WARNING: The Embarrassing Bodies website contains images of an explicit medical nature and nudity in a medical context.

Embarrassing Bodies, 1:10am Friday 17th February 2012 on Channel 4. Catch up for free on 4oD »

Video

Narrator V/O:
Allison Mitchell spent more than half her life weighed down with the burden of unusually big breasts.

Allison:
It changed my life a long time ago. I became a a, well a lonely person, very lonely. I had quite a painful life. I have very bad back pain. I have had surgery on my spine, em, purely because of carrying the extra weight on my chest. It’s been very difficult.

Narrator V/O:
After 25 years, Allison’s breasts are really getting her down.

Allison:
If I could have my breasts reduced, I think it would give me back the life that I should’ve had. I think it just will give me back the opportunities to do the things that I’ve missed out on over the last 25 years.

Narrator V/O:
Can Dr Harper find a way to reduce Alliosn’s burdon?

Dr Harper:
Do you mind me asking what size you are?

Allison:
They’re a 36 double J. That sounds awful, ‘they’, doesn’t it? I’ve detached them completely from myself.

dr Harper:
Is that how you feel?

Allison:
Mm hum.

Dr Harper:
And what size would you like to be? I mean, if you could wave a magic wand.

Allison:
If I could wave a magic wand, I would say have none, have none, yeah.

Dr Harper:
Really

Allison:
Yeah. But, er, I guess, in the ideal world I’d be looking at a C or a D. But, I mean, yeah, something like that would be a dream come true. I just want them gone. I, you know, enough’s enough. I want my life back and they need to go.

Narrator V/O:
It’s no wonder Allison has back problems. At 5 kilos, her breasts weigh 10 times the national average – that’s like having a large baby permanently strapped to your chest.

Dr Harper:
I mean the breast tissue feels completely normal. Totally healthy. There’s just a bit too much of it.

Allison: Yeah, yeah.

Dr Harper:
And I think that you are a perfect candidate for a breast reduction. You’ve put up with it for an awful long time so I’m sure that the surgeons are going to be keen to do something for you, whether or not they’ll achieve the C/D cup. I’m not sure how much they’ll be able to reduce it, but it will definitely make both of them significantly smaller, em, and I think we should just get their opinion.

Allison:
Yeah, yeah, that’s fantastic thank you.

Dr Harper:
Grand. OK, pop your things back on.

Narrator V/O:
Double J breasts have weighed Allison Mitchell down for 25 years, but now she and her husband have come to the West London clinic, to see if there’s any hope of reducing them. Leading breast surgeon, Adam Topping, needs to decide whether it’s safe to proceed. He’s seen more breasts than a page 3 snapper, but even he’s blown away by her copious cleavege.

Dr Adam Topping:
Now, em, I have to be honest with you, er, they are the largest breasts that I have seen. OK. It’s going to be quite an interesting challenge, that’s for sure, you know, but-

Allison:
I always knew I was exceptional.

Narrator V/O:
The sheer scale of the tissue to be reduced means that for Mr Topping, this will be his most ambitious operation yet.

Dr Topping:
They are the biggest breasts that I have seen before and this is why we’re having to, I’m having to, adapt to the procedure to cope with the situation.

Narrator V/O:
To bring Allison down to a D cup, over a kilo and a half of tissue has to be removed from each breast. As well as repositioning the nipple higher up, the remaining breast has to be reformed into a natural shape.

Dr Topping:
I think the operation was very successful, er, it was always going to be difficult to actually create a breast that was going to have quite a degree of projection on it, em, but by putting a stitch in to move the, er, the breat towards the midline, I think we’ve managed to achieve that to a degree. All in all: very happy.

Narrator V/O:
He’s happy, but will Allison be?
Few people have undergone bigger changes than Allison, whose double J breasts have been ruining her life for over 20 years. After an ambitious 3 and a half hour operation, she’s come back to see Dr Harper. She’s half the woman she once was; has this made her twice as happy?

Dr Harper:
Allison, nice to see you. I have been so looking forward to seeing you. I can’t believe that.

Allison:
I know, it’s incredible, isn’t it?

Dr Harper:
Look at you!

Allison:
I know!

Dr Harper:
You look like the cat that got the cream.

Allison:
Well I have, haven’t I? I feel fantastic. I think it’s because I haven’t got that pain. I had that pain all the time my whole life. I couldn’t remember not being in pain because of them, and, you know, the weight’s gone. It’s, you know, given me back my life.
There you go.

Dr Harper:
Goodness me.

Allison:
What do you think of that?

Dr Harper:
Well, you’re half the woman you were, aren’t you?

Narrator V/O:
Last time Allison met Dawn, the 36 double J breasts meant she was 3 kilos heavier.

