Body Contour Surgery
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty or 'Tummy Tuck' restores a youthful appearance to the abdomen by the removal of excess abdominal ptosis involving excess abdominal fat, skin and sometimes muscle weakness. This condition is more produced by weight loss following pregnancy, trauma and congenital anomalies.
During the procedure excess lower abdominal skin and fat is removed, the umbilicus is repositioned and the underlying muscles are often tightened. Liposuction may be used in conjunction with the procedure in order to further enhance the final outcome. Repair of abdominal hernias is sometimes possible at the time of the procedure.
Many variants of abdominal contour deformity are seen and treatment may be varied accordingly. In some circumstances liposuction alone is the procedure of choice. In other circumstances skin resection only is necessary.
In order to get the best result all facets of the operation need to be discussed with Mr Barnett and understood prior to doing an operation.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure whereby excess body fat or cellulite is removed by using a thin metal tube or cannula combined with a suction device.
Liposuction is not an alternative to weight reduction however it can be used to modify areas which are resistant to dieting and exercise. Liposuction is designed to give a percentage improvement rather than total removal of the cellulite. Some contour needs to remain for one to look balanced and normal. Removal of too much cellulite may create a secondary deformity.
Liposuction is most often used for the abdomen and buttocks, breasts, chest and back, arms, legs, neck and chin. It may be used in conjunction with other abdominal procedures such as abdominoplasty or a reduction mammoplasty in order to get a more natural result.
Liposuction is often used solely for the treatment of male gynaecomastia or man boobs.
Body Lift Surgery
Body Contour Surgery or a Body Lift may be sought following weight reduction where large amounts of body weight have been lost. Once the patient’s weight has stabilised for 12 months there may be secondary folds or flaps of tissue affecting all parts of the body.
Most commonly redundant flaps of skin and fat affect the lower abdomen and not infrequently may encircle the body affecting the back as well. The upper inner arms and upper inner thighs are also commonly affected. Operations are performed using various combinations of surgery and liposuction in order to restore body contour to these areas. Depending on the amount of tissue that is to be removed the operations may be performed as a whole or sometimes sequentially. There is a limit to surgery advised at any one particular operation.
Occasionally the breasts and face and in particular the neck may be affected by gross weight loss. These areas may be addressed by breast reduction or mastopexy, that is skin reduction with breast reshaping. Sometimes an augmentation mammoplasty is required to achieve more pleasing breast contour.
A face and neck lift give excellent rejuvenation to the face following weight loss procedures.
