Breast enlargement: The 10 most frequently asked questions

Cheyen is the wife of Yes-R, a mother, and an entrepreneur. She is often on the go, meets many inspiring people, and knows what she wants in life. One of the things high on her wish list was an implant exchange. After pregnancy, her breasts were no longer what she was used to. The shape, the volume… suddenly everything is different. That is why she decided to make an appointment with Dr. Gijs van Selms. Were you insecure about your breasts? “Yes and no. I wasn't hugely insecure about my breasts, because in a bra and shirt my cleavage looked fine. But without a bra, my breasts sagged, which is logical because your body changes during pregnancy. Because I wasn't happy with my breasts, I decided to look into an implant exchange.” Is an implant exchange just as nerve-wracking as the first breast augmentation? “Absolutely! I found it very nerve-wracking! My previous surgery was already 8 years ago, so I had forgotten what it was like. The only thing I could still remember was that I was in a lot of pain, so I was really dreading that.” How did you end up at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen? “I have been operated on by plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms before. That is why I wanted to be treated by him again, because he knows exactly what he did last time. Many people in my circle of friends have also been treated at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen and were all incredibly satisfied.” Are there other things you look for during the first consultation? “I mainly look at how a clinic looks. I find the appearance important because then you can see at a glance what a clinic is like. Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen has a chic appearance, is located in a beautiful location, and experienced plastic surgeons work there, including Dr. Gijs van Selms. I know many people who have also been treated at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen, and that inspires confidence! Just like the fact that they have been around for thirty years. And of course, what I ask is: is it going to hurt that much again?” How did you find the surgery? “The surgery went really well. Before the operation, the nurses are there for you, guiding you well and providing explanations. I felt completely at ease and just took things as they came. And when I woke up, I immediately went to feel and look at the result!” You have two children; how did this go after the surgery? “After the first surgery, I was in a lot of pain because the breast implants were placed behind the pectoral muscle. This was necessary because I have thin skin and still wanted a natural result. But man! It hurt so much during the first few weeks after the surgery! Now that I am older, I have more tissue of my own, providing sufficient coverage for the implants. That is why we chose to place the implants in front of the pectoral muscle this time, and suddenly it wasn't nearly as bad! You can move around again quite quickly and only have a tight, bruised feeling. That's it. A real difference from the first time. Of course, I was still careful with lifting and strenuous exercise, but otherwise, things went very well with the children.” Naturally, the most important question: how do you like the result? “I am incredibly happy; my breasts are slightly fuller but still natural. They don't sag anymore! I am also very happy with my choice of Motiva implants; they are very safe and new on the market. I chose Ergonomix. You have a low, medium, and high profile, and I chose medium. Plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms used the same scar, so I didn't get an extra scar. The previous incision was very small and beautifully done; you could hardly see the scar, and that is the case again now.” Do you have any tips for women considering an implant exchange? “Yes, it is important that you go to a good doctor and clinic. Choose someone who has a lot of experience. Sometimes I see breasts passing by on Social Media and I think, OMG, so ugly, way too high or a very large scar, very fake. I don't like that myself; I like natural. I advise you to have an implant exchange if you no longer wish to have children, as the result will remain more beautiful. It is also important to know which implants you choose, as that determines the shape of your new breasts. The plastic surgeon also advises you to replace the implants after 20 years; don't walk around with them for too long. Take good care of your body. And do thorough research into the clinic and doctor, and of course, the brand of the implants. And don't look at what is cheap, because cheap is usually expensive in the long run, and you should want the best for your body.”