Dr Harper:
And you can probably put your bra on sitting down, can you?

Allison:
I can. I don’t have to get up and stand up and nope, don’t have to do any of that any more. I can, you know, just sit and do it.

Dr Harper:
I’m utterly amazed that, you know. That is a phenominal job. Amazing.

Allison:
Yep. They’re fabulous, aren’t they.

Dr Harper:
When those dressings come off, you should rub vitamin E cream into that. It’ll really make a difference to the scar tissue, actually. It’ll be, I mean that’s just amazing.

Allison:
I think so. [laughs]
I feel I could take on anything, do anything that I want to do, and, I guess my only regret is that I didn’t do it much, much sooner. Em, but it’s it is phenominal. It it’s like being a whole new person.

Dr Harper:
Amazing. Amazing. Do you wanna pop your bra back on – sitting down?!

Allison: Mm hm, yeah.

Read the video transcript

Consultation: Breast Reduction

A patient comes to see Dr Harper with enormous 36JJ Breasts that are in need of a reduction.

Did you find this useful? YesYes NoNo

1509 of 1927 people said they found this useful

Comments and Questions

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

I am a 44f and I get backache all men lovebig boobs I wish I could wear a d cup that would be my dream size





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I'm 25, and 4"11 and I always had large breast from high school to now. My bra size is a 40 E and my back always hurting now that I have a baby they have got big and my back hurt even more. I work for the bank and stand up all day, and I feel bad sometimes because pick my breast. Bra dont fit me right at all. I feel like I really need my breast reduced. what do you think





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

hi, im 14 and size 36 F. My boobs havent stopped growing since i can remeber. I go up a bra size more or less every month and its horrible:( Ive had big boobs since i was about 12. I always get terrible back pain and it stops me from doing anything i want, its horrible. I get bullied in school for having big boobs, and i cant do p.e or run or anything:'( i wish to be happy, if i could have a boob reduction im sure id go to a C or D. Ive been looking at breast reductions since the age of 13 when i was 36 DD,because im only 14 they wont give me a boob reduction and its painfull because i cant do the things i want to. Ive searched all over the internet abour boob reductions and i know nearly evreything. Your lucky your 25 because you can go ahead with it, ive got to wait years yet unfortunatly:(. I wish you luck with your choice and hope you feel more better whatever happens.

i am 20 and i wear a size 40 dd, its hard for me wear any top i want, or any bra i want, i want to do a breast reduction but im afrid if it will be safe for me,





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

I am 17 and a 32J, and I always find myself having to click my back, and often sit hunched over and have bad posture due to the weight pulling against me. I can't buy clothes or bras in normal high-street shops so shopping is a complete chore. I am very sporty and the boobs and running just don't seem to go together! Anyone think I'd be able to get a breast reduction?!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Hi im 23 and currently a 34gg, i've always hated my boobs and they attention they got me, as i developed young and very quickly. I finally got the courage to ask my dr about being referred for a breast reduction and i was amazed how great they were about it. I had an appointment with a plastics consultant just 6 weeks last. Ive been given 6 months to lose a st to get me down to a healthy bmi and see how weight loss affects my boobs, my follow up aplointment is in nov and so far ive lost over the st required, but all thats happened with my boobs is that my back size has reduced and my cup size increased. Fingers crossed on my follow up appointment i'll get put on the waiting list for a breast reductipn





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

hi frankie!!! i know exactly what you feel, i am 34K size at the age of 24. at the moment i am just over 10 stone at the 5"3. just got im gonna get my referal next week. let me know how did it all go if you r ever here again! GOOD LUCK GIRL!!!!

Hello everyone, I'm a stonking 30H and 21 years old. I've um'd and ar'd over a breast reduction for years and years because I know it will affect me when I come to have kids, I want to feed my babies but it makes me miserable having big boobs. I HATE being known as the one with 'big tits'- so demoralising. Anyway I weigh about 10/11st and am 5'4 so I'm not what you would call a stick but not over weight... I wish I knew what my options were!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

i'm sorry about that. you shouldnt worry

Im 15 and a 30H :( i feel your pain! You dont need a reduction you just need a good fitting bra :) I was a 30FF at 13 so Ive gone through the motions of getting fitted and buying new bras hubdreds of times :L its no fun at all, especialy when a propper bra shop doesnt carry your size :( brastop is amazing though especialy the sales, d-K cup :) makes me happy!

