Breast
Augmentation (Enlargement)
Breast augmentation, otherwise known as augmentation mammoplasty is
a surgical procedure to increase or enhance the size and shape of a
woman's breast.
This augmentation is achieved by surgically placing a saline or
silicone gel-filled implant in each breast to push the breast tissue
forward.
An incision is made either in the crease under the breast or around
the areola (nipple). Many women find that the size and shape of
their breasts affects their self-confidence. If you feel that your
breasts are out of proportion with the rest of your body, or that
age or breastfeeding have caused them to shrink or lose their shape,
a breast enlargement operation may help.
Breast implants are used to make your breasts larger, firmer and
fuller. Breast implants are available in a variety of shapes, types
and sizes and are usually made of an outer layer of silicone, filled
with either silicone gel or salt water (saline). You'll be able to
see different types of breast implant and discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of each with our highly experienced and
internationally qualified surgeons before you decide which one is
best for you. Although most patients are happy with the results of
their breast augmentation surgery, there are a small number of women
who are not. Wrinkling, asymmetry, shifting, incorrect size,
unanticipated shape, implant palpability, or scar deformity are some
of the causes of cosmetic dissatisfaction.
Breast
Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty is reduces the
size and shape of a woman's breasts by removing excess tissue and
skin from the breasts. The procedure can also involve reducing and
repositioning the areola. For women with large, heavy breasts,
breast reduction surgery can provide a very satisfying solution.
A "lift" is designed to tighten your skin and perk up
your breasts without affecting their size.
If you feel that your breasts are out of proportion with the rest
of your body, or you find it difficult to find clothes that fit
properly or feel uncomfortable when taking part in active sport, a
breast reduction operation can help. Large breasts can cause back
pain, postural problems and distress for some women.
Breast reduction is an operation to reduce breast size and weight.
Your breasts can also be made firmer with smaller areolas.
During the surgical procedure the surgeon makes cuts around your
breasts to remove excess fat and skin. Your remaining breast tissue
is then re-shaped and stitched to make your breasts smaller. Your
nipples will also be re-positioned.
Mastopexy (Breast Uplift / Lift)
Mastopexy is used to raise and reshape breasts surgically to
improve their appearance sometimes using implants.
Drooping/sagging of the breasts is a common problem following
substantial weight loss, pregnancy or simply the ageing process.
Sagging occurs when the breast skin stretches, resulting in a less
youthful appearance of the breasts.
Mastopexy, is an operation to raise and re-shape your breasts. The
surgery involves removal of excess skin from around the areola (the
area of dark tissue surrounding the nipple) and sometimes from under
your breasts. This creates a tighter cone of breast tissue and your
nipple is moved to a higher position to give a more youthful and
firm.
Gynaecomastia
(Male Breast Reduction)
Gynaecomastia is result of an abnormal increase in the glandular
tissue and as a result causes enlargement of the male breast. It is
quite common and affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men to
varying degrees, for men who feel self-conscious about their
appearance surgery can help.
Arm Reduction / Lift
Loose upper arm skin is most often related to weight loss. After
weight loss, the skin often fails to tighten, and so it sags often
referred to as 'bingo wings ' or 'bat wings'. The only way to
improve this problem is through an arm lift, also called
brachioplasty. Liposuction is not an option since the skin is
already loose. The resulting scars are the greatest drawback, since
they extend from the armpit to the elbow, along the inside of the
arm. During the operation, your Consultant Cosmetic Surgeon makes
cuts on the inner and under surfaces of your arm, sometimes from the
armpit to as low as the elbow. Excess skin and fat are removed and
the remaining skin is stretched and stitched back together. The
operation generally results in slimmer, smoother upper arms. Arm
reduction surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic
and you may need to stay in hospital overnight.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift is done to remove excess skin from the thigh and
buttock area. This sagging skin is usually caused by weight loss.
Inner thigh lifts are done with incisions over the inner thigh,
hidden in the groin crease. Outer thigh and buttock lifts are done
with incisions extending from the groin around the back. These are
well hidden by bathing suits.
Labial Reduction
All women are different and labia come in different shapes and
sizes. However, some women feel that their labia are too large and
request surgery to reduce their size. Labial reduction is a term
used to describe a range of surgical procedures that reduce the size
and prominence of the inner lips of the vagina (known as the labia
minora). Your plastic surgeon will cut some tissue away, ensuring
that the cut is carefully placed to prevent painful scarring along
the rim of the labia. This operation is usually performed under a
local anaesthetic and you will normally be able to go home later in
the day.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the fastest-growing procedure in the West. For
millions of people who are striving to improve their bodies and
appearance, liposuction can be a dream come true because it removes
fat that diet and exercise have little impact on.
