Kate Lawler, the 45-year-old Big Brother winner, has revealed she recently underwent breast surgery after discovering that one of her implants had ruptured.
Speaking on her podcast, Boj and Kate Have A Lot on Their Plate, the radio presenter explained that she noticed her left breast had hardened, prompting a visit to her GP. “I’ve had a boob job… a boob replacement,” Lawler said. “I got the surgery done five days ago, so I’m still very much in the recovery period.”
Lawler, who shares a four-year-old daughter, Noa, with husband Martin “Boj” Bojtos, originally underwent breast enlargement surgery in 2015. She described the procedure as “very subtle” and said that after a decade, she wanted a slight lift.
“Ten years later, my left breast went hard,” she explained. “My GP referred me to a breast consultant, and I was worried. She told me my left implant had encapsulated and was leaking, so it needed to be removed.”
Encapsulation occurs when scar tissue tightens around the implant, causing hardness and discomfort. A ruptured or leaking implant—informally referred to as “exploded”—requires removal and replacement. Experts recommend replacing implants every 10 to 15 years.
Lawler shared her experience with consultations, recounting one doctor whose behavior she found unprofessional. “He was very rude, had just eaten a sandwich, and had sandwich residue on his teeth,” she said. “I was coming for a consultation, and it felt completely off.” She ultimately chose a different surgeon with whom she felt comfortable, noting the consultation lasted an hour and followed proper protocols.
The 90-minute procedure, performed under general anaesthetic last Thursday, required Lawler to stay overnight in the hospital. She recounted feeling disoriented and unwell during recovery, including a moment of knocking over a bedside table. Attempts to contact her husband also led to confusion, with a friend mistakenly relaying her status.
Since the operation, Lawler has been trying to take it easy despite her natural tendency to stay active. “The surgeon said no housework for a week, which I laughed at,” she admitted. “I stayed overnight in hospital because I knew I’d start cleaning as soon as I got home.”
Lawler’s experience highlights the importance of regular implant checks and selecting a surgeon with whom patients feel comfortable and confident.
