Piling on the pounds is the price we pay for a fabulous holiday, but
wouldn't it be lovely to return with a curvy new body? Well, that's
what pals Kattie and Rachel did. This summer they spent a
week at a private plastic surgery Clinic in Tunsia.
There, Katie, a 20 year old barmaid from Mansfield, Notts, opted for a
breast lift and enlargement. Divorced mum of two Rachel, a 26 year
old holistic therapist from Grimsby, NE Lincs, who had a breast op in
Prague last year, went for a tummy tuck and liposuction. Here, are t
heir diaries.
Rachel's Diary:
Tuesday, August 9
I really hope this hospital is going to be OK. It's recommended b
y an independent cosmetic surgery adviser. I'm sure she wouldn't sen
d us anywhere dodgy.
Wednesday 10
This place is fabulous. I lie on the beach wishing I didn't have to
have surgery tomorrow. The doctor in London said I wouldn't need my
stomach muscles stitched, just the excess fat taken from my belly. I
was relieved because I know how painful it is to have your muscles sewn
up. But today Dr H said not stitching them would be doing half a job
. I was gutted.
Thursday 11
Today is awful. I am scared to death before the op, then I wake up
in a recovery room and crying out in pain. Someone must have give
n me drugs because I went back to sleep. The next time I woke, Katie
was about to have her operation.
Friday 12
I am in agony all night. They have taken 2.5 litres of fat from my th
ighs and for the next month I have to wear a tight body suit which goes
from my bust to my knees. I'm terrified to take it off to go to the
loo in case I fall apart! I need help to do everything.
Katie is moaning and groaning. I want to tell her a boob job is a wal
k in the park compared to what I've had.
Saturday 13
Katie is out today - she's made a good recovery. But I still feel g
rim. I keep looking out of the window and wishing I could explore
this beautiful country. I sit outside for a little before going bac
k to bed.
Sunday 14
I phone the kids and my daughter Amber, four, gets tearful. She says
she misses me. The bruising is coming out, and my thighs are black
. I am really low so I am pleased when Toni (another Brit, here f
or a face-lift) and Katie suggest a walk, or in my case, a push. We
have chicken and chips in a restaurant - divine, as the hospital food
isn't great. I start to remember that I'm out here on holiday.
Monday 15
I'm determined to go back to the souks. I must look ridiculous,
bent double, but it's too painful to stand up. Katie's
gone clubb
ing, although the hospital warned her not to as the locals aren't used to
Western women.
Tuesday 16
Katie makes it back in time to pack and go to the airport. The fligh
t is tough. I'm pleased to be home.
Two weeks later...
My stomach is flat and although my scar looks angry, it's below the bikini
line and will fade. The bruising and swelling on my thighs has gone
and I'm a better shape, although my size hasn't changed - I'm still a
10/12. The recovery process has been long and painful but it's worth it.
Katies Diary
Tuesday August 9
It's midnight and we've just arrived. We're sharing a room as Rachel
is worried we'll be bored in separate rooms if we couldnt get up after
surgery. I'm nervous but I know Rachel recovered quickly from a boob
job she had last year in Prague. I've had a disappointment, though
- my operation's been moved from tomorrow to Thursday, the same day Rachel
has hers.
Wednesday 10 August
We spend the morning at the markets, then head for the private beach near
the hotel and sunbathe before having a swim. We also have consultat
ions with our surgeon, Dr H.
Thursday 11 August
Rachel looks terrified going down to theatre. They don't come for me
till teatime, and I catch a few minutes with Rachel. she is drowsy and
in pain. When I wake up it is 8pm and although I'm not in any pain,
I am very tearful. I'm glad we're here together.
Friday 12
Neither of us feel great. We stay in bed gossipng and swapping magazines.
This afternoon Rachel has her dressings changed while I have the drains
under my arms and bandages removed. They unveiled my boobs, up from
34C to an impressive 34DD. I'm really pleased but they're so swollen
and heavy, they feel like they're going to drop off.
Saturday 13
Wake feeling much better, so go back to the markets. I sit in
a bar and watch the world go by, then go for a look at the spectacular
fountains in Tunis.
Sunday 14
I'm almost back to normal. I sunbathe for a while, admiring my lo
vely full chest in my bikini. Rachel feels more human this evenin
g so she, Toni and I dress up in Tunisian costumes and go out.
We look hysterical, me in a kaftan and headscarf, Toni wearing a fez and
dark glasses to hide her black eyes and Rachel, also in a kaftan, being
pushed in a wheelchair. I haven't laughed so much in ages.
Monday 15
I'll be glad to get home as Rachel and I are starting to get on one
another's nerves. It's not like being on a normal holiday where you
can escape to your own room. I buy some lovely little tops to show
off my new cleavage, then go clubing with a local guy I got chatting to
earlier. I have an amazing night and get back really late.
Tuesday 16
Dr H is pleased with my recovery. I still can't believe I'm going
home rested, tanned and with a fabulous new figure!
Two weeks later...........
I'm thrilled with my new boobs. All my friends think they look fab
. I can't wait to go out shopping for sexy new underwear.
Insert top left of story:
Stay safe: British
Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery advises
against surgery abroad. But if you're considering it...
Dont fall for the hard sell
Do your research
Make sure you have a thorough consultation in the UK before going
Ask about follow up care.
Savings
Average cost in the UK: £6,500
Katie paid £2,600 including food and accommodation
Saving £3,900
Tummy Tuck and liposuction
Average cost in the UK £8,000
Rachel paid £3,150 including food and accommodation
Saving just under £5,000
Pro & Cons
Pros: The cost. You can save thousands by going abroad.
The chance to see another country.
It's discreet - you don't have to face the neighbours right after you've
had surgery.
Cons: It's hard to check on the credentials of foreign surgeons.
You may not feel much like a holiday after major surgery.
If something goes wrong, you'll need corrective surgery at home -
cancelling out any savings you might have made.
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