It’s been a few years since I shared about my breast reduction surgery (in fact many who are newer to the blog won’t realise that I ever had this surgery back in 2014), and I was asked by a long-time reader who is thinking about going through the process to share an update!
For me, having breast reduction surgery has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m now healthier and fitter than I’ve ever been, even though I’m older than I’ve ever been before 🙂
Before Breast Reduction Surgery
Very large breasts make moving fast difficult. They really put me off exercise in many ways as it was uncomfortable to do anything that made my breasts bounce around – finding really well-fitting sports bras helped, but I needed to often wear two of them and still when I ran I’d have to hold my bust to stop it from moving as interestingly, it’s exhausting to run with bouncing breasts.
Finding clothes that fit was also a big issue. It’s not as bad these days as there are more specialist manufacturers of clothing and underwear for a large bust, but for the majority of my life, just finding tops and jackets that fit my shoulders and bust was a bit of a nightmare. Choices were so limited. Shopping was depressing.
And then there is the issue of back pain. That extra weight carried on my chest, pulling at my shoulders, cutting big grooves into my shoulders from the weight pulling at my bra straps.
Finding jackets to fit was almost impossible when I had a large scale bust
After Breast Reduction Surgery
I’m fitter than I’ve ever been before. I happily take part in exercise in a way that I’d never done previously. This is such a good thing for my health going forward in my life.
Clothes shopping is now about what I like, not what I can fit into. Sure, we all have fit issues, but it’s not the same. The choices are so much greater than I’d experienced pre-breast reduction surgery.
Back pain, yep still get it having sat on my foot through school and giving myself scoliosis, but it’s so much easier to treat and I’m way more upright than I’ve ever been (my parents were always on at me about slouching when I was younger and now I work hard at sitting and standing up straighter). The moment I awoke from my surgery and sat up, the first thing I noticed was how much lighter I felt, how there was a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Would I do it again? Absolutely yes in a heartbeat! It’s had such a positive impact on my life (and style) that I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
How Did Breast Reduction Change My Style?
My wardrobe has had a fairly major overhaul over the past 5 years, not only because of the breast reduction surgery (that was the first reason) but also because I completely changed my hair colour and changed from a dark palette to a light one, lowering my value contrast and my best colours and neutrals.
Breast Reduction Change My Body Proportions
The most major change was to my body proportions. By reducing my breast volume, my bustline was raised which gave me a longer waist proportion allowing me to play a little more outside of my H shape style rules. I no longer look totally top-heavy and can belt voluminous garments to give me the “illusion” of a waist (still don’t have that, still an H shape, just one without an overscale bust).
My body is now much more evenly proportioned and balanced, making it easier to purchase clothes.
Breast Reduction Changed the Scale of Accessories and Details
Prior to my surgery, to make my bust appear less prominent, I had to wear very large scale jewellery. When I learned that I could make my bust appear smaller by wearing large scale jewellery it became my signature accessory.
Now I can choose to wear smaller scale pieces without looking out of balance. I still wear many of my larger pieces as I enjoy the drama of them, but I now also choose to wear smaller scale necklaces as well.
Because my style of larger-scale jewellery was always made from small-to-medium scale pieces, rather than one large scale element, they can all easily be worn no matter the scale of my bust.
I now can also choose to wear more different necklines, such as gathered necklines (which make your bust appear larger) and even strapless or one shoulder (as finding a strapless bra that fits is way easier than it used to be).
Breast Reduction Changed the Fit of Clothes
One of the items I got rid of the most quickly was jackets, as the ones that fit pre-surgery were just too big and baggy post-surgery. What had looked shape pre-surgery just looked sloppy afterwards.
The other garments that I got rid of were my dresses that no longer fit well. If they had had enough space in the bust the proportions became all wrong post-surgery.
I used to dress to make my bust less apparent, that was my style goal most days. I often felt I looked too “sexy” that my large bust drew too much attention in the wrong way. This doesn’t even cross my mind anymore!
No longer do all my style choices revolve around my boobs!
Breast Reduction Surgery Journey
Is it really 5 years…
Thanks for the update, Imogen. It’s important that we as a community talk about all of these “female” issues and how they impact us, particularly when the results are so positive. I’m glad you’re having more fun getting dressed these days–it definitely shows in your photos and posts.
Imogen, I had the same issues and your blog helped me making my decision. Luckily health insurance covered the procedure and I am not only very happy, I wish my surgeon had made them even smaller. I went from a 35H to a 34DD. A few things I would tell someone considering the surgery: Breast tissue heals quickly. My surgeon’s assistant had a tummy tuck the same day and she suffered so much more. Natural and homeopathic medicine like Arnica and Bromelein can help healing quicker. I did not own blouses because with big boobs the buttons don’t close properly. Get a PJ with buttons in the front because you will not be able to lift your arms and pull a top over your head for a few weeks. Good luck and I also think it was the best decision ever!
