While a mum who has the ‘biggest boobs in the UK’ has begged for a breast reduction, another woman who managed to get the surgery on the NHS has warned of the dangers
A woman who received a breast reduction on the NHS has explained why she thinks the criteria “needs to be strict”. London content creator Lydia said she has struggled with severe back pain since she was a teenager, alongside unwanted “sexualisation” of her body due to the size of her chest.
London content creator Lydia said she has struggled with severe back pain since she was a teenager, alongside unwanted “sexualisation” of her body due to the size of her chest.
Lydia said she felt “lucky” that she managed to get treatment, which she received in September after her first consultation in March. The NHS currently has stringent criteria for prospective patients, who need to exhaust every other avenues such as undergoing physio and wearing professionally fitted bras.
To qualify for a breast reduction, the bosom must be causing back, shoulder or neck pain, skin irritation, grooves on the shoulders from the bra straps. The NHS will also allow patients whose breasts are causing them low self-esteem, or are stopping them from exercising.
Speaking to LadBible, Lydia explained why she thinks this strict criteria is a necessary evil. She said: “[Are the rules] strict? Yes. Is it postcode lottery? Yes. Should it be that way? No.
“But I do think the criteria needs to be strict, or else it’s just going to get abused, like everything else.”
Lydia also warned of the health issues that come with the procedure – the 29-year-old said she nearly “lost a nipple” and that there’s “a high chance of complications”, while the recovery process is also gruelling.
Lydia’s warnings come as a mum believed to have the ‘biggest boobs in Britain’ has begged for surgery as her 36M chest leaves her bedbound for the first hour of the morning.
Melissa Ashcroft, 30, has endured severe back pain since hitting puberty. Getting up takes her a full hour each morning and she cannot lift her eight-month-old daughter.
Following the birth of her two children, Melissa learned earlier this year that her BMI of 35 exceeds NHS requirements and must drop to 27 to qualify for surgery.
However, due to her relentless pain, Melissa claims she cannot exercise effectively and is now fundraising £8,000 for private treatment to shrink her two and a half stone chest.
Melissa said: “I was told to get down to 11st. The anaesthetic won’t work as well and I’m more at risk of blood clots and infections.”
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