Tummy Tuck – Frequently Asked Questions
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 18 December 2018
Tummy tucks – also known as abdominoplasties – have grown significantly in popularity over the past 15 years, and they are now one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Part of the reason why tummy tucks have grown in popularity over the years is our increased focus on health and fitness, but another big reason is that tummy tucks can provide dramatic results. There have been recent advances in the procedure that offer better pain control and a better recovery. Now may be a good time to take a fresh look at some of the most common questions that patients ask us about abdominoplasties.
“Do I need a full tummy tuck, or can I have a smaller scar – say with a “mini” tummy tuck or just liposuction?”
There is not just one type of tummy tuck – abdominal contouring can include a variety of approaches depending on one’s individual situation. It is often helpful to think of a tummy tuck in terms of where the problem is. Is there too much loose skin, is there too much fat, or have the muscles been stretched or separated by pregnancy? If your skin is relatively tight then you may be a good candidate for a reduced scar approach, such as liposuction (tiny scars), an endoscopic abdominoplasty (1-2 inch scar), or a mini-abdominoplasty (a scar about the length of a C-section). On the other hand, if there is a lot of loose skin that you will need tightened, that will require a longer scar. If there is too much fat, then liposuction can be combined with the removal of skin – a very common situation. If the muscles are separated, then some sort of tummy tuck with muscle repair is needed, however the incision can be short or long depending on the skin.
“Do I have to have a drain after a tummy tuck?”
Historically the answer to that question was “yes”; however, new techniques have eliminated the need for drains in many cases. I can now use special stitches – known as progressive tension sutures – to seal the tissue together so that there is no need for a drain. The progressive tension technique has another advantage as well; it often allows us to remove a bit more skin than we could otherwise. Although I currently can’t prove it, I also suspect that the sutures help make the scar from the tummy tuck better because they reduce the tension on the skin during healing. Patients love it when they don’t have to have drains.
“How much pain will I have after a tummy tuck?”
Historically tummy tucks were one of the more painful operations that plastic surgeons performed, especially when repair of the muscles was required. Over the past several years, the development of some new ways of controlling pain has helped this situation a lot. First came the development of pain pumps – these are devices that push a local anesthetic through a small tube and into the area of surgery. These were very helpful and many surgeons still use them, but it requires a tube coming out of the skin. More recently there has been the development of a long lasting local anesthetic which can give significant pain control for up to 3 days, and it doesn’t require a tube. Good pain control clearly makes the recovery more pleasant. It also means that less narcotic pain medicine is required; therefore, there is less chance of a reaction to the medication. In addition, it may make the surgery even safer by allowing patients to move around more easily and to be more active.
“How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck?”
Well, the answer depends on several factors and to what level of recovery you are thinking about. If you don’t need the muscles repaired, it is likely that your recovery is going to be easier and quicker. Most patients having a full tummy tuck (with muscle repair) find that they are generally able to drive a car within a week, depending on their pain level (remember you don’t want to drive when on pain medicine). Many patients can work remotely from home, and find that they are able to log on to their computers, answer emails, or even have a conference call after only a few days, although they won’t feel like going in to work for maybe 2-3 weeks post surgery. Light exercise (e.g. walking or gently peddling on a stationary bike) can start by this time as well. By 6-8 weeks, most patients would consider themselves fully or nearly fully recovered, although it is worth remembering that the nerves will continue to heal, the scar will continue to fade, and the swelling will continue to go down for several months.
“Will the results last?”
Yes! As long as your weight remains stable over time, abdominoplasties are typically a ‘once and done’ procedure, never needing to be repeated. Of course your skin will age a bit over the decades, but it usually never gets back to the looseness that you may have experienced before surgery.
“After pregnancy, my tummy needs help, but my breasts do, too. Can you work on both at the same time?”
Not only is the answer “yes”, but combining a tummy tuck with a breast lift or breast augmentation – popularly called a “mommy makeover” – is very common. Moms love their little ones, but it is great to get their bodies back, too!
Will a tummy tuck help my stretch marks?”
