|
Following my long thought-about decision to go ahead and have cosmetic surgery (for months I did my homework to ensure that I was going to be in the hands of one of the most reputable clinics), I travelled to Brussels with my niece. I had decided that I wanted to have liposculpture and breast enlargement in order to regain a bit of what I had before childbirth.
We arrived by Eurostar, which was a fast and comfortable journey. I had arranged for a swish taxi to come and fetch me and take me to my hotel in the centre of Brussels the day prior to the surgery.
On the day of surgery, I woke up feeling a little nervous, which I suppose is totally normal and to be expected. I jumped into a taxi and went straight to the clinic, which was about 15 minutes away. The taxi stopped in front of a big beautiful white building with large windows everywhere. I walked into the main hall with marble flooring everywhere and a impressive display of tropical flowers. I was subsequently greeted by one of the receptionists. I imagine that she might have known who I was, as with a couple of other British patients who were there. At the reception area, I was given numerous forms and leaflets to read carefully. I signed the consent form for surgery and I then knew there was no going back… it was all about to become reality!
I was subsequently led through to the waiting room, which is a big spacious area, tastefully decorated; luminous, spotless and even had a play area for children. As administrative and medical staff rushed passed me, I sat there until my surgeon punctually came and greeted me. He was a forthcoming, professional and friendly person, who inspired confidence almost immediately. He took me through to the individual bedrooms and I must admit, I had been allocated perhaps the biggest. The room was spotless, comfy and had all the facilities for my niece to remain there the time I was having surgery. Thereafter, the anaesthetist and nurse came along and enquired about my medical history. They were thorough and answered all my questions from the beginning to end. As anyone can imagine, this immediately put my mind at ease, even though I had done my homework and knew what to expect. I realised that for both breast enlargement and liposculpture they do not require a blood test or ECG unless patients suffer from any specific medical conditions and in view of the minimal blood loss there was absolutely no risk.
The next thing I remember was waking up on the operating table all bandaged up around the breasts and with a compressure garment on the areas where the liposculpture had been done. The warm and gentle nurse, Anne-Marie, led me through the operating corridor to my room. I was relieved to find the familiar and friendly smile on my niece’s face. The surgery had felt like it had lasted 10 minutes when in fact I was in for three hours! I had felt nothing and at no point ‘woke-up’ during the actual surgery. Thus, it all felt so quick and painless. Back in my bed in my room, they adjusted the temperature (as they say recovery from the anaesthetic is better is a cool room), inserted the drip and dimmed the lights. I felt sleepy and of course hungry and thirsty as I had been nil by mouth all morning. I lay there for a couple of hours and both my surgeons came in and out of the room to ensure that all was well. They were both obviously very satisfied with the outcome of the breast enlargement and liposculpture. From what I understand, both surgeons have now been performing these procedures for years and years and I didn’t get the impression that they were giving me preferential treatment just because I am better known than their every-day patients. Whilst I lay in my bed resting, my niece popped out to the large supermarket (which is a 5 minute walk away) and stocked up on little goodies for me!
Five hours following surgery I was feeling as right as rain! If anything, I was feeling rested, relieved and simply fantastic. I thanked everyone who had taken such great care of me and was slowly led back to the reception area, where I was handed a beautiful orchid whilst they called for the taxi to come and fetch me.
That evening I lay in bed in my hotel room and had a slap up meal in front of a DVD. I was feeling a little drowsy after my day and all I needed was a good night’s sleep.
Next morning I woke up feeling very stiff and swollen. I knew that this was to be expected but I literally felt like I had run a marathon the previous day! Thankfully my niece was able to help me wash and dress. Under these circumstances it really is best to come accompanied, as it simply makes things so much easier, both emotionally and physically. All of that day I lay in bed imagining and dreaming about my new figure once all the scaffolding would come off. I projected myself a week ahead and knew that my short-term discomfort was definitely going to be worth it!
Here I am today, weeks after surgery and my goodness…. it was the best decision of my life! I have regained confidence in my body and mind and wouldn’t go back to before even if I were paid! I have to admit, not only am I absolutely delighted with the results but even more so because I was so well looked after from the beginning to the end! It can be a daunting experience that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but ELYZEA couldn’t have been more professional and reassuring about it all.
I am proud to say loud and clear that I have had surgery and I won’t pretend that my body miraculously has improved on it’s own! I am realistic and down-to-earth and will not shy away from the public eye and deny anything…. contrary to some in the limelight.
Thank you ELYZEA for making this possible for me!
Read Lisa's interview : "Lisa I'Anson surgery: a boost for body and brain"
Lisa I'anson's website : www.lisaianson.com
|
