After cosmetic surgery, or any type of surgery, patients often wonder if their wound is healing properly. Whether you’re resting at home or already back to daily activities, understanding the wound healing process and the benefits of proper post-surgical care can improve your recovery and peace of mind.

The 4 Scientifically Proven Stages of Wound Healing

1.Hemostasis (The body stop´s bleeding)

• • This is the body’s immediate response to injury, occurring within minutes.
  • Blood vessels constrict and produce clots to prevent excessive blood loss.
  • White blood cells (Macrophages) flood the area to protect against infection.
  • The clot forms a scab, sealing the wound to begin healing.

2. Inflammation

• • • Typically lasts up to 6 days post-surgery.
    • Signs include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and clear fluid discharge.
    • Macrophages (white blood cells) clean the wound and prevent infection.
    • Normal blood flow returns to the area, essential for healing.
    • If symptoms worsen, such as pus or bad odor, consult your doctor immediately.

3.Rebuilding (Proliferative phase)

• • • The body starts constructing new tissue to replace damaged skin.
    • Oxygen-rich red blood cells deliver nutrients to form new tissues.
    • Surrounding cells produce collagen, creating a scar.
    • Sharp or shooting pains may occur as nerves regenerate, this is a normal sign of healing.
    • Pain intensity will gradually decrease over time.

4.Maturation (strengthening and remodeling)

• • • • The scar initially appears red, raised, and fresh.
      • Over weeks to months, the scar flattens and fades to resemble surrounding skin.
      • Itching or tightness indicates ongoing tissue remodeling.
      • The wound gains strength as collagen reorganizes and matures.

Key factors that can affect wound healing

• Poor blood supply, which delays healing, may result from:
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension
  • Vascular diseases (e.g., venous insufficiency)
  • Diabetes
  • Genetic conditions like keloids or fibrosis
• Other slowing factors include:
  • Low oxygen levels
  • Infection
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Presence of foreign bodies
  • Age-related slower cellular regeneration
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Certain medications (e.g., steroids, chemotherapy)
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Immunocompromised states (e.g., cancer, AIDS)
  • Poor nutrition

Warning Signs of Infection After Surgery

Immediately see your surgeon or healthcare provider if you notice:

• Fever
• Delayed wound healing
• Increasing redness, pain, or swelling
• Pus or foul odor from the wound
• Persistent tenderness or warmth near the incision

Why Post-surgery treatment matters

Professional post-surgical therapy improves outcomes by:

• Enhancing tissue repair and regeneration
• Accelerating wound healing timelines
• Preventing infections and complications like seromas and fibrosis
• Reducing post-operative pain and discomfort
• Lowering patient stress and supporting emotional wellbeing

Choosing the right post-surgery therapist

• Seek certified therapists experienced in post-operative care.
• Skilled therapists use personalsed treatment plans.
• Treatments may include manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and specialiSed equipment tailored to your healing stage.
• Proper timing and techniques are crucial to maximize recovery and avoid setbacks.

A final word

It is pivotal that you know that each person and procedure is different, so recovery time may vary from patient to patient. On the other hand, proper, tailored and timily after surgery care plus self awareness improve and speed up your recovery journy.

If you have questions or would like to book your post-surgery treatment, contact us today! We’re always glad to help. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington.  If you found this blog useful, please share it with others who may be starting their recovery journey.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903966/#:~:text=The%20wound%2Dhealing%20process%20consists,Gosain%20and%20DiPietro%2C%202004).

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/surgical-incision-healing

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/stages-of-wound-healing#stages-of-wound-healing

The post After cosmetic surgery treatment: How to know if your wound is healing properly appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Feeling depressed after undergoing cosmetic or plastic surgery is a common occurrence, influenced by a range of physical and emotional factors. It’s important to acknowledge that such sentiments are not unusual and can be effectively addressed with appropriate support and understanding. In my practice, I prioritize patient education by providing clear explanations of the healing journey. A significant challenge I often encounter is patients’ lack of information regarding post-operative care and the stages of their body’s healing process.