That depends on where the stretch marks are located, but the answer is usually “yes”. A full tummy tuck removes most of the skin in the lower abdomen, and any stretch marks in this zone will be removed along with the loose skin. Stretch marks outside of that zone are not really going to be helped.
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 18 December 2018
Dermal FillerS for Facial Rejuvenation
Fillers in Dubai | 15 December 2018
Although no one likes the thought of aging, we can be thankful that we are living in this modern age when there are more facial cosmetic procedures than ever before to aid in the battle against time. Injectable fillers are not only effective, they are a completely safe method of rejuvenating the face.
Even in the past 10 years, there have been advancements in the science of fillers, and I can offer several different approved brands. The most popular are Juvéderm, Restylane, Radiesse, Teosyal and Neauvia. The area of the face that requires filling determines the type of filler that the doctor will choose. Some fillers have a thicker consistency than others and are more suited to areas where more substance is needed to achieve the desired lift. It is possible to fill nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth), cheekbones, noses, chins, tear troughs, jowls, and lips.
CONTOURING AND REFINING FEATURES
When injected by an experienced professional, fillers also have the ability to contour and refine features. Lips can be augmented to reduce the lines that appear with aging, and humpy noses can be starightened so that they balance nicely with other facial features. A flat chin can be injected with filler to provide a symmetrical profile. Cheek bones can be injected to provide a natural-looking lift to the face. Although amazing results can be achieved with injectable fillers, it is the artist in control of the needle who determines the final outcome. It takes artistry, not just a licence, to sculpt the face in perfect harmony and proportions.
Not only can fillers be injected in a short period of time, but there is also little discomfort for the patient. Local anaesthetic can be administered prior to the injections, and some brands even have the anaesthetic combined with the filler. Slight swelling or redness at the injection site may be experienced, but this is minimal, eliminating the need to take a few days off of work to heal. Another major benefit of injectable fillers is that they are affordable. Great results can be accomplished without breaking your pocket book.
THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING DERMAL FILLERS
Whether you are considering getting dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles or enhance facial contours, a quick look at some criteria and facts will help you know you have come to the right place for your treatment.
Dermal fillers should be injected only by an experienced and qualified medical doctor. This procedure requires qualifications, experience, and an artistic edge, because 90% of the success of cosmetic procedures depends on who is doing them. For example, a bad haircut would indicate the level of experience of the stylist, not the scissors that were used. This is why it is extremely important to inquire about the credentials of your practitioner and ask to see before and after pictures. Getting a consultation first is advisable, as you would get a chance to see my facility and raise your questions or concerns with me.
YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Bringing a picture of your younger self to your appointment is helpful. However, bringing a picture of your favorite celebrity is not conducive. While you may see one aspect or feature of your face, it is important to know that a face has to be analysed in whole and not in part. The aim of the injectable procedure is to look naturally enhanced. It is also important to understand that each face has its own asymmetry. A good doctor can help bring more symmetry while keeping the overall aesthetics of the face visually pleasing. So make the most of your consultation by being open to recommendations. Your doctor sees in three dimensions, and you would benefit from exploring all your options.
THE ACTUAL PRODUCT
There are many types of dermal fillers on the market. But the most common of them are hyaluronic acid (HA) products. They have proven to produce natural and lasting results while maintaining fluidity to move with facial expressions. This line of dermal fillers also incorporates antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to deliver further treatment benefits while filling and contouring the face.
HOW LONG THE RESULTS WILL LAST
Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers also naturally occurs in the body and therefore gets metabolized eventually. Depending on the dermal filler chosen and whether or not this is the first time you are having a filler injected, you can expect results to last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the results, which is very rare, HA fillers are also dissolvable at your request by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER THE INJECTION
It is always best to schedule your injectable appointments a couple of days to a week prior to any major event. With dermal filler injections, you will also need to take bruising and swelling into account. You can reduce this likelihood by stopping any supplements that can act like blood thinners such as fish oil and also some pain killers such as Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, etc., 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
After your dermal fillers treatment, follow the post-care instructions given, which include applying cold compresses, avoiding extremely cold or hot drinks, sun exposure, extreme temperatures, excess facial mimicry, and vigorous exercises. Being gentle is key.
