You love looking after your grandchildren after school. The sound of laughter from the play room, the baking of cupcakes and the raiding of your wardrobe to play dress-ups.

But today something happened – and you feel upset.

As you were helping your youngest granddaughter walk in your stilettos up and down the hallway, your eldest granddaughter was watching closely. Later when you were helping them put frosted icing on the cupcakes, you caught her staring at the side of your face and neck.

And then she said, “Grandma, did you know that your neck looks like a turkey neck? Will mum’s neck look like that soon as well?”

You know that children see things and say it – without an inner filter. So you pretend you didn’t hear and got on with making them a hot chocolate. But after they’ve gone, you stand in front of your bathroom mirror and using your compact mirror look at the side of your face and neck.

And that’s when you realise the ageing process has well and truly caught up with you! Even though you’ve been having regular Botox and dermal filler treatments for a while now, the supporting structures of your lower face have drooped and sagged.

No wonder your granddaughter thinks your neck looks like a turkey!

There is something you can do to fix this – lower face and neck lift surgery can help you look younger and feel better.

What is a lower face and neck lift?

Lower face and neck lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that tightens lower face underlying skin structures that slacken with age. It focuses on the jowls, neck and lower face area.

Lower face and neck lift surgery can:

• Eliminate sagging jowls, lax skin and down turned corners of the mouth so your neck and face are more visually appealing,
• Trim away excess facial skin that has sagged because of a loss of facial volume or lost elasticity due to the ageing process,
• Smooth out facial wrinkles and creases around your face, lower mouth, and neck,

Why do people get lower face and neck lift surgery?

Lower face and neck lift surgery reverses the effects of gravity and ageing in your lower and mid face. This type of facelift repositions muscles and fat and removes excess skin, resulting in a more defined jawline appearing and your jowls reducing.

The way your face and body ages is largely genetic. It is also influenced by sun exposure, health and fitness, weight and smoking.

Your face and neck age because of the following processes:

Gravity: During the ageing process, your brow, jaw line, neck tissue and cheeks can droop and become lax. This results looseness of tissues, such as the folds around your mouth.

Structure: The appearance of premature ageing may result because of your underlying bone and facial soft tissue shape.

Volume: When you were younger, you had full, plump facial tissue. With ageing, the loss of volume in parts of your face including your cheeks or lower eyelids can result in a drawn or tired appearance.

Texture: The ageing process causes changes to the texture of your skin. Textural changes also include loss of elasticity, wrinkling, pigment changes and broken veins.

Who gets lower face and neck lift surgery?

If you are interested in having lower face and neck lift surgery, and want to know if you are a good candidate for the treatment, it is very important that you have consultations with a few highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeons.

Ideal candidates for this surgery include women and men aged 40 to 80 years of age who are in good health and want to address:

• A sun or wind damaged neck and skin
• Double or triple chin with fat under your chin
• A turkey wattle neck with slack, loose neck skin
• Jaw jowls with loose fat or too much skin
• Their excess neck skin or neck fat
• Visible muscle bands running down the neck, which created abnormal contours
• Horizontal lines running across the neck

How is lower face and neck lift surgery performed?

Most lower face and neck lift surgeries take between 4 to 5 hours. For your comfort and safety you will need to stay in hospital for a couple of days. Most patients experience only minor pain that can be easily relieved with pain medication. You will have some bruising and swelling of the face and that neck that usually decreases within 3 weeks.

Your lower face lift surgery can be performed through a traditional complete neck lift incision, or a limited-incision neck lift. A limited-incision neck lift uses incisions only around the ears. While the scars are less visible and the incisions are shorter, the results of this approach can be more limited.

A neck lift procedure may also be required if you have excess skin below the jawline, on the neck or have small deposits of fat accumulated under your chin. In some cases, liposuction can be used to remove excess fat in some cases. If you are slim, your Cosmetic Surgeon will tighten the platysma muscle and remove the excess skin.

You can read more about lower face and neck lift surgery here.

What is recovery like after lower face and neck lift surgery?

After you’ve had lower face and neck lift surgery, your face will feel swollen and look bruised. It’s important to note that it can take from 2 to 3 weeks for this swelling and bruising to settle.

Most patients take 3 to 4 weeks off work. Any scars you have will be initially pink and will fade to white in 12 to 18 months. The scar healing process will be different if you have olive, brown or Asian skin.

Most facial and neck procedures result in discomfort, rather than pain. You will be given medication to limit pain and nausea. You may experience numbness in your lower face and neck as a result of the local anaesthetic that was used.

Are there risks and complications of lower face and neck lift surgery?

It’s important to note that any surgical operation brings complications of anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will be able to discuss with you the possible complications of having an anaesthetic.

Specific risks and complications of lower face and neck lift surgery include:

• Scarring
• Nerve injury
• Healing issues
• Change in skin sensation
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Change in skin firmness

How to find the best lower face and neck lift Australian Cosmetic Surgeons

Although good results from lower face and neck lift surgery are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained. It is important to note that the face is not symmetric. Almost everyone has some degree of unevenness. One side of your face may be slightly larger, while the other side of the face may be droopier.

Lower face and neck lift surgery is a cosmetic operation to make your face and neck appear younger. This surgery is usually safe and effective but complications can happen. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will inform you about any risks and complications.

You can find the best Facelift Cosmetic Surgeons in Australia here.

The post Would lower facelift and neck surgery make me look and feel younger? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Sitting in the window of the café at the beach, you notice a fitness class is taking place. The group of men and women are different ages, shapes and sizes.

But one person stands out – they look like they have the same shaped thighs as you do.

You watch them jogging up and down on the spot before they perform push-ups and sit-ups. And you wonder if they’re feeling how you feel when you move like that.

A few years ago you lost a great deal of weight but even though you’re fitter, healthier and happier, the side effects weren’t what you expected.

Because no matter how hard you work out or how far you run, your upper thighs still have loose, saggy skin. Watching the person at the beach with similar legs to you has made you wonder if there could be a better way to tone your thighs?

So you pull out your smart phone and ask Google, “is there a way to tone thighs with surgery?” and that’s how you discover thigh reduction surgery.

You don’t have to walk around with saggy, wobbly thighs that chafe and make you feel uncomfortable.

Thigh reduction surgery effectively tones your thighs and upper legs.

What is thigh reduction surgery?

Thigh reduction surgery (sometimes called a “thigh lift”) is a cosmetic procedure where excess skin and fatty tissue are removed from the thigh area. Wobbly thigh skin that sags can be a result of weight loss or a result of the natural ageing process, which leads to the skin losing elasticity. Thigh reduction surgery tightens the thighs, resulting in a more youthful, firmer look.

Thigh reduction can be performed at the same time as other cosmetic procedures including:

• A total body lift procedure
• A Liposculpture procedure
• A Liposuction procedure

Well-trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeons will pay special attention to their surgical technique so scars are minimised.

Any scarring resulting from thigh lift surgery gets well concealed in the inner thigh and groin areas.

Who is the best candidate for thigh reduction surgery?

The best candidates for thigh reduction surgery usually have large amounts of skin or fatty tissue in their thigh area. This excess skin can lead to uncomfortable chafing between the legs. In some cases physical activities, including walking become painful.

In an effort to further empty the loose skin of any fat, a Cosmetic Surgeon may choose to use combine the thigh reduction surgery with liposuction. This ensures they only remove the excess skin while preserving all of the important structures in the legs including blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

People who undergo thigh reduction surgery generally:

• Have excess skin on their inner and outer thighs and buttocks
• Are physically fit and well
• Have sagging skin on their upper legs and wobbly inner thighs they want to get rid of.

What happens during thigh reduction surgery?

Thigh reduction surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic with most patients staying overnight in hospital. The Cosmetic Surgeon makes an incision along the upper inner thigh area, however in some cases they may continue the incision to the groin line or buttock fold.

Any excess fat and skin are removed through the incisions. In some cases liposuction will also be used before the wounds are sutured or stapled shut. Thigh reduction surgery takes between 2 to 3 hours.

Your Cosmetic Surgeon may use an alternative thigh reduction technique where they make an incision on the inner thigh from the groin down to just above the knee. The fatty tissue and skin are then removed before the skin is sutured together.

Regardless of the location of the surgical incisions, your Cosmetic Surgeon will make every effort to ensure the scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Some patients need to have drainage tubes in place after the procedure. It is important to note that after thigh reduction surgery you will need to wear compression garments for 2 to 6 weeks. The results of your thigh lift will be seen immediately, however the final result won’t become apparent for a few months.

Read the key facts about thigh reduction surgery here.

Are there any risks or complications with thigh reduction surgery?

It is important to note that every surgery has risks including:

• Allergic reactions
• Bleeding
• Changes in skin sensation
• Damage to deeper structures
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Fat necrosis
• Healing issues
• Infection
• Major wound separation
• Pain
• Scarring
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discolouration and swelling
• Skin sensitivity

Specific risks and complications with thigh reduction surgery include:

Asymmetry: Prior to surgery, your thighs will be slightly different. During your procedure, your Cosmetic Surgeon will try to minimise the asymmetry between your thighs. Some degree of minor asymmetry is quite common and for most patients this asymmetry is minor.

Scarring: After thigh lift surgery, it is inevitable you will have some scarring. A highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeon will take great care to minimise the scarring and will ensure the scars are as discreet as possible.

What is recovery like after thigh reduction surgery?

Most patients are able to resume light activities within the first 7 days after thigh lift surgery. Full activities can usually be resumed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise how long you need to take off work; most patients take between 1 to 2 weeks off.

