Interview with Shannah Baker

Sep 30, 2015 | News

Former CosMediTour client Shannah Baker, is a distinguished Australian fitness competitor, model and Miss Bikini America Champion. She has inspired and encouraged many women around the globe by displaying a fit and healthy body image.

Many of our clients, like Shannah, are highly involved in the health and fitness industry and undergo Cosmetic Surgery for a number different reasons. Shannah travelled to Thailand for a Breast Augmentation and Dental Veneers with CosMediTour in 2011.

We sat down with Shannah to discuss how her fitness journey began, why she decided to have Cosmetic Surgery and how this has impacted on her life. By sharing Shannah’s experience with you, we hope to shed some light on surgery in Thailand, exercising after surgery and how surgery for some people can improve self-confidence.

When did you decide you wanted Breast Augmentation Surgery and why?

“I think I first realised I wanted to have a Breast Augmentation around the age of 15 or 16. Most of my friends had boobs by high school & I remember thinking that I too wanted to wear nice bras and fill out tops/dresses nicely! I had always been a little bottom heavy so I wanted to even myself out haha! When I was 18 I moved to the Gold Coast and was determined to get them done! I saved my money and ended up going on a trip to Thailand with 6 other girls from my workplace.”

What were your Breast Augmentation Stats (size, shape, profile etc)?

“I have 400cc, Textured, Round Implants, High Profile, Under the Muscle Placement and Under the Breast Fold Incision. My Surgeon was Dr Sanguan.”

Why did your Surgeon choose these particular stats for you?

“I actually chose to go as big as possible. When I went in for my surgery I had 500cc, 425cc and 400cc at my availability. My Surgeon chose 400cc as they were the ones that fit best for me. I am so happy I didn’t go bigger though, the size is perfect and they look very in proportion with the rest of my body!”

Why did you decide to get Porcelain Veneers done as well?

I never really had bad teeth, they were quite straight. However, I used to horse ride back in my hometown in Western Australia for 15 years and after many falls and eating a tonne of dirt, I had chipped them and broken off my front teeth a few times! Every now and again I would break the cappings and after about the 5th time of getting my teeth fixed I had probably spent enough money to get my veneers anyway!

My husband and I both wanted our teeth done, as his were bad from a bike riding accident and basketball accidents as a kid. So we both looked into going to Thailand for our teeth and it has been one of the best things we have ever done! Having the perfect smile is such a confidence booster and looked amazing in our wedding photos.

Why did you choose to travel to Thailand?

“Well, to be honest, it wasn’t something I put too much thought into at first. Obviously the prices are lower which will more than likely catch anyone’s interest! But when I heard of the other girls who were going over from my workplace, I didn’t hesitate one bit! I had already heard so many good things from a close friend about CosMediTour, so I booked right away.”

What was your surgery and dental experience in Thailand like?

“I honestly could NOT fault any of my experiences in Thailand! The Thai Surgeons, nurses and hospital staff are super friendly and caring! I was very well looked after and never felt like I had to worry about asking questions etc. My dental work took 1 day.. well, not even that! I had a consultation, a couple of hours later I had my teeth whitened and then I went in for my Veneers, WAH-LAH! Brand new smile, AMAZING!

My Breast Augmentation was the same, very straightforward and everything was explained to me in a manner that I could understand. The build up can be a little intimidating while you’re waiting to go in, but you know it’s going to be worth it when you wake up with a new set of twins! haha. You come out of surgery and the nurses are ready for you as soon as you wake up to make sure you are okay or if you require anything! The nurses are very attentive and nothing is too much of a hassle.”

Why did you choose to go through CosMediTour?

“I chose CosMediTour from a friend’s referral and because of all the fantastic feedback I had heard!”

What was it like not being able to exercise for several weeks after your surgery? How did you manage to stay in shape?

“I actually enjoyed the time off (at the start). I kept my fluid intake up and ate healthy. I found this helped a lot with maintaining a healthy body weight and shape during my recovery. You definitely need to take the time off to make sure you recover properly and even when you do start feeling better and are ready to go to the gym, you should take it easy to begin with.”

How did your health and fitness journey begin? What motivated or inspired you?

“I first started to feel motivated in the lead up to our wedding. I wanted to be in better shape for that! After our wedding, I remember watching the Olympia on live stream from my lounge and being like “WOW, I want to look like that!” The girls were simply flawless and their bodies were so fit and in incredible shape! I started to go to the gym a lot more and after a few months I decided to prepare for my first show. I competed in April 2014 and haven’t looked back since!”

How has having a Breast Augmentation affected you in the fitness industry?

“Most people in the fitness industry will know that when you lose weight or lean down that usually the first things to vanish are your girls (haha) so I find having implants has helped me maintain a balanced and in proportion physique.”

What does it take to maintain a fit and healthy physique year round?

“I find that a healthy balanced diet in your everyday life and routine along with training will keep your physique maintained year round.

Obviously, a competition prep diet is a lot more strict and different to just healthy lifestyle/clean eating day in day out. Some people track their progress through a macro counting diet. Other people don’t count at all. It’s about balance, finding out what your body responds to and what works best for you!

At the moment I train 6 days a week and eat 5 meals a day (competition diet includes lots of white protein- chicken, white fish, turkey, healthy fats, good carbs, veggies – mostly green). Stay active, eat well and drink plenty of water!”

What advice would you give any women considering plastic surgery?

“Make sure you really let yourself recover properly and listen to your Doctor’s instructions about how to care for your new assets until they are fully healed. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions, even if you feel they are silly ones. Trust your Surgeon and trust the process.

I have heard some girls get really scared right before you go into the surgery and actually back out. Take a minute to think about how badly you wanted this surgery for so long now, how far you’ve already come and how good the outcome is going to be! I still to this day, am so happy I went through with my surgery! Best decision I ever made for myself.”