- I am a 42 year old lady, have 3 children and post pregnancies was left with an area of loose, sagging abdominal muscle and skin. I was very self conscious of my body shape, which led me to always wear loose fitting clothes. I go to the gym frequently but realised that sit-ups etc. were not going to improve the problem.
I researched what surgery was available and where I could access it in Northern Ireland . I discovered the Fitzwilliam Clinic in Belfast on the internet and contacted them to get the required literature sent out. From this, and information off the Fitzwilliam Clinic website, I chose Mr. Small. I checked that Mr. Small had the appropriate qualifications on the required registers for practicing as a plastic surgeon.
The first consultation was excellent. I was left fully informed about the abdominoplasty I required, what the surgery entailed, possible complications and the aftercare. I had a further two consultations before deciding to have the surgery. I had the abdominoplasty in the Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast. The care from all disciplines was very good and my hospital stay was four nights.
Abdominoplasty is major surgery and, having a young family, I required a lot of help and support in the early weeks after discharge. I returned home with two drains in-situ, a large wound and wearing a support garment. The first four to five weeks were the most difficult, waiting to get drains out, the wound healing and, most of all, being able to stand up straight again. I also had a minor complication which required me to wear the support garment for a longer period. The aftercare by Mr. Small has been excellent.
I am now six months post surgery, I have made a full recovery and am delighted with the result.
Regards