Model and presenter Denise Kooij was featured in Jan magazine and spoke about her experiences with aesthetic treatments at Blooming Plastische Chirurgie. In the interview, Denise discusses her decision-making process, how she prepared for her procedure, and the results she has achieved. Her honest account offers a relatable perspective for anyone considering aesthetic treatments. At Blooming, every patient journey is personal, and we are proud to support our patients every step of the way.
In Jan Magazine, Denise Kooij talks about her breast correction performed by plastic surgeon Wouter van der Pot. She says: "I am glad I went ahead with it. I am now proud of my body, feel more feminine and more confident. I stand taller and these days I even enjoy going to the sauna."
Denise Kooij never felt comfortable in her own skin, due to the shape of her breasts. For a long time, she thought that accepting this was her only option. As a young girl, Denise was already unhappy with her breasts - she was the first among her friends to develop them. Halfway through puberty, growth stalled and she ended up with a B-cup in the shape of pubescent breasts that pointed downwards. In a bikini or bra she felt fine, but without clothes this was a different story and she did not feel at ease. Going to the sauna with friends was something she avoided, preferring to stay home because of her breasts.
At nineteen she entered a serious relationship and remained insecure about her breasts, even though her partner said he found them perfectly fine. She decided to visit a clinic for a consultation. The doctor said he could help her with an operation comparable to a breast reduction. This would leave large scars, and she began to wonder whether this truly constituted an improvement. Moreover, the operation would cost three thousand euros, which she did not have.
She decided to accept herself as she was and threw herself into her demanding studies. The workload distracted her from her dissatisfaction with her breasts. The men she dated also never made her breasts an issue. They spoke encouragingly and said they found her beautiful as she was. Yet for Denise, it remained something she could not come to terms with.
When she got a job as a designer for a major Dutch fashion brand and was single again, she threw herself into going out for the first time. Dancing made her happy, and she did it often. She was subsequently asked to dance and perform professionally at parties - an opportunity she seized. Yet the revealing clothing she wore made her feel insecure about her breasts once again. However, this time she was earning good money and thought: now I can afford an operation. There was nothing standing in her way, and she was not afraid of leaking silicone or the surgery itself. After all, her mother had had silicone implants for thirty years without any problems.
At the consultation with plastic surgeon Wouter van der Pot, it was confirmed what she had always suspected: she had tubular breast development. This meant her breasts had not fully developed and that she was particularly affected in the lower portion. This also directly explained why they pointed downwards. According to the surgeon, this could be corrected with a teardrop-shaped implant. The costs were considerably higher than ten years earlier, but she was more than willing to pay and was certain of her decision.
For the operation, Denise needed to be placed under general anaesthesia, which she found quite daunting. Fortunately, everything went well and she had sufficient breast tissue, meaning the implants did not need to be placed beneath the muscle. This can make an enormous difference in terms of pain. After the operation she was bruised and swollen, as is to be expected, and this subsided after about three weeks. The result was more beautiful than hoped and truly stunning. The D-cup she had chosen also suited the rest of her body, keeping it proportionate, and she felt: this is how it should be.
From the very beginning, Denise has always been open and honest about her breast correction. Even at work, to prevent people from wondering behind her back what she had done. Because of this openness, many women come to her wanting to know everything about it. Yet there is still something of a taboo around it according to Denise, and she is glad she went ahead with it.
Denise Kooij was treated by plastic surgeon Wouter van der Pot.
Member of: Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery (NVPC) and Dutch Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (NVEPC), BIG registered under number 29060156701.
Curious about the experiences of other patients? Here you can read reviews on Zorgkaart Nederland.