Patient story: Mia on her breast augmentation
In 2012 Mia* from Sydney had a breast augmentation at Zilver Lining under the care of Dr Ellis Choy. Mia shares her experience here.
What were your main concerns before you had your surgery?
I became quite ill in the period before meeting with Ellis, which resulted in substantial weight loss. I am quite small framed (5 feet 5 inches), and this resulted in my low self-esteem as I felt boyish. I also found it hard to fit into clothes.
How did you come to choose Ellis as your plastic & cosmetic surgeon?
Ellis and I often laugh about this. I guess it’s not often that a surgeon gets ‘walk by’ business, but that is what happened. The surgery had been in the back of my mind for a while, but it was his shiny new clinic sign that prompted me to finally bite the bullet and go in for a consultation.
What did you like about Dr Choy’s approach?
I was incredibly nervous going into the first meeting – I nearly cancelled the night before thinking that I was making the wrong decision. But from the moment I walked in, I felt completely at ease. Ellis and his team were so warm and welcoming. The environment was also incredibly relaxed, so I never felt pressured into making a decision. It didn’t feel clinical at all – but rather, the nurturing ‘sanctuary’ environment that Ellis promotes.
Did you understand what would happen at each step of the way?
Ellis made sure that I was completely briefed on the process, and was there every step of the way with reassurance and humour.
After the surgery, what was your immediate reaction? How long was the recovery period and how did you find it?
I felt incredibly at peace coming out of the surgery. I have to be completely honest – the recovery process did take a few months to feel completely normal, but in saying that, I had the surgery on Friday and was back at work on Tuesday. Ellis went out of his way to keep up to date with my progress. I felt as though I was in and out of his office giving updates more frequently than I was going to the shops for bread and milk.
Were there any unexpected outcomes?
Through my own activity post surgery I managed to create a haematoma around one of my scars. What may have otherwise been an issue was completely taken care of by Ellis and his nurse Julia. They went out of their way to check up, and offered their assistance in changing dressings every few days.
How has having the surgery affected your life?
In such a positive way – not only the physical and mental aspects of having this kind of surgery – but the rapport and friendship I have built with Ellis, May, Julia and the rest of the team. I consider them all lifelong friends and am so grateful to have gone on this journey with them.
* not her real name
