Celebrity Plastic Surgery, News, Gossip

Sad of looking “forever pregnant”, Maureen (who goes by Makemeheal.com username Mojo1) decided she was ready for her journey to Flatlands by having a tummy tuck for the extra fat and skin she had post-pregnancies. Native of Windhoek, Namibia (South-western part of Africa), Mojo1 selected a well-known female, board-certified surgeon in practice for over 10 years to conduct her abdominoplasty.

See Mojo1 Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album

While preparing for her tummy tuck, Mojo1 used the Makemeheal.com message boards for support and information about the procedures and various products that everyone needs to heal better and faster.

Though recovery was not easy, Mojo1 had her husband and kids by her side to help her. Today, Mojo1 is a bubbly and happy woman who is more confident and excited to finally be able to wear fitting tops and shirts that get her lots of compliments.

The advice she’d like to share with everyone who is considering this procedure: “You have to be well prepared and ready mentally, emotionally and physically. Don’t compare yourself with others and have realistic expectations. Lose excess weight before your surgery for best results and follow your doctor’s orders carefully.”

Please join us below for an interview with Mojo1:

MakeMeHeal.com: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Mojo1: When I saw the Extreme Make over programs on TV and how good these ladies looked afterward.

MakeMeHeal.com: What were your motivations behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Mojo1: I had constant back pain and rashes due to my large breast. My tummy was just in my way during exercise and I could not wear nice form fitting tops and shirts. I looked forever pregnant.

MakeMeHeal.com: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Mojo1: Not long and it was not difficult, it was just a matter of financing the procedures. My DH who is so selfless and generous paid for both procedures. I would do it again in a “wink”, the best investment I have ever made.

MakeMeHeal.com: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Mojo1: My DH and kids knew about that and supported me but I have not told any family members or friends. I like it to keep it that way for now.

MakeMeHeal.com: How did you research the procedure(s) and come to decide on this particular procedure(s)?

Mojo1: I researched most online and by word of mouth. A friend of mine had a breast reduction surgery about 13 years ago and I saw the results and comfort of not having big, saggy boobs hanging on the tummy. That motivated me to have the surgery.

Make Me Heal’s resources definitely helped and prepared me beyond my tummy tuck. Still an active member and the ladies on the message boards are just so WONDERFUL, always helpful and full of advise. I don’t think I would have pulled it off without the MMH site.

MakeMeHeal.com: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Mojo1: I am from Windhoek, Namibia (South-western part of Africa), a relatively small country and we only have one board certified plastic surgeon who is very well-known (female) and in practice for the past 10+ years. My friend who had a breast reduction some 13 years ago had a plastic surgeon from the neighboring South Africa who use to fly in once (for a week) every month to do surgery and for consultations, but he has since retired. I had 2 consultations for each of my procedures and was a very good candidate for my procedures.

MakeMeHeal.com: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Mojo1: From the very beginning, she informed me what she normally does, what she does not prefer and the best way for the best results. I was well informed by my surgeon and she even drew some sketches to show me how she was going to do and the best part, before and after pictures. She didn’t mark me up as I saw on TV except for my BR surgery.

MakeMeHeal.com: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Mojo1: I told my boss that I had to go in for a hernia repair surgery and he was very understanding and encouraging and that I could be off for up to 6 weeks. I bought all the products mentioned on the MMH site like antibacterial wipes and soap, etc. My kids were on school holiday (have a 21 year old who is a 3^rd year University student, she and her father took care of me (like cooking for the family, helping to put my binder on, etc.). My 13 year old boy was always by my side, getting me my meds and refilling my water bottles and taking pictures of my progress. He is a real mommy’s boy and still reminds me to rub-in Bio-oil on my scar.

MakeMeHeal.com: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Mojo1: Oh gosh, that was really hard. I was so nervous and tense, I had these weird thoughts of not waking up from anesthesia, dying and the news would hit the local newspapers and my friends and family would find out (lol) and leaving my kids all alone with DH. I prayed every night that the Lord would guide the hands of my PS and Anesthesiologist for a successful surgery, recovery and healing and my prayers were not in vain. Thank you Lord for that!

MakeMeHeal.com: How was the recovery process?

Mojo1: My recovery was quite good. The only side effect I had with my BR surgery was the intense pain (fire) when I woke up and the nausea, could not eat for 2 days. With my tummy tuck surgery, I also had the intense pain at my incision (like a burning fire) but after taking pain meds, no pain afterwards and no nausea this time around. I didn’t feel hungry at all and didn’t eat for almost 3 days post surgery (had the occasional grape or two, a bite or two from an apple, a tablespoon of yogurt) and lots of water. My DH and kids help me lot during recovery since they were on school holidays for a month.

MakeMeHeal.com: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Mojo1: The only pain I experienced after both my surgeries was the pain (like my incisions were on fire). With the TT surgery, my back “killed” me for walking hunched over and sleeping only in one position for the first 5 days. After day 5 I tried lying on my sides with pillows propped-up and it was heaven.

MakeMeHeal.com: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects?

Mojo1: I was so well prepared and Oh Yes, all the credit goes to the MMH Message Boards. The ladies were very encouraging, helpful and best of all shared their experiences and advise with me. BIG THUMBS UP FOR MMH MESSAGE BOARDS!!!

MakeMeHeal.com: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Mojo1: Rest and take it easy and follow your PS orders and advise. I moved around a lot in week 2 (went to town and did shopping) and swelled-up badly with a little bit of “necrosis” at my incision which has since healed up nicely.

MakeMeHeal.com: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Mojo1: I was booked off for a month. My told my co-workers beforehand that I was going in for major hernia repair. They noticed my flat tummy and was asking question, I just showed them my binder and said doctors orders to wear it for as long as I want. Some say I lost a lot of weight and look very good. I never told them about my procedure and it will stay that way.

MakeMeHeal.com: How happy are you with the results?

Mojo1: I am so THRILLED with my results. The best investment ever!!

MakeMeHeal.com: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Mojo1: I was always a confident and bubbly person before my surgery but now I don’t have to hide my tummy under big loose clothes. I now like form fitting tops and shirts and get a lot of compliments which even boost my confidence more.

MakeMeHeal.com: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Mojo1: Not at all except for resting more.

MakeMeHeal.com: What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure(s) you had?

Mojo1: You have to be well prepared and ready mentally, emotionally and physically. Don’t compare yourself with others and have realistic expectations. Lose excess weight before your surgery for best results and follow your doctor’s orders carefully. The best thing about this surgery was that I quit smoking, have not had a “siggie” in 2 months and didn’t have any cravings and withdrawal symptoms. HOORAY!!! Last but not least, MMH message boards was so good to me during my recovery process and made it a lot easier for me.

MakeMeHeal.com: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Mojo1: OH DEFINITELY!! And it is still, I recommend it to anyone intending having surgery. Make Me Heal is the best!!!

See Mojo1 Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album

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Tags: abdominoplasty, Before and After Pictures, plastic, plastic surgery, surgery, tummy tuck

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(Left: Before, Right: After)

30 year old Byron had always been concerned about his weight since he was a child. He knew he didn’t want to be overweight the rest of his life, so he made the decision to start losing the weight. Byron lost 200 pounds from diet in exercise in 1999. After this massive weight loss, Byron was left with an abundance of draped skin. He realized that the only way for him to really to enjoy this weight loss would be undergoing plastic surgery. After meeting with several plastic surgeons, he finally found the perfect one, Dr. Brenda Draper, who performed an extended tummy tuck, liposuction, a chest lift, BOTOX, and juvederm in November of 2007.

Byron’s advice for anyone having plastic surgery:

“It is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE with any procedure that you know your provider well. Do TONS of research before committing to one. Ask to see before and after pictures of their work, ask to speak to a willing patient of theirs over the phone and ask them blunt questions…”

Please join us below for an interview with Byron:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Byron: After having lost 200 lbs. the skin draped about me was continuing to worsen. I knew that I had to do something if I wanted to really be able to enjoy the fruits of all my hard work.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Byron: I knew that somewhere underneath all that skin was a hansom young man waiting to get out. I worked so hard and at the time I was about 20yo. I knew I wouldn’t be happy wearing clothing 2 sizes too big for the rest of my life. I worked tirelessly baking that cake, but surgery would be the icing. I was never looking for the perfect body, just what I considered a normal one.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Byron: The choice to have surgery was easy. As soon as I knew there was an option to rid myself of my redundant skin, the choice was made. The difficulty came in choosing a surgeon. I saw several and though I will not say my experience is typical, 5 or 6 of them just wouldn’t cut it for me. They seemed busy, preoccupied, uninterested in my ideas. I was throrouhgly researched and studied before I went. I think most of them didn’t like the idea of a 20yo guy coming in with pictures and facts and study materials etc. They wanted to be the expert educating the clueless and didn’t realize it shouldn’t be about what they want no matter what my age was. Then I found Dr. Brenda Draper. At our initial consult I was, even having visited with several other surgeons, extremely nervous and a bit wary. My experience with many of the others was less than positive.

Immediately of note was how calming her voice was. I’m not sure she was ready for me, but I had a research folder with pictures, straight-forward questions, drawings etc. ready to pick the whole thing apart. She never batted an eye. She was very kind and sensitive. She could sense, I believe, just how uncomfortable it was for me, a 20 year old kid to be showing and discussing such unloved parts of my anatomy with a stranger.

