Tasha Hume Combination Surgery: "I look happier and feel happier"

Tasha, aged 30, had spent years trying to change her stomach and body through diet and exercise, but nothing seemed to make a lasting difference. Determined to feel like herself again, Tasha underwent Combination Surgery Procedures including a Tummy Tuck and Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) with Mr Prasad at Pall Mall in June 2023.

We spoke to Tasha after her surgery to share her journey — from feeling unheard and unseen to the confidence of finally wearing a bikini on holiday.

Why did you decide to have Combination surgery?

I had tried for years to get in shape, keep fit and better my appearance, nothing seemed to change for me. I’d lose weight a slight bit of weight and never a dramatic change, especially in my stomach area and in the end, it got me down daily. I couldn’t wear certain types of clothes, always felt like people looked at my stomach area in particular and was very conscious of it.

If any, what impact did your body have on your life pre-surgery?

I wouldn’t wear certain types of clothing, always longer, baggier clothes. Wouldn’t take part in some things in case you could see it. Hated having my picture taken unless you couldn’t tell it was there or a cartoon angle. Hated getting undressed near my husband, even though he never made me feel any less that perfect. Feeling extremely body conscious most of the time.

Why did you go private? What did the NHS say if you tried to go through them?

I’d spoken to my Dr and nurses when I’d go for my contraception/pill check and they’d say - you’re overweight, here’s details of weight management courses. That was it. Never any other options. Just basically, lose weight. My ‘weight’ wasn’t necessarily what bothered me it was my stomach and boobs after kids and age etc. so I would never raise the option of surgery with them as I felt they didn’t want to listen or discuss that side of things. Obviously my ‘weight’ is higher than the BMI calculator would have liked so that just stopped me dead in my tracks from their side too. I had also tried a couple of other private clinics that would not give me the time of day because my BMI was just over 30!

How do you feel now you’ve had it done?

AMAZING! It takes a lot of getting used too, just actually realising, you CAN wear those clothes, YOU can look good in that, you DO look good, and you can feel good about that.

"It’s changed my life, it really has. My self-confidence is getting better, my body confidence is so much better. I’m starting to wear things I couldn’t before."

I went on holiday and didn’t wear a swimming costume, I wore bikinis the whole time and thought yes, it looks mint! I get comments in saying how well I look. I look happier and feel happier.