Disclaimer: This is my personal experience about My Breast Reduction Journey, not medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making any decisions about surgery.

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The Body I’ve Lived In and how My Breast Reduction Journey began

I’ve had big breasts since I was 15, I swear I woke up one morning and BAM DDs weighing me down. By the time I was 26, I was wearing a 16GG, with side boobs that were almost the size of D cups each side. They weren’t just large — they were heavy, awkward, and relentless. My back, neck, and shoulders constantly ached. Exercise was uncomfortable, running was near impossible, and even picking up my children sometimes felt like a challenge.

Every outfit came with a strategy. Tops had to hide, bras had to support, dresses had to camouflage. Even swimming? Forget it. I felt trapped in my body, constantly aware of its limitations and how I didn’t feel confident in my own skin. Which wasn’t a true representation of who I actually was – a confidant, happy bubbly chick. So, this begins the story of My Breast Reduction Journey.

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The Emotional Weight: No Guilt, Just Determination

Unlike many women, I didn’t wrestle with guilt over wanting this. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to feel free in my own body. I had been complaining about my boob size since I was 15. The only hesitation was traveling alone for the surgery — everything else felt like a no-brainer. This wasn’t vanity. This was survival. Comfort. Confidence. And reclaiming control over a body that had dictated so much of my life.

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The Guilt Narrative: Cosmetic vs Medical

So many women hesitate because of the “cosmetic vs medical” guilt trap. I want you to hear this loud and clear: It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if your surgery is cosmetic, reconstructive, or somewhere in between. If it will make you feel better in your body, it’s valid. It’s self-love, it’s self-care, it’s reclaiming yourself after pregnancy, illness, or just years of putting everyone else first. You are allowed to do this.

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Illness, Weight Loss, and Life Clarity

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, so many hospital trips, tests, ops everything. Once they had worked out what it was they put me on some seriously strong meds… The meds worked — and put me into remission — but added around 45kg and had the very awesome MOONFACE (Yep its exactly how it sounds). Once I was taken off it, I dedicated myself to losing weight. Over a year and a half, I dropped 53kg. I thought maybe my breasts would shrink. They didn’t (Bitches).

Facing a chronic illness with a risk that it could return — and could potentially be life-limiting — was a wake-up call. I already knew that life is short, unpredictable, and it made me realise that I had been putting off something I desperately wanted for myself. My children were older, more independent, and I could physically recover without the constant responsibility of tiny kids. I decided: no more waiting. No more excuses. It was time to reclaim my body and my confidence.

Moon face in all its glory! It’s giving Bert Newton.

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Research & Why Thailand

I spent two years researching surgeons across Thailand, Turkey, and Los Angeles. Looked at hundreds of before-and-after photos, scoured Facebook groups, read Google reviews, and spoke directly with women who had traveled for surgery. I wanted someone who understood “real” bodies — not just tiny, skinny frames — and who could deliver natural, realistic results.

Destination Beauty in Thailand, with Dr Ring, became my choice. His patients’ results felt attainable for me, and the team’s professionalism was exceptional. The clinic’s follow-up care and attention to detail made the decision easy. I could see the full journey of other women from pre-op to months post-op — and it gave me confidence that my results would be exactly what I hoped for.

The nurses were incredible, happy and caring. I would go back just to see them, honest! They were constantly checking in on me to make sure I was physically and mentally doing okay. They made this whole process even more incredible. Nurse Aom – OMG the most incredible human you will ever meet. She is the head nurse at Destination Beauty and goes above and beyond to make sure you are happy, healing and taken care of.

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Going Alone

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Experience the experience

I also made a conscious decision to experience Thailand before surgery — and I’m so glad I did. I landed around 8am and couldn’t check into my hotel yet, so instead of sitting around exhausted and anxious, I booked a one-on-one day trip with Opal, the tour manager, and threw myself straight into it.

We explored the floating markets, visited a tiger sanctuary (don’t come for me, this one they actually care for tigers that are badly hurt in the wild and would most probably die if left there, so SHHHHHH Karen’s). I found the most extremely good fake handbag store (you know the one) and picked up a little pre surgery gift for myself that I had been wanting for EVER. We ate our way through local food (of course mango sticky rice was on the menu) while soaking in the scenery and people. It was a great way to start my Thailand journey.

After surgery, once I felt up to it, I started exploring closer to the hotel — wandering down little alleyways, discovering hidden food markets, quirky stores, and of course… the massage parlour. I spent a lot of time there. First Indra Massage store on the same side as the hotel, is honestly amazeballs — Khai or MeeYu are incredible. Khai may even remember me, so if you say “that crazy, loud white girl Emma from Australia sent me,” he’ll probably laugh.

As my movement improved and I felt more comfortable, I ventured out to a ladyboy show (absolutely EPIC), went to the capybara and meercat cafe (10/10 the best thing to do while in Thailand) and explored the local malls. I do wish I’d had more time to explore properly, but one thing’s for sure — I’ll 100% be going back with Josh… just without surgery next time.