Fillers in Dubai | 15 December 2018
Passionate about skin and fuss-free beauty
Fillers in Dubai | 12 December 2018
I am passionate about skin and fuss-free beauty. I have put together this brief guide of some of the most popular skin and aesthetic concerns which I see regularly in clinic. Over time I will continue to expand and update my dataset in order to provide you with concise and accurate information. Don’t forget to visit my website for more guides, news and blogs.
FOREHEAD WRINKLES & FROWN LINES
Forehead wrinkles are horizontal lines that appear on the forehead due to contraction of the muscles that raise the eyebrows. Frown lines are verticle wrinkles that appear between the eyes when you squint or frown. Both these wrinkles initially appear when you are moving the muscles responsible but over time can become ingrained and apparent even when your face is still. Whilst natural, most people seek treatment as they feel these lines make them look grumpy, anxious or even angry.
What Causes Forehead Wrinkles & Frown Lines?
Both forehead wrinkles and frown lines are predominantly caused by ageing. As we get older we lose both collagen and elastin. These two proteins form the scaffolding of the skin. Hence, they are responsible for keeping your skin firm, elastic and plump. As thin becomes thinner and less stretchy, wrinkles develop. Initially, this is when the muscles underlying them contracts such as when you raise your eyebrows or frown. Eventually, forehead wrinkles and frown lines become deeper and visible even when you aren’t moving your face. Sun damage, or photoaging, are also a cause.
Treatment Options For Forehead Wrinkles & Frown Lines
Thankfully there are a number of treatment options for forehead wrinkles and frown lines. The first step is to ensure that you have a good skincare routine which helps hydrate, nourish and protect your skin.
Botox® For Forehead Wrinkles & Frown Lines
Botox® injections are highly effective for wrinkles and lines that are only apparent when you make an expression. The treatment is quick and pain-free with results lasting for 3-4 months.
Dermal Fillers For Forehead Wrinkles & Frown Lines
If your wrinkles and lines are deeper and appear at rest then Botox® is likely to not completely smooth them out. Dermal filler anti-wrinkle injections, however, can very effectively treat these areas and results last between 6-12 months.
Professional Skin Treatments For Frown Lines & Forehead Wrinkles
Botox® and dermal fillers offer immediate smoothing out of lines and wrinkles by reducing muscle contraction (Botox®) or by filling out and lifting the skin (dermal fillers). Professional skin treatments are really useful if you’re looking to address the underlying cause of wrinkles in the long term. A combination of a course of chemical peels and microneedling will resurface the skin and induce collagen and elastin production. This will smooth out lines and wrinkles, firm and plump up the skin as well as give a youthful glowing complexion. In the long term, these bespoke skin rejuvenating treatments could reduce the need for treatments like Botox and dermal fillers.
CROW’S FEET & SMILE LINES
Crow’s feet, also known as smile lines, are wrinkles that appear on the outer corners of the eye. They are caused by contraction of the muscles responsible for squinting, smiling, laughing or frowning. Initially, these wrinkles are only visible when you smile or laugh but over time, like all wrinkles, they become deeper. Ingrained Crow’s feet and smile lines are visible whether or not you contract the underlying muscles (ie even when you’re resting the muscles of expression). Crow’s feet can also extend upwards towards the temple and downwards to affect the cheeks when they are more advanced and as volume is lost in these areas of the face with age.
What Causes Crow’s Feet & Smile Lines?
The main reason Crow’s feet or smile lines develop is due to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. These proteins are the skin’s natural plumpers and provide elasticity. Hence losing them causes skin to become thinner and for wrinkles to become apparrent. Loss of colllagen and elastin occurs naturally as we age. Of course, the other cause of the appearance of wrinkles is sun damage (or photageing).
Treatments For Crow’s Feet & Smile Lines
First of all its important to start with basics like understanding your skin type and following a basic skincare routine. Simple lifestyle modifications such as sun protection, keeping hydrated and stopping smoking will also help slow down the development of Crow’s feet or smile lines.
Chemical Peels & Collagen Induction Therapy
There are a number of effective treatments for existing Crow’s feet and smile lines. The simplest option for very early signs of fine lines and wrinkles would be a course of chemical peels and/or microneedling. These resurface the skin and induce collagen and elastin production.
