29-year-old Olivia from Kent wanted more volume to her breasts to boost her confidence and enhance her natural features. After wearing padded bras to fill out her breasts for years, Olivia opted to undergo self-pay breast enhancement surgery at Benenden Hospital in April 2024. Discover Olivia’s full patient story.
How were your breasts impacting your everyday life before enhancement surgery?
"I liked the shape of my breasts, and I was never completely unhappy with them. I just wanted more volume to them. I used to wear dresses with padded bras that were two sizes too big that would never fit me. Even with the help of these bras, I never managed to achieve the look I wanted. One day I thought: 'I’m just going to get the implants, I’ve always wanted to, so why not now?'"
Olivia's breast enhancement success
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your surgery?
"I’ve always loved Benenden Hospital and have been a member of Benenden Health for years. The hospital is very clean and everyone’s lovely. I knew that Benenden Hospital did self-pay private cosmetic surgery but didn’t know if they did breast enhancement surgery.
“I looked online and found that it was a new service that they’d launched. I joined an online talk featuring Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Mr Simon P Mackey, and the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Plastics and Cosmetic Surgery, Kate Comrie. I found it very helpful, so I booked in for an initial consultation with him."
What happened during your initial consultations?
"I was shown to the Cosmetic Suite and met Mr Mackey and Kate, both of whom were friendly and professional. They answered all the questions I had, and we went through the different choices of implants so I could achieve my desired look. They also went through all the risks of surgery and put me at ease. After my consultation, I emailed Kate with additional questions, and she responded within 30 minutes with detailed answers, so I felt very supported. It was such a positive experience!
"After a cooling off period, I came in for my second consultation with Mr Mackey and Kate. He went over everything we’d discussed in my first consultation, and I was given the opportunity to ask any other questions too. Mr Mackey assessed my breasts by measuring them and asked me what my desired look and volume was. He advised that breast enhancement surgery was measured in cubic centimetres as opposed to cup sizes, so it wasn’t set in stone that I’d get that exact cup size. However, I can now say that I did reach my desired cup size, so it was very accurate.
"During my first consultation all the staff were smiling, and it just made me feel welcome and like it was such a good place to work."
How did you feel on the day of your surgery?
"On the day of my surgery, in April 2024, I hardly had any nerves because all my questions had been answered prior to the day. I felt a little nervous before going under the anaesthetic, but apart from that, I was totally reassured and comfortable."
What happened on waking from surgery?
"On waking from surgery, I remember the first thing the nurses wanted me to do was to eat something. Although I wasn’t hungry, I ordered a coffee and some toast and butter. It was honestly the best toast I’d ever had!
"I had a compression bra and socks on, and I had a bell by my bed that I could press for the ward nurse’s attention. The nurses were very efficient; when I pressed it, they came in within a minute. They were brilliant, checking my blood pressure, checking how I felt, if I needed more pain relief. I had a few painkillers but was able to manage the discomfort without relying on them too much."
Olivia before breast enhancement (left) and after (right)
What was your recovery like?
"The first six weeks post-surgery went well; I was wearing a compression bra and compression socks for six weeks and was given two pairs which my mum and sister would help me to change. Mr Mackey said I needed at least one week off work, but I took two because I’m a beauty therapist so it’s quite physical and he said taking longer is always recommended.
"I had to sleep on my back in an elevated position for at least two weeks, which was quite difficult at first for me as I’m a front sleeper. After a week of recovery, I came back to the hospital and Kate changed my tapes and taught me how to redo them myself at home every week.
"After six weeks, the focus was to minimise scarring. To do this, I massaged oil and moisturiser firmly into my scars."
What happened during your follow-up appointment?
"I came into the hospital for my follow-up appointment about four weeks post-surgery. Mr Mackey wanted to see my scars, so I took my compression bra off and he removed the tapes. He examined my breasts and there was still a bit of swelling which was totally normal so early into recovery. They were also sitting quite high, but they do naturally drop over time. They were healing well, he was happy with them, as was I, and it was such a neat, small scar. Mr Mackey redid my tapes for me, and I was then given a second follow-up date."
What improvements has your breast enhancement surgery made to your life?
"My breasts have given me a newfound confidence and I can wear certain dresses and tops with no bra, as they sit so well! In the past, I’d do that and feel so self-conscious and would have to wear bigger, padded bras that didn’t fit me. When I’m on holiday, wearing swimsuits is great, I feel so much happier with my overall look!
"I would recommend Benenden Hospital to anybody, especially for cosmetic surgery, and I always have done when friends and family have mentioned it. My advice to anyone considering surgery is make sure you’re doing it for yourself and no one else. Do your research and ask all the questions you have, nothing is too silly, it’s all valid. What helped me was looking on YouTube for question and answers with women who’ve undergone breast enhancement surgery themselves. Watching the webinar presented by Mr Mackey really helped too!"
Breast enhancement surgery at Benenden Hospital
Also known as a boob job, breast enhancement reshapes and fills the breasts. This surgery can help you regain your confidence and improve the appearance of your breasts.
Our experienced Consultants are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care, using the latest techniques and treatments to help you achieve your recovery goals. We also have dedicated specialised cosmetic nurses who will see you through your patient journey and are available to answer any questions that you might have.
You can book your initial cosmetic surgery consultation through our online booking tool. To find out more about breast enhancement surgery and our other cosmetics procedures please complete our online enquiry form, contact us via Livechat or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
Published on 08 October 2024