Recovery from thigh reduction surgery varies from 2 to 6 weeks and is subject to your daily level of physical activity. It is important to note that for 6 weeks after the procedure, heavy lifting should be avoided.

To assist your healing process and decrease the possibility of fluid build-up, you will need to wear compression garments for 2 to 6 weeks. Any swelling or bruising is usually only mild to moderate and will disappear after 2 weeks. Any pain experienced is minimal with most patients reporting it disappears after 2 to 3 days.

How do I find the best Cosmetic Surgeon in Australia for thigh reduction surgery?

It is very important that you choose a Cosmetic Surgeon who is highly trained and experienced with thigh reduction surgery. We suggest you make a shortlist and consult with a few Cosmetic Surgeons. You can find the best Australian Thigh Reduction Surgeons here.

At your initial thigh reduction consultation, they will ask about your body image, lifestyle, health and medical history. The Cosmetic Surgeon will also assess your skin tone and discuss the most appropriate surgical technique for your condition.

The best candidates for thigh reduction surgery are physically healthy people who want to improve the way they look. It is very important to be clear about your expectations of the thigh reduction procedure, to understand the recovery process and the likely results you will achieve in the long term.

The post How thigh reduction surgery can tone your thighs appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Plastic surgery sounds like an easy fix to anything unsatisfying about your body. Australia plastic surgery may be the right answer, but there are many things to consider first.There are many benefits to plastic surgery, but there are many wrong reasons to obtain plastic surgery as well. If you hate your body, plastic surgery may be the answer, but you need to determine if you can fix your problem another way. While plastic surgery has changed the lives of many people, there are some who have come to regret it.

Psychology Today reports that many plastic surgeons are aware that patients often have unrealistic expectations and find that their problems increase following a procedure that should have solved their problems.

Why Do You Hate Your Body?

Australia plastic surgery may solve your problem, but it may not. You need to start with the reasons why you hate your body. Are you unhappy with your weight? Instead of running to get a tummy tuck or liposuction, try targeting your trouble areas through some diet and exercise first. While some plastic surgery may fix your problems, if you continue the habits that created your problem areas, you’ll see them soon again. In other words, plastic surgery may just be a temporary fix.

If you’ve tried diet and exercise and your problem areas won’t disappear, plastic surgery may be a good solution.

What if you have a deformity? Or there’s a part of your body that you just hate, and diet and exercise won’t fix it, like your nose for example? If you’ve lived with this problem for years and see Rhinoplasty surgery as the only way out, it just may be.

On the other hand, if someone is telling you that there’s something wrong with your body, that is one of the wrong reasons to go under the knife. Instead, you may need to work on building your self-esteem before making that big decision. You’re the one that has to live with your body.

According to New Beauty, another wrong reason to go under the knife? Revenge. A plastic surgeon in Maryland reported that many women enter his office looking for surgery to 
“get back” at their exes. He estimates that 20 percent of his new patients are recently divorced. He says that he recommends that his patients wait until they are in a good mental state before committing to plastic surgery.

When looking for plastic surgery in Sydney, remember that a good plastic surgeon will make sure that your obtaining surgery for the right reasons to make sure that you are making a decision that will make you happy.

Good Reasons to Go Under The Knife

Whether plastic surgery is a good reason depends on who you’re asking. We live in a society that places a high emphasis on appearance. Still, there are many men and women who have obtained plastic surgery, and they have no regrets about their decisions. Plastic surgery is also referred to as reconstructive surgery. Healing Meditations goes into some detail on the top reasons.

Were you in an accident that left you disfigured? Have you had cancer? Many plastic surgery patients are breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies. Reconstructive surgery may help with healing and trauma.

Have you lost a significant amount of weight? While weight loss is a great thing, sometimes it can leave behind some unsightly excess skin. Plastic surgery to remove the excess skin may be the perfect finish to your weight loss journey.

What if you’ve carefully considered the pros and cons and decide that you still hate that part of your body? Then, by all means, plastic surgery just might be right for you. Whether you are considering a smaller procedure like a chemical peel or Rhinoplasty surgery, your plastic surgery in Sydney will not fail to disappoint if you’ve made the right decision.

The post I Hate My Body, is Plastic Surgery The Answer? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Read more about Breast Augmentation on Dr Tavakoli’s website.

Cosmetic Journey would like to thank Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, specialist Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon for his input into this blog post.

The post The quick guide to breast augmentation and recovery times appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Learning to deal with the taunts at school was tough – but you survived. From the ‘how many chin ups can you do?’ to ‘what happens if you put your chin up? Nothing!’

But over the past few years, you’ve become more conscious of the way your chin affects your appearance. From looking in the mirror when you brush your teeth to when you see your profile in photos on Facebook or Instagram.

So what can you do if you feel like your chin shape is too small and needs to be stronger to balance out your facial features?

Chin implant surgery changes the size and shape of the chin, resulting in an enhanced appearance of the chin and jawline. The insertion of a chin implant can take from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

It is important to note that while a chin implant can’t reduce your vertical chin height, it can increase your chin height (the distance from the lower lip border to the bottom of your chin).

What are chin implants?

A chin implant offers a permanent solution for people who want more shape in their jawline to balance out a ‘weak’ or ‘small’ chin.

Chin implants come in many shapes and sizes and are made from silicon rubber or medpor, a type of biocompatible plastic. These implants are used in a surgical procedure that reshapes the chin by placing an implant in the chin.

Chin implant surgery (also known as chin augmentation, chin surgery or mentoplasty) is popular with both women and men. It can be helpful in balancing out a larger nose.

Who is suitable for chin implant surgery?

Chin implant surgery can help balance your facial features. Ideally, all of your facial features should be proportionate to each other. If your lower jaw is set back or undersized, it can portray a weaker jaw and project a less masculine appearance. This relatively easy cosmetic procedure is effective at creating a significant improvement in your profile. It is important to note that you need to have realistic expectations chin implant surgery.

A good candidate for chin implant surgery is ideally a non-smoker and needs to be in good health.

Most people who are considering chin implant surgery have a small, narrow or recessed chin, which can be typified by:

• A chin that is proportionately short or excessively narrow
• Having no distinctive contour between your chin and neck, resulting in your chin and neck ‘blending’ together
• A chin having a ‘sunken in’ appearance
• An upper lip protruding with a chin sitting ‘way back’ towards your neck
• A small chin that doesn’t match your other facial features

People considering chin implant surgery report they:

• Believe their jawline makes them feel ‘weak’ or less masculine
• Feel self conscious about their appearance
• Dislike having photos taken from the side
• Have inward pointing lower lips and/or protruding upper lips

What happens during chin implant surgery?

During chin implant surgery your Cosmetic Surgeon has two surgical techniques they can consider using. They can insert the chin implant externally under the chin along its natural crease line.

Or they can insert the implant orally by making a small incision on the inside of your mouth at the intersection of the lower lip and gum.

Chin implant surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Most patients return to work 7-10 days after the procedure.

You can read more about chin implant surgery and the recovery process here.

Once your chin implant has been inserted and positioned, it will be secured onto the soft tissues of your chin with sutures or screws. It is important to note that every surgical procedure as risks and complications. While the risks and complications of chin implant surgery are rare, they can involve infection or shifting of the implant, numbness and/or scarring of the chin. It is important to note that the final results of chin augmentation surgery are usually seen 3 to 4 months following the surgery. Some patients report the best results are seen up to 12 months after chin implant surgery.

Are there any risks or complications associated with chin implant surgery?

It is important to note that general complications of every surgery include anaesthesia risks, pain, DVT, and pulmonary embolism. The specific risks and complications of chin implant surgery include:

• Swelling, bruising and/or infection
• Chin muscles sagging in later life
• Nerve damage that can lead to permanent loss of lower lip sensation or movement
• Chin implants can shift; this can lead to infection
• Reabsorption of the chin implant into the jaw bone in later life

To reduce the risks and complications of chin implant surgery, it is important to choose a highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeon.

Are there alternatives to having chin implant surgery?

Surgical and non-surgical alternatives to chin implant including genioplasty (chin augmentation) and dermal fillers. Genioplasty surgery increases the bone of your chin so it protrudes forward more. In some cases, bone grafts are used.

If your also have an overbite, you may need to have your bite corrected. This will require expert assessment by your Cosmetic Surgeon consulting with an Orthodontist.

Non-surgically, chin augmentation can be realised with injectable dermal fillers.

I want chin implant surgery. Where do I find the best Australia Cosmetic Surgeons who specialise in chin implants?

Even though chin implant surgery is a relatively minor cosmetic procedure, we suggest that you have realistic expectations and consult with several Cosmetic Surgeons. It is important to note that while chin implant surgery is usually effective and relatively safe, there are risks and complications to consider. You can find the best Australian Chin Implant Surgeons here.

The post How chin implants can dramatically improve your appearance appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Stepping off the calf raise machine at the gym, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. For as long as you can remember, no matter how hard you workout and stretch, your calf muscles have never changed shape.

And while you smile when your family make jokes that you inherited the ‘puny, scrawny calf gene’, deep down you wish you could change them.

It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, if the size and shape of your calves are frustrating you; there is an easy, surgical solution with calf implant surgery.

What are calf implants?

Men and women who are unhappy with the size and shape of their calves can get calf implant surgery (also called calf augmentation).

Calf implant surgery is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a solid, silicone implant into a pocket that overlies the calf muscle. This implant increases the size, contour and shape of the calves.

Who is suitable for calf implant surgery?