Botox Injections
If you have Crow’s feet that are only evident on making expression, these can be treated very easily with Botox anti-wrinkle injections. For Crow’s feet or smile lines that are deeper (ie visible without making any expressions), then using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers would provide a better option.
Dermal Fillers
For more advanced Crow’s feet or under eye wrinkles and tear trough deformities, a combination of different dermal fillers can offer a natural looking solution. If you have smile lines that extend deep onto the cheeks, then you might which to consider both cheek fillers and wrinkle smoothing with dermal filler in order to restore volume and lift the wrinkles. For co-existing under eye hollows and wrinkles, the addition of tear trough fillers would help to completely rejuvenate the under eye area.
JAWLINE CONTOURING & SQUARE JAW REDUCTION
The shape of the jaw is dependent on the bone, muscles, fat and skin the comprise it. There are many factors that affect the appearance of the jaw including genetics and lifestyle. Some people seek to enhance the shape of the jaw (usually if there is sagging of the lower face or if they are seeking a more defined appearance) by having jawline contouring. This can widen or narrow and shorten or lengthen the appearance of the jawline as required. Jawline contouring can also help lift and firm up the appearance of a sagging lower face. For those with a wide jaw, square jaw reduction can help produce a narrower V-shaped jawline. Ultimately, the results are dependent on your face shape, targets and the abilities of your aesthetic doctor.
What Causes The Appearance Of A Sagging Or Square Jaw?
The shape of the lower face is made up of several structures including your jaw bones, muscles and soft tissues like fat or skin. Whilst genetics play a huge part in terms of the shape and size of these facial structures, there are a number of other factors that come in to play. The main cause for lack of definition or sagging of the jawline is ageing and reduced face volume. One of the main reasons for developing a square jaw in both men and women can be overactivity of the chewing muscles which is usually caused by tooth grinding. Other factors that can give the appearance of loss of definition, jawline sagging or a square jaw is ageing and loss of volume in the cheeks or lack of chin prominence or neck sagging.
Non-Surgical Jawline Contouring & Square Jaw Reduction
There are a number of non-surgical options for enhancing the jawline and reducing a square jaw. Botox injections are an effective treatment for square jaw reduction which also has the benefit of stopping teeth grinding. These Botox injections can also be used to lift a sagging neck and hence sculpt the lower face and jawline.
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be used alone or in combination with Botox for jawline contouring. Dermal fillers can be used to directly reshape the jawline and lift up the lower face. A combination of jawline, cheek and chin dermal fillers to contour the jawline and the whole face.
If the aim is to reduce the appearance of a square jaw or face, then a combination of Botox and dermal fillers can be used to provide a more contoured and V-line jaw appearance.
JOWLS & MARIONETTE LINES
Jowls are loose skin and flesh that hang beneath the lower jawline. Marionette lines or “puppet lines” are lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin. Both are a sign of ageing and volume loss in the face. One of the most commonly cited reasons for wanting to get rid of them is because they give the appearance of being grumpy or sad.
What Causes Jowls & Marionette Lines?
The main cause of both jowls and marionette lines is ageing. As we get older our skin becomes thinner and less pliable. This is due to loss of collagen and elastin. At the same time, we also lose volume in the face (particularly in the midface area) which provides scaffolding and shape. Both these processes result in sagging of the skin and tissues which gives rise to jowls and marionette lines in the lower face. Other factors which exacerbate skin ageing are smoking, sun-damage and genetics.
Treatment Options For Jowls & Marionette Lines
There are a number of treatment options for jowls and marionette lines. First of all, it is very important to ensure that you follow a regular skincare routine tailored to your skin type. Two highly effective and non-surgical options that I offer are Botox® and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Which of these (if any) is suitable for you will depend on your expectations and the severity of the lines.
Botox® For Jowls & Marionette Lines
For moderate jowls, I offer jawline tightening with Botox®. This treatment can soften the appearance of early jowling and provide a more defined jawline and sculpted neck. Whilst its possible to soften the appearance of marionette lines with Botox®, I do not think that this is the most effective treatment on its own. However, in some circumstances, I combine Botox with dermal fillers for treating marionette lines.