Show all replies in this thread

I'm 19 and had a reduction at 18. I was a 32G and now i'm a 32C or 34D depending on the brand. This video brought me to tears because I know the kind of back pain she was talking about. My spine was curving, and after my reduction my spine returned to where it is supposed to be, making me about an inch taller. I'm beyond happy for this woman! In high school kids used to throw stuff at my boobs to see if the thing they threw would go down my shirt(horrible teenagers) Anyway I'm proud of her!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Hi I have a similar story to yours I am almost 18 with 30f bra size, really considering surgery. How much if you don't mind was your surgery in cost? Thanks

Well I have crazy awesome insurance, so I didn't pay a dime out of pocket. It pretty much depends on your case. My spine was curving and it was necessary for my health. So, honestly, I don't know the actual costs. Sorry.

hi laura and everyone !! can you tell us if you've hear anything so far? cause me i was given an appointment to see a surgeon the 3ed of october at a hospital in london but was cancelled and only found out when i got there at the reception the same day.i felt mortified but fought tears very hard but now i dont know if i should go back to my gp or no!!!





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

Am 24 years and 12 stones my breast size is 38gg can you pls help me cause I am having alot of pain in my back and neck .. I have tried to talk to my gp but he has done nothing yet.. Susan..





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.


Please don't swear or be rude in your answers, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting answers. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

am 26 yearsand 80kg my breast size 34ff can you please help me,because I became , well a lonely person, very lonely. I had quite a painful life. I have very bad back and neck but i want to hel as soon possible plz

If your gp isn't going anything for you go should try another doctor or try investing in a surgeon for breast reduction.

I'm 17 with a 32 G and I'm very sporty. I recently got a new lace bra and found cuts all around the bra line - they are so deep! Apart from the pain and the embaressment, I find the worst thing is I'm considered a slut. I could wear the same top as anyone else but because I've got big boobs, it's like I'm showing too much clevage. It's killing my confidence as, apart from my breasts, I am a size 108. But I have to wear 14-16 to fit my breasts. It makes me feel so fat. I'm not the skinniest or the fattests but my mum said if I lose weight, my breasts will get smaller, mariganally. I have got an appointment with my GP and I hope to god that my life will change for the better if I get it :(





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.


Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

am 27 years old and 12.5 stons. my breast size is 34ff can you pls help meplease, because I became , well a lonely person, very lonely. I had quite a painful life. I have very bad back pain and nec.please help mee as soon posseble plz contacte me. thanks

hi im a 36 g and 18 its not a bad thing having big boobs. god give you them for a reason so keep them. just cause you got big boobs doesnt make you a slut. curvy girls do it better and your more likey to have a decent boyfriend. kayleigh





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your comment.



Please don’t swear or be rude in your comments, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting comments. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines

It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





This will be published. Surnames, nicknames or usernames are not allowed


Your email address will be kept confidential and will NOT be published – it is only being collected here in case Channel 4 need to contact you in relation to your answer.



Please don't swear or be rude in your questions, as they will not be added to the site. Please do not use your full name when posting questions. If in doubt, refer to the community guidelines

Questions submitted to the site will be answered by other site users, not by medical professionals, so if you have a medical concern, please book an appointment with your GP.

By posting on this website you are agreeing to abide by our community guidelines


More Information

  1. Embarrassing Illnesses

    Episode Guides - All the episode guides from Series 1 of our groundbreaking health s…

  2. How to Check Yourself

    Videos - Self-check guides for the balls, boobs, vulva and skin.

  3. STI Checker

    Embarrassing Bodies Homepage - Do you like things safe and secure or do you live life on the edge?…

  4. Erectile Dysfunction

    In Conditions - Any glance at your email spam filter will tell you that erectile dy…

  5. Sagging Breasts

    In Conditions - Everyone's boobs eventually succumb to the downward pull of gravity…

  6. Constipation

    In Conditions - Constipation is extremely common and can affect a broad range of ag…

  7. Prolapsed Rectum

    In Conditions - This is a painful condition that can result in the rectum protrudin…

  8. Perimenopause

    In Conditions - The perimenopause is an inevitable right of passage leading up to t…

  9. Vaginal Dryness

    In Conditions - Vaginas should normally be moist, but due to a number of factors, s…

  10. Flat Chest

    In Conditions - Whilst Keira Knightly manages to 'work it', a flat chest can unders…

  11. We're Coming to Get You!

    In Episodes - The Docs are back, and this time they're coming to get you!

  12. Enlarged Labia

    In Conditions - Many women are born with larger or more noticeably asymmetric labia…

  13. Enlarged Prostate

    In Conditions - An enlarged prostate (known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)…

  14. Dr Pixie McKenna

    In Videos - Find out more about Dr Pixie McKenna

  15. Endometriosis

    In Conditions - Around 2 million women suffer from Endometriosis, and it's when the…


Be On Embarrassing Bodies

The clinic is opening again for a new series.
Apply for Embarrassing Bodies >

Important Notice

The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here