Botox® is the trade name of Botulinum Toxin Type A, a potent muscular paralyzing agent.
Nowadays it is used with increasing frequency and therefore it is the object of much attention from the press. However, many doubts still persist among lay people, such as: How does it work? What is it used for? Will I lose my facial expression? How long does the effect last? Does it have contraindications?
This short text will try to answer these questions.
Botulinum toxin prevents the transmission of the electrical impulse from the nerves to the muscles (by blocking the release of acetylcholine). Thus, the muscles are paralyzed. The use of Botox® is esthetic therapies derives from the fact that the so-called dynamic facial wrinkles (crow's feet, wrinkles on the forehead or between eyebrows) are due to muscular contraction. Therefore, if the muscles producing such wrinkles are paralyzed, there will be no more wrinkles! It is exactly on these specific muscles that the plastic surgeon applies Botox®, injecting it with a very thin needle.
The procedure is fast (five minutes) and not very painful. Muscle paralysis occurs after 48 hours, remains for six months on average, and does not leave the patient without facial expression.
The return of muscular activity, therefore of wrinkles, occurs due to reinervation of the muscle. When this happens, a new application may be done.
Among the few contraindications are neurological disorders, hypersensitivity to the product, pregnancy and the use of some specific antibiotics.
Due to its fast application, marked effect on dynamic wrinkles and almost immediate results, Botox® became the top hit in today's facial esthetic management.
After marked weight loss or alternating periods of weight gain and loss, very often there is a flaccid bulging on the internal region of the thighs. This is due to the excess skin which forms as a consequence of stretching during the overweight period. As the skin on the internal region of the thigh is relatively thin, it does not retract sufficiently after weight loss, leading to the localized excess skin. Thigh dermolipectomy aims at removing this excess skin, providing a more natural e less flaccid thigh silhouette.
Type of anesthesia:
Anesthesia may be peridural or general.
Length of hospital stay:
Usually between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the speed of recovery and on the doctor's orientation.
Postoperative:
Patients should avoid excessive movement, especially opening the legs apart, since the scar is close to the groin and will be subject to tension if such happens. The natural traction exerted on the scar by walking and by gravity usually leads the scar to some widening over the first months. The lower the tension on the scar, the less it will spread.
Complications: Among the possible, although infrequent, complications, we should mention: hematoma, seroma, infection, necrosis (skin injury), dehiscence (opening of the surgical wound), cheloid, thrombosis, embolism.
Since these complications are more often found in smoking subjects, patients should refrain from smoking during the 30 days before surgery, in order to minimize risks. If the patient makes use of oral or injectable contraceptives, these should be discontinued one month before surgery, and another contraceptive method being used during this period.
Definitive result:
The definitive result of a dermolipectomy is reached 6 months after the surgery, this period being necessary for the accommodation of the tissues and for the maturation of the scar.
Cyberknife, which is available only in a limited number of centers worldwide, is AT YOUR SERVICE only in Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey.
Cyberknife, which is used for the radiotherapy of many types of cancer, removes the tumor precisely as a surgical method while preventing harmful effects of radiation on normal intact tissues. Patients can return to their work soon after the procedures performed with Cyberknife technology, which is the most sophisticated method of radiosurgery. Cyberknife confers additional benefits too!
From 2002 on Cyberknife has been used successfully in thousands of patients in the most respectable cancer institutes mainly in the US and Japan. Many patients from our country have been referred to Stanford University Cyberknife Center, which is accepted as one of the best healthcare centers in the world. Cyberknife is now available in 70 healthcare centers in the world including Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey. Cyberknife, which was approved by FDA for usage in any part of the body, is the latest technology used for the radiotherapy of cancer. It is the most advanced method of radiotherapy, which minimizes exposure of intact peritumoral tissue to radiation Cyberknife is defined as painless non-operative treatment approach. Tumor or affected areas are targeted precisely, and killed with higher radiation doses.
What is Cyberknife ?
Cyberknife is the latest technology used for the radiotherapy of every type of cancer. It works with 6 MV Linac mounted on a robotic arm.
It is the most advanced radiotherapeutic method minimizing exposure of normal intact peritumoral tissues to irradiation.
With a robotic arm that can be rotated, and stopped at every position, focussed radiation beams can be delivered to the patient.
Any body region can be easily irradiated with a robotic arm. This characteristics offers opportunity of treatment to many patients incurable with other radiotherapy equipments.
Cyberknife is defined as a painless, non-operative treatment modality. With Cyberknife, tumor or affected areas in the body are targeted precisely, and destroyed with higher radiation doses.
For which body parts it is used?