Dermal Fillers For Jowls & Marionette Lines
Since both Jowls and Marionette lines are caused by volume loss and sagging skin in the face, dermal fillers provide the opportunity to treat the underlying problem. For moderately severe lines, I can directly inject hyaluronic acid dermal filler into and around these creases to soften and minimize their appearance. For more severe jowling and marionette lines, I recommend hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to the cheeks to lift the face in addition to adding filler to the areas themselves.
If you have both jowls and marionette lines as well as other signs of ageing such as upper face wrinkles, then you can opt for a combination of Botox® and dermal fillers as part of my liquid facelift package.
LOSS OF FACE VOLUME
The whole mark of a younger face is one with thick, plump and firm skin. Additionally, younger faces have fuller volumes due to the size and location of the facial fat pads. As we age, our faces lose their fullness because of thinning of the skin, loss of elasticity and shrinking in size of the facial fat pads. This loss of face volume results in the appearance of lines, wrinkles and sagging of the face.
What Causes Loss Of Face Volume?
The main cause of facial volume loss is ageing. Over time, our body produces less collagen, elastin and the fat pads in the face reduce in size. This results in thinner and less pliable skin as well as sagging of the face. Similarly, changes in hormonal profile, in particular, oestrogen, can help accelerate this process. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun damage also contribute to skin ageing as well as loss of facial volume.
How Does Losing Volume Affect The Appearance Of Your Face?
Loss of skin volume leads to thinner and less elastic skin. This gives rise to wrinkles and uneven texture. At the same time, reduction in the volume of the fat pads, as well as their descent with gravity, occurs. This gives rise to a flatter profile and sagging of the skin in the mid and lower face. Hence this can lead to a gaunt appearance. It is due to this loss of facial fat volume that gives rise to tear trough deformities, hollowing of the temples, malar flattening, nose to mouth lines, jowls and marionette lines.
How To Add And Restore Volume To Your Face Naturally
In my opinion, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are highly effective for restoring facial volume. This is because they can replace lost volume, help firm up and lift skin, smooth down wrinkles and deliver natural looking results. How much, which type of filler and where to pace them depends on the degree of facial volume loss and your overall face shape.
The main ways Dermal fillers can help with face volume loss are:
– Cheek fillers for contouring and midface lifting
– Tear trough fillers for undereye circles and shadows
– Restoration of lip shape, definition and volume with lip fillers
– Combat sagging, marionette lines and jowls with jawline and lower face fillers
Additionally, face fillers can be combined with Botox as part of my signature liquid facelift to refresh and smooth the face. Collagen induction therapy can also boost the effects of dermal fillers by inducing elastin and collagen formation for thicker and plumper skin.
NECK SAGGING & WRINKLES
As we age, the skin on the neck loses collagen and elastin. This leads to thin and less pliable skin on the neck which gives rise to wrinkles. Loss of fat and skin thickness also leads to the appearance of neck sagging. This is further exacerbated by the shortening and loosening of the platysma muscle around the neck hence causing sagging and banding. The main neck complaint that I see is neck sagging with visible bands as well as wrinkling of the skin.
Treatment Options For Neck Sagging & Wrinkles
Thankfully there are a number of treatment options for forehead wrinkles and frown lines. The first step is to ensure that you have a good skincare routine which helps hydrate, nourish and protect your skin.
Botox® Non-Surgical Neck Lift For Neck Sagging & Bands
Botox® anti-wrinkle injections are highly effective for smoothing out wrinkles and lines on the skin. Furthermore, Botox® can be injected to relax the platysma muscle as well as other muscles that pull on the neck or jawline. This procedure is known as the Botox® non-surgical neck lift. The effect of this is that it lifts and sculpts the neck as well as jawline. The treatment takes 3-4 weeks to work and last for 3-4 months.
Dermal Fillers For Neck Wrinkles
If the main concern is deep lines or wrinkles on the face and a sagging jawline, then dermal fillers provide an ideal non-invasive procedure. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers smooth put wrinkles and can also be used to sculpt the jawline and lower face and upper neck.
