Breast reduction - why is it so difficult to get on the NHS?

31 replies

SwirlyGates · 23/05/2026 09:46

I have no skin in the game here, as it were, but I know 2 women who, like those in the article, paid for private operations as their heavy breasts gave them back and shoulder pain. The table lists it under "Reported cosmetic surgery procedures carried out on women in the UK" - and it's conflated with "implant removal" (a different issue I'd have thought, and a choice to get implants in the first place).

I've made a post in this forum as I think it's a feminist issue.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3d2k4xz42no

OP posts:

DisrobeDatrobe · 24/05/2026 19:56

As well as shoulder grooves and back pain, there are the rashes you can get underneath your boobs., especially in summer, from skin rubbing overnight - unless you can sleep in an underwired bra, it's impossible to stop this happening when lying in bed.

IwantToRetire · 24/05/2026 23:26

partystress · 24/05/2026 19:31

@MigGirl. I have worn measured to fit bras since my early 20s, and been remeasured with every life change, weight gain etc. I am currently a 32J. Absolutely the weight is supported by the band. I still have massive grooves in my shoulders AND I end every day in considerable discomfort round my ribs/ chest. My GP just laughed when I asked about a reduction. I am now 65 and hoping to be able to pay to go private from my pension lump sum. The prospect of not having this weight on my front, not having to wrestle my way into bras and swimsuits, being able to buy a dress that doesn’t swamp my bottom half is so exciting.

Sorry you have had to wait for your pension to come through to get this surgery done.

But here's hoping you now have anxiety free shopping and lots of free time to go swimming!

Petrie999 · 24/05/2026 23:34

MigGirl · 24/05/2026 19:21

That is actually sound advice, as I said in my post my grew a lot during pregnancy and if I'd have had a reduction before a lot of that would have been undone and not necessarily have gone back to the size they where. So if you think you will have children it is often wise to wait or you may end up having to have more surgery.

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She knew several years ago that she would not have them, otherwise yes I agree medically it is sound advice

Scarlettjune · 24/05/2026 23:43

Breaststroke are ridiculous. No use whatsoever for the majority of our lives but we have to carry the weight all the time

thenightsky · 25/05/2026 10:16

LividBraDivots · 24/05/2026 19:22

My shoulder grooves are over an inch deep. A literal inch, not a figurative one.

Yes my bra fits. I've hovered around a JJ/K cup my entire adult life. The only time I've ever been strapless in my life was an expensive corseted dress for my first wedding. I was only 24, wouldn't even be able to wear it now thanks to the shoulder divots.

Oh fuck it, I'll name change and post a picture. It's not very clear but you get the gist.

Oh, that's exactly like my shoulders!

Gettingbysomehow · 25/05/2026 10:25

I paid for mine to be done privately. They weren't big enough to qualify for NHS. Places like NORDSesthetics in Lithuania cater for european clients and they are very good. Im going back there this year. Much cheaper than the UK and much safer than Turkey.

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