Cyberknife is an effective method for brain tumors. Cyberknife may offer an alternative for inoperable patients. After contouring of tumor seen in computerized tomography, CyberKnife system irradiates and destroys tumor meticulously like a surgeon with the help of a robot in a session lasting nearly an hour.
It has a potential widespread usage in many types of tumors. It can irradiate organs having higher incidence of cancer such as brain, brainstem, spinal cord, throat, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenals and prostate without any side-effect. This superior technology allows patients return to their homes, or even drive home soon after the therapy.
The probability of treatment errors drops to negligible levels!
Cyberknife is used for cancer radiotherapy. The equipment has a robotic arm that works with an integrated 6 MV Linac, rotates in every direction, and stops at every position. It delivers precisely directed radiation beams to the tumor area within the patient. Thus, any body region can be easily irradiated using this robotic arm. This feature offers a chance of treatment for patients, considered as untreatable with other types of radiotherapy equipments.
Besides, during treatment with Cyberknife, 100% real-time images can be obtained, and these images guide the radiation procedure. Organs, with the exception of brain, can sometimes move. This feature prevents desired dose distribution. With the guidance of the markers placed inside tumor / on the skin surface and Synchrony software program, mobile organs are monitorized continuously during therapy session with Cyberknife, and the organ is irradiated when it is in the desired position. Perfect homogeneity and distribution of doses are obtained with non-isocentric and non-coplanar single or multiple fractionated radiation doses, and radiotherapy can be achieved with minimal deviation (<1 style="font-weight: bold;">
Painless and without adverse effects
It is possible to protect normal tissues from harmful effects of radiation using robotic orientation system with a accuracy rate less than 1 mm. In other words, it removes the tumor precisely as a surgical method while preventing harmful effects of radiation on normal intact tissues. Robot-assisted operations do not carry any adverse effect or risk of traditional surgery, in that it is a bloodless and painless intervention performed without anesthesia. Therefore, it is also known as a radiosurgical equipment. Owing to the monitoring system of organs moving up and down with respiration, it is at least as effective as surgery for the treatment of many types of cancer and their metastases.
Cyberknife in clinical applications.
AVM (Arteriovenous Malformations)
AVM is a vascular disease in brain and spinal cord. It carries a 3-4% risk of bleeding. Besides, it can cause epileptic seizures, pain and neurologic deficits. They can be treated with embolization or other surgical methods. However, these procedures are risky and invasive interventions. Although its effects are seen later than other methods, radiosurgery is a safe treatment modality.
In other methods, a metal frame must be placed around skull to localize and stabilize the target. This apparatus must stay around patient's head for nearly 3-6 hours. However, during treatment with Cyberknife, a metal frame causing pain is avoided. Besides, AVMs in spinal cord of near skull base can not be treated with other radiosurgical methods. However, with Cyberknife, any lesion within the body can be treated easily and precisely.
Brain Tumors
In a majority of tumors arising from brain tissue, Cyberknife treatment is applied as a monotherapy or post-operatively.
In benign tumors of brain, Cyberknife reduces and destroys tumor or stops its growth and allows non-operative management of the patients.
In malign tumors of brain, pre-, and post-operative applications aid in recovery of patients. The greatest advantage of Cyberknife is the avoidance of metal skull frame apart from other radiosurgical methods, and completion of therapy usually within 1-5 sessions instead of 30-40 sessions.
Brain metastases
Cancer cells transport in blood circulation to other organs, settle there and continually damage the tissue. They mostly settle inside brain. In 20-40% of cancer patients, brain metastases are observed. Up to 75% of them metastasize to more than one foci. They can lead to epileptic seizures, headache and neurologic deficits.
For the treatment of brain metastases, surgical treatments, whole-brain radiotherapy, and some chemotherapeutic agents have been used. Studies performed have shown that radiosurgery is as effective as surgical treatment. With this modality, patients are freed from a heavy burden as brain surgery. However, as in many radiosurgical methods, for the treatment of AVMs a metal frame must be fixed to the skull to determine the target to be radiated, to plan and apply the treatment. This apparatus must stay on patient's head for nearly 3-6 hours. However, during treatment with Cyberknife, a metal frame causing pain is avoided. In addition, patients will not feel pain since a metal frame is not fixed for planning and application of Cyberknife therapy. Besides, with other radiosurgical methods, only one fraction of radiotherapy is applied, while with Cyberknife, radiosurgical therapy can be instituted in 1-5 fractions.
In addition, with similar reasons, Cyberknife maintains its superiority for glial tumors, acoustic neurinomas and trigeminal neuralgias.
