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Charles Davis is, in my opinion, the most...
Charles Davis is, in my opinion, the most wonderful surgeon in the world. He is passionate, caring, sensitive, patient, empathetic and down to earth with a sense of humour. I absolutely LOVE him. I am NOT in love with him, I just love him! I would honestly trust him with my life. He has a gift. He is a top class surgeon but he is also an artist and a perfectionist. He has vision, he is honest and above all else he has integrity. I know that Charles would not undertake surgery under false pretences.
I would recommend Charles to anyone who is thinking about surgery, even if it is just to make sure that what you want is achievable and realistic. If it is not, Charles will tell you.
Here is my story. I hope it helps you if you are thinking about a tummy tuck, whatever your circumstances.
After years and years of yo-yo dieting, and losing a lot of weight each time, I always gave up because no amount of diet and/or exercise could shift the huge "apron" of loose skin and stretch marks which hung over my bikini line. That "apron" caused so many problems - ulceration along bikini line, sweating in togs, itchiness, the list goes on.
I was contemplating surgery in Thailand. The prices sounded great, far less than what they were saying they were in NZ by an average of 50%-70% less. Plus you got a great holiday thrown in complete with idyllic surroundings to recuperate in. So I sent photos away for quotes. That is where it all fell over. Those "cheap" prices online turned out to be totally unrealistic once they viewed photos. The prices came back at an average of NZ$22K. They said I needed "an extended tummy tuck and liposuction". Add to that the cost of flights and accommodation following surgery - 14-21 nights in a hotel AFTER 8 nights in hospital! That was 16-23 days away from home. If anything during or after surgery went wrong it also involved a return trip to Thailand to to have the problem rectified. Totally unrealistic. Plus the concern about developing a DVT in-flight on the return journey home. So I was totally disillusioned.
Then I decided one afternoon to get some more information about having the surgery in NZ. No "free"luxury holiday included, but close to home in my own country with support from family only seconds away. I googled a few surgeons in Wellington and I made appointments to see 2 of them. Then I found one more, still in Wellington area but in Lower Hutt. I phoned and spoke to Charles Davis's PA, Mel. I asked a few questions regarding liposuction (as Thailand said I needed liposuction). Mel phoned back after speaking with Charles and I was impressed with the answers and made an appointment to see Charles in 2 weeks time. My appointments in Wellington were scheduled for a few weeks after the visit with Charles.
From the moment my husband and I started speaking to Charles at that initial consult we were amazed. He was so caring and honest. He said my age of 57 was NO object. I am fit and healthy and had lost 30 kgs in 6 months. My lifestyle had changed to get me this far and I wanted and needed to be able to maintain that lifestyle of regular exercise and sensible eating. I had become totally vegetarian during the 6 month period it took me to lose that 30 kgs and I was feeling good. I did not want a tummy tuck to be a "quick fix" way of making me look fabulous but mean I would return to my bad eating habits and stop exercising. Charles agreed totally with my attitude and future lifestyle goals. Charles examined me, took photos and spent nearly an hour explaining the probable outcome of surgery together with any complications, if any. He asked me "if I could do this surgery today, what would you say?". That was easy "yes, yes, yes". The cost? NZ$15K all up. No "free" holiday, no 2-3 weeks away from home, no long plane journey home. I walked out of his room on Cloud 9 and my husband said the change in my attitude was unbelievable. For so long I had hated my body, avoided shopping for clothes, had lost my self esteem and hid away from people. I would not look in mirrors and spent summers at home by the pool instead of going out in public. My "apron" hung down over the top of my thighs, my stretch marks went from hip to hip and came above my tummy button and were so deep they were noticeable through t-shirt or blouses. I was very adept at "hiding" not only my huge bulge but also myself. I was becoming a recluse and if I hadn't seen Charles after losing that 30 kgs, I would probably have given up again and the vicious cycle would have started again.
So, my husband and I went to reception and finally met Mel face to face. What a wonderful lady she is! Unfortunately, I could not have the surgery that afternoon - BUT I did book in for 2 weeks later and I was so excited.
At my consult with Charles it was decided I would have a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. I changed my mind about that a few days later, simply because I did not want a vertical scar which would be compromised by waistbands rubbing against it. I walk for 3-4 hours a day and avoiding that chafing was going to be impossible, so I opted for a standard tummy tuck with a cut along the pubic/bikini line.
I had my surgery. I was still on Cloud 9 all the way down the hall in my bed on the way to the operating room. I was prepared for 2 weeks minimum of severe pain and being unable to move much apart from lying on the couch and making it to the toilet. Mentally I was prepared for the WORST - but hoped it would be worth it in the end.
