After losing half my body weight my skin looked like a melted candle. Tim performed a Lower Body Lift, Mons Lift & Reduction, FDL & Breast Lift with no implants. I still have my arms and thighs to go but I am so thrilled with my progress this far. Tim is warm and friendly and makes you feel instantly at ease. Thank you Tim
I am currently 7 weeks post bilateral breast reduction (10E to 10C) and lift, extended tummy tuck and muscle repair with lipo and I could not have wished for my results to be any better! Tim was the second surgeon I went to meet to discuss my goals and as soon as I met him I knew he was the right surgeon for me. He is kind, caring, explains everything fully without needing to be prompted, has realistic goals and sets realistic expectations, he was not worried to do everything I wanted at the same time and was confident we would get a great result. He took his time to make sure that I felt comfortable with what he was offering. Adriana was so helpful especially with all the private health and medicare jumbo jumbo! She is always so bright and friendly whenever I come back in for my rechecks. The nurse Leanne looked after me wonderfully too. When I got to subiaco hospital everything went smoothly dispite a private insurer issue initially on admission! I'm not sure if Tim knows this, but every person I talked to in subi hospital would rave on about how amazing Tim is as a surgeon and a person. That he is very friendly and personable to nurses and staff when some other doctors aren't so friendly. This made me think even more highly of Tim because how you treat other people speaks so much about someone as a person too. I was scared when Tim was measuring me up in the surgical suite, almost frozen stiff I think. He said to me 'you'll be fine, you'll fly through this!' and I finally took a breath id been holding! Surgery went well 5.5 hours later I was done and in recovery. I stayed in hospital for 5 loooooong days! Tim checked on me every day, he came in without fail except Sunday when he called to ask the nurses how I was doing. I always felt looked after and he was there If I needed him. Post op checks and follow up checks were smooth and thorough whether with Tim or Leanne. I did have some wound breakdown with a blood blister midline abdo but I was rechecked regularly and it's now almost completely healed. It wasn't really much of an issue tbh. No dressings or anything like that. I had my daughter 10 years ago this year, and I've been wanting to do something about my body the past 10 years. I have PCOS and it's very hard to loose weight. Three years ago I finally lost 15kgs with hard work and diet and I maintained that weightloss, so I signed up for top health coverage planning on surgery in a years time. I put it off for a further three years because I was so scared of the recovery. The recovery was not as bad as I had imagined! And so worth it! Before my daughter I was very thin and petite and my skin just didn't bounce back the way it was before. I had 1.5 kg removed from my abdomen, 200g from each breast and 800g lipo. I'm now feeling my confidence come flooding back every passing week. I could honestly go on and on but mostly you need to know that Tim is amazing and I am so happy and thankful for what he has done for me and I will reccomend him to everyone on the wonderful surgery pages on Facebook where I first discovered him from someone else's reccomendations. 100% would do it all over again with him if I had to, I can't thank Tim and his wonderful team enough!
Yey! I can’t believe I’m actually getting the surgery I’ve waited literally decades for! I’m a mom of one, 33 years old, 62 kilos 5”2 and an avid gym goer I’ve wanted nicer perkier boobs all my life as I wasn’t blessed with pretty boobs at all, After weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding my boobs looked worse than ever. I was so self conscious and wouldn’t even go bra-less around my fiancé. It really effected my self esteem, even with working out and learning to love my body my deflated saggy breasts couldn’t be fixed in the gym. I knew I needed a lift so the whole process was very intimidating at first but upon finding this site RealSelf, itmade me realise my dream boobies where possible and lifts are so common especially in us mums! Some pics of my before boobs Updated on 10 Sep 2019: Real talk My biggest concern is getting back to weight lifting after my surgery, I just lift for fun, lifestyle and to keep fit but I’m concerned how my surgery is going to impact my lifting. Obviously it’s going to take time to re adjust after surgery and I’m planning to follow my surgeons advice and really take it easy getting back but this is probably my biggest concern right now! Anyone who lifts and has had implants under the muscle please reach out and let me know how you went post surgery. Attached are my ( dream boobs- mostly girls on this site! Sorry if I forgot your names!) Updated on 10 Sep 2019: Choosing my surgeon Choosing my surgeon was actually easy because my dear sister/best friend went with Timothy Hewitt in Subiaco to get her mummy makeover -tummy tuck and breast lift- I was