Body Aesthetics
Surgical cosmetic procedures are often performed to produce more permanent results on a person’s appearance.
The various procedures (the most popular ones being liposuction, tummy tuck, arm reduction and lift and thigh lift) are common and continue to grow in popularity as medical science refines old techniques while inventing new ones.
Cosmetic surgeries are usually performed on people who want to improve their appearance or appear younger. At times, doctors may recommend plastic surgery to reconfigure disfigurements that are either congenital or the result of an accident or disease.
Preparation for Surgical Cosmetic procedures
As with all procedures, surgeons advise that you refrain from smoking for the weeks leading up to the surgery. Smoking can adversely affect your healing process and compromise your results. Also, avoid applying spray tans on the area the surgery will target.
Most of the time, you will be under general anaesthesia. However, if your doctor feels a local anaesthetic will suffice, then it is recommended you eat before the surgery. Otherwise, if you are going under general anaesthesia, do not eat eight hours before the surgery.
During your initial consultation, your doctor will go through some questions with you to better understand your health and goals. Please inform them about your past medical history, medications, allergies and aims as much as possible.
A physical examination will also be performed at the clinic.
If you are a candidate for the procedure, the doctor will book a surgery date. In the meantime, keep a healthy weight and eat well.
Vaser Liposuction
When most people think of liposuction, it immediately conjures up as a way to slim down. But it isn’t quite like that. liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgeries which aims to remove fat from beneath the areas of the skin that bothers the patient. So, contrary to being a weight loss surgery, it is a targeted refinement procedure.
Vaser Liposuction, unlike traditional techniques, breaks down fat before it is removed. This initial fat breakdown allows for the surgeon to remove the fat deposits more effectively.
The surgery
First, as explained, fatty tissue must be broken down before being removed. To achieve this, the surgeon will enter the skin through an incision using ultrasound probes.
Gradually, the probes will gradually begin to disintegrate. The surgeon will then use a surgical instrument (a cannula) to remove the fatty tissue.
The procedure can be targeted at the hips, waist, chin, chest, arms, stomach, hips and chest, and the whole process lasts for approximately two to three hours.
Recovery and results
Doctors recommend that you take a week or two off from work to aid the recovery process. However, if you work in an office environment without much bodily activity, the doctor may advise you to return earlier.
During the first few weeks, you will have to wear a compression garment to keep the shape of the results.
You do want the best outcome possible, which goes without saying. So, for this reason, refrain from strenuous activity and keep a healthy weight to land optimal results.
The doctor (and other healthcare professionals) will design a recovery plan tailored to your needs. Please heed the advice of the doctor as much as possible.
FAQs
How much weight can I expect to lose after Vaser Liposuction?
Professionals do not advise removing more than 5% of your body fat at a time.
Am I a good candidate for Vaser Liposuction?
Anyone can get the procedure. However, we mostly recommend it for people who follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise. The surgery is designed mainly for people who lose weight in certain regions of their body no matter what they do. We advise developing healthy eating habits before and after a Vaser Liposuction surgery for this reason.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that tightens the stomach area. In its aims, abdominoplasty is similar to liposuction. However, whereas liposuction only removes fat, a tummy tuck removes excess skin.
The surgery and Consultation
Before going ahead with the surgery, we advise that you think deliberate before coming to a decision.
If you feel the procedure is well-suited for you, organise a consultation with the doctor. During this initial appointment, you will be asked to provide extensive information on the medications you take, medical history, allergies and desired results. Please be as thorough as possible. The information you provide will be the basis of the doctor’s decisions.
Given that you are a good candidate for the abdominoplasty, an ideal date for the surgery will be booked.
The doctor will give you a comprehensive preparation guide and information on what to expect.
You will be under general anaesthetic during the surgery. So please consider the suggestions concerning surgical preparations above.
There are three types of abdominoplasty: Complete, partial or circumferential.
To start a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make an incision above the pubic region, at the bikini line and at the naval region (the latter is to protect the naval from peripheral tissues). Then, he or she will move the skin and muscles around to fit the patient’s desired results.
There aren’t many differences between a partial and complete abdominoplasty. However, a partial abdominoplasty encompasses a smaller incision and takes a little less time.
As well as the frontal midriff, a circumferential abdominoplasty includes the back region, resulting in an improved appearance on both sides.
The surgeon will then finalise the type of surgery you are having by stitching the incisions and bandaging the area.
Recovery
Some swelling and bruising are expected after the surgery. The body does not suffer trauma under abdominoplasty, but any incision or major change is bound to produce swelling. So, keep in mind that such an effect is expected and don’t let it become a cause of panic. Your surgeon will give you a detailed analysis of the procedure after the surgery.
To keep the results intact, the surgeon may strap a compression garment around the operated region. Next, the surgeon will advise you on how to sleep, lay down and move around to attain the best results.
Strenuous activity is best restarted seven weeks after the surgery. It is advised that you leave it until after the 6th week, but you may benefit from extending that for an additional seven days.
