For as long as I can remember I have always had “larger than normal” breasts. From the age of 13 – I was a large E cup. I have always been a very sporty person but I felt like my breasts were always in the way and I was always teased at how big they were. My breasts were the last place I lost any weight and they were the first place that gained weighed. As I became older they seemed to become so much larger , much heavier and “drop”. It got to the stage that I was embarrassed to play sport , wear a nice dress and I started losing confidence in myself and my professional career. People would call me Mudgee Mailbags , Nanna Boobs and asked me how long it took me to put on my “scaffolding” of a morning. I started to get indentations in my shoulders, back and shoulder pain and generally I was just miserable. I decided to see a plastic surgeon and investigate a breast reduction.

I initially researched on the internet but then I knew of a girl who had the procedure done in recent times and was really happy …… she recommended a Plastic Surgeon to me, Dr Mark Edinburg.

After the first consultation I decided not to proceed. I had not decided on whether I was having children or not and didn’t know how I felt about breastfeeding. Three years later after trying to conceive through IVF and being unsuccessful my husband and I decided it was time for me to have some comfort and we decided the time was right for a breast reduction.

I had a second consultation with Dr Edinburg and booked in then and there to have the procedure. Dr Edinburg and his team from day 1 made me feel special. I wasn’t just a number or a way to make money. They made the process very personal and I felt like they were all going through it with me.

My Plastic Surgeon and his support team kept me fully informed through the whole procedure. All my questions were answered and I was given a lot of reassurance. On the day of surgery I was that excited that today would be “The day the world was lifted from my shoulders “……I sang on the way down to the hospital. My Plastic Surgeon met with me and asked if I had slept ok the night before and how was I feeling about the operation. We went through any last minute concerns I had ( of which there were none ) I cannot tell you how excited I was. The anesthetist and nurses all came in and spoke to me and made sure I was ok. I was overwhelmed at how nice everyone was ….I didn’t feel like a number…..

I woke up from the procedure a few hours later……….I was exhilarated……there is just no way to explain how happy I felt that my Nanna Boobs had gone…..”The world had been lifted off my shoulders” I was ecstatic , you could not wipe the smile off my face. I was in a slight amount of pain and slight discomfort but none of it mattered because I was so happy. The nursing staff at the hospital were terrific and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. I left hospital the day after my operation……two days later I was allowed by Dr Edinburg to drive…..I felt great.

The following week I felt a million dollars and I was unstoppable. I had only taken a week off work. Dr Edinburg and his team stayed in contact with me and I was able to ring them with any concerns I may have had. The second week I realised I had been too active in the first week and I really was exhausted I had another two days off work but in hindsight I should have had at least two weeks….which is what Dr Edinburg told me but I didn’t listen. Probably for the next 4 weeks I felt rather tired and sore and realised that I needed to rest and really look after myself. Yes I was able to reach above my head and drive a car and do most activities but there was no need to……

Breast reduction results from Dr Mark Edinburg

I had a follow up consultation with my Plastic Surgeon and we reviewed the operation and results…we were both happy. The following week I was a bit worried about one of the scars and saw my plastic surgeon again. He re-assured me of what was happening and said that to make me feel better and he would see me every week just to make sure I was ok…..and I was. We then changed this to monthly ..( so I saw him every week for about the first six weeks and then monthly for 4 months ) . ….everything was good ……he just knew I needed the re-assurance and he was more than happy to help me. Dr EDinburg decided that I may need some physiotherapy for a small amount of scar tissue…….this was nothing major and after 5 sessions with the physio I feel great.

If I met someone today who was considering this surgery I would tell them the following :

• Don’t base your decision on internet stories, marketing or price. Find someone and talk to them one on one about which Plastic Surgeon they went to and ask them their story. There is no better recommendation than from someone that has been there and done it.
• Make sure that the Plastic Surgeon has follow up care after the operation
• Have at least two weeks off work after the operation.
• Be kind to yourself during the recovery period…..eventhough you feel so good
• Buy the same size crop top as your pre-operation size….trust me crop tops become your best friend and are the most comfortable to wear. It’s so much more comfortable to have the crop top slightly bigger for after the operation.
• It doesn’t hurt when the steri strips come off your scars – you just think it will.
• The first time you see your scars may shock you……but don’t be concerned it doesn’t take long for them to settle down
• For me it was really a good 4 months before I was relatively pain free
• Lose as much weight as you can before the operation – life is so good afterwards you don’t want to drop a heap of weight and have no boobs left !!!
• Don’t go shopping for new clothes and bras for at least 4 months after the operation because your size and shape change a lot in this time.
• Measure yourself and take photos before the operation to remind yourself of how far you have come.
• Most importantly – listen to your Plastic Surgeon and his advice………he is the one that has had the experience and expertise. He has performed this operation many many times – you are only a first timer …you don’t have all the answers even if you think you do.

For the record – I was a size 18 F/G cup on the day of my operation. 3 1/2 months after my operation I am a 14 C/D……The World Has Been Lifted Off My Shoulders …….and my whole life has changed…..

Trish

Trish is a plastic surgery blogger. She is passionate about wellbeing, health and beauty, and doesn't mind a little bit of 'help' from the amazing cosmetic and beauty procedures that are available today. Trish spends her days talking to women and men who are looking for suggestions and advice on procedures that are available to them. Cutting through the sales pitch and hype, a down-to-earth response on general information is what you will get.