Angela’s breast reduction surgery

How were your breasts affecting your everyday life prior to reduction surgery?

“Prior to surgery I didn’t like undressing in changing rooms and felt very self-conscious. I had shoulder pain from the indentation of bra straps and really wanted to do more exercise and sports but felt uncomfortable. I struggled to find swimwear and lingerie that was in my size unless bought from expensive specialist shops. I hated looking at photographs of myself, as all I could see was the disproportionate shape of my body.”

At what point did you decide to get your breast surgery?

“At Christmas, I went for a bra fitting and was told my cup size had increased. At the same time, my husband and I we were invited to a new year’s party and he kindly offered to take me shopping for a dress. We went to so many shops and every dress I liked wouldn’t fasten at the top. I was really upset and it was at this point that I decided enough was enough and decided to look into breast reduction surgery as an option.”

Why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your surgery?

“I chose Benenden Hospital for my Breast Reduction Surgery as I have been a member of Benenden Health for over 20 years and they offer a 10% discount on Cosmetic Surgery procedures. When looking for reputable surgeons, Benenden Hospital was a name I knew I could trust, and Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Mr Simon Mackey was highly recommended.”

What happened during your first and second consultations?

Initial consultation

“At my initial consultation I was met by Kate Comrie, the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Plastics and Cosmetic Surgery and Mr Simon P Mackey. They both immediately put me at ease and had a professional, friendly manner. Mr Mackey has a wealth of experience and explained everything to me clearly in a language that was easy to understand without medical jargon!

“Kate supported me throughout the consultations and the procedure. Nothing was too much trouble, and she instantly replied to any questions or change of appointments. I was made aware of all possible risks during the procedure, and the statistics around them.”

Liposuction

“I elected to have some liposuction under my arms, as I had quite a lot of fatty tissue and Mr Mackey said it would help with my overall physical frame after my operation. It was explained that the nipples would be moved but remain attached to breast tissue, ensuring blood flow remained during the procedure.”

Second consultation

“After the first consultation, I was told I would come in for a second consultation after a cool-off period to ensure I was making the right decision for me and to process all the information I’d be given. During this second visit, I was examined and had photographs and measurements taken, Kate was with me the whole time too. It was such a relief to hear these words from Mr Mackey: ‘I can certainly improve your shape, and you will feel and look so much better’.

“I signed the papers to go ahead with surgery and Mr Mackey and I agreed a date for my breast reduction surgery.”

How did you feel on the day of your surgery?

“On the day of the procedure, I was very nervous but also excited. The hospital is so calm and well organised. There’s lots of free parking and it’s immaculately clean. I was shown to my private en-suite ward room that had everything I needed. The nurse in charge kept checking on me and updating me, explaining exactly what would happen and at what time. I met the Anaesthetist and the all the staff who I would be encountering during my stay. Everyone was so personable and helpful.

“Mr Mackey came to see me, along with Kate, and he drew the lines on to my breasts that he needed to see during surgery. This was the only point I felt anxious as it did seem rather a lot of incisions! Again, he explained and reassured me that these lines would not be the scarring, which helped put my mind at rest.”

What happened when you woke up after surgery?

“I went down to the operating theatre for my procedure at lunchtime and opened my eyes again on the ward, where a nurse told me everything had gone well, and she got me a cup of tea. I was wearing a corset type bandage and when I glanced down, I could immediately see the volume of breast tissue was smaller. I felt quite nervous to see what lay beneath the bandage and was quite emotional.

“I had my nursing observations (routine checks to monitor recovery during admission) checked regularly. I slept really well after messaging friends and family to let them know all was well. When Mr Mackey and Kate visited in the late afternoon, I got to see my new shape for the first time. I felt quite tearful, and I explained that they were tears of relief and regret at not having this surgery earlier. They looked perfect to me.

“I also had two small drains under each arm due to the liposuction that were removed after a few hours. As the surgery was taking place in a hospital as opposed to a clinic, I felt that I would receive excellent post operative care, and this was certainly the case.”

“I was able to manage my discomfort post-surgery by taking regular paracetamol every four hours for the first couple of days. I was discharged from hospital the following morning with everything I needed and contact numbers if I had any questions.”

How did you find your recovery?

“The next two weeks I followed Mr Mackey’s instructions and didn’t lift anything or move around too much. I kept looking in the mirror at my new breasts and smiling at the improvement to my confidence and my posture! I couldn’t wait to buy a new swimsuit or even a bikini that I wouldn’t have considered previously.

“I’d bought two compression bras before the surgery, recommended by Kate, and I rotated these by wearing them day and night. The scarring was visible but very neat and symmetrical, my new breasts were very firm and high, but I was reassured they would drop slightly, which they now have. I changed the dressings myself and was able to shower on day two, just patting the tapes dry as advised. I returned to work after only three weeks.

What happened during your follow-up appointments?

“At my six-week post operative appointment, I was again greeted by Kate Comrie and was taken through to see Mr Mackey. He was very pleased with my results; the scarring was symmetrical and neat. My tapes were removed, and I was told I could go for a bra fitting to find out my new size.

“I just had my final follow-up appointment (3 September) and I’m so impressed by the care I’ve received from springtime until now. I am only six months post op and although the scarring is still quite visible, I know this will fade over time. It is totally worth the relief and renewed confidence I now have when I see my reflection.”

What improvements has your breast reduction made to your life?

“Surgery has totally changed the way I feel about my body. I used to be a H cup prior to surgery and then I went for a professional bra fitting and was measured as a 34D. Now all the regular underwear is available to me. It was such a shock to see all the pretty beautiful lingerie available in my size.

“I bought two regular size swimsuits that fitted perfectly. My confidence has rocketed, and I now do regular Pilates classes and can go on the trampoline with my daughter and feel that my posture has improved greatly.

“I would completely recommend Mr Mackey and his friendly, professional team and am so grateful to them for all the care and support I’ve been given. I feel I am now living within the right shaped body! It has improved my body in so many ways I didn’t think possible.”

Female breast reduction surgery at Benenden Hospital

You can book your initial consultation through our online booking tool. To find out more about female breast reduction surgery and our other cosmetic procedures please complete our online enquiry form, contact us via Livechat or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.

Published on 27 September 2024