Unlike many of the other physicians with whom I had gone through the consult experience, she made me feel like there was nothing wrong with me. Now I can’t exactly explain how one does that when one is going in to discuss “what’s wrong”, but she accomplished it. She never rushed me or dismissed my concerns or questions.  I felt so at home. I felt as though I were sitting in the living room of a trusted friend who just happened to be a plastic surgeon.

Her office was clean and tastefully decorated. Her staff was very kind, accommodating, down to earth and not at all pretentious. Her bedside manner has been unsurpassed by any physician I have seen or worked with as a nurse.  Her follow up was excellent, skill top notch and results speak for themselves

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Byron: Most of us who seek out improvement are hoping to put an end to our relentless camouflage habit. I was pretty good at hiding what I didn’t like and people really had no idea the extent of my problem. That’s why I suppose a lot of people were confused and said things like, “You’re good just the way you are, don’t do this”. Others were so happy for me they beamed with as much delight as I did. It wasn’t until after the surgeries that I was comfortable showing off what it was the doctor and myself were “fixing”. A lot of apologies followed and support flowed freely. My parents were always in my corner then and that was very important.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Byron: My research was all done online. Initially I hadn’t heard of Makemeheal.com (the first surgery), but I’d love to have known about it then.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Byron: After the initial surgery, research for the subsequent surgery 8 or 9 years later was contributed to largely by www.makemeheal.com the photos allow a person to really get an unbiased opinion of what it is like to recover, to heal, what results they can expect. The sharing of support and info has been invaluable.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Byron: Dr. Draper is very interested in discussing the options available to her patients. She lays out for you, based upon her experience, what she believes would work best. It’s a “together” thing with her all the way. She believes communication is key to getting realistic results for patients. She is wary of scarring and discussed at length all the possible scenarios and allowed me to choose according to my preference.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Byron: I took quite a bit of time off from work, I purchased lots of things. Some of the most important I would reccomend would be dressing change supplies and “bath wipes”.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Byron: As I suppose is typical, I doubt a slept much the night before. I was very apprehensive. I suppose some degree of nervousness is natural. All it took though was a little visit with the beloved doc to reassure me that everything would be alright. And it was.

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Byron: Recovery, for me, was a bugger for that first week. For the tummy tuck, the worst part of the discomfort was my back, not being able to stand up straight for a couple of weeks was pretty tough, but the abdomen, to the best of my memory was just like I’d done a million crunches or something similar to it. Really the pain was totally bearable.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects?

Byron: I was very well prepared by the office and medical staff at my doctors office. Nothing, though, can really prepare you except going through it.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Byron: READ READ READ! Get online and learn as much as you can about the entire process from start to finish. The better educated you are the better off you’ll be.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Byron: Well another lesson learned was to keep things a bit more to myself. At first, I was proud, excited and blabbed and bragged to all my friends, most of whom seemed very excited for me. There are those in everyone’s life who just will not understand, who will doubt, question motivations, pass judgement. In the work place it is really better to just avoid this I’ve learned. If I had it to do over again I would have just said, “I’m going to be having a little corrective surgery.”  Let them wonder. Enigmas are things people love to be around. Once they know how the trick works though, they don’t go to the magic show anymore.

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Byron: Thrilled!

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Byron: HUGELY. I am a new person both inside and out. I have a website explaining much of this in better detail. I invite the interviewer to quote from whatever they can find there that might help and also to link people to it. www.aidesignsweb.com/chasingadonis

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Byron: I would’ve done it sooner.

Make Me Heal: What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure(s) you had?

Byron: It is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE with any procedure that you know your provider well. Do TONS of research before committing to one. Ask to see before and after pictures of their work, ask to speak to a willing patient of theirs over the phone and ask them blunt questions like, “How long have you been injecting this particular filler?” or “What are some examples you’ve seen of this surgery “botched” and why?” This is your body for goodness sake. If they think your probing is silly for something so mundane or they are unwilling to divulge then why would you want to give them your HARD EARNED money to alter your body?

I can’t stress enough that the hands that weild the scalpel, needle, laser, will determine what kind of results you get. Sure a small amount of it is your body, but largely it is the skill and expertise of your provider that will determine what you’ll be looking at when recovered. Pay attention to their staff! Are they kind and happy and seem content? That says a lot about who they work for! Is their office tastefully decorated and clean? Never settle for less than! And if and when you find a great provider, stick with them! They’re too precious to lose track of!

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Byron: Greatly

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26 year old Sara (user name: HottMama) realized at a young age that she was very underdeveloped for girls her age. As she got older, she eventually settled down and had a family, giving birth to two children. She was very distraught at the lack of volume seen in her breasts after breastfeeding her infants. She had already been considering a breast augmentation for a considerable amount of time, but finally decided to take the appropriate steps to undergo this procedure. She discussed this with her husband, and upon deciding to undergo a breast augmentation, began doing as much research as possible. After talking to friends, family, and going on for consultations, she finally had her surgery done on December 1, 2008 by Dr. Andre De Greef. She strongly benefited from using Make Me Heal’s Breast Augmentation Message Board for guidance.

Sara’s advice for anyone having plastic surgery:

“Do as much research as you can, ask a million and one questions.  Read every sticky on makemeheal.com and take your time deciding.  It’s a lot of money to fork out for something you ‘might’ want to do.”

Please join us below for an interview with Sara:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Sara: When I was 16 and very underdeveloped.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Sara: Having successfully breastfeeding my two children and the lack of volume my breasts had afterwards.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Sara: Very easy because of the length of time spent on researching it since I was 16.

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Sara: I made the decision with my husband, no one else.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Sara: I asked a friend at work about hers, she let me touch and squeeze them.  I googled everything I could possibly think of about breast augmentation.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Sara: I actually found the site about a week before my surgery date, but the site has an abundance of information on it!

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Sara: I had one consultation with the PS that did my surgery.  He did my friends breasts from work and if I look half as good as she, I would be happy!

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Sara: I told him to work his magic on me and he sure did!!!!

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Sara: I didn’t prepare for the surgery physically but mentally.  I did research on types of pain relief can be used, what type of tape to use for hypertrophic scars (which I suffer from).

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Sara: The night before I was content, I cleaned the house, made lunchs for the kids.  That morning I wasn’t too nervous, more excited…..I was going to wake up with boobs!!!!!!

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Sara: My husband, Chris, did soooo much for me the first week after surgery.  Heat and cold compresses worked wonders for me!

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Sara: The three days after surgery were the worst for pain, I couldn’t get up using just my abdominal muscles because of the pain but it wasn’t unbareable.  I still have ‘morning boob’ 29 days after surgery but it gets better day by day.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects?

Sara: I prepared for the worst……I read the horror stories.  You think your recovery is going to be that bad and then when it comes time…it isn’t!

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Sara: Take a good 2 weeks off work…..even if you feel great after 4 days…take your time!  Have someone there with your 24/7 for the first week.  Don’t do anything besides pamper yourself during this time.  You just went through a huge life changing surgery!!

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Sara: I took 3 weeks off.  I was scheduled to go back 9 days after surgery but didn’t feel ready.  I told one woman about my surgery, noone else.  So far noone has noticed, that I know of.  I’m not sure what I would say if they asked me about it.

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Sara: I am estatic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Sara: I am more confident.  I can wear those cute teddy’s that I couldn’t before.  I feel sexier in pictures, talking to my husband…everything.

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Sara: I would keep a total secret from everyone besides family….and get them to swear that they wouldn’t tell (although sometimes that doesn’t happen!)

Make Me Heal: What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure(s) you had?

Sara: Do as much research as you can, ask a million and one questions.  Read every sticky on makemeheal.com and take your time deciding.  It’s a lot of money to fork out for something you ‘might’ want to do.

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Sara: All the women on the BA forum are wonderful and willing to answer any questions and show you pictures when asked.

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See Stephanie’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

23 year old Stephanie (user name: TheFirstLady) lost nearly 115 pounds in the last four years from a disciplined diet and regular exercise. Prior to losing this weight, she had DD breasts, which went down to a B after all the weight loss. According to Stephanie, they looked deflated and saggy and she had issues filling out her tops. She still felt insecure about her breasts and excess skin on her stomach. She tried to burn this off with further diet and exercise but couldn’t get rid of it. Stephanie had been contemplating plastic surgery for a long time, but there was always something discouraging her from going through with a procedure, whether practicality or money. During this same year, she was dealing with some very difficult personal and family issues, as she found out her father had bone cancer, her step-mother needed dialysis along with a kidney transplant, and Stephanie herself needed surgery to remove pre-cancerous cells. In July, when things seemed like they were hitting rock bottom, she decided to make some changes in her life, and the big change would be undergoing a breast augmentation and full tummy tuck by the end of October. After saving the appropriate funds and securing financing, she had her surgery done on October 20, 2008 by Dr. Galante. She took comfort in writing about her experience in the Make Me Heal blogs. Stephanie is now very excited to wear her first bikini while on vacation later this year!

