Tummy Tuck FAQs

tummy tuck faqs

Tummy tucks are a very common cosmetic procedure, designed to flatten and tone the abdominal area. Carried out for decades, this surgical procedure remains one of the most popular treatments today. However, before you rush in and have a tummy tuck, it’s worth doing your research to learn more about the procedure.

Here, you’ll discover some of the most common tummy tuck FAQs to help you decide whether or not it’s the right option for you.

Tummy Tuck FAQs: What happens during a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck procedure can vary between surgeons. However, generally, excess fat and skin are removed before the abdominal muscles are tightened. Sometimes liposuction may be used alongside the tummy tuck procedure for best results.

Sutures are used to tighten up the muscles, while excess skin can be repositioned. The procedure itself takes around two to three hours.

Tummy Tuck FAQs: What kind of results can you expect?

Initially, you might not see the results due to swelling and bruising. However, after a couple of weeks, you should notice your tummy looks much flatter and firmer.

If you’ve had previous abdominal surgery, it may impact the results of the procedure. Other factors will also determine the results, such as the amount of fat and excess skin needing to be removed. Your surgeon will advise you of the results you can expect during your consultation.

Tummy Tuck FAQs: What are the risks and complications?

Like any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks and complications of a tummy tuck you need to be aware of. Infection and bleeding are two of the most common risks. However, the techniques used by the surgeon are designed to minimise these risks.

Other common risks include a fluid build-up under the skin, unexpected scarring, poor healing of the wound and a change in skin sensation. There is also a chance you could develop blood clots in the legs. Your surgeon should talk you through the full list of risks and complications during your consultation.

Tummy Tuck FAQs: What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?

You will need to take at least a week off work after the surgery. However, you may be advised to walk around up to three times each day. This helps with blood circulation, avoiding the risk of blood clots developing in the legs. If you run or lift weights, you’ll want to take around six weeks off before returning to exercise.

You’ll find any bruising is usually present for around two weeks after the procedure. Swelling, however, could last for up to three months, improving gradually over time. Any scarring will begin to disappear slowly, reducing in appearance within 12-18 months.

These are just some of the common questions you may have when considering undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. During your consultation, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the tummy tuck and what you can expect. Don’t forget to have a list of questions to take with you to the consultation too. All good surgeons will be happy to answer any query you may have.

If you have more tummy tuck questions, call 02380 764969 to arrange your consultation with Southampton cosmetic surgeon Mr Nigel Horlock.

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New Facelift Technique Developed for Bald Men

facelift for bald men

Researchers have proposed a new facelift technique which would be suitable for bald men. In a traditional facelift procedure, the scars are often placed on the hairline. However, in the case of bald men, there is no hairline to hide the facelift scars, posing a real issue for cosmetic surgeons.

The new technique, highlighted in the January issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, will hide the scars behind the outline of the ears. Here, we’ll look at this new technique and the rise in male cosmetic surgery.

What is the new proposed technique?

The new proposed technique would involve making a smaller incision just above the ear. Although the incision is shorter than the one used in the conventional method, it still allows the surgeon access to the deeper tissues.

After trialling the new technique, the researchers claim it has been successful in creating practically invisible scarring. This is because the outline of the ear naturally hides the shorter incision.

There was a total of 68 men included in the study, with an average age of 55. They completed a questionnaire at least one year after they underwent the surgery to assess the effectiveness of the procedure, alongside satisfaction levels. Both patients and experts rated the outcomes as consistently good.

None of the patients had any complications and satisfaction scores were 8.6 for facial appearance and 7.9 for scar satisfaction. No patients involved in the study suffered any major complications. Just three required a minor procedure to improve the scar’s quality.

Understanding the benefits

As well as hiding the facelift scar, the new technique also delivers a few other benefits.

The recovery time is shortened due to the less invasive surgery. As the incision is smaller, it doesn’t take as long to heal. So, as well as enhanced aesthetic benefits, this new technique also reduces the amount of time patients need to take off work.

