Published on 29 July 2026
After watching a webinar hosted by Mr Simon Mackey, our patient felt reassured and confident to take the next step in her journey. With a clearer understanding of the procedure and what to expect, she booked an initial consultation and began her path towards breast reduction surgery at Benenden Hospital. Read on to learn more about her experience and transformation.
Why did you decide to get breast reduction surgery?
“I decided to get surgery because my breasts had increased in size over the years, particularly after menopause and once I started taking HRT. I’d increased from a DD cup in my 30s to a G cup in my late 50s. The rest of my frame had stayed at the same size, so I felt out of proportion, and it was harder to find clothes to fit.
"In addition, I’d got to a time in my life when I had fewer responsibilities and could take the time off to have the surgery.”
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your breast reduction surgery?
“I had been doing some research into options for the surgery, and as part of that, attended a webinar given by Mr Mackey. Everything was explained so well. Suddenly, the surgery which had seemed like something I’d like to do, but would never dare to do, felt realistic and worthwhile.”
What happened during your first and second consultations?
“At the first consultation, I met Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Mr Mackey and Senior Staff Nurse, Lexie Otana. Mr Mackey examined me, agreed that I would be a suitable candidate for surgery, and explained again exactly what would be involved.
"The second consultation was about a month before the surgery and Mr Mackey and Lexie told me in more detail what I would need to do on the day and what to bring with me to the hospital. I also had an in-person consultation with Lexie a week before surgery and she took blood samples and checked that I was still in good health.”
How did you feel on the day of your surgery?
“I felt fine! I had been well-prepared and knew what to expect. When I asked Mr Mackey how long the surgery would take and he said it would be about three hours, I thought - yikes, this is quite a big operation! But I still felt fine about everything. I waited in my hospital room before being taken down to theatre. The nurse on duty introduced herself and I felt very comfortable.”
How were you supported during your recovery?
“I was very well-supported after the surgery. I was given something light to eat in the evening after the operation, and I was very comfortable and slept well. I don’t remember if I had pain relief, but I certainly don’t remember having much pain. I went home the next day.
“I had one slight issue where my scar got very slightly infected a week or so after surgery. I rang Lexie and she told me exactly what to do. In the end, I needed to come back to Benenden Hospital to see Lexie. She saw me at very short notice and the problem cleared up straight away, with no ill-effects.
“I had a week off work for the surgery and then worked from home the following week. I travelled into the office in London about two weeks after the surgery, which was the earliest I would have wanted to do that journey. Mr Mackey and Lexie advised me to do very little exercise for six weeks post-surgery and I eased myself back into exercise gradually.”
What improvements has your breast reduction made to your life?
“It’s quite a subtle change, but a definite change. I didn’t ask for a dramatic reduction in breast size - I started adult life as a DD or E cup and I wanted to go back to that. I wanted to feel like myself again. My new breast size is a DD or an E, depending on the make of bra, so Mr Mackey got that spot on.
"Clothes look better and as I’m quite active it’s much easier to exercise with my new breast size. After wearing wired bras for decades, I now wear non-wired bras which are so much more comfortable. I’m currently four months on from the surgery. I still have slight, pink scars, but they are fading all the time.”
Would you recommend Benenden Hospital's plastic and cosmetic surgery service?
“I would definitely recommend having this kind of surgery at Benenden Hospital. Everyone took so much care, and I felt in safe hands. It was a big investment, financially, but I have no regrets at all.”
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.
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