If you read my last blog post, you would be aware that I had a breast reduction three months ago in preparation for breast implants. Three months onwards, the breast implants are officially in.

I would like to re-iterate that I wanted to get breast implants years ago and this point in my life was the most appropriate time to undergo the procedure. I understand people have varying opinions when it comes to plastic surgery or permanent body alterations. I understand it may seem unnecessary, silly or fake. Although by habit, I would likely use the word ‘fake’ to describe my breasts, they are not.

The definition of fake in the Cambridge dictionary is: “an object that is made to look real or valuable in order to deceive people.

1. Experts revealed the painting was a fake
2. The gun in his hand was fake”

They are instead, enhanced. Real breasts but enhanced for my own purposes. My own confidence and self-esteem. I wasn’t unhappy with how I looked beforehand, yet I am now exponentially happier with my body. I honestly do not care about the taboo nature of plastic surgery, anyone should be able to make decisions about their own body.

Surgery Preparation

A month before my surgery I spent a considerable amount of time on my health. I was more frequent with taking olive leaf, iron, multivitamins and I reduced going out to prevent any sickness. After my first surgery, I struggled to exercise for two months as the surgery limited my movement, however, I picked up physical activity a month before my implants. This consisted of 6-10 hours of exercise per week as well as work and university. I wanted to feel strong and increase my fitness to recover faster after the surgery.

Two weeks before my surgery, I had a pre-op consultation with my surgeon and nurses. I was told all the details, informed of risks, the time of my operation, medications to avoid and I picked my breast implant brand and size. I chose 400cc for both sides and the brand I chose was Johnson & Johnson. These implants have been around for 20 years and they are smooth not textured. If you are wondering what the difference is between smooth and textured, it has to do with an increased risk of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is not breast cancer, but a lymphoma which affects the immune cells and textured implants have been linked to this illness. My surgeon uses smooth implants for majority of cases, and in my situation, I specifically opted for smooth. Check-ups every two years is highly recommended, and changeover of the implants generally occurs every decade.

Day of Surgery

 At 9am I arrived at the Wesley Hospital accompanied by my mum. At 9:30am I moved into a pre-operative nurses’ room to put on a robe and TED stockings, measure heart rate, blood pressure and to submit medications. I waited until approximately 11:30am until I was wheeled into the theatre waiting bay. My surgeon drew markings on by breasts before I was wheeled into the theatre and the canula was inserted.

I woke up considerably drowsy at 3:30pm with zero pain except for strained hands from odd blood flow. At 4:30pm we left, went back to the Airbnb for dinner and I slept at a 30-degree angle for the next week. The day after surgery I felt normal with slight constriction in which I was able to go for a long walk with ease. Tightness in my chest didn’t begin until Thursday in which I listened to my body and slowed down a little.

My check-up appointment was on Friday morning, four days after surgery. I was able to finally take of the compression bra after bathing from chest down all week. My breasts appeared quite high as the implant has been inserted under the muscle and to this day haven’t completely dropped yet. It is going to take 4-6 months minimum to drop and some girls have said it can take up to a year for the breasts to fully shape.

Two Weeks later

At the two-week mark following surgery, I had an allergic reaction to the medical tape which set me back about 20 hours of sleep however, I have very sensitive skin and it quickly began to clear with calamine and steroid cream. I felt less stiff, was able sleep on my side and they both slightly dropped. The scarring began to fade, and I have been using strataderm which is scientifically proven to reduce scarring. I have a post-op appointment with my surgeon on the 4-week mark to check on progress and to raise any queries.

Three Weeks Later

I returned to work with ease and am able to lift most items as a bartender. I have been to the gym in which I am able to run (with two sports bras) however, I have knee problems currently and that caused some discomfort. Running with the added breast weight did not affect me and I have had no back issues since. For ladies wondering about clothes, I still fit all of my clothes and surprisingly my sports bra from before surgery still fits.

The whole process has been considerably easy-going, and I haven’t had any pain. The only problems have been difficulty sleeping and itchiness from the allergic reaction. My one recommendation for anyone considering the process, is to not read comments online as a doctor’s opinion and expertise is the only one you should be considering. I almost fell down the rabbit hole of doubt but this operation ended up being the right decision for me.

Instagram: @courtneyahshay