Katy’s story
Katy’s story
Age: 26
Location: Kent
Treatment(s): Tummy Tuck
Katy, aged 26 from Kent, lost five stone after having her second son in 2020 and was left with a lot of excess skin. She had a Tummy Tuck with Bella Vou in June 2021. Here she shares her story.
I had been thinking about having a tummy tuck for quite a while - I lost over five stone after having my first son in 2017, and then after my second son was born in 2020 I decided that now was the right time.
Having gone from a size 18-20 to a size 8-10, I had a lot of excess skin, and when I wore tight clothes my stomach looked bigger than my bum! I worked really hard to lose the weight and I was at my goal weight, but I couldn’t do anything about this overhang of skin. I desperately wanted to embrace my new body but I couldn’t wear the clothes I wanted to wear and should be wearing at my age.
I started to research different surgeons online - I was time conscious because I was due to get married in 2021, but at the same time I didn’t want to rush anything, I wanted to find the perfect surgeon. I’d had other surgery in the past with a mainstream clinic and it wasn’t a good experience - it felt rushed and really impersonal, so this time I was determined to find something different.
I found Bella Vou on Google and I read a lot of positive reviews on various ratings websites and on social media. I had a really helpful initial call, and then booked a consultation for a couple of weeks later. While it’s not the cheapest clinic, their revision policy drew me to them, which down the line I was so grateful to have paid attention to.
My mum came with me for support, and Amir S talked us through everything. He was really kind and honest, and when you’re paying that sort of money you want someone to be really honest with you about the results and any limitations.
He explained the possible results with or without lipo, warned me that I’d be at higher risk of haematoma because of being a weight-loss patient, and reassured me that if there were any complications at all that Bella Vou would be there to support and fix them, and that they’d cover the cost. This was super important to me as I knew I was higher risk as a weight-loss patient.
It felt like Amir really took the time to explain everything and he seemed really genuine, and when we left the consultation I said to my mum: “he’s the one”. My mum agreed, and I felt really happy with the decision.
Stacy got in touch later that day and gave me the price for a tummy tuck with lipo, but I was really honest and said I couldn’t afford the lipo option. I wanted to ensure I’d still get good results without lipo - after all, you’re paying a lot of money, and she called me within the hour to say she’d spoken to Amir and he wanted to reassure me that I’d still get good results, just not the “ultimate result”. I never wanted a full athletic look, I just wanted the excess skin removed, so I was happy with that, and I was glad that the expectation was super clear from the beginning.
I had my pre-op appointment with Scott, who is an incredibly kind and really lovely person. I then had my surgery, spent the night in a lovely room at the clinic (it’s like a hotel!) and was discharged 24 hours later.
Recovering at home, I experienced quite a lot of pain but I had my one-week check up and everything was ok. I had a lot of bruising but that’s to be expected when you’ve had lots of skin removed and muscle repair - it’s a big op. But on day eight I started to feel really unwell. I started to bleed really heavily and I was rushed to the William Harvey hospital. It turned out that I had a haematoma, which is usually present in the first 24 hours post-surgery, and which is why Bella Vou keeps you in for that time to monitor you. I had to have emergency surgery to stop the bleeding.
As soon as Amir heard, he drove to the hospital to make sure I was ok. He liaised with the surgeon and he ended up being the one telling me what was happening. He was there with me every step of the way.
I want to stress that what happened to me wasn’t Bella Vou or Amir’s fault - I knew it was a risk (since I was a weight loss patient) - and developing haematoma eight days later is unheard of. Amir had only ever heard of one other case of this happening, so it was a really unusual and unlucky situation.
The NHS surgeon had to open me back up which had a detrimental effect on my tummy tuck, but Amir reassured me that he would fix it, and at no extra cost. I saw him every week for wound care and so that he could make sure I was healing, and he even gave me his personal number. The care was incredible and really reassuring.
For the first six weeks I was adamant I wouldn’t go back into surgery, I was so nervous after what had happened, but I finally plucked up the courage and had the revision surgery three weeks ago. Amir fixed everything perfectly and put extra precautionary measures in place, and everyone was so supportive and reassuring.
Now I have the flattest tummy and my scars are virtually healed just three weeks on. I’m already back at work, and when I look in the mirror I finally have my results.
