When patients contact Cornerstone Clinic again to update us on their health, we are always thrilled. One of our recent abdominoplasty patients, Anna, has graciously shared the journal she wrote during her tummy tuck surgery Dubai this week. See below for Anna’s candid, educational, touching, and frequently hilarious story of her tummy tuck procedure at Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai.
I’m among the rare women who haven’t had children, in contrast to many who undergo tummy tuck surgery. What I’ve experienced is a battle with my weight. I had previously worn clothes in sizes 20 and more, but after ten years, I had finally stabilized at a size 12.
I achieved this through an active lifestyle and a nutritious diet, occasionally indulging in pizza or chocolate bars. However, I realized around a year ago that I would never have the stomach I want. My stomach seemed depressed and had little remaining flexibility.
I grappled with guilt for a short time while considering tummy tuck surgery. Since I hadn’t had children and had caused myself harm, I didn’t think I deserved the treatment. I eventually realized that I did deserve it, and this was the period in my life when I had the resources and time off to satisfy my hunger and take care of myself.
Cornerstone Clinic is a serene, peaceful, and safe environment. Upon my arrival, they guided me to the clinic’s waiting area. Eventually, I was called in, and the Clinical Lead at Cornerstone Clinic greeted me to discuss what I could anticipate during my visit. After reviewing my complete medical history, the lead requested that I indicate the area of my body that I was uncomfortable with. I disliked this part of my body, so the procedure demanded considerable effort on my part; however, it was also somewhat comforting to hear someone say, “It’s fine; we can help.”
The clinic ensured I understood what they could do for me and guided me through the process that would yield the best outcomes. Although it seemed incredibly individualized, I didn’t feel under any obligation to get the operation. A “hard sell” was not made.
There were several factors to take into account:
The lead-up to the decision
I decided to undergo my surgery at Cornerstone Clinic after giving it careful consideration. I experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety after making the decision, along with concerns about potential problems and discomfort.
I went for a lengthy walk the day before, aware that I would be recovering for a few days after the tummy tuck in Dubai. Cornerstone Clinic reassured me by reminding me to fast before surgery. Upon my arrival, Cornerstone Clinic promptly escorted me to my room, checked me in, and provided all the necessary papers. After looking over my medical history, the admissions nurse obtained my medications.
I was eager to finally eliminate my abdominal bulge and the discomfort it caused. I had many questions, but the surgeon calmly went over everything, which gave me confidence. To help me recall why I selected this path, I even shot pictures.
The anesthetist arrived, was kind, and went over all of the pain management choices and expectations with me.
Now, I waited for the surgery team to visit me while I sat in my gown. When they finally showed up, I was feeling the most overwhelmed. I was experiencing a headache as a result of dehydration, but I was also getting ready for an operation that was only cosmetic and not medically essential, so why was I subjecting my body to this?
By the time I woke up, I was resting on my back, feeling drowsy but pain-free. I knew my stomach was constricted, but apart from that, I felt at ease and glad it was over.
Fortunately, I was still pain-free, but I felt queasy. The oxygen made me feel much better, and the drinks provided alleviated my preoperative headache.
Since I had been lying down instead of sitting up, I was able to accept that I now had a beautiful flat stomach.
I experienced difficulty falling asleep because these wraps around my leg continuously disturbed my rest. They inflate quickly and then gently to avoid blood clots. They are necessary as a precaution, but they did startle me when I was sleeping at three in the morning.
Regular visits from the nurses allowed them to examine me and ensure I was comfortable. Depending on your pain tolerance, a catheter may be used during tummy tuck surgery. I had to use a bedpan since I chose not to receive an epidural. For the first 24 hours following the procedure, you are unable to leave your bed. I felt quite exposed since I realized there wasn’t much I could do to help myself after using the bedpan.
I felt significantly better and experienced no nausea. To ensure that I was pain-free, the anesthetist stopped over to examine me.
I was itching to sit up right away, but my nurse told me that we should do it gradually since I might feel lightheaded. She was correct; sitting up slightly did make me feel lightheaded. I felt better once my bed was gradually raised to the sitting position.
I had begun to bruise, and my tummy had swelled. After cleaning and dressing my wound, my nurse placed a support garment. All of these procedures allowed me to restore some freedom by walking to my en suite.
I had considerable discomfort when I attempted to lie on my side throughout the night. I simply required a reminder of the purpose behind my position on my back. I had a pleasant night’s sleep. My body felt odd and tight, and I was a bit out of breath. There was minimal discomfort, and the only instances in which I experienced any sensation were when I twisted or attempted to sit up too rapidly.
Do not wait for discharge. It was time to go home after my day nurse checked to make sure I had my follow-up appointments and my prescription.
(I neglected to mention that Cornerstone Clinic gave me an envelope explaining what to anticipate and how I could feel following tummy tuck Dubai when I got to my room.)
The journey home went well, and I had no trouble climbing the stairs, though I did stoop a little like an elderly woman.
I was still bloated, and now I was beginning to feel bruised and painful, which is all quite normal. I know this seems odd, but the bottled water with the sports top was really helpful since I could drink it easily in any position and didn’t have to worry about spilling it.
Even though it hurt to laugh, I’m glad I bought several box sets. If you’re considering tummy tuck surgery, I suggest staying away from controversy.
After going to the restroom and back, I felt a bit out of breath, but otherwise everything was usual.