Calf implant surgery offers a quick and easy solution for people who want better-contoured calves. Typically men get calf implants to create a fuller-appearing, bulkier calf muscle while women get calf implants to create a more natural, contoured lower leg.

Calf muscles can be very hard to develop so they change shape – even with vigorous, weight bearing exercises.

You may be a suitable candidate for calf implants if:

• You are a body builder or athlete who wants to enhance their appearance
• Your calves are asymmetrical and/or unbalanced
• You are considering liposuction of your thighs or knees and want to improve the appearance of your calves
• Your lower legs lack the muscle contours you desire
• You have a medical condition (including spina bifida, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, clubfoot and polio) or a congenital defect that has affected the normal development of the lower leg and calf muscles.

How is calf implant surgery performed?

Calf implant surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under a general anaesthetic. Depending on the extent of the procedure, a calf implant can be completed within 1 to 2 hours. The aim of calf implant surgery is to insert an implant that imitates the volume and shape of the gastrocnemius muscle – the most superficial muscle in the back of your calf.

After you’ve chosen your experienced and highly trained Cosmetic Surgeon, you will need to consider the size and type of calf implants. While your Cosmetic Surgeon will guide you, it’s important to consider:

1 Type of calf implants

While all calf implants are composed from soft, solid silicone, some Cosmetic Surgeons prefer to use contoured silicone that is made from soft-solid silicone elastomer. These types of calf implants can be tailored specifically for your requirements.

2 Size and shape of calf implants

Calf implant sizes vary in thickness, length, width and contours. You will need to choose two implants to mimic the calf muscles, as a single calf implant will give a fake contour to your leg. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will guide you with the best calf implants to choose. It is important to note that if you choose a calf implant that is too large, you may experience issues with pressure and/or pain. Muscle problems and nerve impingement can also occur.

The incision (typically measuring) between 5 to 7cm will be placed in the natural skin fold at the back of your knee. Your calf implants are then inserted into this ‘pocket’ before the incision is closed.

Calf implants can be placed in your leg either under the fascia or deeply within the muscle. The most popular method is under the fascia as it requires less dissection and leads to faster recovery times. It is important to note that in some cases, calf implants in the sub-fascia can lead to a rotation or drift of the implant.

I want calf implant surgery. Where do I find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons who specialise in calf implants?

While some Cosmetic Surgeons say they perform calf implant surgery, it is very important to find someone fully qualified and trained that performs this procedure at least once a month. Calf augmentation surgery is a unique operation that requires good aesthetic skills.

We suggest you have a few consultations with Cosmetic Surgeons on your shortlist – here are some questions you may like to ask them:

• How many calf implants did you undertake in the last 3 months, last month and last week?
  Have there ever experienced any complications from implant shifting or infection?

Find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons for calf implants here.

What is recovery after calf implant surgery like?

To ensure a good recovery and quick healing process after your calf implant surgery, it is important to:

• Take the prescribed medications.
• Have bed rest with your legs elevated for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
• Only take short walks for routine activities as required.
• Wear a specially designed compression support above the knees for 6-8 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activities including as bicycling, jogging, and leg exercises for at least 8 weeks after calf implant surgery.

Most patients will need to take 1-2 weeks off work. If you have a physically active job, you will need to take more time off. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you of your optimal recovery time.

It is normal to have swelling and bruising after calf augmentation surgery. In most people this will subside over a 7-14 days. The incision scar will take at least 10 days to heal.

What risks or complications can occur with calf implant surgery?

Calf implant surgery is a very safe procedure; however as with any surgery where general anaesthesia is used, there are possible risks and complications. To reduce any risk in calf implant surgery, it is very important to use a Cosmetic Surgeon who is highly trained and performed many calf implant procedures.

Specific risks and complications of calf implant surgery include:

• Implant displacement. While this is rare, it can occur in the first 10 days after your surgery. It is important to note that this complication can be corrected without having another operation. If you experience a calf displacement after 10 days, you will need to have another surgical procedure.
• Infection. This can be treated in a number of ways including draining, implant removal, and a course of antibiotics, either alone or in various combinations.
• Nerve injury. Key nerves in your calf area can be damaged when the pockets are created for the calf implants. Nerves can also suffer damage from the implants pressing on them after insertion. Some patients encounter severe pain that does not subside with time due to nerve injury or excessive pressure.
• Closed compartment syndrome. This can occur because of excessive pressure on your muscles and nerves. If the calf implant is too big, it will need to be replaced with a smaller one.

Find out more facts about calf implant surgery here.

Image copyright: ocusfocus / 123RF Stock Photo

The post Don’t like the size and shape of your calves? How calf implants can help appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Whilst the “capsular contracture by itself is not dangerous…it often cause some discomfort” and can have a negative impact on the way the appearance of the breast.

Melbourne Plastic Surgeon, Dr Howard Webster discusses the traditional treatment of capsular contracture where surgeons would “take the capsule out and replace the implant” and discusses some advancements in our understanding of the condition and how a two stage procedure might be more appropriate.

Cosmetic Journey would like to thank Dr Howard Webster, specialist Plastic Surgeon for his input into this blog post.

The post Dr Howard Webster: How do you fix capsular contracture? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

You’ve been looking forward to the tropical beach holiday for months now. And with only a few weeks to go, it’s time to be brave and head to the swimwear shops.

Looking through the brightly coloured racks of swimwear, you find your size and head to the change rooms.

You hate trying on bathing costumes but know it’s going to be even more challenging with your 4 year old child with you. As they sit on the change room floor playing with your iPhone you get out of your jeans and slip on the bikini bottoms. They fit well, so now it’s time to try on the top.

As you slip your bra off and try on the bikini top you hear your child giggling loudly before they say loudly, “Mummy, why do your nipples look so funny?”

Mortified you decide to buy it and hurriedly get back into your clothes. At the cash register your child has decided to ask you again, “Mummy one of your nipples is so long and the other one hides away…why?”

The sales assistant looks at you and then says something you didn’t expect to hear…“I couldn’t help but overhear and my child did the same thing…I struggled for years feeling upset and embarrassed with my nipples, but then I did something about it”

And from your child making a loud comment about your nipples you find out that nipple surgery can increase, decrease and change the shape of your nipple and areola area.

What does nipple surgery involve?

The nipple comprises of the areola, the pigmented circle of skin around the nipple and the central nipple, where all the milk ducts from the breast lead. Nipples can develop abnormally, become unsightly after breastfeeding or because of large breast development. Common conditions that females and males want to correct through nipple surgery include:

• Large and/or stretched areolas,
• Inverted nipples,
• Stretched and long nipples after piercings or breast feeding, and
• Asymmetric nipples.

Nipples can also be removed during mastectomy operations for breast cancer. The variety of procedures to correct these problems is called nipple surgery.

It can be done in combination with other breast surgeries such as a breast lift or breast augmentation.

What types of people get nipple surgery?

People who seek out nipple surgery dislike some aspect of their nipple and would like it to be corrected. It’s important to note that potential candidates for nipple surgery need to be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and have realistic expectations for their nipple surgery.

Male and females may be potential candidates for nipple surgery if they:

• Believe the nipples are too large in proportion to their breasts
• Have inverted or protruding nipples, or
• Have asymmetrical nipples.

What are the different types of techniques performed during nipple surgery?

Nipple surgery techniques that may be used by your Cosmetic Surgeon include correcting inverted nipples, reducing long or large nipples, and reconstructing nipples.

Inverted nipple correction:

Inverted nipples affect about 2% of women and can be distressing as there is usually a hole or slit at the location at one or both nipples. Function problems can develop because of nipple inversion including rashes, irritation, and discomfort – it can even prevent the ability to breast-feed.

While inverted nipples may be a congenital problem, it can also be a result of a previous breast surgery, infection in the ducts, or scarring from breast-feeding.

To correct your inverted nipples, your Cosmetic Surgeon can use two techniques: one that divides the milk ducts and one that leaves milk ducts intact. Whichever surgery you have, the aim is to reshape the nipple and areola so the nipple projects out from your breast.

1 Milk Ducts Intact Inverted Nipple Correction:
If you have this procedure your Cosmetic Surgeon will make an incision around the base of the nipple on your areola. The nipple and areola tissue will then be lifted from your breast and stitched into a new, projecting shape. It is important to note that due to the circular shape of the nipple scars and the style of suturing, you will have increased nipple projection.

2 Milk Ducts Divided Inverted Nipple Correction:
This nipple surgery cosmetic procedure is the most common way to correct inverted nipples. An incision will be made at your nipple base to detach the milk ducts, and then is closed with sutures to create a more natural looking nipple projection. Most patients who have this type of inverted nipple correction have quick recovery and can usually return to work and life in a few hours.

Nipple Reconstruction:

Nipple reconstruction can be performed using two main methods either under a local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation as a day-surgery admission or with a general anaesthetic.

1. The two-staged reconstruction: A nubbin is made on the reconstructed breast mound, and is then tattooed to recreate your areola. This nubbin is created with skin flaps raised from the local tissues, sutured and wrapped to create height and projection.
2. Nipple-sharing technique: An opposite nipple and areolar is used as a graft to create a nipple on the reconstruction side. This may require a large nipple-areola complex on the normal side. This method has the disadvantage of creating scars on your donor breast.

Areola reduction surgery:

Areola reduction surgery is often performed at the same time as a breast reduction or breast lift surgery.

The areola (the circular pigmented area surrounding your nipple) has a presence of areolar glands and is marked with little projections. Some people have enlarged areolas, which can cause distress and lead to low self-esteem. Enlarged areolas may develop because of genetic disposition, ageing, heavy breasts, pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Areola reduction surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 1-2 hours. You will need to wear dressings for at least 1 week after this surgery. Recovery varies from patient to patient, but most people return to work and normal activities within a few days.

What is the recovery process after nipple surgery?

Most Cosmetic Surgeons perform nipple surgery as a day procedure. This means you will be able to go home to recover. The amount of time taken to recover from nipple surgery varies from patient to patient. Most patients report they can resume their work and usual lives within a few days.

It is important to note that the ability to breastfeed after nipple surgery can be unpredictable. If your inverted nipples were corrected during surgery, your milk ducts will have been divided or lengthened meaning you won’t be able to breastfeed.

The skin of your breast area will be swollen and can be shiny in appearance – this is normal and will subside after a few weeks. For a few days after surgery you could experience pain. This can be relieved with pain medication.

Scarring is a normal consequence of any surgical procedure and while your Cosmetic Surgeon cannot guarantee a perfect scar-free outcome, they will do their bet to minimise scarring. After nipple surgery, your scars will usually be red. Over a few months they will fade to a lighter pink and will be barely noticeable.

The numbness you may experience around the surgical area is normal and for most patients reduces after 6 weeks. Your breasts can heal at different rates with one breast swelling and the other breast feeling okay.

How do I find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons that perform nipple surgery?

While nipple surgery is usually safe and effective, complications and risks can occur. This type of cosmetic surgery improves the shape, size and symmetry of your nipples. It is important to consider all your options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

The benefits of having nipple surgery include:

• Feeling more comfortable with the size and shape of your nipple, and
• Increased self-esteem and confidence.

To understand if you are a suitable candidate for nipple surgery, your Cosmetic Surgeon will carry out a detailed assessment. The type of nipple surgery technique your Cosmetic Surgeon uses will depend on your desired final outcome.

You can find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons specialising in nipple surgery here.

The post Nipple surgery can make you feel more comfortable and less embarrassed about your nipples appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

(Before and After Photos by Dr Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS)

When you look in the mirror, do you see a face that reminds you of a parent or even a grandparent?

Getting older brings life experience but it also leads to facial lines and wrinkles developing and the facial skin drooping down. From deep wrinkles and lines, to cheek jowls that sag and a slack, wrinkled neckline, an ageing face can be distressing.

And while non-surgical anti-wrinkle treatments like Botox and dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can reduce the signs of ageing, in some cases this is not enough to stop the signs of ageing.

Long gone are the days where a facelift has a ‘windblown’ unnatural effect. The SMAS facelift is a sophisticated cosmetic surgery facial rejuvenation technique that produces natural looking, enduring results.

What is a SMAS facelift?

The SMAS facelift (also known as Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that was pioneered in the 1980’s. Over 100 years ago, when facelifts were invented, all they did was to tighten the facial skin. While this was effective, the results were not natural looking or long lasting.

Over the last few decades, the development of SMAS facelift surgery has progressed to create natural looking results.

This type of facelift tightens the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) – the continuous layer of muscle and fibrous tissue that lies beneath your skin and runs from the forehead to your collarbone. Unlike your skin (which is a stretchy layer) the SMAS is a strong fibro muscular fascial layer.

When the SMAS is surgically lifted and modified, the skin is repositioned resulting in a tighter, younger looking appearance.

Why you may be considering a SMAS facelift

You may be considering a SMAS facelift if you feel your face is ageing, making you look and feel older than you are. People who have found that non-surgical, anti-ageing treatments are not sufficient anymore may also consider having a SMAS facelift.

People who are most likely to benefit from a SMAS facelift have one or more of these signs of ageing:

• Your eyes are wrinkled, saggy and tired looking,
• You have deep folds in your skin on the sides of your nose and mouth,
• You have wrinkling facial skin that has lost shape,
• Your cheeks and/or mouth have begun to sag, or
• You have developed a double chin or folds in the skin of your neck.

Who is a SMAS facelift for?

Good candidates for SMAS facelifts are struggling with a saggy neck and face that have caused by the natural ageing process. Ideal patients also have some elasticity in the skin and a well-defined bone structure.

If you’ve got signs of ageing in other parts of your face, your Cosmetic Surgeon may suggest that you consider treating these first or at the same time as the SMAS facelift. It’s important to note that most Cosmetic Surgeons will not perform SMAS facelift on active smokers.

How to find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons who specialise in SMAS facelifts

In terms of skeletal structures, facial anatomy, muscles, fat, nerves, tendons and other structures; the SMAS facelift surgery is a complex surgical procedure. Only a highly skilled, experienced Cosmetic Surgeon should perform this type of facelift surgery.

It is important to note that SMAS facelift results vary from patient to patient and Cosmetic Surgeon to Cosmetic Surgeon. SMAS facelift success depends on the skill, expertise and experience of the Cosmetic Surgeon, the patient’s health and their facial structure.

You can find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons who specialise in SMAS facelifts here.

Before deciding if SMAS facelift surgery is suitable, your Cosmetic Surgeon will carry out a thorough assessment. For the operation to be successful it’s important that you have good bone structure and that your skin has elasticity.

How is a SMAS Facelift Surgery performed?

A SMAS facelift surgery usually takes between 2 to 3 hours, under general anaesthetic in hospital. Most patients will need to stay in hospital for at least 1 night. To make your skin look smoother and younger, your Cosmetic Surgeon will lift and tighten the subcutaneous SMAS.

Any excess skin will be removed after the SMAS has been lifted and fixed in place. So you avoid looking ‘windblown’ and ‘stretched taut’ your skin will be sutured without any tension.

Since every face is unique, your SMAS facelift will be customised to you’re your face. Your Cosmetic Surgeon may choose to surgically ‘fold’ the SMAS layer superiorly and surgically attach it to itself (known as SMAS Plication facelift). Otherwise, they may tighten and lift the SMAS by surgically reducing the muscles and then reattaching them in a more uplifted position (known as SMAS Resection facelift).

SMAS facelift procedures usually result in long scars and a lengthier recovery time than other facelift procedures. Some patients also experience significant bruising and swelling.

What happens during SMAS facelift recovery?

During recovery from the SMAS facelift, you will need to wear a special bandage around your face. This bandage assists the healing process and will minimise any swelling and bruising. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise how long you need to wear the bandage for.

To remove any excess blood or fluid that have accumulated during the SMAS facelift, some patients will need to have thin cannulas (tubes) left in place. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will provide you with more information on how to take care of these drains once you leave hospital.

Most patients will need to take prescribed medications to aid healing, prevent infection, or reduce discomfort that may result from SMAS facelift surgery. To assist in your recovery, it is important to practise preventative skin care by using sun protection and not smoking.

After SMAS surgery, you will be able to resume driving once you are comfortable, can react quickly if necessary, are not taking strong painkillers and can see normally. For most patients this is 7 to 14 days after surgery. It is important to avoid heavy exercise 3 to 6 weeks after SMAS surgery.

Key facts you must know about SMAS facelifts

A SMAS facelift is a big cosmetic surgical procedure and will usually involve up to a month of recovery time. It is important to note that any patient having any facelift procedures where the skin is undermined will become numb in the cheek and temple area, in front of the ears, and sometimes in the upper neck. This numbness may last for weeks or months, but will generally improve over time.

SMAS facelifts can change the hairline around the temple area. Not all hairstyles are compatible with this type of facelift. Men considering a SMAS facelift need to be aware of the potential visibility of the incisions, the changes in sideburn position, and the scar position in relation to their ears.

A period of psychological adjustment is common any type of facelift, including a SMAS facelift. It is normal to go through a variety of moods postoperatively. After the fresh wounds, swelling and bruising passes, most people feel positive.

What are the risks and complications of a SMAS facelift procedure?

Any surgery where general anaesthesia is used has possible risks and complications. To reduce any risks and complications with your SMAS facelift surgery, it is very important to use a Cosmetic Surgeon who is highly trained and performed many of these procedures.

You can read about the specific risks and complications of a SMAS facelift here.

The post I want a facelift but don’t want to look fake. Would SMAS facelift be a good option? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

(photo by Mr Alan Breidahl)

Have you got stubborn pockets of fat that just won’t go away, no matter how hard you work out?

From love handles and muffin tops to thighs that aren’t in proportion to the rest of your body.

You’re not alone feeling frustrated about your body shape, but there is a solution!

Tumescent liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from the body in areas including the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, hip and back.

When you lose weight, the fat cells do not disappear – they only shrink in size. If you gain weight, the fat cells will expand again. The only proven way to eliminate fat cells is with a procedure like tumescent liposuction.

It is important to note that tumescent liposuction is not a surgical procedure to help you lose weight. If you are extremely overweight, your Cosmetic Surgeon may advise you to lose some weight before having the tumescent liposuction procedure.

What is tumescent liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical technique to remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the bod. When performed by a highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeon liposuction can reshape the problem areas leaving virtually no scars.

Tumescent liposuction is a type of liposuction that is used by most Cosmetic Surgeons worldwide. This liposuction technique reduces blood loss and results in better healing with less bruising and discomfort.

Large volumes (1 to 3 litres) of very dilute lidocaine (local anaesthetic) and epinephrine (capillary constrictor) are injected into subcutaneous fat. This solution temporarily shrinks capillaries and hardens or “tumesces” excess fat. A thin cannula is then used to suction this fat out.

With any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is important to have realistic expectations about the results. Tumescent liposuction does not replace a healthy and active lifestyle. It typically has less downtime than traditional liposuction due to the smaller incision used.

Once the body heals, the results are permanent – the removed fat cells will never grow back in the treated area.

What types of people get tumescent liposuction?

The best candidates for tumescent liposuction have a relatively normal weight but have excess fat in particular body areas. Due to inherited body shape, some people choose to have tumescent liposuction performed when they are younger.

Younger skin has more elasticity and the recovery can be better, however people of all ages get tumescent liposuction surgery.

Examples of people who have benefited from tumescent liposuction include:

• Women who have had children and are concerned by the unwanted accumulations of fat that childbearing has brought including saddlebags, full thighs, hips, and a ‘pot-belly’. These areas can be resistant to healthy eating, gym workouts and exercise regimes.
• Men and women and men who want to improve their physical appearance and body shape. Permanently removing even a small amount of fat can make a good figure dramatically better.
• People who have lost a significant amount of weight but still have issues with fat areas that won’t budge, despite diet and exercise.
• Men who have developed love handles above the hips or accumulations of abdominal fat. This can be due to a natural decline in the production of growth hormone, which occurs with age.
• Men who have unwanted accumulations of fat and breast tissue over the breasts due to hereditary or other factors.

You will not be suitable for tumescent liposuction if you:

• Are pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Have blood clotting or bleeding disorders
• Have cardiac or respiratory problems

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise of your suitability for this surgical procedure.

How to find the best Australian Tumescent Liposuction Cosmetic Surgeons

To get the best tumescent liposuction results, it is important to choose a highly trained, experienced and skilled Cosmetic Surgeon who performs this procedure regularly. With any elective cosmetic surgery procedure there are possible risks and complications.

We suggest you make a short list of surgeons, and have multiple consultations before you select one. Find the best Tumescent Liposuction Cosmetic Surgeons in Australia here.

At your initial consultation, the Cosmetic Surgeon will examine you to assess your fat distribution and body shape.

They will then advise you on what areas could be treated and how much fat can be safely removed so the final result is aesthetically pleasing.

How is tumescent liposuction performed?

Due to the shorter recovery time and less side effects than traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction has become more a more popular cosmetic procedure. Tumescent liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic. To avoid complications, blood tests will be taken before your procedure.

It is very important to avoid taking any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication for at least 2 weeks prior to the cosmetic procedure.

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will inject several litres of a saline solution containing adrenaline and anaesthetic into the area to be suctioned. This reduces bruising and bleeding. A cannula is inserted through small incisions and connected to a powerful vacuum where the fatty tissue is removed via suction.

After the tumescent liposuction procedure, to promote healing and control swelling, you will need to wear dressings and compression garments.

What are the benefits of tumescent liposuction over other types of liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction has benefits over other liposuction techniques that include:

• Significantly less blood loss, pain, swelling and bruising because of the anaesthetic solution used
• Patients can stand up and move around straight after the procedure, resulting in an easier and more effective recovery
• This procedure is performed as day surgery, with generally only half a day being required at the hospital.

What is recovery like after tumescent liposuction?

Recovery from tumescent liposuction will vary from person to person. You will see immediate results after surgery, bruising and swelling can take some weeks to resolve.

Most Cosmetic Surgeons recommend taking at least 1 week off from work and your regular routine. If you have only had a small amount of tumescent liposuction done, you may only need to take a few days off work. To prevent swelling and blood clots, it is recommended that you take regular gentle walks. Any heavy exercise or strenuous activities need to be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks.

To minimise the appearance of scars, some Cosmetic Surgeons may recommend using scar lightening creams, laser treatments or injections. Because UV rays can darken the appearance of scars, you must take care to avoid any prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen for at least 2 months after the procedure.

After the tumescent liposuction procedure, you will have a compression garment on 24/7. Most tumescent liposuction patients need to wear the compression garment for at least 7 days. To absorb the fluid from the incisions, there will be pads inside the compression garment. Your Cosmetic Surgeon and their team will advise you on how to change these.

Are there any risks and complications with tumescent liposuction?

While this is usually an effective and safe procedure that leads to aesthetically pleasing results, there are risks and complications you must consider:

• Excessive blood loss. With today’s modern liposuction techniques, this is extremely uncommon.
• Cosmetic complications. If a patient is not pleased with the outcome, a ‘touch up’ procedure can be performed. This may involve having a small amount of liposuction to an area that is protruding or irregular after the initial liposuction. The final shape from tumescent liposuction will not be usually achieved for 6 months – the tissue remodelling can take up to 12 months.
• Patient selection. If you have poor skin elasticity, you may not be able to get the results you want. It is very important for your Cosmetic Surgeon to manage expectations as to what can and cannot be achieved with this procedure.
• Skin irregularities. This may be caused by over-liposuction or not enough liposuction.
• Skin laxity. If an area has been over-liposuctioned, it can result in a reduction of fat where the skin cannot retract over. If your skin is loose to being with, the likelihood of this happening will increase.
• Deep vein thrombosis. Tumescent liposuction performed under local anaesthetic has a decreased chance of causing deep vein thrombosis than if performed under general anaesthetic. Under local anaesthetic you can still use your muscles during liposuction. This helps to promote circulation and will prevent the stasis of blood.
• Infection after tumescent liposuction. This is extremely uncommon, because a sterile field is always maintained during the procedure. Prophylactic antibiotics are given to the patient immediately before the procedure. Patients also take these for up to a week after the procedure. In addition, the anaesthetic solution given to numb the fat is antibacterial.
• Lignocaine toxicity. Lignocaine is a local anaesthetic agent that is used in most liposculpture procedures. It is safe up to a level that is based on the patient’s weight.
• Haematoma. Wearing compression garments will usually prevent a collection of blood under the skin. In some instances they may need draining.
• Seroma. This collection of fluid under the skin needs daily drainage. Compression garments can help to significantly reduce seroma from forming.

Read the key facts about tumescent liposuction here.

The post How tumescent liposuction can help you look your best appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

It doesn’t matter how strict your diet is or how much exercise you do every day. Your body still has frustrating areas of body fat that will not budge. And while you know there are effective surgical options to remove fat pockets (including liposuction and tumescent liposuction) you don’t have money or time to consider this option.

But before you give up and resign yourself to the fact you’ll have put up with the annoying extra ‘padding’ on your stomach, hips and thighs, consider a non-surgical option, Cool Sculpting.

Cool Sculpting (also known as ‘fat freezing’) is a non-surgical, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that removes fat from ‘problem areas’ – without any downtime. Based on science developed by Harvard University researchers, this innovative “fat freeze” cosmetic procedure involves exposing fat cells to low temperatures.

As a result, your stubborn fat cells become crystallised and destroyed before they are removed naturally by your body’s immune system.

Fat cells do not divide. Overweight people have the same number of fat cells as thin people, however their fat cells are bigger and can keep growing in size indefinitely.

When a fat cell is exploded via Cool Sculpt, the fat will be absorbed into the blood stream, excreted or taken up by the liver and used as energy. In most Cool Sculpting patients, the dead fat cells are eliminated over a period of 4 to 12 weeks.

What is Cool Sculpting?

Cool Sculpting is an effective non-surgical cosmetic treatment to target excess fat around your:

• Waist,
• Abdomen
• Inner and outer thighs
• Love handles
• Back
• Arms
• Chin and neck
• Knees and ankles
• Sides of body including ‘bra fat’.

The Cool Sculpting procedure focuses beams of energy under your skin to explode the fat cells without damaging the skin. This results in a shrinking of the area. This non-Invasive treatment freezes your fat cells, so they die, are naturally processed and then removed from the body.

Most Cool Sculpting patients achieve an average of a 20% fat reduction per area, per treatment. You will see good results from Cool Sculpting 3 weeks after the procedure, with the best results seen at around 3 months.

The number of Cool Sculpting sessions you need will depend on the results you desire. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will be able to tailor your session for your body, goals and budget. It is important to note that some patients can experience slight redness in the treated area and have very mild discomfort for a few hours. This is usually minimal with most patients being able to go back to their daily activities immediately.

Because no incisions are required most Cool Sculpting patients report that the procedure is not painful. During the treatment, you may feel a deep tugging and pulling tugging sensation, slight discomfort and mild numbness. Patients who experience minimal swelling or mild tenderness find this does not last very long.

It is important to note that Cool Sculpting is only effective for removing small areas of fat. If you a large body area that needs to be treated, your Cosmetic Surgeon may advise that you have liposuction, liposculpture, tumescent liposuction or vaser liposuction.

View a Cool Sculpting procedure here.

What happens during the Cool Sculpting treatment?

Before your Cool Sculpting treatment it is important that you have a consultation with a highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeon.

Your treatment can then be tailored for your condition. Most Cool Sculpting procedures are performed as a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ procedure by a fully trained clinician or nurse.

Cool Sculpting targets then destroys fat cells beneath your skin by cooling then crystallising them. This results in the fat cells naturally dying over a period of 4 to 12 weeks. Your body will naturally process and eliminate these dead fat cells.

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of your Cosmetic Surgeon’s team will review and mark the areas that will be treated. A protective gel pad will then be placed on the surface of your skin. This allows the Cool Sculpting applicator to penetrate the treatment area.

The procedure takes from 60 to 90 minutes with most patients experiencing mild, but not severe pain. During Cool Sculpting treatments, many patients read, watch a movie or even check their social media accounts

While most patients get outstanding results from 1 treatment, some patients choose to have multiple treatments in the same area. The 2nd treatment in the same body area can be done 1 week after your first treatment. Any following Cool Sculpting treatments need to be spaced at 1 week apart. It’s important to note you can have more than one body area treated on the same day. It is important to note that non-surgical cosmetic procedures have risks and complications. Read about Cool Sculpting risks and complications here.