Your doctor, surgeon and other healthcare professionals will advise you on what you can do to aid your recovery process.
The surgery’s results usually begin to appear by the third month—some taking a little longer. By then, the majority of the swelling would have disappeared, allowing you to fit into more petite clothing.
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck
There are no risks to the baby (or the mother) when people get pregnant after a tummy tuck surgery. Some women report benign skin sensitivity, but this is not dangerous and is very minimal
Although the inherent biological risks to the baby or the mother, pregnancy can affect your results. The skin inevitably stretches during pregnancy, and this can roll back some of your results, prompting some people to opt for corrective surgery.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
The lower portion of the upper arm tends to sag as we age or lose a considerable amount of weight. That is something an arm lift surgery can change. A Brachioplasty is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of droopy skin on the upper arm.
Preparation
We highly recommend adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly to tighten loose skin before the surgery.
A healthier lifestyle will not only improve your appearance but make the surgery recovery period easier and positively affect your results.
Before your surgery, the clinic will book a consultation designed to discuss your goals and medical history. During the initial consultation, the doctor will conduct a physical exam.
If the doctor believes you’re a good candidate for the procedure, he or she will book an ideal surgery date.
For better results, a smoother procedure and a more comfortable recovery period, we advise against smoking and consuming large quantities of alcohol in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
The doctor will give you detailed instructions on what you can do for the betterment of the surgery.
Surgery
Sometimes, the surgeon may prefer performing the procedure under general anaesthesia, where you will be completely asleep. But most of the time, local anaesthesia is preferred.
First, the areas of the incisions will be marked. Then, the surgeon will make incisions on the lower part of the upper arm. Then, he or she will remove the excess skin and stitch the skin when they feel confident the results resemble your desired outcome.
Finally, the surgeon will bandage your arms to protect the incision points from infection and keep the results intact.
The whole surgery can take anywhere from one to four hours, varying from patient to patient.
Post-Surgery and Results
We advise that you refrain from strenuous activity for the first five-eight weeks after the surgery and avoid hoisting your arm above your shoulder. The more you care for how you move your arms, the better your results will be.
After the surgery, the surgeon, doctor and healthcare professionals will provide you with comprehensive information on what you can do to best aid your recovery. Please do not hesitate to ask any question, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
You will begin to see the final results on the six-month mark. As the weeks pass, your arms become more toned. However, your dietary choices and habits also affect the results. So, please try and keep healthy as much as possible.
The results are long-lasting. However, we have to remember the skin will become loose as we age. So, ten years down the line, your arms may not resemble the initial results.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery (thighplasty) is a cosmetic surgery that aims to smooth the skin around the thighs.
While some people opt for the surgery to address the resulting excess skin from weight loss, others consider it tighten skin that has become looser with age.
Types of Thigh Lift
There are essentially five types of thigh lift surgery.
Given that your specifications require a less in-depth surgery, the surgeon may recommend a Mini Thigh Lift. This particular procedure only includes an incision in the groin region.
Contrary to the mini thigh lift, if your goals require removing ample excess skin, your surgeon may opt for a Vertical Thigh Lift, including a large incision that ends at the knees.
Out of all thigh-lift techniques, Medial Thigh Lift (Inner) is the most common. The procedure is similar to the vertical thigh lift– in that the surgeon makes an incision starting from the grown to the knees or lower thighs.
Finally, a Bilateral Thigh Lift includes an incision from the groin to the hips and lower back.
If your skin’s elasticity has suffered, you may opt for liposuction as a complementary surgery.
Preparation
We always advise that you keep a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Maintaining a healthy weight will improve your appearance and boost your chances of having the body you envisioned before the surgery.
A healthcare professional will book you in for a consultation, where you can communicate your expectations and ask any questions to the doctor.
Then the doctor will perform a physical examination and, taking your medical history and expectations into account, will determine if you are an ideal candidate for the surgery. Please be as detailed as possible during this stage of the process.
For more information brief information on preparation, please refer to the headline “Preparation for Surgical Cosmetic procedures.”
The clinic will give you a detailed preparation plan tailored to your expectations and medical history.
Surgery
Thigh-lift surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia, where you will be asleep.
The surgery usually takes up to two hours—from the initial incision to the bandaging. The surgeon begins the surgery by making incisions in places associated with the particular type of thigh-lift you are having. Then, he or she will remove the excess fat, close up the wounds and bandage the area.
Recovery and Results
Patients report some bruising, discomfort, pain and swelling during the first few days following the surgery. However, these subside within a short period and are mild.
The surgeon will provide you with a recovery plan, but we advise that you refrain from going outside during the first few days and strenuous activity for the first eight weeks after the surgery.
Finally, to remove the bandages, you will need to book a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.
Even though it takes several months to see the final results of the procedure, you will notice an improvement in your thighs instantly. The full results are typical reported after six months.
