Published on 27 August 2025
Two years ago, Paul weighed 26 stone and was prediabetic. With the support of Benenden Hospital, he lost 14 stone, but the dramatic transformation left him with excess skin that affected his ability to exercise and reduced his confidence.
Determined to complete his journey, Paul underwent two skin removal procedures through our plastic and cosmetic surgery service. Now, six months post-surgery, Paul enjoys training and competing in triathlons without discomfort. Read his incredible transformation story.
Pictured: Paul before surgery (L) and after surgery (R)
What led you to seek out excess skin removal surgery?
“In November 2022, my weight had increased to 26 stone, and I was told that I was prediabetic. At that point it was apparent that I needed to make significant changes in my life.
“With support from Benenden Hospital, I was able to lose 14 stone. I went from a 46-inch waist to a 30-inch waist and with that reduction, a significant amount of excess skin developed.”
“After speaking with Benenden Hospital, they recommended me the two excess skin removal procedures: chest reduction surgery and tummy tuck surgery, both of which I had earlier this year.”
How was your excess skin impacting your everyday life?
“As part of the journey to lose weight, I took up several activities, one of which was triathlons and running. When running, my excess skin would bounce and flap, I could literally hear it as I ran, and it was not a pleasant experience. In the summer months, my excess skin would become uncomfortable because it was hanging loose and, despite the weight loss, I still had an unsightly bulge around my stomach.
“I wanted to complete my weight loss journey by getting rid of the excess skin - which felt like the last reminder of my past self - allowing me to step into who I am now. It was important to improve my confidence as well.”
At what point did you choose to book your initial consultation?
“The deciding factor to book my initial consultation was when I completed a triathlon, but I felt very uncomfortable throughout. It was then that I knew it was time to do something about it. I saw Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Christopher Macdonald in September 2024 to discuss my surgical options.”
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital?
“Benenden Hospital is convenient as I don’t live too far away, the other positive was the repeated consultations and support I would receive. When I was originally told I needed to make changes, the NHS said they could support me, but it would take about two to three years to wait to be seen. At Benenden Hospital, I was seen a week or two after I called. Once I’d decided to go ahead with the surgery, it was scheduled rapidly, and despite it being close to Christmas, my surgery date was in weeks not months. These all contributed to me choosing Benenden Hospital.”
What preparation and advice did you receive prior to your treatment?
“Mr Macdonald who I met a number of times before the surgery. He was very friendly but also authoritative and he obviously knew what he was talking about. When you are making these changes to your body, you obviously want somebody who knows what they’re talking about. He inspired confidence and I knew I’d get a high level of support and care from him.
"I was given quite a detailed pack of what to expect, both on the day and after, including things like compression garments. Benenden Hospital gave me a discount code to use at a couple of places that provided the compression garments. They gave me information on what I could expect in terms of recovery period, if I had any issues, who to contact on the ward, who to contact out of hours and who to contact in plastics at various points.
“It was very comprehensive and reassuring to know that Benenden Hospital were also focused on how I was going to get better after and were good at setting realistic expectations. You’re not going to have the surgery and be running afterwards; it’s much more about long-term recovery.”
What is the hospital like?
“Benenden Hospital is a fantastic hospital, the rooms are private, the facilities are unbelievably clean, there’s always a member of staff around to support you. Everything you could hope or want from a hospital is there, it is a very impressive place.”
How were your worries eased on the day of your surgery?
“Going under a general anaesthetic, having had a few now, is always something that makes you nervous. The approach of making sure that you are well versed in what’s going to happen down to the minute, meeting the anaesthetist, meeting the surgeon both on the day and beforehand, talking to the nurses who will support you, getting taken to the room you’ll recover in. It was very well organised, staff know who you are, you’re in good hands, so I felt reassured, and I felt comforted.
“Some of the biggest worries I had around surgery were getting an infection, having my nipples grafted back on after my chest reduction and the amount of swelling and length of recovery period I would experience.
“Having gone through massive weight loss and having a committed fitness journey, to then be laid up for weeks, I was concerned by how much progress I may lose. However, the constant reassurance that I’d be assessed by Chris and the specialist nurse at multiple stages throughout my recovery at the hospital helped to negate some of these concerns.”
Follow-ups
“After the surgery, there’s a significant amount of time where you’re going through the process of healing. I went home the day after my surgery and within 48 hours I had my first check-up by phone. Then I had multiple follow-up appointments either in-person or over the phone with the nurse and Mr Macdonald. Whenever I had a concern, they would always be on hand to help.”
Scarring
“Dealing with the scarring and how quickly it would fade was something that I was supported with. The scarring is significant, but for me it was totally worth it. I’ve just recently come back from a two-week holiday to the Azores and I was able to get in the sea without a top on. Despite the scarring, the benefits of the surgery massively outweigh having them. From my perspective, six months in they are healing well. At a cursory glance you wouldn’t know they were there.”
Confidence and exercise
“It's made a significant improvement to my confidence, being able to go out for a run without the loose skin flapping around, going for a swim without a rash vest or a top on. Just over two years ago I weighed 26 stone, and there was just absolutely no way I would have done anything like that. This is the last milestone of a very long, life-changing journey. Now, I don’t have to worry about having a heart attack in the next four years because I’m obese. It’s been the last piece in quite a complex puzzle and is worth it. I can run, swim and go on long bike rides, I can do everything I could ever want to do.”
Would you recommend our plastic and cosmetic surgery service?
“I would absolutely recommend Benenden Hospital’s plastic and cosmetic surgery service, without any hesitation, I may well be using it again myself at some point. I’ve recommended it to others too who have been on similar journeys. If you’re having surgery for the right reasons and it’s for yourself, Benenden Hospital is the place to go.”
Paul’s advice
“If anyone has similar issues, I would first reach out to Benenden Hospital. I would also reach out to people who’ve had similar experiences. Don’t rush into it, find out what’s on offer, the impact of the surgery, the differences between the treatments available and most importantly, who’s providing that treatment. There are a lot of risks involved in any surgery, but done properly, those risks are controlled and mitigated and that’s incredibly important.”
Excess skin removal surgery at Benenden Hospital
You can book your initial plastic and cosmetic surgery consultation through our online booking tool. To find out more about male chest reduction surgery, tummy tuck surgery or our other plastic and cosmetic procedures please complete our online enquiry form, contact us via Livechat or call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.