Stephanie’s advice for anyone having plastic surgery:

“If you want to have cosmetic surgery, do it! Be prepared to work for it and your determination and character be tested. Don’t be afraid of how painful it might be after surgery, or let the fear of the unknown paralyze you into not doing something so meaningful and life-changing for yourself.”

Please join us below for an interview with Stephanie:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Stephanie: Almost a year ago. When I was fat all I that liked about myself was my boobs, and when I lost the weight, I ended up hating them. I never thought they would shrivel so much. I only contemplated a BA at that time. Realization of the need and the decision for a tummy tuck came much later.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Stephanie: There were a few articles of clothing I never thought I would be able to wear, but wanted to desperately since I was a teenager. A funky pair of pants and a string bikini top to be exact. No one gave me the thought to have surgery. Everyone I know said that it was phenomenal that I lost the weight at all, but unfortunately I knew I would never be satisfied. The decision was mine, and only mine. Though earlier this year plastic surgery was just a fantasy.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Stephanie: Overnight, actually. This year has been the hardest, so far. A long string of bad luck, bad news, bad attitudes, and the slow destruction of a loving and “perfect” relationship left me a broken and withered shadow of my former self. I felt so alone and hopeless. Help came in the form of a book, and with that a better understanding of why things happen the way they do. This book explained that horrible events in life are necessary to learn life’s lessons. You may not see nor understand the reasoning now, but when its all over, you will. If I had the power to reverse what happened this year, I wouldn’t. It was the catalyst needed to change my mind, my attitude, and my character. I decided to work as much as I could to keep my mind off of things. I knew what I needed to jumpstart my confidence again, surgery. Not just a BA like I had originally thought, but a step into unknown and expensive territory, a full tummy tuck. But that was it. Scared, tired, lazy, cranky or not, I was going to do it. Within 3 months I had the money, a doctor, and the surgery date. I now know it is absolutely amazing the amount of strength we all possess, when we are forced to find it within ourselves.

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Stephanie: My mother was so excited about my decision. She knew how important it was to me, and allowed me to save everything I could to get my surgery. The rest of my family doesn’t know, but I will end up telling them at some point. It was my decision, my money, my happiness.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Stephanie: I looked over so many before and afters, and doctors’ websites, and explanations of procedures to have a very good understanding of what was going to happen while I was in surgery and my recovery thereafter. Google and Youtube have some pretty informative but graphic videos of just about any procedure.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Stephanie: The blogs were amazing. Who better than a person who actually had the surgery to explain it. Every gross detail, heads up, milestones, and frustrations were unlike anything I read on those websites.

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Stephanie: I consulted 3 different doctors to compare their opinions on what should be done during surgery. The first doctor’s opinion differed wildly from the last two, and with research from the internet, I was led to agree with the latter. My favorite was the last doctor seen, Dr. Platis. Unfortunately his fees were over 5 thousand dollars more than I expected, so I chose Dr. Galante, my second consultation. Later, I found out that he had done my grandmothers eyelids, and removed cancer from my grandfathers face almost 15 years ago. He was quick with me, and didn’t seem very thorough, but he most definitely knew what he was talking about. I’m satisfied with my choice and my results thus far. Ultimately, with more consults, the better to compare opinions.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Stephanie: I didn’t play a big role in the decision making like I know I should have. I kept kind of quiet and let him do the talking. You should never do that. I was lucky and had a Dr. that truly knew what he was talking about. This surgery is on your body, so ask many questions and be as annoying as you feel you need to.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Stephanie: I received a booklet from my Dr. about a month and a half before surgery. Inside it advised to take multivitamins including an extra 1000mg of vit. C, stop taking NSAIDS, stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, etc. I’m in pretty good shape and don’t smoke so I didn’t have much to worry about. At home I prepared a recliner lined in fleece blankets with pillows from almost the entire house to put under my knees. I had someone around the vast majority of the time as well, which is necessary since you cant get in and out of your bed/recliner on your own. I took anti-anxiety drugs the night before and day of. Always clear their use with your Dr. first though. He also prescribed me Scopolomine, an anti-nausea drug in the form of a transdermal patch. I had no problems with nausea or vomiting at all during surgery or recovery like many people do.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Stephanie: The weeks leading up to the surgery I was an absolute wreck. I worried about how to get all the bills paid, and how to manage to get the last few hundred dollars together for the surgical center. Worrying about money was better than working myself up over the procedure itself. I tried not to think about it. This was the biggest decision I have made, and had never done anything like it before. I couldn’t sleep the night before, of course. The morning of I felt like I was just going to the store or something. No big deal. While at the surgical center I was oddly relaxed, sort of a surreal atmosphere. The I.V process didn’t affect me, to my amazement. I remember standing in my room while my doctor was drawing on me. The day had come, and I don’t think it registered until the second day post-op, to be completely honest.

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Stephanie: The first week was hard. You have no clue just how many movements are controlled or stabilized by your core muscles. I needed help getting into and out of bed, the chair, the toilet, etc. By the third day I couldn’t do it on my own at all. I remember needing to pee and being stuck in my recliner at night when everyone was asleep. I just started crying, because it was so frustrating. I couldn’t get comfortable in any position for very long in either the bed or the recliner, and sleep for the first week just didn’t happen. The drains didn’t hurt, but they were a major pain in the neck. I wanted them out by the third day post. I hate the feeling of something hanging out of my skin, like an I.V needle, but this was on a whole other level. My mother and boyfriend, Sean, helped me as much as they could. Unfortunately, the only thing that really helps during recovery, is just time itself. I wrote about ALL my irritations and pains during surgery in my blog (Click here for Stephanie’s Make Me Heal Blog)

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Stephanie: It was moderately painful to try to get around. You take make one wrong move and you sure feel it. At times I would have paralyzing pain that would shoot through my muscles where my legs and torso meet, particularly my right one. It went away as quick as it came though, and those pains were actually the nerves healing. The pains dwindled over two to three days before stopping completely. The severed nerves below my belly button made the skin numb, and if something rubbed it too much, it actually felt like it was burning at times. My BA left me swollen and sore, and very touchy. They were stiff and hard and laying any other way aside from on your back was unmanageable. Now, at one month post-op I don’t feel my stomach at all, but my breasts remain sore nor have they “dropped” yet. They are improving everyday though. All the feelings and annoyances are a test of your will. The pain was most definitely manageable, and I would do it all over again.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects?

Stephanie: I visited Youtube.com and searched for actual videos of the procedures while they were being preformed. I don’t think that would be a good thing for some people to watch, though. I was emotionally drained from events prior in the year, and physically drained from working so much the three months before surgery in order to pay for it. I kept my mind on the fact that I’m working so hard for a better future, for my happiness in life and confidence in relationships. By the last week pre-op all I could do was yearn for the three weeks off of work. I had enough, so to speak.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Stephanie: Remain positive. Trust me, all the efforts before and the pains afterwards are well worth it. If you want something bad enough, you can get yourself through anything.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Stephanie: I requested two weeks off, but ended up taking three. I am a bartender and moving around kegs and carrying twenty-four packs of glass bottles was completely out of the question before then. You get used to going back to work pretty quickly though. Everyone in the restaurant knew what I was having done, and were excited to see me when I returned. I’m not embarrassed at all, and you shouldn’t be either. Make the event up front, allow people to ask questions, and answer them honestly.

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Stephanie: I’m absolutely thrilled! I can look good in a bikini for the first time in my life!

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Stephanie: It impacted everything, even things that haven’t surfaced yet. Confidence makes all the difference in the world, and finally loving and accepting yourself and your appearance is a glorious thing. (especially for a female)

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Stephanie: No. Things didn’t go perfectly, but when do they ever?

Make Me Heal: What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure(s) you had?

Stephanie: If you want to have cosmetic surgery, do it! Be prepared to work for it and your determination and character be tested. Don’t be afraid of how painful it might be after surgery, or let the fear of the unknown paralyze you into not doing something so meaningful and life-changing for yourself.

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Stephanie: Writing my blog was most definitely a good way to vent about frustrations, and reading others to know your not alone in feeling the way you do.

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See Sharon’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

Ohio native Sharon (username: goldilox1975) was teased about her nose ever since she was young, but mostly by her brother. She never seriously considered a rhinoplasty until a few years ago she saw a picture of a girl she went to high school with. She knew this girl had gotten a nose job, and Sharon realized she still looked like herself, only better. After several consultations with various surgeons, she finally settled on Dr. Frank Barone, based on personal reviews, reputation, and her consultations with him. She used the Make Me Heal message boards and her own blog to gain knowledge about what to expect from surgery and recovery, as well as support from others. She had her procedure on August 5th, 2008 and though she had a stressful night before surgery and hated the packing in her nostrils for a week after, she experienced little serious pain and was very well prepared for a smooth recovery. She was out on the town only 11 days after surgery and is now pleased that she has a more refined version of her own nose, and feels more confident in herself.

