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Achieving a substantial weight loss is no small feat and should be celebrated as a monumental milestone. However, reaching your ideal weight is often just the beginning of a new chapter in your journey towards health and well-being. Many individuals, after shedding a great deal of weight either through diligent diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, find themselves facing new challenges. One common issue is dealing with the excess, sagging skin that remains, which can dampen the joy of their achievements.
At Centre for Surgery, we understand the mixed emotions that can accompany significant weight loss. While you may have reached your weight loss goal, you might still feel dissatisfied due to the loose skin, unwanted tissue, or disproportional aspects of your body. It’s a common sentiment, and you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way.
We are committed to providing exceptional standards of excellence in body contouring surgery, which helps our patients complete their transformation journey. Our team offers unmatched care, guiding each individual through their unique challenges with sensitivity and expertise.
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Let’s share the inspiring story of one of our patients, who has embarked on an impressive journey after experiencing significant weight loss. Her story not only highlights the personal struggles and triumphs following such a profound life change but also serves as an invaluable source of motivation and learning for others who might be dealing with similar circumstances.
Here is her experience in her own words:
My weight loss journey commenced when I was 35 years old, facing the reality of being 40kg overweight. The discomfort and fatigue were constant companions, and while I hadn’t yet encountered any obesity-related health issues, I was acutely aware of the looming risks, such as diabetes and heart disease, that could affect my future.
With a clear goal in mind, I set my sights on losing 20kg by my 36th birthday, giving myself a nine-month window. Initially, I contemplated undergoing gastric sleeve surgery but chose to explore whether a combination of diet and exercise could be a viable alternative for me. After thorough research, I settled on a plan that seemed both safe and effective: reducing my daily caloric intake and starting with a simple walking routine, which would pave the way for more vigorous exercise later.
The results were encouraging; within just six months, not only had I achieved my initial goal of losing 20kg, but I also realised that continuing this new lifestyle was both achievable and desirable. Motivated by my progress and the routine that had now become my norm, I decided to push myself further and aim to shed an additional 10kg. This new target was not just a number—it was a source of excitement and continued inspiration to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
As I continued my weight loss journey, losing a total of 30kg, I began to notice the loose skin around my abdomen. Despite my best efforts with diet and exercise, the sagging skin remained, serving as a constant reminder of my former self. It was then that I decided to reward myself for reaching my weight loss goals by considering a tummy tuck.
My research into abdominoplasty led me to discover Centre for Surgery, a clinic with an excellent reputation and several distinct advantages over other surgeons I had considered. One of the most common challenges I read about many patient experiences online was dealing with surgical drains. These drains, used to prevent fluid accumulation after surgery, often caused difficulties with mobility, personal hygiene, and sometimes led to infections.
Centre for Surgery, however, offered a revolutionary drain-free tummy tuck procedure. By using specialised barbed sutures and compression garments, they effectively prevented fluid accumulation without the need for cumbersome drains. This innovative approach allowed patients to move more freely and even shower within a few days post-surgery.
Another frequent complaint among tummy tuck patients was the intense pain following the procedure. Centre for Surgery addressed this issue by employing ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, significantly reducing pain levels and improving the overall recovery experience. Confident in their advanced techniques and the positive reviews from previous patients, I decided that Centre for Surgery was the right choice for me.
My weight loss journey continued, and after several more months of dedication, I reached a total weight loss of 35kg. This significant achievement motivated me to take the next step in my transformation. I scheduled a consultation at Centre for Surgery, where I met with Dr Tamsin. During our meeting, she recommended an extended abdominoplasty with liposuction. Dr Tamsin explained that the excess skin around my abdomen would not disappear through diet or exercise alone. Moreover, having undergone three pregnancies, my abdominal muscles had separated, a condition known as diastasis recti, which meant my abdomen could never be flat again without surgical intervention.
As my surgery date approached, I lost an additional 2.5kg, achieving a healthy BMI for the first time in over a decade. This accomplishment further strengthened my resolve and confidence. On the day of the surgery, Dr Tamsin performed the extended abdominoplasty, removing 4kg of excess skin and fat. After the procedure, I returned home to begin my recovery process.
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After surgery, one of my biggest concerns was the pain I would endure, but the actual experience was far more comfortable than I had anticipated. Surprisingly, I experienced almost no pain at the incision site, although I did feel some bruising and soreness from the liposuction. I relied on pain medication for just five days and found myself feeling significantly more comfortable than expected by the end of the first 48 hours.
