FOF Chris C., a 52-year-old Indiana hairdresser, liked her body in high school. While many of her classmates were insecure, Chris–above-average height, slender and well-endowed–was confident. So why, decades later, did she decide to have three different plastic surgery procedures: Breast augmentation, tummy tuck and breast lift?
“Having kids changed everything,” Chris says. Breastfeeding three babies, three C-sections and a hysterectomy left her breasts with far less tissue and her stomach looking like “a jigsaw puzzle.”
“There were scars left to right and up and down,” Chris told us.
Ten years ago, she decided to take action and met with Dr. Gus Galante, a board certified plastic surgeon, for her first consultation. She says it was one of the best decisions of her life.
“Dr. Galante has done his part to make me look the best that I can. I’d do it a thousand times over.”
How did you find Dr. Galante?
Dr. Galante and his office manager were long-time clients at a salon where I worked in Schererville. We became really good friends. But, never in a million years did I think I’d have work done.
What treatment did you have first?
I had a breast augmentation around 2003.
Breast augmentation performed by Dr. Galante on Chris.
What made you decide to do that?
I breastfed all three of my children and, as a result, didn’t have much breast tissue left. That’s what happens…you lose it. When Dr. Galante’s office manager came into the salon, I’d talk with her about having an augmentation. She suggested I consult with the doctor.
What did Dr. Galante recommend?
At that point, we decided solely on the augmentation and that maybe down the road I’d have a breast lift.
What size were you before?
I was a C but it was just skin–there was no tissue at all. Dr. Galante gave me a saline implant, and I ended up a Double D. My breasts filled up my bras again, and lingerie shopping became fun again.
You also had a tummy tuck?
Yes, about a year after the breast augmentation I went back to Dr. Galante. The skin on my stomach looked crazy because I had three C-sections. I also had a little bit of excess skin, which the doctor removed.
Abdominoplasty performed by Dr. Galante on Chris.
Were you happy with the results?
The results were wonderful. Dr. Galante did a great job removing the excess skin. I don’t have big, thick scars. After the surgery, he had me wear special foam tape religiously and now you can’t see the scars at all.
What were the treatment and recovery like?
Everything was good. The surgeries were done on an outpatient basis.
Tell us about the breast lift you had last year.
When Dr. Galante put in my implants he said I might eventually want a lift. Ten years after the augmentation, the implants didn’t move, but due to gravity, everything else did. So, I had my breasts lifted this past October.
“This is the patient 10 years after her breast augmentation,” Dr. Galante says. “You can see how the age-related changes have affected the shape of the breast. She underwent an implant exchange with a slightly larger volume and a breast lift to improve the shape.”
At one point you never dreamed you’d have plastic surgery, but now you’ve had three treatments. Why were you hesitant?
I had three kids…and kids are expensive! The cost [of plastic surgery] is not cheap, but it was worth every penny. As a hairdresser I felt it was important to look my best. You’re not going to have your hair done by someone whose appearance isn’t good.
You used Dr. Galante for all three treatments. What do you like about him so much?
I’ve known him for years. I trust him wholeheartedly. He’s down to earth. He’ll tell you right off the bat if he doesn’t think a treatment is right for you or if what you want doesn’t work with your body proportions.
What do your husband, family and friends think?
My husband thinks I look great. My oldest daughter just had a baby and said when she’s finished having kids she’s going to Dr. Galante. My college-aged clients say they want to look like I do when they’re my age! I’ve sent three or four of my clients to Dr. Galante. I was confident about how I looked before, but knew that I could look even better.
A note from Dr. Galante:
.
Dr. Gus Galante
322 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 103
Schererville, IN 46375
Tel: (219) 322-3131
Fax: (219) 322-9494
Email: info@galantemd.com
0 Responses to “{Life Changing Plastic Surgery Stories} FOF Chris C.”
Belinda MacDonald says:
I am very envious, in 2005 I had a gastric bypass done for health reasons and lost a ton of weight as an added bonus, I had also had several other surgeries leaving my tummy all scarred up plus I have mega stretch marks (still) from being pregnant with twins 30 years ago. Needless to say at 50 yrs old my breasts remind me of deflated tires as well as having such an excess of skin from my ribs down and have a horrible skin “apron” due to all the weight loss. When I had the gastric bypass done I was told that the government still covered the cost of having a tummy tuck after you had lost all the excess weight so that you didn’t have the issues of dealing with all the excess skin (I live in Ontario, Canada so most of our medical costs are paid for by the government). Unfortunately by the time I had reached my perfect weight the government had decided not to cover the cost of the tummy tuck any longer even though they still pay for the gastric bypass. I have a friend who just had a gastric bypass done back in November/December and for some reason her tummy tuck will be paid for, very puzzling to say the least. I no longer work due to a few back surgeries for disc fushion so short of winning a lottery I will never be able to pay for a tummy tuck or a breast uplift and augmentation which is a shame because although I have a young and attractive face I feel terrible about the way my body looks and it has crushed my self confidence. I would encourage any woman who can afford it to have the work done if they need it, I am quite positive that it would be an emotionally life altering experience for the better and Chris looks absolutely fantastic!
REBECCA STEPHEN says:
I have written you before about my weight loss of 156 lbs. and all the loose skin. Your before and after pictures are great and I wish you could help me.
Kathy says:
I’ve had 3 children and reacently lost 60 pounds…I am so jealous of the tummy tuck! It tuned out awesome! I wish medical insurance covered it.
Geri Brin says:
Hi Kathy,
Medical insurance doesn’t pay, but you can use Care Credit if the doctor accepts it, so you can pay over time.
Geri Brin
Jill says:
O.K. gutsy but awesome results, the stomach one really turned out great, for those who have had c-cections and other female surgerys that left them with scars. If you can afford it and are in good health go for it!