Patient experiences

Breast augmentation

I had a breast augmentation as I had been unhappy with my breasts since I was a teenager. After I had children and breast fed both of them, I became more and more unhappy with the appearance of my breasts. When my sister asked me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding and I tried the bridesmaid dress on for the first time, I felt awful and made the decision to have a breast enlargement before the wedding.

Since my surgery, I feel like a different woman! I am much more confident in myself and around others. I love to go shopping and buy things because I like them - not just because they are 'suitable'. I now feel great and look great and I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is thinking of having it done.

Breast reduction

My breast reduction was a very positive experience. All of the hospital staff were great, my stay was very relaxed and I felt I was in excellent hands. My surgeon has done a wonderful job and the result will change my life!

Julie Smith, 39 (Breast reduction, Spire Parkway Hospital, formerly BUPA Parkway Hospital, Solihull)

I am 5ft 1in tall and since the age of 18 have always felt that I had someone else's breasts stuck on my body. I was out of proportion and always hated my breasts due to the staring, unwanted comments and not being able to wear the clothes I wanted. My decision to have a breast reduction was made while I was on holiday in Spain with my husband. I was wearing a bikini which felt like scaffolding and was trying to get comfortable on a sunbed. I was hot and uncomfortable and my mind was suddenly made up!

Once back home, I checked out the website to do a bit of research on breast reductions at BUPA Murrayfield Hospital (Edinburgh), (now Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Edinburgh), as this is my closest hospital. I found the information on the website to be clear, concise and reassuring. My surgery went extremely well and my experience at the hospital was very positive. My breast reduction has changed my life - I love my new breasts! I feel very confident walking into a crowded room with a small top on, rather than feeling like I should cover up to avoid the stares. I cannot recommend them highly enough. From initial consultation to end result they are there for you 100%.

Lorraine Bogan, 46 (Breast reduction, Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Edinburgh, formerly BUPA Murrayfield Hospital, Edinburgh)

Further information on breast reduction surgery - for women

Further information on breast reduction surgery - for men  

Eyelid surgery

In March this year I had surgery to remove bags from my lower eyes. My surgeon at BUPA Hospital Leeds, (now Spire Leeds Hospital), recommended upper and lower eye surgery. I am pleased with the results, but I feel that anyone thinking of having any form of surgery should investigate thoroughly, ie length of time things take to heal, ups and downs, etc. I personally think that TV documentaries are misleading. I think people having surgery done don't anticipate the real length of time for healing. The reason I feel this is because I am in my 7th week of recovery and am still going through the healing process. On the TV documentaries, they heal within six weeks - this misleads people.

I would recommend anyone to have this done, but make sure you get a good surgeon like I did. I am happy with the service and would recommend them to all.

Joan Gosney, (Upper and lower eye surgery, Spire Leeds Hospital, formerly BUPA Hospital Leeds)

Further information on eyelid reduction surgery - for women

Further information on eyelid reduction surgery - for men