Liver cancers
For primary cancers of liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) and intrahepatic biliary tract, surgical treatment is preferred. Especially patients with small tumors can survive longer after surgery. However, only 30% of the patients are operable. The remaining 70% can not use their chance of surgery, and they do not survive longer despite many systemic treatments. Similarly, in metastatic diseases of liver, surgical approaches are less suitable, and chemotherapy is not sufficiently effective. Conventional radiotherapy can not be applied for these patient groups or only very limited doses can be given to a small number of patients because of mobility of liver and damage incurred on intact liver tissue. Even these doses could not demonstrate the desired effect. Although, with radiosurgery, intact tissues can be protected maximally, technically it can not be performed for tumors outside skull, and a planning can not be done for movable organs. However, with Cyberknife, radiosurgery of mobile organs can be performed with a minimal intervention. Intact tissues can be protected maximally, while higher doses can be applied to cancerous tissues when compared with conventional methods. For inoperable primary or metastatic hepatic cancers, with effective doses of radiosurgery, patients can survive longer.
Lung Cancers
Cancers arising from the lung tissue or those metastasize to the lungs are fatal because of damage incurred on the lungs. Coughing, dyspnea, bleeding, pain, rapid weight loss are usually the most commonly seen symptoms. For the treatment of primary lung cancer, surgical therapy plays an important role. In early stages, with surgical treatment, patients can survive longer. In late stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used. Despite all of these treatment modalities, mostly the disease can not be controlled and the tumor can continue to grow. For these cases, reoperation and / or radiotherapy with conventional methods can not be instituted. Even applicable, the chance of increasing doses to desired levels are very low. For that reason, effective results can not be obtained. However, with Cyberknife, intact tissues are protected maximally, and tumor tissues can be exposed to higher doses that can not be delivered with other conventional methods. In primary lung cancers not amenable to surgical treatments and radiotherapy, effective doses of radiosurgery can control the disease and the patients can survive longer.
In studies performed recently, evidence suggested that the treatment of metastases ( with surgery and / or radiotherapy) provides a better and a longer life span. In these cases, where surgery is inadequate, Cyberknife is preferred as an effective treatment modalities. Sometimes Cyberknife saves patients from serious operations.
Pancreatic Cancer
Every year in the USA, 30,000 individuals are diagnosed as pancreatic cancers, and 30,000 patients are dying from pancreatic cancer. As can be understood from these statements, mortality from pancreatic cancer is relatively higher. They can lead to complaints as jaundice, pain, weakness and indigestion. Surgical treatment is the basic therapy. However, surgery can only be applied only during early stages. Since findings other than jaundice are not specific to the disease, it can not be detected during early stages. In patients who lost their chance of operability, chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone can not provide desired outcomes. Although better outcomes have been achieved with concomitant use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the desired levels have not been achieved. Radiotherapy can not be applied with satisfactorily higher levels on small intestines, liver, kidney and spinal cord. Cyberknife will reach the doses not attainable with classical radiotherapy, and offers an opportunity to accomplish outcomes nearly similar to surgery.
Prostate Carcinomas
Studies aiming at achieving definitive treatment outcomes with single sessions of Cyberknife similar to those obtained with classical radiotherapy have reached its last phase. Cyberknife application in prostate cancers has been started in AMC simultaneously with renown international centers.
Cyberknife Available in five centers in Europe, and exclusively in Anadolu Health Center in Turkey, Cyberknife
Advantages of Cyberknife
- Owing to its ability to follow body movements, Cyberknife can be utilized, besides brain tumors, for the treatment of spinal and spinal cord tumors, or tumors in other parts of the body, such as lung, liver, pancreas, and prostate.
- The robotic arm of Cyberknife tolerates patient position modifications, and can be adjusted during therapy.
- It is a painless, non-operative procedure and it does not require anesthesia. Therefore, it allows for outpatient therapy.
- The patients head does not need to be fixated in a metal frame as in other radiosurgery methods.
- There is no convalescence period involved.
- The therapeutic target is reached with a sensitivity of 0.1 millimeter. Thus, minimal radiation is conveyed to surrounding tissues, compared with other radiotherapy methods.
- The treatment target handled with the aid of advanced imaging guidance can be monitored via real-time images.
- It is the only device in the world that can treat medulla spinalis and spine tumors which have a high incidence.
For which body parts it is used?
Cyberknife is an effective method for brain tumors. Cyberknife may offer an alternative for inoperable patients. After contouring of tumor seen in computerized tomography, CyberKnife system irradiates and destroys tumor meticulously like a surgeon with the help of a robot in a session lasting nearly an hour.
