Liposuction

WELCOME TO MY FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER!

For February, I want to talk about Liposuction. It is a very popular procedure at my practice and one that brings my patients a lot of satisfaction.

Also, liposuction is a surgery that I find most patients want to add as a combination procedure.

I.e. Have your facelift and include some liposuction or a breast augmentation with additional liposuction.

I hope you enjoy the topic, remember you can also stay in touch via my Facebook and Twitter pages, or website

IS LIPOSUCTION RIGHT FOR YOU?

First things first! Liposuction is NOT a weight reducing procedure and ideally, patients should be within their healthy body weight for height range (BMI 19-25).

This cannot be stressed enough. Ideally we want to shape and remove stubborn, diet and exercise resistant fat with liposuction.

Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery:

• Areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of your body and do not go away with diet and exercise
• Diet Resistant fat

• Areas with minimal amounts of excess skin (Liposuction removes fat not skin) and good skin elasticity.

 We will discuss this in more detail during the consultation process, we will also talk about your aesthetic needs, if you want combination surgery and of course the surgical risks.

It is extremely important to be fully informed.

BEFORE YOUR LIPOSUCTION SURGERY

During the initial consultation, you may be asked to look in a mirror and point out exactly what you would like to see improved.

Knowing and understanding your needs is part of achieving your desired result.

Pictures may be taken of you, especially if the areas that will be treated are on your posterior aspect (back, buttock, etc.). This will help me understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved.

A determination of the elasticity of the skin will also occur during the consultation. I have to know I can achieve what you need.

A discussion concerning your ideal weight and realistic weight will most likely occur during the consultation. Plans such as future pregnancies, etc. may be also discussed. These simple but often overlooked questions can radically affect your long-term results.

The amount of fat removed at any one session is restricted to 2,5 – 3 litres; this is to minimise the chances of postoperative complications. This is another reason why we want you to be close to your ideal weight.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

Liposuction surgery is usually performed as a day case. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for the next 24 hours as precaution.

You will be uncomfortable for the first few days. Pain medication will keep you pain free but having help around the house is highly recommended.

If you are undergoing large volume liposuction, I will recommend you be hospitalised for the night.

Physical activity should be restricted for the first 24 hours post operatively for all Liposuction cases. Just because the pain medication will have you feeling well doesn’t mean you should be up and about.

After the first 24 hours, light exercise is encouraged but strenuous exercise should not be resumed for at least 4 weeks.

Post operatively Liposuction patients are required to wear a support garment for approximately 6 weeks to help minimise swelling and bruising, and to maintain the aesthetic result.

I estimate that it will take 6 months for all the swelling to subside and the final result to become visible. That said Liposuction has superb results and an incredibly high patient satisfaction rate.

 I hope that you all enjoyed this newsletter, make sure to come by regularly for more updates on all the treatments and procedures I offer at my Cape Town practice!

Feel free to make an appointment now if you would like to discuss your Liposuction options. Dial ( 021-671094  )

How to Get The Most Out of Your Surgery

Greetings

If you have finally booked and scheduled the procedure that you have always wanted – Congratulations! But do not let your money and time go to waste by tying your hands behind your back – there is much that you can do to get the most out of your surgery. The time prior to your surgery is of great importance – here are some hints that can help you use it wisely.

Mental Preparation:

• Understand that you may get the moody-blues during your down-time post surgery, so plan gentle activities for your recovery period: a couple of examples would be: books, movies, sorting out your photo albums etc.
• Ask your Surgeon all the questions to come to mind, write down things that will put you at ease – understand the procedure, know what to expect.
• Know that you will see results after your recovery-time, not after the surgery
• Search for blogs and chat rooms – there is a community of people who have undergone surgery – you will hear about both regrets and dreams come true

Medication Wise:

• Inform your Surgeon of the medication that you are on and the doses
• Your Surgeon will inform you as to what medication can be continued and what must be stopped
• Go get all your essential prescriptions filled out prior to the surgery – it is unlikely that you will feel like standing in the queue in the pharmacy post-surgery.
• Stop taking vitamins 2 weeks prior to the surgery

Food Wise:

• Avoid spicy and salty food two prior and post to quicken the rate of your swelling to go down.
• If you are having your surgery in the morning, stop eating and drinking by 5pm the night prior – this is an essential safety precaution – do not ignore this!
• Stock up on quick to prepare, soft,  easily digestible food for your post-surgery recovery-time

Exercise Wise:

• Keep exercising – you are going to miss it during your recovery-time but you will enter the surgery with a well prepared body that is fit to heal quickly.
• If you do not exercise ,start walking 15min a day, having a healthy heart and set of lungs greatly aids the healing process.
• Post-surgery your movements will be limited, be patient, you do not want to strain yourself and cause unnecessary post-operation complications.

