For years, I struggled with parts of my body that no diet or workout routine could change. My stomach, thighs, and arms carried stubborn fat and loose skin that just wouldn’t go away, no matter how hard I tried. Especially after having kids, and with all the running around, I could never figure how to deal with the issues I was facing with my own body.

I had considered cosmetic surgery before, but I always assumed I would have to travel abroad—maybe to Turkey—to get the best treatment. The idea of flying overseas, finding the right clinic, handling travel costs, and recovering far from home felt overwhelming.

Then in November 2024, I heard about the Cosmetic Surgery Camp at Aga Khan Hospital, organized by TERALIFE—bringing a renowned Indian cosmetic surgeon, Dr Rajesh Vasu to Tanzania.

Why I Chose the Cosmetic Surgery Camp at Aga Khan Hospital Over Turkey

Like many others, I had initially considered Turkey, one of the most popular destinations for cosmetic surgery, known for its "affordable prices." However, before committing to the Cosmetic Surgery Camp at Aga Khan Hospital, I did extensive research and compared my options.

At first glance, Turkey seemed like a great deal, but as I dug deeper, I uncovered hidden costs and risks that made me rethink my decision. The advertised prices were often misleading. While a standard liposuction and tummy tuck package was quoted at around $6,000, the reality was far more expensive. Once I factored in flights, hotels, and post-surgery accommodation, the total cost could easily rise to $8,000 or even $9,000. What seemed like an affordable option suddenly became a financial burden.

Beyond the cost, there were concerns about transparency and communication. Many Turkish clinics offered English-speaking staff, but I found their responses vague and frustrating. Every time I asked specific questions about procedures, aftercare, or pricing, the most common answer was, “We will see when you come.” That uncertainty didn’t sit well with me. I needed clarity, not guesswork, before making such a significant decision.

Another major worry was post-surgery care. If something went wrong after returning home, where would I go? Would a local doctor be able to help if complications arose? Many people I spoke to had struggled to get proper aftercare once they left Turkey, which only reinforced my doubts. The thought of dealing with complications without immediate support was unsettling.

When I compared all this to the Cosmetic Surgery Camp at Aga Khan Hospital, the benefits were undeniable. I wouldn’t have to travel abroad or deal with unfamiliar surroundings. My surgery would be performed by a top-class Indian surgeon, ensuring the same level of expertise I would get internationally. Pricing was transparent from the start, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises. Most importantly, aftercare was readily available, giving me peace of mind that my recovery would be closely monitored.

At that moment, I knew this was the best choice for me. The decision wasn’t just about saving money—it was about choosing convenience, safety, and trust. Instead of going through the stress of international travel, I could undergo my procedure in the best hospital that Tanzania has, recover at home, and have my doctors just a call away. That reassurance was priceless. With this in mind, I decided to book my online consultation with Dr Vasu.

Deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery isn’t just about choosing a surgeon—it’s about understanding which procedure is right for you.

For example, I initially thought liposuction alone would give me the flat stomach I wanted. But after discussing with the doctor, I realized that because I had loose skin from pregnancy, I would also need a tummy tuck for the best results.

This personalized approach is something I wouldn’t have gotten if I had just picked a clinic in Turkey based on price. The one-on-one consultation helped me make the right decision for my body.

On December 10th, I arrived at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam feeling excited and nervous. I met with Dr Vasu physically, and he seemed so relaxed and confident about the procedure! Of course he was, he had done it thousands of times. His calm resolve instantly calmed me down as well. In my physical consultation, he reviewed my lab test results to ensure that I was fit for surgery, and once all was well, I was confirmed for surgery for 11th.

I don’t remember much about the surgery itself since I was under anesthesia, but when I woke up, I was definitely feeling some pain. I didn’t do much that day, or over the 2 days I was in the hospital. But I can say with certainty that all the nurses and staff at Aga Khan truly take great care of you. The doctor came to see me in my room the next morning and told me in detail about how I have to take care of myself, including diet, prevention of infection, medication, and my follow-ups.

Week-by-Week Recovery: My Journey to a New Me

Week 1: Rest and Healing

The first week was all about rest. I followed the surgeon’s instructions carefully—taking pain medication, staying hydrated, and wearing compression garments to help reduce swelling. Although there was some discomfort, it was manageable, and I could already see a slight reduction in swelling.

Week 2: Gaining Mobility

By the second week, I started moving around more comfortably. Short walks around the house helped improve circulation and reduce stiffness. I noticed that my waistline looked slimmer, and the swelling had reduced significantly. I continued wearing my compression garments and started with light massages according to the videos shared by Dr Vasu and TERALIFE.

Week 3: Returning to Normal Activities

In the third week, I began resuming light activities. I felt more energetic and was amazed at how my clothes fit better—my stomach was noticeably flatter, and my curves more defined. The massages helped to even out the skin and I took professional help during this week to make sure it was being done right.

Week 4: Visible Results and Confidence Boost

By the fourth week, I started feeling like my old self—but better! My body had healed significantly, and the results were visibly stunning. My abdomen was firm, my thighs and arms slimmer, and my confidence levels were soaring. I had been wearing my compression garment daily, and getting my massages from the masseuse. At the end of this week, Dr Vasu suggested that I wear my garment for 12 hours instead of a full day.

Month 2: Transformational Changes

Two months post-surgery, I couldn’t believe the transformation. My body looked sculpted and toned. The results were even better than I had imagined, and I felt more confident than ever before. I had started light workout by the 6th week, and had been doing my daily massages from week 2. I took 15 sessions of massages during week 3 and 4 from a masseuse to make sure the results came out good. From week 5, I started doing them myself at home.

My experience made me realise that the post-operative part of the surgery is as important as the surgery itself, possibly more. The TERALIFE team and Dr Vasu kept reminding me of the massages and frankly my results have been good only because I listened to every bit of instructions shared by them. Aga Khan Hospital, as usual, provided great counselling and physical checks with their doctors.