There’s a little scar on my tummy where they moved by belly button, but at the end of the day, then vs now is totally different. Everything feels like a distant memory now and I feel amazing. I didn’t have a textbook recovery but I’m healthy now and that’s the main thing, and I have the results I dreamed of!
My wedding is now next year and I have that to look forward to. I have my dress but I haven’t tried it on with my new body yet - it’s going to look completely different and I’m so excited. I’ll have my six week check-up in December and then I can take my garment off in time for a Christmas party - I’ve already been shopping for a dress and I can’t believe how many options there are for me to choose from now!
I can’t recommend Bella Vou enough - everyone is so friendly and so lovely, and I know that I definitely made the right decision going with them.
I think it’s important that people understand the risk of complications, but they should be reassured by how well Bella Vou and Amir deal with them when they arise - other companies definitely wouldn’t have offered the same level of support.
Treatments
Arm Lift
Tummy Tuck
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What our clients say
★★★★★
I highly recommend Hagen as a surgeon, from start to finish I was completely looked after and all my questions were answered. Hagen was very professional, friendly and responsive to all my questions in the appointments, emails or phone calls. There was no pressure it was all at my pace and when I was ready. He was fantastic at accommodating appointments to be virtually when possible (as I am not local to the clinic) This surgery has changed my life I feel much more confident in myself. So a massive thank you to Hagen and the team at Bella Vou.
CHFOLD
★★★★★
In November 2023 I booked a full abdominoplasty and vaser lipo with Amir. I visited for my initial consult and knew straight away that i had found the right surgeon, Amir was compassionate, knowledgeable and extremely professional. Fast forward to the 18th of January and my surgery day, Amir was understanding of how nerve wracking surgery can be and i felt at ease from the moment I walked into the building. I was in theatre a lot longer than planned due to an umbilical hernia and extra muscle repair, Amir is a perfectionist and made sure all was well and to his high standards before finishing the surgery. I’ve had a minor umbilical complication which is unfortunately one of the risks associated with this procedure. But the aftercare I have received from Amir and his team has been second to none and I could not be happier with my results. I look forward to my umbilical correction in a few months. I really cannot thank Amir enough and would recommend him to anyone looking for a cosmetic surgeon.
RachelG95
★★★★★
Dr Sadr is an incredibly approachable doctor. His attention to detail is excellent and he explained everything very clearly. He listens to any concerns and wants the absolute best result for his patients. The clinic is absolutely beautiful and it felt like a hotel stay rather than a hospital! The nurses and staff were so friendly and helpful. It really does seem like they all enjoy working there and the atmosphere is very positive. The road to recovery is long with a tummy tuck but I have recovered very well and have benefitted from regular check ups and assurance the whole way. I am really happy with my results. I can wear clothes I couldn’t before, and for the first time in 15 years I might just wear a bikini this summer! Would I go back to Bella Vou? Yes definitely. I would recommend to anyone.
anon2269
★★★★★
Amir has been friendly and professional since my first consultation. He has a great way of managing expectations and a wonderful confidence that really kept me calm throughout the process. The clinic has the highest standards of cleanliness, it is a beautiful clinic, It’s always a pleasure to visit! The spa like feel, makes me feel so welcome and relaxed. All staff at Bella Vou are very welcoming, friendly and professional. I am happy with my results so far and so pleased with my recover, I am back to work 2 weeks after and able to do most things as normal. Thank you!
HannahR94
★★★★★
Amir Nakhdjevani and The Bella Vou team – I think that all superlatives have already been used in the reviews I have seen and they are well deserved. It has been 6 months since I decided that as gift to my 60 year old self and after careful research I would undergo a cosmetic procedure with Amir and the BellaVou Clinic- namely an Extended Concept Lower Face and Neck lift… Amir N is an exceptionally gifted and caring surgeon who carefully listened to me.He was transparent, honest & direct in advising me as to what I needed to achieve the outcome I desired… My request was to look refreshed, less tired, without obvious signs of surgery, but still recognisable as me, to my partner and unsuspecting friends.That is exactly what was achieved. Amusingly I have noted professionals in other settings doing a double take when now seeing my year of birth… Every member of the team go above and beyond…Thank you all… I would not hesitate to recommend this organisation and its team of gifted surgeons and support staff for any cosmetic procedure you would wish to undertake, safe in the knowledge that you will receive excellent results with caring and attentive support throughout your journey and beyond.