I had always wanted smaller breasts, but when younger l couldn’t afford it and then later felt that it was simply vanity and I should get over myself. I read with great interest your posts 5yrs ago and then it was more and more on my mind. I became more motivated to improve my image and finally, early this year, I gave myself a 70th birthday gift and had the reduction (from an F cup to a D). I feel so much more comfortable, I enjoy wearing less voluminous tops, I feel in proportion at last and am confident. People think I’ve lost weight, but its just that there’s less in the portrait area!
Imogen’s blog was really helpful in allowing me to feel it was okay even at my age to do this for myself. Thankyou Imogen.
Thank you so much for the update. I have my surgery consult next week and hopefully the actual surgery not too long after.
Beside the obvious health improvemeant, I am so looking forward to have a style that I can choose freely and not everything revolve around making my breast smaller or just actually fit them.
I a so hope that my body proportion will change just like yours did. As and A shape I have very narrow waist, but I still can not belt because the large breast makes my waist so short.
Good to know about the jackets, I was about purchasing some, but maybe I should just wait a few months.
Do not buy anything until after surgery – I did this and ended up throwing out some of what I’d bought as it didn’t sit right with the change in boobs! Collars ended up to low, shape just not right.
I forget how long it’s been since I had mine. I have no concept of time but it’s been long enough that all the swelling went down. I only lost five inches which eliminated my spine pain and improved my breathing somewhat but not completely since I’m still eight cup sizes too large. Alas due to my genetics I already gained one of the inches back. My lower back is starting to hurt when I’m in certain positions. For awhile I got phantom nipple pain although mine were shrunken and moved. I just realized recently the areola on my larger side is smaller than the one on my smaller side. I still prefer wireless bras. My favorite is the Breast Nest but since it’s a small business run by mother and son it’s difficult to get back ups. Last time I checked they were out of stock in the color and size I think I may be. I’m not even sure what size I am in their brand. Due to my measurements the medium DDD to HH should have fit but it was loose. The DD to H fit me better but that size isn’t in their updated size range. It gives no lift but also causes no sweat. It’s also the softest bra I own. Decent Exposures is my other go to brand. That one has more size options. Give the 32H that fit me before my surgery is about two inches loose everywhere I suppose I’m an E or F cup in their brand. I love the fact that all bra styles come in all sizes. I love the fact that I’ll fit both brands for a long time since their largest size is very loose on me.
Thank you for the update! Your posts were a big part of why I finally went forward with my own reduction–scheduled for next month. I hope I’m similarly delighted with my results!
Good luck with it! Hope it goes well for you too.
My reduction was the best thing I ever did! I went from a 38F to a 36D (we were shooting for a C, but it’s not always an exact science). I interviewed two doctors and would have been comfortable with either of them, but my insurance approved only one of them, so that made my decision easier. 😉 I also had him do a little lipo under my arms and under my breasts and highly recommend that if you’ve got any fat in those areas. It made recovery a little more painful (but not bad enough to even need Aleve), and aesthetically it made a huge difference. I had a linen “big shirt” and couldn’t get the sides closer than 3″ apart pre-surg; the day after my surgery, I tried it on and it buttoned right up, no pulling. And that was with the swelling! If you’re thinking about doing this–go talk to a doctor (or two). It’s not a big deal for them to send a request to your insurance company to see if the surgery will be covered (I did have to pay out of pocket for the lipo, but it was worth every penny).
Hey Imogen when i was exploring your website and blogs found this blog which i can completely relate. I am also suffering from the same issue. As you had described that you have opt for surgery but i am scared that is this good to have surgery for bust reduction? Can’t we reduce this by various exercise or Yoga? Also i am facing too many related issues as you. Most importantly shopping is the major problem. I had to find the dress or t-shirt which i am comfortable wear without and consciousness and that is actually nightmare. It sends me in a depression whenever i go for shopping and can’t find anything that resolve my issue. Also I have to buy or go to plus size sections. Can you just suggest me is it ok to go for a surgery?
Only you can decide. There is not bust reducing exercise – if there was i would have done it!
Hey Imogen when i was exploring your website and blogs found this blog which i can completely relate. I am also suffering from the same issue. As you had described that you have opt for surgery but i am scared that is this good to have surgery for bust reduction? Can’t we reduce this by various exercise or Yoga? Also i am facing too many related issues as you. Most importantly shopping is the major problem. I had to find the dress or t-shirt which i am comfortable wear without and consciousness and that is actually nightmare. It sends me in a depression whenever i go for shopping and can’t find anything that resolve my issue. Also I have to buy or go to plus size sections. Can you just suggest me is it ok to go for a surgery or you recommend something other option?
Hi Imogen, just wondering how long it was before you regained sensation or when the numbness disappeared? Thanks very much!
I didn’t have numbness – in fact I had more sensitivity than before the operation. You would need to speak with your dr!