Initial concern
A consistent five centimetres at the waist that he had not been able to address through training. A small amount of mid-pectoral fullness, which he had assumed was glandular but in fact was adipose. The combined picture was changing how clothes fitted him.
Consultation
An hour-long consultation. Examination confirmed the chest fullness was adipose, not glandular. Pinch testing identified the deep adipose layer at the abdomen and flanks as the principal target.
The decision
A single consultation; surgery scheduled four weeks later for a quiet week of business.
Day of surgery
The hours that mattered.
07:30
Arrival
Bloods reviewed; standing photographs taken.
08:30
Markings
Markings of treatment zones drawn together with Ahmed.
09:00
Surgery begins
VASER liposuction of abdomen, flanks, and peri-areolar chest.
11:30
Closure
Compression garment fitted in theatre.
13:00
Discharge
Discharged home in the afternoon with a relative.
Recovery
Week by week.
Day 0 – 2
Drainage and tightness
Tumescent fluid drained through the access ports for 36 hours. Tightness rather than pain. Walked every two hours.
Week 1
Office work
Returned to the office on day six in loose clothing.
Week 4
Light cardio
Light cardio resumed. Garment worn at night only.
Month 3
Definition appears
70% of swelling resolved. Photograph review. Strength training resumed.
Month 6
Birthday photograph
Ahmed took the photograph he had originally postponed and described it as 'the first time in five years I have not edited the photograph before sending it'.
A year on
“Ahmed's reflection was unsentimental — he treated the operation as he would a structural repair on a building he intended to keep using.”
Total cost
EGP 95k
Published
December 2024