Male cosmetic surgery is on the rise

Over the past few years, male cosmetic surgery has seen a dramatic increase. Long gone are the days where men didn’t care about ageing. These days, men feel just the same pressures as women to look younger.

There are a few procedures which are more common in men, such as liposuction. However, facial rejuvenation procedures are the most popular. This includes brow lifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery and facelifts.

Social media has also played a role in male cosmetic surgery. Sites such as Instagram, have seen an increase in male models, much in the same way there has been a rise in female models dominating social media. There are also issues in the workplace, with men feeling they need to look younger to get ahead in their careers.

Overall, male cosmetic surgery shows no signs of slowing down in popularity. This new facelift technique is ideal for bald men, resulting in hidden scarring. Hair loss is something which affects the majority of men as they age, and traditional facelift techniques can be unsuitable due to visible scarring left over. For more advice on the facelift procedure and what scarring you can expert, call 02380 764969.

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New Guidance on Breast Implant Safety Released

breast implant safety

Although breast augmentation has improved drastically over the years, there are still some risks and complications present. There have been a number of safety concerns over breast implants in recent years. To address these concerns, new guidelines on breast implant safety have been released.

In a joint statement, the BAPRAS, BAAPS and ABS have provided new advice on breast implant safety. Here, we’ll look at what this new guidance means for those considering breast augmentation and those who already have breast implants.

Addressing the health concerns

There have been two health concerns brought to light recently in terms of breast implant safety. The first is Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Thought to affect 1 in every 24,000 implant patients, BIA-ALCL is a rare form of cancer. The condition presents 8-10 years after the breast augmentation procedure. Patients discover visible yet painless lumps in the breast which are caused by a fluid build-up known as a seroma. Swelling accumulates over a few weeks and the condition can usually be treated and cured.

The second health concern is Breast Implant Illness (BII). Although not a recognised disease, a growing number of patients are reporting illnesses they believe are linked to their breast implants. This has led to the major cosmetic surgery boards to look into BII. As the symptoms are very general, it is so far difficult to establish whether illnesses are being caused by breast implants. Therefore, more research is currently being undertaken to learn more about the condition.

Should patients have their implants removed?

The new review into the safety of breast implants has understandably caused concern for those who already have them. Many are questioning whether or not they should be having their implants removed.

If you do have breast implants, the BAAPS, ABS and BAPRAS don’t recommend getting them removed. The chances of developing BIA-ALCL and BII are relatively small. There are also risks associated with breast implant removal. So, it’s actually safer to leave them in unless they are linked to your health concerns.

What breast implant safety advice should patients follow?

If patients have breast implants, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has produced useful advice that can be followed.

If you have breast implants and you begin to start experiencing any health issues, you should seek medical advice. This includes a change in shape, lumps and swelling. If you are concerned that you are experiencing health issues because of your implants, you should contact the surgeon or clinic where you got them inserted for advice. If you cannot contact them, seek advice from your GP.

Overall, breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures carried out each year. While there are some valid health concerns, the risks remain relatively rare. That being said, patients should always make sure they choose a reliable and experienced surgeon and report any issues they experience early on. Mr Nigel Horlock will also ensure you’re fully informed about all the potential risks and complications before you make the decision to go ahead. To arrange a consultation with Mr Horlock, call 02380 764969.

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 The Brazilian Butt Lift under review

Brazilian bum lift

A formal review into the Brazilian butt lift has been launched by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the leading independent plastic surgery organisation in the UK. After multiple deaths and a high complication rate, their members have been temporarily advised not to carry out the procedure in the UK.

Here, we’ll look at what the Brazilian butt lift is and why it is causing controversy in the world of plastic surgery.

What is a Brazilian butt lift?

A Brazilian butt lift is designed to improve the shape and fullness of the buttocks. It has been made famous by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj.

