Popping in for a boob job or a bigger nose feels about as common now as getting highlights in your hair. We talk to people who decided to go under the knife and get the ultimate makeover. Why did they do it, how did it feel and, most importantly, what do they think about the results? Are the expense and pain of elective surgery really worth a brand new look?

BREAST IMPLANT

The PATIENT: Miss B., 25
The PLACE: Piyavet Hospital
The Cost: B120,000

Why did you decide to get breast implants?
I had always been dissatisfied with the way my body looked and I really wanted to get my boobs done to boost my self-esteem. I wanted to look better. It’s also easier when selecting and wearing clothes.
How did you choose the hospital?
The surgeon’s skill was my first priority, followed by price. I asked other people, mostly my friends, or friends of friends who’d had it done. Asking people I could trust who were satisfied with the results and getting to touch their breasts was helpful reference.
What was the process before the operation?
I met with the doctor and had an initial consultation where I selected the breast size I wanted. After that it was a matter of showing up and the hospital did the rest. Having a friend stay with you to help afterwards is really recommended.
What about the operation itself?
They injected me with anesthetic so I wasn’t conscious during the surgery. It only took about 30 minutes to get the breasts done.
How did you feel afterwards?
The pain wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be when I woke up. It just felt like the muscles and fibers in my chest were being stretched. I also had a cramp in my back caused by staying in one position for a long time. I think that was the worst part.
How long did it take to recover?
I felt no pain after the second day, and was able to drive on the third day after surgery. The swelling lasted for about two weeks.
Was it worth it?
I am now more confident with how I look. I am pleased with my body with and without clothes. I’d say I’m 100 percent happy with the result. I really made the right decision.

What the Doc Says

”The biggest problem that breast implant patients face is that the outcome looks unreal or stiff. Choosing the implant size is an important decision. To avoid disappointing results, the person needs to understand their body size. Don’t just focus on having it big, but instead, look for something that’ll make your body proportionate. Also, try to research as much as you can about the implants that your doctor is planning to use. Don’t trust the sales, and don’t count too much on friends’ feedback.”
—Dr. Chartchai, Rattanamahattana, Samitivej Hospital

Boob Job Facts

1.The incision actually takes place in the armpit area so you will have a slight scar.
2. After the scar vanishes, the patient will need to massage their new breasts for the next six months after surgery. This is to make the breasts soften and look more natural.
3. The recovery period for small surgery like eyelid surgery will only take around 1-2 weeks, while breast surgery patients need to rest for about one month.
Source: Yanhee Hospital

NOSE JOB (RHINOPLASTY)

• THE PATIENT: MISS S., age 21
• The PLACE: Dr. Somsak Khunjuk’s Clinic
• The Cost: B75,000

Why did you choose to get a nose job?
I wasn’t very satisfied with my natural appearance and always wanted to have a more exotic look. Most of my friends had done it, so it kind of made me feel that plastic surgery wasn’t such a big deal.
How did you choose the clinic? Before picking a place, I did a lot of online research and also got my friends’ testimonials. My friends are pretty familiar with the industry and so I gained a lot of insight from them. The Internet was also a very good source. They have the best doctors ranked, based on each type of surgery.
Were you anxious?
I went in for the consultation and by the next day, I was up on the table, ready for the chop. I wasn’t very well prepared, so I got nervous and kept thinking about the pain at the end of the surgery.
How did it go?
I wasn’t unconscious so I sensed almost everything the doctor did to my face. First he injected my nose with lots of anesthetic, which really hurt. I wanted the doctor to stop but I knew there’s no beauty without pain, so I endured it. I saw the doctor carve a silicon stick before he asked me my preferred style. I hadn’t thought about that so I let him chose. After the doctor finished carving, he drilled a hole in my nose, before inserting the silicon piece inside. He then fiddled with the stick until it fit perfectly.
And after the operation?
Near the end of the operation the anesthetic wore off and I could feel everything. It was horrifying, but I didn’t want to be injected with anesthetic again so I just had to bear it. Out of the room, I didn’t feel anything much, but there was a constant ache and some parts of my face were kind of bloated.
How long did the pain last?
About a week after the surgery, I went back to get the stitches removed. The pain started to fade after 3 days, but the swelling took about 2 weeks to go down. I think it took me about a month to be fully recovered.
Was it worth it?
The surgery helped boost my confidence, and I’ve got a lot of compliments saying how pretty my nose structure looks now. I really like the result of the surgery and I am certainly more than 100 percent satisfied. Other people might feel that their noses look fake after the job, but I think mine looks very natural.

KNOW Your Nose

During the surgery, the surgeon will have to drill the nose bone to make an opening wound, just large enough to insert the silicone. After shaping the nose, the doctor may then need to use a band aid or cast to stop the stick from moving around or changing shape.
Source: Yanhee Hospital

์ำNext: Facelift, Sex Change, Double Eyelid Surgery