Looking Good after Weight Loss

LOOKING GOOD AFTER WEIGHT LOSS: POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY AT MY PRACTICE

Losing weight through bariatric surgery is an incredible accomplishment that requires steadfast commitment. In addition to all the health benefits of being lighter and leaner, it’s nice to walk around with a smaller and lighter physique.

The only downfall, for some, is bothersome excess skin that droops and sags off the body after surgery, such that you feel better but look worse. Indeed, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and the subsequent significant weight loss have numerous but similar areas of concern. These areas usually include:

• Breast ptosis, or droopiness, as well as a loss of breast volume
• Sagging of the facial skin
• Excess abdominal skin and a laxity of the muscles of the abdominal wall
• Hanging skin under the arm
• Wrinkling and excessive bagginess of the thighs

I offer several types of cosmetic procedures to treat this problem and this is what I will be talking about this month!

 

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY?

The best candidates for post-bariatric body contouring are people who have lost a large amount of weight, typically 55 kilograms or more, through bariatric surgery or another approach to weight loss.

Post-bariatric surgery is one of the most complex and invasive procedures your plastic surgeon can perform, so patients need to be healthy enough to withstand the rigors of major surgery and an extended recovery period.

Additionally, post-bariatric surgery is not primarily a weight loss procedure. Patients do typically lose some weight as skin, tissue, and minor fat deposits are removed. However, good candidates have already lost most of their excess body fat with the exception of a few localized deposits.

It’s strongly recommended that post-bariatric patients wait about a year after weight loss surgery to have cosmetic surgery. This gives the body enough time to lose the excess weight and stabilize.

Post-bariatric body contouring candidates should be in good physical and psychological health and have reasonable expectations. These are contouring procedures — not meant to take off extra pounds, but rather to help mold the skin so that it “fits” the new curves more tightly.

 

POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY PROCEDURES I OFFER

→Body lift is the most comprehensive procedure for post-bariatric surgery patients. Body lifts improves the appearance of the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Body lifts can target the upper and/or lower body (when combined together, the procedure is referred to as a “total body lift”).

The lower body lift incision extends around the belt area, through which excess skin above the buttocks and outer thighs is removed and the remaining skin pulled tighter.

The upper body lift involves a bra-line excision and the removal of excess fat and skin from the back and waist. Tummy tucks may be incorporated in a patient’s treatment plan to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and tissue.

→Liposuction – Liposuction is frequently employed in conjunction with various skin removal procedures to target localized deposits of residual fat that have not responded to diet and exercise.

In most cases, I can perform the treatment through the incisions required for other procedures.

 
→Tummy Tuck – The abdomen is usually one of the main areas where excess fat collects on the body. After weight loss, considerable excess skin may remain here.

A tummy tuck trims away this excess skin along with any residual fat deposits. For patients with more far-reaching needs, extended tummy tuck is also available.

 
→Arm lift (brachioplasty) targets the upper arms which can often look flabby even after massive weight loss. The flab is actually extra skin that hangs from the upper arms and is often described as “bat wings.”

The arm lift incisions are usually made in the armpit and on the inside of the arm from the elbow extending to the armpit, and hidden in the natural shadow of the bicep muscle or on the upper arm. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is pulled tight and sutured together.

 

→Thigh lift. After weight loss, hanging skin is often left on the inner and outer thighs. This skin may rub together, causing irritation or limiting a person’s choice of clothing. With thigh lift surgery, I can remove excess fat and skin using incisions concealed discreetly on the upper and inner thighs.

The incision is made where the thigh meets the groin area, and if necessary, an additional incision is made extending from the groin to the knee.

 

→Thighplasty is helpful to a number of massive weight loss patients, as the thigh deflates with weight loss, creating excess skin in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. In order to remove this excess and re-contour the thigh into a smaller and shapelier appearance, a vertical excision of skin and soft tissue along the medial thigh is required in addition to the standard groin crease incision. This method allows the skin to be tightened circumferentially around the thigh.

 

→Breast lift repositions saggy breasts higher on the chest. An incision is made, usually around the areola, extending down the breast to the breast crease and horizontally along the inframammary fold.

Excess skin is excised and the remaining skin is pulled taut around the breast mound and sutured into place. The nipple may be repositioned higher on the chest while it remains attached to the underlying blood vessels.

