Marijke Helwegen has never made it a secret that she has had quite a few things embellished on herself. We can say that she is an expert in the field of plastic surgery. The outside may not be quite 'real', but its inside is pure and genuine. Marijke says it all, even if things are not as beautiful as they seem.
Marijke had her implants removed
For example, Marijke recently had her breast prostheses removed by plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms in Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen. Her famous statement: “pout lips, breasts out” suddenly became "pout lips, breasts out." When a well-known Dutch person speaks openly and honestly about his or her body, the media dives into it. Before you know it, everything is in the newspaper. But what's really going on? Without sensation or madness. There is only one way to find out: we ask Marijke herself.
Plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms recently removed your breast prostheses, when did you have them placed?
“I didn't have breast prostheses fitted until I was fifty-five. I already knew a lot about it then: I worked for many years as a marketing & PR lady for a cosmetic clinic. Then you don't just do anything. After the breast augmentation I never really had any problems. I even had a breast exam every two years. This was quite painful under the mammogram because your breasts are completely crushed, so an ultrasound was done once every two years. Anyway! The bottom line is: I've always had my breasts checked faithfully and the results were always completely fine. “
Yet you ended up at plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms on your own initiative. How did this go?
“Of course, after various reports in the media, I went to investigate, I wanted to know what was in my body. That is why I requested my file at the clinic where I once had the silicone prostheses placed. Then I asked around who the best plastic surgeon in the field of breast corrections is. Several people have recommended plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms to me. In the spring of 2018 I made an appointment with Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen. 'Gee' I thought 'how neat they are here!' It immediately felt good. I was greeted nicely and everything went smoothly.”
How did the consultation go??
“During my first consultation with Dr van Selms, he went through my file and expressed his concerns. “If I may advise you, get them out,” he advised. I had no doubts, those things have to go. A prosthesis change was the other option, but then it would be my turn again in fifteen years, go under anesthesia again and then of course I would be a lot older. I don't think that's necessary at all. The consultation was very clear to me and I went home with several options. That information during the consultation is so important and decisive for the rest of your life.”
Come by without obligation
You are most welcome at Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen for a personal consultation. The first consultation with the doctor is always without obligation and gives you the insights you need to make an informed decision. Every day, our doctors see women who are considering having their breast implants replaced or removed. Will we see you soon too?
How did the surgery go and how did it feel to suddenly no longer have breast implants?
“On December 10, I had my prostheses removed. After the operation I was immediately wide awake in bed looking when Dr. van Selms came by with two buckets. Bucket right, bucket left. My removed prostheses were in there: completely broken! I was shocked. Fortunately, doctor van Selms was able to remove everything from my body and flushed out the chest cavity with antibiotics. I am relieved, it looks beautiful and I think the result has turned out fantastic! I fly over the road again when I go for a run and sometimes have knitted chicken breasts from Stichting Breiboezem in my bra for extra padding. My little cup can be there! I think Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen is a fantastic clinic. The atmosphere, the food, the aftercare and the way you are addressed are excellent.”
Do you have tips for women with a cosmetic wish?
“What I find very important is that as a woman you know what you get and read all about it. The website of the NVPC (Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery) offers extensive information, there you can see whether everything is in order with the plastic surgeon and whether the clinic is of high quality. Cheap is often expensive! If complications arise with implants, you have a problem. Especially if you have your surgery abroad. Personally, I would not choose silicone prostheses again. Know your options! Don't be blinded by one piece of advice and think about the future. There is no lifelong guarantee, your body changes and you can never see into the future. Ten years ago, for example, much less was known than now, opinions were different. Who says there won't be any changes in ten years? Include this in your decision. ”
How do you find all the media reports?
“A lot of different media call me and ask a hundred questions. But the final story is a bit twisted. I'd love to tell you how it really is! Honestly, from my personal experience. Not every journalist knows how to translate that well. They'd rather make a juicy story out of it: For example, I never said I became a silicone whistleblower. Although I remain behind my point of view: no more silicones for me!”

”I think Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen is a fantastic clinic. The atmosphere, the food, the aftercare and the way you are addressed are excellent.”
– Mary Helwegen
Are you also considering having your breast implants removed?
Women have their breast implants removed for a variety of reasons. At Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen this is one of the most common procedures. Are you also considering having your implants replaced or removed? Our team of experienced plastic surgeons happy to help you. Thanks to our expertise, we can provide tailor-made care and thus map out the best treatment process for you.
Book now here Make an appointment online for a no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists! Prefer to make an appointment by phone? Then call us 020 – 3055 847. We are happy to help you.
At Aesthetic Center Jan van Goyen are you in good hands.
- Short waiting times
- Free consultation with extensive advice
- Personal treatment plan based on your wishes
- Customers rate us with a 9.0 on Klinkiekervaringen.nl
- Our plastic surgeons are affiliated with the Dutch Societies for Plastic Surgery NVPC and NVEPC
- Both male and female surgeons