Sharon’s advice for anyone having plastic surgery is:

“If you have wanted it for a while, don’t wait any longer. Do it!!! It’s not that bad and 9 out of 10 times the results are incredible! Research as many doctors as possible and don’t let cost be the deciding factor. Get the best possible doctor no matter the cost.“

Please join us below with an interview with the lovely Sharon:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Sharon: In high school a few friends got nose jobs. Part of me was jealous, but the other side of me looked down on them for being so vain. Honestly I didn’t think any of them needed it and was somewhat sad to know that their unique looks would be diminished. Recently I was flipping through a book of wedding photos by a local photographer in my city. He had wedding pictures of one of those girls. She looked stunning! That was the day I decided I was really ready to take this idea to the next level. I thought that she still looks like herself, just better, and I could too.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Sharon: I thought I would be more confident, outgoing, and happier. I had seen some of my friends who had it done and they looked amazing, and I thought…’why not me’ I always thought my nose was too big, too long, and didn’t fit my face.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Sharon: It took one year. I began thinking about it and even made an appointment 1 year ago. I chickened out, but still wanted to do it. Recently I had a bad breakup, and was feeling down about myself in general. I came into some extra money, and thought, ‘I wish I had done it last year’. I decided I didn’t want to be saying that in another year so I decided to do it. I was a little difficult because I was very nervous that I wouldn’t like it and I would regret doing it. I was scared it would end up looking worse. Also I was afraid of the pain and the recovery.

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Sharon: Everyone was very supportive. My friends and I had a ‘Going away Party’ for my nose. We had Goucho Marx glasses, fake animal noses, and even a theme song…Nobody Nose the Trouble I’ve seen! (pic on my blog) My Dad was the only one who was uneasy because my sister had the procedure and had major complications leaving her with visible scar after 2 revisions.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Sharon: I knew what I wanted, a nose job, simple as that. The doctors recommended the specific procedures as far as nostril reduction and grafts. My doctor ended up not doing a graft.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Sharon: Make Me Heal was the ONLY resource I found online that was helpful. The before and after pictures were a HUGE help I looked for girls who looked like me, and saw the incredible differences and decided if they can do it so can I. The message boards are great. I used them a lot, posting my own concerns, questions, and fears and got wonderful responses. Everyone was very supportive.

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Sharon: I made consultations appointments with 3 major plastic surgeons in my area. I listened to each one taking notes and had a barrage of questions (in a notebook) for each. I made my decision based on what they thought my nose should look like, their willingness to answer my questions, how comfortable I felt with them, their before and after books of prior patients, and the look and feel of the office. Price was not my main concern and I ended up going with the most expensive doctor. Also I had 3 relatives who had used him for different things and they all recommended him highly. We had one initial consultation, another one to answer questions, and another to take pictures right before the surgery. After the surgery I had 3 appointments where they massaged my face to help with draining. This was very comforting and did help a lot. Of course I also had a post op appointment to remove the packing, and the stitches. I had to go back 3 more times for stitch removal (they would not come out on there own and I just kept finding more and more). I have my final appointment in 3 weeks for post pictures which will be at the 3 month mark.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Sharon: I put my trust fully in my Doctor, an let him do what he thought was right for me. I didn’t make outside suggestions. When he told me he wanted to do a graft, he said it was because not only was my bump big, but the area between my eyes was deep which made the hump appear bigger. While in surgery he opted not to do the graft, because he liked the way it looked after he did the hump reduction.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Sharon: Arnica for bruising, Vitamedica (3 am and 3 pm) for 2 weeks before and after the surgery, Bromelain for swelling. Cleaned my house, bought tons of soups, juices, ice cream, puddings etc. I assigned my friends days and times to help me. Laid out all my meds and made a chart of when to take each, with or without food, and lined them all up in Dixie cups. I had my friends dole them out to me so that I didn’t get confused. I washed my sheets, cleaned and prepared my humidifier, made tons of ice, bought about 50 magazines, rented movies. I bought Q tips, bandages, AYR spray to lubricate, Benadryl for congestion, picked up my Rx’s (Valium, Percoset, Vicodin, Nausea Meds), and Chapstick (which didn’t work well and I switched to Blistex Medicated which kept my lips from drying out). I didn’t know it at the time, but I also needed lighted tweezers, bendy straws, hard candy, and mashed potatoes with gravy (lots of it!!).

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Sharon: I was a basket case the day and night before my surgery. I was very nervous, and scared. Part of me wanted to back out. I was mostly nervous about what it would be like to have packing in for a week. I tried plugging my nose for 1 minute and just that one minute was awful, so I knew it would be bad. That night I called my doctor and he said to take 1-2 Valium to calm me down and help me sleep. I’m so glad he did because it really helped. Before that I was freaking out and crying over the tiniest things. My cousin spent the night which helped and she drove me to the surgery center in the morning.

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Sharon: The worst part was the packing. It was extremely uncomfortable and made it hard to eat or drink. Also the dry mouth was unbearable. The 2nd night I got up to pee 10 times because I was drinking so much water. I had many friends and family bringing me food, giving me my medication, changing my bandages, cleaning my wounds, and keeping me company.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Sharon: The pain was minimal, especially since I had the Vicodin and Percoset. It was more like the pain you have when you get hit real hard on the nose, a dull pain that wouldn’t go away. The discomfort was due to the packing the first week. After that it was just very sore for about another week. The following 2 weeks it just felt strange because I had very little feeling in my nose, it was numb from the nerve damage that is caused during the operation. Any slight bumps to my nose were very painful as well. Even now 2 months later the tip is still a little numb. I predict another 3 months until I regain full 100% feeling again. Still now, picking my nose is hard, and I still use Q tip to help me do this. There is still scar tissue inside my nostrils which makes cleaning it out hard.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects?

Sharon: Most of my research was done on Make Me Heal.com. I also consulted with my sister who had the surgery, and my cousin and a couple friends who had it as well. I was as prepared as anyone could have been which made it much easier.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Sharon: I have a long detailed list of recovery tips on my blog at: http://anewnose.blogspot.com/ (in which I recommend Make Me Heal.com) I will list the main points here:
• Q-tips
• Blistex Medicated (in the jar)
• Lighted tweezers
• Ice chips
• Mashed potatoes
• Arnica
• Humidifier
• Hard Candy
• Marked Dixie Cups for medications (to pre dispense)
• Bendy Straws
• Magazine
• Movies
• A schedule of help (friends, family who are willing to drive to the store to get you what you need)
• Soups (especially Chicken with Stars because you can drink the whole thing with a bendy straw)
• Valium, Vicodin, Percoset
Also I would schedule the surgery in the winter months when you wont be so sad to miss out on warm days, also make sure you have at least 1.5 months for the swelling to go down enough if you are preparing for reunions, weddings etc.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Sharon: I took off 2 weeks and needed it all. I told my close friends at work. If anyone else noticed the change no one said anything. One friend’s husband knew about my surgery but when he saw me he forgot I had it done. When I asked him why he hadn’t said anything about my new nose, he said, “Wow the doctor must have done a great job because you look great but I didn’t really notice the change.”

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Sharon: I am very happy. I don’t ever feel like people are looking at my nose anymore and I feel VERY confident about my profile!!!

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Sharon: Like I said before, I feel much more confident, and I don’t feel like people are only seeing my nose. I love showing it off, and now would like to improve other parts of myself to go with my new look like weight loss, and better clothes!

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Sharon: The only thing is that I would have waited until the dreary winter months so that I didn’t have to miss out on the beautiful and seldom sunny days of Ohio summers.

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Sharon: Yes…HUGE!!!!!!!

See Sharon’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

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See Liz’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

Since she was a teenager, 26-year-old Liz (friendname: lizNher2sisters) knew she would eventually get breast augmentation, but it wasn’t until 2 years ago that she started saving and researching for the procedure. After having trouble choosing her implant size, she finally chose 400cc Mentor silicone implants for her June 19^th surgery with Dr. Mark Zilmer in Washington. Additionally, she used the Make Me Heal Message Boards to connect with others having the same procedure for support and advice. Though she experienced a lot of pain right after the procedure, she was back to work after only 5 days. Now, at 4 months post op, she loves her new womanly figure but is experiencing a bit of “boob greed” and wishes she would have gone a bit bigger.

Liz’s advice for anyone contemplating plastic surgery is:

“Do what makes YOU happy and don’t listen to others. If you do it to give you self esteem, you won’t find it. Do it to help bring out what you know is inside of you. It is an enhancement of the beautiful person you already are.”

Please join us for an interview with Liz:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Liz: In my teenage years I knew I would eventually do it, but seriously began the research and saving about 2 years prior.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Liz: Physically I felt inadequate and wanted to fill out a pretty lacy bra or bathing suit WITHOUT using inserts or push ups! Wanted my tall athletic frame to be more proportional.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Liz: Having the surgery was an easy choice. However, choosing the size was extremely stressful. I feared going too big for what was recommended but I wanted bigger than suggested by my first pre op PS. So I looked at many pictures and debated for over a month. Even still I wish I would’ve had more time and made a better decision as I would have chosen 450-475cc’s.

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Liz: This decision was for ME 100%. My mother opposed it, my significant other supported me. However, I told them plain and simple that I was going to do it no matter what. At that point, the support was there from all areas.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Liz: I went on line and read a lot of facts and myths and looked at pictures constantly. I asked those I knew who had done it and posted on MMH for a month beforehand. I still wish i would’ve taken a little more time on MMH before the surgery but I was too excited that I didn’t plan it accordingly. Still no regrets on the surgery itself. Just size.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Liz: I took full advantage of the message boards and pictures to help make my decisions and help me in my recovery. It was an extreme help.

