Surgery as a finishing touch
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Nicole Michalik before her arm lift in March.
Because her weight loss was so quick, Nicole Michalik ended up with some extra baggage in the form of excess skin around her midsection, arms and legs.
She had two choices a thinner, flabby body; or a thinner, scarred body. She opted for the scars.
Michalik underwent a lower body lift and tummy tuck a year ago. In early spring, she had an arm lift and breast augmentation.
While just several months after her surgery the scars are dark and noticeable, over time, they will fade.
Of the surgery, which was performed by Dr. Bruce Genther of Jenkintown, Michalik says it was uncomfortable, but not horrible.
Helping her get through the ordeal was Dr. Genther, his staff, and the staff at Abington Hospital, where the surgery was performed.
"He is amazing. His whole office and staff is amazing."
For Michalik, the hardest part of the ordeal may have been having to quit exercising for awhile, since it has become an important part of who she is now.
She could do no workouts for eight weeks, and no abdominal exercises for four months.
"I had to be so careful about the food I ate. I had to be so diligent."
Michalik plans to have an inner thigh lift in the near future, so she can be ready for bathing suit season. She will meet with Dr. Genther soon to determine when the surgery will be scheduled.
Michalik is a huge fan of Dr. Genther's and has done some promotional work and endorsements for him. In turn, that has helped cover the costs involved with the surgery, which would not be covered by insurance.
While some women who have had plastic surgery won't tell their closest friends, Michalik has no problem owning up to it, and in fact, embraces it.
"I don't think it's taboo. If you feel bad about the way you look, and a tummy tuck will make you feel great, why not?" states Michalik.
"I felt more confident after the surgery than I did after I lost all that weight," she adds. "My body was a deflated version of itself. After the surgery, I had a new body. I have scars, but what are you going to do?"
