When you look at yourself in the mirror and are unhappy with what is looking back at you, it is hard to live your life to your full potential. After having children, it is a sad reality that often our bodies just don’t bounce back the way we’d like, and in some cases, our bodies are changed forever; and often it doesn’t matter how much exercise or diet we commit to.
Fortunately, in today’s world, we have means by which to get a little help to get our bodies back to the way they were. Stephanie was one of these women who, after having her three beautiful boys, at the age of 42 underwent a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants.
We ask Stephanie what the deciding factor was with making the decision to have surgery. “I look good for my age and I wanted to look on the outside, how I see myself on the inside, so it was part of completing my journey – feeling good about myself again. Since 2011, I had lost 46kg and everything was loose, wrinkly and empty. My breasts had gone from a DD to empty B cup after having my last baby. I was unhappy with what I saw in the mirror and it was affecting my self esteem.”
So, how did Stephanie start the ball rolling… what was her first step in finding the right surgeon for her and knowing what she wanted done? “I had been to Bethesda hospital in Claremont before, and only had positive experiences there, and so it was my preference to go there this time. “Also, I work as a Patient Care Assistant in a hospital; I know what is good and what is not good care. Additionally, a friend of mine had her surgery via Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre (WAPSC), and was very satisfied with her results; I felt it was a reputable place to have my surgery. I looked through their website, and I knew from the first appointment that Mr Mark Hanikeri was the right surgeon for me.”
One of the things Stephanie has is a supportive husband, which can make the journey just that bit easier. “My husband met Mr Hanikeri, who exceeded our expectations. My husband is a great judge of character and very both felt very comfortable with him. Mr Hanikeri was very supportive of my request to undergo the procedures all at once, and clearly explained to me what the risks and benefits might be.”
It is so important for any of us when looking at undergoing any sort of plastic surgery to make sure we are comfortable and confident with the surgeon we have chosen to perform it. Stephanie explains, “I always felt like Mr Hanikeri had my best interests at heart, he has a warm manner and a wonderful sense of humour, which put me very much at ease.”
So we want details about Stephanie’s op! Recovery is such an important part of the process and it’s the little things that can make a difference between a positive experience and a negative one, so how did Stephanie’s go?
“I used my own homemade body butter, had Arnica and Bepanthen cream to use, and took arnica tablets. I also went to the WAPSC where they offer weekly dressing changes with the lovely nurses on site at the clinic, and I then undertook LED light therapy at Assure cosmetic centre, twice weekly for four weeks, which has greatly enhanced the healing process.
That brings us to the staff at the WAPSC. It is a testament to a surgeon’s whole approach to his patients that he has the right staff surrounding them. Stephanie elaborates, “His secretary Cheree is a superstar, and she’s such a helpful, professional and amiable person. She’s been a lifesaver for me, she’s just been wonderful!”
So, was there anything Stephanie wishes she had have known that she didn’t before the surgery? “I wish I’d prepared myself mentally for how long it would take for my body to settle down after recovery, how long it would take for my breasts and abdomen to settle and really see the full results.
What advice would Stephanie give others who were looking to undergo plastic surgery? “Make sure you’re fit and well, your nutrition is right, and that you take enough time to allow yourself to recover properly. I took eight weeks off work”.
Soooo, what about the results? “The very first time I looked down I cracked a small smile. The first time in the bathroom, I stood there and was quite literally fixated on the image in front of me in the mirror; I had a few tears and couldn’t believe it was me. I peeked under my garments again, and I couldn’t believe it… it was so surreal – the results I got were so much more than I anticipated” And, what about her supportive husband?! “Best husband in the world – he’s very respectful about it, this is what he always wanted for me – for me to feel good about myself; everyday he looks at me and says you’re so beautiful, you’re so amazing, I always knew you’d rediscover yourself again one day!”
We think Stephanie looks fantastic. She was 108kg and is now an amazing 62kg fitting into size 8 jeans!! What a result!
We also think it’s worth mentioning that Stephanie had great support from Facebook groups – you can find groups for gastric sleeve, plastic surgery and tummy tuck on Facebook and here at the Hub we facilitate quite a few. If you are interested in finding out more about these you can email us at [email protected]. We also highly recommend you look at the After Surgery Back to Health website, where you can find the support you will need to make your journey so much easier, and to help ensure you get the optimum results from your surgery experience.
Also, if you’d like more information about Mr Mark Hanikeri at the Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre you can see his website.