At 36, Marta Abebe (a pseudonym) found herself at a pivotal moment in life. A mother of two lively children, ages 7 and 4, her days were a flurry of school runs, soccer practices, and endless laundry. Yet, amidst the constant demands of motherhood, a nagging discontent had begun to take root—the stubborn abdominal fat that lingered after her pregnancies had become a source of frustration and diminished self-confidence. She longed to feel like herself again, to reclaim the sense of identity that she felt had been lost in the whirlwind of raising her family.
After months of careful consideration and research, Marta decided it was time for a change. She booked a consultation at Marcia Surgical Center in Addis Ababa, where she learned about the abdominal fat removal procedure (Liposuction). The prospect of shedding those extra kilograms felt like a new beginning, a way to reclaim her body and, in turn, her confidence.
The weeks leading up to the surgery were filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Marta’s husband was supportive, understanding that this decision was about more than appearance; it was about self-care and setting a positive example for their children. Together, they discussed how this change could inspire their family to prioritize health and well-being.
As the surgery date approached, Marta focused on preparing herself mentally and physically. She began eating healthier and stayed active with her kids, turning family walks and playful park sessions into joyful reminders that this journey was about embracing a healthier lifestyle, not just a slimmer figure.
The day of the surgery, she says, brought a blend of excitement and nerves. At Marcia Surgical Center, the staff greeted her, guiding her through the process with reassurances that she was in capable hands.
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Lying on the operating table, Marta closed her eyes and took a deep breath, visualizing the life that awaited her after the surgery—a life filled with renewed confidence, energy, and a stronger connection with her children.
When she woke up from the procedure, the relief was palpable. According to her, the first few days of recovery were challenging, marked by discomfort and swelling, but each day brought renewed strength and the reassuring presence of her family by her side.
As the weeks passed, Marta’s transformation became apparent—not just in her appearance but in her mindset. She had lost 6 kilograms, and when she looked in the mirror, she saw more than just a slimmer figure; she saw a woman who had taken control of her life. With her newfound confidence, she began incorporating regular exercise into her routine, turning evening workouts with her children into fun family activities.
Months later, Marta stood in front of the mirror wearing a dress that once felt too tight. Twirling in front of her children, their delighted laughter was a testament to the joy and confidence that had returned to their home. “This journey had not only reshaped my body but had deepened my bond with my children. It led us to explore new activities together—hiking, biking, and even cooking healthy meals as a family.
The Rise of Plastic Surgery
Ethiopia’s medical landscape has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, particularly in the field of plastic surgery. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Ethiopia had 23 practicing plastic surgeons as of 2020. While this number may not fully capture the scope of cosmetic procedures being performed across the country, it highlights the growing demand for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Marcia Surgical Center stands at the forefront of this evolving field. For eight years, the center has been a leader in providing a wide range of surgical services, with a focus on both general surgery and cosmetic procedures.
“We offer treatments for various medical conditions, from appendicitis and hernias to mastectomies and gastric bypass surgeries,” said Yosef Mola, the center’s administrator. “Our general surgeons are dedicated to enhancing patients’ health and overall quality of life, whether through elective or emergency procedures.”
But the Center’s expertise extends beyond general surgery. The Center is also known for its cosmetic services, which include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts. These procedures, while elective, can have a profound impact on a patient’s self-esteem and confidence.
Yosef emphasized that such decisions should be made carefully, with a full understanding of the benefits and risks.
The Center’s pricing structure reflects the variety of services offered. A hair transplant costs 125,000 birr, while liposuction procedures range from 40,000 to 60,000 birr. Scar and tattoo removal costs vary widely, from 500 to 25,000 birr, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Yosef encourages prospective patients to seek professional consultations to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetic goals.
Mikiyas Reta, a pharmacist at Marcia, shared his perspective on the center’s operations. “I’ve been here for five years and have seen many patients leave satisfied with their results,” he said. “But it’s important to remember that cosmetic surgery isn’t for everyone. It should only be pursued by those in good health and under a physician’s recommendation.”
Mikiyas noted that about 90 percent of the center’s patients seek cosmetic enhancements, often to improve their appearance or reconstruct their bodies after significant life events. “While we prioritize emergency and essential surgeries, patients seeking elective procedures may face wait times of up to a year,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Mikiyas firmly believes in the power of cosmetic surgery to change lives.
“For those who feel uncomfortable in their own skin, there’s an opportunity here to make a positive change,” he said. “But it’s essential that it’s done for the right reasons and with the right guidance.”
As plastic surgery continues to grow, for individuals like Marta Abebe, the journey to reclaiming her confidence is as much about the physical transformation as it is about embracing a healthier, happier self.