Full video of Cassie getting a treatment on Youtube

Who are the best candidates for Cool Sculpting?

The best candidates for Cool Sculpting non-invasive fat removal are those with ‘spot fat’ areas of a small volume. In terms of cost, treating larger areas would take many separate repeated treatments.

These repeated treatments can be more expensive than other cosmetic treatments. If you have a large amount of fat to remove, your Cosmetic Surgeon may suggest you have a liposuction procedure.

What are the typical results from a Cool Sculpting procedure?

After you have your Cool Sculpting procedure, you will be able to start seeing the changes and results in your body as quickly as 3 weeks. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they will be gone for good. You will typically see a 20 per cent visible reduction of fat in the treated area after one session of cool sculpting.

However, to achieve optimal results, some patients choose to have a second round of treatment after 3 months. If you maintain a good diet, exercise regularly and don’t put on additional weight, the results from your cool sculpting procedure will be long-term. These results will continue to improve with additional cool sculpting treatments. The number of treatments you will need is dependent on your individual body characteristics and circumstances.

In the areas that have been treated, most Cool Sculpting patients report seeing a natural looking, noticeable reduction of up to 20% of visible fat in the treated area. While results from Cool Sculpting can be seen within 30 days, it is important to note that optimal results are generally seen between 8 to 12 weeks.

Because this cosmetic procedure is non-surgical, you should be able to resume normal activities and return to work immediately.

How to find the best Cosmetic Surgeons who perform Cool Sculpting procedures in Australia

Before you schedule your Cool Sculpting procedure we suggest you research and then have a few consultations with trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeons After they review your medical history, it is important that you speak to them about their experience with this procedure. Looking at before and after photos from their clients is also helpful.

The post Reshape your body without surgery with Cool Sculpting appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Are you frustrated with the lack of tone and definition in your butt? No matter how far you run or the number of squats and lunges you perform, your butt stays the same. Flat, droopy and undefined.

You’re not alone feeling distressed about the shape and size of your butt. Butt lift surgery can improve the appearance, shape and size of your buttocks.

While breast implant surgery is a popular and well known cosmetic procedure, butt lift surgery is not as well known.

Like breast augmentation surgery, the aim of butt lift surgery is to create a natural looking butt using implants.

What is a butt lift?

A butt lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the butt. It can involve a Brazilian butt lift, butt silicon implants, or fat injection and grafting.

Butt lift surgery tightens and lift loose or sagging skin that exercise and/or diet will not address. Patients who have this surgery want to have a more youthful and naturally lifted butt.

Why do people get butt lifts?

People who choose to have butt lift surgery feel self-conscious about the shape or size of their butt. They may have:

• A poorly defined buttock, or
• A butt that is disproportionate to their body shape.

Trying to develop and reshape the buttocks area through exercise can be very difficult. In many cases, the changes you’re not happy with in your butt shape will be due to genetics and the natural ageing process. Sometimes a butt can become saggy or get ‘deflated’ with weight loss or after pregnancies.

People who choose to undergo butt lift surgery have a variety of butt shape problems. They may also want to:

• Add further volume and roundness to their butt
• Improve the shape, contour and position of the buttocks
• Create more balanced proportions
• Accentuate their overall body contours
• Make the buttocks look more youthful and lifted

How is butt lift cosmetic surgery performed?

Butt lift implant surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, and can take your Cosmetic Surgeon up to two hours to perform. They will make an incision in the natural crease of your buttocks, or another location that is unobtrusive. Through this incision, the Cosmetic Surgeon will create a ‘pocket’ in the existing buttock tissue in which to insert the butt implant.

The butt is positioned in the pocket, usually located behind the largest buttock muscle (gluteal muscle) and above the pelvic bone. Once the butt implant is in place, the incision will be closed with sutures. To remove excess liquid, drains may be inserted.

If you decide choose not to use buttock implants for your butt lift, your Cosmetic Surgeon will use a variety of fat transfer techniques where fat is removed from one part of your body and used in the buttock. Because this fat transfer technique uses your own natural fat, the chances of your body rejecting it is very low.

It is important to note that if you are slim, you may not have enough fat, which can be used to enhance your buttocks. In these cases, a butt implant will be the best option.

What is recovery like after butt lift surgery?

Following the butt implant procedure, you will experience discomfort, which you will need to be managed with pain medication. It is important to note that your recovery process will be affected by the location of the treatment area.

Because the buttocks are a mobile part of the body daily activities like standing, walking and moving will affect them. For the first 10 days after your butt lift surgery, you will not be able to sit on the buttocks, except to go to the bathroom.

For the first 48 hours after the surgery, you will need to rest in bed on your stomach while wearing a compression garment. Most patients are not mobile for at least 3 days after butt lift surgery.

Bruising and swelling will appear in the treated area during recovery. This will gradually dissipate and fade over the following weeks. It is important to note that the final results of the butt lift surgery will not be evident for at least 8 weeks after surgery.

What are the risks or complications with butt lift surgery?

It’s important to note that any surgical operation brings complications of anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will outline the possible complications of having an anaesthetic.

General complications of every surgery include:

• Blood clot in your leg (deep-vein thrombosis – DVT). This can cause pain, swelling or redness in your leg, or the veins near the surface of your leg to appear larger than normal. Your healthcare team will assess your risk. They will encourage you to get out of bed soon after the operation and may give you injections, medication, or special stockings to wear. Let the healthcare team know straightaway if you think you might have a DVT.
• Blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolus). If a blood clot moves through your bloodstream to your lungs. If you become short of breath, feel pain in your chest or upper back, or if you cough up blood, let the healthcare team know straightaway. If you are at home, call an ambulance or go immediately to your nearest Emergency department.

What are the specific risks and complications of butt lift surgery?

When a highly experienced and trained Cosmetic Surgeon performs butt lift surgery, the risks and complications will be minimal.

However, it is important to note that risks and complications include:

• Infection: While infection of the implant is very rare, it can occur. If infection of the butt implant does happen, scar tissue may form around the implant. This can usually be resolved with a course of antibiotics, however if this doesn’t resolve the butt implants may need to be removed.
• Swelling: Swelling of the butt area can occur because of tissue damage. While this is painful, it usually resolves itself.
• Pain: Due to the number of layers of muscle the Cosmetic Surgeon need to cut through to insert the butt implants, pain will occur. To manage this pain, you will be given prescription medication.

How to find the best Australian butt lift Cosmetic Surgeons

Because butt lift surgery is a major cosmetic procedure, it is important to consult with several Cosmetic Surgeons who are highly trained and experienced with this procedure. While butt lift surgery is usually safe and effective, it is important to note that there are risks and complications associated with it.

You can find the best Australian Butt Lift Surgeons here.

The post How a butt lift can give you a more defined and toned butt appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Youtube sensation Shani Grimmond documents her Boob Job Surgery with Dr Tavakoli.

Cosmetic Journey would like to thank Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, specialist Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon for his input into this blog post.

The post Shani Grimmond Boob Job Vlog with Dr Tavakoli appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Breast Implant Removal before and after Jeremy Hunt

When you decided to have breast augmentation surgery you probably didn’t think about whether the breast implants would need to be removed.

However, many women who have breast implant surgery make the decision to have them removed.

Reasons to get the breast implants removed include having a breast cancer diagnosis, being unhappy with the way the breasts look or experiencing complications including capsular contraction.

What is breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reverses the breast augmentation

It simply removes the breast implants or revises the shape and size of them.

Many women who have had breast implant surgery will ultimately need another breast implant revision procedure. These procedures include:

• Removing the implants and replacing them with new implants,
• Repositioning the existing implants, or
• Removing the breast implants without replacement.

If you have had complications with your breast implants (including infection or capsular contracture) your Cosmetic Surgeon may recommend that the breast implants are removed.

Other reasons breast implants need to be removed include:

• A build of calcium
• Infection and/or bleeding
• Necrosis or the development of dead tissues around the breast implant

Who is breast implant removal surgery for?

Some of the more common reasons women choose to have their breast implants removed include:

1. Implant complications: Breast implant complications include implant rupture, folding or deflation (if the breast implant is filled with saline).
2. Personal choice: Some women may feel their breast implants are the wrong shape or size. Over time they may have moved into the wrong position because of weight loss, weight gain or pregnancies.
3. Other complications: Capsular contracture, tension bands asymmetry, displacement, infection and leakage of silicone.

What happens during breast implant removal surgery?

Breast implant removal surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes between 1 to 3 hours. Depending on your recovery, you may be able to go home on the same day of the surgery.

The 3 most common breast implant removal surgery techniques include:

1. Breast implant removal only
2. Breast implant removal with breast lift
3. Deflation

1 Breast implant removal only

Incisions will be made at the same place as where the breast implant surgery was performed. If you are suffering from capsular contracture, they will remove the hardened capsules to accelerate the healing process.

2 Breast implant removal with breast lift

Your Cosmetic Surgeon may perform a breast lift at the same time as your breast implant removal if your breast skin has been stretched or sagged. They will remove any excess breast skin and tighten your breast tissue to provide better support. In some cases, your Cosmetic Surgeon may also re-size your areolas to better fit your breasts new shape.

3 Deflation

If your breast implants are saline, your Cosmetic Surgeon may choose to deflate them without undergoing surgery and can occur in their office under local anaesthesia. Depending on the results of this you may need to have further surgery including a breast lift or breast implant replacement surgery.

What is recovery like after breast implant removal surgery?

Whilst recovery from breast implant surgery varies from person to person, most Cosmetic Surgeons agree that recovery after this surgery is usually smoother than the initial breast implant surgery. However, if you’ve had a breast lift after the breast implants have been removed, your breasts will feel tight and heavy for a few weeks.

Most women are able to return to work in 5 days and report experiencing minimal discomfort after the surgery. If you’ve had the breast implants removed due to capsular contracture, there will be more discomfort and the recovery time will be longer.

Breast implant removal scars typically heal very well and are often inconspicuous. It’s important to note they heal in stages with the process taking 3 to 4 months. While the scars will fade, they will never disappear entirely.

You will need to avoid lifting anything over 5 kilograms or exercising excessively for the first 6 weeks after your surgery. While you will be usually be able to resume normal activity after 6 weeks, your breasts will take several months to settle into their new position.

It is very important to follow the instructions your Cosmetic Surgeon gives you including:

• Avoiding certain activities
• Wearing compression garments, and
• Taking pain medication as prescribed.

Are there risks or complications with breast implant removal surgery?

Every cosmetic surgery procedure brings complications of anaesthesia, which your Anaesthetist will outline.

General complications of every surgery include:

• Blood clot in your leg (deep-vein thrombosis – DVT). This can cause pain, swelling or redness in your leg, or the veins near the surface of your leg to appear larger than normal. Your healthcare team will assess your risk. They will encourage you to get out of bed soon after the operation and may give you injections, medication, or special stockings to wear. Let the healthcare team know straightaway if you think you might have a DVT.
• Blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolus). If a blood clot moves through your bloodstream to your lungs. If you become short of breath, feel pain in your chest or upper back, or if you cough up blood, let the healthcare team know straightaway. If you are at home, call an ambulance or go immediately to your nearest Emergency department.

What are the specific risks and complications of breast implant removal surgery?

When a highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgeon performs breast implant removal surgery, the complications and risks will be minimal. It is important to note that risks and complications can include:

• Breast sensation becoming less sensitive which may last up to 6 months
• Development of thick, red, and painful scars which may last for a few years
• Numbness of the breast area
• Breast deformity or sagging of the breast area

Essential things to know about breast implant removal surgery

• It is usual to experience discomfort and soreness after the breast implant removal procedure. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise how much time you will need to take off work and your daily activities. Generally patients report that breast implant removal is more comfortable than the breast augmentation surgery.
• Breast implant removal surgery can address a variety of concerns, capsular contracture, implant malfunction, and dissatisfaction with breast size. If a woman chooses not to replace the breast implants, a breast lift may required to address the skin that has been stretched.
• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Future surgeries will probably be required to replace or remove one or both implants through a revision procedure.
• In some cases, a breast implant removal procedure can be more complicated than a breast implant replacement. In some cases, breast implant removal is more prone to infection and bleeding.

How to find the best Australian breast implant removal Cosmetic Surgeons

We suggest you consult with several Cosmetic Surgeons if you are considering breast implant removal surgery. In most cases, breast implant removal surgeries are safe and effective, however there are risks and complications associated with it.

Find the best Australian Breast Implant Removal Cosmetic Surgeons here.

What results can you expect from breast implant removal surgery?

Once you’ve had the breast implants removed, your breasts will initially look deflated. It can take 2 to 3 weeks for the breasts to regain their volume. If you’ve had a breast lift after the breast implants have been removed, your breasts will not have a ‘caved in’ appearance. It is important to note that while your scars will heal and fade over time, they will never fully disappear.

Following your breast implant removal surgery, your breasts will not look the same as before you had the original breast implant surgery. This result is because the weight of the breast implants stretches the tissue and causes changes in the rib area.

To get a more accurate idea of the kind of results you can expect, it is a good idea to ask your Cosmetic Surgeon for before and after photos.

The post I have breast implants but need them removed. What happens during this surgery? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

(before and after photo by Dr Sam Cunneen)

Deciding to have a tummy tuck operation was a big deal. You spent time thoroughly researching the procedure and chose a good surgeon.

But now 12 months has passed and you really don’t like the results. You don’t have to put up with this though.

Tummy tuck revision is a surgical procedure that aims to resolve the issues that resulted from your original tummy tuck surgery.

What is a tummy tuck revision?

Tummy tuck surgery (also called abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and loose from the lower and middle abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery can also flatten the abdominal area and tighten separated abdominal muscles.

After tummy tuck surgery, people consider getting tummy tuck revision surgery for various reasons including:

• Post-operative weight loss or weight gain or weight loss,
• A new pregnancy, or
• Because they’re unhappy with the results from the first tummy tuck procedure.

Why you may need to get tummy tuck revision surgery

There are 5 common reasons people see a Cosmetic Surgeon to get tummy tuck revision surgery including:

1.    Scar revision

The final look and outcome of the scars from your tummy tuck will depend on the genetics of your scar formation and the way your body heals. Even though there are specific surgical techniques to minimise scarring, scar thickening and malposition can still occur.

In many cases a Cosmetic Surgeon will be able to correct the scar position, however this will depend on your skin tone and the amount of residual skin you have.

2.    Umbilical distortion

Your umbilicus (belly button) can become distorted due to:

• An obvious scar around the umbilicus will become obvious if the umbilicus is not made deep enough.
• Umbilical stenosis. This occurs when the umbilicus becomes small after surgery.
• An elongated slit looking occurs if too much skin has been excised resulting in increased tension of the closure. When the new umbilicus is created, the vertical pull of the skin causes the shape to change from a round to an elliptical and elongated shape.
• An enlarged umbilicus can occur for several reasons including stretched skin in a radial direction due to an intrinsic laxity of the skin or if the new umbilicus is not designed to a proper dimension. It is important to note that a belly button should be no larger than 1.5 cm in its vertical and horizontal dimension.

3.    Unsatisfactory overall tummy tuck appearance

Some tummy tuck patients need to have the abdominal skin elevated to recreate the abdominal contours.

It is important to note that if you need this performed; your abdominal scar will be higher than normal due to the excess skin that was previously excised.

4.    Residual deformities

The most common residual deformities include:

• The most common areas that require revision due to fat deposits are the mons pubis. If liposuction is not performed in this area, you will have a flat abdomen however you will have unsightly bulginess that will be aesthetically unpleasant.
• A dog-ear occurs as a result of a significant lack of soft tissue excision, which leads to the tissue bunching on the sides.
• Inadequate tissue removal usually occurs due to poor surgical planning where the overall skin elasticity is not taken into account when removing the excess skin.

5.    Epi-gastric bulginess

You will have a bulging abdominal area if there has been insufficient suturing of the abdominal wall muscles above your belly button.

To fix this issue, your Cosmetic Surgeon will suture the abdominal wall from the most inferior aspect of the chest to the lowest part of the abdomen area.

What happens during tummy tuck revision surgery?

During the tummy tuck revision surgery your Cosmetic Surgeon will reposition the abdominal muscles so they are tight and flat.

This process also ensures that any abdominal muscles that have separated or stretched can be brought back together. Most patients need to stay for at least one night in hospital.

Read more facts about tummy tuck revision surgery here.

How do I find the best Australian Tummy Tuck Revision Surgeon?

With any surgical procedure, the most important factor in choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon is experience.

We suggest you look for a board-certified Cosmetic Surgeon who performs the tummy tuck revision procedure frequently and has proven safe results.

Find the best Tummy Tuck Revision Cosmetic Surgeons in Australia here.

Are there risks or complications with tummy tuck revision surgery?

Any surgical operation brings risks or complications that can include:

• Anaesthesia complications,
• Pain,
• Infection of the surgical site,
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or
• Pulmonary embolus

Specific complications of tummy tuck revision surgery include:

• Numbness or continued pain on your abdomen caused by injury to the small nerves that supply your skin. This can resolve after a few weeks but may continue for many months.
• Developing a swelling under the skin in your lower abdomen caused by blood or fluid collecting. Excess blood or fluid can be removed with a small procedure.
• Cosmetic and aesthetic problems can occur after a tummy tuck revision operation.

What is recovery like after tummy tuck revision surgery?

Recovery time varies from patient to patient. Some patients feel well enough to return to work and daily activities in 7 days, other patients require 2 or 3 weeks recovery.

To help the recovery process, wearing compression garments will help. If you experience pain, your Cosmetic Surgeon will prescribe medication.

The post I’ve had tummy tuck surgery but don’t like the results. What can I do? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

When you decided to have breast augmentation surgery you had a picture in your mind about how your breasts would look post-op.

To start with you liked the way you looked, but now the swelling and bruising has subsided you feel upset about the results. You’re not alone feeling like this.

Even when breast enhancement surgery is performed by highly experienced Cosmetic Surgeons, the post-op results may not meet patient expectations.

Breast implant revision typically involves replacing silicone or saline implants to correct problems that have occurred from the primary surgery including:

• Asymmetry
• Breast displacement, tension bands, silicone leakage or infection.
• Breast implant malfunction
• Capsular contraction
• Dissatisfaction with the breast size

Why do women get revision surgery for their breast implants?

Over time, changes to your breasts and the implants will occur. Women who get revision surgery typically experience:

• Asymmetrical results
• Breast implant rippling or rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Sagging breasts as a result of pregnancy or weight fluctuation

Your overall health must be good before you can be considered for this surgery. You may not be a good candidate if you smoke, have a neurological disorder or a heart or lung condition.

At the consultation with your Cosmetic Surgeon they will assess your suitability.

Important facts about breast revision surgery

This surgery can involve anything from a simple replacement (if there is an implant issue) to a more complex surgical procedure.

