Considering your options
If you’ve ever felt that your body is holding you back from the happiness you deserve, you’re not alone. Many women would like to change something about their body to live a happier, more comfortable and more confident life.
Sadly, the decision to make a change is often put off, sometimes for years. And while you defer and delay, you sacrifice happiness and miss out. One patient felt so uncomfortable about the way she looked that she never learnt to swim. Others have hidden their bodies behind unflattering clothes for years, never feeling confident to wear what they wanted.
What are you missing out on? When will be the right time to change what’s holding you back?
Investing in your happiness
Many women are reassured about their decision to invest in themselves when they learn that it has been scientifically proven that their own happiness directly influences the happiness of their family, friends and broader network. The British Medical Journal cites research conducted by professors from Harvard Medical School and University of California that found happiness is ‘contagious’. They concluded that ‘People’s happiness depends on the happiness of others with whom they are connected.’ [1] It is our aim to reward you with greater happiness by providing REAL results for you and your loved ones.
REAL support
The warm and trustworthy team at REAL are experienced in providing professional care and they welcome the opportunity to help Stephen’s clients. Stephen and the team are highly regarded by their clients for the level of care they provide; in their own words:
Erin’s Story
Growing up, Erin didn’t feel confident. Her very slender frame meant she never felt feminine, and so she always hid behind layers of clothes. As soon as she was old enough, she made an appointment with a plastic surgeon, Dr W, and a week later she had breast augmentation surgery. Her confidence immediately bloomed and she won an international modelling contract.
Three years later, the implants had become uneven and Erin’s confidence was once again lost. She returned to her original surgeon but there were complications. Sadly, Erin didn’t receive the medical care and attention she required and her health was at risk. She was referred to Stephen Salerno, who expertly removed the implants and avoided long-term tissue damage.
Erin waited another two years before considering surgery again. This time she reached out to Stephen, knowing she could trust his expertise and care. Now her body reflects her inner beauty and Erin is happier than ever. She is looking forward to dancing with her groom at their wedding in March 2014.
Tegan: “I did extensive research when I was looking for a place to have my procedure, in fact I called 40 plastic surgeons around Victoria. I knew I had found the right one for me when I spoke with Aileen at REAL – she was so supportive and kind. She really listened to me and she was the only one out of the 40 places I contacted who gave me real information about everything I wanted to know. Even though it takes me an hour and a half to get from my home to Stephen’s rooms, it’s completely worth it because I feel like I’m important to them every time I call or go in for a check up.”
Marie: “Before meeting Stephen, I had an appointment with a different plastic surgeon about the procedure I wanted and she was very negative about the options. The way she described the procedure and the risks terrified me for years. It was 10 years before I decided to face my fear and look into it again. When I met Stephen, I felt I could trust him immediately. I felt very safe and cared for and I decided in my first consultation to go ahead with him.”
[1] Source: British Medical Journal, December 2008. BMJ 2008;337:a2338 http://www.bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a2338
Making the decision
Now is the time to invest in yourself and in the body you want and in the happiness you deserve.
Your first appointment: Let’s talk
We understand that you have undertaken an extraordinary journey just to get here. Over the past months, and perhaps years, you have been seeking and gathering information to help you decide to make a change. And we know that this kind of decision is not made alone; you have probably discussed the pros and cons with your partner, close friends and family. We respect your journey and know it has not been a simple one.
At your first appointment we learn about what you would like to achieve and any questions you may have. Investing this time ensures that we understand what is right for you, as we know that your needs are real and they deserve to be taken care of.
Expectations and options
As your trusted partner, it’s important for us to have a clear understanding of the results you hope to achieve. Our recommendations will be guided by your vision of your new body image. We will match the most suitable technique and only use products of a selected premium range.
To help you with your important decision, Stephen provides a take-home trial kit with a range of different implant shapes and sizes for you. As an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon and long-time student of natural human beauty, Stephen will make a recommendation on the optimal size and shape for you to consider. Then, in the privacy and comfort of your own home, you can use the trial kit to explore the options and choose the perfect fit for the look and feel you want to achieve.