For patients who have lost more breast volume than they wanted, breast augmentation is also an option.

 

→The buttocks are another common problem area after significant weight loss and buttock enhancement will improve the appearance of a flat or saggy behind. Excess skin is removed and one of two options may be employed. First, implants may be placed to augment the butt and make it look perkier.

The other option is a Brazilian butt lift, in which the area around the buttocks is liposuctioned to make them look smaller, and the liposuctioned fat is purified and re-injected into the upper buttocks, giving it a lifted effect.

 

Combining several procedures in a single surgery

All of the post-bariatric concerns I’ve spoken about cannot be addressed simultaneously during one operation. However, two procedures usually can be safely combined. During your consultation, I will assess your anatomy as well as your own priorities to help you develop a comprehensive plan for your body contouring.

For instance, it is not uncommon for me to combine a tummy tuck with a breast lift (with or without the addition of breast implants), or a thigh lift with an arm lift, as well as other possible combinations of procedures.

Combining the procedures consolidates recovery into a more manageable timeframe. Most patients and plastic surgeons also agree that this approach produces much better, more natural-looking cosmetic results.

 

How long is the recovery-period after body contouring surgeries?

Typically, body contouring procedures require at least three months for the overall cosmetic results to be fully apparent. This allows enough time for all residual swelling to resolve and for soft issue to soften. Scars usually require 12 months to go through the remodelling process, and, because body contouring procedures require significant incisions, they often are apparent during this time period.

Because post-bariatric surgery is such a highly involved procedure, you should be prepared for an extended period of rest and recovery. Recovery time varies widely depending on the extent of the procedure, but in general you should be prepared to take multiple weeks away from work, and often full recovery may take several months.

 

How long do the results of body contouring last?

The major factor that affects the longevity of results in post-bariatric body contouring is weight fluctuations. This is the main reason that these procedures are delayed until a patient’s weight is stable for a minimum of 12 months. If patients are able to maintain their weight, long-lasting results can be achieved.

The main issues in this patient population are related to scar migration and soft tissue laxity leading to contour deformities. These are the result of the altered skin/soft tissue characteristics related to the previous obesity

If you are interested in any of the procedures mentioned whether in the context of post-bariatric surgery or not, you must feel free to phone my Fourways rooms on 011 875 1630 and book an appointment!

You can find more information on my website, facebook page and twitter feed.

 

 

YOUR RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS

Post mastectomy most women opt for breast reconstruction. There are a variety of reconstructive options but you may not be a candidate for all types. 

Remember: early detection saves lives!

Find out more about the treatments available to you at Milpark via their Breast Cancer website

When to have your breast reconstruction performed is a decision made in conjunction with the other doctors treating your breast cancer, as the need for chemotherapy or radiation will influence when reconstructive surgery can safely take place.

Breast reconstruction is either performed during the same time as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, or at a later date.

If Breast Reconstruction occurs at the same time it is referred to as immediate, and if it occurs at a later date it is referred to as delayed.

Immediate breast reconstruction offers psychological benefits by avoiding a time lapse in addressing any cosmetic change, and also minimizes the number of surgeries for the patient.

Delayed reconstruction is sometimes performed because the patient chooses to wait, or in some cases the patient was not aware at the time that reconstructive options existed.  Other patients are unhappy with the results of their reconstruction and now seek to undergo an alternative surgical method, such as replacing implants with their body’s own natural tissue.

There are a number of breast reconstruction procedures that can help rebuild the breasts. Procedures are tailored to the individual patient, and the type of procedure you have will depend on cancer considerations, your ultimate goals, and your unique body type.

But do not get overwhelmed. We will discuss this in more details during your consultation.

When it comes to breast cancer and breast reconstruction, it’s vital to be surrounded and helped by people who know exactly how to guide you and who can make the process run smoother for you.

The Breast Care unit at Milpark will be there for you every step of the way and will bring you invaluable support in every aspect.

 

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

Tissue Expansion is one of the breast reconstruction techniques that I offer.

This type of breast reconstruction involves the insertion of a silicone balloon under the skin to expand the tissue in the area. Periodic injections of saline solution cause the skin to stretch and form a pocket for a breast implant. The expander is removed after the growth process is complete and an implant is placed. The nipple and areola can be reconstructed later if the patient desires.

