Published on 27 August 2025
Weighed down by her heavy breasts and low self-esteem, Kelly from Essex turned to Benenden Hospital for a breast reduction and found life-changing relief. In her own words, Kelly shares how Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Mr Simon Mackey supported her through from initial consultation through to full recovery.
How were your breasts impacting your everyday life before reduction surgery?
“Physically, I was suffering from pain in my back, shoulder and neck and I had deep divots in my shoulders from my bra straps. Mentally, I had low confidence and self-esteem, and I hated how the first thing I felt everyone saw was the size of my breasts. It really defined me, and I felt uncomfortable most of the time. It was after years of this that I decided to look into having surgery.”
How and why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your treatment?
Research
“I knew I couldn’t have breast reduction surgery on the NHS, so I did some research online and looked at the different healthcare providers for breast reduction surgery. I specifically investigated what the procedure entailed and read lots of patient testimonials to understand the patient experience.”
Cosmetics clinic vs. hospital
“I felt that I wanted the basis of my care to be medical and not just cosmetic. I wanted well-trained professionals to look after me and you hear a lot more horror stories about things going wrong at cosmetic clinics, so I opted for a hospital setting.”
Initial consultation
“After my research, I decided I wanted to speak to somebody. I liked what I saw at Benenden Hospital, I liked the description of the process and what others had to say. I arranged an initial consultation with Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Mr Simon Mackey, in February 2024.
“Mr Mackey and the specialist nurse looked after me from the first consultation through to my recovery. They were friendly, professional, knowledgeable and put me at ease immediately. From the moment I met Mr Mackey, I knew I wanted the surgery under his care. I got on really well with the specialist nurse too so knew I’d be in good hands for the aftercare.”
How did you prepare for surgery?
“The advice and preparation I received prior to my surgery focused on what was going to happen during the surgery. I was also told what I needed to purchase, such as surgical bras to aid my recovery and ensure I was comfortable afterwards. It was really helpful to know exactly what was to be expected.”
What was your experience of the environment and staff?
“The hospital is a welcoming place, so you don’t feel too nervous walking in for a start. Everyone from the staff on reception to the ladies and gentlemen serving in the café, all staff have been kind and friendly. Nothing was too much for the nurses on the wards, they went above and beyond and everything that needed to be done was explained – whether that was checking a drain or my compression stockings - and the whole place made me feel comfortable very quickly.”
How were put at ease on the day of your surgery?
“I was quite nervous on the morning of my surgery, but I was taken up to the ward and put at ease straight away. I felt confident about the procedure but was more nervous about having an anaesthetic and being under anaesthetic for that length of time. The anaesthetist came to see me in my room and explained what would happen and how long I’d be under. By the time I was taken down to Theatre, I felt reassured and was looking forward to having it done!
“The aftercare I received in the ward was wonderful. I felt really looked after, safe and I knew someone was a second away if I needed support.”
How were you supported during your recovery?
“After the surgery, I took two weeks off work where I rested, laid in bed and was waited on by my husband. When I returned to work, I did shorter hours for a week just to settle myself back in because I was still feeling quite tired. It gave me time to slowly return to daily activities. I wasn’t allowed to drive and avoided going on trains to reduce my risk of getting bumped into, so my husband kindly chauffeured me to and from work for a week. This really supported my healing.
“Each time I returned to Benenden Hospital for a follow-up appointment, Mr Mackey or the specialist nurse would examine me, check if my wounds were healing properly, explain how to help the healing process along and give me any dressings I might need.
“I was able to phone and email the specialist nurse, send a photograph if there was an element of a wound I wasn’t sure of.”
What improvements has your breast reduction made to your life?
“Physically, I have no back, neck or shoulder pain, the divots in my shoulders are easing as time goes on. I also have a hiatus hernia which previously caused me severe pain, and I don’t know if it’s a direct result of my cosmetic surgery, but with the reduced weight from my breasts, my hernia symptoms have been significantly improved. That has been an unexpected benefit because my hernia was making my life hell.
“Mentally, I have more confidence in myself. I don’t feel that the size of my breasts defines me anymore, I can even wear clothes without a bra and still feel comfortable.
“One of the things which people don’t always realise, if you have bigger breasts, is the cost of the bras, they can be expensive. To be able to go into a normal shop and buy a normal sized bra has made a big difference and has made me feel more normal.
“I feel like I’m the person that I should have always been, not just a person with big boobs.”
Would you recommend Benenden Hospital?
“I would wholeheartedly recommend the cosmetic process that I had and the service that I received. In fact, I’ve already encouraged somebody to speak to Mr Mackey.
“Don’t keep struggling. Be brave! Reach out and speak to somebody. Even if you don’t go through with a surgery, just speak to somebody and get the information for yourself. Getting cosmetic surgery for yourself is a no-brainer, your mental health is as important as your physical health, so it’s important that you do something to support it.”
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 cosmetics procedures please complete our online enquiry form, contact us via Livechat or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.