I hated my 32K boobs which started to grow when I was 8, I begged for NHS help – they said my size 6 body was ‘too fat’
A WOMAN with 32K breasts claims she was refused reduction surgery on the NHS because she was “too fat” – despite being a size six at the time.
Summer Roberston, now 26, developed large boobs from the age of eight, which caused her pain and brought “unwanted attention”.
Unhappy, she says she asked for a reduction for her then 32F breasts on the NHS aged 15 – but was turned down because her body mass index was too high, despite her tiny size.
Now a size 10, 4ft11ins Summer, from Glasgow, decided to model her body to “reclaim” her “femininity”.
The content creator has already made more than £7k, the cost of breast reduction surgery.
But she says she has grown to love her boobs – and is unsure if she still wants to change them.
In this exclusive interview, Summer says: “I started getting big boobs when I was eight or nine.
“I was a double D in high school. Boys would call me DD. I started to get quite insecure about it.
“I was sore and in pain. I got so much unwanted attention.”
Summer’s parents took her to see a doctor aged 15 but she was refused a reduction.
Most read in Fabulous
She said: “They told me my BMI was too high. I was 4ft 11, size six with 32F boobs.
“I kept trying to lose weight even though I knew I didn’t have to.”
Summer’s boobs continued to grow and she felt self-conscious – wearing turtle neck tops to try and “hide” them.
She said: “Bras are double the price. I’d cry at every fitting.
“I can’t really exercise – I’m just in pain. I can’t find bikinis that fit.”
Summer went to the doctor in 2019 after she found a lump on her breast.
She was told it was nothing to worry about but was referred for a breast reduction but had to wait when the pandemic broke out.
But when she followed up her referral in February 2023 she was told she was refused again – because of her BMI.
Summer said: “My waist is tiny. The weight is all in the boobs.”
Without the option of losing weight, Summer was faced with paying for the procedure privately, which can be costly.
In the UK, this can be priced at around £6,500, and additional consultations and follow-up care may not be included in the cost.
If you are looking in England, check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for providers who can perform the reductions.
All clinics and hospitals must be registered with the CQC.
Summer decided to give Only Fans a go in August 2023 and has already made the money to have a private breast reduction and quit her job as a restaurant manager.
“I thought ‘I should reclaim my femininity’ – and started an Only Fans.
“It’s made me love them again. Either way I’m stuck with them. I might as well use them to my advantage.
“I’d rather profit off my insecurity than cry over it.
“I’m not sure I want to get a reduction anymore.”
Summer does still experience back pain from her large breasts, and has regular massages to help.
She said joining Only Fans has “uplifted” her.
She adds: “It’s been life changing. I feel ten times better.
“I feel reassured and confident that it’s not a bad thing.”
A spokesperson from NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: “Due to patient confidentiality reasons, we cannot comment on individual cases.
“We would encourage anyone who is unhappy with our services to contact us directly with any concerns they have.
“NHS Ayrshire & Arran follow national guidance for onward referral to NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde for this type of procedure.”
What does breast reduction surgery involve?
The surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and will typically involve the following process:
- moving the nipple to its new position, typically while it is still attached to the blood supply
- removing excess fat, skin and glandular tissue from the breast
- reshaping the remaining tissue in the breast
- The operation typically takes between 90 minutes and four hours and most women are left with a scar around the nipple or along the breast crease.
Recovery takes two to six weeks and you should avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks after the operation.
What are the alternatives to breast reduction surgery?
It can be possible to reduce the issues caused by having larger boobs, such as:
- losing weight
- having a professional bra-fitting service to reduce discomfort
- physiotherapy to help with aches and pains
- psychological support to help cope with emotional issues