It has a potential widespread usage in many types of tumors. It can irradiate organs having higher incidence of cancer such as brain, brainstem, spinal cord, throat, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenals and prostate without any side-effect. This superior technology allows patients return to their homes, or even drive home soon after the therapy.
The probability of treatment errors drops to negligible levels
Cyberknife is used for cancer radiotherapy. Robotic arm is working with an integrated 6 MV Linac. The equipment has a robotic arm which rotates every direction, and stops at every position. It delivers precisely directed radiation beams to the tumor area within the patient. Thus, any body region can be easily irradiated using this robotic arm. This feature offers a chance of treatment for patients, considered as untreatable with other types of radiotherapy equipments.
Besides, during treatment with Cyberknife, 100% real-time images can be obtained, and these images guide the radiation procedure. Organs, with the exception of brain, can sometimes move. This feature prevents desired dose distribution. With the guidance of the markers placed inside tumor / on the skin surface and Synchrony software program, mobile organs are monitorized continuously during therapy session with Cyberknife, and the organ is irradiated when it is in the desired position. Perfect homogeneity and distribution of doses are obtained with non-isocentric and non-coplanar single or multiple fractionated radiation doses, and radiotherapy can be achieved with minimal deviation (<1>
Painless and without adverse effects
It is possible to protect normal tissues from harmful effects of radiation using robotic orientation system with a accuracy rate less than 1 mm. In other words, it removes the tumor precisely as a surgical method while preventing harmful effects of radiation on normal intact tissues. Robot-assisted operations do not carry any adverse effect or risk of traditional surgery, in that it is a bloodless and painless intervention performed without anesthesia. Therefore, it is also known as a radiosurgical equipment. Owing to the monitoring system of organs moving up and down with respiration, it is at least as effective as surgery for the treatment of many types of cancer and their metastases.
Cyberknife in clinical applications.
AVM (Arteriovenous Malformations)
AVM is a vascular disease in brain and spinal cord. It carries a 3-4% risk of bleeding. Besides, it can cause epileptic seizures, pain and neurologic deficits. They can be treated with embolization or other surgical methods. However, these procedures are risky and invasive interventions. Although its effects are seen later than other methods, radiosurgery is a safe treatment modality.
In other methods, a metal frame must be placed around skull to localize and stabilize the target. This apparatus must stay around patient's head for nearly 3-6 hours. However, during treatment with Cyberknife, a metal frame causing pain is avoided. Besides, AVMs in spinal cord of near skull base can not be treated with other radiosurgical methods. However, with Cyberknife, any lesion within the body can be treated easily and precisely.
Brain Tumors
In a majority of tumors arising from brain tissue, Cyberknife treatment is applied as a monotherapy or post-operatively.
In benign tumors of brain, Cyberknife reduces and destroys tumor or stops its growth and allows non-operative management of the patients.
In malign tumors of brain, pre-, and post-operative applications aid in recovery of patients. The greatest advantage of Cyberknife is the avoidance of metal skull frame apart from other radiosurgical methods, and completion of therapy usually within 1-5 sessions instead of 30-40 sessions.
Brain metastases
Cancer cells transport in blood circulation to other organs, settle there and continually damage the tissue. They mostly settle inside brain. In 20-40% of cancer patients, brain metastases are observed. Up to 75% of them metastasize to more than one foci. They can lead to epileptic seizures, headache and neurologic deficits.
For the treatment of brain metastases, surgical treatments, whole-brain radiotherapy, and some chemotherapeutic agents have been used. Studies performed have shown that radiosurgery is as effective as surgical treatment. With this modality, patients are freed from a heavy burden as brain surgery. However, as in many radiosurgical methods, for the treatment of AVMs a metal frame must be fixed to the skull to determine the target to be radiated, to plan and apply the treatment. This apparatus must stay on patient's head for nearly 3-6 hours. However, during treatment with Cyberknife, a metal frame causing pain is avoided. In addition, patients will not feel pain since a metal frame is not fixed for planning and application of Cyberknife therapy. Besides, with other radiosurgical methods, only one fraction of radiotherapy is applied, while with Cyberknife, radiosurgical therapy can be instituted in 1-5 fractions.
In addition, with similar reasons, Cyberknife maintains its superiority for glial tumors, acoustic neurinomas and trigeminal neuralgias.
