For years, Maartje lived with a discomfort that affected her self-esteem: the shape of her hips. Although she didn’t initially see herself turning to liposuction, she eventually discovered that taking this step could help her feel more comfortable in her own body. In this article, she shares her story with us — from her initial doubts to the joy she felt seeing herself radiant on her wedding day.
Looking at My Own Body
Thighs and thick thighs, saddlebags, wide hips, fat bulges—there are so many names for the excess fat on the sides of the thighs. I used to call them "annoyingly thick hips." I realized that pants never fit me well. At least, that's what I thought. When I went shopping and looked for jeans that fit well both at the top and bottom, it was always a struggle. There was no balance for me.
Dieting Didn't Help Enough
I tried various diets and also spent the necessary hours in the gym. Against my will, because I didn't like exercising at all. Especially because I still didn't get the results I expected. Those annoying thick hips were still there, and that made me particularly sad and insecure. I just wanted to feel beautiful in my clothes, without the idea that everyone only saw my hips instead of the rest of me.
Liposuction Isn't for Me After All
I had already heard about liposuction. In reality TV shows, you sometimes hear women laughing about it and saying, "I'll suck it out," as if it were a visit to the hairdresser. But I wasn't like that. I wasn't necessarily in favor of "working on the body." Still, I decided to read more about it, and I must say that other people's experiences made me realize that there's nothing wrong with liposuction. And that, although you can do a lot of exercise and dieting, you can't always do something about those annoying thick hips of mine. Whereas liposuction could be a solution.
Booked a Non-committal Consultation
I read positive stories about Wellness Kliniek online and realized that they really encourage you to first book a non-committal consultation. That way, you're not tied to anything yet and can explore the options without feeling pressured. That appealed to me. The clinic was a two-hour drive away, and I was eager to see it to get a feel for it. Said and done, a few weeks later, I crossed the threshold, both literally and figuratively. It was time for my liposuction consultation.
Crossing the Threshold, Literally and Figuratively
I really felt like a victory to have finally taken the step. I must admit that I found it exciting, but fortunately, I was very well received. During the consultation, the doctor explained that liposuction is not for people who are significantly overweight. I was a good candidate. With a BMI of 29.5, I'm not slim, but I have fat mainly on the hips and sides of the thighs.
The doctor also explained how the entire process works. I had already read about it on the Wellness Kliniek website, but it was nice to hear it from the doctor himself and also to be able to ask all my questions directly. He indicated that liposuction of one symmetrical zone was sufficient to get rid of those "annoyingly thick hips" (as I still saw them). As an additional option, for a second zone, he suggested also sculpting the buttocks (side of the thighs) immediately. This would achieve a more balanced overall result. And all of this could be done during the same procedure.
Making the Decision
The consultation felt so familiar, and I was so enthusiastic about the possibilities that I didn't have to hesitate much. I came home and told my boyfriend that I was going to do it. In retrospect, maybe I should have taken him with me, because it's more memorable together than alone, but still, I felt a bit uncomfortable at that moment because I felt it was really my thing. Although he always told me he liked me as I was and didn't think I needed to do anything, fortunately, he always supported me. He thought it was especially important that I was happy myself, and he knew that I felt very unhappy with those hips.
An investment in myself
The Day of the Procedure
The morning of the surgery, I was nervous, but I also felt a deep sense of calm. I had made a decision for myself, with all the necessary information and the support of the medical team. I felt accompanied every step of the way. The clinic staff were warm and professional, which gave me even more confidence.
The procedure was performed under local anesthesia, and I was surprised at how quickly it all went by. Before I knew it, I was already in the recovery room. I felt a bit groggy, but also relieved and proud of myself for having taken that step.
Recovery: Caring for Myself with Patience
Recovery took time, as is to be expected. In the beginning, I had to slow down, listen to my body, and allow myself to be cared for. I wore a compression garment for several weeks, as instructed, and followed all the medical recommendations.
The most important part was learning to be patient with myself. Not everything is visible right away, and the body needs time to adjust and heal. But each small improvement made me feel stronger and more confident.
Happier than ever with my beautiful hips and thighs!
Learning to Look at Myself with Love Again
They say the final results of liposuction become visible after about six months. Of course, I noticed changes right away, but the body needs time to adjust to its new shape. Now, eight months later, I’m happier than ever. I truly feel more comfortable in my own skin, and instead of feeling sad when I look in the mirror, I now smile. It’s been one of the best decisions of my life. Looking back, I spent a long time wondering whether this was right for me — but if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. I can finally go shopping like everyone else, without feeling embarrassed that no pair of pants ever fits me right. And that makes me happier than I’ve ever been.
As the months passed, I started seeing the changes more clearly — not just in the mirror, but in how I felt when getting dressed, walking, or catching my reflection and smiling. It wasn’t about chasing an ideal of beauty. It was about reconnecting with my body and feeling good in it.
For many people, cosmetic surgery may seem superficial. But when it’s approached with respect, autonomy, and the desire to be at peace with yourself, it can be a profoundly empowering act. That’s what it was for me.
A Decision I Would Make Again
Today, looking back, I know I made the right decision. Not because it changed who I am, but because it helped me reconnect with myself. Liposuction wasn’t a magical fix, but it was a tool that supported me on a journey of self-care and personal transformation.
To anyone considering something similar, I would say: do your research, listen to yourself, surround yourself with professionals you trust, and above all — do it for you, not to meet anyone else’s expectations.