able to suss it out and live vicariously through her appointments and recovery. Tim was so lovely and easy to talk to plus his results on my sister blew me away and I knew then I found the guy I would go through. It’s unreal meeting people who preform surgeries like this on a daily basis. I just want to mention Adriana who works for Tim in his office was so incredibly amazing and really concreted the decision to go through tim as well. They allow you to pay it off over time interest free and really make you feel that they are there Working for you. Consultation Because I have saggy skin and my ideal look isn’t to up my size dramatically but just get nice shape and fullness Tim suggested 250-275 cc high profile gel smooth round implants. I’m really happy and feel at ease with our choice. I will be getting a full anchor lift with implants on the 11th of November! Pictures of me trying on 250cc implants in time office. Updated on 25 Sep 2019: So I have 21 days till pre op and 1 month 15 days till my surgery. I’m so excited and I just cannot wait. I’m starting to feel like I want to tell my surgeon to go as big as he can with my implant he thinks 270cc but obviously this could change at pre op! Is it common to keep changing your mind with implant size? I feel like my lift is keeping me grounded as I don’t want a super big implant wrecking my lift! Updated on 18 Oct 2019: Had my pre opp today! Whoo getting close, 24 days till surgery day! I was both nervous and excited. Tim and Adriana always makes me feel at ease so today was good to see them both again. Today we discussed the choice of smooth or textured mentor implants. I’m happy for Tim to decide on the day but he’s given me time to think about it incase I have a preference. Smooth or textured hmmm .... He has ordered sets of 250cc, 275cc high profile and 300 moderate profile. I’m not really attached to any particular size cc as my skin is very stretched so it’s really up to my surgeon what size and profile is going to get the results I’m after and fit/look the best over time with my lift. As of right this moment I’m not really sure so I plan to do a whole load of research regarding smooth and textured implants. Smooth can ripple and be softer while textured sit a bit firmer and less wobbly as my surgeon said (laughs) Updated on 5 Nov 2019: Sooo.. can you believe yesterday I was diagnosed with a chest infection. Right at 6 days pre op ... I know. How unfair! I felt so sick you guys that I was so panicked about my surgery. I’m rapidly feeling better than yesterday and started a 5 day antibiotic. Send me healing vibes as surgery is on the 11th. Updated on 9 Nov 2019: Hey guys! So my chest infection has gone and I still feel mildly fluey but I should be right to proceed with surgery tomorrow! All I did was let my surgeon know, let the hospital and anaesthetist know what I was taking and how I was feeling. The Anaesthetist will call me tonight to Seeger I am but she said if I’m well enough to work then I’m well enough for surgery and I am. I am pretty nervous today! Last night I kept thinking about it, I just know I’ll be bricking it tomorrow. I’m most nervous about the iv and waiting Around to get into theatre. I heard hey give you some meds to calm you (fingers crossed) I guarantee I’ll be a bit goofy and silly tomorrow because of the nerves. Because I’ve been battling this chest infection mere days before surgery I feel like I’m prepping for post surgery and just napping all day long. I washed my hair today as it’s probably going to be a while before I can jump in the shower care free. I’m dropping my little one to my mums in a few hours as I’ll be getting up around 5am tomorrow for surgery eeeek. Thanks for all the well wishes and I can’t wait to see you all on the other side. A before video I’ll compare to an after post op and my nervous face! Updated on 10 Nov 2019: I’m out of surgery. I feel great! No pain just. Tight chest that feels like a chest workout! I have no nausea and the whole process went so well! I was super nervous but once I led to pre op and theatre I was so calm! 257cc high profile smooth gel. I’ll keep you awesome people updated! Updated on 11 Nov 2019: I was super comfy in the hospital bed and even though I was restricted to sleeping on my back since I am a back/ side sleeper but I just didn’t get much sleep at all last night :( I feel it behind my eyes that I will be stuffed today. Oh well. I’ll be dying to get home because I know I’ll sleep at home. I was surprised with how little pain I was in post surgery so far because I did expect more, Obviously I know I have a road to recovery to get through still but I’m glad I was prepared for worse. I’ve had zero nausea, no drip bag attached to me all day (they undid the iv as soon as I woke up and was able to move around) I have no drains or anything too, bonus. The hospital food has been so yummy and I downed a fish pasta salad, OJ and flavoured yogurt for lunch! Yumm. Everyone here at Saint John of god has been so lovely and made my whole experience really easy to get through. Through my research of what post surgery was going to be like, It really does feel like