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Liz: My doctor was the 2nd PS I met. The practice I chose was recommended by a friend. I was comfortable with my PS’s support and ease. He made me feel like this surgery was natural and normal, and whatever I wanted within reason he could make happen. That helped me push the CC’s slightly larger than recommended size my first consult PS recommended for my BWD. Glad I did.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Liz: No my practice typically does one certain types of incisions and anesthesia. However due to my lack of tissue, the placement was recommended and I agreed.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Liz: I purchased comfortable clothing for the first post op days. Easy to eat foods. The prescribed meds and vitamins to help for a speedy recovery. Took them for 2 weeks prior and a few weeks after to help with healing. Did not engage in any alcoholic beverages or blood thinning agents listed in the paperwork provided by my Ps. Took 5 days off from work and prepared my team for my return and inability to lift or do excess activity. Purchased button front sports bras. Had plans for where my 4 year old would be taken care of in order for optimal outcomes for all involved.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Liz: I experienced doubts and fear and insecurities of my decision. Did I go too big, will it look too small? Will I still feel my nipples? Will the scars be too big with silicone…should I change to saline? How will people react to them, will they even notice? Will I just look fat? Will they feel real or fake? Will they ripple because I have little tissue, or will I get CC? All these thoughts ran through my mind plus many more. I was VERY nervous the morning of. It was surreal and was excited to wake up and feel like a woman!

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Liz: Morning boob was HORRIBLE. I honestly felt it was worse than childbirth. I expected it to be much easier, but I was wrong. I have a high tolerance for pain but my pain meds seemed to simply put me to sleep rather then kill any pain. My boyfriend helped me for 3 days non stop. It was a nice help, but still very stressful as we both did not know what to expect.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Liz: Very painful to move. Painful To get up or down from the 45 degree angle in bed. I feared moving and it took much courage and determination to do it on my own. Even with help I cried in pain.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects? Did you do any research (i.e. online, books, message boards, etc.) to make your recovery smoother?

Liz: I relied mostly on the MMH boards. They were VERY helpful with all the weird feelings or sounds my new implants made or caused. However I was not prepared enough for the pain or decision of what size I should go.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Liz: Stay on top of your pain meds!! Give it time before you start to worry! Two different breasts, two different recoveries.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Liz: 5 days off from work and all of my employees knew what I was doing for the most part and I would be limited on my activity when returning. They hardly noticed since I wore a lot of padded push ups prior.

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Liz: 1 to 5 … I would say I am a 4. Wish they were a tad larger, otherwise they look amazingly perfect!

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Liz: My personal life is much better as I more comfortable in the nude and confident showing myself. Socially I carry myself with my chin a little higher as i am proud that its ALL ME and no longer just a great bra. Career has not changed and I didn’t expect it to.

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Liz: Gone with more CC’s. More research would have gotten me to where I needed to be to be happier.

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Liz: It has been a tremendous help. I can share my crazy thoughts and worries that everyone else wouldn’t even begin to understand. I can see others progress and know it is different with everyone and I am NOT alone.

See Liz’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

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See Iris’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

Even since she was in middle school, 21 year old Iris (friendname: bigshnoz) had been insecure about a bump on her nose. Because her nose was one of the few ways to differentiate between her and her twin sister, it was often mentioned and was hard for Iris to brush off. She decided it made no sense to be unhappy about her nose when it could be easily fixed, so in July 2008 she had a rhinoplasty, with the support of her whole family. Her mom helped her pick a surgeon and her siblings helped her during recovery, while her dad, who is a doctor, calmed any worries she had about the actual procedure. Additionally, she used the Make Me Heal Message Boards to connect with others having the same procedure for support and advice. Though the healing process went smoothly with little pain, it did take a few weeks for her swelling and bruising to subside enough for her to get an idea of what her new nose looked like. When she saw it, she loved it and now has full confidence in her appearance.

Iris’s advice for anyone contemplating plastic surgery is:

“If you are that insecure about something, it is worth the few weeks of recovery!”

Please join us for an interview with Iris:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Iris: I think when I was about 12 or 13. I have an identical twin and the major difference between us was the bump in my nose. People used that as a way to tell us apart so it was brought up a lot. It made me very self-conscious.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Iris: I was very insecure, and I felt it was silly to feel insecure about something that could be fixed in a few hours. Now I have the rest of my life to enjoy my awesome new nose!

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Iris: It was a very easy decision. I used to look in the mirror and fiddle with my nose to give me an idea as to how it would look if I got it done. One day, my mom said that if it made me that insecure I should find a surgeon and get it done.

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Iris: Only my parents and twin knew that I was getting the procedure done up until a few days before. By then most of my siblings knew as well as a few close friends.  I am glad I waited to tell even my brothers and sisters because I was anxious enough as it was. I did not need everyone else around me to be nervous, that would have driven me crazy! I also knew that I really wanted this procedure done and I did not want anyone to talk me out of it.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Iris: I already knew what procedure I wanted to get done. I would spend lots of time looking up pictures on the internet of people who had already had the procedure done.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Iris: The message board was a big help! It was great to connect with other people going through the same procedure. I feel fortunate now that I can help others who need advice.

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Iris: My mom found the surgeon through recommendations. This was the only doctor I consulted with before making my decision. I think he did an incredible job!

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Iris: I didn’t really have a say in any of it. However, the anesthesiologist did an amazing job. I did not feel sick or anything coming out of the anesthesia. He also put the IV in, which was virtually painless.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Iris: I checked out a lot of DVDs from the library so I would have stuff to watch! I was on summer break from classes so I did not have to worry about rushing my recovery or going back to work.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Iris: I went to Jersey Boys the day before, so that kept my mind off of things. I was not really nervous until I was in the car on my way to the hospital. I think I was more afraid of not knowing what was going to happen. I was worried about how it would look, how I would feel, how it would be to breathe through my mouth, etc. My dad is a doctor so he told me what was going to happen in pre-op, so that calmed me down a little bit. When we got to the hospital I remember crying in pre-op (I really tried my best not to).  The nurses were incredibly nice (It really takes a special person to be a nurse) and got my dad for me when I started to get really nervous. They even got the anesthesiologist to put in the IV. My surgeon stopped by to say hello and to go over the procedure. That also made me feel a lot better. Then it was time to walk myself over to the OR and to lie myself on the table. They kept saying they were going to give me some medicine to calm me down and I should feel it begin to work. I don’t remember that part—the last thing I remember is starting to cry when they put the oxygen mask on. I think I dreamed about Lake Chautauqua during the surgery (can you even dream during surgery?) and then the next thing I knew I was waking up! I remember thinking “Hey—I’m awake, that must mean I have a new nose!” It was just like waking up from a nap. I remember that I could breathe through my nose right when I woke up. I was so relieved that I did not need packing—I ALWAYS breathe through my nose. My throat was incredibly dry and so they gave me some pop to drink. It was so dry that they had to smash my Percocet into some applesauce. They gave me some more pain medication and antibiotics through my IV and then I hung out until I was comfortable enough to go home. There really was not much pain—it was more discomfort if that makes any sense. It stung a little where the stitches were and by post-op day five I was very much ready to get my splint taken off.  I was concerned the pain medication would make me nauseous, so I waited until it kicked in before I went home. My face was also incredibly black and blue.

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Iris: My family helped me through my recovery. Someone was home with me everyday for the first week. My daily schedule consisted of waking up, taking my antibiotics and Percocet, rinsing my nose with the hydrogen peroxide, saline and neo-synephrine. My brother and I would then pick a movie to watch, which I would subsequently sleep through (I think it was the Percocet). I would wake up, eat lunch, and then the cycle would start again until dinner. My face was so swollen it was very hard to eat. It did not really matter though, for the first few days I had no appetite. I drank a lot of slim-fast for the calories and vitamins. I also ate a lot of spaghettios and mashed bananas. I also would recommend lots of oatmeal and activia yogurt. (Percocet can have some unwanted side effects…) I did not have any pain problems. I just looked awful. By day three or four I was starting to stop the Percocet. I started by taking one Percocet and one Tylenol, and then taking just the Tylenol, etc. I felt so much better when the splint was taken off.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Iris: With the proper pain management I really did not have any pain. The hardest part was the little things such as not being able to breathe through my nose all of the time, not being able to wear my glasses (I was able to wear my contacts though after 24 hours), being sensitive to the sun, not being able to exercise, etc. It also hurt to laugh and yawn for a week or so. My smile was really tight up until about eight weeks post-op. I was also really neurotic about people walking close to me. I would walk around the house going “watch the nose!” You just never know when someone will accidentally open the refrigerator door in your face!

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects? Did you do any research (i.e. online, books, message boards, etc.) to make your recovery smoother?

