Breast implants: how do I get them?

Can I get breast reduction on the NHS?

Do breast enlargement pills, creams and herbs work?

Question

I have non-existent breasts: 36 AAA, to be precise. This depresses me greatly and I do not ever show myself to my husband.

I have no confidence and feel as though people are looking and laughing at me all the time.

Are breast implants available on the NHS? I can't pay for them myself because I am on working families' tax credit and cannot afford it.

Answer

I am sorry to hear of your unhappiness with your breast size.

I am unable to give a definitive answer to your question as to whether implants are available on the NHS.

The general answer would be yes, but whether your own particular health authority would be able to fund such an operation is another matter.

Reasons for supporting NHS breast implants usually involve psychological distress due to genetically small or unevenly-shaped breast or loss of shape after breastfeeding.

Your GP would be the best person to talk to, because they would be aware of the local guidelines for breast augmentation. Having plucked up the courage to send in your question, don't lose your impetus now. Only by talking to your GP will you be able to find out your options.

There have been some recent scares about the long-term health risks associated with certain types of breast implant and the operation itself is not without possible complications. I think you need all this information before you make a firm commitment to plastic surgery.

You haven't mentioned how your husband feels about your breasts. It does sound as if your small size is something that affects you more than him - could you talk to him about how you feel?

Finally, from the details accompanying your question, you weigh only 8 stone at a height of 5ft 4in. This means you are on the slender side and this will also have an effect on the amount of fatty tissue within the breasts (which contributes to their size).

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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