something sitting on your chest. The dull ache grew over the day and my sternum felt super swollen but the good meds and Panadol seem to make it comfortable. I’ll be sent home with slow and fast release drugs along with antibiotics and more I’m sure. I’m excited to see my surgeon Tim as I haven’t yet. I’m just left in a very light support sports bra so I’m wondering if he will change my dressings at all to send me home or at least my bra to a zip front one. I’m dying to be home. And I’m excited to have more of a peek! Here is what I can see now though... So far the most my pain got was to a 6 and it wasn’t really pain just achy muscles. Updated on 12 Nov 2019: Day two post op and I slept great last night in my own bed. Meds are helping me feel comfortable and so far the recovery has been easier than I expected. Early days but I’m really pleased. I took some photos today and checked out the new boobs. I’m beyond happy! My boobs are very pushed to the sides so far, I sent my hubby to grab a larger zip bra as my usual size felt too small, I’ll downsize as the swelling goes down. Zero complaints and so far I feel like I was expecting the toughest recovery when it’s no drama at all. I just find when I’ve been standing and walking around after a while my boobs ache a little so I make sure to keep activity low so soon post op. Updated on 13 Nov 2019: Ok so I feel a little sore today and so far day 3 has been the toughest. I feel way more tender and stingy around my incisions. I was prepared because it’s been so chill so far,, Meds are helping the pain stay in check and I’m just going to take it easy today. Here are some pictures I took yesterday, they look pretty small in photos but feel large in real lol. Im happy with the size! I can’t wait to see how they drop and fluff Updated on 14 Nov 2019: Going really well. Still sitting very high and tight. Early days. Have my post checkup on Monday the 18th Pretty impressed with my bruising because I expected to be worse as I bruise so easily! Here are some photos in a cute bralett and some of me before surgery in the same kind of bralett. Loving every minute of them so far. Can’t wait to see them drop and fluff :) Updated on 17 Nov 2019: I’m a week post op and I had my appointment Today to checkup. Everything is looking great though I may need a strap to help push them down but we will see in another week at my next appointment I felt like I was gonna pass out and spew when they took off my tapes and put new ones on, my right breast bled a bit -eep :( Definitely take cool surgery drink or lollies to your post op checkup. Updated on 19 Nov 2019: It’s my birthday today! 33 years old!! I got tattooed yesterday and my boobies where my preset! Yey! I’m really happy. I felt a little down yesterday but I think it’s because I had a big day and was out all day. Walking around with them feels weird still and the cold really hurts the nips! Lol I took some photos this morning, they are slowly dropping and coming together more. I’ll update with my follow up app on Monday the 25th. I’m anxious to see how these puppies drop and fluff! Eeep Also boob greed is real, I think while your sitting around healing it’s easy to wish they where bigger haha. But I’m an active person with huge goals in the gym as soon as I’m healed so I feel my size is perfect. Updated on 28 Nov 2019: 3 weeks post op- Feeling a little down in the dumps lately at the moment : ( . I got the all clear to start all lower body exercise Though Yey!! I think going back to the gym will help boost my mental state through this healing process. My appetite is back and I’m not loving my body. I’m not loving my boobs as much either. I think because I know they change so much as they settle/ drop and fluff- I’m just burning to know what they will look like in a few months. I now have brown tape to dress myself every week and a strap to wear as often as possible, that’s going to suck but I need them to drop into place. Feeling a little regretful I didn’t up my size with my implants but I know my results right now are far from the end outcome. 3 weeks post op. Anyone else feel this way? Updated on 29 Nov 2019: I’m so early in recovery stages (3 weeks going on 4 weeks post op) I had read a lot about so much that you amazing women go through after this kind of surgery. I made sure to mentally prepare for not only the physical recovery BUT the -mental- recovery most of all. Time off the gym and the process that your body goes through after the op is a lot to get use to. Boobie blues are a real thing lol. The pain of recovery has been a breeze and my mental state has been really rock solid up until the last couple of days, I stress about regretting the size we chose (surgeons suggestion and my decision based off that) and the frustration of recovery. You realise it’s a big recovery I’m sure will be a distant memory in future. I just want other girls (that are getting this procedure) to take care of yourself and trust the healing process. I felt very vulnerable each time after my post op check ups. I am very conflicted to know If im 100-% happy or not but I had a cry and tried on some outfits and took some pictures to compare to my before. It’s amazing how quickly you forget what you once had and start questioning your choices. I wanted perky round boobs because I never had perky round boobs that I could wear backless dresses with or go braless with confidence. The size I picked I chose based off fitting in with my fit and healthy lifestyle and that I could throw on a bralett and be done lol I think my brain is just fed up and I need to work out! Hahah I’ll keep you posted girls!! Stay positive and remember why you did this and where you came from. Updated on 7 Dec 2019: Just an update. 