The procedure is mostly a fat grafting technique, using the body’s own fat cells to provide extra fullness in the rear. Liposuction can also be used in areas where there is excessive fat, in order to produce the best results.

After fat is collected through the liposuction procedure, it is purified before being injected back into the body. As it isn’t a foreign body, it is much less likely to be rejected and this, in turn, speeds up the healing process. So, if fat grafting is considered a safe alternative to fillers, why is the procedure under review?

Why is the BBL under review?

While fat grafting is considered one of the safest ways to add volume to the body, in a Brazilian butt lift it carries numerous risks. The procedure is a complex one, and it is the way the injections are performed which can cause the issues.

In order to be performed safely, a Brazilian butt lift needs to be carried out by an experienced surgeon. The reason a review has been launched into the procedure is largely down to inexperienced surgeons. In a bid to cash in on this popular trend, surgeons with no prior experience of the procedure are offering it at a low cost. This has led to multiple deaths and injuries.

BAAPS is now reviewing the safety of the procedure. It is advising its surgeons not to perform a Brazilian butt lift until the formal review has been completed. 

The dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad

As many UK surgeons are now following the advice of the BAAPS, patients may be tempted to simply go abroad for treatment. However, this is a very risky move. Cosmetic surgery isn’t always regulated in different countries to the extent that it is in the UK. This means you can’t be sure you are being operated on by a qualified and experienced surgeon.

Foreign clinics also tend to draw in patients with low-cost procedures. If you find a Brazilian butt lift is significantly cheaper abroad, it should be viewed as a red flag. Due to the dangers the procedure poses, it is crucial patients choose a reliable and experienced surgeon.

Overall, while the Brazilian butt lift can be carried out safely, it is advisable for patients to wait until more information has been provided. Fully understanding the risks of the procedure is essential. This formal review aims to look into the safety of a butt lift and whether it should be a procedure offered to patients.

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Breast Reduction Boosts Quality of Life for Many Decades After Surgery

breast reduction benefits

A new breast reduction benefits study has revealed women who undergo a breast reduction procedure, often experience a better quality of life even decades later. The study looked at the effect the procedure has on those who undergo a breast reduction under the age of 25.

Here, we’ll explore the study and its findings, along with what it means for those thinking of undergoing the procedure.

Breast reduction surgery and quality of life

The study included 37 women under the age of 25 who had undergone a breast reduction between the years 1980 and 2003. They completed surveys and were followed up on over a period of 10 years.

The results of the surveys showed there was a high level of well-being and satisfaction after the procedure. The scores the women could use in their responses ranged from 0 (worst) to 100. They were compared against a group of women who hadn’t undergone breast reduction surgery. In terms of breast satisfaction, the women who had the surgery reported an average score of 67, while the women who hadn’t had surgery marked it at 57.

Interestingly, women who had undergone surgery also gave a higher score for sexual wellbeing of 72. The group who hadn’t had surgery gave a sexual wellbeing score of 55.

Scores were also higher for the women who had surgery in terms of psychosocial wellbeing and physical wellbeing.

Breast reduction benefits

Breast reductions are becoming a lot more popular, largely due to the positive impact it can have on the quality of life.

Larger breasts are known to cause a number of physical issues for patients, particularly those with smaller frames. It’s not uncommon for women with larger breasts to experience shoulder, neck and back pain. This can start to interfere with their everyday lives, preventing them from partaking in daily activities.

A breast reduction doesn’t just aim to reduce the size of the breasts, it can also help to tackle issues with asymmetry. While breasts are commonly different sizes, in some cases it can cause patients to become self-conscious and unhappy with their breasts. Therefore, undergoing a breast reduction can help to significantly boost confidence and self-esteem.

Things to consider before undergoing the procedure

While a breast reduction can have numerous positive effects on a patient, it’s still important to understand the procedure and its risks.

There will be a permanent scar left behind from the surgery, although this is usually disguised by a bikini or lingerie. Patients will also typically experience pain and discomfort for some days after the procedure, though this can be controlled with adequate pain medication.

