take up to 2 years for skin to tighten after weight loss (congratulations, btw!), so it may be worth hanging on for a while, especially if you're looking to be pregnant in the near-ish future. Once everything is "done and dusted", speak to your surgeon about options for reconstruction and loose skin removal all over for the best final look and feel. In the meantime, make sure you re-measure regularly, to ensure that your bras fit and support properly, as this will help reduce pressure on your shoulders and neck.

I wouldn’t do it till after you complete ivf. However - I had a breast reduction with lift 18 months ago. I’d lost 6 stone and my previously 40K boobs were left at 32K. Frankly, I haven’t had a good cosmetic result from surgery and I’ve got some scar tethering - I need further remedial surgery but covid stopped that. But even given all of that, and given it’s a poor cosmetic result, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Dressed I look more than fine. Naked they are at least in the right place. I can turn over in bed without having to sit up first. I can run. I no longer get horrible, itchy, smelly rashes.

How recent is your weight loss? I found mine took a few years to settle into their normal shape naturally, and I went from a 40H to a 32F. They're never going to be perky and young again, but they're much better than when I first lost weight.

I do agree with your friends though. There's nothing wrong with your breasts, they're just not an ideal shape. So many people struggle to get treatment for truly debilitating conditions, because of a lack of funding. Do you need your boobs doing more than someone in chronic pain?

Some nasty judgy comments on here. Don't listen to them, they have no idea how your boobs are affecting your life. Some interesting perspectives from others who know what they are talking about though.

I suffer a lot of pain from my oversized, saggy boobs. From a cosmetic perspective, like you, I don't feel there'd be much value in surgery because the rest of me isn't up to much either and I've long stopped caring what anyone thinks.

From the point of view of no more backache, no more rashes, not having to wear a bra 24/7 etc. I would definitely have them reduced if I had the chance. I'd have an A cup if they'd give me one.

Some nasty judgy comments on here.

Where?

Thanks for the comments. Yes I suppose much of what I feel is cosmetic as their look is the most obvious thing, but I always slouch and the weight of them is an issue. I get fitted regularly but as big boobed women will know the scaffolding (bras) still take their toll on your body. When I lay down my tits don't just disappear to the side they pretty much disappear altogether and my ribs stick out where they should be. In fact when I stand up and where I've lost weight my tits sag so much you can see my entire ribcage because the weight and sag drags all the flesh down. (And I'm a size 12 so not emaciated).

If you are going to have a baby, your body will change a lot. Do if after the bfing days are over.

Are you sure you can even get it done on the NHS OP? I tried for years but could never get it done despite the debilitating back, shoulder and neck pain as it’s considered cosmetic surgery. If having it on the NHS isn’t an option would you want to fund it yourself? That might give you an idea of if you truly want it done?

For what it’s worth I had a reduction earlier this year from a 34HH to a 34D and I love the results from the look of then to the fact I can run/exercise without feeling like I’m suffocating. I also felt worried about my belly looking bigger now that it’s not hidden by my boobs but as exercise is easier I have managed to lose weight and am now much more in proportion overall.

I don’t have kids but I’ve been told there’s no reason I won’t be able to breastfeed in the future if I choose to so while I understand the reasoning to wait until after Having children, I’d say if they are really seriously negatively affecting your life then go for it!

Breastfeeding aside, if you have a baby they'll stretch and shrink again. I'd leave it until after.