Victoria ‘s story
Victoria 's Story
Treatment(s): Mummy Makeover
Location: Exeter
“It’s hands down the best decision I have ever made. If I needed anything else done in future, I would always return to Bella Vou and Amir. ”
Victoria is a 32-year-old illustrator and beauty shop owner from Exeter. After having a baby, she worked hard to get back into a shape she felt happy with, but stubborn fat, excess skin and deflated breasts left her feeling ashamed of her body. Eventually, she decided to have a full ‘Mummy Makeover’, which included a tummy tuck, liposuction and a breast lift. Here she tells her story, including how she’s feeling two and a half years on.
After gaining six and a half stone in my pregnancy and having a 10lb baby, I completely lost all of my confidence. Through healthy eating, exercise and a lot of hard work I lost four and a half stone, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t tone the excess skin or get rid of the stubborn fat on my hips, and my breasts and stomach were deflated, sagging and horrible to look at. I was ashamed of my body and I desperately wanted to feel like myself again. I knew I had to go down the surgery route, so I started researching my options.
I researched for about a year to understand more about the processes and things to look for in a quality surgeon. I lived in Kent at the time, and I had several consultations in London and local areas. After my first meeting with Amir, I knew that I wanted to go with Bella Vou.
I was made to feel individual, important and in the best hands, and I am so happy I made the decision to trust Amir. We made the decision together to go for the full ‘Mummy Makeover’ to achieve the aesthetics I wanted: a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, liposuction and a breast lift with implants. Lots of options were discussed but these were the right ones for me.
I was ashamed of my body and I desperately wanted to feel like myself again. I knew I had to go down the surgery route, so I started researching my options.
I was never pressured to go for the full Mummy Makeover all at once, I knew I was able to have my breast lift and tummy tuck separately, but I chose to have everything done at once so that there was just one operation and one recovery. I’m a busy mum so I was conscious about needing to be mobile again as quickly as possible, especially after reading some horror stories online, but Amir reassured me that he’d have me standing up and moving as quickly as possible after surgery.
The hospital in East Grinstead was lovely, and I had a beautiful, big, private room. Amir met me in the morning to mark up and talk through any questions I had. His confidence and patience made me feel comforted and at ease.
Whilst in recovery and over the next few days in hospital, I was really well looked after, and Amir visited me regularly to check how I was and to check my progress. This was amazing and I feel like it’s something you wouldn’t get with other surgeons.
I bruised like a peach from the liposuction which was uncomfortable, but I barely felt any discomfort in my breasts and stomach and I was only on pain relief for a few days. I did have a small seroma following the surgery on my tummy, and small complications are understandable after such big surgery, but I was seen as many times as I wanted by Amir and he was always so detailed with his care. He worked his magic, had me standing up straight and moving from day one, and I recovered really quickly. The team at Bella Vou were in regular contact with me too, which was lovely.
Whilst in recovery and over the next few days in hospital, I was really well looked after, and Amir visited me regularly to check how I was and to check my progress. This was amazing and I feel like it’s something you wouldn’t get with other surgeons.
The overall healing process does take time, and is still taking place two and a half years on, so I’d urge you not to expect instant results. After major surgery, your body has to do a lot of adjustment, and of course I’ve had to continue exercising and eating healthily to maintain the results that I wanted. It’s totally worth it though.
It makes me tearful to think how much this surgery has changed my life and made me feel like me again. I had such a lack of body confidence and a poor mindset, but now I love my body again and go about my life without worrying about how I look. I feel confident in clothes and out of them now, which has improved my relationship and given me a new lease of life. The muscle repair helped me to be able to exercise better and I feel stronger too.
It’s hands down the best decision I have ever made. If I needed anything else done in future, I would always return to Bella Vou and Amir.
Treatments
Tummy tuck
Breast Augmentation
REVIEWED WIDELY
ACROSS THESE PLATFORMS
What our
clients
say
What our clients say
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Dr. Amir is an exceptional surgeon whose care and professionalism exceed expectations. Throughout the entire process, from pre-op to post-op, the treatment provided is nothing short of five-star quality. Supported by a remarkable team of healthcare professionals including ODPs, nurses, therapists, and consultants, Dr. Amir ensures comprehensive care for optimal recovery. The non-medical staff exhibit exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and genuine care, which greatly contributes to the overall positive experience. Despite initial concerns about general anesthesia, I was quickly reassured and felt completely safe under the care of Dr. Amir and his incredible team. Not only is Dr. Amir a skilled consultant surgeon, but he also possesses an artistic touch that truly sets him apart. The results speak for themselves – my body transformation is nothing short of magazine-worthy, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be living the dream. After enduring three C-sections resulting in severe diastasis recti, I am ecstatic with the outcome. Just two weeks post-op, I already feel and look amazing, thanks to Dr. Amir’s expertise and dedication to his craft.
pgoodream
★★★★★
I had an upper eyelid blepharoplasty with Dr Radovan Boca. He advised on what would suit me best and discussed my concerns and we agreed a plan. I was quite anxious in advance so the patient co-ordinator rang me to reassure me. On the day Radovan was so kind and caring, really taking the time to think about the best outcome. The whole team were very professional. There was no pain throughout the whole procedure or afterwards. The patient co-ordinator rang to advise on management as I recovered. Five weeks in and things are still settling, it is not an immediate recovery, but I am so pleased with the results. It is exactly what I wanted.
66yyyyy
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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.
