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September 27, 2025
Patient Story: Lisa
Lisa struggled with her weight for years – and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) made it even harder.
“I couldn’t get the weight off no matter what I tried,” she says. “But after walking away from a stressful job, figuring out the right foods for me, and realizing no one really cares what’s on your plate – it finally clicked.”
Lisa lost 130 pounds. But loose, sagging skin kept her from feeling like herself.
That’s when she turned to Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine.
(This is a stock photo and not the actual patient).
A journey worth celebrating.
Lisa’s weight loss journey was powerful. She was even recognized by TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) as the Maine State Queen runner-up.
But even with those honors, she still didn’t feel comfortable in her body.
“I wore compression garments all the time. The loose skin rubbed, and it was embarrassing,” Lisa says. “I’m a confident person, but I was so self-conscious. There was just no way to hide it.”
The decision to have surgery.
As part of the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team, Lisa chose Kelli Hickle, MD, for her breast lift (mastopexy) and arm lift (brachioplasty).
“Dr. Hickle made me feel heard from the start,” she says. “I had specific ideas for how I wanted my arms done – like placing the scar more toward the back – and she didn’t hesitate to explain the process, even though it meant more work.”
Life-changing results.
Lisa’s arms went from 19 to 11 inches — and she couldn’t believe the transformation.
“My skin had been stretched for years,” says Lisa. “I had no idea how much was possible until I saw the results.”
As for her breasts?
“They used to hang down to my belly button – even before I lost the weight,” she says. “I always wore compression bras just to get some lift. Now, I don’t even need a bra – just those little nip covers. The other day, I tried on a bathing suit and thought, ‘Oh my goodness, gracious.’ It was unbelievable.”
A new confident chapter.
Lisa knew weight loss would change her life.
But, she didn’t expect how she’d feel once the weight was gone.
“The hardest part was looking in the mirror. I thought I’d feel glory and excitement, but all I saw was sagging skin,” she says. “Plastic + Hand helped me finish what I started. Looking in the mirror now, I see the confident person I worked so hard to become.”
Are you thinking about body contouring surgery?
Losing significant weight – through medication or surgery – is an incredible achievement. But it can sometimes leave behind loose, sagging skin that doesn’t reflect how far you’ve come.
That’s where we come in.
As the most trusted Maine plastic surgery team, Plastic + Hand offers advanced body contouring procedures to remove excess skin and fat while reshaping and tightening your body’s natural contours. Together, we can help you feel confident, comfortable and proud of your results – inside and out.
It’s time to discover the results you’ll love. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to determine whether body contouring surgery is right for you.
