Patient

Stories

Meet

Felicia

Meet

Felicia


I’m a wife and mom of two beautiful girls. I work full-time as a practice manager. I enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest taking nature walks and mountain hikes. Sipping a protein coffee with my fur babies is a perfect Sunday. I love to spend time with my family playing board games, cooking, and catching up with the girls.

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How did you find your surgeon? What were the specific reasons you chose him or her over other providers? 

I viewed the Polyclinic Plastic Surgery website and looked through each surgeon’s profile. I thought Dr. Nadeau’s before and after photos were amazing. After confirming her board certification I added her to the list of surgeons I wanted to consult with. She was my first consultation and I just fell in love! She blew me away with all the information she provided. She was so honest, and I really enjoyed her female point of view. She was supportive and gave honest feedback with such a positive attitude. I knew when I walked out of that appointment that I trusted her to do my procedure and I canceled my other consults.

What type of procedure did you have and why did you decide to have this procedure? 

Arm lift with breast reduction

My body went through a lot of changes after I lost 184lbs with VSG. When I was at my highest weight (342lbs) I carried a lot of it in my arms and breasts. I worked out as much as I could to tone my upper body, but I knew nothing would be able to reverse the damage that had been done by all the years of being overweight. I knew that having these surgical procedures done was going to be my only option to truly move forward with my healthy lifestyle and to renew my confidence. It was difficult for me to see the changes I had worked so hard to make because I was left with so much loose skin.

Describe your surgical experience and recovery. 

From start to finish my surgical experience was fantastic and everyone on the Polyclinic Plastic Surgery team was helpful, positive, and knowledgeable. Dr. Nadeau went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable the day of surgery. She shared kind words during the surgical mark-up about my weight loss journey and acknowledged all the hard work it had taken me to get to this point. I truly felt she cared about me and that I wasn’t just another patient on her schedule.

She was always smiling, professional, and punctual. On the day of surgery, the team was having a bit of a hard time placing the IV. Because my procedure was an arm lift, they needed to place it in my foot and they were having a hard time doing that while I was awake. When Dr. Nadeau entered the room and noticed the situation she came over to reassure me. She gently rubbed my forehead and told me that everything would turn out great. Her compassionate gesture was the last thing I remember before waking up again after the procedure was complete.

Her kindness emphasized how she truly values her patients as people, and it showed me that she has such a great heart. The staff called the next day to check in on me. I had minimal pain. The breast reduction portion of my surgery was a breeze. As a busy mom, my arm recovery was a bit more challenging due to the need to elevate and relax during recovery. I had to learn to trust the process and take time for myself to heal properly.

What were your fears about having this procedure and how did your surgeon help you overcome them? 

My main concern was the scaring I’d have. I also second-guessed myself about having these procedures done before getting skin removal to my lower body. I sent Dr. Nadeau a message about my concerns and she reassured me that moving forward with the arm lift and the breast reduction would have no effect on future surgeries. She helped me see that my personal priorities were the only thing that mattered. She made me feel very secure in my decision and I felt great moving forward.

Describe why you are happy you chose this procedure. How has it positively impacted your life? Your self-esteem?

Even as a kid I carried a lot of my weight in my arms and I’ve always been self-conscious about that. I never thought in a million years that I would have the arms I have today. I’m so excited to show them off this summer! I can now wear short sleeves or even sleeveless shirts. In the past, I was so ashamed and embarrassed I would cover my arms up even in 90-degree weather. Not anymore! Having the breast reduction has helped with workouts and jogging. I’m able to do more now without having my arms or breasts weighing me down. My clothes fit better. Overall having these procedures done has been an all-around confidence booster. I finally feel comfortable in my body after 30 years.

Having these procedures done has given this Momma her groove back! I feel younger and more alive. It has motivated me to step up my workouts and try new things in the gym. I want to travel to tropical places maybe even wear a dress. My husband said that he’s noticed my confidence which makes me feel even sexier. I feel like a whole new person. I also feel like having these procedures done has shown my daughters that you don’t have to settle. Do what makes you happy at any age or stage in your life. Everyone deserves to be happy. This surgery will always be one of the best things I have done for myself. This is self-care at its core.

Tell us specifically about why you are happy you chose the surgeon you did? Describe his/her most outstanding qualities. 

Choosing Dr. Nadeau as my surgeon was a no-brainer for me. When I left my initial consultation all of my questions were answered and more. She understood my body and what the best outcome could be. She is truly talented and sincere. Her relaxed, relatable personality made me feel comfortable throughout this entire process. As soon as you meet Dr. Nadeau you can see that this is her passion. She truly loves her job as well as her patients. I couldn’t have asked for a better pair of hands to work their artistry on me. She truly is magical.

I feel so blessed when I look into the mirror now. I finally feel human again. Dr. Nadeau gave me my life back. I don’t have to hide anymore. I get to show the world the best version of myself and for that, I will be forever grateful. I always knew 100% I was in good hands.

How did our staff support you in your surgical experience?

Every person I worked with at Polyclinic Plastic Surgery gave me amazing service and I always felt they had my best interests in mind. It’s apparent that everyone truly enjoys their job and they all work well as a team. My questions were answered immediately with a phone call. If I need to be seen there was no wait time, they were also able to schedule me the next day. I felt like the staff was cheering for me every step of the way. They were almost as excited as I was to witness my transformation.

Do you have any advice for others who may be considering this procedure? 

Do your research, make sure you truly understand your procedure and have realistic goals. After massive weight loss, you have to understand that you will have scarring that people can see, and you have to be okay with that. The scars are your trophies I wear mine proudly.


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