I’m a busy business owner that’s been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. I’m a colorist and I have a deep passion for making my guests feel beautiful. I truly believe everyone has something beautiful about them and the thing I love most about my job is being able to bring that unique beauty to their attention. I believe that loving yourself is a huge part of self-care and with that in mind I lost 70 pounds after the birth of my second daughter through diet changes and cultivating a new love for exercising. I’m also lucky to be raising two beautiful girls who are the light of my world. My hope for them is that they will grow to be self-loving, confident, and caring women.
How did you find your surgeon? What were the specific reasons you chose him or her over other providers?
I’d had a breast augmentation done previously by another provider. He was a good surgeon, however, he made me feel like just a number. His bedside manner was extremely disappointing. I knew I needed to find another plastic surgeon for my next procedure.
I live on a small island in Alaska. When Dr. Wei was still in private practice she would occasionally come to Alaska as a part of a traveling clinic. I went in for a consultation and really clicked with her. She is caring, compassionate, down-to-earth, and fun. I knew I was going to be in really good hands with her as my surgeon and I feel so fortunate that I found her!
What type of procedure did you have and why did you decide to have this procedure?
The first procedure I had done with Dr. Wei was a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Six years later I had a breast implant exchange and lift done which included downsizing the pocket that held the implant and removing excess tissue and fat from my chest wall.
After losing 70 pounds I was left with a lot of excess skin on my stomach. I also had some stubborn remaining fat. Dr. Wei removed 8 pounds! What a relief! Also, my previous implants were way too large for my frame and as a result, my back was in constant pain. I was only able to wear sports bras and believe me, they weren’t sexy! I just wanted my breasts to be smaller.
Describe your surgical experience and recovery.
The Polyclinic Plastic Surgery Center in Seattle is a beautiful facility and the staff is very kind and helpful. The OR nurses really made me feel at ease. The recovery from my breast implant exchange was a breeze. The tummy tuck recovery was a bit more challenging. Not being able to use my abdominal muscles was definitely a struggle but I’d do it again tomorrow to achieve the results I did. Absolutely phenomenal! I didn’t have a single complication with either procedure.
What were your fears about having this procedure and how did your surgeon help you overcome them?
Oh, the fears! I researched abdominoplasty for years before deciding to move forward. My main fears surrounded the possibility of infection, wondereing how I would be able to pull off not working work for several weeks, and the possibility of not healing properly. I experienced some serious complications with a previous breast augmentation (done by another surgeon) that really had a big hold on me. My previous surgeon just wrote me off and I had to find a general surgeon for healing support. So I was pretty nervous going into an even larger surgical procedure. But knowing that going through with it would be the only way I could achieve the lifestyle I was after, I had no choice but to get over my fears and move forward. I’ll never forget walking to the OR with Dr. Wei, crying. I was so nervous! She stopped at the door and gave me a hug and said “Les, this is going to be great, we will keep you safe.” She totally reassured me.
Describe why you are happy you chose this procedure. How has it positively impacted your life? Your self-esteem?
Having these procedures done really changed the way I feel about myself and my confidence has improved dramatically.
I’ve always been a larger woman and I’ve loved my curves. I just wanted my stomach to feel tighter and wanted to get rid of all the loose skin that remained after my 70 pound weight loss. Prior to having my tummy tuck done I had spent most of my life dressing to cover or disguise my stomach. With all that extra skin gone, I can now dress to highlight those curves! Being in the beauty industry, I’m very open about and proud of the plastic surgery I’ve had with Dr. Wei. I encourage my clients who are seeking change that can’t be accomplished through diet or exercise alone to just do it! Life is too short not to be happy! I believe plastic surgery can be the ultimate form of self-care. If you don’t like it, change it. Prior to the pandemic, I was training for a fitness competition. Covid shut that down. My hope is to continue to push my body to that extreme and to get on that stage! Never would I have thought I could do that. Having the excess stomach skin removed makes it all possible.
Tell us specifically about why you are happy you chose the surgeon you did? Describe his/her most outstanding qualities.
Dr. Wei makes you feel at ease. She is really great about giving you realistic advice and I trust her opinions. I also absolutely love the way she does her stitches. My scars are nearly invisible. I really think she’s magic! Also, she is young and I feel like my plastic surgery journey isn’t over. It’s nice to have a provider that’s not looking to retire anytime soon.
How did our staff support you in your surgical experience?
The staff was very friendly and helpful with all correspondence. Because I live out of town it was more challenging to make all of the arrangements for my surgery. The staff worked hard to make it all as easy as possible for me. Dr. Wei was also very accommodating in letting me do a Zoom consultation.
I would like to thank Dr. Wei and the entire Polyclinic Plastic Surgery staff for being so caring and for providing excellent service.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering this procedure?
Life is short. If you would like to have something done my advice is to just do it! If you and your surgeon both feel you’d benefit from it, then go for it! I would also highly recommend consulting with Dr. Wei at the Polyclinic Plastic Surgery Center in Seattle.