it’s nothing to be concerned about. The splint comes off one week later, and the stitches are removed from my nose and also my breasts. My face is still bloated, so I can’t really see a remarkable difference, and I keep the nose taped up. Not just because Mr Townley suggests it might reduce the swelling, but because I’m too nervous to look. On the other hand, I’m delighted with my new boobs. Firm and high, they instantly restore the hourglass figure I once took for granted. Raising my arms above my head is uncomfortable, and my chest aches like I have done a full upper-body workout at the gym. But it’s all manageable. By the second week, I have sum- moned the nerve to peel back the tape on my nose – and suddenly, there it is. A bump-free bridge. A noticeably less bulbous tip. It’s still swollen, but already the nose is significantly more refined. I’m nothing short of elated. Breathing through my nostrils is difficult for a further three weeks – but it’s so worth it. The subtlety of my new nose gives me a jolt of delight every time I look in the mirror, and even trying on old clothes is a joy thanks to my newly perky breasts. They sit a little high, but Mr Townley advises they will settle into a more natural position in two to three months. Meanwhile, the nose will take up to a year to assume its final shape, as the swell- ing continues to subside. Even the initial changes are a boost. My face and body may not be what they once were – and that’s fine, because looking like my 20-year-old self was never the aim. But I’m no longer self-conscious of my nose in photographs, or wistful for my former figure. Instead, the subtlety of Mr Townley’s scalpel means that I feel happier in my skin – while ensuring that no one is any the wiser. This past year – divorce, lockdown, relentless uncertainty – hasn’t been easy, but it has given me the freedom to make my own decisions. And I’m so glad that I made this one. ( williamtownley.co.uk nose? What if I don’t wake up at all? Did I blow out that candle at home? Did I make a will? As I walk into the operating theatre, the team buzzes around me with meticulous efficiency. This is their everyday work, but for me, it’s a life-defining moment. Slowly, I ease myself onto the table and lie back. The last thing I remember is the anaesthetist leaning over me. Then everything disappears. When I come around, four hours later, I feel no pain, just cold. I have a splint on my nose and a pad of gauze taped to the tip to catch the occasional drop of blood. My breasts are encased in a supportive bra and I long to take a look. Mr Townley appears and is reassuring. ‘It came together rather nicely,’ he says. ‘I think you’ll be very pleased with the results.’ I travel home with my friend, chatting and feeling much like myself – though with the splint on to fill them out – and the improve- ment is immediate. We deliberate on size and shape, and Mr Townley talks me through the benefits of round versus tear- drop or ‘anatomical’ implants (he prefers the former because if the implants rotate, it’s not a problem). At this point, I voice my concerns about the round ones looking a tad stripper-like, and he looks vaguely appalled. Projection, he claims, is key to ensuring a tasteful aesthetic – and for me, a ‘moderate profile’ is appropriate. Placement, too, is critical. ‘If possible, I prefer to put the implant on top of the muscle, just beneath the fascia, and that would be my preference in your case,’ he says. ‘You have enough breast tissue to cover them – while it also makes for a faster recovery and less chance of bleeding. It also means that your breasts will move more naturally.’ I enquire about the order of service, and Mr Townley is ada- mant. ‘Always breasts first: that way, I can ensure the implants are safely sealed off – which means there’s no chance of contamination from the nose.’ I fret that it will be a lengthy operation – won’t his mind start to wander? He demurs politely. ‘The two procedures are sufficiently different, and the over- all time taken to perform them is very reasonable. If you compare it to a “mummy makeover” – a com- bined breast augmentation and tummy tuck – that’s a much longer operation. Whereas a facelift takes the same time as a breast and nose job combined.’ Which is how long? ‘Three and a half to four hours.’ I decide to go for it. The day of the surgery arrives with alarming speed. I take a taxi to the Weymouth Street Hospital and am shown to my room. I don’t need to stay the night, so I arrange for a friend to pick me up that evening. Mr Townley appears, along with my anaesthetist, for a final pep talk – then I’m collected by a nurse, who escorts me down to theatre. It all feels surreal and thoughts race through my head. What if I wake up with a ridiculous my nose and a bloodied gauze I look fairly frightening. The first night is fitful. Sleeping upright helps the swelling, but feels weird and unnatural and by four o’clock in the morning I find myself rum- maging in the medicine cabinet for some sleeping pills. The following morning, my breasts are uncomfortable, with a distinct sense of pressure pushing down on them, like balloons that might burst. Though the sensation is nothing compared to my nose, which feels bruised and swollen. Gradually, the swelling travels down my face, blurring all contours and rendering my features undefin- able. I take painkillers every four hours to take the edge off and begin to wonder what I have done. Fortunately, Mr Townley is availa- ble for reassurance and he replies to my messages quickly with words of encouragement. The level of swelling is unusual, he admits, but The day of the surgery arrives with alarming speed. It all feels surreal. What if I wake up looking ridiculous? What if I don’t wake up at all? WELL HEALED The secrets to a swift recovery THE BODYWORKER Flavia Morellato Put your trust – and body – in the capable hands of MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) expert Flavia Morellato. The Brazilian-born physiotherapist advises her hands-on technique 24 hours after surgery, to stimulate circulation, flush away toxins and enhance confidence in your recovery. flaviamorellato.co.uk THE SCAR SMOOTHER Douglas McGeorge Created by Cheshire-based surgeon Douglas McGeorge, Solution for Scars works by switching off the body’s natural inflammatory response. Powered by antioxidant-rich green tea, daily applications result in less itching, less redness and greater mobility. scienceofskin.com THE SHAPE REFINER Macom Compression Garments A sturdy compression garment is a post-operative must: not only to reduce swelling but to sculpt a sleek silhouette. Try Macom for a bust-supporting boost that stabilises implants and aids recuperation. macom-medical.com THE SA VIOUR SUPPLEMENT Gobi Gold Gobi Gold is the next generation in multivitamins. It contains golden omega-3 fish oil – the purest in the world – for optimal mind, body and immune system function, making it the perfect post-procedure accessory. gobigold.com THE SUPPORT CUSHION Sleeping can be difficult following surgery, but the right shape of pillow can help ensure a sound night’s slumber. Speak to your surgeon about what they suggest following treatment. TATLER INVESTIGATIONS COSMETIC SURGERY 03-21-Tatler-Cosmetics-TipsTits_3667517.indd 72 12/01/2021 12:38 72