Meet Stephen
Your first meeting with Mr Stephen Salerno starts here.
Stephen speaks here about the qualities that you should look for when choosing your plastic surgeon.
Stephen will discuss the appropriate and proportionate size implant to meet your body shape and needs. The take home kit will also allow you to try various implants so you are comfortable with your final choice.
Understanding your concerns
Even with world-class safety standards, the decision to have surgery is not made lightly and there are many factors to consider.
It’s very common to have mixed feelings about the decision to change your body. Some women feel a range of emotions including nervousness, excitement and sometimes some women even disclose feelings of guilt or selfishness. In our experience in caring for women, we know that all these emotions are perfectly normal so we take the time to listen and guide you through this important stage. Your trust and confidence in us is paramount.
The Procedure
Once we have explored your options, discussed Stephen’s recommendation and you have decided to go ahead, the friendly staff at REAL will book in the date and time for the procedure. We will give you an information pack with advice to help you prepare for your hospital stay.
Hospital stay
Stephen operates at several of Melbourne’s leading public and private hospitals. Cosmetic procedures are usually performed at Essendon Private Hospital and Western Private Hospital. Both hospitals have excellent facilities and well-earned reputations for their quality care.
Your expected stay in hospital will depend on the the nature of your procedure. Your well-being and recovery are paramount so Stephen will make a recommendation with that in mind.
Breast augmentation: Typically, breast augmentation is performed as a day surgery so often patients can go home the same day.
Breast lift: To provide you with the best recovery, Stephen recommends that clients who have breast lift stay in hospital overnight.
Breast reduction: The normal hospital stay for breast augmentation procedures is two days. Stephen carefully monitors his clients’ post-operative condition and will make a recommendation to allow for the best recovery.
Other complimentary procedures: Some clients opt to combine procedures to achieve their desired body image, such as having a tummy tuck and breast lift at the same time. In these cases, Stephen will make a recommendation for the hospital stay based on your individual requirements.
What to expect
What to be aware of in the lead up to surgery.
Stephen mentions here that most breast augmentation procedures are day surgeries.
Your life after the procedure
We know that our patients walk away feeling confident and satisfied. They hold a strong opinion that their decision to have surgery was the right one. In many instances our patients wonder why they waited so long before making their first appointment with us.
Recovery and returning to work
Stephen normally recommends taking it easy for a after a breast procedure to give your body the recovery time it needs. After a few days you may want to gently ease into some everyday activities, like going out for coffee. General household chores like hanging out washing, cooking and cleaning should be avoided for two weeks after the procedure.
Exercise should be resumed gradually and gently, starting with a relaxed walk a couple of days after you return home. Heavy exercise should be avoided in the short term, particularly upper body weight lifting and workouts if you’ve had augmentation, as this may distort the shape of implants.
If you’re a mum to young children, you may need additional help to help with lifting. You’ll need to take care to avoid lifting the children soon after surgery. If you’ve had breast augmentation, please be extra careful not to bump your chest as this can impact the implants and risk causing problems with the wounds.
If you work, Stephen suggests a week of rest before resuming normal activities. However, if you are required to do heavy lifting or labour intensive work then an additional 1-2 weeks of recovery is advised.
Please be aware that the advice here is for general information only and may not be applicable to your personal situation. Stephen will provide detailed information and advice specific to you during your consultation.
Post-procedure care
Your care is Stephen’s primary focus so he takes time to monitor your recovery closely. Stephen follows up with each patient after their procedure. He also provides his mobile phone number and encourages you to call if you have any concerns or questions at any time.
Regular follow ups will be scheduled for the week after the procedure, two weeks after and then four-six weeks after, and then every three-six months, depending on your personal situation.
The happiness you deserve
The resounding feedback we get from our clients is that they feel they have invested in their happiness. Hear in their own words how their lives have improved:
A new confident life
Stephen talks about your recovery after undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
Stephen will ensure that you are well looked after post surgery with follow up consultations.
Stephen speaks about exercise after surgery.
Erin talks about how her new breasts have increased her confidence and happiness.