Iris: I was very prepared. I am very healthy (thankfully) and so the recovery was not hard at all. I was able to easily get back into my exercise routine after six weeks of barely any physical activity. Mentally I was just so excited to have my new nose! I used the message boards to talk to other people who were having the same procedure done.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Iris: I would tell them to take it easy.  Also, don’t expect an awesome nose when they take off the splint. You will look so swollen and banged up that people won’t be oooh–ing and ahh-ing for awhile. My mom said I looked so sick that it was hard to be excited about my new nose for a few weeks.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Iris: I had six weeks of summer break left before I had to go back to school. I really did not need to tell anyone about the surgery. I figure the people I care about will love me no matter what I look like and the rest I don’t care about. I just got back to school a few weeks ago and only two people have noticed. I am shocked! One person who noticed was a tutor from a few years ago who went straight out and said “Did you get your nose done?” The other one asked my friend about it. My best friend of 16 years did not even notice until I told her. Maybe I did not need to feel so insecure after all!

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Iris: Very happy! I think he did an amazing job.

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Iris: I no longer need to feel insecure about my nose. Nothing else has really changed! The surgery is quickly becoming a distant memory—except I am still hesitant to play games such as volleyball or soccer that might hurt my nose.

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Iris: I would have taken a long shower before I got the splint off. It was really stuck on there. The steam might have loosened it up a bit.

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Iris: Yes, I thought the message boards were great.

See Iris’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

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See Beladie’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

Since her college days, 39 year old Beladie (friendname: beladie) has always known that she would get plastic surgery as soon as it became affordable. She lost 75 lbs through her hard work at the gym and her self-confidence was at an all time high. When she realized that she could afford plastic surgery, Beladie began her search for the right plastic surgeon and starting reading articles about abdominoplasty, breast lifts, and liposuction. After finding pictures on Make Me Heal, Beladie put together a photobook of Do’s and Don’ts for her plastic surgeon so that he knew exactly what she wanted. Beladie chose Dr. Orlando Figueroa Cerpa in Tijuana, Mexico for his knowledge, compassion, and professionalism. In December of 2007, Beladie went through 3 days of surgery to get the body she wanted. She first got liposuction to remove 2000 cc’s in her chin, neck, abdomen, flanks, upper and lower back, and inner thighs. Then through fat grafting, 450cc’s were added to each buttock. After a full tummy tuck, Beladie also increased her breasts from 40As to 38Cs through a breast augmentation and lift inserting 350 cc’s of silicone. Beladie is thrilled with her results and has slimmed down to a size 10-12. Her journey continues this month, when she is going to have additional liposuction and fat grafting to the buttocks.

Beladie’s advice for anyone contemplating plastic surgery is:

“Be realistic. Go to the gym. Your surgeon is not a magician. The body is imperfect, and so is plastic surgery. If you look for reasons to be unhappy, you will be. So, don’t look. Take a step back and view the overall picture. Do you like what you see? Congratulations, your mission was a success!”

Please join us for an interview with Beladie:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Beladie: I first thought about plastic surgery while in college. I used to say to myself, “If I ever come into money, I am going to spend it all on plastic surgery.” For the next twenty years, I fell prey to the belief that self-esteem is synonymous with body acceptance. This, however, never truly made sense to me. Why is it socially acceptable to wear braces or to repair facial deformities but undergoing plastic surgery is often viewed as self-indulgent? I liked myself just fine. What bothered me were my genetic liabilities: tubular breasts, flat buttocks, and the excess fat that remained despite my hard work. Like teeth, the technology was available to remedy my dislikes. I had lost 75 lbs. I was physically fit. My confidence was at an all time high. Unexpectedly, I came into some money, so I said, “Let’s fix these things.”

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Beladie: It took me 1 1/2 years to lose the weight. I poured sweat and gritted my teeth in the gym to improve my overall fitness level. In dance class, I became dissatisfied with the excess skin and fat that ruined my lines. In my abdominal class, I had trouble connecting with my lower abs because the excess bulges inhibited my range of motion. Until I abandoned my old shell, I knew I would never evolve.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Beladie: My decision was made as soon as the funds became available. Making the decision was easy because I intuitively knew it was time. The difficulty lay in the search. Where do I begin? How do I find information? Whom do I seek?

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Beladie: The decision was mine to make, and I made it without considering my friends or family. This is my body, and I am the captain of my vessel. Most of those I told were supportive but slightly nervous. A few thought I was crazy to take on this much surgery and even crazier for going to Mexico. I knew they expressed concern out of love, but I was also keenly aware that most of their words were fear based and spoken out of ignorance. I simply smiled and said, “Thanks, I’ll be careful.” I avoided the negative and uneducated, for when I felt vulnerable, their words could negate my self-trust. I was particularly insulted by those who made erroneous comments about the quality of medicine and care in Mexico. It’s amazing to me how one outlier brought to life on a daytime talkshow can define popular opinion. I heard nonsense like, “They will butcher you,” “It’s dirty and dangerous in Tijuana,” “I heard doctors can practice medicine without a license,” and “I met this one woman who knew this girl who said her cousin…(blah blah blah).” I feel a sense of obligation to dispel such notions.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Beladie: I started on the internet. I read everything I could about abdominoplasty, breast lifts and breast augmentation. Rather than word of mouth, I prefer to get procedure information from reliable sources such as articles written by actual plastic surgeons. In terms of recovery, I read articles by plastic surgeons but found it more helpful to actually talk to those who had had the surgeries. As my research developed, I became interested in fat grafting, so I read everything I could about it. I went on consultations in the U.S. and asked many questions. At this point, I was still contemplating my breasts; I was in the, “Can I live with this?” phase. It wasn’t until I finished my consultation with Dr. Figueroa that I knew I had to go for it all. Anything less than achieving my vision would be selling myself out.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Beladie: I came across Make Me Heal when I was looking for pictures. I put together a photobook of DOs and DON’Ts for my surgeon. In it I included hip to hip incision placement, belly button shape and placement, breast size and shape as well as before and after pictures that impressed me. My main question was, “Are my expectations realistic?” Dr. Figueroa thanked me for putting the photobook together. He said that seeing my vision helped him to transform his plan into my desired results.

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Beladie: I went on three consultations before I found my doctor. I found the surgeons to be informative and courteous, but I felt as though I were being pushed to the finance person. The cost of my surgeries was more than I could ever afford. I turned to Mexico. It started with a Google search: “plastic surgery Mexico”. I have lost track of how many websites I viewed, but I soon realized that I didn’t want to be too far from home. I narrowed it down to Tijuana. Again, I think I looked at every website, but I kept coming back to Dr. Figueroa. Not only was I impressed with his philosophy, but I found his work to be artistic and sublime. In person, he is professional, humble, knowledgeable, and compassionate. He explained that the liposuction with fat grafting, the tummy tuck, and the breast lift with augmentation would take three days, but to achieve my ultimate goal would take another phase of surgery 7 months later. I am returning in July for additional liposuction to target my upper abdomen and to shape my torso. I will also have more fat grafting to the buttocks. We discussed the risks and benefits of multiple procedures. After evaluating my physical, mental and emotional health, and after I promised to store my blood in a bank (to help with my recovery), Dr. Figueroa decided I was an appropriate candidate. My consultation lasted three hours, but at the moment I shook his hand, I knew he was the one.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Beladie: I deferred to Dr. Figueroa on most matters simply because I trusted that he had my best interests in mind. We did, however, spend a lot of time taking pictures and discussing my tummy tuck scar. One of the reasons I chose him is because most of his scars are V-shaped and don’t cut across the belly. I really wanted a low scar, and I wanted to shorten it as much as possible. He thought about it for awhile and said he would do liposuction first to eliminate the maximum amount of fat. This would shorten the scar and reduce the risk of “dog ears”.

Another reason I chose him is because I like his belly buttons. He said he tries to make them heart shaped. My breasts were a big concern to me too. I knew I needed a lift, but I was opposed to the vertical scar. They were small but tubular. He said he wouldn’t know for sure until he got in there, but he would do everything he could to create good results with a circumareolar lift. I was told, however, that there was a possibility they would not sit as high as I might like. “I trust your judgment,” I said. “If they don’t look right, then I will accept the vertical incisions.” As it turned out, the circumaerolar lift produced natural-looking results. Sacrificing a little more lift was a trade I was willing to make to avoid the scars. It paid off.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Beladie: Preparation is crucial to recovery. In advance, I designated a contact person to email my friends and family to inform them that I was ok. I also gave my contact the hotel information, so my loved ones could call. I came packed with chapstick, lotion, Arnica (both internal and external),Band-aids, sterile pads, Maxi-pads (they are great for absorbing drainage), hard candy, Benadryl, Immodium, enemas, booties and knit gloves (it’s cold in the surgery room), portable DVD and CD players with music and movies, and of course, my compression garments which were hand me downs from friends and family. The tummy tuck really inhibited my movement. I brought two things that were crucial to my independence.

The first was a walking stick. It helped me to get out of bed as well as walk. I used it for the first 4 days. The second was the bladder from my Camelback. I was so thirsty for the first few days, and it was hard for me to sit up to drink. I simply had my friend fill it with water, and I kept the tube near my mouth at all times.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Beladie: I was putting my life in the hands of strangers. The night before surgery was like any other night. I knew I was facing three days of battle, and to avoid a meltdown, I knew I had to stay in the moment. Instead of thinking about it, I focused on steps. Go to sleep. Wake up. Shower. Drive. Cross the border. Check into the hotel. Go to the office. I even used this technique while preparing for surgery. Sign release forms. Put on gown. Mark body. This worked well until I lay upon the operating table. As the anesthesiologist put in the IV, tears rolled down the sides of my cheeks. He wiped them, held my hand, and stroked my forehead until Dr. Figueroa was ready to begin. Then I fell asleep. The details of next three days are foggy.