 

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Some patients have enough skin in the breast area to place an implant for breast reconstruction without the need of a tissue expander. The implant can be placed under the skin and the nipple and areola reconstructed at a later date.
Did you know that women who need post mastectomy chemotherapy are still candidates for implants?

You will need to discuss all your reconstruction options with me. Your breast reconstruction approach and recovery will depend largely on:

• Your cancer
• The need for post-mastectomy radiation
• Long term risk
• Skin and tissue quality
• Desired aesthetic result

Whether you are considering breast reconstruction with implants during or after mastectomy surgery, you will want to discuss with me whether the use of a tissue expander will be necessary.

In addition, you can discuss your options for further reconstruction including re-creation of the nipple and areola.

Have you had breast reconstruction? I would love if you blogged your story – please send us your link. It would be a great help to others.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is a method of breast reconstruction that takes living tissue carrying its own blood supply from a donor area of the body to the breast area.

There are a variety of techniques with flap surgery including:

• TRAM Flap Reconstruction (skin, muscle, and fat taken from the lower abdomen and transferred to the breast area)
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction (skin, fat, and blood vessels are removed from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast)
• Latissimus Flap Reconstruction (skin, muscle, and fat taken from the outer back and rotated forward to form the breast mound, followed by implant placement). Nipple and areolar reconstruction can also be performed at a later time.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter, remember that more information about  Breast Cancer and Breast Reconstruction surgery can be found by clicking on this link.  Lastly, if you would like to contact the Milpark Breast Care unit, dial+27 11 480 5779 or 0860 233 233 or send an email to breasthealth@netcare.co.za

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

The truth is, every woman is bound to experience a breast complaint at some stage of her life and breast concerns can occur at any stage of a woman’s life but most importantly, did you know that 9 out of 10 breast problems are benign and are in no way related to cancer?! 

 

While most women are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and to encourage others to do the same.

We’ve come a long way but a lot of progress still needs to be made. Make sure to spread the awareness and share these posts with those around you! When it comes to breast cancer and breast reconstruction, I believe it is crucial to remain aware of all the ways that you can stay proactive and also of all the options that are available to women nowadays.

On the NetCare Breast Cancer page (at Milpark Hospital) you get to read about inspirational cancer survivors’ stories but also about everything related to breast health such as prevention and self-exam.

Do you know what self-examination for breast cancer consists of?

 

Self-Examinations

By performing self-examinations regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel which allows you to more readily detect any signs or symptoms if a change occurs, such as:

• Development of a lump or swelling
• Skin irritation
• Dimpling
• Nipple pain or retraction (turning inward)
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• A discharge other than breast milk

Should you notice any changes you should see your health care provider as soon as possible for evaluation. If you wish to undergo further testing / screening call my Fourways rooms on 011 875 1630

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AND THE NETCARE BREAST CENTRE AT MILPARK HOSPITAL

 

This month, I will talk about Breast Reconstruction. Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating, and the possibility of needing a lumpectomy or mastectomy can be incredibly overwhelming. Fortunately however, multiple options for breast reconstruction are available to restore breasts and help you feel stronger than ever.

I believe that breast reconstruction hold tremendous psychological and physiological benefits and feel blessed to be able to offer advanced surgical techniques to my patients.

As a plastic surgeon, I perform lots of breast surgeries such a breast reduction, breast augmentation or breast lift at my Fourways practice.

I also perform Breast Reconstruction surgery at the Milpark hospital.

Did you know that NetCare Breast Centre at Milpark Hospital has an excellent Breast Cancer unit? Breast Care is packed full of informative resources and advice. This makes me even more proud to work in association with NetCare!

I have written many blog posts on breast cancer and breast reconstruction in the past – as raising Breast Cancer Awareness to me is important. You can view them right here 

I also post medical information pertaining to different procedure via my Facebook page.

Please remember to spread the awareness and to share this info with those around you.

DR SERRURIER MARCH NEWSLETTER: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

This month in my newsletter, I will be talking about problems and solutions. I often see patients who are bothered by a certain aspect of their body and either do not know what to resort to or choose the wrong procedure. I am here to help you decide on the best option and make the best out of your surgery.

If there is anything else you would like to know or something in particular that you would like me to explain, phone my rooms on 011 875 1630 or simply leave a comment on my Facebook page and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Lastly, make sure to visit my website for more info on all the procedures I offer at my Fourways practice!

BREASTS PROBLEMS

Problems:

• You have saggy breasts
• You desire more cleavage
• There is a significant difference between one breast and the other
• You are self-conscious about breasts
• You feel that larger more perky breasts would make you feel more attractive and improve your self-confidence
• You have a hard time finding clothes that fit because of discrepancy between your breasts and your buttocks

Solution: Breast Lift!
Based on your answers to the last post, you may or may not also require a breast augmentation at the same time.

After breast lift surgery, you will notice that your breasts are firmer and higher. This will help to improve your confidence and self-esteem. Many patients are happy with the results and report that they feel younger looking and more ‘feminine’.

My Breast Lift page is full of informative resources

Why would I need to combine Breast Lift surgery with Breast augmentation?

Breast lift does not increase the size of your breasts although they may appear larger due to the fact that they are higher and firmer looking. The exception to this is if you have combined this procedure with breast augmentation surgery to enhance volume.

Problems:

• Your breasts are causing you severe psychological distress, are affecting your physical health or your ability to do exercise.
• You are experiencing backache, neck and shoulder ache.
• Your clothes don’t fit properly
• You do not like the way your breasts affect your overall appearance: large breasts can make you look unbalanced and have a big impact upon your appearance in general. Your breasts are out of proportion with the rest of your body. You feel that you are ‘top heavy’ and this can affect your self-confidence.
• You do not like being subject to inappropriate comments or attentions from the opposite sex.

Solution: Breast Reduction!

The main benefits are smaller, lighter and firmer breasts. They will be in proportion to the rest of your body. This also means no more physical discomfort such as backache or neck ache. The areola (the brown circular area round the nipple) can also be made smaller and better proportioned as well.

For Breast Reduction at my practice, click here

Breast reduction results in one of the most dramatic changes to physical appearance.

• Your clothes will fit better;
• You will no longer have physical discomfort
• Or have to endure unwanted comments about the size of your breasts. This is usually a particular issue for teenage girls.

Problems:

• You consider your breasts to be too small and would like to increase their size.
• You feel less than feminine as a result of having small breasts.
• Your breasts lost firmness, shape and volume after pregnancy
• Your one breast is smaller/bigger than the other
• You feel bigger, firmer breasts will give you a more youthful appearance

Solution: Breast Augmentation!

This highly requested surgery will have you feeling happier with your appearance, and will improve self-confidence and well-being. Breast Augmentation is the most requested surgery in my practice and in most cases women are looking for increased size with upper pole fullness.

Visit my breast augmentation page for more info!

The decision to undergo breast augmentation is a highly personal one and all that matters are how you feel about the results. If the results match your expectations then it has been a success.

It can give you a younger looking appearance but it is not a ‘fountain of youth’! As with any form of cosmetic surgery you need to have realistic expectations about what it can do.

STUBBORN FAT PROBLEMS

Problems:

• You are bothered by excess fat deposits – located anywhere on your body – that don’t respond to diet or exercise.
• You feel your body is disproportionate (but not necessarily overweight)

Solution: Liposuction and Liposculpture!

The results after liposuction surgery are instantly noticeable. You will have a firmer and more contoured appearance, which will improve your sense of well-being. The effects of liposuction are permanent, which means if you do increase your body fat, then it will NOT return to those areas you had treated.

Liposuction in more detail? Head over to my website!

Liposuction is especially beneficial to those patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. It can remove those last remaining pockets of fat. This will dramatically improve your appearance.

Liposuction can also be combined with other procedures such as abdominoplasty.

However I need to insist on the fact that Liposuction is not a solution to the problem of obesity or weight loss in general.  Also, it is not an effective treatment for cellulite.

Problems:

• You have recently had a baby and wish to tighten loose skin that has stretched as a result of your pregnancy.
• You have increased amounts of skin laxity or looseness from the belly button down to the pubic region
• You have excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and are looking to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall to flatten your abdomen

Solution: Tummy Tuck!

During this surgery, I remove excess skin and fat from the waist, which cannot be shifted by diet and exercise alone.