I found that cushions kept me comfortable, especially at night. Keep a pillow beside you and one beneath your knees.
Continue eating a high-fiber diet. I had to use the restroom today, but it was okay.
The fact that I was unable to move or go outdoors made me feel like I was about to lose my mind since I was exhausted just from getting to the bathroom. My back hurt and everything felt a bit stiff, so even though I was already standing a little straighter, I could only stand for so long.
I sneezed and it hurt a lot, which made me a bit frightened. I noticed blood on the dressing behind my belly button when I checked the dressings under my support bandage. Despite my slight concern, I chose to remain motionless and observe the situation. A small amount of bleeding is common when things calm down.
I wish I could take a shower. Washing flannel is just not the same. I was a little depressed today because of my dependency and lack of movement.
I felt like garbage and foolishly neglected to take my meds! I felt a lot better after taking these. I also recognized that I had not consumed sufficient fluids; if you are undergoing a tummy tuck procedure, it is essential to keep water readily available at all times.
I made the decision to attempt hanging some laundry. After consuming approximately one-third of it, I became exhausted and was compelled to sit down.
Compared to yesterday, I feel much better today and can stand up straighter. I sneezed again and felt a line of agony within the right side of my stomach, even though I had checked my belly button dressing, and it appeared that there had been no more blood. I sneezed, and the agony was gone in a second. Before retiring for the night and watching television, I engaged in a brief period of light activity in the garden. I was more exhausted today than I was yesterday.
Day of the clinic check-up! I had followed all instructions and kept my support garment closed, only sometimes raising it to inspect the dressing. I hadn’t overworked myself and had kept it totally dry. I was shocked when my belly button was cleansed and the garment was taken off when I arrived at the clinic.
It was worth it, even if I was a little bloated and couldn’t walk straight. My stomach was flat, and my belly button was visible. It was all worthwhile, and I was ecstatic. On the way home, I took a brief stroll through a garden center and felt comfortable and confident.
I woke up feeling somewhat sluggish and with a headache. I felt like someone had poked me in the stomach as I sneezed again, but it was over quickly. Today is finally the first time I’ve taken a shower.
I was able to sleep on my side last night rather than on my back. Despite using pillows for support, I experienced a significantly improved quality of sleep, as it aligns with my usual sleeping habits. I became aware that I was straightening up as soon as I walked today, and I will be able to work out soon.
I didn’t take any pain medication today, and while I felt fantastic physically, I was a little depressed because I couldn’t wait to return to normal! Even though my stomach was mending nicely, it was still fairly large and oddly shaped like an apple in the center of my torso. As the day went on, I discovered that wearing Spanx instead of my support garment caused some discomfort and that I swelled a little. As a result, I returned to wearing the support garment.
I decided to alter the bed and surprise my significant other today. After learning that I couldn’t use a vacuum, I decided to manually clean the floors. The midday TV was terrible, and I couldn’t stand to do anything! I didn’t feel any discomfort. However, I did experience a balloon-like swelling as the day went on. I chose to take an anti-inflammatory since I had to go back to bed. My body’s negative response to a small amount of labor made me feel quite frustrated and a bit irritated.
I made a small payment yesterday and today. My back muscles pulled as I walked; this had to be inflammation because I was now more hunched over. I felt as though I had regressed two steps. Since my bed was the only place I felt comfortable, I took my anti-inflammatory and went back there. The agony along one side was still there when I sneezed again, although it wasn’t as severe.
I used over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications because I was swollen after pushing myself too much. I just took it once a day with my evening meal because I started to feel a bit puffy at the end of the day.
I brought my puppy with me to my friend’s birthday celebration this afternoon. The casual nature of the event allowed me to dress more comfortably. As the day wore on, I noticed that things became a bit snug. Subsequently, I was completely drained and remained on the sofa for the rest of the evening. It’s a weird sensation since a few weeks ago, I could run four miles in the morning and work out all day.
I went to my checkup after two weeks, and everything was satisfactory. It’s rather common to swell during the day and have aching back muscles at the end of the day. Ibuprofen continued to be taken. I chose to wear Lycra cycling shorts instead of the support gear since they were considerably more comfortable. I was afraid of upsetting the region around my belly button, but I was informed that it was safe to wash it with a flannel since it exfoliates the skin a little. The nurse noted my improved mobility. Another quick recommendation for you is to sit up straight; avoid twisting or moving sideways since it aches.
I felt at ease when I drove for the first time today. To avoid falling too much as you climb into the car, I would merely advise making sure the seat is as high as it can go. I asked the founder of Cornerstone Clinic about the discomfort I had on Day 6 and how it still bothers me occasionally. He told me that it was normal since the best tummy tuck surgeon in Dubai had sewn some stitches there on the inside. My left side, where the liposuction was performed, was peeling and flaking like a sunburn. Again, I was told to wait for it to resolve itself.
Even though I haven’t finished my trip yet, I already know that having tummy tuck surgery was the perfect choice. I’m really excited to embrace my new flat-tummied existence, go back to my peak condition, and resume exercising.
Are you considering tummy tuck surgery? Abdominoplasty is available at clinics across Dubai from the best tummy tuck clinic in Dubai—Cornerstone Clinic, a countrywide cosmetic surgery clinic. Please contact us by phone or by email to learn more about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons.