Spinal Tumors:
The CyberKnife has the potential to treat most types of spinal tumors. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous or capable of spreading to other sites in the body) spinal tumors can be treated with the CyberKnife. While some types of lesions develop within the substance of the spinal cord itself, these tumors more commonly develop in and around the vertebral column and disrupt neurologic function by compressing the spinal cord. The following lists detail the tumor pathologies that most commonly affect the spine and which can often be treated with the CyberKnife depending on clinical circumstances:
Benign Lesions:
- meningioma
- schwannoma
- neurofibroma
- hemangioblastoma
- arteriovenous malformations
- chondrosarcoma
- chordoma
- ependymoma
- other: giant cell tumor, aneurysmal bone cyst, epidermoid
Malignant Tumors:
- spinal metastases from many sources
- myeloma
- lymphoma
- Ewing sarcoma
Liver cancers
For primary cancers of liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) and intrahepatic biliary tract, surgical treatment is preferred. Especially patients with small tumors can survive longer after surgery. However, only 30% of the patients are operable. The remaining 70% can not use their chance of surgery, and they do not survive longer despite many systemic treatments. Similarly, in metastatic diseases of liver, surgical approaches are less suitable, and chemotherapy is not sufficiently effective. Conventional radiotherapy can not be applied for these patient groups or only very limited doses can be given to a small number of patients because of mobility of liver and damage incurred on intact liver tissue. Even these doses could not demonstrate the desired effect. Although, with radiosurgery, intact tissues can be protected maximally, technically it can not be performed for tumors outside skull, and a planning can not be done for movable organs. However, with Cyberknife, radiosurgery of mobile organs can be performed with a minimal intervention. Intact tissues can be protected maximally, while higher doses can be applied to cancerous tissues when compared with conventional methods. For inoperable primary or metastatic hepatic cancers, with effective doses of radiosurgery, patients can survive longer.
Lung Cancers
Cancers arising from the lung tissue or those metastasize to the lungs are fatal because of damage incurred on the lungs. Coughing, dyspnea, bleeding, pain, rapid weight loss are usually the most commonly seen symptoms. For the treatment of primary lung cancer, surgical therapy plays an important role. In early stages, with surgical treatment, patients can survive longer. In late stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used. Despite all of these treatment modalities, mostly the disease can not be controlled and the tumor can continue to grow. For these cases, reoperation and / or radiotherapy with conventional methods can not be instituted. Even applicable, the chance of increasing doses to desired levels are very low. For that reason, effective results can not be obtained. However, with Cyberknife, intact tissues are protected maximally, and tumor tissues can be exposed to higher doses that can not be delivered with other conventional methods. In primary lung cancers not amenable to surgical treatments and radiotherapy, effective doses of radiosurgery can control the disease and the patients can survive longer.
In studies performed recently, evidence suggested that the treatment of metastases ( with surgery and / or radiotherapy) provides a better and a longer life span. In these cases, where surgery is inadequate, Cyberknife is preferred as an effective treatment modalities. Sometimes Cyberknife saves patients from serious operations.
Pancreatic Cancer
Every year in the USA, 30,000 individuals are diagnosed as pancreatic cancers, and 30,000 patients are dying from pancreatic cancer. As can be understood from these statements, mortality from pancreatic cancer is relatively higher. They can lead to complaints as jaundice, pain, weakness and indigestion. Surgical treatment is the basic therapy. However, surgery can only be applied only during early stages. Since findings other than jaundice are not specific to the disease, it can not be detected during early stages. In patients who lost their chance of operability, chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone can not provide desired outcomes. Although better outcomes have been achieved with concomitant use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the desired levels have not been achieved. Radiotherapy can not be applied with satisfactorily higher levels on small intestines, liver, kidney and spinal cord. Cyberknife will reach the doses not attainable with classical radiotherapy, and offers an opportunity to accomplish outcomes nearly similar to surgery.
Prostate Carcinomas
Studies aiming at achieving definitive treatment outcomes with single sessions of Cyberknife similar to those obtained with classical radiotherapy have reached its last phase. Cyberknife application in prostate cancers has been started in ASM simultaneously with renown international centers.
Breast lift (mastopexy) is usually performed for drooping breasts, which may occur after a woman has had children. Mammograms (breast X-rays) and a routine breast exam are required before surgery.
Breast-revision surgery is performed while you are deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), in either an outpatient facility or in the hospital. Incisions are made along the natural creases in the breast and around the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple (areola). A keyhole-shaped incision above the areola is also made to define the new location of the nipple. Skin is then removed from the lower section of the breast. The areola, nipple, and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. The nipple is moved and incisions are closed with stitches (sutures).