UNDER EYE CIRCLES, BAGS & TEAR TROUGHS
These are all very common areas of concern for both men and women. Under eye circles are dark patches that are visible under the eye. Depending on cause and skin tone, these can look like shadows or discolouration that’s red, blue or green in hue. Under eye bags on the other hand, are swollen pockets or patches under the eye. Both under eye circles and bags can either occur separately or alone. They may also be caused by or exasperated by the presence of a tear trough (this is a loss of fat tissue leading to hollowness under the eye). The most common complaints people tend to have with under eye circles, bags or tear trough deformities is that they give the appearance of tiredness.
What Causes Under Eye Circles, Bags & Tear Troughs?
There are a number of genetic and environmental causes that give rise to under eye circles, bags and tear trough deformities. Some people are more predisposed to developing these and whether they affect other members of your family is a good indicator of your risk. Your skin tone may also play a role. Paler skin tones tend to show up blood vessels more readily and thus give the impression of bluish discolouration under the eyes. Darker skin tones may exhibit increased pigmentation in the under eye area which gives the appearance of shadowing. Aside from genetics, other common causes include:
Ageing: as we get older, the skin under the eyes loses its thickness and elasticity. This thinner and more fragile skin is more likely to show underlying muscles and blood vessels which also gives the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Sun damage can also cause dark pigmentation under the eyes as well as accelerate skin ageing. Fat loss and reduced skin laxity can also cause under eye bags to appear more prominent. Loss of fat under the skin and skin ageing can also give rise to tear trough deformities.
Diet: deficiencies in Vitamins C and K as well as iron are thought to present with discolouration under the eyes. Diets high in salt can also increase fluid retention which can increase the prominence of under eye bags.
Sleeping: or rather lack of, can result in worsening of under eye circles and bags.
Dehydration: reduced water intake, excess caffeine and alcohol can all cause volume depletion in the skin and lack of laxity.
Sun damage and smoking: this can cause increased pigmentation and skin ageing both of which give rise to dark under eye circles and bags.
Inflammation and allergies: this can cause puffiness, bags and under eye circles over time.
Treatment Options For Under Eye Circles, Bags & Tear Troughs?
Luckily, there are a wide range of treatment options if you suffer from under eye circles or bags. The first thing is to ensure that you have a good skincare routine which includes using an under eye cream that contains ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K and ferulic acid which help with under eye circles. Another important skincare tip is to ensure that the under eye skin is kept moisturised so having hyaluronic acid in your under eye cream would help immensely.
If the problem is purely due to thin skin or pigmentation issues, then advanced skin treatments like chemical peels and collagen induction therapy can help brighten and firm up the under eye skin. For tear trough deformities and under eye bags, hyaluronic acid tear trough fillers can treat the hollowness under the eyes and rejuvenate the eye area. For more defined tear trough deformities, cheek fillers can help provide support for the tear trough fillers.
Fillers in Dubai | 12 December 2018
Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 9 December 2018
After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke.
ANATOMY OF THE ABDOMEN
The abdominal wall consists of skin, fat, and muscle. The rectus abdominis muscles, which form the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen, are covered by a firm sheath called the rectus fascia. This fascial layer frequently weakens and stretches out with pregnancy and weight gain. As a result, once a patient loses weight or has her children, she may be left with laxity of the abdominal wall. During surgery, the fascial layer over the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed.
SURGERY STEPS
The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior C-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel through a second incision. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
Liposuction is sometimes performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery to contour the flanks. Some patients wish to undergo simultaneous breast surgery to lift, add volume, or both. The combination of tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation or lift surgery is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” procedure.
Additional procedures incur additional operating time, anesthesia, and surgical risks.
SURGERY AND ANESTHESIA
The surgery lasts 2 – 2.5 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery. Prior to surgery you will be required to obtain medical photographs, routine bloodwork, and in some cases preoperative clearance. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will need to have a responsible adult available to escort you home after surgery.
RECOVERY
Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery area. Once you are fully alert, you will be transported to the stepdown area where you will be given something to drink and the to eat. You will have two drains and a surgical garment placed at the conclusion of the procedure. The nurses in the recovery area will demonstrate how to empty and record the output from your drains. A responsible adult will need to be available to escort you home.