5 weeks post op. It’s flying by. I’m due to go see my surgeon next week. I’m suppose to wear a strap to help push these boobies down a bit but I’ve been so busy I haven’t worn it as often as I should .. oops... I’m really happy happy so far and although i do battle internally with the size I picked (I’m really happy and I think once they heal up it will just confirm my choice was the best one) I’m starting to workout “just body weights” and leg machines. Feeling so good! So far my boobs have given me much more confidence and I love my body now I do feel my naturally smaller boob (my left) is noticeably smaller than my right and I think my right is dropping slightly more than my left, (totally normal) Updated on 12 Dec 2019: Post op app 3 So one boob has dropped and the other is still sitting high lol I even messaged my surgeon about the steps to take if I wanted a revision and to go larger .... BUT since my right boob has dropped and fluffed more I’m super happy!! I personally don’t think I’ve really enjoyed them yet because I know how much they change over time and it’s such early days. I’m 5 weeks post op. I have to continue to wear my strap to push them down. ( and wear it more often than I have been) it’s really annoying especially in Perth’s 40 degree heat! So far the aftercare from Timothy Hewitt and his team has been second to none. I feel really looked after. Can’t recommend him enough. Updated on 28 Dec 2019: I’m heading towards 8 weeks post op (2 months) my left breast is still sitting high “not quiet in its pocket unlike the right breasts” I have been instructed to wear the dreaded strap until it drops :( it’s really uncomfortable hard to wear everyday and annoying but if my left breast doesn’t drop I’ll have to have revision? Overall I’m happy but not. I wish I went bigger with my implant size. I was modest with the size I picked because of the lift and Tim stresses that if I went too big that it would effect my lift which is what I felt was the most important part of my surgery at the time. I dunno I’ve wanted this surgery for decades but I’m just not that happy with my results. I expected to be sooo happy and I feel I’m satisfied but constantly wish I went bigger with my implant size, it’s a huge regret. I’m still so early on recovery so sometimes you want to take the certified surgeons advice as they know years past results and not just two months post op results. Did any of you have a revision to simply go bigger? Healing has been easy besides this one breast that won’t drop. I guess I gotta save again to afford a revision for size. Updated on 17 Jan 2020: So I’ve tried to wear this strap to push down my left breast but it’s honestly a pain and it’s been so hot here plus Xmas and New Years events and you can’t wear anything in summer without the strap being a massive burden. I’ve not worn it as often as I should.. I’ll also be real.. I love my boobs but I wish they where bigger. Sometimes in clothes and the gym I don’t feel like my boobs look any different than they did. I love the fake look and I didn’t care if they looked fake but these look so natural which is great but on my frame I think they just look toooo natural ... you know, like I didn’t spend almost 9 grand on them lol. I’m a little Devo because I wanted this surgery for years and it looks like I’m going to have to pay more to get the desired outcome I want. I chose modest implant size because I didn’t want big saggy breasts and I took my surgeons advice. I was TERRIFIED that if I chose too big my lift would flop and I’d HATE my boobs that I spent all my money on. I think the 275cc just look much smaller once under the muscle and my body can handle a smidge bigger. I’m really happy with the scars/shape/perkiness of my breasts and I couldn’t be happier there... it’s just bigger.. I want bigger. I have no idea how much bigger but 400cc would be the ticket I think .. It’s all come down to experience and getting to know what life after a boob job is really like. Recovery is a beeeze! Getting back into the gym is so easy and the whole experience has been much less of a big deal than I predicted. My original choice was made due to trying to predict what post surgery is like and really it’s like I never had surgery. Because of this I find I have regrets and although I love my boobs I’m not super proud of them, I feel like I should be absolutely flawed and happy.. and I’m not. I just look at them and wish they where bigger. I have my checkup in 3 weeks where I’ll talk to him about my boobie blues. Some pic updates on my boobies.
Dr Tim Hewitt is excellent. He has exceeded all of my expectations, thoroughly professional, yet sensitive and honest in his recommendations. I can not thank this man enough !Absolutely restored my self confidence and I have felt informed, comforted and supported by the whole team . Thank you !
The whole process from start to finish I could not fault. I went to dr Hewitt for a breast augmentation and I am so happy with the results. From assisting me making an informed and realistic decision in regards to shape and size, I went in asking to still look "natural" and the amount of people who ask me whether they are real or not because they cannot tell, that's exactly how I wanted thfeel to look. On the day of surgery he put me at ease as of course I was so scared. His assistant Adrianna is absolutely fantastic such an asset, every single annoying question I emailed through she sent me a reply within the 1hr(sometimes even less) she also made the whole experience so easy. She was always helpful and approachable. Best decision I have made!
I have my surgery in 2 weeks and I am freaking out about size! I have friends that are shorter than me that had in the range of 250-295cc and they look quite big! Then I see pictures of women with he same stats as me and they look good or tiny! My Dr says the 330 may look a bit big and because I need tall implants they won’t sit the way he thinks I would like them ( nice slope). Most girls say go a little bigger.... can anyone with similar stats I’ve me advice???? Updated on 8 Oct 2017: Has anyone in Perth been with Dr Tim Hewitt? This is my surgeon. Updated on 9 Oct 2017: So nervous. I am really worried about leaving my kids for 5 days! I am also very worried about being under anaesthetic!!! Anyone else had anxiety??? Updated on 9 Oct 2017: 330cc or 295cc anatomical? I am getting under the muscle tall mod +. I am wondering now if round would look better on me? I have a week to go and am really wondering if I have chosen the right implant and size. I listened to friends and they pretty much told me I had to get anatomical and that if I went HP I would look like a [RS bleep]. Now I wish I hadn’t been so firm with my Dr and let him suggest what he thought!! Updated on 16 Nov 2017: Had breast augmentation went from AA to a D cup with mentor 330cc anatomical textured mod profile plus medium height implants. My phone wont let me add pics but I’ll keep trying and I’ll write my experience on here also. I am loving my breasts at 5 weeks out. My chin is smaller but still looks so similar and my nose I just hate I think I’ll be asking for a revision.
I saw Tim for the treatment of gynecomastia with nipple reduction and chest contouring. Tim is very specific, responsive and sensitive in his treatment of both condition/procedure and person. The nursing staff are equally as patient and understanding, ready to answer queries and put to ease concerns surrounding both pre and post surgery. The administration, both financial and for appointments within the hospital and co providers, are exceptional.. taking the stress out of the entire process and guiding you along the path. I will return to Tim in the future should i require more work done.
I have had my breast reconstruction surgery by Dr Hewitt. I am very pleased to mention that he has done such a wonderful work on me. Such an gentleman, Extremely kind. He had been very patient in regards to listen to my problem. Best surgeon and great human being!!!! I would highly recommend him!!!!
I come from a line of curvy females. Genetically I have been blessed in so many ways. I certainly don't look my age (a new grandmother!) and my three pregnancies have left me with no saggy belly, and no tummy stretch marks. However, life saving surgery as a young teenager left me with surgical scarring on the belly which is now exacerbating the drooping of ageing, and unfortunate fat deposits in areas which are...well....not attractive to have fatty deposits! I considered liposuction but quickly realised that at 50 (nearly 51) my skin tone in that area was never going to give me a good result. I decided to ask for expert help. Here in Australia we must have a GP's referral to visit a cosmetic surgeon if we want to claim anything back on our health fund, so a lot of research goes in to which Drs we would even ask for a referral to see. I saw a couple and decided on Dr Tim Hewitt, with surgery booked for November when I can take 6 weeks off work for recovery. My particular TT issues are very different to most ladies that I read about here and so I hope I can offer a different slant on the procedure and results. So. I have no muscle separation to speak of and my surgeon was encouraging me to consider a 'mini' tummy tuck to address my main issue of the unfortunate fat deposit above my mons, and the ageing aspect of the mons itself. I, however, felt that if I was going through the process, I might as well eke every benefit out of it that I could and have opted instead for a full TT, with or without muscle repair (as the surgeon sees fit when he gets in there!) I am 172 cms tall and weigh about 80 kgs ( I could lose 5 kilos if I stopped eating entirely but, bloody hell girls, life is for