“Absolutely life-changing”: Lucy’s body contouring journey at 48

When Lucy sums up her experience of cosmetic surgery at HMT Sancta Maria Hospital, she does not hesitate. “Life-changing,” she says. “Absolutely life-changing.”

At 48 and going through perimenopause, Lucy chose to have body contouring surgery with Mr Dean Boyce, Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Sancta Maria. Her surgery included a subglandular breast augmentation, a standard abdominoplasty, often known as a tummy tuck, and liposuction to her flanks.

Four and a half weeks after her operation, she sat down with us to share her story, and she has been sharing her recovery journey with her own followers on Instagram too.

Breaking the stigma around surgery in your 40s

Lucy is open about why she wanted to tell her story publicly. Cosmetic surgery still carries a stigma, she says, and she found that it can be sharper for women her age.

“I’m finding people say, why are you doing that? What’s the point? Can’t you just learn to love your body? But I think doing something like this is helping me learn to love my body.”

Her relationship with her body goes back a long way. She can pinpoint the moment she became body conscious, overhearing a conversation between her mum and her auntie in the car when she was just four years old. Body image struggles followed her through her life, including a very difficult period after the birth of her daughter. Going into perimenopause, she knew she wanted to take positive action for both her body and her mental wellbeing.

By sharing her journey, she hopes to encourage others to talk openly about surgery, or to take the first step they have been putting off. “I want to show that in a positive way,” she says, “to encourage others to talk about their surgery or maybe book that consultation they’ve been holding off from booking.”

Choosing Sancta Maria and Mr Dean Boyce

Lucy researched hospitals across South Wales, including Cardiff and Newport, but Sancta Maria already felt familiar. Family members had been treated here, and she had accompanied them to appointments. “I was just really impressed with the hospital,” she recalls.

The next step was finding the right surgeon. When she came across Mr Dean Boyce, one of the most experienced aesthetic plastic surgeons in Wales, something clicked. “I felt a connection straight away,” she says. At her first consultation in March 2025, it was his down-to-earth manner that won her over.

“He was down to earth. He spoke to me in language I could understand… if he pays that much attention to detail, then he’s definitely going to be the surgeon for me.”

A consultation that changed the plan, for the better

Lucy arrived at her first consultation with a clear list of procedures in mind. Mr Boyce listened, then gently challenged her thinking. She had researched implants placed under the muscle, for example, but he explained that this approach would have needed an uplift as well and would not have delivered the look she wanted. He suggested subglandular implants instead.

“I think Mr Boyce knew the outcome I wanted before I even knew it. He does this every day. He’s the expert, and you would listen to the experts, wouldn’t you?”

That honest, expert-led conversation is exactly what a consultation is for. Lucy left with before and after photos to consider, a realistic picture of her options and outcomes, and a clear idea of costs. “By the time I left, I had so much knowledge without being overwhelmed that I could go away and make a good decision.”

Why Lucy chose the UK over surgery abroad

With cosmetic surgery abroad frequently in the headlines, Lucy is clear about why staying close to home was the right choice for her. She wanted all of her care in one place: her pre-operative appointments, phone calls from her anaesthetist before and after surgery, and aftercare from the same team who looked after her on the day.

“I just wanted that security, knowing that everybody I needed to contact was just a telephone call away and not a flight.”

At Sancta Maria Hospital, consultations, surgery and aftercare all happen under one roof at our purpose-built hospital in Swansea’s SA1 Waterfront.

Preparing for surgery

Lucy set herself a goal. Knowing her surgery date gave her the focus to prepare her body, and she worked hard on her health in the months beforehand. When she returned for a follow-up consultation, the first thing Mr Boyce said was, “Wow, you’ve lost weight.” The fact that he remembered her meant a great deal.

Her surgery took place on 28 April, and she believes the preparation paid off. “I think the preparation that I did with my body leading up to surgery certainly helped with my recovery,” she says. “I’ve flown through it.”

“Have you actually had surgery?”: Lucy’s recovery

Lucy expected pain. What she experienced was closer to soreness and aching. Her tummy felt like she had “done 1,000 sit-ups in 5 minutes”, an achy, post-gym feeling that faded after around four days, while the incision sites felt similar to a healing tattoo.

“Even Mr Boyce said to me when he came around the next day, have you actually had surgery? You’re looking really good.”

She had done her homework on the risks too, particularly blood clots, talking them through with the nursing team and following their guidance on prevention throughout her recovery.

Now, a month on, the results have exceeded her expectations. She has been up to the attic to bring down clothes she wore at 18 and 19, including her graduation dress and the outfit from her 18th birthday. “Every day I’m waking up smiling,” she says. “It’s like every day is Christmas.”

“Taken care of by a family”

Ask Lucy about the biggest positive of her whole experience and her answer is immediate: the people.

“The sort of feeling of being taken care of by a family, by people who all enjoy their jobs and love each other’s company. Everybody had time for me. The service was just incredible.”

She only pressed her call buzzer twice during her stay, once because she dropped her phone. Everything else was anticipated before she needed to ask. She singles out her nurse, Sitta, who “didn’t feel like a nurse” and made her feel settled and secure, as well as the catering team, whose poached eggs, Victoria sponge and extra-strong coffee got a special mention.

Lucy’s advice: just book the consultation

For anyone considering cosmetic surgery, Lucy’s advice is simple. She spent years saving without taking the next step, and wishes she had booked sooner.

“Book your consultation. You will know what procedures the surgeon suggests, you can talk through all your concerns, and you’ll get a good idea of the cost. I had a much better insight to everything once I booked that first consultation.”

About Mr Dean Boyce

Mr Dean Boyce is a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at HMT Sancta Maria Hospital and one of the most experienced and highly regarded aesthetic plastic surgeons in Wales. A consultant since 2003, he qualified from the University of Wales College of Medicine in 1990 and trained in Wales, Birmingham, Manchester and Sydney, Australia. He holds a Postgraduate Doctorate in Medicine for research into wound healing, was appointed Hunterian Professor by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and is a founder member of Safer Cosmetic Surgery, reflecting his longstanding commitment to patient safety and ethical practice.

Book a consultation at HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

If Lucy’s story has inspired you to find out more, the best first step is a consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons. You can discuss your goals, ask every question you have, and get a realistic picture of your options and costs, with no obligation to go ahead. Finance options are available to help spread the cost of selected treatments.

Call our customer services team on 01792 479040 or contact us online. You will find us at HMT Sancta Maria Hospital, Lamberts Road, Swansea, SA1 8FD.