There are three types of abdominoplasty:

• Complete abdominoplasty
• Partial or ‘mini’ abdominoplasty
• Extended abdominoplasty

But don’t worry; together we will discuss which one is best for your needs and characteristics.

Tummy tuck results are impressive: You will have a firmer, toned and flatter abdomen. If you had some lower abdominal bulge as a result of pregnancy then this will also be corrected. This also includes stretch marks! Your waist will appear slimmer and this tighter, youthful abdomen will boost your confidence and self-esteem.

Would you like to find out more about Tummy Tuck at my practice?

Problems:

• You do not like the way their nose looks and have been troubled by one or more of its features?
• You are concerned about the following?
• Damage to your nose caused by an accident or injury
• Congenital defect
• A nose that is too small or too large
• Excessively flared nostrils
• An enlarged, drooping or thickened nasal tip
• Crooked or off-centre nose

Solution: Rhinoplasty!

Rhinoplasty is performed for a variety of reasons which can include increasing or reducing the size of the nose; changing the nasal tip or the bridge, removing any unsightly humps or bumps and making the nose straighter or narrower.

The nasal tip itself can be rotated upwards or downwards, projected forwards or backwards or enlarged or decreased in size. The cartilage, bones and sometimes the soft tissues of the nose are reshaped.

After your rhinoplasty, your nose will be more natural looking and will complement your appearance. Whether larger, smaller or reshaped, you will look and feel better.

The vast majority of my patients are happy with the results of rhinoplasty.

If you would like to read more about this procedure, make sure to visit my website.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter about various problems some of my patients encounter and the solutions I offer at my Fourways practice. Of course, I spoke about a few surgeries only so make sure to phone my rooms on 011 875 1630 if you would like to book an appointment or simply make an inquiry, we are here to help you!

You can also find me on Facebook and on Twitter.

Dr Charles Serrurier’s Advice: Plan Your Procedures

This Blog is dedicated to those who are considering procedures and treatments. Many of you may be quite sure of what service you want – but the question is, at what time is it most suitable? Different procedures require different preparations and involve different amounts of recovery ‘down-time’. So I hope that the information below allows you to plan your year with a few key considerations that will make your life much easier – after all, your schedule is meant to work for you…

Plan your year to best suite your recovery
Procedures and treatments are chosen by each patient to when it suites them best. However, correct planning to ensure an easy and safe recovery should be priority and this blog should help do just that.

Early year: Jan – March
The beginning of the year it is a fantastic period to have procedures such as:

• Brow-Lifts
• Eye-Lid surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Both involve a relatively small period of down-time (usually 1 week) and both produce a younger, fresher, revitalized appearance – a great way to start of the year.

Brow Lines on one’s forehead deepen with age, eventually resulting in a misinterpreted expression of fatigue or hostility. The Brow Lift procedure will eliminate this problem and return your features to a naturally younger you.

Corrective eyelid surgery is popular due to the way natural results rejuvenate a face and remove years from your visible age. Combine that with minimal downtime and you can see why more and more of my patients are opting for this procedure.

 

Summer season: October – March
Speaking of the Summer Season – guess what the most popular procedure is just prior to the days of sunshine? Okay, so it is not that hard a guess, everyone wants to get ready for the beach, and why not have the body you desire to match that sexy bikini that you have been waiting for…

Breast Augmentation allows one to create the contours and add volume that one has always wanted. Breast augmentation is the most popular procedure in my practice and although recovery is not really an issue, booking a consultation time can be tricky, especially toward the end of the year. So please plan and book early.

Easter Holidays
If you do have a holiday planned within the year, this is often a good time for a Face-Lift, as they do require some recovery time. Easter holidays are normally a busy period for Face Lift and Rhinoplasty surgery. Face-Lifts can truly transform an appearance whilst working with ones natural jaw-line & cheek bones – if you are interested I suggest you have a read on my personal approach to the procedure

All year round treatments
If you are looking for some help staying revitalized through the year then fret not, Yana performs Facials with passion and care.

Facials clean exfoliate and nourishes the skin, promoting: Clear, Well-hydrated complexion, and can and help your skin look younger.

Fortunately, touch-up treatments and maintenance make-overs such as Botox and Fillers can be performed throughout the year because they have virtually no down-time – we can help you with these quick and easy treatments to keep you feeling great no matter what weather or season.