living!) So, here I go. Very little or no muscle separation, no stretch marks, no loose skin on the belly. But a whole different set of issues that I hope and expect can be remedied by this invasive and aggressive surgery. Updated on 13 Aug 2014: Trying to take photos in the mirror is hard! New respect to all you ladies who have managed it. I hope these shots give you an idea of my issues though! Updated on 10 Sep 2014: So, as always, when I think I've got things planned events charge off in their own direction and I am left scrabbling to catch up! Surgery has been brought forward to November 10 as I have to be in New York for a conference and needed more recovery time. This means I am having to crib time off work, but Adriana at Dr Hewitt's office assures me I'll be up and running easily by then, as there is no muscle repair. So I am trusting to their experience. I will have a 5 day stay in hospital after the surgery so a lot of the initial discomfort that I read about from people on this site, will be taken care of in a hospital situation. Then I'll have ten days at home....and then be off flying long haul during what was supposed to be my "holiday" time. Oh well, I never much liked sitting around doing nothing, anyway! Wish me luck ;-) Updated on 10 Sep 2014: Sorry, I said 2015 in the first post......my mind is already leaping ahead to my overseas and interstate commitments and I kind of forgot I need to finish 2014 first! But definitely November 10 2014, not 2015. I suppose I should mention this to my husband at some stage, too......hmmmm....! Updated on 16 Sep 2014: So, now surgery is scheduled for November 6th. I have a pre-op on October 24. I realise that this is also an opportunity to be a bit of repair work on my thighs, especially my left thigh where I sustained some damage in a horse riding accident years ago. I had a haemotoma removed but it has left with a lax contour....and I've only JUST realised I could potentially have this tightened at the same time as the tummy tuck. Very thrilling thought! Updated on 30 Sep 2014: My surgeon is a marvellous man who does charity work for Operation Rainbow and guess what? He's been scheduled to go off to some third world place and do amazing work on November 6th! He really didn't want to operate on me then leave me without his supervision for 5 days while he was off, so he asked if I would mind changing my surgery date to either October 26 (impossible due to work commitments) or to November 17th, which I have done. This does make the recovery period less generous than I had hoped but fingers crossed it will be ok! I am fit and healthy, what could possibly go wrong? (Ha!) Updated on 21 Oct 2014: I swear, if I could get this operation done today I would. However, I must go through the process. My 51st birthday is tomorrow (22nd October), my pre-op is on Monday 27th October, and I really must mention to my husband, at some stage soon, that I am having this surgery done! I feel nervous, yet so sick of this fold of fat and I keep grabbing a handful and trying to imagine what it will be like to not have it sitting on my lap as I work. The scarring was a huge issue for me in deciding whether or not to have this surgery done, but now I have decided I can live with it, I am just so keen to be done. Looking forward to my pre-op and getting answers to the ever present questions I have! Updated on 26 Oct 2014: I had hoped to have lost a few hundred kilos by now, and to have impressed Dr Hewitt with my fortitude and focus, but then I thought, no. He really need to see what he's working with! And also, the more weight I lose, the worse the whole picture gets. Has anyone had this issue? Where a bit of extra fat under the skin actually helps? Anyway, I certainly have that issue. So, no, tomorrow he gets what I've got. When I compare myself to other women on this forum I feel a fraud....I am trim and no stretch marks, but I then look at the older women in my family and see where I am heading and know there is no turning back from that genetic mirror, without surgical intervention. Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more......! Updated on 27 Oct 2014: Well, Dr Hewitt was very happy with what he's got to work with and assures me the result will be good. We decided on an extended incision line to reduce my hippiness, and a low incision above the pubis. I got him to sketch on me so I could show my husband! He checked my muscles again and confirmed no MR will be needed. I feel kind of excited and kind of apprehensive but mostly excited! Three weeks today till the surgery, a 3 to 5 day stay in hospital, and he assures me pain management will be well taken care of. Updated on 27 Oct 2014: Hmmm, photos didn't upload. Take 2! Updated on 12 Nov 2014: Just 5 days to go till surgery. I feel remarkably calm! Mind you, I am busy prepping students for exams and auditions, so every time I catch sight of my loose belly in the rehearsal room mirror that I think "thank God! Nearly there!" I have chosen to tell some white lies about my surgery, as it's nobodies business except mine (and my husband's) and so there has been some subterfuge (which also really interests me, I was completely open and honest with people about needing int prolapse repair done earlier this year due to bearing big babies and yet another relic of my child bearing, the loose skin, is somehow shameful and I feel I need to be deceitful! That's perhaps more a comment on my own psyche than a general comment, but I do find it interesting!) I was SO SICK last week with the most ghastly chest infection imaginable, brought on by a severe asthma attack, but have spoken with the anaesthetist's office and as long as there is now no infection (there's not) we are good to go. I am SO excited and SO trepidatious, but I'm expecting to bounce straight back from this surgery, especially as it's skin only. Gorgeous hubby's main issue is the nights I'll spend in hospital away from his care. Lovely man! Updated on 16 Nov 2014: Well, the big day is here. How am I feeling? Nervous, a little. Apprehensive for sure. Still not sure I'm doing the right thing! But hopefully after I see the results I'll be one of the 'why didn't I do this years ago' brigade! Surgery scheduled for 1pm local time with a 3 to 5 day stay in hospital. Keep me in your thoughts :-) Updated on 17 Nov 2014: Sitting up in the hospital bed now, pain well under control and feeling well taken care of. Initial glimpse of bb and scar looks neat and tidy, but less than 24 hours out it's hard to tell! Very little drainage so drains can possibly come out tomorrow or next day. Have had a bed wash and can shower tomorrow when drains are removed. Feeling a little giddy but not too shabby at all! Onwards and upwards! Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Everything going well. Drains are in until tomorrow and the pain level is not a problem. I am standing completely upright and well able to walk around and look after myself. I can't imagine our American sisters who seem to go home the day after this surgery. ...That seems very dangerous to me. I am still in hospital until Saturday at this stage, and I'm happy for it to be that way. First full shower today, and hair wash, gave me an opportunity to photograph my bruised and swollen torso. The incision extends a long way around which I wasn't expecting but muffin tops have been excised with it so I can't be unhappy about that. BB looks neat but wierdly it's lower than my original (admittedly very high) BB and it just feels strange to not quite know where my navel is anymore! Dr saw me this morning and is happy with how everything looks, so on we go! Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Updated on 20 Nov 2014: Drains have been removed and I am completely up and mobile. Slept on my side last night and looking forward to getting home to my own bed and snuggling my husband! Swelling is moving South and my left thigh in particular looks very odd and swollen! Thunder thigh on one side! Bruising is still spectacular but everything going nicely. I do feel very well and the surgeon this morning was a bit non plussed at how well I look :-) Made the mistake of stretching as I awoke this morning. ...ouch! Scar told me very quickly that was a bad idea! Next week maybe.... Updated on 21 Nov 2014: Home safely and straight back into the swing of things, no rest for this lass! Hoping these photos will finally post through the PC rather than the phone which failed many times :-( I am still leaking quite heavily through the left hand drain hole and have to use a gauze dressing to stopper the leak which is DISGUSTING but better out than in, I guess! Updated on 23 Nov 2014: I'm going really well, totally back into the swing of things. Swelling can get me down a bit, pain levels are very low (off all pain killers now) but discomfort from the scar pulling as it tightens. This is much less strenuous than I thought it was going to be, and of course that is because I had no muscle repair. Also, I was well looked after in hospital for 5 days before venturing out into the big wide world. The bruising from liposuction is still significant, but not painful. I am sleeping in bed, on my side, no changes in my routine or sleep pattern. I have my first post-op check up on Thursday and hoping they will change the scar dressing then so I can get a sticky beak at what's under the waterproof tape! For me, so far, this has been a low impact surgery and much much less strenuous than I thought it would be :-) Updated on 27 Nov 2014: I went in for a check up yesterday along with a dressing change. Dr was a bit surprised to see me looking so upright and well, and couldn't believe I had driven myself. He said I am about a week ahead of where he expected be to be. I pointed out that no muscle repair probably makes the difference and he said that even though there was none done, I still had four layers of stitches and that Scarpas fascia had been severed and tightened and that I was still doing amazingly well. So that's great to know. Dressings will be replaced every week (none over my belly button) for 6 weeks when I can start scar treatment if I want to. Some stitches will come out next week, the ones that are causing some puckering. But for the moment, continue as is and all going smoothly and ahead of schedule :-) Updated on 30 Nov 2014: Well, trundling along nicely. Went to the gym today for the