better for

student

KATE Todhunter had her breasts enlarged when she was a 20 year old student at Manchester University two years ago.

Kate was flat chested. "I kept thinking: I'll get boobs one day, but it never happened. I used to see friends in tops I didn't have the guts to wear. I lived in Wonderbras. It wasn't the end of the world. I didn't feel bad about myself, but the operation has made me a lot happier."

Kate spent £3,250 for her breasts to be increased from size 36AA to 36D at the Transform Clinic, Bowdon. The Transform Group, which specialises in cosmetic surgery, does 2,000 breast enlargements a year, one fifth of the national total.

Kate discussed the operation with her parents, who were totally supportive and lent her the money.

The operation lasted an hour, and Kate said she "didn't feel a thing." She has since appeared in a TV documentary about breast enlargement.

Kate took some Arnica tablets - a homeopathic treatment - before her operation.

She went to the hospital at 1pm, had the operation at 4pm, stayed the night, and was given painkillers. The following morning, she had more painkillers, then went home. That night, she slept through, without any more painkillers.

Kate had silicone implants. "They feel normal, but they're a bit harder than normal breasts" she said. She checked that she would be able to breast feed in the future if she wants to, and was told this was possible. She expects the implants to last 20 years, and she might have them re-done.

"I would definitely say the operation is worthwhile," said Kate. One of Kate's friends is so impressed, she has booked a consultation at Transform.

Breast enlargement is the most popular operation at Transform. A wide range of cosmetic surgery is done there, including face lifts, nose reshaping, tummy tucks, breast reduction, eye bag removal and fat removal.

CONSULTANT Mr Paul Clarke, who specialises in cosmetic breast surgery at Transform, said there has been no proven medical problem related to silicone, after substantial research.

Other types known as trilucent, have been removed from the market. Lab experiments suggest there may be a problem with the filling. Most women who had them have had them removed. Mr Clarke personally removed about 50. Silicone has been in use for 36 years. The more modern ones have a thick gel and very few have leaked.

Mr Clarke said there is a 'feel good' factor about his work, with the majority of women going away happy after the operation, even women up to the age of 65.

The operation is not performed on women under 18. "Women mainly want to boost their confidence" he said. "They want to feel better about themselves."

He has been doing breast enhancements for six years and said that demand was steady.