Published on 28 January 2026
After years of neck and back pain, Jane chose to pay for breast reduction surgery at Benenden Hospital in October 2025. Since her surgery, Jane has already rediscovered her passion for running and high-impact exercise. Read her story to discover how our personalised care can help patients regain confidence and return to the activities they love.
How were your breasts impacting your everyday life before reduction surgery?
“For most of my adult life I have had large breasts on my small frame which made me ‘top heavy’ and very self conscious in what I wore and how I looked and felt in certain clothing. I am very active and am an avid runner and have been for many years. I’ve always felt quite uncomfortable strapping myself up in large, tight sports bras to try and minimise my top heavy chest and reduce movement when running.
“I also suffered with neck and back pain when on my feet for long periods of time due to the weight of my breasts, with bras causing deep grooves in my shoulders. I always dressed to hide the size of my breasts and constantly got upset when having to have clothing altered to accommodate my breast size in comparison to the rest of my body.”
How and why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your treatment?
Research
“I had been saying for the past 20-plus years that I wanted a breast reduction, but life constantly got in the way (work, family, finances etc) and it wasn’t until recently that I found myself in a position where I could take the time out and was free to go ahead and actually look seriously into having this surgery. My first steps towards this were to start researching surgeons in the Kent and Sussex area and looking at hospitals and clinics.”
Watching an online talk
“While I was scrolling through social media one evening, a post popped up about a free webinar on breast reduction and breast uplift surgery at Benenden Hospital with Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Mr Simon Mackey, giving the chance to ask questions at the end. I signed up immediately.
“I chose Benenden Hospital after watching the free webinar, which was really informative and confirmed to me that a private hospital local to me, and with a record of top class care, was where I wanted my surgery. I knew I would feel more at ease and totally safe in that environment. I had to have two initial consultations with my surgeon before he would agree surgery with me as he wanted me to be 100% sure of my decision, managing my expectations and knowing every detail of what my surgery and recovery would entail.
“It definitely wasn’t a case of ‘yes we can do that for you, this is the cost.’ Nothing is, or was, agreed without in-depth consultation and information, and that made me confident of the whole hospital’s professionalism regarding private cosmetic surgery.”
Cosmetics clinic vs. hospital
“I was very nervous of having my surgery, as the whole process of being put to sleep scares me, and I was aware I was undergoing major surgery and wanted to be in a hospital setting where I knew I would feel safe. I knew Benenden Hospital would give me great after care and that all the nurses and theatre staff are experienced and highly qualified to deal with any problems if something went wrong.
“This operation was a huge deal for me and despite being excited I was also obviously nervous about it being a success and of nothing going wrong – but I knew going to a cosmetics clinic, be that here or abroad somewhere, was definitely not for me.”
How were you put at ease on the day of your surgery?
“My surgery was performed by Mr Simon Mackey, who from the first initial consultation was professional, friendly and approachable. He instantly seemed to know me and what it was I wanted from my procedure. I was never in any doubt that he was the surgeon I wanted for my surgery. He came to see me before my operation once I was in my private ward room on surgery day and again afterwards to check on me and chat about how it had all gone.
“I was very nervous on the day of my surgery, particularly about being put to sleep, but on arrival the nurses on duty put me at ease and looked after me. My anaesthetist came and introduced himself and explained what would happen when putting me to sleep and how he would be looking after me at all times in the theatre. He really made me feel safe.”
How were you supported throughout your patient journey?
“My nurse throughout my journey, from first consultation to weekly post-operation tape changes, was Senior Staff Nurse in Plastics and Cosmetic Surgery Lexie Otana and I cannot praise her highly enough. Warm, chatty and friendly, she just felt like a friend I had known for years. She was a constant, either by phone or email, if I was worried or had any concerns from the moment I left the hospital to go home and recover. She kept any post-op anxiety at bay just by being readily available no matter how small the question or worry.
“I was given in-depth information about pre-surgery, the surgery itself, what would happen from the moment I arrived at the hospital to discharge after, and ongoing recovery do’s and don’ts, which I had to sign to say I had read and understood. Lexie was also available before and after my procedure to answer any questions and I also came in before my surgery date for a pre-op assessment.”
What was your experience of the environment and staff?
“Everything about the hospital, the staff and my care from start to finish, was just A-star. The hospital was spotlessly clean in every department. The food was lovely, with plenty of choice and the staff, from receptionists, nurses and specialists to the housekeepers and catering team, were all fantastic. Nothing was ever too much trouble for anyone. I was looked after with the most top tier level of care.”
How were you supported during your recovery?
“Lexie was on hand literally 24/7 to answer any worries or questions and she changed my surgical tape once a week and checked my healing each time too. The after care was a definite reason why I chose Benenden Hospital over a clinic as I knew I was in very safe hands should any problems have arisen.”
What improvements has your breast reduction made to your life?
“It’s early days in my recovery but already the difference in my posture is noticeable. The heaviness of my breasts has gone and the joy in being able to wear certain clothes I couldn’t before, such as backless dresses and high neck jumpers, is just immense. I can’t stop looking at myself side-on in mirrors! As an avid runner and someone who enjoys high impact exercise classes, my smaller, lighter breasts have literally changed my life. No more strapping my top heavy chest down, which at times was quite painful. I cannot wait to get back to long distance running and racing again now I feel and look so much more in proportion.”
Would you recommend Benenden Hospital?
“I highly recommend Benenden Hospital for plastic and cosmetic surgery and for anyone thinking about a procedure or struggling with similar symptoms to mine. If you’re unsure, like me, about surgery being something you could do or unsure where to start your journey, sign up to one of their free online webinars, as you will get so much information. It’s that first step that empowered me to finally go ahead and change my life with my breast reduction, knowing I had found the right surgeon and the right hospital to do this.”
Breast reduction surgery at Benenden Hospital
You can book your initial plastic and cosmetic surgery consultation through our online booking tool. To find out more about female breast reduction surgery and our other plastic and cosmetic procedures please complete our online enquiry form, contact us via Livechat or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.