House Wise; a Happy Home:

• Prep ice packs
• Buy gauze to change dressings & bandages;
• Take essential often used items off high shelves or out of low draws to avoid excessive stretching and bending;
• Get all big tasks done out of the way ;
• Organize a care-givers help for after,
• Depending on the surgery consider getting a walker;
• Pack away the mirrors and scale for at least two weeks post surgery

Packing For Hospital:

• ice packs ;
• comfy pajamas ;
• book ; music player with headphones ;
• comfortable clothes to go home in ;
• NB don’t forget identification essentials such as medical aid cards ;
• NB list of medications and doses that you usually take.

You have probably planned this procedure for some time, don’t let it go to waste, do what you can to get the most out of your surgery. If you have done all you can, and want to do more – I suggest then that you contact me at my offices on (021-6710942). Facebook. Twitter. Website.

Suitable to Summer

Greetings Everyone, welcome to the final month of 2013! It is Summer South Africa! I will be discussing cosmetic procedures that are suited to this season. I hope you enjoy please feel free to comment and ask questions.

Out in the Sunshine; Caring for Your Skin

The ageing process takes its toll on all tissues including the skin. The problems are aggravated by sun exposure.

The skin thins with ageing and looses elasticity and often develops pigmentary changes. Additionally, fine wrinkles appear and the skin looses its glow and shine. This is where skin rejuvenation comes in-it is designed to enhance the texture and “glow ” of the skin.

It is important to note that skin resurfacing does not replace surgery-but acts as an adjunct to it. You may need both a facelift (to lift the droopy tissue) and skin resurfacing to improve the texture of the skin. (please see section on Botox and also section on Fillers)

There are a number of methods to improve the texture of the skin, to restore its glow to a soft, more youthful appearance.

 

Botox & Fillers – What is the difference?

The substance “botulium toxoid” (Botox) has been around for almost 50 years – but has only been used for cosmetic purposes for about 20 years. It is administered as a small injection- in fact, special ultra thin needles have been invented to make it a painless, walk in / walk out procedure.

It works by weakening or paralyzing small muscles – but also works on certain glands and can be used for hyperhidrosis, (excess sweating-especially underarm ) where the effect lasts for 6-9 months, but requires a bigger dose.

Some really good news from recent research indicates that Botox may actually prevent wrinkles from occurring!

To see what conditions Botox is suitable for…

There are a variety of fillers on the market. As the ageing process occurs, some areas in the face become flatter and lose their shape. This is where fillers work well – they are used to plump up an area for example the cheek bones, or to fill in wrinkles.

In principle the fillers are either:

A) from your own body-fat is the classic example
Fat (taken by liposuction, from somewhere else, e.g. the tummy) is the only safe permanent filler. It is best when deposited deeply in the tissues and is less ideal for superficial wrinkles and fine lines. It is almost routinely used as part of a facelift, to replace the loss of fat which occurs as part of the ageing process

B) synthetic
These can be permanent (largely abandoned as all the permanent fillers gave problems) and nonpermanent. The latter are very popular and are devoid of serious long term side effects

There are a number of products available for fine lines and wrinkles. All are highly effective – but all are temporary – most lasting for a year or so. The good news is that they now all contain an anesthetic agent, making the injection a painless procedure.

To see which areas Fillers commonly work well in…

During a consultation, we may decide to use a Filler within a Botox treatment – they complement one another well in treating certain conditions such as for the marionette lines of the lower lip.

Breast Augmentation

I have taken the time to bare all the fact within a blog dedicated to Breast Augmentation

The Mini-Tummy-Tuck

The operation is ideal for a woman who is at or close to her ideal weight who has lost some weight.

Candidates for this procedure tend to be in good shape but are bothered by excess skin below the navel (belly button) i.e. above the pubic region. This skin excess does not respond to either exercise or dieting. It occurs because the loss of skin elasticity from weight loss or child birth.

