Second Consultation

Before this appointment, I decided that if the surgeon told me I needed a mastopexy I was not going to have Breast Augmentation. I also decided before seeing him that I wanted cohesive gel implants as I wanted to reduce any likihood of my implants leaking.

Cohesive gel implants have been available in Europe since approximately 1995. They have a tighter molecular bonding of the silicone gel resulting in a more solid material. If a cohesive gel implant is cut open, it is similar to cutting into a jelly baby. The implant maintains its shape and integrity and does not result in any leaking of the silicone gel.

The media coverage around 1992 stating that silicone breast implants cause autoimmune and connective-tissue disease was not a concern to me as I had read all the available research reports that I could get my hands on.. Over the years numerous studies have been conducted concerning the claimed adverse consequences of silicone. Those studies have concluded that while there are localized risks associated with all breast implants, there is no conclusive evidence to support the claims that formed the basis of litigation against implant manufacturers over the past decade. The studies have basically concluded that there was no association between connective tissue disease, breast cancer and immune system deficiencies and silicone breast implants, although studies still continue.

The Department of Health produced a booklet in 2000 called the “New information Booklet” to help women make informed decisions about breast implant surgery. The publication of the booklet addresses a recommendation from the Independent Review Group on Silicone Gel Implants (IRG). It reported in 1998 that all patients contemplating breast implants should have access to free and comprehensive information about the benefits and risks. I think this is worth reading as it reassured me in my decision making.

When I first met Dr M I liked him straight away; he put me, my husband and my daughter at ease. He discussed the procedure thoroughly, and after examining me, said he would do the Breast Augmentation without performing a mastopexy. He suggested that if I opted to have the Breast Augmentation and afterwards I developed the double bubble he would perform a doughnut lift (nipple only giving much less scarring) instead of an anchor lift. He thought in his professional opinion that I would not need one.

The surgeon went through all the risks of having Breast Augmentation and said that I would have to go away and consider them before making my final decision. The risks included: capsular contracture (CC), bottoming out, infection, symmastia, haematoma, changes in sensation, to name just a few. It is well worth doing your research and reading up about all the risks of Breast Augmentation surgery.

To be honest these risks did not frighten me but they terrified my husband and he didn’t want me to have Breast Augmentation. However, he knew how unhappy I was with my body and left the final decision up to me.

The surgeon also explained some things that I would have to do before and after surgery. He said that I would have to have a pre-op assessment. This would be arranged with one of their nurses. He said that I could not take any aspirin products, herbal/vitamin tablets 2 weeks before surgery.

He said that for the first 48hours I should sleep face up and try and keep my head and shoulders raised if possible. I had to limit my upper arm activities and gradually work my way back to normal activities in 6 weeks. I would have to have someone else do my hair and I would not be able to shower or bathe, due to the risk of raising my arms and wetting the dressings. I also would not be able to drive for 2 weeks.

I must admit I didn’t think there was so much involved in the recovery of Breast Augmentation. I have seen many photos of woman one day post-op, or three days post-op with their arms raised high for the photo. This was a bit discouraging – I couldn’t imagine life without showering, driving or running!!!

He had Laura (a nurse) bring implant sizes in and she gave me this bra to put on and try out some different sizes, 340g, 360g and 380g implants. My husband and daughter really liked the 380g implants on me. They thought the size was perfect and I almost thought they were too big. Laura said that they were going to look great on me and that she thought I would be very happy with my results.

To avoid the double bubble I opted for the larger 380g implants, as this would fill out any sagging skin and tissue. I was also having my implants placed above the muscle. This means I would be at a higher risk for developing capsular contracture. So I mentioned that I had heard of various ways to prevent this problem, such as massage, and asked if they recommended it for their patients. The surgeon said that they did not, as there were other studies that suggested that it may cause CC.

I managed to wait a week before booking the surgery date and even though at times I got cold feet, countless sleepless nights and last minute research I knew I wanted to have this done. I had too many years padding bikini tops and not buying skimpy sun dresses and tops that accentuated my small breasts.

Oh, I have forgotten to tell you the cost of this surgery - £3,900 – a bargain if you ask me…