By combining Liposuction, Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation in Los Angeles, Laura chose to do something for herself and transform her look.

Unhappy with what she describes as "about a mile of extra skin" around her midsection, Laura dreamed about having a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, for a long time. But she was caught up in raising her children in the San Bernardino area, running a busy household and enjoying her favorite activities like baking. Years went by, she became accustomed to the changes in her body related to childbirth and aging, and plastic surgery remained just an idea.

The Idea Gets Fully Baked

What changed? A few things, according to Laura. First, at age 41, with her two daughters hitting adulthood and her son in his teens, Laura began to think it might be a good time to do something for herself. "The extra skin around my middle made me so self-conscious," she says, "and I had lived with that feeling almost my whole life. I thought if there was something I could do for myself, it would be to get rid of it."

I can't say enough about Dr. Wang, he's a fabulous doctor.

Another piece fell into place for Laura when she began to view plastic surgery as a corrective measure. "Because I had a gut, I was always in the mindset of 'I've got to lose weight.' But I am actually underweight for my height. I eat right and over the years I have taught myself a healthy lifestyle. It dawned on me that no amount of dieting and exercise could correct the problem, and realized I was a good candidate for a tummy tuck."

Through research on the Internet, Laura educated herself about plastic surgery and felt her enthusiasm grow. "These are good days for medicine," she comments. "Plastic surgery is safer than ever and more affordable. Back in my parents' day, they didn't have the option. But I felt like I did, and I decided I was going to go for it."

Mommy Makeover, an Even Better Idea

Laura didn't realize yet that she was headed for a combination liposuction, abdominoplasty and breast augmentation in Los Angeles, a procedure popularly known as a "mommy makeover." Her daughters played a big role in making that happen.

You see, Laura had talked with her daughters about plastic surgery early in her decision process. "They're young, this is their time," she says, "and I did not want them to feel that I was trying to look like them or compete with them in any way." She needn't have worried. Her girls were so supportive; they encouraged their mom to add breast augmentation and liposuction for a full mommy makeover. "In fact, they pretty much insisted," she laughs.

Recovery: Not Laura's Idea of Fun

During her initial meeting with Dr. Wang, Laura felt at ease almost immediately. "He was very honest, explaining what he could do and what he could not do." She also noted that he listened very carefully. "He even spent extra time with me on the phone after my consultation when I called to tell him more! He was very patient," she recalls. When the day of surgery came Laura felt calm and prepared.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if it was doubly hard!

Recovering from her mommy makeover was admittedly a challenge for Laura. Unable to tolerate prescription pain medication, she had to tough it out with just ibuprofen. In addition to a sensitive abdomen and breast area, Laura's back was sore from the liposuction. "There weren't enough pillows in the world to help me," she remembers. Dr. Wang was gentle and understanding during Laura's post-op visits. He encouraged her to take it easy and not to worry. Laura says he reminded her, "We did a lot of work in there."

Her Daughters Had the Right Idea

Even though Laura believes her recovery was more difficult than what many people experience, she is thrilled with her new shape and says, "I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if it was doubly hard!" Her satisfaction with her new, size D bust has been an added bonus. She says that though she was well aware her small breasts had been mostly "empty, hanging skin," she also admits she had forgotten how nice it was to have full, shapely breasts. "Now I'm really glad I listened to my daughters."

More than anything, Laura's thrilled with her smooth, flat midsection. "I love to shop for clothes now. It may sound silly, but when you're unhappy with part of your body you work on hiding it; I don't do that any more. I notice I even wear brighter colors than I used to." Laura also says she has spent more time at the beach this year than any other year she can remember. "I feel I can really enjoy it now. Dr. Wang opened up a whole new world for me."

Laura's Ideas for You

For women who may be planning a combination tummy tuck - breast augmentation in the Los Angeles area, Laura would like to pass along some tricks she learned in her recovery.

• To ease breast soreness, freeze several damp washcloths in plastic bags. Use them as soothing compresses for your skin.
• To help cushion your body for a few days, have several different sized pillows available including neck pillows.
• To help you get up when your arms and tummy are sensitive, have a beach towel under you and ask loved ones to pull the towel up.

More than anything, Laura hopes other women find a doctor as talented as Dr. Wang, and she advises those near Los Angeles to consider the plastic surgeon. "I can't say enough about Dr. Wang, he's a fabulous doctor. His staff members are great too-they're friendly, patient and kind. Everyone at the practice loves their work and you can tell."