Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, also known as a ‘tummy tuck’, is a common procedure for removing that excess lower tummy fold of skin. It is often a fold that is left behind after weight loss and no amount of exercise or dieting can remove it.
What's Involved
During the operation, the tummy muscles are visualised and if they appear stretched, the muscles are tightened. The operation usually involves a 3 night stay in hospital. A compression garment is worn for 6 weeks. Patients can usually return to work within 2-3 weeks.
Body Lift
Occasionally patients who have experienced massive weight loss need a complete body lift. This involves excision of excess skin around the front and back of the trunk. This is undertaken as a two stage procedure.
What's Involved
The operation usually involves a 4-5 night stay in hospital. A compression garment must be worn for 6 weeks post procedure. Recovery time is about 4 weeks
Arm Reduction / Arm Lift Surgery (Brachioplasty)
A brachioplasty, Arm reduction, or Arm Lift surgery is commonly performed for patients who have had massive weight loss and are left with excess skin. It may also be performed in patients who dislike the loose skin that has developed with age.
What's Involved
This operation can be done as a day case or overnight stay in hospital. The scar lies on the inside of the arm, and occasionally may extend into the armpit area depending on the individual case.
Liposuction (Lipectomy)
Liposuction is a very effective procedure for isolated areas of fat that just won't disappear even after dieting and exercise. It is also good for addressing contour defects. It is not an operation for losing weight.
Thigh Lift Surgery (Thighplasty)
Thigh lift surgery is for patients who have excess skin on the inner thighs. It is often seen in patients who had massive weight loss and are left with folds of excess skin, that rub when walking.
What's Involved
The operation involves a general anaesthetic and usually a 2 night stay in hospital. During the operation the excess skin and fat is removed. You may need liposuction to the thigh as well. The scar runs vertically up the inner thigh and sometimes may extend along the groin crease depending on the individual case. A compression garment is recommended post-surgery for 6 weeks. This can be something as simple as a pair of tight cycling shorts.
Recovery time and return to work is usually 2-3 weeks
Scar Revision
Some patients are left with unsightly scars either from trauma where the wounds were left to heal on their own, or from previous surgery. Scar revision can significantly improve and reduce the appearance of a scar, improve function restricted by the scar, and help with an itchy scar.
Labiaplasty
Labia minora that protrude well outside of the labia majora often require a labiaplasty. Excess labial tissue can cause a number of issues including discomfort whilst exercising, or wearing tight clothing, even pain during sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, patients are often very embarrassed to discuss this problem, even though it is actually a common issue.
What's Involved
Labiaplasty is a day case procedure performed under sedation. The surgery involves reducing the size of the labia to a more acceptable size and shape. The scar is barely visible within a few weeks. Recovery is usually about 2-6 weeks. Women who have this surgery are so happy to have built up the courage to address this problem.
Weight Loss Surgery (Body Contouring)
An increasing number of patients are now requiring body contouring surgery following bariatric surgery (gastric bands/gastric sleeves/ gastric bypasses). A smaller number of patients manage to lose excess amounts of weight through dieting and exercise alone. All these patients are often left with excessive folds of skin that will not disappear on their own, and no amount of dieting or exercise will remove them.
What's Involved
The common procedures used in body contouring surgery include tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm reduction, thigh lift, body lift, breast reduction or breast lift (mastopexy), & in men, gynaecomastia (male breast reduction).