Diary of a Boob Job

By: Emily Williams
Created on 25th March 2010

Emily Williams had always felt that her breasts were disproportionately small for her otherwise curvaceous figure. After much soul-searching, she eventually decided to undergo a breast augmentation and this is her story

One month to go...
I met my surgeon, Mr Singh, at my local clinic. I was nervous but he put me at ease by asking how I felt about my breasts and why I wanted to have an augmentation. On examining me, Mr Singh told me I had Tubular Breast Syndrome, a congenital deformity affecting the development of the breasts during puberty. I was upset but Mr Singh told me not to worry; he could perform an additional procedure to correct it.

Following this, Mr Singh gave me several different implants to try and we agreed that the larger size looked better. He recommended ordering a slightly larger implant and I was happy to go with his suggestion.

We ran through the possible complications and Mr Singh asked if I had any questions. I asked if I would get stretch marks and Mr Singh told me it was a possibility. I was also worried about the shape of my breasts, but he was confident he could achieve what I was looking for.

After seeing Mr Singh, I saw the nurse for my pre-op checks. She took my blood pressure and ran through my medical history. There were no problems so she took my ‘before' photos and assured me that she was always available if I had any concerns.

One week to go...
To prepare for recovery, I went to buy a couple of sports bras and some button-up tops so I didn't have to lift my arms to put clothes on after my operation.

I bought a larger bra size (36E) than I expected to be, to compensate for the swelling. I also started applying a moisturising cream with vitamin E to help prepare me for the operation.

The night before...
I was asked not to eat anything for six hours before my admission time, which was 7am the following day, so I ate at around 6pm. I also had a shower before going to bed but I was unable to apply any moisturiser, deodorant or make-up.

4am - 7.30am
I had a last sip of water before getting the 4.30am train to Highgate Hospital where my operation was going to take place. I was a little late but the receptionist was very understanding, especially as I'd travelled all the way from Bristol.

7.30am
I was shown to my private room by one of the hospital staff. I chose my evening meal and breakfast and unpacked some of my clothes. I was feeling nervous but was comfortable in my surroundings.

8.30am - 11.45am
Mr Singh came to my room at 8.30am. He asked me to fill out a final consent form and made some markings on my breasts so he could see where to make the initial incisions.

Afterwards, the nurse came in to give me my paper knickers and surgical stockings. She took my weight and height then introduced me to the anaesthetist. He asked if I'd had a general anaesthetic before and explained what would happen before I went into theatre.

11.45am
Waiting to go into theatre, my blood pressure was taken and the anaesthetist put a cannula into my hand for the anaesthetic. The last thing I remember is telling the nurse that I'd like a gin and tonic!

12.50pm
I woke up in the recovery room feeling groggy. I asked the nurse "Is it done yet?" to which she replied, "Yes, have a look!" Despite the bandaging, the results were immediate.

1.00pm - 7.00pm
Back in my room. I wasn't experiencing a great deal of pain, I just felt tired. I had a bite of toast and a cup of tea at 3pm then rested until my evening meal. Whilst researching for my breast augmentation, I'd used a number of online forums and made a friend, Jenny, who was having her operation on the same day. At about 6.30pm, Jenny came in to see me. Her operation had gone smoothly and she was very pleased with the results.

7.00pm onwards...
I managed to get out of bed and was able to look in the mirror at my new breasts. Mr Singh uses bandaging for extra support but I was able to see that the shape of my breasts had improved dramatically and the size looked great! I started to feel a little sore during the evening so the nurse gave me some painkillers.

The day after...
My Dad arrived at 9am the next day and, after picking up my medication, drove me back to Bristol. I was feeling a little uncomfortable and my breasts were very tender but I had lots of friends around to make sure I had everything I needed. I took everyday tasks slowly and sleeping was awkward but I had plenty of time off work to recover.

One week after...
After a week in bandages, I couldn't wait to have them taken off. When I saw my new breasts for the first time I couldn't have been happier! The size and shape were perfect and the incisions were neat; I was so pleased with Mr Singh's work.

I am now over two weeks postop and I'm thoroughly happy with my new breasts. I still get the odd twinge but it's all part of the recovery process. I have been advised to take it easy over the next couple of months whilst they heal, but I feel much better already.

All of my friends have commented that I look fantastic. Now I can't wait for summer time to show off my new figure!