Hand on heart, I don’t think I’ve ever hesitated so much before pressing publish on a blog post. I’ll be honest, even in 2018, the conversation about cosmetic surgery isn’t an easy one.
Nevertheless, during the past 10 years, the idea of booking a breast enlargement has passed through my mind over and over again. There have been so many reasons I’ve held back, from my love of exercise to my fear of needles, financial reasons and the overwhelming fear of what other people would think. Then, I realized that it was now or never, I’m in a really good place and it’s time to do something for me.
This is an entirely selfish choice; my husband married me with my current 34a chest, I don’t feel any peer pressure and if I want to make anyone happy, it’s me.
I have a drawer full of push-up bras and additional padding, and a small part of me wishes I could find satisfaction in this. But what you don’t know is that I have huge anxiety about being topless, I hide in the gym changing rooms. I kept the light off for a long time during intimate moments, if there was one part of my body I really wanted to change, it was my breasts.
This is far from a light decision, there is a significant cost involved not just with the surgery, but with post-surgery bras for my recovery (plus new bra’s and new sports bra’s for my new shape) alongside the cost of traveling to appointments and time off work. Another big element is accepting the fact that I’ll be limited with my workouts for around 2 months post-operation and finally, the most important fact is that with any kind of surgery, the procedure is never 100% risk-free.
Why have I chosen to be completely honest and open about my surgery?
To me, honesty is the best policy, how can I form a connection with people if I’m fibbing? I wouldn’t want people to look at my Instagram and think ‘Goodness, look she’s had surgery, she’s kept that quiet’…
Whilst I do understand that this choice is not actually anyone’s business but my own, I hope that I can share my story and perhaps change the way that cosmetic surgery is viewed. Because for too long it’s been considered a choice of women whom are promiscuous or desperately seeking attention and validation through physical appearance. I’m not that person and nor are the thousands of women who have cosmetic surgery each year.
So, what happens when you go for a cosmetic surgery consultation?
Before booking a consultation, I did some research into the procedure and outlined 3 different companies I wanted to meet with. I’d had “The Hospital Group” recommended to me, and they turned out to be the best choice for my requirements, however, I still firmly stand by the importance of meeting a few surgeons.
In most cases, you’ll be asked for a refundable deposit for your appointment, this is to avoid time wasters and this enabled me to meet directly with the surgeon. I would steer clear of any companies who ask for a large deposit up front, I’ll also add that it’s worth researching your surgeon too.
All UK surgeons have to be regulated, when it comes to your body, it’s not worth taking additional risks to save time or money. Very few people know that you have the right to choose your surgeon, any respectable company will want you to be happy with the person who is performing your surgery.
On arrival, you should expect to complete a very extensive questionnaire, I was pleased to see that a lot of attention is given to mental health, alongside physical health. Following that, the normal procedure was to meet the surgeon, whom would start by asking what I was aiming to achieve in terms of size and look. Then, in a very professional way, with the company of chaperone, the surgeon took a look at my breasts and suggested the right procedure.
Following meeting the surgeon I was then passed on to an advisor who would answer all additional questions, provide a quote, information pack and available dates.
Once I’d decided on my surgeon, I returned for another consultation, I was then given the chance to try various implants within a specialist bra. It reminded me of stuffing socks down my bra as an overexcited 13 years old, desperately seeking curves!
Implants work in a completely different sizing to the standard A,B,C,D – It’s actually measured in cubic centimeter (cc’s) which can make it hard to know your exact post surgery measurements. Therefore, I won’t know my “final” size, until around 2 months post-surgery. I initially booked with very modest implants, then after some reflection, I made my final decision to go a little larger. For those interested, the end result will be around a 34D, due to my height and frame I could go larger, but during my trial, this felt and looked like the right size for me. I wanted a size that I can dress up but could also dress down.
How do I feel now I’ve only got a few weeks to go?
The feeling of excitement and joy is overwhelming, I’ve spent months constantly researching and planning for this operation. I’m fully aware that I’m going to find the ‘downtime’ during my recovery tough, I’m planning on reading books and finding a new TV series. I have the full support of my friends and husband, he’s taking time off to care for me and I might even catch up on sleep?
My biggest fear is the surgery, as I’ve never actually had surgery or an anesthetic before and whilst I’m not nervous about being under anesthetic, I’m mostly worried about the needle (!). I’ve had my “Pre-Op” which means my weight, height and blood pleasure were checked. Alongside a blood test as I’ve previously suffered from Anemia and I had to present a letter from my GP confirming that there was nothing undisclosed preventing me from having surgery.
It might interest you to know that my counselor has also written a letter to confirm that I’m in a good enough state of mind to make an informed choice about this procedure. There is a lot more guidance and patient care from The Hospital Group and I think it’s really important that people understand that you don’t just turn up, say you want bigger breasts, pay and volia!
Pre and post surgery, there’s a lot of information to remember, and strict guidelines for a successful recovery. In my next post, I’ll share how I’m preparing for my surgery, sensible advice I’ve been given and what’s going in my overnight surgery bag.
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I have such strong feelings about people being comfortable within their own skin and I preach these thoughts on a regular basis. Therefore, admitting that I’m having cosmetic surgery is difficult, It doesn’t feel like a natural fit for my brand, but it feels like the right choice for me…
Whilst I appreciate that this is a topic that doesn’t sit comfortably with everyone, thoughts, opinions, and advice is very welcome…
Katie
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