Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck Boost Confidence after Weight Loss

Janet Fields likes to work out, go to Zumba class and play volleyball. Her active 13- and 9-year-old daughters and her job as a surgical technologist also keep her moving.

She fits comfortably in size 6 clothes and is happy with her flat abdomen and breasts that no longer droop. Just 2 ½ years ago, Janet was buying clothes in sizes 16 or 18. She says she had always been heavy and finally made a resolution to improve her life and health and lose the weight.

Over a year and a half, she carefully watched her sugar and carbohydrate intake, losing 60 pounds through diet and exercise. Although she lost a significant amount of weight, she was left with excess skin that sagged and wouldn’t go away, even with her hard work at the gym. She didn’t feel like she was her best self.

After some research, Janet went to see Binh Nguyen, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon with TriHealth Cosmetic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center. Dr. Nguyen explained how he could help improve her look and self-confidence to complement the success she’s had with weight loss. He recommended for Janet an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to remove excess skin from her abdomen and tighten her core muscles. This would be combined with breast augmentation and lift to restore her breasts to a more natural and full shape. 

Through massive weight loss or childbearing, patients can develop deflation in their breast volume, as well as drooping position (ptosis) of their nipples.  Some patients need breast implants to correct the volume, some need a lift (mastopexy) procedure to improve their nipple position, while others like Janet need both to restore their youthful appearance.  

Amazing Work

Janet agreed to have these procedures done in one extended surgery. She had seen the surgery performed while on the job as a surgical technologist. “I was very scared to be receiving anesthesia for so long, but it went well,” Janet says. “Dr. Nguyen reassured me that everything would be fine, and it was better than I thought it would be.”

She continues, “I thought there’d be a lot more pain. I took pain medicine for three days afterwards, and then acetaminophen and ibuprofen. I went back to work on light duty after three weeks.”

Janet praised Dr. Nguyen on several levels. “He does amazing work. I could have gone to another surgeon, but I just loved his work and how precise he is,” she says. “He’s honest and upfront and has a great bedside manner. He’s very personable and answered all of my questions before and after surgery.” She was impressed that he texted her the day she went back to work to make sure she was doing well.

Janet says transforming her body through the breast and skin-tightening surgery has made a difference in her self-esteem. Shopping for clothes is more enjoyable, because the fit of the clothes is so much better. She hasn’t been on a big shopping spree yet, but she’s looking forward to buying clothes that are more form-fitting.

“Everyone says I look good, and I’m feeling good about myself” Janet says with satisfaction. “My experience was amazing, and I would do it all over again.”