Happy 40th 2 Me: Tummy Tuck / Breast Implants = Personal Restoration = better than Make-Over - Atlanta, GA

I grew up in a family of doctors. Oncologist,, a chief of staff, a neurosurgeon. Parents, grandparent, aunt and uncle drilled it in early on: check creditials, find the right mix between sufficient experience and most up to date / cutting edge education, talk to the nurses, talk to other patients / read reviews, feel comfortable. Don't ever, ever accept the B-team.

With my upbringing and being fit and healthy, I never figured myself for elective surgery. I've always accepted my genetics, but after bearing and nursing 5 children, including a set of twins and several medical procedures leaving my body feeling and looking the part, I decided to look into my options. I talked to several well-respected doctors in the area as to whom they recommend, I spoke to nurses at the two hospitals I prefer. I met with 4 different top surgeons to discuss my goals and concerns. All had the credentials, including at least one board certification. All had recommendations and peer support. Two were probably in 50s, one was probably late 40s, one was younger and was the by far favorite of the nurse staff: Dr. Killingsworth.

Before meeting Dr. Killingsworth in person, I will fully admit I had initial reservations about his years in private practice being less than the others. But, I was more than assured after speaking with family in the profession that the training he had received - almost 10 since medical school - was more than enough and also put him at cutting edge of advancements. He was awarded Most Outstanding Student Pursuing a Career in Surgery in med school, was the chief resident during his fellowship training (that's a REALLY big deal), and he pursued and achieved the two most relevant and prestigious board certifications in his field - in addition to being a diplomate of ABPS and ABS. Those are no ordinary bells and whistles, and for me, put him ahead of the other's resumes, despite their additional years at practice. Besides, at some point in every doctor's career, its not practice any more, but offering their "mastered" services. Like the other three surgeons I interviewed, Dr. Killingworth is undeniably there.

Still, I asked him about it. I wanted to hear what his opinion on this were. He didn't bring up his awards, nor his scholastic achievements. Of course, he confirmed his years of training and being plenty experienced. He had already done several of my procedures that week and some ridiculously high (and highly comforting) number in his career. He also spoke about his philosophy of practicing medicine and why he wanted his own business in order to not only accomplish those goals but to do so in a way he was proud of and put the patients at ease and even happy. I was as impressed as could be, shook his hand and paid my bill, scheduling my procedure. Dr. Killingsworth took the time to make sure I was comfortable. He answered every question perfectly straight-forwardly and honestly. He was respectful and decent and patient. I thought after having babies, all modesty went out the window, but, undressing for a doctor and telling them your perceived flaws takes a massive side-stepping of any humility left. And, yet, Dr. Killingsworth could not have been more professional, striking the much welcomed and even needed balance between being absolutely clinical while also being appropriately empathetic and decent. Thank goodness.

So,after scaring myself with internet searches of scars and mishaps, I swore myself off the computer for the final few days before my surgeries. I am glad I saw those images, though, because even the success ones are not as good a result as I got. I feel back to myself, the self before babies and medical procedures. I don't know why it's called a Mommy Make-Over to have a tummy tuck and breast implants that bring a woman back to her pre-baby body. This feels like a restoration. Tummy tucks with muscle repair put the muscles back where they were, where they couldn't return without this surgerical intervention. And, the implants? Well, I never thought I would get them, but, I never realized that babies could take you down two full cups, nor that biopsies and pre-cancerous tissue removals could leave you so noticeably lopsided. I didn't like it; I felt like my body wasn't mine anymore. I have no problems with scars; I am just not a fan of feeling like I am malformed now or tell my 6 year old for the millionth time we aren't having more babies, and I am not pregnant if I eat a hearty meal. I may be trim, but my stomach's go-to way of relaxing was morphing into a protruding marsupial pouch.

Anyhow, I chose anatomical implants and asked to have them smaller than when I was at my baby-booming biggest. I didn't need lipo with the tummy tuck, but I needed serious muscle repair.

I had zero bruising.

My scars are better than anything I have seen on the internet, I only took pain killers the first two days and then switched to advil. I am about month out, and I have the go-ahead to exercise and live life normally again (within reason). I feel great. I feel grateful, and I feel restored. For me.

I am very, very, very glad I chose Dr. Killingsworth, and I would love to recommend him to everyone. He has the most personable, patient and understanding bedside manner and kindness to him. I had no doubts going in to surgery that he knew what I wanted and would honor that. I also trusted hin enough to give him the reign to do what he needed to do, medically, to attain the results I was hoping. That's a huge cart blanch to give someone, and I wouldn't give that out unless I was 100% SURE. I am surprised that in a field where there are no guarantees and no 100%, someone comes as close as Dr. Killingsworth, in my opinion, in being to deliver that. He did for me. Thank you very much, Dr. Killingsworth. Thank you for giving me back to me. Thank you, also, for hiring such wonderful ladies to work with you. Both Jen and the lovely front desk lady are as wonderful as can be. Everything in the office runs so efficiently and courteously - what a diamond outfit, from top to bottom. I never waited longer than 2m for my appointment; I was always greeted so kindly and warmly; and I never felt rushed or pressured or left in the dark on anything. It is so nice to be in touch with an office that runs as well as this one in every possible way.