A transformational makeover

For hairdresser Patricia Bilal, years of repetitive movements — including lifting a hair dryer and cutting hair — had taken a toll on her body.
At age 56, Bilal also was spending hours of her day on her feet.
“The process of shampooing, standing up with my arms raised and constantly doing the same thing started to hurt,” she said.
The pain began across her shoulders and started to radiate through her neck.
“As I got older, being heavy in the chest creates pain,” Bilal said. “I knew I wanted a breast reduction. I needed it. I was starting to develop bad pain across my shoulders.”
As a tall woman at 5’10” and with a triple-D bra cup size, Bilal said her need for plastic surgery was not as much for cosmetic purposes as it was to prevent pain.
Her insurance company approved the reduction without issue and referred her to Leif Nordberg, MD, at Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery. But when she went in to meet the doctor for her consultation, she ended up deciding to do a little more.
“I also wanted to lose weight and when I did, I had excess skin around my belly area,” Bilal said. “I thought I could look into a tummy tuck as well, and Dr. Nordberg said I was a great candidate for the mommy makeover.”
She ended up having a “mommy makeover” in April, which included a breast reduction and lift along with a tummy tuck.
“The mommy makeover is a comprehensive procedure that can include a tummy tuck, liposuction and a breast lift with implants,” Nordberg said. “In Patricia’s case, she was having a breast reduction, which insurance covered for her.”
Nordberg said Bilal was a particularly good candidate for the mommy makeover because she was healthy and at an ideal weight for the surgery.
“She had a good anatomy with the appropriate skin excess that she needed for the abdominal work. It all came together,” Nordberg said.
One of his most popular procedures, the mommy makeover combines breastwork such as breast augmentation or implants along with abdominal contouring.
“It’s really common especially after women have children or have lost a significant amount of weight,” Nordberg said.
He said the benefit of doing everything at the same time is in the results.
“It is a whole body transformation,” Nordberg said.
Bilal said she knew that she had found the right physician after meeting him in person and reading his reviews online.
“From the moment I met Dr. Nordberg and his staff, I knew he was good. He has an amazing bedside manner and I felt so safe every step of the way,” Bilal said, which confirmed the positive reviews she had read of Dr. Norberg and his staff. “It was solidified when I started reading about him online.”
After her surgery, she said that she took two months off from work to recover and was again glad she had found a local surgeon for the aftercare.
“Recovery was much better than I expected. I was able to get by with over-the-counter Tylenol and even though I was slow,” Bilal said. “By the 4th week, I was able to walk normally.”
Little by little, she started to get up more out of the recliner she rested in for the first few weeks and started to incorporate more exercise back into her routine before she went back to work full time.
“It is important to have these procedures done locally because of the aftercare,” Nordberg said. “Our office is here to make sure you properly heal and we are available for that extra care.”
For Bilal, she said most of her friends cannot believe she did not go out of town or even out of the country for the procedure.
“I got it all done here and I couldn’t be more pleased,” Bilal said. “I knew that I could count on the staff to answer my questions and see me if I needed them. I had several follow-up visits and they were fantastic each time.”
As far as how she looks now, Bilal said her chest finally goes with her body.
“I’m very pleased with my results. I have a pair of full leather pants and I look so fabulous in them now,” Bilal said.
She said shopping for clothes is easier and less expensive.
“I used to have to buy really expensive bras and now I no longer have that tightness across my chest when I am wearing button-down shirts,” Bilal said.
Nordberg said that is why mommy makeovers are so popular.
“It helps our patients feel like themselves again,” Nordberg said.
For Bilal, it has been a game-changer for her and she no longer experiences pain. She said she gets compliments daily.
“I’m thankful every day,” Bilal said. “I get a lot of compliments from clients who have known me for years and I tell them all that Dr. Nordberg is a gem in Fayetteville.”
For initial consultations and appointments, call 910-829-6588. Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery is located at 1841 Quiet Cove in Fayetteville.