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced? What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Beladie: A good friend picked me up from the recovery room the day after my last surgery. Until then Patricia, the nurse, had taken excellent care of me. My friend stayed with me at the hotel for three days, and then my sister took over for the next four. I am so grateful to them because I underestimated the amount of help I would need. I did as much as I could on my own, but I cried a few times, asking myself what I had done. I couldn’t sleep because of the pain meds. I weaned myself off them, afraid of trading pain management for sleep (I found that a mix of Tylenol and Advil work pretty well). Again, I focused on increments of time to keep from going insane. My world revolved around medicine doses and dressing changes and visits from the doctor. My caretakers reminded me several times a day of the little improvements I had made. I was told I would need to stay in Tijuana for two weeks.

One week after surgery, I cried after my check up and begged my doctor for clearance to go to L.A. for 5 days. I explained that if I didn’t see my friends and have some sort of normalcy, I would lose my mind. I asked if I could celebrate New Year’s Eve. Dr. Figueroa smiled. “I will write you a prescription,” he said. “Fix your hair, put on make-up, hide your compression garments with a loose dress, and go to the party with your friends. Have fun, but don’t overdo it!”

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Beladie: I hear that liposuction and fat grafting are uncomfortable. I hear that breast lifts and augmentation are painful. I wouldn’t know. The tummy tuck was so excruciating that I couldn’t focus on anything else. Coughing, laughing, and sneezing were unbearable. Getting up from the bed the first 36 hours required assistance. It hadn’t occurred to me that I would be afraid to have a bowel movement. (Good news,though: with an enema and the strength of the sphincter, the abdominals don’t really engage!) The tummy tuck recovery took the longest. 6 months later, I still feel tight, although I am happy to report that I am able to arch my back. I will slowly return to normal in 4-6 months.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects? Did you do any research (i.e. online, books, message boards, etc.) to make your recovery smoother?

Beladie: I felt very well prepared for the emotional recovery. My expectations were realistic, I had watched friends recover from liposuction and breast lifts with augmentation, and I read a lot about tummy tuck recovery as well as the healing process of scars. I knew that I would cry a lot, feel scared that my results would be horrible, and also feel happy with the new image in the mirror. I was not as well prepared for the physical recovery. I grew up a serious athlete and had trained at a high level to prepare for surgery. How silly of me to think I would be back in the saddle so soon! After two weeks, I returned to work. I couldn’t make it through the day with out a nap. This lasted for almost 2 weeks. I was out of the gym a total of 4 weeks, and when I returned, I was exhausted after 6 minutes on the treadmill…at the slowest speed! Little by little, I improved, proud of how quickly I bounced back. I am in full swing now, having exceeded my previous fitness level.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Beladie: You will look and feel your worst right after surgery. This is temporary. Focus on the little improvements you make daily. If you needed help yesterday but got out of bed on your own today, celebrate that. It counts as improvement and one step closer to feeling normal again. Expect to ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” when the pain is at its zenith. This is a good time to call on supportive friends and family. Ask them to remind you why you did this in the first place.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Beladie: Fortunately, I am self-employed and took time off during winter, for most people are focused on the holidays. When I returned, I made sure to wear sweatshirts and loose clothing to hide my appearance. Everyone knew I lost weight and spent a lot of time at the gym. I figured that by the time I debuted my new body in the late Spring, nobody would question my changes. I was right. A few glanced at my breasts but didn’t inquire. Mostly, others told me how great I look and congratulated me on my hard work.

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Beladie: Happy is an understatement. I am ELATED and so grateful to Dr. Figueroa!

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Beladie: My makeover has impacted my life in several ways. Shopping is easier now that my proportions are more suited to off-the-rack clothing.

Working out is more fun because my body is so much tighter. Sexually, I am much more free because I no longer position my body to hide the excess. My favorite thing to do in the morning is to look at myself in the mirror and smile. I love what I see.

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Beladie: Look at my 4-month picture. Do you see the excess fat in the upper abdomen and around the armpits? This is what happens when you gain weight after liposuction. Because I couldn’t exercise at full speed for about 14 weeks, I was not burning the calories to which I had become accustomed. I allowed myself to slip into denial about my food intake, and before I knew it, I put on 13 pounds. I wish I hadn’t done that. I have since lost 10 lbs and intend to lose 10 more before my surgery in July. I will not allow this to happen again.

Make Me Heal: What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure(s) you had?

Beladie: Be realistic. Go to the gym. Your surgeon is not a magician. The body is imperfect, and so is plastic surgery. If you look for reasons to be unhappy, you will be. So, don’t look. Take a step back and view the overall picture. Do you like what you see? Congratulations, your mission was a success!

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Beladie: My journey is not over. Make Me Heal has opened my eyes to other possibilities. I enjoy reading the message boards to find out about procedures regarding skin care. Once my body is done, I will focus on my face. One thing that has been really wonderful about MMH is the private messages I receive from people. I love that I can help others with questions about my procedures or offer tips on traveling to Tijuana. I often get inquiries about those who are considering my surgeon, and I am always happy to recommend him.

See Beladie’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

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MAKE ME HEAL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

For 36 years, swimming legend Mark Spitz held the record for winning the most gold medals in one Olympics. Although Michael Phelps may have eclipsed this record in the Beijing Olympics this year, Mark Spitz remains a timeless inspiration. Putting the medals aside, Make Me Heal interviewed Mark about his experience with plastic surgery. Using cosmetic enhancements procedures and specifically dermal fillers like Botox is part of Mark’s multi-dimensional approach to being and living his personal best. He has been so pleased with how Botox has been able to eradicate his wrinkles and his former “angry” and “perplexed” look that he wanted to get the message out to other men and people that cosmetic procedures are not only ok, but can be a great addition to one’s overall life regimen to feeling and looking your best.

Make Me Heal: You just wrote your memoir, The Extraordinary Life of An Olympic Champion.  What do you think is the most important message someone can get out of reading your life story?

Mark Spitz: Dream your dream and take one day at a time. Destiny is not a matter of chance; it’s a matter of choice.

Make Me Heal: You’re in great shape.  What does your exercise routine consist of?

Mark Spitz: I swim in a master swim-coached workout program. I do it first thing in morning; I’m there by 5:45 and home by 7:15, so by 8 o’clock, I’m ready to rock and roll.

Make Me Heal: You’ve held the world record for most gold medals in an Olympics event for 36 years.  How has it felt to have this extraordinary record be untouched for 3 decades by any other athlete?

Mark Spitz: To have my record hold strong for 36 years is something I never expected. It’s pretty amazing and something I’ll have for the rest of my life.

Make Me Heal: Do you still compete in swimming events or keep up with the swimming world as an athlete or recreationally?

Mark Spitz: I don’t swim competitively, but I swim in a master swim-coached workout program. I certainly keep up with the swimming world and enjoyed watching all the competition in Beijing this summer.

Make Me Heal: What achievements in your personal life match winning all those medals?

Mark Spitz: There’s nothing more important or fulfilling to me than my wife and two sons.

Make Me Heal: How do you feel about passing the torch to Michael Phelps who just broke the record?

Mark Spitz: I’m honored to be passing the torch to Michael. I really take my hat off to his concentration over the past couple of years.  To stay focused for four years and master it with all of the pressure he’s had, is just remarkable.  He’s proven himself to be one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time.

Make Me Heal: Turning to your skincare routine, what is your daily regimen and how do you protect your skin and keep it youthful?

Mark Spitz: My skincare routine is pretty simple. I wear sunscreen, especially when I’m swimming outdoors. Otherwise, I’m your typical guy that uses whatever products my wife has in the house.

Make Me Heal: It’s really impressive that you’re open to talking about your experience with cosmetic procedures.  How did you decide to become a spokesperson for the Botox Your Personal Best educational campaign?

Mark Spitz: I’m really happy with the results I have seen with BOTOX Cosmetic and I wanted to share the positive experience I’ve had with other men and let them know it’s okay to talk about this. I also saw it as a chance to educate people about the product because education leads to informed choices.

Make Me Heal: When did you first get the idea to have Botox injections?

Mark Spitz: As a financial advisor and motivational speaker, my facial expression is a very important part of my message. When I am serious, my ‘11′ – those stubborn frown lines between the brow — makes me look angry and unapproachable rather than congenial. I knew I had to do something about it, but for a long time, I just didn’t know what my options were. Then I heard about BOTOX Cosmetic and spoke to my wife about it. She encouraged me to see a great doctor who answered all my questions.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations behind your decision to have Botox?

Mark Spitz: My motivations were varied. I wasn’t trying to look younger or different; I just wanted my face to portray how good I was feeling inside instead of telling the world that I was perplexed or angry all the time. As a financial advisor and motivational speaker, my facial expression is a very important part of my message. It was also very important for me to still look like me, which is why BOTOX Cosmetic was the right treatment for me.

Make Me Heal: How did you research skin rejuvenation procedures and come to decide on having dermal injections such as Botox in particular.

