Unforgettable and Life-changing

This review is for anyone who’s thinking of getting a breast reduction, or just thinking of having a surgical procedure with Dr Natalie Ngan. To preface, it's going to be a long comprehensive review, because I’m not just writing a review, but a message to any woman (afab) who feels uncomfortable in their body, questioning getting a breast reduction of their own.

There are many tiring aspects of having larger breasts, and they can occur in all women regardless of health or lifestyle.They greatly impact our quality of life through a multitude of factors such as rashes/ skin irritation, constant soreness, painful sensitivities, discomfort, back issues and migraines… which are some of the more obvious and recognised symptoms of large boobs. Others include lack of appropriate / quality clothes and sizing options that are flattering on their body shape, as well as a constant awareness of men/ and people who stare and cause women anxiety. Studies show women with bigger boobs are more unhappy and have lower self esteem, often afraid to wear certain things or reveal too much.



Whoever this strikes a chord with, is who I am writing this review for.



Like I said, there are many factors behind seeking a breast reduction, but on top of the many health problems large breasts can cause, the most important factor you should consider in my opinion, is the psychological effects. I always felt uncomfortable with my size, painfully aware of how it vastly limited my ability to express myself through style, performance and passions including dance.



On top of that, when I had bigger boobs I was incredibly insecure, and unhappy with my body. It was hard to find anyone that understood this feeling, instead I was either disliked for having bigger boobs, or mistreated by men because it was all they cared about.



I was made to think that any type of plastic surgery was bad, and that I had to stay ‘ natural’, and so for a long time I didn't allow myself to consider the possibility of a reduction, or the real benefits it could bring.



If you are in a similar state right now, let me just say; skip the uncertainty, and a lifetime of regret, because without a doubt in the world I know it is one of the best decisions I will ever make. I’m 20, and got the reduction last year at 19, and I know without this reduction I would’ve never been able to grow into who I am now, and I can't even bear to imagine that reality.



Embrace the possibility that you could feel comfortable and happy in your body, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. There will be people that don’t agree or frown at your choice, but the ones that understand and support you are people that you’re better off having around instead.



Of course, ( although unfortunate ) women will always be sexualised without consent, though women with smaller breasts can often get ‘away’ with wearing whatever they want, despite someone bigger boobed having a harder time successfully wearing the same thing and being able to feel comfortable and confident. Instead, more often than not they feel too exposed and embarrassed, and usually opt to wear something baggier and ‘safer’ that hides their size.



I completely gave up, never tried to wear anything even a tad revealing of my size, and always chose something that managed to hide the way my body was. I thought I was ok with this, but I was just resigned to this reality, in denial of the impact that my boob size had on my own personal wellbeing and happiness within my own skin. Coupled with bad posture to further hide my chest, I was highly insecure and depressed, only ever wearing flattening sports bras and even trying binders to pretend as though they were smaller than they were.



It wasn’t until my first consultation with Dr Ngan that I even figured out what size I was ( at least an E ) since I had hidden my chest as much as I could and avoided getting fitted for any proper bras my entire life due to my discomfort.



I truly had no idea how universal this type of experience was, until I started talking to people and realized there was a whole community of women who were uncomfortable and shared the want for control over their body. Women who have ( like me ) always felt confronted with boob size and had body dysmorphia all their lives over them, or women who have turned corners and had children, breastfed, leaving their boobs often saggy, enlarged and deformed, wishing they could go back to how they were before. Women who’ve been known their entire life as having abnormally large boobs, who were picked on despite having no control, unable to do things they’re passionate about and resigned to unhappiness within themselves.



Since I started telling people about my procedure, I heard / hear all kinds of responses, including insensitive and sexist ones, though I found that there were an overwhelming number of women close to me that shared in the desire for a reduction for the same reasons I had. After telling my mum, she said how she would actually love to get one as well, and following the procedure kept telling me how jealous she was. Ever since, multiple people in my life ( even who were unaware of my procedure ) have approached me and told me that I look so much happier, like I've found myself.



Now I know that it wasn't just me that struggled like this, and I know it’s possible to be free of this insecurity and suffering, I want to spread it to as many people as I can.



Something that some doctors might recommend as an ‘alternative’ or necessity for this procedure is that ‘you need to lose weight.’