The Surgery Experience

Pre-op care included xrays (with metal rings I had to stick onto my nipples), blood tests, and even a consultation with a specialist to ensure my sarcoidosis was stable. The meticulous attention to detail made me feel safe and cared for.

And so the journey began.

Post-op care blew me away. Nurses were constantly checking pain, assisting with movement, and helping with sponge baths. Once discharged, nurses visited me at my hotel 3 days a week and were available for consultations as needed. Late-night concerns? A message in the clinic’s chat was all it took to book a hospital follow-up.

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The Accommodation

The hotel I stayed at during my surgery in Thailand was honestly a game-changer for my recovery. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make me feel supported and comfortable. Every little request was met with a smile — from providing extra pillows and a mattress topper for better rest, to helping me set up a shower chair so I could wash safely without worrying about my stitches.

They even helped organise small things I hadn’t thought of, like keeping my medications in order and making sure I had easy access to snacks and drinks throughout the day. It felt like I had my own personal cheer squad, checking in to see how I was healing and making sure my recovery went as smoothly as possible. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care made a huge difference, turning what could have been a stressful experience into something truly comforting and manageable.

It’s The People You Meet

One of the most unexpected and meaningful parts of my journey was the incredible people I met along the way. I connected with a group of amazing women from all walks of life — mostly from Australia and New Zealand — and we became a lifeline for each other during recovery. We shared tips, supported one another through the ups and downs, and even continue to check in months later, celebrating milestones and updates on our healing journeys. Our bond went far beyond surgery — we discovered shared interests, swapped stories, and genuinely became friends for life.

One night in the hospital, I was having a breakdown when they needed to replace my cannula and couldn’t find a vein, attempting one in my foot. I panicked and started crying. I messaged one of my friends and asked if I could “borrow her mum” for a few minutes. She came to my room, held me, ran her hands over my head, and just reassured me it was going to be okay. Moments like that — the compassion, the shared vulnerability, the human connection — made my breast reduction Journey experience so much richer than I ever imagined.

Compression Garments – Not as Scary as You Think

Compression garments were one of the things I was most unsure about before surgery — and honestly, they ended up being one of the most reassuring parts of my recovery. My tummy tuck garment (leotard style, no shorts) and breast reduction compression bra were provided through Destination Beauty as an additional cost, paid in cash on my final hospital day. They were roughly $400 AUD, and fitted by the nurses, who truly know their stuff. The first size they put me in was spot on — snug but supportive, not suffocating.

Why my Compression was later than most.

Emotionally, compression gave me my first glimpse of what my body would look like once the swelling settled — and that was incredibly empowering. On days I didn’t wear them properly, the swelling reminded me exactly why they mattered. When I was finally allowed to reduce wearing them, it felt good… but also a little scary, like I was missing a layer of support.

THE COMPRESSION TIP OF THE YEAR

One thing I’d do differently? I’d pre-purchase additional garments. I went down sizes quickly, borrowed one while in Thailand, and later ordered extras from Temu once I was home — the styles with legs and higher underarm coverage were amazing, especially for side-lift scars. If you’re dreading compression garments, don’t. They’re not a punishment — they’re there to support your healing, your comfort, and your confidence. I went one size smaller than I would be in measurements just so I had the option to go down sizes to the smallest clasp if needed.

TEMU Tummy Compression link Here

TEMU Bra link here

Complications & Recovery

Not everything was smooth. When I returned to Australia, my GP removed a scab at the bottom of my T junction, which they shouldn’t have, and the scar opened- I’m talking 5cm x5cm open. It took three months with vacuum dressings, silver Ag mesh, and care from the Royal Melbourne Hospital Plastics Team to fully heal. Their team were phenomenal, there was no judgement when they found out I had gone to Thailand especially after telling them how long I had been on the Medicare waitlist and the quotes I got from Australian Surgeons.

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Traveling Alone: Tips

• Expect emotional ups and downs; be kind to yourself.
• Bring a support system you can contact back home.
• Slow down physically — especially with drains and abdominal recovery.
• Pack essentials: wedge pillow, back scratcher, compression garments, loose clothes, protein powders, and a foam triangle for sleeping comfort.
• Trust the process — follow your surgeon’s advice, even if you feel “fine.”
• Read my Breast Reduction Journey Packing list blog here.

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Life After Surgery

Life after surgery has been transformative:

• I have more energy – If you can believe it haha.
• My self-confidence is through the roof.
• Exercise and movement feel effortless.
• Clothing finally fits comfortably.
• I feel at home in my body for the first time in decades.

This isn’t just cosmetic. This is life-changing.

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If You’re Here, This Is Your Sign

If you’ve been dreaming about this surgery for years, it’s okay. You’re allowed to want it, you’re allowed to prioritise yourself, you’re allowed to feel confident, happy, and in control of your body.

Don’t wait. You’ve earned it. And when you’re fully healed send me a reach out and we will capture beautiful empowering photos of YOU!

Check out my What to pack for Overseas Plastic surgery Blog here

Emm

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