Considering breast implants, any advice please?

[AlternativeMoniker53]

I've lost some weight and the gals are looking really quite deflated. I fit a 34DD at a small size 14 but the volume has got up and gone, bra-less they're almost flat from the side. I'm nearing 40 and would like to go out this summer without heavy upholstery!

Please could anyone offer any advice? I've had a quick google but I hate the sales elements of the sites, "Call now for a FREE consultation!" and I'm not sure about the forums I've found.

I saw a plastic surgeon in Southampton and he talked me out of it. He said they didn't really know what the long term implications were. That was about 15 years ago and I am so glad I listened to him. I would presume a good surgeon wouldn't have to advertise. Why don't you ask your gp?

Look at bupa, Nuffield or the Spire hospitals. Their standards are very high.

What advice are you looking for?

I have implants but had them 14 years ago. Reminds me I think I'm supposed to get them changed

Thank you, for your replies and the benefit of your experiences. Sailorsgal why are you glad you didn't go ahead? I suppose that's the gist of it, it's such a huge commitment isn't it? Like squirrel says, she's supposed to have them changed after 10-15 years which presupposes that it'll be convenient that far in advance. Tired thank you for the advice, I think I'll start by looking at the private hospitals nearby, there's a Spires and a Nuffield. I wonder if it's worth travelling into London to get more competitive prices? I'm aware that the aftercare is very important. I was also wondering about the round versus teardrop shaped implants. There's a lot to consider and I can't ask any opinions in real life! Thanks again for your help.

Have a look at MyBreast. It was set up by a group of very well-established surgeons to try to limit 'rogue' surgeons, who weren't members of BAPS or whatever the body is. Very few surgeons will try to dissuade you, though, so gal was lucky. My advice is think long and hard and then think again. I have yet to come across breast implants that haven't had some sort of complication, from minor such as a stitch becoming infected through to major, necessitating removal. I know a bit about the industry so happy to offer advice on surgeons, positioning, shape etc but I really would encourage you not to go ahead. Implants can be very uncomfortable, heavy, they feel cold to the touch, you often lose feeling and the scars are not as minimal as they imply. There are cases of pain in arms, implants slipping (not that uncommon) and restricted movement. Also, it can be hard to find clothes to fit as you've morphed yourself into an unnatural shape. Personally, I feel the cosmetic surgery industry has been 'normalised' and the side-effects minimised, and I say this as someone who has quite a wide knowledge of it. HTH.

You can get some awesome swimwear and bras that will look great and no risk or thousands needed.

I had mine done about 12 years ago and have been delighted with them ever since! I had 2 weeks off work and no problems at all. The clinic was Transform in London. My advice would be to research the surgeon properly and choose somewhere close to home to make travelling back easier. I went for one follow up appointment and that was it really

hi again.
I think because he said they may need replacing and maybe hindsight has made me feel that way. However he had done a friend of mine and they looked amazing so it was a hard decision. It doesn't bother me that I am flat chested now. just bought a lovely padded bikini.

I've been reading about fat transfer which strikes me as absolute genius! Fat removed from elsewhere and relocated to the breasts. I'm not sure of the cost though, I hate how it's so hard to get a price!

I have super dooper bras, I don't think anyone would notice if I went up two cup sizes as that's how I look all the time anyway! I'm just fed up with constantly having to think about how to dress myself. I'd love to go braless in the heat, perhaps a bandeau dress or spaghetti straps

Hi Altmon53 - did you decide to get implants? I really want to have them. I have breastfed 2 little ones and my already small breasts are now a depressed and deflated 34c which sounds big but to be honest I don't really understand the sizing as they are very small and flat and saggy :-(. Do let me know what you decided to do. I have to say I'm a bit skeptical of the fat transfer though.

It's worth seeing a surgeon for a consultation. If you're a 34DD then a breast uplift or reshape/resize could be an option and you may not need implants at all.

Where are you based? I work in theatre in a private hospital with excellent plastic surgeons. We are not a 'plastic surgery' hospital like those advertised and they will give you honest consultations.

Also agree with the above poster, an uplift may be what you need!