It’s important to book a consultation with an experienced surgeon to discuss the procedure and its risks and complications. While a breast reduction is a straightforward procedure, it does need to be carried out by an experienced and qualified surgeon. Some patients may also be better off undergoing liposuction on the breasts depending upon the results they are looking for.

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Cosmetic surgery choice: 5 things you should look out for

cosmetic surgery consultation

Cosmetic surgery of any kind comes with a variety of risks and complications. While the benefits can be significant, it’s important for patients to understand exactly what they’re getting into.

If you’ve decided to undergo surgery, there’s a number of factors you’ll want to consider. Here, you’ll discover just 5 things you should look out for when thinking of going under the knife.

Cosmetic surgery choice: what you should consider

  1. Ensure you choose a registered clinic

According to official guidelines by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the first thing patients should do is ensure the clinic is registered. This comes after the CQC recently discovered one in five beauty clinics are unsafe.

Beauty clinics have begun to expand their services, with many delving into the world of cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, the majority of these clinics are not adequately trained to provide the cosmetic services on offer. For this reason, patients should always ensure they choose a private, registered clinic which specialises in cosmetic surgery procedures.

  1. Is a cosmetic surgery consultation offered?

All reputable cosmetic surgery clinics should provide a consultation with the surgeon who will be carrying out the procedure. This gives you the opportunity to meet the surgeon and ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure.

Your plastic surgeon will also talk through your options and advise you on any alternative procedures which may be better suited. They should be able to show you before and afters of previous patients who have undergone similar procedures so you can see the results that can be achieved and ensure you’re happy with the surgeon’s work.

Patients are advised to watch out for free consultations. The majority of respected clinics or plastic surgeons do charge a consultation fee. They also won’t charge you high cancellation fees or hefty deposits.

  1. Understanding the risks and complications

An important thing to consider before undergoing any operation is the risks and complications. All surgeries come with some level of risks. You can reduce the likelihood of suffering complications by ensuring you choose an experienced surgeon. However, even the best plastic surgeons can’t always avoid all risks and complications, such as the pain and discomfort felt after the procedure. It is essential that you are fully informed before making the decision to go ahead at this time.

  1. Be wary of going abroad

A lot of people are tempted to head abroad for their cosmetic surgery. While it may much cheaper in other countries, unfortunately the sector isn’t always as heavily regulated as it is in the UK. This means there’s a lot of inexperienced surgeons carrying out cosmetic procedures in foreign countries.

Going under the knife is a serious commitment and you need to ensure you can trust the skills of the cosmetic surgeon carrying out the procedure.

  1. Special offers

You’ll find that some clinics provide special offers. These are often given in the form of discounts if you book the procedure the same day. Be wary of these offers as they could be associated with lesser skilled surgeons. Highly experienced surgeons will never need to offer special discounts to patients as their results speak for themselves.

As you can see, there’s a number of factors you should think about before going under the knife. The first step is to book a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve.

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Why a breast lift is so popular with post-breastfeeding mothers

breast lift after breastfeeding

We all know that breast is best for baby, but breastfeeding can have long-term implications on how the breasts look. Mothers who have finished breastfeeding often report excess sagging. For this reason, many resort to going under the knife to regain their natural shape.

Here, we’ll look at why a breast lift is so popular with post-breastfeeding mothers and what the procedure involves.

How can a breast lift help post-breastfeeding mothers?

After breastfeeding, it is understandable mothers want to get back to how they looked and felt before having children. The breasts can change dramatically during breastfeeding. Not only are they typically left sagging a lot more than they did, but they can also appear flat. If the more breastfed with one breast more than the other, there can also be issues with asymmetry.

It would be impossible to regain the shape and perkiness of the breasts through diet and exercise. The only way to retain how the breasts looked previously, would be to undergo a breast lift. It’s an ideal option for mothers who want perkier breasts without getting implants.