The fact is, certain areas of fat in your body are resistant to
change by exercise. No matter how many miles, sit-ups, weights,
laps, or leg lifts you do, the fat remains. Until you remove it
through liposuction.
Liposuction is appropriate for disproportionately oversized hips,
buttocks, thighs, bellies, and "love-handles," as well as
fat deposits on arms, calves, knees, ankles, above the breasts, and
under the chin.
Liposuction can be carried out to most areas of the body; abdomen,
hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, knees, double chin and
commonly the male 'breast' area. Suction-assisted lipectomy, also
known as fat suction, is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits
from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can change the shape of
the body but it cannot improve cellulite or stretch marks.
Liposuction is not a cure for obesity. There is a limit to the
amount of fat tissue that can be removed safely from the human body.
It is not intended for weight control and is not a substitute for
regular physical activity and a healthy balanced diet. Liposuction
is a cosmetic procedure in which unwanted fat deposits are removed
from certain areas of the body. These fat deposits are typically
those resistant to diet and exercise. This procedure results in a
slimmer and better body contour for the patient. Over the years
there have been several variations to the basic liposuction
technique.
There are two types of fat tissue, subcutaneous (fat directly under
the skin) and a deep layer of fat. Both can be targeted depending on
the liposuction procedure. A pinch test is a simple way to determine
if you have enough fat cells in a given area. Simply pinch the skin
and measure the length of skin between your fingers. The doctor
during your first visit may also do a pinch test. Areas where there
is little fat are not advised for liposuction.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The small tool
to remove fatty tissue, called a canylla, is inserted under the skin
through small incisions 4 to 6 mm in length in the least visible
locations. Then, the fat deposits are reduced with suction provided
by a vacuum pump. Having more areas done at one time results in a
more balanced and natural look. It is common for women to have their
hips, thighs, and stomach done at one time. The operation takes
approximately one hour, depending on the amount of fat to be
removed. Depending on the area treated you will be admitted as a
day-case patient, although sometimes an overnight stay may be
required.
However, there are definite risks involved in having multiple areas
done at one time. Risks of multiple procedures include a prolonged
exposure to general anesthesia. There is also a risk that the doctor
may remove too much fat from the body. If too much liposuction is
done in one area the skin sticks to the underlying structures and
looks unnatural. Too much liposuction can also result in a
significant amount of blood loss and surgical trauma to the body.
With multiple procedures done at one time, there is also a prolonged
and more painful recovery process. After your operation, you'll need
to wear an elasticated garment or bandages for several weeks.
"Secondary" or "touch-up" liposuction is less
risky because there is a shorter operating time, faster recovery and
a decreased need for compression garments during the recovery
process.
Abdominoplasty
(Tummy Tuck)
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty is a major surgical
procedure where all loose skin and fatty tissue are removed through
a large incision extending across the abdomen, usually from hip to
hip. The muscles may also be tightened to give a firmer result. This
leaves a flatter, lower body profile and younger-looking abdomen.
This surgery is for women who have excess skin and fat in the
abdominal area and sometimes find that even with exercise, they
cannot achieve a flat stomach. This is particularly common after
substantial weight loss, which may result in loose skin, slack
stomach muscles and stretch marks. However, having a tummy tuck is
not intended for weight control and is not a substitute for regular
physical activity and a healthy balanced diet.
In the "full" tummy tuck, two surgical incisions are
made, one across the lower abdomen directly above the pubic area and
a second incision around the patient's belly button. The patient's
skin is separated from the wall of abdomen and the surgeon pulls the
loose abdominal muscles from the left and right flanks suturing them
together. After the tightening and suturing of the abdominal muscles
is completed, excess skin is removed and the belly button reset.
Remaining incisions are closed with sutures and/or staples.
The "partial" or "mini" tummy tuck treats
problem areas below the belly button and is frequently performed on
an outpatient basis with local anesthetic. The surgeon may recommend
that either a "partial" or "full" tummy tuck be
done in conjunction with liposuction. Occasionally, liposuction
alone may offer the most desirable results.
The full tummy tuck takes up to five hours to complete, depending
on the extent of the procedure, the desired out come and the
pre-operative condition of the patient, and a "partial"
takes one to two hours.
During the abdominoplasty operation your plastic surgeon will
remove excess fat and skin from your abdominal wall and may also
tighten your abdominal muscles. This operation generally produces a
smoother, flatter stomach and may improve the appearance of stretch
marks. The best results are achieved in women who are already the
correct weight for their height.