The theatre staff were amazing, as was the anaesthetist. My fears of vomiting after surgery due to adverse affects of opiates were listened to. It didn't happen. No vomiting. I was wearing a binder and it felt good. It gave me confidence. No catheter - great because I WANTED to get up as soon as possible to go to the bathroom and I did! Drains? Only 1 and I knew it was for a maximum of 7 days. I safety pinned the end of the drain to my gown and got myself up every hour after drinking lots of water each hour. A bit light headed the first time - but after that I was fine. Pain? Controlled by panadol and diclofenac only but I really think I could have gone without the panadol. It was not really "pain" either. It was uncomfortable but I was walking around the corridors unaided and standing upright only a few hours after returning to my room. I ate dinner, watched tv, read my book.
Night time was uneventful. I did not sleep much because it was a strange bed etc. but had a good chat with the 3-11 nurse and nurse aid.
Next morning I felt great. The drain was removed and a new dressing applied where it had come out.
Charles came to visit and I was free to go home! Follow up in 6 days for a dressing change. Keep the binder on 24/7. No shower because wetting the dressings could infect the wounds. OK - not so great, but it was only a week. I would manage and I did!
Off home I went with my husband. Getting in the car was a bit strange but fine. I sat on the couch with feet up but continued drinking water and walking to the toilet. I walked around the house each time I went to the toilet. I sat up normally to eat meals. I had "washes" in the bathroom sink and washed my hair with the hand held shower. I got dressed every day. By day 4 following surgery I was taking no oral medication at all and felt really good.
First follow up saw the dressings changed and the go ahead for being allowed to use the shower! Great relief as I was sure I "smelled" where the wounds had been dressed. I tend to be a clean freak and my usual 2-3 showers a day seemed a very distant memory.
8 days post-op and I started walking for an hour a day at a 20% reduced time from pre-op. I wear my binder 24/7 apart from when it is washed each day and takes an hour to dry on the clothes line.
Second follow up 19 days post-op. Charles is pleased with my progress. The scars are "taped" and even though I can now leave them without tape, the healing is aided by tape, so as I do not have any adverse effects from the tape I will continue with it and will change it daily as I have done since 10 days post-op.
Next follow up - 2 months, so August 2017!!
The difference to my body shape was evident immediately after surgery. It has only continued to improve each day since. I have a sight "pouchiness" around my tummy button on each side, but it will subside. I am expecting total healing to take 12 months or possibly more. I have NO STRETCH MARKS at all!! I have no "apron", no bulge, no overhang. I look fantastic. I am happy. I love my new body. I have self esteem again. I LOOK in the mirror every time I pass it. AND I am still eating sensibly BECAUSE this is for the rest of my life.
I would recommend Charles to anyone who is thinking about surgery, even if it is just to make sure that what you want is achievable and realistic. If it is not, Charles will tell you.
Here is my story. I hope it helps you if you are thinking about a tummy tuck, whatever your circumstances.
After years and years of yo-yo dieting, and losing a lot of weight each time, I always gave up because no amount of diet and/or exercise could shift the huge "apron" of loose skin and stretch marks which hung over my bikini line. That "apron" caused so many problems - ulceration along bikini line, sweating in togs, itchiness, the list goes on.
I was contemplating surgery in Thailand. The prices sounded great, far less than what they were saying they were in NZ by an average of 50%-70% less. Plus you got a great holiday thrown in complete with idyllic surroundings to recuperate in. So I sent photos away for quotes. That is where it all fell over. Those "cheap" prices online turned out to be totally unrealistic once they viewed photos. The prices came back at an average of NZ$22K. They said I needed "an extended tummy tuck and liposuction". Add to that the cost of flights and accommodation following surgery - 14-21 nights in a hotel AFTER 8 nights in hospital! That was 16-23 days away from home. If anything during or after surgery went wrong it also involved a return trip to Thailand to to have the problem rectified. Totally unrealistic. Plus the concern about developing a DVT in-flight on the return journey home. So I was totally disillusioned.
Then I decided one afternoon to get some more information about having the surgery in NZ. No "free"luxury holiday included, but close to home in my own country with support from family only seconds away. I googled a few surgeons in Wellington and I made appointments to see 2 of them. Then I found one more, still in Wellington area but in Lower Hutt. I phoned and spoke to Charles Davis's PA, Mel. I asked a few questions regarding liposuction (as Thailand said I needed liposuction). Mel phoned back after speaking with Charles and I was impressed with the answers and made an appointment to see Charles in 2 weeks time. My appointments in Wellington were scheduled for a few weeks after the visit with Charles.
