To be honest the hardest part of my entire TT journey was making my way to Dr Marco's clinic. It took incredible personal strength to make an appointment ; and then on the day of my consultation to face myself naked in the mirror took everything I had. Despite my nerves and anxiety Dr Marco was gentle, supportive and kind. From day 1, Dr Marco and his entire team made me feel special despite my own inner turmoil and doubt; and that was very powerful, and their honesty and genuine care helped me make the decision to go ahead with the surgery - with Dr Marco as my surgeon. As history, I had lost 20kgs around 15 years earlier, and no matter how much sport or exercise or training I have done since - and 2 kids later - I just couldn't shift the excess skin or tone up my tummy. So when I turned 50, I decided it was time to explore the right surgeon for a tummy tuck - and gain back my confidence in a swim suit and stop this self-loathing I have had ever since i was a teased, overweight girl in high school. Fast forward to the day of my surgery, it was calming to have Dr Marco there, and the whole experience from the drawings on my body the night before, to the surgery itself was not scary. I knew I was in the care of an incredible surgeon and I just let it all happen around me. I spent 2 days in hospital on some pretty strong meds so the pain wasn't an issue, not until later - the toughest part in hospital was probably standing up for the first time, and going to the toilet. That was hard. I won't lie. But I only had to see the results of the TT - photos below, already so incredible from the first day -my belly button was perfect - I just learned to take it one day at a time. Once home, I spent the first week pretty much in bed watching tv - walking a small distance as required. I had drains and had to wear a compression garment 24/7 - so it isn't easy to do much with drains hanging off. Sneezing worried me the most with my stitched tummy muscles - but it was ok. And THE worst was SLEEP - that was tough, with lipo as well, my back was super sensitive and I struggled to sleep on it - as I am a side sleeper. Again, just one day at a time. And every day I got stronger - and I could see the incision healing really well and so fast - see photos. I also had great support from my husband and kids, which was crucial - and I also had time off work, also essential; 10 working days - I then started working from home/bed for a further week - so probably 3 weeks more or less is needed. And now 18 months later, my scar is barely visible, really - and i'm wearing a bikini with a hot new tummy! Thanks Dr Marco !! I cannot thank you enough for giving me my confidence back.
I first went to see Dr Marco on the recommendation of my Pilates instructor - I had given birth to 4 daughters, the last being identical twins. I had lost lots of weight, even below my pre pregnancy weight & my stomach still was pouchy & hung down. I also saw that during the day as I hydrated it would become fuller & puffy looking. My boobs were flattish but that was to be expected after breastfeeding 4 babies & pumping 1lt of milk per day for 6 months for my twins. My Pilates teacher pointed out that I had diastasis recti of up to 7cm & she couldn't help bring my muscles together & recommended surgery & specifically Dr Marco who had done her breast augmentation. From the start Dr Marco made me feel comfortable. He explained the procedure for my stomach very clearly. His support staff backed him up well by finding out all I needed to know about costs for hospital, dealing with insurance. He also made my husband feel comfortable that we were making the right decision. Dr Marco will only work in hospitals. He has over 30 years experience & has pioneered some endoscopy style surgeries. Surgery was April 1 2011. I had 5 nights in hospital as I had both diastasis recti repaired, 600 grams of skin removed (no lipo required) & breast augmentation. He & his team visited daily & after discharge contacted me daily. When there was a suspected infection they took a swab straight away & put me on antibiotics. Results back later that day I was fine. My scars healed beautifully & my belly button looks amazing! (Implants were Silimed 305cc polyurethane textured) The reason for my review after all this time is because recently I decided to have Explant Surgery. I saw one other surgeon who had written an article about BIA-ALCL here in Singapore. He was very nice but I decided to go & see my original surgeon Dr Marco. From the start, once again Dr Marco filled me with confidence that he could do the job. I barely had to ask a question (I had many written down) as he told me the answers before I could ask! He also didn't make me feel like I was being hysterical for being worried. He takes the time to listen: Yes, he would do enbloc, yes the implants & capsules & any fluid would be sent to pathology, what could happen afterwards etc his team are also always available to answer any question & also navigate the hospital & insurance billing process. I had the surgery last Wednesday 11th September & it went textbook perfectly! I have recovered well, have had positive results from pathology but best of all Dr Marco gave me the best care & instilled such confidence in me. If you are in Singapore & considering any type of plastic surgery I highly recommend Dr Marco Faria Correa!
It was a mixed bag with Dr Marco. Everything went well with the surgery (abdominoplasty, diastasis recti) for which I’m thankful and that’s where Dr Marco’s skills come in. However, I’d problems with the lack of transparency in his billings. I was told in pre-op consultations that all post op visits would be included in the surgery fees. Not so. Upon learning that I’d insurance that covers the cost partially, they became chargeable. I’d intended to use part of my post-op insurance for physiotherapy so it was a nasty surprise when I learnt about the charges a week after surgery, hobbling in pain with drainage tubes sticking out of me. Also as a result of Covid that impacted global logistics and labour, the clinic ran out of compression garments in my size. I was then put into something too small (that constricted my breathing so much they my O2 levels fell to 92%!) and made to pay S$500 a piece! Financial counseling & signing of the contract was done on the day of surgery. But let’s face it, it is a little late in the day no? The hospital has been booked, you’ve fasted for 12hours and you’re all mentally prepared for the surgery - you certainly do not have a clear head to think about numbers or to read the fine print! Post op, I was also peeved that Dr Marco only gave me a silicon plug for my reconstructed belly button at the 6 month review. When asked if it was too late, Dr Marco’s reply was, “better late than never”. … look, I expected it to be given to me at the RIGHT TIME, not when it was too late. My belly button looks awful. My advice to anyone seeking Dr Marco. Put all your agreement in writing BEFORE the day of surgery. Find out how much incidentals cost - compression garments, silicon tapes, gel, post op visits etc. You can’t be too careful. It’s a pity because Dr Marco does seem to be reputable - but his back office operations are a tad shady. Ps. Dr Marco charges his silicon tape at 3-4x the price on Amazon. Outrageous.