How did the initial contact at the Jan van Goyen Aesthetic Center go? “From the very first contact with the Jan van Goyen clinic, I felt at ease. I was spoken to calmly and patiently, and no matter how much I called or emailed with questions, I always received a quick and good response. Because I do not underestimate surgery, after my first consultation with a plastic surgeon, I also wanted a consultation with Dr. Roossink. Simply to go with the best feeling. During both my first and second consultations, I received good and expert assistance. I explained that I find my body shape too round in proportion to my breasts. I have lost a total of +/- 30 kilos, and as a result, I have lost about 1.5 cup sizes. I was proud of the fact that I was slimmer now, but my smaller breasts actually cast a kind of shadow over this. I really wanted the implants placed in front of the muscle because the idea of cutting a muscle didn't sound very appealing to me, but mainly because I was afraid of a double bubble.” How did you eventually arrive at the right size implants? “Because my breasts are 13.5 cm wide, we started immediately with a 480cc trial implant. I tried on the 480cc and looked in the mirror. I had already had consultations at four other clinics, and everywhere I went, I looked at myself quite strangely with the trial implants. It didn't look like it was mine or could be mine. Which, of course, isn't the case yet, so I found it difficult to imagine what it would be like when the implants were actually inside my body. I was also advised the dual plane method everywhere, even though I indicated that I really wanted them in front of the muscle. At Jan van Goyen, the trial implants were placed in the sports bra in such a beautiful way that it already felt like my own. I don't know how they do this, but I looked in the mirror and finally saw a body that was ”complete” to me. Everything was right. My breasts were in proportion to the rest of my body again, and I felt no more doubt. Both surgeons I consulted indicated that it was for ”It wasn’t a problem for me to place the prosthesis in front of the muscle because I had sufficient coverage from my own tissue.“ “And then you made the decision?“ ”After the conversation with the plastic surgeon, I went to see the consultant to discuss some practical matters regarding the operation and also to make an appointment with the anesthesiologist. I really appreciated this sequence. I have experienced situations where I didn’t have a conversation with the plastic surgeon at all about the operation or other substantive matters. Yet this contact with the plastic surgeon is precisely what is so important. After the conversations, I scheduled the operation for six months later; this worked best for taking time off, but I also wanted to have enough time to prepare myself. It would be my very first operation and therefore also my first general anesthesia, which is quite nerve-wracking, and you also want to take sufficient time for recovery. During the months leading up to the operation, I bombarded the clinic with emails and questions about the operation and recovery. Nothing was too much trouble, and I was always treated with patience and kindness. There is so much understanding that you absolutely do not feel like just a number.“ Finally, the moment had arrived. ”On the day of my surgery, I went to the clinic with my boyfriend. I was the first surgery of the day, which I had also indicated as a preference so that I would have the whole day to recover. Here too, the people were the friendliest and most patient. I wasn't afraid for a single second and was in good hands. I was allowed to change in a separate small room where my boyfriend was allowed to be present. Then he left, and I was allowed to walk with him to a room with the beds. A lot of explanation was given about what was being done and why. The anesthesiologist came by. When I told him that I found the anesthesia the scariest part, he really took the time to reassure me. Then Dr. Roossink came to sign everything off; once again, she explained exactly what she was doing and what she was going to pay attention to. After that, I was allowed to walk with her to the operating room. That was when I did get a little nervous, but because everyone remained so calm and professional, this feeling subsided quickly. While administering the anesthesia, the anesthesiologist asked a bit about my last vacation, I remember that I described the beach and didn't even feel myself drifting off. Less than an hour later, I woke up under a nice warm blanket. I wasn't wearing a bandage or sports bra yet, so I could take a bit of a look. I was very afraid that it wouldn't feel like my own body anymore, but they were just my own breasts, only bigger, actually just like they were before I lost weight. I was so happy and relieved; the biggest tension was gone. I drifted back to sleep peacefully; I had no pain at all, so that went fine. How did you find the recovery? “When I fell asleep again after the surgery, still in the clinic, I was woken up by a friendly nurse. I had lain on my side a bit, which is of course not supposed to happen. I hadn't noticed this because I wasn't in any pain at all. She helped me onto my back and up a little, told me that she had called my boyfriend and asked approximately what time he would come to pick me up. She also asked if I wanted something to eat, and since you have to have surgery on an empty stomach, I was quite hungry for something to eat and drink by then. I was allowed to choose from all sorts of things and shortly afterwards received what I had ordered. Then the sports bra went on; I was helped well to put it on, and then I was allowed to pee. It surprised me how easily I could already walk and how good I actually felt. I wasn't nauseous and felt fine. Once I had peed and been checked by Dr. Roossink, I was allowed to get dressed at my leisure. It all went so much better than I expected. Everything was explained to me calmly one last time, and I was given an envelope with the necessary information for At home." How did the recovery go at home? ”There were bandages over my incisions that had to stay on for two weeks. The appointment to have them removed was also included in the information provided. I had indicated that my skin did not heal quickly in the past with stitches and that I had consequently developed ugly, wide scars. Dr. Roossink indicated that she would take this into account when suturing, and that certainly worked out well. After a few weeks, the bandages, which had stayed on perfectly fine despite showering, could be removed. After 48 hours, I was already allowed to shower cautiously again, as long as the wounds didn't get too wet. When