A tummy tuck has given Robert the flat stomach he has wanted for 35 years, turning holidays around the pool from an ordeal to a pleasure.

Robert first started thinking about surgery a year ago and decided to go ahead when exercising had no impact on what he called, his “obvious muffin top”.

He says: “I had no confidence being topless and was always wary and paranoid on holidays in the pool because I felt people were looking at me. The creases on either side of my stomach in swim shorts made me feel ugly. I would constantly look at others around the pool and wish I looked like them.”

Once he’d decided on surgery, Robert began researching for a surgeon. He was wary of cosmetic clinics and surgeons not attached to any NHS hospital. Then he discovered Mr Jallali.

Robert says: “Having read his credentials and background work, along with the fact he also works for the NHS, I felt immediately at ease that this was a surgeon I’d feel safe to see.”

“When I met Mr Jallali at my first consultation, I was immediately impressed with his approach and how helpful he was. He examined me and put me at ease when he said he could improve my body contour. I was thrilled. He treated me with respect and dignity.”

Many male tummy tuck patients feel anxious on the day of surgery and excited about emerging with an improved body shape. Robert was no exception.

He says: “I cannot describe how nice the nurses were. They were very patient, explained everything thoroughly, and put me at ease. Like everyone else, Mr Jallali was lovely and made me feel calm. Everyone was friendly. The care was wonderful.”

Indeed, the anaesthetist made Robert feel so relaxed that he says it felt as if he was talking one minute, and the next, he was waking up in recovery.

Robert felt no pain, whether it was being taken back to his room after surgery, going home the following day or weeks of recovery at home afterwards.

He says: “I joked that you get a small paper cut on your and the sting is agony, but you get cut across your stomach and feel no pain, not even twinges! I was delighted with how the recovery went. It was smooth and painless.”

At school, teachers would ask Robert what he wanted to be when he grew up, and his answer was always “thin!” Male tummy tuck surgery has transformed Robert’s life, and he’s thrilled with the results. “For the first time in 35 years, I have a completely flat stomach,” he says.

Robert is confident and comfortable being topless in and around the pool. Since surgery, he felt as if he blended in with everybody else on his first holiday.

He says: “I feel so much happier in clothes. Tops fit better and show off a flat stomach. Jeans fit so much nicer now. The surgery has been life-changing, and I will be forever grateful to Mr Jallali.