From the moment my husband and I started speaking to Charles at that initial consult we were amazed. He was so caring and honest. He said my age of 57 was NO object. I am fit and healthy and had lost 30 kgs in 6 months. My lifestyle had changed to get me this far and I wanted and needed to be able to maintain that lifestyle of regular exercise and sensible eating. I had become totally vegetarian during the 6 month period it took me to lose that 30 kgs and I was feeling good. I did not want a tummy tuck to be a "quick fix" way of making me look fabulous but mean I would return to my bad eating habits and stop exercising. Charles agreed totally with my attitude and future lifestyle goals. Charles examined me, took photos and spent nearly an hour explaining the probable outcome of surgery together with any complications, if any. He asked me "if I could do this surgery today, what would you say?". That was easy "yes, yes, yes". The cost? NZ$15K all up. No "free" holiday, no 2-3 weeks away from home, no long plane journey home. I walked out of his room on Cloud 9 and my husband said the change in my attitude was unbelievable. For so long I had hated my body, avoided shopping for clothes, had lost my self esteem and hid away from people. I would not look in mirrors and spent summers at home by the pool instead of going out in public. My "apron" hung down over the top of my thighs, my stretch marks went from hip to hip and came above my tummy button and were so deep they were noticeable through t-shirt or blouses. I was very adept at "hiding" not only my huge bulge but also myself. I was becoming a recluse and if I hadn't seen Charles after losing that 30 kgs, I would probably have given up again and the vicious cycle would have started again.
So, my husband and I went to reception and finally met Mel face to face. What a wonderful lady she is! Unfortunately, I could not have the surgery that afternoon - BUT I did book in for 2 weeks later and I was so excited.
At my consult with Charles it was decided I would have a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. I changed my mind about that a few days later, simply because I did not want a vertical scar which would be compromised by waistbands rubbing against it. I walk for 3-4 hours a day and avoiding that chafing was going to be impossible, so I opted for a standard tummy tuck with a cut along the pubic/bikini line.
I had my surgery. I was still on Cloud 9 all the way down the hall in my bed on the way to the operating room. I was prepared for 2 weeks minimum of severe pain and being unable to move much apart from lying on the couch and making it to the toilet. Mentally I was prepared for the WORST - but hoped it would be worth it in the end.
The theatre staff were amazing, as was the anaesthetist. My fears of vomiting after surgery due to adverse affects of opiates were listened to. It didn't happen. No vomiting. I was wearing a binder and it felt good. It gave me confidence. No catheter - great because I WANTED to get up as soon as possible to go to the bathroom and I did! Drains? Only 1 and I knew it was for a maximum of 7 days. I safety pinned the end of the drain to my gown and got myself up every hour after drinking lots of water each hour. A bit light headed the first time - but after that I was fine. Pain? Controlled by panadol and diclofenac only but I really think I could have gone without the panadol. It was not really "pain" either. It was uncomfortable but I was walking around the corridors unaided and standing upright only a few hours after returning to my room. I ate dinner, watched tv, read my book.
Night time was uneventful. I did not sleep much because it was a strange bed etc. but had a good chat with the 3-11 nurse and nurse aid.
Next morning I felt great. The drain was removed and a new dressing applied where it had come out.
Charles came to visit and I was free to go home! Follow up in 6 days for a dressing change. Keep the binder on 24/7. No shower because wetting the dressings could infect the wounds. OK - not so great, but it was only a week. I would manage and I did!
Off home I went with my husband. Getting in the car was a bit strange but fine. I sat on the couch with feet up but continued drinking water and walking to the toilet. I walked around the house each time I went to the toilet. I sat up normally to eat meals. I had "washes" in the bathroom sink and washed my hair with the hand held shower. I got dressed every day. By day 4 following surgery I was taking no oral medication at all and felt really good.
First follow up saw the dressings changed and the go ahead for being allowed to use the shower! Great relief as I was sure I "smelled" where the wounds had been dressed. I tend to be a clean freak and my usual 2-3 showers a day seemed a very distant memory.
8 days post-op and I started walking for an hour a day at a 20% reduced time from pre-op. I wear my binder 24/7 apart from when it is washed each day and takes an hour to dry on the clothes line.
Second follow up 19 days post-op. Charles is pleased with my progress. The scars are "taped" and even though I can now leave them without tape, the healing is aided by tape, so as I do not have any adverse effects from the tape I will continue with it and will change it daily as I have done since 10 days post-op.
Next follow up - 2 months, so August 2017!!
The difference to my body shape was evident immediately after surgery. It has only continued to improve each day since. I have a sight "pouchiness" around my tummy button on each side, but it will subside. I am expecting total healing to take 12 months or possibly more. I have NO STRETCH MARKS at all!! I have no "apron", no bulge, no overhang. I look fantastic. I am happy. I love my new body. I have self esteem again. I LOOK in the mirror every time I pass it. AND I am still eating sensibly BECAUSE this is for the rest of my life.
Provider Review
Mr Charles Davis
Charles Davis, Boulcott Hospital, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand