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You Don’t Need a Complete Tummy Tuck to Achieve Great Results

You Don't Need a Complete Tummy Tuck to Achieve Great Results

When we talk about tummy tucks, many people often shudder at the thought of getting their belly button sliced open and long periods of downtime for recovery.

However, with advances in science, technology and medicine, tummy tucks are not only becoming more popular and sophisticated, but people can return to regular daily activities much sooner too.

This is because of how surgery has evolved and the more readily available techniques used during the procedure.

In 2018/19, it is now possible to undergo surgery on your stomach with as little as one incision and downtime as little as 7 days.

The procedure is known as a mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty.

Types Of Tummy Tuck

There are a number of different types of tummy tuck available.

These are often discussed with a consultant and tailored to your individual needs.

In many cases, tummy tucks are combined with other procedures to achieve the desired look.

This may include surgery on the flanks, thighs and buttock.

Below is a list of different tummy tuck types:

Mini
Full
Extended
High lateral
Floating
Circumferential

The type of abdomonoplasty we are focusing on here is the 'mini.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck, also known as partial abdominoplasty is a type of common cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin / fat tissue and tighten the abdominal muscles.

One of the advantages of this procedure is that it has a reduced downtime compared with 'full' procedures and is less invasive.

The procedure is performed by making an incision, which is often much smaller than a full procedure, and detaching loose fat and skin from the muscles. The skin is then stretched and any excess is cut away.

During surgery, it is also possible to tighten the muscles depending on the patients requirements and goals.

Due to the less invasive surgery technique used in a mini tummy tuck, liposuction is often commonly used to sculpt the area and create more definition by removing stubborn fat.

Once the necessary actions have been taken during surgery, the flap is then put back in to place and stitched.

With a mini tummy tuck, there is often no need to touch the belly button and results can be achieved without affecting the naval at all.

The belly button is often a crucial factor in whether or not a patient opts for surgery and is known to put many people off from having surgery due to the sensitivity and thoughts regarding the belly button.

The Main Differences Between Mini and Full

There are some clear differences between a mini and full tummy tuck. This includes, the technique, recovery and results.

Full

During a full tuck, patients would expect to have hip to hip scar on the lower abdomen and a small scar around the belly button.
The skin is removed from the lower abdomen and tightened. The fascia, which is located in the centre and runs from the upper to the lower abdomen, is tightened on the inside.
This allows for maximum flattening, skin removal and maximum tightening.

Mini

During a mini tuck, a single scar will only be present, which runs from hip to hip on the lower abdomen. Sometimes the incision is smaller and therefore leaves a smaller scar.
No scar around the belly button.
Removes skin between the belly button and the pubic region.
The fascia can be tightened, but only in the lower region.
Mini tuck means shorter recovery time and is less expensive than a full.
Ideal for patients with issues primarily in the lower part of the abdomen, such as a hanging pouch of loose skin and some fat tissue.

Deciding whether you want a mini or a full tummy tuck can be a difficult task.

Speaking with a professional stomach cosmetic surgeon will allow you to gain a deeper insight in to which procedure would be right for you.

Often patients have an idea of the kind of results they want to achieve from their surgery, but it's only when they speak with a cosmetic surgeon do they realise the extent of the surgery they require, as different procedures achieve different results.

For patients with a hanging pouch whose stomach does not require much tightening, a mini tummy tuck is often the perfect solution.

This is a procedure that is commonly performed on post pregnant women who have managed to get 'back in shape' using diet / exercise, but struggle to shift their 'belly pouch' because it is made up mostly of loose excess skin that will not retract and has often lost its elasticity. To know more about Tummy Tuck, please visit: https://manchesterprivatehospital.com/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/

5 Things To Know About Abdominoplasty

In the UK, thousands of people lose weight each year, some of which achieve dramatic weight loss. Especially at certain times of the year, such as after Christmas / New Year.

Losing weight can be healthy, especially if you do regular exercise and healthy eating.

However, the way in which it is achieved can sometimes change the body considerably, such as stretch marks, excess skin and stubborn fat.

This leaves people feeling a bit disappointed, especially after the efforts to lose weight.

Here are five points about abdominoplasty than you may not know:

1. It can remove excess skin and stubborn fat from the abdomen.

Whether a person loses weight through diet, exercise or surgery (such as liposuction), the results tend to be similar.

And the effects on the body can be dramatic.

When a person gains weight, the skin stretches to accommodate the excess fat.

During gradual weight loss, skin can shrink in line with the body.

But when weight loss occurs at a faster rate, the elasticity of the skin cannot keep up the pace.

This can affect people in different ways, especially because genes can play a part, along with other factors, such as how much weight is being lost, age and how healthy you are.

However, during dramatic or rapid weight loss, the side effects tend to be similar; saggy skin and remaining stubborn belly fat.

Due to the nature in which the human body stores fat, the most common problem area is the mid section, including upper / lower abdomen and flanks.

Abdomoniplasty can remove the excess skin and fat tissue left behind after weight loss.

2. There are different types of tummy tuck available.

Depending on your personal circumstances, body shape, goals and age there are a number of different tummy tucks that patients can undergo.

The first is a mini tummy tuck, whereby the problem area is limited to under the belly button. Excess skin and fat can be removed with just one incision across the pubic area. Incisions can vary in size from 3-4 inches or from one hip to another.

The second is a full tummy tuck. This is a traditional tummy tuck and often involves two incisions across the bottom of the belly and around the belly button. In most cases the belly button is repositioned.

In addition, muscles can be tightened in the abdomen during both a mini and a full procedure.

The third tummy tuck is sometimes known as 'extended', whereby a larger incision is made across the abdomen so that work can be done on the flanks, also known as the "love handles".

3. Abdominoplasty can be combined with other surgical procedures.

When a person undergoes a tummy tuck, it is not uncommon for them to also undergo other procedures at the same time.

In fact, many surgeons recommend combining liposuction with abdominoplasty to achieve the goals set out by the patient.

Combining liposuction on stubborn belly fat and flanks with a mini or full tummy tuck enhances the body's shape and provides a better overall contour.

It is important to understand that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure on its own and should only be performed at certain periods in your life. For example, future weight gain and pregnancy after surgery can undo any results previously achieved.

4. Things can go wrong, so always choose the right surgeon.

As with all cosmetic procedures, there is a list of side effects that all patients will be made aware of before undergoing surgery.

However, aside from the risks and side effects associated with surgery, it is important to choose a cosmetic surgeon that is skilled, experienced and recommended by others.

Failing to take time and researching your surgeon can result in complications, such as sealing up the belly button, incorrect repositioning of the navel.

5. A tummy tuck can help post-childbearing ailments.

Pregnancy and childbirth can have a huge impact on a woman's body.

The body adapts and accommodates a baby in the mid-region and grows in size / expands as the baby grows.

After giving birth, the body tries to shrink down and re-adjust back to a size similar to that before becoming pregnant.

The two contributing factors that can change the body's shape and size are; weight gain and the expansion of the belly as the baby grows in the womb.

Aside from this, pregnancy is known for causing ailments that can last long after giving birth and may even be symptomatic for life. These ailments include; back pain and urinary incontinence.

There have been significant worldwide studies on women who have given birth and have undergone abdominoplasty with the focus on these two particular symptoms. A majority reported improvements on both, concluding that a tummy tuck procedure can have not only cosmetic benefits, but functional benefits too.

For more information about tummy tucks, speak with our friendly staff here at the Manchester Private Hospital.

Our team of highly skilled and experienced staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and expand your knowledge by providing you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision on whether you are the right candidate for abdominoplasty. For more details about abdominoplasty, please visit: https://manchesterprivatehospital.com/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/

Does Ear Pinning Work And Is It Successful Long Term?

For many people, they don't think twice about the way their ears look. But to some, the ears is all they focus on.

Despite being small in comparison to the overall size of a person's body, the ears play a crucial and influential role in not only our outer selves, but inner selves too.

People with misshapen or protruding ears notice every millimetre of their ears and as little as a 1cm can be the difference between ears that look proportionate to their head and ears that stick out.

For many years, the method used to combat sticking out ears is 'ear pinning' - also known as otoplasty.

Cosmetic surgeons can reshape or pin the ears so that they do not stick out as much. This is achieved by repositioning the ear to a 'better' position and held in place with stitches.

If the patient does not require a change in the size of the ear, then cartilage within the ear would not need to be removed or reshaped and the procedure would be carried out with just ear pinning on its own.

The procedure takes between one to two hours to perform and the results can truly be life changing.

Not only can it change the appearance of your face and overall look, but it can also positively impact the mind and open up doors of opportunity to new hairstyles, socialising and boost confidence.

The good news is that otoplasty results are permanent, especially when the procedure is performed in adulthood.

Once the ear has grown to its full size, it is unlikely that any natural changes will occur to ears. Therefore, the post surgery look achieved after your operation will be one that can last a life time.

Here are a few points about otoplasty that you can bear in mind when considering this surgical procedure:

1. Otoplasty can be performed at any age with good results.

When a child reaches the age of 5, their ears are over 80% developed. This means that any age beyond this will see little change it how the ears look. Ear pinning and other procedures can be performed at any age with good results.

2. There is little pain.

Unlike some other surgeries, otoplasty is known for causing little pain.

Procedures are performed under anaesthetic, which means no pain is felt during the procedure and only minimal pain during recovery that can be managed with painkillers.

3. Perfect asymmetry is rare

The ears in general are not symmetrical and will always have minor differences in their projection and size. Whilst surgery can make ears be as close as possible to each other, they will never be exactly the same. The natural folds and contours will always be slightly different even if you do not undergo surgery.

4. Full recovery takes a couple of months.

Some people are misinformed on otoplasty procedures and the after-care involved. Some online communities mention that recovery can take as little as days and weeks. However, full recovery and results will take a couple of months. Following surgery, patients will be required to wear a bandage around their head - covering the ears - for up to one week. After this the bandages can be removed but a headband is required both day and night for up to one month, then at night only for another month after.

5. Whilst results are permanent, stitches can undo.

In most cases, ear pinning results are permanent. However, in some minority cases a stitch can come undone and require a follow up procedure to correct it.

6. Avoid high contact activities.

High contact activities and sports such as wrestling, grappling and mixed martial arts can have a negative impact on the ears post surgery and patients risk their stitches coming out when engaging in such activities.

7. Ensure you choose the right surgeon.

Due to the intricate nature of the procedure, otoplasty is a highly skilled procedure that takes years of training and experience to perfect. It's important to research your surgeon and arrange a consultation so that you can view before and after photos of past ear correction procedures they have performed. Every millimetre counts. For more details about otoplasty, please visit: https://manchesterprivatehospital.com/cosmetic-surgery/ear-correction/

Otoplasty Is A Popular Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

In the United Kingdom, cosmetic surgeons all over the country are seeing a rise in the number of people undergoing otoplasty.

Whilst the general public have always favoured procedures such as boob jobs, lip surgery and butt lifts, the last 10 years has seen steady growth in a completely different body part - the ears.

Otoplasty, which includes pinning back the ears, has dramatically risen in the number of surgical procedures being performed.

Whilst once limited to children with symptoms that affected their hearing, the surgery has consistently become one of the most common in the UK for adults who are unhappy with the way their ears look.

The Effects of Protruding Ears

Being unhappy with a body part can make people feel self conscious, lack in confidence, become anxious and even suffer depression because of the way they look.

Having protruding ears can sometimes be more problematic in men, due to the fact that the average hair cut for a man does not 'hide' or cover the ears.

Whereas women can hide features more easily such as using their long hair to cover ears that stick out.

For this very reason, otoplasty has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures amongst men and is in the top list of surgeries overall, along with rhinoplasty, liposuction and facelifts.

Why Otoplasty Procedures Have Risen

One of the reasons why ear correction surgery has risen in popularity is because the procedure became more readily available and more affordable in recent years.

When cosmetic otoplasty came on to the scene, it was very limited on where it was available and expensive.

However, when the costs of procedures decreased and more clinics were able to offer the surgery, the word spread.

Now in 2018 there are a lot more people choosing this surgical procedure and each year the numbers are rising.

Maybe the way in which society has evolved has also played a part.

Many people are very sensitive about their features and appearance, especially as more photos are taken due to the selfie generation.

In addition, due to this increase in technology, such as social media, it is very easy to get offended by a back handed comment and insults are something that can run deep and stick around for a very long time.

Furthermore, once a high profile or semi-high profile figure has undergone surgery, they speak about it online and in magazines. This also brings more awareness and gives the impression to others who may have doubts that things don't have to be the way they are. And things can change for the better, thus improving self confidence and reducing anxiety.

About Otoplasty in the UK

People of all adult ages can undergo ear correction surgery.

However, as we age, changes naturally occur in our body, such as hair loss, which makes camouflaging protruding ears more difficult.

For those considering correction surgery, should know that it is a relatively simple procedure that involves a number of different techniques, such as stitches, tissue removal and cartilage scoring.

Overall the surgery can take around one hour to perform on both ears and in some cases does not require general anaesthetic.

General anaesthetic was a contributing factor to why many people were discouraged from having the procedure.

However, some patients can now be treated using local anaesthetic and treated as an out-patient, with no overnight hospital stay required.

The cosmetic surgery industry is no longer dominated by women.

More and more men are opting for surgery in modern times, from liposuction to ear correction and the trend does not show any signs of slowing going in to 2019.

Pick up the phone and give us a call for a friendly chat about otoplasty and get all your questions answered.

There's no better way than to speak direct with a specialist who can advise you personally on your individual circumstances and the options that you would be an ideal candidate for.

Put the negative thoughts and insults to the back of your mind and understand that just because you may feel the way you do, doesn't mean you should, especially not for the rest of your life. For more details about otoplasty, please visit: https://manchesterprivatehospital.com/cosmetic-surgery/ear-correction/

Myth Busting Otoplasty

Being a child or adult with protruding ears can be tough.

Often children grow up with some experience of being bullied because of the way their ears look.

This then has a negative impact on adult life and can make people feel self conscious about their appearance.

Being self conscious also leads to low self confidence and low self esteem.

Some people are affected so badly that they feel the need to cover up their ears on a daily basis.

Many men and women hide their ears with headwear such as hats, headbands, jewellery such as large ear-rings, and their hair.

Feeling self conscious about your ears can also dictate what type of hairstyle you opt for at the salon / barbers and limits what you can do in terms of how you look, such as constantly wearing your hair down.

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can take away these negative feelings and give people a new lease of life.

However, there are many myths surrounding ear correction surgery that puts people off.

The result of this is that they continue to feel self conscious and miserable.

Here are some common myths that surround the procedure, which we are keen to bust.

Myth 1 - Otoplasty is a complex procedure.

Many people are scared by the thought of 'messing with their ears' because of the complex surgery involved.

However, otoplasty can actually be a simple procedure with a short recovery time and high success rate.

Depending on your circumstances, sometimes all that is needed is some straight forward 'pinning' to stop the ears from sticking out.

Myth 2 - Otoplasty is very painful.

As with all surgical procedures, there are variations in how much pain a patient will feel during the recovery stage of otoplasty.

However, surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic in some cases, and recovery is relatively painless.

Mild pain and discomfort can be managed with simple painkillers, but patients in most cases do not experience lots of pain.

Myth 3 - Otoplasty won't change my mood.

Whilst this is a difficult point to measure, as each person has different personalities and emotions, otoplasty does have a high success rate.

This includes both how the surgery corrects the protruding ears and how the patient feels post surgery.

A number of studies have been performed, including those on children, that show a majority increase in happiness and self confidence following an otoplasty procedure.

Myth 4 - My protruding ears might correct themselves.

Unfortunately, ears reach the majority of their adult size (around 80%) by the time a child is 5 years old.

Therefore, even as a young adult your ears will be how they look now and in the future.

However, it is also true that growing in height and putting on weight may alter your appearance and make parts of your body more proportionate.

But overall, otoplasty is usually the only way to permanently fix protruding ears.

Myth 5 - Otoplasty takes years for results to show.

Whilst there are a number of different procedures available for ear correction, including some being more extensive than others, patients usually see their full results of surgery within a maximum time frame of 12 months.

However, results will be noticeable within 2 weeks and if there is swelling, a large percentage of it will subside within 6 weeks.

Myth 6 - Otoplasty requires a lengthy hospital stay.

The majority of patients undergoing ear correction surgery spend a maximum of 1 day in hospital depending on the extent of their procedure.

However, most patients return home the same day. This mean that the surgery is performed as a day case and after observation post surgery, patients can return home for rest and recovery.

If you or someone close to you is seriously considering otoplasty but has doubts and hesitations, the best way to get answers to questions is to speak with an expert.

Arranging a consultation for otoplasty will allow you the opportunity to not only find out more about the procedure, but receive advice that is specifically tailored towards you.

It is important that you obtain all the necessary information so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to proceed with ear correction surgery. For more details about otoplasty, please visit: https://manchesterprivatehospital.com/cosmetic-surgery/ear-correction/