In this operation, the skin excess is excised. The abdominal muscled are also tightened. The procedure is usually combined with liposuction to the hips and to the upper abdomen, to tighten this skin and improve the abdominal contour.

It is almost always performed as a day, meaning no hospitalization.

Find out about the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with this procedure

I hope you enjoyed the follow blog, if you would like more information please contact me

DR VD MESCHT’S NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Dr Martina Van Der Mescht

Chemical Peels

This month I have decided to talk about chemical peels at my practice and I hope that you will enjoy reading about this fantastic treatment that gives my patients’ skin the most beautiful makeover. This is a great treatment option to get your skin ready for the upcoming Christmas party.

If you have questions about Chemical Peels or any other procedure or treatment I offer, feel free to leave a comment on my facebook page and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

So what is a Chemical Peel?

Put simply, a chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, and finely wrinkled facial areas. The procedure reduces and corrects imperfections by peeling away the skin’s top layers.

What have you heard about Chemical Peels?

Just for You

During a chemical peel, I will select the best chemical or…

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Breast Cancer, Part 5

Dr Charles Serrurier

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast Reconstruction is always performed under general anesthesia and in most cases is covered by medical aid.

Implant breast reconstruction is a more simple operation than flap breast reconstruction, with a slightly shorter recovery time than other types of reconstruction.

• It leaves less scarring on the breast and no scars elsewhere on your body.
• It can give a good appearance, particularly for women with small breasts or women having both breasts reconstructed.
• No operating on healthy tissue or extra scars
• No missing tissue missing elsewhere in the body

Unfortunately not everyone is eligible for implant reconstruction. We will have to discuss what is best for you for not only immediate recovery but also long-term satisfaction. What would you choose?

Remember to get yourself checked regularly, there is additional information and you can stay in touch with me via Facebook @DrCharlesSerrurier

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Breast Augmentation, Part 5

What can you do to prepare for your surgery?

• If you smoke, it is essential that you reduce or stop smoking before your procedure and for some time afterward. Be sure to discuss this openly with your doctor.
• Make sure your physician is aware of any medications, supplements, and herbs you are currently taking. For instance, certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can cause bleeding problems during and after the procedure.
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid drinking alcohol a few days prior to your procedure.
• Exercise is generally good for your overall health; however, refrain from extremely vigorous exercise the day before your breast augmentation procedure.
• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before the procedure.
• The night before your procedure, shower and wash your surgical areas with antimicrobial soap. After your shower do not wear any makeup, moisturizers, oils, creams, or lotions — including deodorant.
• Remove nail polish from at least one fingernail and toenail to help the anesthesia person monitor your blood circulation during your procedure.
• The morning of your breast augmentation procedure you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow more than a sip of water. If your physician allows you to take any prescribed medication, swallow it with a minimal amount of water.
• When you go to your physician’s office, wear loose-fitting clothes that open in the front and comfortable flat shoes that slip on.

How long does the surgery generally take?

I usually perform breast augmentation surgeries within 45-60 minutes, however, time will vary according to each patient’s unique body & requests.

Would being under general anaesthetic for this period put you off undergoing breast augmentation surgery?

Post Surgery Down-Time

Patients are generally discharged the same day as their surgery. The recovery period varies from patient to patient but generally it takes only 3-5 days to return to work and 2 weeks rest is advised before engaging in vigorous exercise. Swelling & bruising disappears within short periods of time.

Have you had breast augmentation surgery? How long was your recovery?

Recovery does include:

Pain will be experienced for the first few days after the procedure‚ as occurs with any operation. However advances in pharmaceutic agents means that the pain will be well controlled with oral medication post-op. Swelling & bruising‚ these are again inevitable consequences of an operation and soon resolve.

Breast Feeding After Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery is not known to affect the ability to breast feed.

Flying? Will my breast implants burst?

No, there is no chance of your implants bursting due to flying or climbing to a high altitude. Implants today are tough enough to be man-handled without the possibility of bursting.

I hope that you have enjoyed & been informed by this month’s discussion of Breast Augmentation. Please leave me suggestions as to topics that you wish to be discussed in the future, and don’t be shy to ask any questions.