Botox can be used to target wrinkles by smoothing the skin and Dermal Fillers can rejuvenate your skin, correct wrinkles and replace volume – book a consultation to find out which one is suited to your goals.

Winter: May – July
If you are planning on having some Liposuction done or perhaps a Tummy-Tuck procedure it is often advised that you plan it such that your down-time is within the cooler months of the year – this makes it easier to cover the post-operative bandage corsets that will help you recover and also stay in bed to assist with immediate post surgical recovery… some patients have said that it has been great to have a winter were they actually got into better shape rather than gaining weight…

Both Tummy-Tucks and Liposuction  require more down-time than most procedures – so it is best to plan for them earlier rather than later. If you do take proper care of yourself, with my aid and guidance, both procedures can have phenomenal results without any complications.

I hope that this blog will help you decide on when it is best for you to make a booking, but if you would like to know more please do not hesitate to contact us so that you may be happy and comfortable with the schedule that you have set for yourself this year.

Kind regards,

Dr Charles Serrurier’s December Refresh & Redefine

Refresh & Redefine

This month’s blog will touch on a number of procedures, please feel free to post your comments and ask questions.

Facials

A facial is one of the best ways to take care of your skin – it cleans exfoliate and nourishes the skin, promoting:

•Clear,
•Well-hydrated complexion, and can
•Help your skin look younger

Facial Rejuvenation

I have many patients that do not want to undergo surgery, instead, they chose to have Dermal Filler treatments to keep them looking young and refreshed with beautiful skin to reverse visible signs of ageing.

I only use gold standard Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers in my practice. They offer the safest treatment plan, predictable results and are quick to perform – which means you can be back to your schedule in not time.

Dermal fillers give us options to:

– Rejuvenate your skin,
– Correct wrinkles and
– Replace volume

Are Dermal Fillers the same as Botox?

Dermal Filler treatments are the treatments for filling wrinkles from the inside out or treatments like plumping lips. Whereas, Botox is a toxin used to temporarily paralyze over used muscles or animated parts of the face – these constantly moving muscles create folds in the skin that turn into wrinkles.

Facial Surgery

Our Faces are the primary area of visual focus when interacting with one another, they are also made up of many different elements. Luckily, medical science has specialized, allowing you to target areas of improvement.

I offer:

• Corrective Eye Surgery,
• Mini & Full Face Lifts,
• Cosmetic Nose Surgery and
• Brow Lifts

 

The Body, Your Body, Make it match your Style

Unfortunately, we are not all blessed with fast metabolisms and no matter how much we diet and exercise we just can’t seem to reach our Body Type Goals, often these problem areas are further aggravated by the skin losing it’s elasticity over time. With these elements in mind, the following procedures were formulated:

Liposuction

Liposuction surgery may be considered to treat areas of excess fat in the stomach, buttocks, hips, love handles, saddlebags, thighs, calves, ankles, breasts (including male breasts), back, arms and neck.

Liposuction is equally effective in both men and women. For more information please see:

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is an option in cases where excess fat, skin and sagging muscles have not been improved by diet and exercise. By this I mean you need to be close to your ideal body weight for a tummy tuck to be truly effective.

Did you know that if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, additional combination surgeries such as liposuction also might be a great way for you to get more out of your surgery? For more information please see:

Breast Surgery

Different bodies are suited to different kinds of treatments, I offer the following treatments:

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Reconstruction

Body Lifts: 

Buttock Lift

Its main purpose is to improve and/or remove excess, sagging buttock and thigh skin that has developed as a result of weight loss, aging and gravity, or genetics. The results of buttock lift surgery are visible almost immediately, but it may take several months for your final results to fully develop. A buttock lift does not add volume or shape to your existing buttocks, but it can give it a sleeker, more toned appearance.

Arm Lift

This is an increasingly popular procedure in both men and women, for those self-conscious about “bingo arms”. The purpose of the Arm Lift is to remove the excess skin from the upper arms and in certain cases reduce the circumference of the upper arms.

After their Brachioplasty, patients usually report:

• A more youthful appearance and thinner contour to the arms.
• Reduction of flabbiness, extra skin and fat, in the upper inner arms.
• Greater confidence and comfort in clothing
• Long-lasting results.