For some, losing weight may be all that is necessary for them, and beneficial for the side effects they experience in regards to bigger boobs. While for others ( mainly the majority ) no amount of dieting, exercise, or overall weight loss helps with boob size. When you burn fat it rarely comes off of the chest, and oftentimes large boobs are genetic or influenced by early development and hormone imbalances. It’s a harmful misconception that ‘ you just need to lose weight’ and it's important to realize that it's not the only option, as it can cause unhealthy habits.



It’s still important to have healthy habits, including an appropriate diet and level of exercise, more so to optimize results and personal health in general, but don’t rely on losing weight alone to reduce your boob size. If you do, you’ll quickly be disappointed. Instead, my overall health has improved since my surgery. I've found a bigger incentive to exercise and be at a better place physically, after becoming comfortable in my own skin.



I’m aware I haven't even mentioned anything to do with my own experience of the surgery itself, so let’s get into that.



I am so very glad and grateful that I chose to have my surgery with the amazing Dr Ngan. I truly believe my journey and decision would not have had such a positive impact on my life without her and her team.



When I first started looking into the procedure and researching surgeons, she was the first name I saw and I instantly gravitated towards her. Naturally I was biased because I felt more comfortable to undergo this procedure with a female surgeon, as well as knowing there was accompanying female staff that created a safe and reassuring environment that was integral to my personal process. When my doctor recommended her above all other names, I knew I didn’t have to look anymore and let myself trust my gut. After enquiring and talking to her office, I instantly felt assured with my decision from the welcoming, comforting environment of her staff and practice, who understood me personally and my motivations behind the surgery.



My first consultation with Dr Ngan only elevated my excitement and certainty; she was welcoming and happy to see me, lovely and easy to talk to, listening to me talk about myself/ why I wanted the surgery. Also making sure that I understood the process, explaining carefully and diligently, giving me all the information I needed to help me prepare and grasp the complexities of the surgery. Luckily I was already ultra prepared and had been planning it for a year. We also discussed my expectations and the reality of results being influenced by many external things, to which I truly felt although a B cup was my dream size, I would be happy with any result as long as they were smaller. Natalie explained the logistics of the procedure, and together after an examination we agreed on the specifics of my personal procedure and what would be necessary to achieve the most desired result. As consults go, it was perfect, and the conversation showed that I’d made the right decision in choosing Dr Ngan. I was confident, doubt free, and prepared, and I left feeling giddy with excitement. Throughout the whole process and especially when the surgery got closer, she and her team truly helped every step of the way, more than happy to answer any questions or concerns I had. Since I am a disorganized human, I was so grateful for their willingness and understanding when they had to resend documents or answer a question I had already asked.



Despite itching with excitement and counting down the days, I managed to wait for my health insurance to be able to claim the procedure, and when I wasn’t looking at reviews and dreaming of getting to the day, time flew by quickly. I worked hard, and paid for it in full with only small assistance from family.



When the day finally came, I was late- to my horror. Though when I got there all my anxiety and nerves dissipated, even the hospital staff were welcoming and understanding. When I saw Dr Ngan and met her amazing team, they instantly made me smile and laugh, dismissing my apologies and settling me comfortably. By the time I was in the surgical room waiting to pass out, I had no nerves, and was so absolutely excited that I thought there was no way the drugs would knock me out. Though obviously, they did work and I completely conked out. All I remember from my last moments of consciousness, was feeling comfortable and safe in their hands, chatting away with them giddily. Afterwards it was more of a blur, but I remember being devastated when I was cruelly wheeled away without getting to say goodbye and thank them all. Admittedly that was probably influenced by the drugs, but I was truly grateful regardless.



I was relaxed and more than comfortable, cruising through my hospital stay with the beautiful nurses and hospital staff that took care of me and chatted with me about wanting reductions of their own, to which I was incredibly enthusiastic about and excitedly told them about my incredible doctors and surgeon. I was surprised that I wasn’t in more pain, though I did end up taking stronger painkillers once or twice in my stay to avoid the initial pain and discomfort.



I was able to walk around and move, not that I was in any rush to do so. Next morning before discharge, Dr Ngan herself came in to check on me and how I was healing, which I was ecstatic about, since after waking from surgery I couldn’t wait to see her and thank her for everything. Despite the pain and boredom, I never had a doubt in my mind that I'd made the right decision, and all I could feel was excitement for every day waking up in a body that finally felt my own. After we talked and she was happy with my recovery, I was able to go home and from then, honestly my recovery was a piece of cake.



I should say that my experience is my own and other people may have different stories of recovery, but after a week I felt comfortable to drive, ( though I had no need to ) after two weeks I actually wanted to get up and do things around the house ( which I was not supposed to do so I didn’t… though I sort of still did smaller things).



My mum looked after me for a few days, though it personally didn't feel necessary as I was still able to take care of myself, and her help was more in the background.



I tried to take it easy though I was bored, and followed simple instructions after a follow up Zoom appointment to help move healing along, though it didn’t need much. When I first saw under my bandages, I was shocked by the fine, expert precision in the scars, looking more like tiny scratches than the deep incisions they were. On top of that, I encountered no issues or bleeding throughout my entire healing. Of course there was a significant numbness at the time, as a lot of nerves needed to heal and repair, but gradually with proper healing it went away. However, in the first two weeks I accidentally rolled onto my side while sleeping, which caused that side to have a slower healing time. Regardless of the procedure remember that to get the best outcome and smoothest healing, you have to follow your surgeon's instructions and guidance.



Something that shocked me when doing the research for this procedure, was the fact that it’s proven to be more uncommon to regret a breast reduction surgery than it is to regret other surgical procedures. I can say with absolute certainty I regret nothing, and it is continuously proving the contrary more and more.



I make no exaggeration when I describe the benefits and changes that have accompanied this decision as ultimately life changing and overwhelmingly positive in ways I never could’ve predicted. I’m not just confident and comfortable in my body, I feel like I’m truly able to be myself. The physical benefit has been ultimately better than I could’ve ever predicted.



So now for what you actually want to see if you’ve actually stuck around and read this whole thing…my before and after photos.



To me, it’s bizarre to think back and remember the struggles I had daily when the old photos were my reality, now like a distant uncomfortable memory. There's no more chafing and rashes, no more shoulder and back pain. I have way better posture and less headaches now, and am more motivated to be active and adventurous.



On top of the physical benefits, my mental health and confidence has skyrocketed since. Finally feeling comfortable wearing clothes I like, at peace in my own skin, developing my personal style and self worth with more assurance than before.



My overall quality of life has significantly improved just from these seemingly small but overwhelming physical aspects, that one just gets used to as an unhappy byproduct of life. Realizing that I didn't have to stay that way, changed my life, and I hope it can change others too.



I've attached an assortment of my before and after photos, ranging from the day after to 9 months later.



The photo in the black bikini is from my first vacation around 8 months post op, where I got to fully experience the freedom of wearing what I wanted, carefree and in the sun.



In conclusion, if you’re thinking of getting a breast reduction… do it ! You know yourself, what’s best for you, and as long as you understand the procedure- accept the risks, there’s truly no outcome that could make it not worth it.



You will be so much happier for it.



I highly highly recommend choosing Natalie Ngan and her amazing team for the procedure.

Her practice cultivates an environment of inclusivity and understanding, as well as a personal touch to their care and treatment of people, that is so special not to mention hard to find. My results are better than I ever imagined, and I’m now my dream size, despite not expecting to be.



Natalie and her team are all incredibly skilled and their results have blown me away, as even only 9 months later, my boobs feel and look completely natural, as if this was how I've always been, with only tiny scarring. Oftentimes with the surgery, there are aesthetic differences- depending on how invasive it is ( the type of breast reduction) such as nipple placement/ shape and asymmetrical boobs. However I am again pleasantly surprised that I had none of these issues with my results , and am oftentimes in awe of the level of quality and precision that was achieved in my reduction.



I literally have no qualms, no concerns or problems with my result, nor do I have any complaints about the overall experience I had with the staff and the surgical team. As you might’ve noticed, it’s quite the opposite. I will forever treasure this entire experience, as well as the journey that this decision has taken me on.



It may have been a ramble, but I needed to have this review be authentic and personal, so I hope it finds the right people. I'm not sure how this works, but feel free to ask me any questions you may have about the procedure and experience, that is if I haven't already covered it and you have the option to comment.



It’s hard to remember sometimes that my boobs haven’t always been this way, and it’s so bizarre to see the before photos now since I’ve gotten so familiar and used to this new and beautiful normal.

Huge thanks again goes to the beautiful, talented Natalie Ngan and the amazing women at her practice. They have drastically changed my life for the better, and I will always be grateful to them and the kindness they showed me.

Sincerely , a new woman.