I saw the scars while removing the bandages, I was enormously pleasantly surprised. I have very pale skin and know that my scars can remain purplish for up to a year; that is simply the scar formation of my skin. But they were already beautifully formed within the crease and not large at all. They had healed perfectly and were already beautiful. Wonderful. For the first few days after my surgery, I only took mild painkillers. After five days, I am back at the office. I went back to work, but after three days I was already able to sit at Christmas dinner. The only thing that was painful was my ribs. Getting up and down in bed was the hardest part, and I slept on my back in a U-shaped pillow. After a week or two, sleeping went back to normal, and I was able to lie on my side more and more easily. During the first check-up, it was indicated that everything looked good. Two days after my surgery, I dared to take off my sports bra for a moment to shower and take a look. I thought the breasts were beautiful from the very first moment, and that feeling has remained. I had hardly any bruising and not an extreme amount of swelling either. Because of this, the result was good right from the start. How do you look back on the whole process now? “Very well! Although after 2.5 months I felt a sort of lump in my left breast. Because my mother passed away from breast cancer, I was very alert. I went to the GP and then I made an appointment with Dr. Roossink. Fortunately, this could be arranged on short notice. Luckily, it wasn't a malignant lump, but a small wrinkle that occurs quite often with hydrogel implants. There was nothing to see and nothing to worry about. To confirm this, I called the clinic. It was no problem at all to visit Dr. Roossink, and this could be arranged very quickly. Here too, the understanding felt very nice. Dr. Roossink confirmed the same. The hydrogel implant can sometimes wrinkle a bit more than the silicone variants. After this appointment, there were several opportunities to come in for check-ups, but in my case, that wasn't necessary at all. It felt good and I experienced no complications. A year after my procedure, I scheduled one final check-up; I find this a comforting thought. I am currently seven months down the line and I am more than 100% satisfied. If I ever consider a cosmetic procedure again, it will definitely be at this clinic, and if possible with Dr. Roossink. Everything exceeded my expectations, and I am still incredibly happy with the result every day. More information about breast augmentation

Ellen Tiben is a Hormone & Lifestyle Coach and an expert by experience in the field of Hashimoto's. She is also an advisor on nutrition and stress reduction. At Jan van Goyen, we are always curious about our clients, and when Ellen came for a consultation with plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms, we were impressed by how honestly she spoke about her implant exchange. What does beauty mean to you? “If you feel good in your own skin, you radiate beauty! As far as I am concerned, beauty comes from within, and if you are happy when you look in the mirror, you radiate this outwards.” What do you not find beautiful? “Too much. You can cross boundaries with makeup or plastic surgery. It looks unnatural and it is a shame. In my opinion, everyone starts to look a bit alike. Of course, you should do what makes you feel good. I also try things out sometimes, and I am simply open about it. For example, I use fillers to plump up my face a bit, but I do choose natural products.“ When did you undergo a breast augmentation for the first time? Was this already a conscious choice back then? “Eight years ago. I found it nerve-wracking and I didn't dare tell my parents. At that time, I was already an adult and still very insecure about my breasts. Jokes were also made about it. That does have an impact, even if it's meant to be funny. Eventually, I talked about it with friends and made the decision. I just didn't feel feminine, and that caused stress. Fortunately, my parents immediately supported my decision. I was very happy!“ How did you do your research? “I looked into everything in detail and was fully aware of all the risks associated with surgery. But what compares to the amount of stress you experience as a woman when you don't feel feminine? I was so insecure and haven't regretted the breast augmentation for a single day. I do think that less was known back then than today; so many developments are taking place, of course! Safety comes first, and fortunately, that went well for me.” Yet, after eight years, was it time for a prosthesis exchange? “Because my breasts felt painful, I started investigating. If there is nothing wrong, you don't need to be operated on again. In my case, however, a prosthesis exchange was necessary. It is always good to have implants checked every ten years.” How did you end up with plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms? “I was already familiar with Motiva implants, so that choice had already been made. Naturally, I only wanted to be operated on by the best plastic surgeon, and through Motiva, I ended up with plastic surgeon Gijs van Selms at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen. The consultation felt good, and the result is there.” Why did you choose Motiva Implants? “Motiva is of high quality and feels trustworthy. An important reason, in addition to the SmoothSilk surface, is the BluSeal® indicator. This ensures the presence of the barrier layer that holds the silicone in place. How did you prepare yourself? “With proper nutrition, extra vitamins and minerals to support recovery, and rest. I cleared my schedule in the weeks following the implant exchange, and I even stopped exercising for two months, even though I am normally a die-hard fanatic! Officially, you are allowed to start again after six weeks, though!” How did the implant exchange at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen go? “Very well! My breasts look better than before, and everything went so smoothly. Even the anesthesia, which I was dreading.” What makes Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen so special? “The location in Amsterdam, the information provided before the procedure, the time taken for you, and the personal approach. Everyone is nice, and the aftercare is good. Simply top-notch!” What should women look out for when undergoing breast augmentation surgery? “Do your research! Have informative conversations with people you trust and with professionals. Carefully consider whether it is necessary and why you are doing it. Good preparation is half the battle. Don't focus solely on the benefits, but also look critically at the disadvantages.”