LittleMissMe
★★★★★
Absolutely phenomenal care from all of the team at Bella Vou. Special thanks to Amir Sadr for my breast augmentation surgery and to Gabriella the RN who looked after me in recovery xx
Anon
★★★★★
I was nervous going into it because I’d never had any experience with surgeries or cosmetic procedures but everyone was so lovely and the experience was very calm and easy. The procedure was so painless and the surgeon and assistants were chatty and made me feel comfortable and let me know what was happening. I was in and out in a few hours. The aftercare was simple and the healing process has been exactly as they had told me. I’m very happy with my result and would definitely recommend.
ellsmata
★★★★★
Had my long awaited procedure on Saturday 23rd March at Bella Vou. The clinic is modern & very luxurious and the team are welcoming & warm. I’d like to give a special thanks to the amazing Consultant Plastic Surgeon Amir Nakhdjevani for his open & honest advice, experience and skills to achieve what I was looking for, to Anaesthesiologist Ravi, who made me laugh ( & I wasn’t sick as promised) to the beautiful nurse Gabriella, who is just so lovely & caring and last but not least the wonderful Bella Vou chauffeur Joe who picked me up at 5:30am and took me home 10 hours later ( 150 miles in all! ) Joe was professional thoughtful and kind. Thank-you also for the unexpected gift bag from The White Company, full of luxury goodies to enjoy ! I couldn’t recommend Bella Vou highly enough & would recommend to all if you are looking for a cosmetic procedure carried out by a friendly experienced team in a beautiful clinic – you won’t find better ! Hope to see you all again next week for my check up x
Mercedes245
★★★★★
I booked in with Mark for an aesthetic assessment. During the consultation, we discussed my concerns and possible treatments. I booked in a few weeks after, for the treatment. I am very happy with my experience. Mark is very knowledgeable and explained each step, which helped me feel at ease. I would be very comfortable recommending Mark to others! Thanks again
Jadereed_8
★★★★★
Amir is an amazing surgeon. He walked me through my breast augmentation step by step, making sure I understood all the risks and what my potential outcome could look like. The main thing that stood out for me is that Amir wouldn’t do anything that wouldn’t suit my body, so was very thorough with managing my expectations as when I said I wanted to go bigger he said it would all depend what he found during surgery as to what would fit best. And I couldn’t be happier! I’m only 3 weeks post op. And my breasts look absolutely wonderful if I say so myself!! I know they won’t fully settle for sometime yet but already I’m totally thrilled. Thank you Amir and all the team at Bella Vou.
Celebrated403326
★★★★★
I gained 5 stones in both of my pregnancies and breast fed for a year with each baby, and despite lots of hard work in the gym, there was no chance that my body would ever recover. At the age of 40, I have good muscle tone and low body fat (bmi of 20), but all of that was hidden under loose and saggy skin. I also had quite a large separation of my abdominal muscles, which meant my stomach protruded, despite being slim… I booked in for a circumferential tummy tuck, breast lift and implants and had my surgery at the end of November. It was a long operation (around 8 hours) and I stayed overnight at the clinic. There were really, *really* lovely nurses caring for me overnight… I’m 4 months ish post surgery and… my body looks AWESOME. Amir should work for Mattel, because he’s given me a body like Barbie. I’ve never had a body this good – even as an 18 year old my boobs weren’t this symmetrical and perky or my stomach this flat. My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. So, I can’t rate Amir highly enough, he really is a brilliant surgeon with an astute eye for what will suit his patients, but I also want to praise Bella Vou as a clinic overall. They have really created something special there with their approach, it feels like a boutique experience where they’ve literally anticipated every thing you might need… everyone is brilliant. I would 100% recommend Amir Nakhdjavani and Bella Vou
Energetic280040
★★★★★
I’ve seen Dr. Holmes at Bella Vou for Anti-Wrinkle Injections and tear trough filler. My experience couldn’t be more positive. I’ve previously had Anti-Wrinkle Injections and filler (though not tear trough filler) at another clinic near my home but wasn’t fully satisfied for reasons that I’ll come to. I then had surgery at Bella Vou last year and was so impressed with… well, everything… that I thought I’d try getting my aesthetic treatments done there, too… Tear trough filler was something I was nervous about from a pain perspective, but Dr Holmes used a cannula, and I barely even felt it. In contrast, my previous injector used a syringe for filler and I think this contributed to the discomfort and bruising. Most importantly, the results look fantastic. Very natural, but refreshed. Bella Vou is a 2 hour train or car journey for me, but I’m more than happy to do 4 hours of travel to receive such superior treatment. I can’t recommend Dr Holmes and Bella Vou enough.