Butt (Brazillian) Lift
A buttocks lift, often referred to as a Brazillian butt lift, is a cosmetic surgery that targets the buttocks. If you feel your buttocks are not as defined as you want them to be, you may benefit from this surgery.
Preparation
Like all surgeries performed under general anaesthesia, refraining from smoking and consuming large quantities of alcohol will reduce risks. So we advise you to maintain healthier habits before your surgery.
First, the clinic will book a consultation with you to discuss your expectations and medical history.
As more information implies a better outlook, your doctor will heed your every word and determine if you are ideal for the surgery. So, please communicate your expectations, concerns, reasons and medical history as thoroughly as possible.
He or she will also carry out a physical exam, the results of which will determine if your health is conducive to a smooth surgery. Then, if you are a suitable candidate, an ideal surgery date will be booked.
For more information on preparation, please refer to the headline “Preparation for Surgical Cosmetic procedures”.
The doctor will provide you with an additional preparation plan tailored to your specifications.
Surgery
A butt-lift surgery is essentially a fat-grafting one. After you are put under general anaesthesia, the surgeon will perform the liposuction technique to remove fat from certain areas of your body, which may or may not be the regions you feel are too plump.
Note: For smaller-scale butt-lift surgeries, the surgeon may opt for local anaesthesia.
Then, once the fat the surgeon removed is processed, he or she will begin the injecting process.
Finally, the surgeon will stitch the incisions and bandage both the area where Liposuction was performed and the buttocks.
The procedure can take anywhere from two hours to five hours, depending on the patient.
Recovery and results
For the first few weeks, you will not be able to sit on your buttocks as not only can it compromise your results, but it can also lead to infections.
Even though the chances of being infected are pretty slim, we advise patients not to be complacent during the crucial first few weeks after the surgery.
You will need rest during the first few weeks, so it is best to take time off from work and refrain from strenuous activity.
The surgeon will provide you with a comprehensive guide on attaining the best results and aid your recovery. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
Weight fluctuations can affect results, so it is best to keep a healthy diet regimen after the surgery (and exercise several weeks later).
A Brazillian butt lift is performed using very fine syringes, so, unlike a silicone-implant surgery, you will not see any scarring.
Celebrities who have had a Butt Lift
- Sarah Harris (Model)
- Kailyn Lowry (Teen Mom 2)
- The Kardashians (Disclaimer: These are rumours flamed further by experienced surgeons)
- Virginia Gallardo (Super Model)
Abdominal Etching surgery
Abdominal etching is one of the most artistic cosmetic surgeries out there. The procedure utilises the Liposuction technique to enhance the abdominal area, creating a “six-pack” appearance.
Naturally, attaining a six-pack can be a complicated, arduous process. No matter how well you eat and exercise, you may not be happy with the results. Some people also complain about “residue fat” that doesn’t seem to dissipate. An abdominal etching surgery is a well-rounded solution to such complaints.
Traditional liposuction removes fat from targeted areas to give it a more petite appearance. However, an abdominal etching surgery requires a little more technique, whereby the surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat to mould the muscles, giving them more prominence.
Preparation and Consultation
If you feel abdominal is right for you, a doctor will book an initial consultation to discuss your aims, medical history and medication.
During the consultation, you will be asked questions designed to solicit information the doctor needs to determine what is best for you.
During the time you spend with the doctor, he or she will carry out a physical exam: This is to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for surgery.
After having gathered all the information, the doctor will determine if you are a good candidate. Given that you are, a surgery date will be booked.
In the meantime, it is best to keep to a healthy diet and exercise regimen in the weeks leading up to the surgery. Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of “letting go” before such surgeries, which can compromise results. So, your lifestyle choices can be crucial to your journey.
The doctor will provide you with an exhaustive guide to preparation.
Please ask as many questions as you like.
The surgery
Before the surgery, you will discuss what type of anaesthesia best suits your specifications (medical history and expectations). This will be a process both you and the doctor will decide.
The first step in the procedure is drawing the abs onto your midsection. Following that, if you and the surgeon are satisfied with it, you will begin the preparation process.
After the preparation stage, the surgeon will put foam around the areas that were marked.
Then, the incisions will be made in the appropriate regions to draw out the fat around the muscles. Finally, when the surgeon is confident that the results resemble the expectations you both agreed upon, the incisions will be closed, bandaged and wrapped with a compression system.
Recovery and Results
As with most cosmetic surgeries, avoid strenuous activity for the first five weeks. If your job does not require heavy lifting, the surgeon may say you can return to work after a week- but this will be at your discretion, of course. We highly advise following their instructions, as, at Estepro, our surgeons are experienced and well-trained.
Pain and discomfort are often very mild and subsides within days.
Around six weeks after the procedure, the surgeon will book a follow-up appointment to remove the compression garment.
The final results of the surgery will begin to appear around five months after the surgery. However, you will see the results progressively becoming prominent from the 2nd month onwards.
The clinic will provide you with a comprehensive recovery guide specifically tailored for you.
