Michael Irwin, MBBS, FRCS

My oldest is 21 and youngest is 10. I've talked about this procedure as long as I can remember. Thought I might be able to do something myself so hit the gym hard, got a personal trainer and ate carefully.

Lost a couple of kilos and toned up nicely, but the lower tummy just wouldn't shift.

Finally made the decision to get a TT. My friend had recently had surgery using Michael and rated him highly so I went to see him.

A no nonsense, warm man who was very direct, which I liked.

Required a second visit just to make sure this was what I really wanted but I'd already made my mind up.

I'm now 3 days post op and must say the whole experience from Mr Irwin and his team was very good.

I'm not in as much pain as I thought so if I'm sensible and don't try and do things too early, the discomfort shouldn't last too long.

Updated on 13 Aug 2016:
Had my check with the consultant after 12 days and everything seems good. Removed the dressing which was a relief as it had started to itch!

Like most, I was most anxious about seeing how the scar has turned out and to be honest, it looks pretty good for just two weeks I think. Some slight picketing over the right hip but I'm hoping that will smooth out over time...

Only negative is still not being able to drive and having to wear the compression garment for another four weeks.

I do wonder why the length of time patients have to wear this garment is so varied as I've read that some ladies are only wearing it for around 2 weeks?!

Updated on 7 Sep 2016:
Back to see the consultant today as I feel I'm still quite swollen so just want to make sure this is all still ok and that I will flatten a lot more as time goes on.

I know everyone is different but I've looked at so many other photos and some ladies are so flat at this stage and they were much bigger than me initially.

Have been walking daily for 2-3 miles but find that my tummy gets really tight whilst walking and then swells quite a bit.

Began driving again last week which makes things much easier. Don't think I'm quite ready for the gym again yet though...

Will update again after seeing consultant...

Updated on 7 Sep 2016:
Well, as I'd hoped (and expected), the consultant examined me and said there wa no cause for concern and that it was still early days.

He explained about the lymphatic drainage system taking some months to repair which is one of the reasons for the swelling, particularly just above the scar. Also, the fact that he did some lipo means swelling generally lasts longer.

Not due to see him again until November so I'm hoping that my stoch will be much flatter by then...

I need to keep wearing the compression garment day and night but I only need to wear the abdominal binder during the day.

I had implants put in and was very happy with them until I discovered they were pip-I was sadly not informed that implants didn't last for life!!!my surgeon says I will be felt and droopy without a lift but I don't want extra scars or to lose sensitivity.because they are pip they are being removed on the nhs.so no charge.i don't want to endure any more unnecessary surgeries -so no replacement.i can currently a 34 dd/e .pre implant I was a saggy 36c(may have been wearing wrong size) I have lost weight so will have to see what they are like after.i have 330 cc implants.my hubby of 25 years is all for me being healthy and happy and will love me however I look.i know from looking in this site sort if what I can expect and even if they look sad naked I know in the correct bra they will look ok.very nervous for Monday-not too long to wait now

Updated on 27 Sep 2015:
Due to go to hospital for 11 am.si surgery hopefuly early afternoon.blood pressure a bit high at pre op-nurse told me to relax and try to be calm on the day-easier said than done.i will be in hospital until they take the drains out-so not sure how long that will be.trying to keep busy.im even going into work 6-10.30 am-I'm sure I will be awake before then and I means I don't have to take another day off work.bag all packed.hope to get a little sleep tonight!will try to update tomorrow.praying for a good result like some many of the reviews ive read in this site

Updated on 29 Sep 2015:
Operation all went ok.took about 2 .5 hours and about 1 hour in recovery.i was very well looked after.given morphine and a warming blanket as very cold and in pain.this soon eased off and today(day. After) just having normal painkillers.i will remain in hospital until drains have been taken out-check out my designer bag they gave me!!! I look better than I expe thanks to looking at other posts-it really helped.

Updated on 2 Oct 2015:
I'm 4 days post op.just have one drain in which hopefully coming out today.very slowly getting used to my new shape-with the stress ive lost more weight than I expected-about 8 lbs!!! So looking boobless and bum less-im sure weight will go back on soon.please don't underestimate this procedure -it's a toll on your body and need to give time to recover.im in no pain jyst a little uncomfortable im wearing front fastening bra all the time and have to wear one for 6 weeks.im hoping I will look better with padded bra in time.my boobs look quite sad but overall I feel a lot happier in myself knowing I don't need any future operations .

Updated on 5 Oct 2015:
Well it's been 1 week.im still wearing sports bra 24/7 as instructed but tried on one of my daughters bra this morning to see how I look.its a 34 c-maybe b cup would be better but I'm very happy with how I look now-so is my hubby!!!!! Pain free.im off work this week just to be careful but managing everything at home.

Updated on 8 Oct 2015:
Hi-im now 10 days post op.feeling great.been out for 5 mile walk as advised not to run yet.boobs looking a bit happier I think.i tried bra on again and think I fill it a tiny bit more.very happy with how I look in a bra and I have some curves when wearing a clingy top.no regrets at all-think they look how a 52 year old ladies breast should.

Updated on 14 Oct 2015:
Had post op yesterday.surgeon says all was ok-implants weren't ruptured and no signs of any problems.i have a little fluid on one breast but not enough to drain off and my body will slowly absorb it..im back at work now.also did a 5 mile run this morning without any problem.still wearing sports bra but did get a new bra to wear Saturday night as out for dinner.im a 34 b.got bra with removable padding to give me a boost! so glad I didn't have a lift or replace implants.u think I look more than ok for my age and feel fantastic.good luck to all you explanting ladies.

Updated on 27 Oct 2015:
Hi-it's been a month now.i feel I'm actually smaller-just about fill a b cup(must have been a bit swollen before). Still very happy-just adjusting to how clothes look.gad a huge clear out-a lot of tops too low now as nothing to fill them!!! Scars look really well.2 more weeks with sports bra to be safe.-fitness good-did a 8 mile run and felt great without the bouncing boobies! I'm smaller than looks in the photos.very happy when in bra.ive put photos to show my fellow explanters.im very happy knowing I don't need any more surgeries-surgeon did mention a lift but I'm not going to .too much scaring and it's a bigger procedure.fantastuc surgeon on the nhs.fantastuc care and service

Updated on 20 Dec 2015:
It's nearly 3 months since my explant.just a quick update invade anybody following.im still very happy with outcome and glad didn't have a lift as with new bras you can't tell.i have list some sensation-hoping that could return in time.im now a 32b/c lost a bit more weight-seems easier without implants-go figure!!! Smaller breasts suit my smaller frame.phitos not very good.very little upper pole.but what is there feels lovely and all mine!!