Mummy Makeover Patient Story – Video
Jaime: The main driving force was I had a bit of a herniated tummy, bellybutton, and muscle separation. My GP actually referred me to see Dr. Sandercoe and discuss how we could rectify that. I did think if I’m having surgery to fix up my tummy, I’ll get everything done at the same time.
Dr Sandercoe had said, “If you can be closest to your ideal weight. The less fat you’re carrying, the better the outcome of the surgery.” I didn’t have a great deal to lose, but I lost a couple of extra kilos. When he did do the body contouring lipo, it was minimal. I’d say that is something that I would recommend if everyone wanting to have the procedure is able to get to their ideal weight or as close to what is possible.
Silicone treating post surgery and lots of massage and I found that to be really helpful. I haven’t needed to have anything additional and I’m really happy with how the scar is progressing. I’m 6 months down the track now. It’s looking very good.
I came back to work at two and a half weeks. I am in an office space job. That first few days, I was slow-moving, pretty much went home and went to bed, but it was certainly achievable.
Trish: Can you tell us what size implants and what type you had?
Jaime: I’ve got a high profile, round, a Mentor implant and it’s at 350cc.
Initially, I had thought based on trying on sizes in t-shirts that I would maybe want to go with more like a 250cc, but what I did say to Dr Sandercoe was that I wanted to feel my breastfeeding skin. He tried a few sizes in the procedure and found that the best feel and fit was at 350 and I’m very happy with the result. I’m glad that we didn’t go with the smaller implant.
Trish: Where did you have the liposuction done?
Jaime: Just in the flanks, love handle area. The purpose is really to get a bit more of a waist. I was really quite straight up and down. I do have a bit more of a waist now.
Trish: What does the medicare item number mean for other patients?
Jaime: I think as a smaller framed person and not someone who is a massive weight loss patient, I still had a great deal of benefit from the procedure. It helped me functionally and structurally to have that abdominal repair – the muscle separation repair. I think it’s a challenge for people now who are not in a position to lose 10 to 15 kilos but have had back pain issues and stress incontinence issues post childbirth. It’s a shame that we’re not able to use those item numbers for them now.
Trish: How did it help with stress incontinence?
Jaime: I think with the way that they do the repair drawing that separated muscle back in … helps to put everything back in its right place. There is a bit of a shift in the tilt of your pelvis which helps relieve some of the pressure.
Trish: What can you suggest for people to help them with post surgery?
Jaime: I think if you go in with the expectation that you will feel pretty lousy for a couple of days. There’s often a rough day on day two or day three. If you expect that it’s not going to take you by surprise and make you doubt what you’ve done; but every day, it gets better and to just be really kind to yourself and prepare the people around you. The more support you have, the easier it is; so get your partner and your kids on board. “This is going to be tough for a couple of weeks and I’m going to need a lot of help.” If everyone is on board with that, then it will be a smooth process.
Trish: Yup. Fantastic. Thank you so much, Jaime.
Jaime: Thank you.
Further Reading About Mummy Makeover Surgery
More PS Hub Mummy Makeover Patient Stories
- Sarah’s Mummy Makeover Story with Dr Patrick Briggs VIC
- Vanessa’s Mummy Makeover Patient Story with Dr Mark Hanikeri WA – Abdominal Muscle Repair
Find out more about Dr Gavin Sandercoe
