A kind and thoughtful patient sent this email to my PA to update us of her recovery:

“Good morning Louise

Just a quick email to advise, everything is going well.

Obviously, still swelling & bruising.
My abs are sore & I’m continuing to take pain relief.
My face is also, still swollen & bruised, as expected!

I have to say…I am amazed at the results…
After, one week… My abs look fantastic… Can’t wait to see what they’ll look like in a couple of months!!

Mrs Kat, you are an absolute genius and I can’t thank you, enough.
Words cannot express how happy I am!!

Also, the whole process & the preparation, which both you (Louise) & Natasha played a big part.
I thank you both, for your patience & for being so efficient, at all times!!

See you soon.

Thanks again!

Warmest regards”

Do note the patient’s mention of preparation for surgery which plays a really important part. Sometimes it involves giving up tobacco and losing weight. Invariably, the patient will need to build in a period of downtime, accept that bruising and swellings are part of the process and embrace the extras such as lymphatic massages and physiotherapy that we may prescribe. And work towards amazing results.