After the birth of her two children, Michelle Ward was unhappy with the appearance of her stomach. Despite successfully losing five stone after having a gastric band fitted ten years ago, she was left with scarring when the band had to be removed due to infection.

Michelle explains: “My tummy had lots of stretch-marks and excess skin that overhung my knickers, which prevented me wearing tighter fitting clothes. My stomach had been like this since the birth of my first son 25 years ago. After my gastric band removal, I was left with a scar that dipped and was horrible to look at.”

This prompted Michelle to start saving for a tummy tuck procedure and she began to research where to have the surgery. Through recommendations she decided to book a consultation at The McIndoe Centre with Oliver Harley, a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

She said: “I thought it was important to have a rapport with the surgeon, so I looked online. I did my research, spoke in forums with other people who had surgeries with him and saw the portfolio of people he had worked on.

“I thought I would need liposuction and a tummy tuck, but during the consultation Mr Harley said he didn’t think I would need both, just the tummy tuck. He was very positive and understanding. I went with my gut feeling and after getting a price, I was happy to book the operation.

“My stay at The McIndoe Centre was faultless. I was shown to my room by a nurse who informed me she would be my nurse for the day and to not hesitate to ask any questions. I had a clean, comfortable room with an en suite bathroom that had patio doors leading to a small courtyard.

“I was visited by the anaesthetist and Mr Harley, where I had the opportunity to discuss anything I was unsure of. I was taken down to theatre at 8.30am and the next thing I knew it was 12.30pm and I was back in my room.

“Throughout my stay, nothing was too much trouble. All staff, from the ladies who bought me meals and drinks to all the nursing staff, were extremely helpful and attentive. They regularly checked how my pain was and if I wanted any pain relief. I had a comfortable one night’s stay and after receiving aftercare advice, I went home very happy.”

“I can’t fault the care I received. Mr Harley did everything he promised and more and I am ecstatic with the results. Yes I have a scar but it will fade. It is so neat and has healed beautifully. Everything fits so much better, it’s amazing. I never expected to look like this.”