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EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUP
A Missouri mum of four has shared how she spent $27,000 (£21,300) to regain her pre-pregnancy body.
Known as Ell Pea Marie on TikTok, 35-year-old Elizabeth Benetatos of St. Louis underwent a mummy makeover, which included a tummy tuck, breast lift, liposuction, and hernia repair.
"Having four kids really did a number on my body," Elizabeth admitted.
"Having them so close together - they are aged five, four, two, and almost 11 months - meant my body didn't have any time to recover between pregnancies. After my second child, I had a c-section that left a big, ugly scar, creating a 'shelf' on the bottom of my stomach.
"When my last child was born, I didn't recognise myself anymore. I had stretch marks, a hernia, and diastasis recti - which made my stomach look like a giant soccer ball. My boobs were so saggy I couldn't find a swimsuit that could hold them in. I felt like I had to dress in clothes that hid my problem areas instead of dressing in clothes that I actually liked."
Recognising she deserved some self-care, Elizabeth decided to rejuvenate her body with a series of plastic surgery procedures.
"My mum-in-law worked for St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery and knew who the best surgeon, Dr. Nathan. My sister, who used to be a nurse, and her mum-in-law, who worked in a surgery centre, all recommended the same doctor. So, it made my choice easy," she explained.
Elizabeth kept the surgery simple and lighthearted when explaining it to her children.
"I told them I was going to walk like a zombie for a while, and they would call me 'zombie mombie.' I told them I would be as fragile as a baby. They asked many questions, but I was very open with them," added Elizabeth.
On the day of her surgery, Elizabeth arrived at Frontenac Surgery Center at 5 a.m.
"I went back around 6 a.m. They did a pregnancy test and a nicotine test. I had to wipe my body down with sterile wipes and get dressed in a gown. The doctor drew all over my body and explained what he was doing, but I was so nervous I don't remember what he was saying," she laughed.
"They gave me an IV and Valium to relax my muscles—and me! My husband came back to kiss me, and then I blinked. When I woke up I felt like I had a hangover. I asked my husband if we went out drinking because I dreamt that we were partying all night long. My throat was so dry from being intubated, so they gave me a cough drop and a painkiller. The ride home was the most painful part, but I felt so much better once I got into bed."
Two weeks into her recovery, Elizabeth described the process as "fairly easy."
"The first week, I slept a lot, set timers to walk every hour, and ate my protein. My hubby took off work for seven days to help manage the household. He did everything for the kids - laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning. He was my biggest support," she praised.
Elizabeth's large family also played a crucial role.
"My mum stayed with my kids the night before surgery so I could get there on time. My older sister took the three oldest kids overnight to give my husband a break. Her oldest daughter came over to help me this week. My little sister is coming over today. Two of my best friends brought breakfast and spent time with me in bed! My kids' babysitter and her mum even visited with cookies. I have a great support system."
Elizabeth explained her decision to share her experience on TikTok stemmed from a desire to support other mums.
"Some women bounce back after having babies, and others don't. My sisters and mom look incredible after having babies. I cried so much because I felt like I was the only one struggling with my body after having a baby. I want all mothers to feel seen and supported, so I documented my plastic surgery journey on TikTok."
Although she is still recovering from her mummy makeover, Elizabeth's perception of her body has already transformed.
"I am so proud of how I look. I already feel so much more confident," she gushed.
When asked about her advice to other mothers considering a mummy makeover, Elizabeth enthusiastically replied, "DO IT! Find the right doctor and make yourself a priority. Stay on top of pain meds; I took them as directed for that first week even if I wasn't in pain. Make sure you do your walking, and you don't stay in bed!!
As for future procedures, Elizabeth remains open to possibilities.
"I have to see how I heal up. If we have the money, I might want implants. I want to see how my lift settles. I might also consider removing a little bit of the extra skin from the middle of my thighs, but I'm thrilled for now!"
Featuring: Elizabeth Benetatos before surgery
When: 15 Aug 2024
Credit: @mattel88/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
2024-08-15
Cover Images/East News
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