Patients are seen in the office 3 or 4 days following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be replaced into your surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own. The surgical garment should be worn for the following 4 weeks
Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until four weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery, although it will never completely disappear.
WHAT A TUMMY TUCK CANNOT DO
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. If you have ongoing weight loss, or are planning to become pregnant, you should delay your surgery. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, but it will remove the skin beneath the umbilicus. Stretch marks above this level some- times appear lighter after surgery, but they will not disappear.
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 9 December 2018
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 6 December 2018
A tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
In general, you may be a good tummy tuck candidate if:
You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
You have realistic expectations
You are a nonsmoker
You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
What should I expect during my tummy tuck recovery?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 2 December 2018
During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.
Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
How to care for the surgical site and drains
Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
When to follow up
You will be given answers to the following specific Tummy Tuck questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
When will the stitches be removed?
How will I bathe?
How long will I wear the pressure garment?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?
Abdominoplasty: What are the alternatives to tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty Dubai | 24 November 2018
Although it’s not strictly an alternative, you might be able to have liposuction to reshape your abdomen. This is where I use a special machine to suck out excess fat from under your skin.
You can have it on its own instead of a tummy tuck, but it only removes fat, whereas a tummy tuck removes fat and skin. After liposuction, your skin will shrink back a little, if you’re younger and your skin is still quite elastic. But if you have loose skin or muscles before the operation, then liposuction alone won’t be effective.
Liposuction might be helpful if you’re not generally overweight, but have localised areas of fat that you want to get rid of. If you have excess skin, liposuction alone won’t be effective.
Liposuction may occasionally be an added part of a tummy tuck procedure. As with any medical procedure, liposuction can have side-effects and longer-term complications. Your surgeon will tell you about the potential risks and benefits of tummy tuck and any other treatment options available to you.
Abdominoplasty Dubai | End
A tummy tuck is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 16 November 2018
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen (tummy) and to tighten your abdominal muscles. The results of a tummy tuck can be long lasting. You can help this by keeping to a healthy weight after your surgery. There are lots of reasons why people have this type of surgery, including having weaker abdominal muscles after pregnancy or having previously lost a lot of weight.
Why do some people have a tummy tuck? You might want to have a tummy tuck because:
you have loose skin after major weight loss
your abdominal skin and muscles might have become slack after pregnancy
you have abdominal scarring from earlier surgery or injury
it’s part of another operation that you need, such as hernia repair
Tummy tuck surgery removes excess fat and skin and can tighten your abdominal muscles to improve the shape of your abdomen. Some stretch marks from pregnancy may be removed and others made less noticeable. Tummy tuck surgery isn’t a treatment to help you lose or control your weight and won’t stop you from gaining weight in the future either.
PRP Therapy For Hair Loss
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 13 November 2018
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an effective and proven treatment for hair loss. Blood is taken from a patient’s arm into a tube that contains a separation gel. The blood is placed in a centrifugal machine to separate the red blood cells from the plasma that contains the platelets.
The PRP containing a high concentration of platelets is then injected into areas of the scalp that show hair thinning. This stimulates hair growth by encouraging the rejuvenation of follicles and also extending the growth cycle of the hair.
Clinical data provides evidence that PRP also promotes healing by the release of cytokines and growth factors from the platelets into the areas being treated.
HAND REJUVENATION
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 10 November 2018
Frequently the focus of cosmetic improvement is the face, yet one of the most age-telling body features neglected are our hands. The skin on the back of the hands is extremely thin and loss of fat padding shows quickly. Take away this cushion and all the structures in the hand show up, the tendons, bones and the veins.
The natural fat cushion that we are born with begins to lessen in our late twenties and early 30′s. By the time most of us approach 50, we have hands that tell the truth about our age and often they can actually make us seem older than we are!
Hand rejuvenation can restore the volume on the back of the hands that has been lost due to the natural ageing process via a very simple and convenient procedure. The treatment is highly effective and non time-consuming. It also delivers long-lasting results. Hand rejuvenation is safe, effective and extremely popular both for its immediate effectiveness and long duration.