My first postoperative visit was with the wonderful nurse Sumeyra, whose encouragement played a crucial role in my recovery. She introduced me to my compression garment, which became an essential part of my recovery toolkit. I wore it diligently for six weeks and even decided to wear it for an additional two weeks, just to be cautious. This garment proved invaluable, helping to minimise swelling and manage pain effectively without the need for medication. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I returned to my daily activities. Within a week, I was walking, showering, and even managing light housework.
The transformation following my abdominoplasty was nothing short of remarkable. My abdomen, which had been a source of discomfort and self-consciousness, was now completely flat. The stubborn, small, fatty deposits that had clung to my back and hips were also eliminated. Within three months post-surgery, the swelling had reduced significantly, allowing me to visibly appreciate the effects of the 4kg of skin and fat that had been removed. This change was even reflected on the scales, a genuine moment of triumph.
As my recovery progressed, I found myself strong enough to return to the gym. Despite increasing my daily calorie intake, I continued to lose weight gradually. This was largely due to my enhanced activity levels; the slight calorie deficit I maintained allowed for a steady, slow weight loss. Returning to exercise wasn’t just a return to a routine—it was an invigorating part of my daily life. I found new joy in going to the gym, buoyed by my lighter frame and renewed confidence.
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This newfound enthusiasm even led me to hire a personal trainer, a step I would never have considered a year ago. Working with a trainer not only helped me maintain my fitness but also pushed me to explore new and challenging workouts.
After an additional weight loss of 6 kg, I noticed a new challenge. While my abdomen looked fantastic, thanks to Dr Tamsin’s expertise, my thighs and buttocks appeared deflated with a considerable amount of excess skin. Initially, I believed that the abdominoplasty would be the extent of my body contouring journey. However, the stark contrast between my toned abdomen and the sagging skin on my lower body was disheartening. Despite all my efforts to lose weight and get fit, I found myself hesitant to wear shorts, swimsuits, or even dresses that exposed my knees.
Motivated by the successful outcome of my previous surgery, I decided it was time to explore additional body contouring options. I arranged another consultation with Dr. Tamsin at Centre for Surgery to discuss the possibility of further surgical interventions. During our meeting, we considered a thigh and buttock lift combined with liposuction as viable solutions to enhance the appearance of my legs.
Dr. Tamsin was confident that these procedures would significantly improve the shape and tone of my lower body. Excited by this prospect, I am now looking forward to undergoing the thigh lift and buttock lift in the coming months. Additionally, the idea of an arm lift has also entered my considerations, as I have begun to notice loose skin on my arms and upper chest as well.
Over the course of eighteen months, my life has undergone an incredible transformation. Starting at 120kg, I now weigh 68kg, marking a total weight loss of 52kg. At 37 years old, I feel healthier and more vibrant than I ever did in my twenties. While losing weight was a crucial component of my journey, the body contouring procedures were instrumental in shaping my body to reflect how good I feel inside.
Before the abdominoplasty, even after significant weight loss, I was wearing a size 20. Post-surgery, I have been able to fit comfortably into a size 8, a change that I could never have envisioned without surgical intervention. This dramatic transformation in my clothing size is a testament to the effectiveness of combining weight loss with precise surgical enhancements.
My satisfaction with the surgery extends beyond the physical results. The entire experience at Centre for Surgery has been nothing short of exceptional. From the warm and professional demeanour of the receptionists to the thorough care provided by patient coordinators and theatre nurses, particularly Sowyma, every interaction has reinforced my confidence in choosing this facility. The surgeons, led by Dr Tamsin, have been remarkable in their expertise and attentiveness throughout the process.
As I reflect on my journey and look forward to undergoing further procedures, I am immensely grateful for the new opportunities that have opened up for me—activities and experiences that were unimaginable just a year ago. The prospect of continuing my transformation with Dr Tamsin and her team fills me with excitement and optimism for what the future holds.
Excellence in Body Contouring at Centre for Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of body contouring excellence in the UK. Each year, our skilled plastic surgeons perform around 300 body contouring procedures, making them among the most experienced and innovative in the field. Our surgeons’ expertise is particularly enhanced by their close collaboration with bariatric specialists, giving them a profound understanding of the nuances involved in excess skin removal following significant weight loss.
Choosing to undergo a body contouring procedure is a significant decision, driven by personal motivations and goals. It is crucial to consult with a plastic surgeon who is not only highly qualified but also extensively experienced. During your consultation, you and your surgeon will work together to outline a surgical plan that aligns with your lifestyle needs and aesthetic aspirations, ensuring that the final results truly reflect your desired outcome.
If you are contemplating body contouring, we invite you to arrange a personal consultation at our Baker Street clinic. Please contact Centre for Surgery at 0207 993 4849 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards achieving your body transformation goals.
