Breast reduction surgery ‘one of the best things I’ve ever done!’

Why did you decide to have surgery?

I was 45 when I had my surgery.  As an early developer, I’d had big boobs from a young age and after having children in my thirties they evolved into not just big, but also saggy and heavy! I’m a small frame and 5ft 3” and found it a struggle physically carrying them and breastfeeding my babies.

I used to dance and have always enjoyed yoga – which proved problematic when doing inverted poses! I spent years trying to shoe-horn them into beautiful dancers’ costumes for shows that back then were just not made for busty girls. I was deeply self-conscious of them as I felt they looked too sexual for my liking, and I didn’t enjoy that kind of attention.  I used to make the first joke about them, and they became part of my identity which I just learned to laugh at.  Even when I first met my now husband of 19 years, he said when I rested them on the table in the pub, he knew I was the girl for him!

But they literally weighed me down in every way over the years. Whenever I lost weight, it never shifted from the one place I longed for it to go! – I later learned from my surgeon that it never would’ve, as my breasts were made up of very dense tissue (not every woman’s are!) When I lost weight elsewhere it only accentuated my huge boobs even more.

Before your surgery, how did it affect your life?

So, in my forties, the reality was - they were painful more often than they weren’t, I had severe neck and shoulder aches and suffered headaches that made me sick, my neck bones felt like they were crumbling (no exaggeration), and I had developed a hump on the back of my neck from slouching.

I’d talked about having a reduction for at least 10 years, and had discussed it with GPs on three occasions, who all agreed it could be beneficial.  But to be honest the thought of the surgery terrified me, all the what ifs? Plus, I knew I wanted to breastfeed my babies before I did it and that it wouldn’t be an option after surgery.

When did you realise this was the right time for your surgery?

Cut to Lockdown when I think we all had time to re-access our things…. I was doing the couch to 5K with my teenage daughter and was mid-run in a new cross-back sports bra (which was giving me excellent support) I was wearing a 36H, but my left breast was two cup sizes bigger!

I had to stop about halfway into a 5k run and ask my daughter to un-do it as I felt like I’d been suddenly winded. It was nerve pain across the top of my shoulder – SO painful, I couldn’t lay down and felt sick with the pain.  I had physio which helped.

This was THE moment I decided it was now or never and it was time to face my fears for the investment into my health and future comfort. And so, the process began.  I spoke to my husband who was really supportive – he knew my struggles.  I felt that there was no way I could ask the NHS for this OP in the climate of Covid and serious life-threatening Operations being postponed. So, I began to investigate going private.  Which is what I did.

Over the past year how much has your life changed physically because of the surgery?

Well, I’m now coming up to 1 year since surgery, or my boob-a-versary as I call it!  So, I’m reflecting on how my life has changed since having the Op.

I noticed physical changes straight away.  The same night of the Op I felt instantly lighter! My neck was so relieved.  Just under 4lb in weight had been removed, a bag of sugar from each side more or less.  I had a torso appear under there, so I looked longer.

Something I wasn’t expecting was that I was now breathing better and sleeping better – I used to get some sleep apnoea.  My heavy breasts had been sitting on my diaphragm through slouching.  Also, my digestion issues improved, again unexpected.   

The hump that had formed on the back of my neck gradually disappeared as my new posture adjusted and I was standing straighter.

How much has your life changed mentally? Do you feel more confident?

 Mentally once I’d recovered, it took some adjusting when I saw them without dressings.  It was a shock, but a fabulous one! Many friends commented that I looked younger and lighter. For me this was the best part, the scars didn’t really bother me.  They are still in the process of settling in some areas. 

My clothes now fit better, and I can buy bras and swimwear at a reasonable price! I used to pay a fortune for them and even then, find it hard to be comfortable. I don’t have feeling in my nipples (TMI?!) or very little! But I didn’t before the OP either.  I can do headstands and still breathe! YAY!

I’m writing this, on holiday in Croatia and wearing a bikini top that isn’t even a cup size it just fits. I’m not the slightest bit self-conscious, which is an amazing feeling and one I’m hugely grateful for!  I’ve been doing things I thought I’d lost years ago – such as dancing again on stage! And public speaking.  So clearly my confidence has been boosted.

Do you have any advice for people considering your surgery?

1. Get your thoughts down on paper. I did a ‘pros and cons’ list and a mind-map. It helped me to process why I was considering the surgery.  I knew in my gut it was something I really wanted and needed
2. Do your research. I read a book called ‘When Less in More’ by Bethanne Snodgrass – this was helpful! research your Surgeon and make sure you feel completely at ease with how they address and answer your questions.
3. Exercise and eat healthy. In the months leading up to it, I tried to get as fit and healthy as I could as I knew this would help me both during the Op and with recovery afterward.
4. My advice would be not to fixate on cup size
5. Speak with people. I joined a Facebook group called ‘Breast Reduction Support Group UK’ which was invaluable and informative.  I found a boob-twin via this group! A lady, who is the same age, size, and same hospital – her Op was 6 weeks before mine and she was kind enough to share her whole story and pictures with me. I used hypnotherapy and EFT to help me deal with my anxieties around the operation.  (Another story there)
6. Plan in advance. You must plan for at least two weeks after the Op as you need to sleep propped upright and can’t lift your arms even to reach into a cupboard.  I had no pain thankfully. 

It did feel odd doing something so huge for myself, but without a doubt, one of the best things I’ve ever done!