Embarrassing Illnesses

Hey, im seeing my plastic surgeon on tuesday on the NHS due to one been alot bigger then the other. Was wondering does anyone know what will happen? bit scared :(

When I first spoke to a doctor about my asymmetrical breasts, though he reassured me it was completely normal, I never quite realised how common it could be. It's somewhat reassuring to know that I'm not the only woman out there with these feelings of inadequacy, despite possessing a healthy body.

I first noticed when I was only 13. I'm now virtually 20 (my god, I've put up with this for 7 years???). I would like to have my breasts surgerically corrected, but I intend to wait until after I've finished University, which will be in a years time. (Of course the real downer is I'll probably have to go through the NHS – if I'm acceptable – and wait around for ages before I actually get surgery. But hey, that's life!) I look forward to shopping for bras and clothes without wondering "will this show my padding? Damn I wish I could wear a corset!". Lol, it's not easy is it ladies?

As unfair as the modern perception of women is, I think I want this surgery for me, and not simply because it is 'normal', (and trust me, after two years of media studies, it's not hard to see why we have such issues as humans now-a-days).

In the past few years I've managed to trust a few close friends with this problem. Their questionless acceptance of this problem has been a real help with my confidence; and though I still feel awkward and isolated in situations (i.e. like the Anne Summers Party I went to last night) I know that as far as the people I care about are concerned, it's my choice what I have done to my breasts.

I feel much less alone after reading all of your comments, and I'm thinking about going to my doctor to ask for help I think I want a reduction on one side as I hate the idea of implants.

I think it's weird though – so many women struggling with this issue. We all have normal, healthy breasts, why can't the media, the fashion industry and society accept that breasts comes in all shapes and sizes, and some are not symmetrical?!

I have been seeing a plastic surgeon for the last 3 years and am finally about to have surgery in a few months time, my left breast is a lot bigger than my right and has always made me feel self-conscious and embarrased about it, i am terrified about having the surgery as i have no idea about the pain involved, can anyone who has been through it let me know how they felt please?

Hi Guys
I realised my breast were a different size from been about 14 i am now 21 and feeling very depressed i went to the GP last week i have never told any one about my problem i thought i was a freak and very embarassed about it. I was a mess before i got to my GP as i thought he would laugh. He took me very seriously examined me and referred me to a plastic surgeon.

Does any one know how long i will be waiting to get my appointment or infact to get the surgery. It is such a relief i am soon going to have normal breast not a bra i have to put padding in one side and hopefully i will be able to get close to a man now and not be frightened or embarassed.

If any one has had this done on the NHS and know the waiting times and procedures plz let me know.

xx

I am 21 and i have had different size breasts since puberty, i have been to the doctor on numerous occasions only to be told they are fine, i have since changed my Doctors and they examined me and referred me to a specialist. After having been to the hospital and having many photos taken, which i found to be very embarrassing, they still refused to operate. i then considered going private and got in touch with a plastic surgeon in Leeds.I did not get to go and show them my condition as i was told prior to my appointment that my case sounded quite severe and it would cost around £10,000 to my me look normal. They advised me to go back to my GP as they said i would be entitled to the surgery on the NHS. So i went back about a year ago, and i am still waiting. I don't think anything will come of it. So i'll go back to sweating in the summer, as i am too embarrassed to bare myself.

I noticed a difference in the size of my breasts when I was about 14, one was a DD whereas the other was more like an A/B. I couldn't bear it, it was ruining my confidence, self esteem and school life. I went to my GP for a referral to an NHS plastic surgeon. The first surgeon I saw would not operate until I was at least 18 and said that the difference was too dramatic for it ever to be rectified. I was devastated, so went back to my GP for a referral to another surgeon (still NHS) at another hospital. He was so much more helpful, explaning all my options and the risks associated with surgery. A few months later I had a tissue expanding implant in my smaller breast. This helped a lot, as it meant I could wear a bra without having to pad out a cup. I had to go back to the hospital every 2/3 weeks to have saline solution injected into the expander. About a year later I underwent a second operation, to replace the expander with a permanent silicone implant, and also to have a lift on both sides to make them more symmetrical. The scarring was horrendous at first, and a bit of a shock, but faded very quickly. 2 years on I have symmetrical breasts which I am so happy with, my self esteem and confidence is so much better now. So glad I had the op. I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering, and would also definitely advise people to ask for a 2nd opinion if you're not happy with the first surgeon you see. Hope this helps xx

My GP also told me that I would 'grow out' of this condition. That was extremely upsetting for me and something my mother didn't stand for, so we booked to see a lady doctor and she instantly put my through to see a consultant. If they turn you down, try again! Seriously, for all those poor ladies with SERIOUS asmetrical problems, don't take what they say and live with it. I was young when I noticed I wasn't developing properly, about 15 or 16 and I've had three operations to fix my breasts. With one breast a double A (pretty much flat on my chest) and the other a large B bordering on a C without a circle around my nipple (Which is called an areola), my problem was quite obvious. It irratates me that doctors turn down women for sugery when there is an obvious problem with the breast or they need help. You shouldn't have to live with it! Do not be ashamed to go back and pester them until they do something. Don't take their first answer as their final one! I don't want to seem unsympathetic to women with small breasts who wish they were bigger…but when you only have one breast…it kind of ruins you life. I am 21 years old now and only recently got my first boyfriend because I was so ashamed of my body. My breasts are fine now and look completely natural, but for a little scarring but it's still set my life back. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes…having small breasts is nothing to be ashamed of you are still beautiful. But it does make me feel bad that women with asemetrical problems are being denied surgery when women with confidence issues are being granted it.

The surgery I underwent gave me two breasts instead of one, and changed me life for the better…for anyone fearing surgery, I cannot tell you how much it has helped me. I used to refuse to go swimming, I wore baggy clothes, I couldn't bring myself to start a relationship though fear of being judged. I could barely look at myself in the mirror without thinking myself a freak. The surgery was painful, yes…but afterwards I felt like I finally had become a woman.

l have had this problem since puberty,one is to sizes bigger .my bmi ismore than 30 so nhs will not consider it.can you tell me of a good speciaist in sussex area where l can have it done privatly

I've been reading these pages and im now 28… like many of you i have suffered with different size breasts all my life.. and yes it has hindered me in relationships and confidence… i have recently decided on surgery and am having a breast augmentation and nipple lift so that the breasts are as symetrical as possible.. i went to the NHS and got no help, infact the doctor was very rude and i left feeling i was a drain on NHS services!.. so i have opted for the hospital group and although it is costing me a lot of money i am hoping the end result will mean i can be happy in life…
i go for the op on 16th may so i will let you ladies know how i get on.
to the younger girls out there, please wait until you have finished developing i know its hard, but surgery is a big thing..
take care people x