Thigh Lift? Yes we can help with that too.

A thigh lift reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. During your thigh lift, the underlying tissue matrix will be reshaped and tightened, and skin will be reduced and re-draped. This is how we get results to offer you a more proportionate and smoother body contour.

The tighter contouring resulting from a thigh lift is apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by some swelling and bruising which is completely normal post-procedure.

2013-14

Thank you so much for your support throughout the year, I hope to see you in the new year.

Kind regards,

Dr Charles Serrurier

Breast Cancer, Part 5

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast Reconstruction is always performed under general anesthesia and in most cases is covered by medical aid.

Implant breast reconstruction is a more simple operation than flap breast reconstruction, with a slightly shorter recovery time than other types of reconstruction.

• It leaves less scarring on the breast and no scars elsewhere on your body.
• It can give a good appearance, particularly for women with small breasts or women having both breasts reconstructed.
• No operating on healthy tissue or extra scars
• No missing tissue missing elsewhere in the body

Unfortunately not everyone is eligible for implant reconstruction. We will have to discuss what is best for you for not only immediate recovery but also long-term satisfaction. What would you choose?

Remember to get yourself checked regularly, there is additional information and you can stay in touch with me via Facebook @DrCharlesSerrurier

Breast Cancer, Part 4

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer, there are numerous types of treatments that, depending on your case will be available to you. I will discuss all your options during the consultation process.
It is also important to know that there are numerous chat rooms and support groups of Breast Cancer patients to help you work through your treatment and recovery.

There is help, there is support, and you are not alone. Reach out.

Breast Cancer Surgery removes unhealthy tissue and may cause asymmetry. This surgery is performed by a breast surgeon. Plastic surgery for breast reconstruction will repair and restore, as close as possible, the natural appearance and symmetry of the breast, replacing skin, breast tissue, and the nipple which may have been removed during a mastectomy.

The amount of tissue removed varies with each mastectomy. Factors contributing to the amount of tissue removed include the width, size, and location of the original tumor and its proximity to the armpit from which the lymph glands are removed.

Is Breast Reconstruction Considered Cosmetic Surgery?

Restoring the breast through breast reconstruction is not considered cosmetic surgery. Operations performed to restore anatomy and symmetry, like breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, is considered reconstructive surgery – this means that in most cases your breast reconstruction will be covered by medical aid.

After a mastectomy would you choose to undergo a breast reconstruction or simply live without breasts? I see both types of patients in my practice.

Timing of breast reconstruction is based on the woman’s desires, other medical conditions, and breast cancer treatment. For many women, immediate reconstruction reduces the trauma of having a breast removed, as well as the expense and discomfort of undergoing two major operations.

It is also possible to do breast reconstruction months or years after a mastectomy. For some women, this may be advised if radiation following mastectomy was or will be performed.
We will discuss you best options during the consultation process. Call my Fourways rooms to make an appointment 011 875 1630

Breast Cancer, Part 2

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too.

To understand breast cancer, it helps to have some basic knowledge about the normal structure of the breasts.

Benign Breast Lumps: Fibrosis and Cysts

Most lumps turn out to be caused by fibrosis and/or cysts. Fibrosis is the formation of scar-like (fibrous) tissue, and cysts are fluid-filled sacs. These conditions are most often diagnosed by a doctor based on symptoms, such as breast lumps, swelling, and tenderness or pain. These symptoms tend to be worse just before a woman’s menstrual period is about to begin. The breasts may feel lumpy and, sometimes, one may notice a clear or slightly cloudy nipple discharge.

A biopsy may determine whether a lump is a malignant or benign. Check your breasts regularly for lumps and pumps.

Regular Exercise, Health Care Tips & Preventative Care

• Regular exercise can improve your physical and emotional health.
• It improves your cardiovascular (heart and circulation) fitness.
• Along with a good diet, it will help you get to and stay at a healthy weight.
• It makes your muscles stronger.
• It reduces fatigue and helps you have more energy.
• It can help lower anxiety and depression.
• It can make you feel happier.
• It helps you feel better about yourself.
• And long term, plays a role in helping to lower the risk of some cancers
• Chemoprevention is the use of drugs to reduce the risk of cancer. Several drugs have been studied for lowering breast cancer risk