After a breast lift, the breasts will appear much more lifted and volumised. It’s also a fairly straightforward procedure which enhances its popularity.

Many combine the breast lift with fat grafting

In order to achieve best results, a lot of mothers choose to undergo fat grafting as part of the breast lift procedure. With fat grafting, liposuction is carried out on the thighs, flanks, abdomen or the bra line. Small portions of fat are removed before being processed and put back into the breast. It’s used to provide more volume to the breasts, perfect for those who have experienced significant flatness after breastfeeding.

As an additional benefit, the liposuction can leave the donor area looking a lot better too. The breast lift can be carried out alone, or with fat grafting for more noticeable results.

What does a breast lift involve?

The breast lift procedure, also known as mastopexy, removes excess skin while reshaping the tissue. When carried alone, it won’t add any volume to the breasts, it’s simply performed to give them a more ‘lifted’ appearance.

It’s typically carried out under general anaesthetic and the techniques used can vary between surgeons. It takes approximately two to three hours to complete and you’ll usually be able to return home the same day.

Small incisions are made either along the crease of the breast, around or down from the areolae. Where the incision is placed will depend upon how much the breasts need to be lifted. The areola and nipple are kept attached to the breast tissue, so there’s a lesser risk of developing long-term sensitivity issues.

For mothers have finished breastfeeding, a breast lift can be a great way to get their breasts back in shape. It can also really help to boost confidence and make patients feel more like a woman again. A breast lift won’t impact your ability to breastfeed in future, although you may need to have it re-done afterwards.

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Pregnancy planning and the tummy tuck

pregnancy and tummy tuck

Tummy tucks remain one of the most common surgical procedures carried out on patients across the globe. However, if you’ve been pregnant, or if you’re planning on getting pregnant, it’s important to understand how it can affect the results of the procedure.

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about pregnancy planning and the tummy tuck.

Pregnancy known to alter abdominal muscles

Pregnancy is known to cause changes within the abdominal muscles. In a recent study, it was discovered that women who have undergone multiple pregnancies experience a widening as well as thinning of the abdominal muscles.

Published within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal in August, the results of the study show this could be a reason behind patient dissatisfaction after a tummy tuck procedure. It also revealed a new potential technique which could be used to correct the changes within the muscles prior to a tummy tuck.

The researchers from the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago looked at CT scans from 60 women. They were split into four different groups based on how many pregnancies they’d gone through.

It was revealed that it’s the first pregnancy which causes the widening of the muscles. Multiple pregnancies didn’t appear to widen the muscles further. Childbirth is also responsible for the changes. This widening and thinning of the muscles is referred to as rectus diastasis and it can make it difficult for women to regain core muscle strength after they’ve been pregnant.

Will pregnancy after a tummy tuck affect the results?

The majority of studies look into how previous pregnancies can impact tummy tuck results. So, what if you get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Unsurprisingly, getting pregnant after having a tummy tuck procedure can impact the results. This is because the skin stretches significantly and there’s weight gain around the abdomen. After giving birth, many women find the results of the tummy tuck have been lost or negatively impacted. There’s also still the risk the muscles could alter in shape and size, causing permanent unflattering results.

For this reason, it’s recommended patients only undergo a tummy tuck once they’ve finished having children. Otherwise, the procedure may need to be carried out again if you want to regain the results after pregnancy.

Does a tummy tuck impact your chances of getting pregnant?

Although a tummy tuck can be impacted by pregnancy, it won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant. Many women are concerned that if they have a tummy tuck procedure, it will lead to issues conceiving. However, it shouldn’t impact your ability to get pregnant at all.

If you’re thinking of undergoing a tummy tuck procedure, it is recommended you wait until you’ve finished having children. If you’ve experienced a widening of the muscles through previous pregnancies, this may need to be corrected before a tummy tuck can be performed.

Book a consultation today with body contouring plastic surgeon Mr Nigel Horlock to learn more about undergoing a tummy tuck procedure after pregnancy.

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