After surgery, a bulky gauze dressing is wrapped around the breasts and chest. Sometimes a surgical bra is used. Pain is controlled by medication, and usually subsides in a day or two. Most patients stay in the hospital for two days. The dressing is replaced by a soft bra within the first week, and it must be worn for several weeks. Generally, the swelling and discoloration around the incisions subside within a few days. There may be temporary loss of sensation in the breast skin and nipples after surgery. This condition improves with time. Within two weeks of surgery, stitches (sutures) are removed.
Breast reduction is usually performed for enlarged breasts (macromastia), but may also be indicated by:
- cystic breast infections (polycystic mastitis)
- back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, breast pain, or headaches
- loss of sensation in the breasts, arms, or fingers
- sleeping problems or poor posture resulting from large breasts
- pigmented bra-strap groove
- striae (scarlike lines) on the breasts
Breast-revision surgery is performed while you are deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), in either an outpatient facility or in the hospital.
Incisions are made along the natural creases in the breast and around the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple (areola). A keyhole-shaped incision above the areola is also made to define the new location of the nipple. Skin is then removed from the lower section of the breast. The areola, nipple, and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a higher position. The nipple is moved and incisions are closed with stitches (sutures).
Alternative names
Mastopexy; Mammoplasty; Breast size reduction; Breast lift; Breast lift with reduction; Breast lift with augmentation
Definition
Cosmetic breast surgery is a surgical procedure to change the size or shape of the breasts.
Risks
In addition to the general risks of surgery and anesthesia, there are risks of large scars with prolonged healing time, uneven position of the nipples, sensory loss , and inability to nurse a baby after surgery. The emotional risks may include feeling that the breasts look imperfect, or the desired reactions of others are not adequate.
Expectations after surgery
The likely outcome from reduction surgery is very good. The appearance and lifestyle activities are significantly enhanced. Also, the pain or skin symptoms (such as striation) disappear. A special supporting bra may be required for a few months to reshape the breasts.
After a breast lift, a bulky gauze dressing is wrapped around the breasts and chest following surgery, or a surgical bra may be used. Pain is controlled by medication and will subside in 2 to 4 days. An overnight stay for breast reduction usually is needed to control pain and nausea. The dressing will be replaced by a soft bra within the first week, which must be worn for several weeks.
Generally within a few days the swelling and discoloration around the incisions will subside. There may be temporary loss of sensation in the breast skin and nipples after surgery. This condition will improve with time. Within 2 weeks of surgery, sutures will be removed.
Convalescence
During convalescence, limit physical activities in order to prevent stretching of the scars. Some activity may be allowed in a day or two following surgery. The plastic surgeon will recommend a schedule for resuming your usual routine (usually about 8 weeks). To permit proper healing, avoid overhead lifting for 3 to 4 weeks.
Scars are permanent and often remain highly visible for a year following surgery, then fade to some degree. Every effort is made to place the incisions so that scars are as inconspicuous as possible, and the scars should not be noticeable even in low-cut clothing (incisions are usually made on the underside of the breast).
What is breast reduction surgery?
Large breasts can dominate a woman's appearance and make you look unbalanced and make exercise difficult or even impossible to do. Breast reduction is a procedure for reshaping exceptionally large breasts surgically to increase your comfort and satisfaction. Overly large breasts frequently have a considerable affect on self-confidence and can even affect personal relationships. The aim of surgery is to give you smaller, shapelier breasts that are in proportion to the rest of your body.
What does breast reduction surgery involve?
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola and extends down in a vertical line it will then follow the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are then removed and the nipples and remaining underlying tissues are then moved to a new higher location. The skin from both sides of the breast is then brought down and around the areola shaping the new contour of the breast and sutured.
How long does the breast reduction surgery take?
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes about 2 to 3.5 hours depending on each individual patient and the extent of surgery. The length of stay in hospital will be mainly determined by you, many patients are able to go home on the day of the surgery but some remain in the hospital for 1-2 days.
What will happen in the recovery period?
The breast will be bandage for support and can be removed a day or two after surgery but you will have to continue wearing a surgical bra 24 hrs a day for 1-2 weeks while the swelling and bruising subside. There will be considerable swelling and bruising of the breasts which usually lasts 2-3 weeks. Almost all the stitches used will simply dissolve but if there are any clips they will be removed after 5 days of surgery. The scars are quite lengthy and may take many months or years to settle. You will have follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on your progress.
What is breast reduction surgery recovery time?
Depending on the individual patient recovery times will vary. You should be up and about in a day or two but your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. Most patients will return to work with 14 days but this is down to the individual. Avoid any strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks and limit your exercises to stretching and swimming.
What can I expect from breast reduction surgery?
Your expectations need to be realistic. Most patients are pleased with the outcome and find they have smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. You will be freed from the physical discomfort of large breasts and your body will be better proportioned therefore in most cases giving a new-found confidence.
