Makeover Magic
A dramatic weightloss— from Beginning to Perfection
October 2025 Issue
by E.J. Goodwin | Photography by Charlotte Berkeley
Transformations don’t happen overnight. There’s no “easy” button or wave of a magic wand.
True change takes work, dedication and trust—trust in yourself and, in Michelle Howard’s case, trust in a plastic surgeon to help her reclaim her confidence and feel like herself again.
Before moving to South Carolina, Michelle, 57, decided to change her life over a decade ago in New England. She was 302 pounds, and she chose to undergo bariatric surgery with a clear goal: losing weight and embracing a healthier lifestyle.
‘Where Does the Skin Go?’
Losing the weight was hard, Michelle recalled. But what came after was something she hadn’t fully anticipated—the remaining loose skin. The rapid weight loss often associated with bariatric surgery can lead to loose skin, generally around the arms, legs, and abdomen.
The excess skin took both a physical and emotional toll. “Losing 165 pounds honestly was the easy part—and that wasn’t easy at all,” Michelle said. “I didn’t understand; when you lose the weight, where does the skin go?”
The skin was heavy, cumbersome and restricted Michelle’s movement, and it became a barrier to her confidence. For her physical and emotional health, she knew something had to change. At that time, Michelle worked as a patient care coordinator for a plastic surgery practice, and her insight into the field led her to begin considering surgeons for the removal of her uncomfortable excess skin.
Dr. Heidi Harrington, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Okatie was practicing in Portsmouth, N.H., at the time, and was committed to staying on top of industry advancements.
After meeting with Dr. Harrington, Michelle determined that she was a perfect fit for her next chapter.
Customized Care
That initial consultation instilled in Michelle a sense of trust. Despite the vulnerability that can come with discussing body insecurities, Michelle said she felt at ease with Dr. Harrington’s detail-oriented approach.
“Michelle had achieved something incredible, and I know how much discipline and hard work it had taken,” Dr. Harrington said. “I was thankful that she came to see me as the final part of her journey.”
What Michelle was experiencing as far as loose skin post-weight-loss was extremely normal and common, the surgeon said.
“When the skin has been stretched for so long, it often doesn’t retract fully, no matter how much exercise or toning you do,” Dr. Harrington explained. “There are very effective surgical options out there to help reshape the body and remove that excess skin.”
Together, they developed a customized surgical plan, discussing scar placement, recovery and what to expect during healing.
“I wanted to make sure she felt fully informed and comfortable moving forward,” the surgeon said. “My goal was to help her feel as confident in her body as she deserved to be.”
A Life-Changing Transformation
Over the next few years, Michelle underwent a series of body contouring procedures. First a thighplasty (thigh lift) and buttocks lift five years ago, followed by a brachioplasty (arm lift) a couple of years later.
“These procedures gave me a new lease on life,” Michelle said. “Now I can go out and dance. I can wear clothes that fit. I feel like me again.”
Physically, she felt better than she ever had.
“I feel really good,” she said. “It’s like going from being a blind person to getting your vision back. I feel more alive.”
Michelle’s procedures were about more than just aesthetics, Dr. Harrington said.
“It was about reclaiming her life and celebrating what she had gained,” the surgeon said. “Strength, confidence and a body that finally felt like hers.”
From Surgeon to Friend
Dr. Harrington understood the vulnerability Michelle faced during her journey—something many patients experience when undergoing reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.
Throughout Michelle’s procedures, Dr. Harrington provided unwavering support, encouragement and positivity.
“If you’re considering surgery, Dr. Harrington will walk you through your vision with complete honesty.” Michelle said. “And when you come out of surgery, she’s your biggest cheerleader. You feel her empathy.”
Patients are never alone on their journey, Dr. Harrington added.
“I will be with them every step of the way, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and happy with their results,” she said. “For Michelle, this was the final chapter of her weight loss journey, and I wanted to make sure it was a beautiful one.”
Over the last decade, Michelle—who recently relocated to the Lowcountry—and Dr. Harrington have built a strong bond rooted in trust and support.
Dr. Harrington also made the move to the South, now leading Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics and seeing patients in Okatie. The practice opened its doors in Fall 2024.
The trust between the surgeon and patient has brought Michelle to Okatie regularly for facial rejuvenation procedures, and Dr. Harrington is always delighted to see a familiar face.
“She knows her stuff,” Michelle said. “That personal connection makes all the difference.”
Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics provides a comprehensive array of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, as well as customized aesthetic services. Located in the Okatie Medical Pavilion, 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 220, 843-707-8020