Mark Spitz: Information about BOTOX Cosmetic is everywhere and it’s easy to be confused by all the mixed messages depending on the source. After discussing the treatment with my wife, I made an appointment with a physician to answer my questions. He talked me through the procedure, including how quickly the results would show up and how long they would last. We also discussed the science behind the treatment and the long safety heritage of BOTOX Cosmetic; I felt confident with a product that has been used safely for over a decade. At the end of our conversation I felt very comfortable with the idea of BOTOX Cosmetic because it’s a non-invasive, safe procedure that could be done in my doctor’s office in minutes.

Make Me Heal: When did you have Botox done, how much was injected, and what facial areas were treated?

Mark Spitz: I had my first BOTOX Cosmetic treatment earlier this year. My doctor used it to get rid of the 2 deep lines between my eyebrows, otherwise known as “the 11″.

Make Me Heal: How long have the results lasted for you?

Mark Spitz: It’s been quite a few months now since my last treatment and I’m still enjoying the results! I’ve had a number of friends tell me I look more relaxed and vibrant!

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Mark Spitz: I’m very happy with the results! BOTOX Cosmetic didn’t change the way I looked, it simply helped to relax the muscle between the brow and diminish the appearance of those vertical frown lines.

Make Me Heal: Have you gone back since the first time you had Botox for additional sessions?

Mark Spitz: Yes it’s now a part of my overall grooming routine. I go about every four months or so.

Make Me Heal: What has been the reaction of loved ones and friends?

Mark Spitz: People have noticed that I look different but can’t put their finger on what’s changed. They say I look more relaxed and more vibrant. In fact, my mother-in-law said the other day, “Mark Spitz when I used to see you, you always had a perplexed look on your face, like you were concentrating really hard even when you were relaxing. You don’t have that same look anymore. You now look vibrant!” What better complement can you get from your mother-in-law? I’m open with people that I’ve had BOTOX Cosmetic because I know I’m among a number of men that use it.

Make Me Heal: Do you have any other friends from the sports world who since seeing your results decided to get Botox or similar injections done?

Mark Spitz: People have been very positive about my results; although no one has told me they have gotten or are planning to get BOTOX Cosmetic because of my results…at least not yet!

Make Me Heal: Who was your doctor or specialist and how did you come to choose him/her

Mark Spitz: Dr. Derek Jones in Beverly Hills performed the treatment.

Make Me Heal: Did you have any role in deciding whether Botox or another dermal filler should be used?

Mark Spitz: I had a thorough conversation with my doctor about the results I wanted to achieve and agreed with his recommendation of being treated with BOTOX Cosmetic to help me get there.

Make Me Heal: Did you prepare for the procedure in any special way?

Mark Spitz: I didn’t have to prepare for the procedure in anyway. The only difference was that I couldn’t use swimming goggles 12 hours after my treatment, which I wasn’t planning on doing anyway.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the procedure and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Mark Spitz: I was excited about finally getting rid of the deep frown lines between my brow and hopeful that I would get the results I wanted, which I did.

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process like, if any?

Mark Spitz: There wasn’t a recovery process – the procedure was quick, painless and easy.

Make Me Heal: What there any pain or discomfort during and after the procedure?

Mark Spitz: My doctor completely numbed the injection site, so I didn’t feel any pain either during or after the procedure.

Make Me Heal: How do you feel about plastic surgery and beauty enhancement treatments?

Mark Spitz: I know I’m among a number of men that use BOTOX. My doctor let me know that more than one million non-surgical procedures, including BOTOX, were performed on men last year. I am not alone in wanting to do this for myself.

Make Me Heal: Has your makeover impacted your life in any way from personal, social, career, and other respects?  Do you feel any different about yourself?

Mark Spitz: BOTOX has helped me feel more positive about the way I look and feel. When you’re confident, you feel better and you attract people that are positive around you. It’s a contagious emotion.

Make Me Heal: In your Personal Best Campaign, you emphasize how achieving your best means feeling great about your whole self.  How do you keep yourself mentally youthful?

Mark Spitz: I eat right, exercise and take care of my body and skin. I spend time with my sons and try to enjoy life with my wife. As part of the Your Personal Best campaign, Nadia Comaneci and I are motivating people to define what their “personal best” is and then put together a plan to help achieve it. It’s not necessarily about going to the Olympics, but it’s about doing something for yourself so that when you get up in the morning you can say, ‘Hey, let me try to do something that’s better, one step ahead of where I may have been yesterday.’

Make Me Heal: What is your final word of advice to other people considering Botox?

Mark Spitz: If you’re considering the treatment be sure to go to a trained and licensed aesthetic-specialty physician and ask lots of questions as its essential to achieving the results you desire.

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See Katy’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Photo Album

After years of contemplating a breast reduction, Katy (friendname: lilkt ), finally decided to go through with the procedure. With a lot of help from her family, friends, and Make Me Heal, Katy’s procedure was a great success. While preparing for her procedures, Katy used the Make Me Heal message boards for support.

Katy’s words of advice to anyone considering surgery are:

“Do it, seriously. The benefits outway any possible risks. It’s changed my life and made me such a more confident person.”

Please join us for an interview with Katy:

Make Me Heal: When did you first have the idea to have your procedure(s)?

Katy: I always had the thought of having a reduction ever since i ’sprouted’ when i was 14, i was very unhappy with my shape and often felt depressed. The idea first became reality when i came into a bit of money in october 2007 and realised it is a serious possibility.

Make Me Heal: What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Katy: Physical: my constant backpain, red ‘welts’ on shoulders and toughness of exercising. Emotional: having a lack of self confidence which wasn’t helping by that feeling of being fat every time i looked in the mirror.

Make Me Heal: How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Katy: It was a very easy choice for me because i’d wanted it for 6 years and had done lots of research so i felt prepared and ready. I had got to a point where i hated looking in mirrors and was desperate to look ‘normal’ and not be ‘that girl with big boobs’.

Make Me Heal: Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Katy: My mum also has large boobs so she understood why i wanted to do it. The rest of my family and my close friends totally supported my desicison as well.

Make Me Heal: How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Katy: The first thing I did was to type ‘breast reduction’ into google and just read tons and tons of webpages absorbing as much information as i could.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you used any of Make Me Heal’s resources such as the message boards, pictures library, doctor directory and doctor reviews, and any recovery and preparation products that you used.

Katy: I’m a member of the message board since december 2007. I joined right after i had my initial consulation.

Make Me Heal: How did you come to choose your doctor?

Katy: I was given a number of different surgeons through the Harley Medical Group, with whom i chose to have my surgery with. In the end i felt comfortable with the surgeon that was avaliable at the time i wanted my surgery because i was confident with the company and their reputation.

Make Me Heal: Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Katy: I didn’t really have a role, i chose what size i wanted to go down to but the rest of it was predetermined which i was fine about.

Make Me Heal: How did you prepare for the surgery?

Katy: I took a lot of advice from the lovely ladies from the makemeheal.com message boards about what to do/what not to do post surgery. I managed to get leave from my work and moved back home so that my family could be there for me.

Make Me Heal: How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Katy: I was very excited night before, the nerves didn’t really hit me till the nurse came to fetch me from my hospital room. I remember walking down the thinking ‘this is start of the rest of my life!’

Make Me Heal: How was the recovery process? Please discuss what side effects you experienced. What were the worse parts of the recovery? Did anyone help you during the recovery?

Katy: So far, i’ve had quite a good recovery period, bar a few cases of randomly falling asleep in the first few days without warning. I think i’ve had such a good recovery because of the advice given to me by others. I followed what my doctor and fellow girls have said and so far everything is ok!

Make Me Heal: Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Katy: I’ve experienced what is known as ‘zingers’ which is the nerves reconnecting which have often been quite painful but i’ve always remembered these are signs that everything is healing. To be honest though it’s not been as bad as i had expected.

Make Me Heal: How well prepared were you for the recovery from physical, emotional, and mental respects? Did you do any research (i.e. online, books, message boards, etc.) to make your recovery smoother?

Katy: I think i was as prepared as i could have been. I was prepared to slow everything down and not try and push myself physically until i am ready.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Katy: Stock up on dvds, books and magazines and let people do things for you, however trivial those things might be. It’s better to be doing less than you want to be doing than slightly more and damaging your recovery.

Make Me Heal: How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Katy: I managed to get a 2 and half month break from my part time job so i could go home over my summer university break and rest. I told all the people in my team and my boss was very understanding.

Make Me Heal: How happy are you with the results?

Katy: So far yes, although it’s only been just over a week. It’s great to wearing my old post-op clothes and feeling so different and confident….i looked myself in the mirror today in an old top and for the first time, felt good looking at myself.

Make Me Heal: How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Katy: My life will be so much better. I’ll be able to exercise without two massive boobs bouncing around everywhere, i’ll be able to walk down the street without people staring and i’ll have so much confidence!

Make Me Heal: Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Katy: No, no, no!

Make Me Heal: What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure(s) you had?

Katy: Do it, seriously. The benefits outway any possible risks. It’s changed my life and made me such a more confident person.

Make Me Heal: Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Katy: The message board has been a sanctuary for me in the past few months…i’ve spent my time counting down the days and the girls on the board have been amazing…it’s been great having people to talk to who know what i’m going through.

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