Tummy Tuck: Lynne's Story
Lynne Lesieur, 66, had tummy tuck surgery and Body Jet liposuction at Spire Leeds Hospital under the care of consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Chris Fenn.
After developing spinal problems, which meant she had to drop her regular exercise regime, Lynne Lesieur, a retired businesswoman from Leeds, was left with a legacy of fat around her middle, which diet alone would not shift. She became increasingly unhappy about her appearance and lost her self-confidence.
Lynne, 66, previously had an active lifestyle. She managed restaurants in France and England with her former husband, visited the gym three times a week, enjoyed horse riding, spent a time as a professional dancer, and followed a healthy diet. When she was pregnant in her late thirties with her daughter, Roxsanne, Lynne gained one and a half stones and was left with a rounded and prominent abdomen. Then five years ago, Lynne developed spinal problems and was unable to exercise. Piling on weight and unable to lose it, she became increasingly depressed about her situation.
“I had always been a confident person and it affected my confidence. I had a build up of fat around my stomach and flanks, which made me feel miserable. If I relaxed my stomach I looked pregnant and I hated the ‘muffin top’ that hung over the top of my trousers,” said Lynne.
“I had reached 11 ½ stone and my height is five foot five inches so I felt fat and ugly. I hated getting undressed and avoided looking in mirrors. Then one day when I caught sight of my reflection and saw this fat woman looking back at me and I decided to do something about it.”
Lynne had Body Jet liposuction procedure* (an alternative to traditional liposuction using high-pressure water jets), and an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) at Spire Leeds Hospital in November 2013 under the care of Mr. Christopher Fenn, consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon.
“I saw four surgeons before choosing Mr Fenn. I had done my research and went armed with a list of questions. He explained everything so clearly; and I decided right away to go ahead with the surgery.
“The results were immediate. The difference was amazing. I actually cried,” said Lynne. “The scar is fading, and as it is on the bikini line it’s great I can wear a bikini for the first time ever. He also did an amazing job on making me a new tummy button. Of course, my original was cut away with the tummy tuck. You cannot tell it's not mine,” added Lynne.
Commenting on the surgery, Mr Fenn said, “Lynne had a rounded and prominent abdomen with a bulky fullness, this was due to a lax abdominal wall rather than subcutaneous fat and excess. She also had some fullness across the flanks and lower back area. The surgery was performed for the cosmetic purpose of improving the appearance of her protuberant and full appearing abdomen particularly to regain proportion to her slim arms and legs.”
He continued, “Two separate procedures were performed at the same time. Liposuction was performed to the back and flank area using Body Jet liposuction. This system is gentler than traditional liposuction in that high-pressure water is used to loosen the fat, reducing trauma and bruising. The additional benefit is that in the water are numbing agents that reduce the post-operative discomfort and pain. A total of 800cc of fat were removed, 400cc from each side. The liposuction improved the contour and profile of the sides and back."
“The main purpose of the abdominoplasty procedure (tummy tuck) was to tighten the abdominal wall by tightening the six pack muscles. As a result of pregnancy, the tummy muscles can separate giving a more rounded appearance to the front of the abdomen, which is not improved by exercise. By tightening up the front of the tummy muscles (rather like a corset) a flatter, tighter tummy can be obtained with a much improved profile,” said Mr Fenn.
One year on from her surgery Lynne says it’s the best thing she has ever done. “ I lost about seven or eight pounds through the surgery and have managed to keep the weight off. I can now get into skinny jeans and jeggings for the first time.
“I’m ecstatic about the results. Beyond happy. I would recommend it to others without hesitation. It’s changed my life and given me back my self confidence.”