I went from a 38F to a C cup and have never been happier

A young Joburg woman’s self-confidence soars after successful breast reduction surgery.

Adolescent macromastia is the continuous overgrowth of breast tissue that begins during puberty. Sibusisiwe (Busi) Moyo, a 29-year-old digital marketing manager in Johannesburg, says she lived with this condition until opting for a breast reduction earlier this year.

The young executive explains she had to wear supporting bras from the age of ten. “I was always hunched over, trying to hide my breasts and would always wear at least two swimming costumes so the other school kids wouldn’t notice my chest too much,” Busi reveals. “Although I learnt to accept and embrace my breasts in high school, I did have quite a few nicknames because of them. I’d also feel depressed when I went shopping with my girlfriends because I could never find cute, feminine tops to fit me.”

Overly large breasts can lead to physical pain, laboured breathing, self-consciousness, and general difficulty engaging in physical activity. Chronic neck, back and/or shoulder pain, chronic skin irritation or rashes under the breasts, ill-fitting bras and clothing, poor self-image related to large breasts, breast nerve pain, and restricted activity are other problems associated with too much breast tissue.

“I was suffering from terrible backache and posture complications from carrying the extra weight too,” Busi says of her decision to drop from a 38 F to a C cup. “I also didn’t want another summer where I couldn’t wear a bikini!”

Breast reduction (known as reduction mammoplasty) is designed to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin in order to make your breasts lighter and helping you to feel more comfortable. The procedure also reshapes and contours remaining breast tissue to create an improved breast shape.

Dr Nicolette Landman, the plastic surgeon at Mediclinic Midstream who performed Busi’s operation, says breast reduction surgery can significantly enhance a patient’s life. “Good candidates for surgery include those who have realistic expectations and are able to maintain their ideal weight,” Dr Landman says. “There is no point losing a significant amount of weight for surgery if it isn’t sustainable. If you put it all back on at a later stage, your breasts will get bigger again too.”

Busi had three kilograms of tissue removed from her breasts and says she can’t wait to go shopping for new clothes and bras once the swelling has decreased. “People are already saying I’ve lost weight and shirts and dresses just look so much better on me,” she says. “I also can’t wait to hit the gym again. Before my operation I found it very difficult to do sit-ups and other upper-body exercises.”

“During surgery, breast tissue is reduced, the breast is lifted and shaped, and the nipple is moved upwards,” Dr Landman explains. “A surgical drain stays in place for up to a week to allow fluid to drain from the incision site and to reduce the risk for haematoma (a swelling caused by bleeding into the tissue). I let my patients wear a surgical bra and compression stockings after surgery. These measures as well as proper wound care and scar management play a vital role in outcome.”

Busi says she’s thrilled with the excellent results. “My only regret is not doing it sooner,” she admits.

Mediclinic’s Fixed Fee Packages are available for a broad range of common procedures to assist private patients (those without medical aid or who have exhausted their medical aid). Mediclinic has a set number of procedures, including breast reduction, on the list which will be continually updated.