Are you considering a breast augmentation? Then you have come to the right place at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen. Curious to know how other patients experienced this procedure with us? Then read on! Today we speak to Dewi, who underwent a breast augmentation with plastic surgeon Dr. Esther Moerman. Why did you want a breast augmentation? “I had a small C cup, which isn't small in itself, but I felt that my breasts didn't look good in dresses and tops. To make myself feel more confident, I opted for a breast augmentation.” How did you end up at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen? “Initially, I had gone to another clinic, but I didn't feel comfortable there at all. I told a friend about this, and she let me know that she had had a breast augmentation at Jan van Goyen. She was very enthusiastic about it. I then called for a consultation and it sounded good right away. I was really listened to and I was able to get an appointment quickly.” How did the first consultation go? “I came for a consultation with Dr. Esther Moerman together with my husband. When we walked into the room, it already felt so familiar. Dr. Moerman listened to my wishes, calmly explained all the possibilities, and after that, we went to try on implants. I was given a sports bra to wear, into which she inserted increasingly larger implants. Once we agreed on the implants, we discussed the surgery. It could take place very soon, which was great because I couldn't wait any longer! After the consultation, before photos of my breasts were taken, and the consultant gave me the quote to take home.” Come by for a consultation too. You are very welcome for a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Esther Moerman or one of our other plastic surgeons. A consultation provides you with the insights you need to make an informed decision. Every day, our doctors see women who are considering breast augmentation. You are in good, safe hands with us. Book a no-obligation consultation. Which implants did you choose? “I wanted my breasts to look as natural as possible. Dr. Moerman recommended ergonomic implants from Motiva because they sit naturally. She also placed the implants in front of the pectoral muscle, which also creates a more natural effect.” How did the day of the surgery go? “I was a bit nervous before the surgery, but at the same time I was looking forward to it because I knew I would get something beautiful in return. Because the recovery room is very small-scale, I received full attention from the nurses. That is so important. I chatted and laughed a lot with them, which made the time fly by and I forgot my fear. The surgery lasted an hour and fifteen minutes. Once I woke up in the recovery room, I was wide awake immediately. I was very hungry because I had, of course, been fasting for quite a while. I immediately received some delicious farmhouse bread and a cappuccino. After fifteen minutes I already needed to pee and went to get dressed. Everyone was quite surprised by that. Just to be safe, I had to stay a little longer in case of any bleeding. After two hours I was allowed to go home. I almost felt sorry for that, because I had such a good time! I received a small bag with aftercare information and the passport for my prostheses. That evening, Dr. Moerman himself called to ask how I was doing.” How did you feel in the weeks that followed? “The pain wasn't as bad as I expected; it was just a bit of muscle soreness. I only took paracetamol and diclofenac for a few days, and nothing after that because it wasn't necessary. For the first few weeks, I wasn't allowed to do any heavy work or lift anything. That is quite a challenge with a two-year-old daughter, but fortunately, my husband was home regularly, and my sister-in-law also stayed with me for three days to help out.” What do you think of the result? “Beautiful! Actually, right from the start. When I look down, I am so happy. T-shirts and dresses look much better now, even without a bra. Last week I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Moerman. The scars are healing well, and my breasts look very beautiful. I have an E-cup now, and it will probably stay that way. I would really recommend it to people who are hesitant. It costs a bit, but it is really more than worth the money. It makes you feel a lot more confident.” Dewi had her breasts augmented by plastic surgeon Dr. Esther Moerman. Are you also considering a breast augmentation? You are not alone! Our plastic surgeons perform breast augmentations daily. At Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen, this is therefore a common procedure, and our doctors can tell you everything about it. Are you considering this procedure? Then book a no-obligation consultation or view more breast augmentation before and after photos here first. Read more about this procedure. Book an appointment online here now for a no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists. Prefer to make an appointment by phone? Then call us at 020 – 3055 847. We are happy to help you. At Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen, you are in good hands. Short waiting times. No-obligation consultation with comprehensive advice. Personalized treatment plan based on your wishes. Customers rate us an average of 9.0 on Kliniekervaringen.nl. Our plastic surgeons are affiliated with NVPC and NVEPC. Both male and female BIG-registered plastic surgeons.