Revision surgery is common, because implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, some implants can last for 10-15 years. Some have better reputations for durability and long-term effectiveness than others do.

The longevity of your implants will be affected by life events including weight change, pregnancy and menopause.

How is this surgery performed?

The type of breast revision procedure you have will depend on the type of issue that your Cosmetic Surgeon is addressing. They usually use the same incisions as your primary procedure.

If the nipple position needs to be adjusted, you will need to have extra incisions. The type of incision will depend on the amount of lift you require.

If you need to have sagging breast skin removed, the Cosmetic Surgeon may also need to make a horizontal incision along the breast crease. If you have capsular contracture, the Cosmetic Surgeon will remove the hardened capsules before they insert the new breast implants.

Performed under general anaesthesia, revision surgeries usually take between 1 to 3 hours. After the surgery is performed, you will be taken to a recovery area to be observed. Most patients usually go home on the day of their surgery if there have been complications. It is important to note that revision surgery, like all cosmetic surgery has risks and complications.

Just like your breast enhancement surgery you will be shown a number of styles, contours and sizes of implants to choose from.

Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel before the surgery. Because your body does not absorb silicone it’s important to monitor the status of the implants with regular check-ups and MRI’s.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. If these implants leak, they will deflate and your body will naturally absorb and remove the saline.

Cohesive gel implants use a silicone gel that is thicker than traditional silicone filling. These types of implants usually retain their shape better than others.

How to choose the best Cosmetic Surgeon for your breast revision

Breast revision is a complex and challenging cosmetic surgery procedure. The most important factor in choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon is experience.

During the consultation we suggest you get answers to questions that include:

• Do your implants cause you pain?
• Have the implants hardened?
• Are you happy with the look of your implants?
• Do you have breast rippling or movement?
• Have you lost your cleavage?
• Are your implants moving?
• If you have revision surgery, and it does not deliver the results you desire are you prepared?

If you’re not comfortable about consulting with your original Cosmetic Surgeon, it is a good idea to see at least 3 new Cosmetic Surgeons for a consultation. Find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons specialising in revision surgery here.

What is the recovery process like after this type of surgery?

While recovery from revision surgery varies from person to person, many women report that their recovery is faster and less uncomfortable than the primary surgery. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your surgery, you will feel sore and be unable to lift your arms over your head or carry anything over 5kg. To encourage blood flow and reduce swelling, Cosmetic Surgeons recommend that you undertake light activities including walking.

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will give you instructions and information about your surgery including:

• Taking care of your drains
• Time required off work and daily activities
• Taking pain medication
• Wearing compression garments and
• Avoiding certain activities.

Image and Video by Dr Tavakoli

The post What you need to know about breast revision appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Aside from the initial decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery, one of the single most difficult decisions patients face is deciding on the implant size.

The post Dr Howard Webster: Why can’t I have the implant size I want? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Leading Plastic Surgeon, Dr Kourosh Tavakoli and his team have created this quick guide to BBL recovery. 

Read more about Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) on Dr Tavakoli’s website.

The post Quick guide to Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery Time appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Deciding to have a breast reconstruction is a personal choice that needs to take into account how the surgery may affect you physically and emotionally.

As another option, some women choose not to have a breast reconstruction preferring to use prostheses.

Having a breast reconstruction at the time of your mastectomy can give you good cosmetic results, however if you cannot make a decision it can be done at a later time.

The two major methods of breast reconstruction include implant reconstruction, where breast implants are used to replace the breast tissue and flap reconstruction, where tissues are taken from another part of the body to replace the breast tissue.

Who is this surgery for?

When considering breast reconstruction it is vital to discuss your options with your Oncologist and/or your Cosmetic Surgeon

While Cosmetic Surgeons can reconstruct any type of breast shape after any type of breast cancer procedure, the most important priority is to treat the breast cancer. It is very important that breast reconstruction does not compromise the treatment of your breast cancer.

Patients with all types of premalignant disease or breast cancer and at all stages of treatment can be referred to Cosmetic Surgeons for breast reconstruction. This includes women who have:

• Had a positive gene test for breast cancer in which a preventative mastectomy was recommended,
• Been diagnosed with DCIS (a pre-invasive type of breast cancer), or
• Already been treated for breast cancer but were recommended to delay the breast reconstruction.

The decision to undergo breast reconstruction is a personal choice that will impact you physically and emotionally. It is important to consider factors including your lifestyle, job requirements, recovery length, and your current and desired breast shape and size.

Women contemplate breast reconstruction surgery for many reasons including:

• Wanting to feel ‘whole’ again after mastectomy surgery,
• Having their breasts match each other,
• Being able to wear clothing without needing prostheses,
• Feeling more comfortable and confident with their partner.

How is breast reconstruction performed?

The breast reconstruction techniques  your Cosmetic Surgeon undertakes will depend on whether they use implant or tissue grafts. This surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia and will require a couple of nights in hospital.

The incisions used will vary with every effort being made to make visible post-operative scarring as discreet as possible.

Implant reconstruction

The first step in an implant reconstruction procedure is to place the implant into the pocket from which the breast tissue was removed.

If you have a shortage of skin, you will need to have 2 separate procedures scheduled several months apart. A tissue expander is used to stretch the breast skin and over a period of several months the skin is stretched and expanded with injections of saline.

Once your skin has been sufficiently stretched, the Cosmetic Surgeon will perform the second procedure. This will involve removing the expander and placing a permanent breast implant inside. During this second surgery the nipple can also be constructed.

Each procedures takes approximately 1 to 3 hours and the recovery time is usually faster than with other types of reconstruction.

You will need to stay in hospital for the first stage of this procedure but be able to have the second procedure performed as day surgery.

Find out about the possible complications from implant breast reconstruction here.

Flap reconstruction 

This reconstruction method involves using a living piece of your body tissue (called a ‘flap’) to reconstruct the breast.

This results in the breast feeling more natural than when implants are used. The tissue is usually taken from the lower abdomen, which is then repaired as a tummy tuck. However tissue can also be taken from your back, buttock or inner thigh area.

After the tissue has been secured it is transferred onto the chest and the blood supply is connected to an artery and vein in the chest wall via microsurgery.

Because the implant is created from living tissue the Cosmetic Surgeon can achieve a greater variation of the final shape. A reconstructed breast using this method can be easily modelled to look like the opposite breast. Nipple construction is done in a second procedure.

Because this procedure takes longer than implant reconstruction you will need to stay in hospital for at least 7 days.

Find out about the possible complications from flap reconstruction here.

Follow-Up Procedure

After your breast reconstruction, after 6 months most patients will benefit from day surgery to do a final shaping of the reconstructed breast.

This follow-up procedure is usually a simple one with a fast recovery time. Most women only require only a couple of days off work.

During this procedure scars can be improved and nipples can be constructed by a medical tattooist, which match your other nipple.

Essential questions to ask before you have a breast reconstruction

While breast reconstruction is usually safe and effective and can improve the shape of your breasts, complications can happen.

It is very important to consider your options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results. The surgical plan will depend upon your body shape, the cancer treatment you have had, and the shape of the other breast.

We suggest you make a schedule a couple of appointments with specialist Breast Reconstruction Cosmetic Surgeons. You will need to have one or more consultation visits with the Cosmetic Surgeon before the surgery to develop a plan for the breast reconstruction.

We recommend you ask questions that include:

• How will my reconstructed breast(s) feel to the touch?
• If using a tissue flap, will there be pain, scars, or other changes in the parts of my body where the tissue is taken from?
• If I get a breast implant, how long will it last?
• What kinds of changes to the breast can I expect over time?
• How will ageing affect the reconstructed breast?
• What types of reconstruction could I have and which one would best suit me?
• How long would it take me to recover from each type of procedure?
• How many of these breast reconstruction procedures have you performed?
• Will the reconstructed breast match my other breast?
• Could I have the nipple reconstructed if I choose to? How would this be done?

What is the breast reconstruction recovery like?

Breast reconstruction is a cosmetic procedure and some patients are dissatisfied with the results. If you have had radiation treatment your Cosmetic Surgeon will have unique challenges because the breast tissue will have tightened. In some cases recovery can be more painful and prolonged than for patients who have not had radiation treatment.

Your recovery time will depend on the technique your Cosmetic Surgeon uses. To prevent blood and fluid from building up, you might have a dressing over your breasts with drains in. Your Cosmetic Surgeon and their medical team will give you information on post recovery care, including which pain medication to take.

It is normal to feel tired and sore for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery with most women being able to get back to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. Bruising and swelling is normal and can take up to 8 weeks to resolve the scar tissue can take 1 to 2 years to fully heal. While the scars will fade they will never disappear.

It is important to note that breast reconstruction may not restore normal feeling to your breast.

The post Is breast reconstruction right for you? appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.

Leading Plastic Surgeon and breast specialist, Dr Kourosh Tavakoli along with two of his patients appeared on the Morning Show to discuss reshaping the breasts with fat only.

Dr Tavakoli demonstrates how fat grafting combined with breast reduction and/or mastopexy in the right patient can be used create upper pole fullness to the breast that previously would have only been possible with a breast implant.

By using the patients own fat, Dr Tavakoli explains that it provides a more natural solution to those who may not be suitable for a breast implant or who do not wish to have a breast implant for personal reasons.

Watch the video to find out more.

Cosmetic Journey would like to thank Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, specialist Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon for his input into this blog post.

The post Dr Tavakoli: Avoiding a breast implant by using your own fat appeared first on Cosmetic Journey | Blog.