Just out of curiousity..

I went to the docs several times about how unhappy I was with my chest, I'd start trying to explain to her about it and just burst in to tears, had hormone tests etc but all came back normal, when I mentioned if it was possible to be considered for surgery on the NHS she said they didn't do it anymore? Yet people on here are having it done? Lol! I didn't have a job at the time and was desperate. She's a lovely doctor but just wondered why do you think I was told this?

I was told the same from doc Hun xx

i was told by my doctor that it is very very difficult to get it done on the NHS nowadays, unless you're not developed properly for a medical reason etc. He said he'd have a go for me as i was suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, but i didn't get anywhere and so paid private. Worth every penny though i must say xxxxxxxxx

I've just had mines done on nhs but my journey has been from 2003 back and forward at docs. 2yrs ago they referred me again and got given approval sept last year.

I honestly don't know if they have stopped it, I wouldn't imagine so, but agree with Amy, it is extremely difficult to be approved in nhs xx

It may be that your Dr wont refer you as she knows your PCT will refuse you. Usually the regulations are different in each PCT but most rules are that you need breast size differences of more than one cup size between each breast. Although some have also funded ops for ladies that have conditions which have stopped them from growing any breast tissue at all. Mostly now days you cannot get an op due to the effect of breast feeding or mental stress/illness causing you distress due to your breasts. They will however refer you for counselling if you feel that bad about them. I would strongly urge this if you are considering surgery.

It has always been VERY hard to get surgery on the NHS, you need to have the approval of your GP, a psychiatrist, 2 separate surgeons and the PCT. It took 10 months for me to get a yes and 19 months before I had my first procedure, and even if they have stopped doing it altogether now, (which I dont think they will have done), I think the ladies you see that are getting them done 'now' actually have a story that goes back at least a couple of years.

I was considered as I have tuberous breast(s) and a difference of at least 3 cup sizes (which is actually now the criteria for many places, rather than just the one cup size), however it makes me really upset to think that there are ladies who feel probably just as bad as I do, but unfortunately dont meet the criteria. And, with the state of the NHS now, I fear things will only get harder.

I hope you get the result you want with your private surgery though!

That makes sense Louise, have you had your surgery?

Yeah, I don't mind I'm going private, I'm sure there are women out there far worse than me! I just always wondered!

Yeh, I have just had my second operation, and as of yet im reserving judgement on how I feel! Im hoping I still have a lot of swelling that needs to settle down, because atm they ARE NOT pretty!

And, I don't think it's about not about who's worse off or not, it's about how something makes you feel and affects your life/self-esteem/confidence, but unforunately the NHS don't account for this and have very definitive criteria which I think is a shame.

It looks like you've only got a short time until your op though....so Good Luck!!

I didn't want a battle with the NHS when I suffered from bad PND & hated my tiny deflated balloons (was a 34A/B but as I'd fed twins they were saggy) as a result, & after many years suffering in silence I went private.
Things improved, I felt better about my body image, would finally wear nice non-frumpy tops..
now I'm caught in the PIP scare I feel ultra guilty going to the NHS for help (want scan to check integrity as ex clinic cant) especially as I know there are 1000's of people waiting for urgent surgery / drugs / whatever but cant due to funding
I work hard & have paid my NI but it's funny that no matter what happens they can still refuse you due to funding.. (I know a cancer patient who was refused drugs - hence why I feel guilty going to NHS for help over what ultimately is my personal vanity)

I sincerely hope you get the help / support you need as it's not nice living in a body you despise, especially if you cant personally afford to change it.
take care x x