Goodbye Implants

I'VE always been upfront about plastic surgery and any procedures I have had.

I've been terrified of being labelled vain for having so many procedures, but I have never hidden them.

So, when an ultrasound revealed my silicone breast implants were leaking, I decided to go public with my operation, allowing Channel Seven's cameras in and sharing my story with The Sunday Telegraph, because I wanted to warn other women.

I felt I owed it to anyone considering having implants.

Plastic surgeons' offices are packed with women wanting bigger breasts, but you rarely hear about what happens afterwards.

Eleven years ago, I decided to have my breasts augmented. I was 34 and fairly insecure about my appearance at the time.

I also thought I needed a decent cleavage to keep my then-partner by my side.

I was doing some modelling and television presenting work. Because of my high profile, I had the procedure offered to me by a reputable surgeon, so I took my chances.The operation was a success. Previously a 34B, I emerged as a 36C.

I was delighted. I didn't think about possible complications or consider that I might need to replace the implants a decade later.

The operation had caused me temporary discomfort - but that was nothing compared to what I was in for when the silicone implants began leaking six years later.

I discovered they had leaked when I was having a routine mammogram.

The no-nonsense radiologist made me feel guilty about having messed with my healthy breast tissue. And I could see her point.

I was about to go on a trip to London. There was just enough time to report back to my plastic surgeon, who assured me I could afford to wait before doing anything about the implants.

Right after that, my mother passed away. Paralysed by grief, exhausted and mindful of the need to keep working, I decided my implants were not such a priority.

This year, I finally decided I was ready. I wanted those damn implants out.

I'd been experiencing shooting pains in my breasts and they'd grown to a 38DD. Getting into my dresses had become almost impossible.

I consulted my good friend Dr Michael Miroshnik, a breast specialist and plastic surgeon (the doctor who did my breast augmentation had long since retired) and had the procedure nine days ago.

When I came to after the surgery, I was told the good news: I'd had enough tissue left to retain my own breasts.

After the swelling went down, I would be a perfectly acceptable 34C again.

I experienced some pain afterwards but was allowed to go home the same day, attached to drains that kept filling with blood, with antibiotics and painkillers.

Luckily, some of my good friends are nurses and I had people tending to me around the clock at home.

Now the pain is receding, except when I turn over suddenly in bed.

I got straight back to work, hosting a Melbourne Cup lunch last Tuesday (complete with a fluid drain in my back), and the swelling is gradually lessening.

I'm looking forward to being natural again and buying new clothes for my new shape.The bottom line is that if you're going to have any kind of procedure, from Botox to a facelift, just know it's not a walk in the park.

Do your research and ensure you're in the right hands.