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 and Buttock 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.

 

This operation reduces the amount of loose skin and fat on your thighs and/or buttocks. When both thighs and buttocks are operated on, it is sometimes known as a lower body lift.

Loose skin in these areas is most common after substantial weight loss, which may result in loose, sagging skin that can't be improved through regular physical activity and a healthy balanced diet. A thigh lift and/or buttock lift will raise and tighten the skin.

For an inner thigh lift the plastic surgeon may make cuts high up in the inner thighs, while for an outer thigh and buttock lift the cuts may run just above your buttocks (so they won't show when you're wearing a swimsuit). Excess skin and fat are removed through the cuts and the remaining skin is stitched up. Sometimes the operation is performed in combination with liposuction.

Thigh and buttock lift surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and you may need to stay in hospital for a day or two. After a thigh lift or buttock lift, you'll need to wear a compression garment to help reduce the swelling and assist in the shrinking and tightening of the skin. There is always scarring after the operation, although your Consultant Surgeon will do his or her best to make scars as unobtrusive as possible. The position of the scars will depend on where the surgical cuts have been made. Your Consultant Surgeon will discuss this with you prior to your operation.

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.