first time since surgery, and did a gentle work out on treadmill, cycle and cross trainer, and some arm work as well. No tummy or leg work just yet. I am swollen now, not surprising I guess. I really haven't had any issues worth reporting, everything is healing well and I feel fit and healthy. Scar is still covered by special tape and will continue to be for another four weeks, when I can start scar therapy if needed. Intimate relations with my husband have resumed (yay!) and all well there. Updated on 30 Nov 2014: Updated on 30 Nov 2014: Updated on 30 Nov 2014: Updated on 8 Dec 2014: Updated on 8 Dec 2014: Nothing much to report! Dr very happy with progress and doesn't need to see me for 6 weeks unless I have a problem. I am changing the protective tape every couple of days now and using Betadine on any wet spots, I'm due to change the tape today so I'll take a picture of the scar to share. I can start scar therapy in 3 weeks and have been ok'd to massage and moisturise to my heart's content before then. Scar is a bit ropey in places but it's still very early days and I'm not too concerned. Driving, working, playing with wee grand daughter, working out at the gym, all good. Also cleared to wear Nancy Gantz/Spanx type undies rather than the cg if I'm in a situation where that is more appropriate. So, all good, feeling great, light of heart and very happy with progress! Updated on 9 Dec 2014: Updated on 18 Dec 2014: I visited the Dr on Wednesday to check on the couple of wet spots I still have. Good news... superficial and nothing to worry about. Continue dabbing with Betadine and let breathe, should heal nicely. The rest of the scar looks great and indeed has already faded in a couple of places :-D. I'm continuing in excellent health and high energy levels and feel great! All looking good. Updated on 8 Jan 2015: I stopped wearing the Cg at 6 weeks on the dot, and started using silicone strips, except on the healing wet spots. Those wet spots have now dried completely and I've chucked the silicone strips for the moment and opted for moisturiser only, as it is now mid summer here (40C +++) and the silicone strips were just peeling off anyway. I've really had no setbacks, been up and running since day 4 and happily back in to all my usual activities from very early on. I am still swelling dramatically around the mons pubis and abdomen but there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to it, some days I'm fine, other days I'm rock hard and swollen. Go figure. In any case, even when swollen, the mons is much better than it was before surgery, so I can't be unhappy with that! Went out in a bikini for the first time since I had my first child in 1989 the other day....felt a little self conscious but checking out other ladies on the beach I definitely held my own! And in 40C ++ heat, no one is really caring about body image, we're all just trying to get cool without burning to a crisp! Updated on 3 Feb 2015: My shape is changing subtly all the time, and occasionally I get sharp jabs of electric shock-like pain which I know are nerve endings re-establishing themselves. I have been back at the gym, and work since week two, and active sexually since about the same time with no adverse repercussions. My scar is healing low and smooth. I had used silicone strips early on but found them to be a pain. But am trying them again, I've bought the stuff (I figured) I might as well try and use it! In ALL HONESTY, ladies. if you are considering this surgery and you are reasonably fit and healthy, within range of your ideal weight, GO FOR IT! In my experience here in Australia, the surgeon was SO experienced and the hospital system SO good that the surgery was a no brainer after the two or so years I agonised over the decision. The scar is large and obvious at this stage, sure, but less obvious than than the ungainly tummy roll I had before. My surgeon has been empathetic and supportive in the extreme and I feel GREAT! Updated on 1 Mar 2015: Everything is going smoothly. I have been using the silicon tape over the scar - maybe there is an improvement in the scar appearance? I don't know. Certainly the scar is lightening daily. The photo makes it look rather redder than it is in real life. I feel great.My shape is changing daily and the nasty swelling catches up with me at the end of the day (these photos were taken in the morning) but I am back to 12 hour work days with no ill effect. I feel the need, every morning, to stretch and breath DEEPLY , more than I ever have before. This has been a very smooth surgery for me, and I can only hope and pray it will be for others also :-) Updated on 1 Mar 2015: Missed this one, sorry. Side view ;-) Updated on 1 Mar 2015:
There just aren't enough words to describe this man in an incredibly positive light. Dr Hewitt is extremely professional, ensured I kept my dignity at all times, listened to EXACTLY what I wanted, advised accordingly and went over and beyond my expectations. I'm very, very happy with my surgery. His staff are also lovely, never at any point making me feel an iota of embarrassment or awkwardness. I was honestly very calm during my 3 month wait, right up until the very second of having my op.
