After Cynthia lost 54 kilos, she felt much healthier and more comfortable in her own skin. However, she was not yet completely satisfied: the excess skin around her stomach and the lost volume in her breasts bothered her more and more. Therefore, at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen, she underwent an abdominoplasty and a breast lift with implants. We also refer to this combined procedure as a Mommy makeover. Six months later, she talks about her choice, the surgery, and her recovery.
Changes after losing 54 kilos
Cynthia is 53 years old, married, and the mother of two adult children. Two and a half years ago, she underwent gastric bypass surgery, after which she lost 54 kilos. Quite an achievement!
“After such significant weight loss, your body changes enormously. My stomach had become nice and flat, but there was still a lot of loose skin left. I had also always had large breasts, but there was little left of them after losing weight. I found that difficult. I didn't necessarily feel less feminine, but I just didn't feel comfortable with it.”
Initially, Cynthia did not think she would have cosmetic surgery. However, as her body continued to change, she began to explore the possibilities.
An honest and trustworthy feeling
Cynthia had consultations at various clinics. During her first consultation at Esthetisch Centrum Jan van Goyen, with Drs. Josien van der Meer, she immediately felt trust.
“The doctor gave honest answers and explained very clearly what was and wasn't possible. I didn't know exactly what I wanted yet and was perhaps thinking about even more treatments. She outlined very realistic options and looked closely at what suited my body. She also examined previous scars to assess how the recovery might proceed. She was very calm, direct, and open. No fancy sales pitches, just the facts. My husband was also present during the consultation. We both immediately felt: we have confidence in this.”
Doubts about cosmetic surgery
Although the desire was there, Cynthia still had to get used to the idea that she was consciously choosing a major operation.
“Every surgery carries risks. An abdominoplasty, in particular, is a major procedure. Besides, I thought: am I really going to spend that much money on myself? I discussed this with my husband at home as well. He said: if you really want this, you should just do it.”
The day of the operation
On the morning of the operation, Cynthia was nervous.
“Fortunately, I had slept well, but when I woke up I did think: what on earth am I going to do? My husband walked with me to the reception. From the moment I was picked up, I was fortunately guided very well.”
The clear explanation and personal attention, in particular, helped her to relax.
“I was constantly told what the next step was and approximately how long things would take. One of the employees really reassured me and came to check on me regularly. Because of that, I knew where I stood.”
Recovering from two procedures at the same time
Because Cynthia underwent an abdominoplasty and a breast lift with implants at the same time, she anticipated a tough recovery. She therefore prepared herself carefully. For instance, she had a temporary height-adjustable bed installed in the living room.
“That was very practical, because it allowed me to lie in a slightly curved position and adjust the backrest. Getting up is difficult, especially in the beginning. You can't exert much force with your abdomen, but due to the surgery on your breasts, you can't use your arms very well either.”
Still, the recovery went better than expected.
“I had surgery on Tuesday and took my last pain medication on Friday. Of course, I could feel that I had been operated on, but otherwise I felt pretty good. I had expected that I might barely be able to do anything myself for two weeks, but fortunately that wasn't the case.”
After a week and a half, Cynthia was already opening her laptop from her bed for a few hours. After two weeks, she went out for coffee, and about three weeks after the surgery, she resumed work. Six weeks after the procedure, she started exercising again.
“I found that quite nerve-wracking at first. You feel the scar and notice during strength training that the implants are behind the pectoral muscle. Of course, I wasn't familiar with that feeling yet. By now, it feels completely normal.”
Six months later
Six months after the surgery, Cynthia feels fully recovered. Around her abdomen, however, she still notices that the nerves need to recover further.
“Sometimes it feels like there is a big bandage on my stomach. The skin feels tight and sometimes a bit strange, but it doesn't hurt. My stomach is nice and flat and the scar is healing well.”
And then the part that it ultimately comes down to: the result of the mommy makeover. Fortunately, the result exceeded her expectations.
“I think it turned out beautifully. Of course, you shouldn't expect to suddenly have the body of a 25-year-old at 53, but it comes pretty close,” she says with a laugh. “My breasts look naturally shaped and my stomach is nice and toned. I am incredibly happy with it.”
Wearing and trying on clothes has also changed for her.
“Loose skin often remains visible under clothing anyway. Now everything fits better and my body is in proportion again. I love wearing a tight dress or a beautiful bikini. I was already confident before the surgery, but now I just feel much more comfortable in my body.”
“Prepare yourself well, but don't be deterred.”
Cynthia advises others to think carefully about the surgery beforehand and to prepare practically for the recovery.
“Make sure the items you need are within easy reach. Do not place medications and other necessities too high, as you are not allowed to lift your arms above your shoulders in the beginning. Also, ensure you have help so that you do not have to arrange everything at the last minute.”
According to Cynthia, it is important to have realistic expectations and give yourself enough time to recover.
“Every recovery is different, and every surgery carries risks. You shouldn't approach this without preconceived notions. But if you are really bothered by how your body looks, make sure you get well-informed and weigh up for yourself what is important to you. For me, it was absolutely worth it.”
A gift to herself
If Cynthia were faced with the choice again, she would make the same decision.
“I would definitely do it again and maybe even hesitate for less time. I really see it as a gift to myself. I enjoy looking in the mirror much more now and feel great in my clothes. The result turned out even better than I had dared to hope beforehand.”
Are you considering a mommy makeover?
You are most welcome. An initial consultation with our doctors is always without obligation, and we are happy to discuss the possibilities with you. Book your consultation online at a time that suits you, with a plastic surgeon of your choice. Prefer to contact us by phone? We are happy to assist you at 020 – 3055 847.
Mommy makeover at Esthetic Center Jan van Goyen
You are in good, safe hands with us.
- No-obligation consultation for honest, transparent advice
- A personalized, tailor-made treatment plan where your wishes take center stage.
- Our plastic surgeons are affiliated with the Dutch Societies for plastic surgery NVPC and NVEPC
- Both male and female BIG-registered plastic surgeons
- We are 100% subsidiary of OLVG, this means that you have access to the best care 24/7 even after the operation
