Breast reduction

Posted , 5 users are following.

I am 59 years old and as long as I can remember I have had size 32 FF breasts. This, over the years has caused many problems as, as you can imagine, they are heavy so cause neck ache, grooves in shoulders from straps etc. The rest of my body is small( I wear size 10 trousers) but because of my bust size I had to buy size 14+ tops. Anyhow after going to the doctor for something completely different I mentioned my neck was aching etc because of these large breasts and he said I would qualify for a bust reduction on the NHS because I wasn't overweight and I was not in proportion to the rest of my body. To cut a long story short, he arranged for me to attend a seminar where they checked my BMI (which has to be below 25) as some people lose weight off their bust if they go on a diet.They also have to weigh your breasts as they will not perform the operation unless they can take at least 1 lb in weight off each breast. I watched a slide show of what they would do and which explained all the problems also. There were about 60 women in the room - all with enormous busts. I was accessed by the consultant and he agreed I needed the operation. After about 4 months I had an appointment for the operation. I checked into the hospital on the Wednesday afternoon and had the operation the next day. In the morning I saw the anaethetist and also the surgeon. They marked my breasts with a black felt tip pen and I was told that on no account was I to rub out the markings or alter them. I would be about a B/C cup after the operation. The operation took about 2.5 hours with two surgeons (one working on each breast). They cut round the nipple and I had a cut going straight down from the nipple and also one round the underneath part of the breast rather like an anchor shape. They took 1.5 lbs from each breast. When I came round I felt fine but it was rather sore where they put a drain in each breast. I got up and had dinner that night and felt brilliant. I had dressings on my breasts but already I could see that they were much smaller and 'perkier'. I joked with other women there that I had a 59 year old body with 16 year old boobs!! On the Friday I had visitors and felt on a real high. Apart from where the drains went in there wasn't much pain at all. I was measured and had to wear a sports bra (32 C). I was to wear a sports bra day and night for 6 weeks and then a normal bra during the day and the sports bra at night for another 6 weeks.Then after that whatever type of bra I liked. On the Saturday the drains came out (not a nice experience) and all the dressing come off and obviously the scars are pretty horrific. I went home Saturday afternoon and was told not to over do things for a week or two. The stitches healed really quickly and when I went back to see the surgeon he was very pleased. I had the surgery in January 2007 and now 6 months later the scars hardly show at all as the cut under the bust lies in the natural curve and the verical cut and the cut around the nipples is just a tiny white line.

The difference this has made to my life is incredible. I can now jog, dance, move about without having to support my bust to stop it bouncing about and feeling really uncomfortable. I can also sleep on my stomach in comfort - something I hadn't done for a long time - and I can also wear small pretty bra's and I feel wonderful. I no longer have shoulder and neck pain and I would definitely recommend having it done if you are elligible for the operation.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Yvonne, you have given me such hope! I too am a size 32FF and a size 8-10 waist, I have been experiencing back ache and neck ache, I have big dents in my shoulders and finding clothes that fit is a nightmare. I am currently 33 years old and my BMI is 24. I haven't been to see my GP as I didn't think it was possible to have this procedure on the NHS, your article has filled me with such hope and I am going to see my GP as soon as possible. :P
  • Posted

    This is wonderful that the procedure improved the quality of your life. My friend is also thinking of this surgery. I know her BMI is 19 and she wears 28F. SHe's always been complaining about her breasts and back and neck pains. Do you think she would qualify to have the procedure on the NHS? She is very petite and her breasts are definitely way too big for her body.
  • Posted

    I'm sure she will be eligible to have it done on the NHS. As long as she meets the necessary requirements of a low BMI & that they can take 1lb in weight off each breast and she looks out of proportion to the rest of her body. She will have to go to her doctor first & hopefully he will refer her to a hospital where they do this. I live in the south of England & had it done at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead in Kent. It's a lovely hospital and the care you get there is second to none - Brilliant. Good luck to your friend.
  • Posted

    Oh, thanks for the information. I will tell her that. I would like to help her, as she's been struggling with this for a very long time, but we always thought it's nearly impossible to have it done on NHS.
  • Posted

    I had my reduction done in 2007 but I'm sure it is the same now. I have just googled breast reduction on the NHS and this was the answer:-

    You may be considered for a breast reduction operation on the NHS if you have physical discomfort due to having large breasts. Physical problems may include:

    •backache

    neck pain

    •skin irritation

    •poor posture

    •excessive sweating, rashes and skin

    infections under the breasts

    •weals or grooves on the shoulders from bra straps

    •an inability to exercise or take part in sports

    Large breasts can also cause psychological distress. Common complaints from women with large breasts include not being able to wear fashionable clothes and finding it difficult to take part in active sports. Psychological distress may also include:

    •unwanted attention or harassment

    •self-consciousness

    depression

    Before having surgery

    It is important to discuss your problems and options with your GP and surgeon before going ahead with a breast reduction. This will help you to get a clear idea of what changes you can expect to see and to ensure you are aware of any risks involved.

    So it seems that they still do it if you meet the criteria. Good luck!!

  • Posted

    Breast reduction surgery will help you to decrease the unwanted volume and enhance proper figure and curves.

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