Introduction
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast using implants. Breast augmentation is performed for a number of reasons varying from patient to patient, some cosmetic and some medical. The implants used are either a silicone rubber shell filled with either medical grade silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline.
What does the breast augmentation surgery involve?
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your preferences, anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. However the implant is normally inserted through an incision made in the natural crease beneath the breast. It is also possible to make the incision in the armpit or around the edge of the areola. The incisions are then close by using fine, dissolving sutures which will also be taped for better support.
How long does the breast augmentation surgery take?
Breast augmentation is an operation that usually takes 1.5 hours to complete using a general anaesthetic and normally includes an overnight stay at the hospital. In certain circumstances it can be performed as a day case.
What will happen in the recovery period?
You will feel tired and sore for a few days and will have slight swelling and bruising which is only natural. Most of your discomfort will be subsided with prescription medication. Following the operation you will have a light dressing in place which will need to be kept dry for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks your dressing will be removed and the wound inspected and lightly cleaned. The scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks and may remain the same size for several months and it is important to keep in mind that they may take up to 2 years to fade. You will have follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on your progress.
What is the recovery time?
This will depend on the individual patient however most patients are able to go back to work after a couple of days. Although you can walk about and do very light activities from the next day it is advisable not to do anything strenuous for 7-10 days. The average recovery time is between 1-2 weeks.
What can I expect from the breast augmentation surgery?
Your expectations need to be realistic. Most patients are pleased with the outcome and find they gain a feeling of increased self-confidence especially when wearing can those more revealing clothes. The overall achievement will be having a completely natural look that compliments your figure.
In today's world, looking and feeling good mean having a fit, well-proportioned body. However, for many people, this may seem like an unreachable goal. Sometimes even a strict diet or a disciplined exercise program can't conquer stubborn areas of excess fat. For those who seek a smoother or better-proportioned body contour, liposuction may be the answer.
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face or neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles or eliminate a double chin.
You'll find basic information about liposuction in this brochure. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to have a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the Board of Plastic Surgery.
LIPOPLASTY, LIPOSCULPTURE, LIPOSHAPING, BODY SHAPING, BODY SCULPTURING
Is liposuction right for me?
Liposuction is most commonly recommended for men and women of normal weight who simply want to improve their body contour. The procedure can produce excellent results for people who have deposits of excess fat that make certain body areas appear disproportionately large. Although liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, it can permanently alter body proportion and is sometimes the only way to eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
People of almost any age may undergo liposuction; however, patients with good skin elasticity will achieve the smoothest contour after fat is removed. You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you desire fat removal or contouring in any of the following areas:
- Cheeks chin and neck
- Upper arms
- Breast or chest area
- Back
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and buttocks
- Thighs
- Inner knee
- Calves and ankles
Liposuction can . . .
be performed on several areas of the body at the same time or be done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures, as long as you understand that there is increased risk and your surgeon feels that having multiple procedures is a safe option for you.
- be used to treat some cases of gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which occurs in both teenagers and adult men.
- serve as a substitute for dieting and exercise
- Effectively treat cellulite (a condition that gives the skin a dimpled appearance).
b) Liposuction can flatten the abdomen, remove fat from the under-arms, eliminate a double chin and contour the face or neck
Also, certain medical conditions may complicate liposuction. They include: diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease and previous surgery near the area to be contoured. It's important to let your plastic surgeon know if you have any of these medical conditions or if you have had surgery in the past.
What should I expect from the consultation?
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering liposuction. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.
c) "Love handles" and a large abdomen, typical problems for men, respond well to liposuction. Liposuction can also be used to treat gynecomastia (male breast enlargement
d) After liposuction, you will see a noticeable difference. After swelling and fluid retention have subsided, your results will be even more apparent.
You should arrive at the consultation ready to provide complete information about:
- Previous surgical procedures
- Past and present medical conditions
- Medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements
How is liposuction performed?
To perform liposuction, one or more small incisions are made near the area to be suctioned. Whenever possible, incisions are placed within the natural folds or contour lines of the skin so that they are inconspicuous. The surgeon then places a slim, hollow tube called a cannula through the incision so that its tip penetrates the underlying fat. After the cannula is connected by flexible tubing to a suction pump, the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth through the fat, which is vacuumed into the tube. Several variations to the basic liposuction technique have been introduced.
The fat-removal technique that best meets your needs depends on a number of individual factors that your surgeon will discuss with you.