Energetic280040Superb, Highly Recommend.
★★★★★
I have met Dr Holmes a couple of times now to discuss certain treatments that would benefit myself. He explains everything in such great detail and listens to my concerns. I feel very relaxed in his presence as I know I am in good hands. I come away feeling very positive about decisions I have made.
Funny159850
★★★★★
My experience with Amir and the Bella Vou clinic has been everything I could have asked for. The surgery went perfectly and the care I received from the whole team both before and after the surgery has been amazing. I’m extremely happy with my results, everything’s healing well and at 6 weeks post-op, things are already mostly back to normal. Everyone there is so friendly, and its clear they put a lot of effort into ensuring all their patients are given the best care possible. The whole process has been so much easier than I thought it would be thanks to everyone at Bella Vou, the nurses, especially Gabriella who has been so kind and friendly throughout, Nikki who did my lymphatic massage which helped reduce swelling almost immediately, my patient coordinator, Oliver, who has helped make sure all my questions are answered, and Amir who has given me amazing results already. I couldn’t recommend them enough, and I truly couldn’t have chosen anyone better.
Pioneering271843
★★★★★
I am 71 and had a concept facelift with the wonderful Amir. I have to say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. If you are thinking of having a facelift you will not find a better surgeon or clinic. The whole team are lovely. A big heartfelt Thank you to Amir, Victoria, Renata the MLD therapist, Ann who always greets you at the main Desk with a smile! And last but not least Paddy the kind Bella Vou driver who picks you up and takes you home on the day of your operation.
Angela4116
★★★★★
I am extremely satisfied with the entire service from start to finish from the initial consultation to the surgery and post-care. Everyone at Bella Vou is so lovely and you feel very well looked after throughout. Amir N is a rare talent and tailored his care to my exact needs, he explained everything clearly, keeping advice personalised and realistic. He listened to what I wanted and took my body shape into account to ensure I still looked natural. I am very happy with the end results. I would most definitely use this service again and I would give ten stars if I could! A massive thank you and keep doing what you’re doing.
Sapphire1005x
★★★★★
I went to see Dr Mark Holmes 4 weeks after my Concept facelift, I immediately felt I was in safe hands. He is a very experienced and knowledgeable doctor. I really look forward to my next treatment.
Thanks so much Mark!
Angela4116
★★★★★
My experience at Bella Vou was absolutely 5 stars. The care from every single member of staff was above and beyond. The results of my breast augmentation are more than I hoped for. I absolutely love them. Thank you to all at Bella Vou for a fantastic life-changing surgery and an amazing service and care.
Considerate829490
★★★★★
Dr Amir and his team have been exceptional! Throughout my journey with Bella Vou I have been made to feel welcome and nothing has been too much trouble. Dr Amir’s upbeat positive attitude put me at ease before and after my surgery. My tummy tuck has exceeded all my expectations and the results are beyond what I could have ever imagined. For the first time in over 30 years I am able to feel confident in my own skin, for this I am eternally grateful to Dr Amir Nakhdjevani.
Sati Gill
★★★★★
Amir and his wonderful team are amazing! He is kind, clear and very honest about what he can do and what the results would be like. He and his team were welcoming, attentive, gentle and very kind during both my procedure, and my recovery from breast reduction. I was in no pain, and any little concerns were removed by chatting to one of the team. I even phoned the nurse for advice on New Year’s Day, and she was so helpful! The whole experience is second to none, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Bella Vou to anyone who is looking to have cosmetic surgery. I certainly wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Beanie434
