Cosmetic Surgery
Once an option available only to the rich, cosmetic surgery is fast becoming a realistic aid to attaining a perfect figure. As more surgeons have entered this speciality and techniques have improved, more and more people have begun to choose this option every year. Whilst dieting and exercise can reduce overall weight and go a certain way towards sculpting muscle, often some areas are left untouched by even the strictest of regimes. In other cases a successful diet resulting in a large weight loss can lead to the need for cosmetic surgery to complete the aesthetic effect by stretching skin and removing wrinkles.
Two of the most popular procedures are liposuction and abdominoplasty ( often known as the tummy tuck), both of which can be combined with a calorie controlled diet to achieve far better results than dieting alone, especially for those who tend to lose weight in certain areas and are left with areas of cellulose or a 'bulge' of fat which will not disappear! These procedures are sometimes carried out together, with liposuction improving the overall appearance of a tummy tuck, but each has its own advantages.
Liposuction is a fairly simple procedure in which a tube is inserted into fat deposits on the hips, thighs, abdomen or other problem areas, and fat is sucked out after being liquefied. It is ideal for those areas where permanent fat deposits, known as cellulose, have developed, and has the advantage that fat will usually not return to a treated area. Side-effects are usually minor, with a certain amount of bruising and swelling which heals within a few days, and the day after the procedure the patient can get out of bed. Abdominoplasty is a procedure which tightens muscles in the abdominal wall and flattens the stomach. This operation is meant to remove flab left after several pregnancies or after significant weight loss, and is a more invasive procedure than liposuction.Generally after this surgery soreness and swelling will last for several weeks, and it can take a month or more to return to work.
If you decide that you want cosmetic surgery, you should be aware of the facts. Cosmetic surgery is not for the obese, and cannot remove large amounts of excess weight. These procedures are meant for people whose overall health is good, and the tummy tuck in particular is considered major surgery. Women who are planning more children should not have this procedure, and if you smoke you must stop for several weeks before surgery.
One of the most important factors which can influence the outcome of cosmetic surgery is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon, and there are several ways to ensure that you find a good one. First of all, all good cosmetic surgeons are 'board certified'. This means that they have passed the strict requirements of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Ask your surgeon to show you his certificate, and check that he is qualified in this area, not in a related area such as Plastic Surgery. Secondly, you can check that he is approved by the Medical Board in your state. Each state has a list of licensed physicians and keeps a record of complaints and malpractice suits.
Having cosmetic surgery can improve your self confidence and make you feel and look years younger. However, it is important to realise that the emotional and psychological impact of the changes in your body can be considerable. It can take months to get used to your new body, even while you are delighted with the results, and for this reason it is a good idea to wait until you feel that most areas of your life are under control before having a procedure. In addition, you should be realistic about what you expect from surgery, and not think that it can solve all the problems in your life!
Facelift (meloplasty)
The skin is cut in the scalp and around the ear. It is then separated from the underlying tissue, pulled tighter and stitched. Leftover skin is cut away. The operation can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, and may take anywhere from two to four hours. The face will be bruised and swollen for some weeks. Numbness or an uncomfortably tight sensation are common reactions and may continue for months after surgery
Eyelift (blepharoplasty)
The eyelids are cut along their full length to the ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles at the outer corners. Excess skin and fat are removed. Laser resurfacing may also be performed to treat remaining wrinkles. This operation may take one to two hours and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. The eyes will be bruised and swollen for a few weeks. Side effects include blurred vision, overproduction of tears and changed shape of the eyes (usually only temporarily).
Chemical peel
A chemical peel removes the surface layers of skin. A solution is wiped over the face and may be left uncovered or masked with lotion or tape. The chemicals burn the skin and the healing process promotes new growth. Deep burns remove the most wrinkles, but also increase the risk of complications such as scarring and infection
Dermabrasion
A device similar to an electric sander is applied to the face under local or general anaesthetic. The rough surface of the rapidly rotating pad rubs off the skin surface. The healing process promotes new growth. Deep dermabrasion removes the most wrinkles, but also increases the risk of complications such as scarring and infection.
Wrinkle reduction
Wrinkles can be lessened using friction or plumped out with a variety of technologies. Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser beam to burn the skin. Botox is an otherwise deadly toxin that is used in a small dose to paralyse the underlying muscles responsible for forming the skin wrinkles. Botulinum injections (Botox) can be a safe and effective temporary treatment of fine facial lines and wrinkles. Injections of fat or collagen can be piped along wrinkles to smooth them out.
Ear correction (otoplasty)
Ears that stick out from the head can be repositioned anytime after the age of five or six years. The fold of skin behind the ear is cut, and the excess cartilage is reduced or remodelled. The operation takes around one hour. Bandages need to be worn for a few weeks to help manage the bruising and swelling.
Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)
In most cases, the surgery is performed through incisions in the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. Bone and cartilage are trimmed and the nose reshaped. Nostril packs and splints may be required. This operation takes around two hours. Bruising and swelling may take three or four months to fully subside. Complications such as bleeding or infection are comparatively rare. Sometimes a chin implant is inserted at the same time to balance the profile.
Facial implants
Implants are used to fill out a receding chin or flat cheekbones. The implant is inserted through a small incision in a concealed place – for example, inside the mouth.
Lip enhancement
Thin lips can be fattened with a variety of procedures that offer short or long term results. Injections of collagen or fat are both eventually reabsorbed by the body. A permanent implant similar to a small, foam rod can be threaded through the lip.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and throat. A narrow tube (cannula) is inserted through a skin incision and the fat is sucked out with a powerful suction pump. The operation can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. A pressure garment needs to be worn for some months to help the skin to contract and contour. The area will be bruised and swollen for weeks or months. Complications can include failure of the skin to contract, causing a corrugated look. A lipectomy is an operation that removes extra skin as well as fat.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Excess skin and fat from the abdomen are removed and the underlying abdominal muscles tightened. Often, the navel will need to be relocated. Incisions are generally made along the bikini line to minimise the visibility of scarring. This operation is performed using general anaesthetic. Numbness and sensations of uncomfortable tightness are common and may continue for some months after surgery. Complications include infection and the formation of fluid pockets.
Breast enlargement (augmentation mammaplasty)
Enlarging the breasts requires the insertion of saline or silicone implants. An incision is made under the breast or armpit and the implant is pushed through. It may be positioned either behind or in front of the chest pectoral muscle. There will be bruising and swelling for a few weeks. Complications include the formation of hard scar tissue around the implant, deflation of the implant, and implants that move out of position
Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty)
Incisions are made beneath each breast and around the areolae of the nipples. Excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining breast tissue is remodelled and the nipples repositioned and stitched in place. Scars can take up to one year to fade, but will remain visible for life. Complications include reduced nipple sensation.
Things to remember
- Like any form of surgery, cosmetic surgery carries risks.
- It is vital to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon.
- Get a full explanation of the anticipated results.
Consider a second opinion before proceeding.