- Your surgeon may use the tumescent technique, in which the fat is pre-injected with a salt-water solution containing small amounts of adrenaline and sometimes local anesthetic.
- Your surgeon may also use ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty or UAL, a two-step technique that uses the energy from sound waves to liquefy the fat before it is suctioned.
- The type of instrumentation used may also vary. For some areas, a hand-held syringe may be used to provide the vacuum instead of a suction pump.
Each year thousands of people undergo liposuction and experience no major complications. However, you must fully understand the risks as well as the benefits of the procedure.
One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and your surgeon will have about the possible complications of liposuction. In addition to listening carefully to what your surgeon tells you, be sure to raise any questions or concerns that you may have about the safety of the procedure. By carefully following your surgeon's advice and instructions - both before and after surgery - you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.
What can I do to prepare for my surgery?
When the date for your surgery has been set, your plastic surgeon will provide you "with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:
- avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
- stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
- arranging for help or special care following surgery
Liposuction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite.
Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction. Your surgeon will select the type of anesthesia that provides the safest and most effective level of comfort for your procedure. For some patients, local anesthesia is used (usually with sedation) which numbs only the affected areas. For others, regional anesthesia, such as an epidural block (the kind of anesthesia commonly used in childbirth) or general anesthesia may be the best choice.
Your physical status will be closely monitored throughout the procedure and during your recovery.
How will I look and feel after surgery?
When the procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area. For some patients, small drainage tubes will have been placed beneath the skin. Any discomfort you may feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon. An elastic bandage or specially designed compression garment may have been applied over the treated areas to control swelling and assist healing. Your plastic surgeon will tell you how long you must wear the garment and how you can remove it to bathe.
If only a small amount of liposuction has been done, you will be encouraged to get out of bed very shortly after the surgery. If multiple areas have been treated, you will probably remain in bed for a day or two, getting up to go to the bathroom and for meals.
Keep in mind that the speed of your recovery depends largely on the extent of your surgery. Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:
Within the first week
- The swelling will reach its peak and then begin to subside.
- Your stitches will be removed.
- You may return to nonstrenuous work.
- Bruises will fade and eventually disappear.
- Areas that felt numb will regain normal sensation.
- You may resume most of your normal exercise and activities.
- Swelling will continue to subside
What should I know about my results?
Quite soon after surgery you will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body. However, improvement will become even more apparent after a couple of months, when fluid retention and swelling have subsided. For most patients, the final result is evident after about three months.
After your liposuction surgery, you may notice that clothes fit more comfortably and you feel more confident about your appearance. As long as you maintain your postoperative weight, your new, slimmer contour will be permanent. Many patients who gain a few pounds after surgery find that the weight distributes itself more evenly and does not settle in the same "problem areas."
What should I do after my liposuction surgery?
1. You should drink at least 2 lts of water or various kind of fluids. (tea, soup, juice etc.)
2. You are advised to be checked on 1st week, 3rd week and 3rd month, 6th month on regular basis.
3. Take an appointment from physiotheraphy specialist after 5th day of your surgery.
4. In physiotherapy, in addition to ultrasound therapy you will be instructed how to perform physical exercises. It will be useful for you to do these exercises 20 minutes a day. You must do these exercises at least 6 months after your surgery.
5. LPG Endermologie : Using this high-tech instrument following liposuction surgery will hasten subsiding the edema, soften the lumps increase healing and tighten the skin via its increased nourishment.
6. SLIM-UP: This instrument increases healing via exercises muscles and tightens the skin tone as well as aids lymphatic drainage. It also helps to diminish edema and healthy sliming of the body.
How long will I continue to see my plastic surgeon?
After the initial healing period, you will return to your plastic surgeon's office for a postoperative follow-up visit so that your progress can be evaluated. In the following months, your surgeon may ask you to return for periodic checkups. It's important to keep these appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and address any questions or concerns you may have.
CHOOSING A QUALIFIED SURGEON
No matter what type of plastic surgery you're considering, one of the most important factors in its success is the surgeon you choose. Although it may seem hard to believe, some of the physicians who are performing cosmetic surgery today have had no formal surgical training at all.
It's advisable to consider the following points before scheduling a consultation:
Find out if he or she is certified by the Board of Plastic Surgery. Surgeons with this certification have completed a minimum of six years of surgical training following medical school, including a plastic surgery residency program. During this intensive program, surgeons learn to perform surgical procedures for the entire body and face. At the same time, they develop their technical skill and aesthetic judgment. After training, a surgeon must pass comprehensive oral and written exams before being granted certification. It is also very important to find out the postgraduate education, experience, competency for specific procedures and scientific status of Plastic Surgeon.
