Breast reduction

I am older than you and if I could afford it, I would have a reduction. My bust is heavy and no matter what bra I try they are uncomfortable. I get sore and itchy under my best. I now sleep in a nightie with a built in bra. Once upon a time it was possible to get this operation on the NHS.

Can’t edit but wanted to add that you aren’t too old - you might live another thirty years. So if you can afford it, go for it and come back and tell us how you got on

It’s your body. And if you think a breast reduction will make you feel better, go for it. I have the opposite problem, but I’m older than you and have a phobia about operations. I have asthma and have an irrational fear of having an attack during the operation. Silly, I know. If it wasn’t for my phobia, I would have a breast enlargement.

I say go for it. I know two ladies who had reductions maybe 15-20 years ago on the NHS. The difference it made was amazing to both of them.

I will just point out though that after a few years they did grow back! Not as big as they were but back to wearing heavy duty bras rather than pretty little flimsy ones.

If you can afford it, go for it!

If you are fit enough to undergo a GA and can afford to - just go for it.

Thank you all so much for that very positive feedback … I think I will explore the cost and possibilities. I’m in NE England so if anyone has any suggested surgeons etc let me know. Can’t thank you all enough xx PS I didn’t know they grew back!

I would consider it if I could possibly afford it.

I know two people who have and both were really pleased with the results. Go for it . Though I would look into it very carefully A pity you no longer can have it done on the NHS

I too know two people who have had it done both on NHS. Both had serious back problems both really pleased with the out come.
If it was me I would Investigate how much it it will cost private?

I had this done in my mid 50s. Thought I was too old at the time but thank goodness went ahead with it and have no regrets. It’s made a huge difference and no longer have daily backache. I was the same size as you.

They don’t really grow back unless you put weight on.

I have a friend, in her early 50s, who has VERY large breasts which are VERY uncomfortable. Going down a couple of sizes is very different to going down 5 sizes or more, and having to relocate the nipple.

Has anyone had such an operation. She has teenage children and is worried about such a big operation and how long it would take to recover.

As far as I know nipples are always relocated as part of the procedure whatever the size of the reduction. It doesn’t take long to recover.
I am short and had enormous breasts. I am still short but no longer look as if I am about to topple over.
I can only say go for it especially if there is regular back shoulder and neck pain.

Speak to your GP, get help, it can cause serious back problems, and depression.
My sister got her reduction on the NHS, done by the same surgeons she would have had to pay for.
But due to the extremely heavy breadth causing back issues, depression, her doctor fought tooth and nail to get it done on the NHS. And was successful. Good health and good luck

Definitely not too old or too vain, you go for it

I had the operation in my 60s when I was able to afford it as I d been refused on the nhs.
The surgeon couldn’t make me as small as I wanted but I was really pleased with the results. My scars took a while to heal but that didn’t bother me.
Clothes fit me better and it’s easier to get bras to fit.
I’ve put a wee bit back on but not much.
You go for it!

So I would suggest writing two lists, the pros on one piece of paper and the cons on the other. fold the paper over like the game of consequences after each note you add. Then put them away for a few days and try and find a day when you feel very even spirited = i.e. neither very positive or very negative, as that can alter your view of things. Then the idea is to match together 2 or 3 things that have connection, so that you see less back ache, easier walking, more energy perhaps against risk in any operation however small, cost if having it done privately. What you may have done with the money instead, how your health is now so that you might have no problem now but possibly in the future there might be a possible problem that could arise if you leave it. So if you have that to look at, plus try to find out from anyone you know who may have had this done, as you will have some idea of the personality of the person and be able to judge more their views. Then you can make your decision so that when you look back, whatever you decide you will feel you made a considered decision based on what you knew . Then stick with it and do what suits you. It is your body and your life, dont let others influence you until you have looked at the possibilities for yourself . Be pleased with whatever you decide to do . Good Luck

I have thought about having it done too, I always wear a bra at night now as I'm too uncomfortable without. I think it would make it easier for me to buy clothes too - I'm 5'7" and 40E.
We did know someone who had it done in her 40's, she was quite slim but very top-heavy and had previously had terrible back ache, it was a great success for her.

I’ve started wondering about this, recently. It doesn’t matter what I do, large boobs always make me look massive! And I have terrible trouble finding non-painful bras to wear. I’d say go for it, with a realistic view of what it will achieve for you.

Yes definitely! Why shouldn't you look your best and care about your appearance not to mention comfort! We are all living so much longer and 70 is the new 40!

In the past 2 or 3 years my breasts have suddenly become too large for comfort. I always had very small breasts and have always been slim. Now, these big dangly things make me look heavy, and I hate it. Have considered breast reduction for some time, this forum has been really helpful. The only thing stopping me going ahead is DH, and his only reason is that he is terrified something will go terribly wrong. This, in turn, makes me nervous about the whole procedure.

I’ve wanted to have that procedure for many years but my husband is dead against it in a “don’t be daft” kind of way. If he was supportive I’d definitely do it.

One of my close friends who is in her mid 60’s would love a reduction. Her large breasts are causing her discomfort in several ways, including back pain, discomfort when walking, rashes underneath in hot weather etc. Now age & gravity have taken their toll she has to buy clothes that are several sizes too big for the rest of her frame just to accommodate her large bust and so nothing fits well. She can’t afford to pay privately now she has retired & regrets not having the op done years ago.

This is very interesting for me too as I have “disproportionately large and pendulous breasts with dense tissue”, according to the mammogram technician… ie they are very difficult to get into the mammogram squash plates and when they’re in there they come up in the image like flattened snow globes.

I have to have a 3D tomography mammogram now as a regular mammogram is useless.

I’ve wanted a reduction for ages and have changed be exercise to swimming because they’re so painful if I run.

I’m a 30J - that’s 30 inch rib cage and 44 around the nipples.
I’d love to be a 30B.