Breast Cancer, Part 4

Dr Charles Serrurier

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer, there are numerous types of treatments that, depending on your case will be available to you. I will discuss all your options during the consultation process.
It is also important to know that there are numerous chat rooms and support groups of Breast Cancer patients to help you work through your treatment and recovery.

There is help, there is support, and you are not alone. Reach out.

Breast Cancer Surgery removes unhealthy tissue and may cause asymmetry. This surgery is performed by a breast surgeon. Plastic surgery for breast reconstruction will repair and restore, as close as possible, the natural appearance and symmetry of the breast, replacing skin, breast tissue, and the nipple which may have been removed during a mastectomy.

The amount of tissue removed varies with each mastectomy. Factors contributing to the amount of tissue removed…

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Breast Augmentation, Part 4

What You Need To Consider

Rough vs Smooth vs Polyurethane Surface breast implant options

Smooth & Textured surfaced implants are said to have between a 5 – 19.1% chance of leading to Capsular Contraction whereas Polyurethane Foam surfaced implants are said to only a 1% chance.

That said Polyurethane foam increases risk of swelling and fluid collection and for that reason are not widely used today.

Saline vs. Silicone breast implant options

Saline Implants are filled with salt water resulting in a firm feel. If a Saline Implant were to rupture the surrounding tissues would absorb the saline without harmful effects, the implant would deflate and breast volume would be lost. Deflation unfortunately is common.

One estimate states that as many as 50% of patients who have saline implants in for more than 7 years will experience leaking and deflation. Saline Implants are also said to have a greater chance of the surface becoming rippled than Silicone Gel Implants. It is for these reasons that I do not use Saline Breast Implants in my practice.

Tell me about silicone gel breast implants:

Silicone Gel Implants are filled with Cohesive Silicone Gel which is creates a consistency similar to breast tissue. If a silicone gel filled breast implant leaks or ruptures, which is very rare, the contents may stay within the ruptured shell of the implant or slowly migrate out of the damaged implant shell. A ruptured silicone gel implant can go completely unnoticed for many years.

Most women have no signs or symptoms when a silicone breast implant ruptures. However, some women may experience:

• Pain, burning, tingling, swelling, numbness or redness in the affected breast
• Hard knots or lumps surrounding the implant or in the armpit
• Change in breast size or distorted breast shape
• Softening or hardening of the breast
• Risk of the following conditions forming: Seroma

In cases where there is no symptoms or signs, it is called a “silent rupture”. In this case, you would not know that your implant has broken.

Profile & Projection

The profile of a breast implant refers to the level of forward projection from the chest wall in relation to the base width of the implant. In other words, the profile indicates the distance the implant will project from your body.

Have you ever considered your breast projection? To plastic surgeons it is very important to achieve the desired overall shape.

Breast Cancer, Part 3

Dr Charles Serrurier

Screening / Testing for Breast Cancer

Early detection will not prevent breast cancer, but it can help find it when the likelihood of successful treatment is greatest. Do you give yourself regular check-ups? Do you know how to give yourself a breast exam?

Self-Examinations

By performing self-examinations regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel which allows you to more readily detect any signs or symptoms if a change occurs, such as:

• Development of a lump or swelling
• Skin irritation
• Dimpling
• Nipple pain or retraction (turning inward)
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• A discharge other than breast milk

Should you notice any changes you should see your health care provider as soon as possible for evaluation. If you wish to undergo further testing / screening call my Fourways rooms on 011 875 1630

A clinical breast exam (CBE) is an examination of…

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Breast Augmentation, Part 3

Capsular Contraction

After having a breast implant, your body will create a capsule of fibrous scar tissue around the implant as part of the healing process. This reaction occurs when any foreign object is surgically implanted into the body.

In time, the scar tissue will begin to shrink. The shrinkage is known as Capsular Contraction. The rate and extent at which the shrinkage occurs varies from person to person. In some people, the capsule can tighten and squeeze the implant, making the breast feel hard. You may also experience pain and discomfort.

Can I avoid Capsular Contracture?
We as plastic surgeons do all we can to avoid complications from severe capsular contracture, and many patients never experience any issues regarding their breast implants. However, capsular contracture is an unavoidable complication of breast implant surgery. Everyone who has breast implants will experience capsular contracture to some degree.

Make an appointment to see me to discuss capsular contraction in detail before deciding to undergo breast augmentation surgery. Can contact me via email donald.hudson@uct.ac.za