Another contributing factor to post-surgery depression may be the gap between expectations and reality. Patients often have high expectations for the outcome of their surgery, and if the results don’t meet what they hope or if there are complications during recovery, it can lead to feelings of disappointment or dissatisfaction.

Additionally, Patients may struggle with adapting to their new appearance, especially during the initial stages of healing when swelling or bruising may be present.

Furthermore, the physical discomfort and limitations during the recovery period can impact a person’s emotional well-being. Pain, discomfort, and changes in daily routines can contribute to feelings of frustration or helplessness.

Understanding that the recovery process takes time and that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions can help individuals navigate their post-surgery journey more effectively.

What are the mental effects of cosmetic or plastic  surgery?

Understanding the mental effects of cosmetic surgery is crucial if you are  considering or undergoing such procedures. While cosmetic surgery can enhance physical appearance and boost self-confidence, it can also have significant psychological impacts. Some common mental effects of cosmetic surgery include:

1. Improved  your self-esteem: Many individuals experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence following cosmetic surgery, as they feel more satisfied with their appearance.
2. Body image satisfaction: Cosmetic surgery can help align a person’s physical appearance with ideal self-image, leading to increased  body satisfaction and overall well-being.
3. Reduced social anxiety: For some individuals, addressing physical imperfections through cosmetic surgery can alleviate social anxiety and improve social interactions.
4. Enhanced quality of life: Improved self-confidence and body satisfaction can contribute to a better quality of life, allowing individuals to pursue opportunities and experiences they may have previously avoided due to concerns about their appearance.
5. Psychological distress: On the other hand, cosmetic surgery does not always lead to positive mental effects. Some patients  may experience disappointment if the results do not meet their expectations, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and psychological distress.
6. Unrealistic expectations: Unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of cosmetic surgery can contribute to disappointment and dissatisfaction if the desired results are not achieved.
7. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): In some cases, individuals with body dysmorphic disorder may seek out cosmetic surgery in an attempt to address perceived flaws, which can exacerbate their symptoms and lead to further psychological distress.

Is depression common after cosmetic surgery?

Encountering feelings of depression after cosmetic surgery is a common experience influenced by various factors. While cosmetic procedures aim to enhance appearance and confidence, it’s important to recognize the psychological impact of surgery. Unrealistic expectations, disappointment with results, and stress during recovery can all contribute to these feelings.

Furthermore, many individuals undergoing cosmetic surgery may feel isolated, as they may choose to keep their procedure private. This sense of loneliness and lack of support can significantly affect mental health. To effectively navigate these emotions, it’s crucial for patients to establish realistic expectations, lean on their support system, and maintain open communication with both their therapist and surgeon about any mental health concerns following cosmetic surgery.

We hope this information is useful. To know more visit our  previous blogs. If you are undergoing cosmetic surgery, remember we can help! we are experts in post-surgery care and always glad to help!

If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!

The post Exploring the Intersection of Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery with Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Perea Clinic.

What  is the hardest plastic surgery to recover from?

Determining the most painful cosmetic surgery recovery can be subjective and dependent on individual pain tolerance, surgical techniques, and the extent of the procedure. However, certain cosmetic surgeries are often associated with higher levels of discomfort during recovery due to the nature of the surgery and the areas of the body involved. 

From my practice experience, I’ve put together a list of the most demanding plastic surgeries in terms of recovery that I handle.

Multiple Procedures:

Undergoing multiple plastic surgery procedures simultaneously, such as a mommy makeover combining breast augmentation, tummy tuck,  liposuction and BBL, can result in a more challenging recovery due to the cumulative effects on the body. 

In my 16 years of assisting patients in their recovery from plastic or cosmetic surgery, I’ve found that certain procedures can yield less optimal outcomes than others. Specifically, procedures that combine two or more procedures simultaneously  like: 

• breast  lifting or augmentation and Brazilian butt lift ,
•  tummy tuck with muscle repair concurrently and breast lifting.

The union of different procedures can present significant challenges.

In my experience, it’s common to encounter complications when patients undergo 

multiple procedures, often resulting in the compromise of at least one surgery.

My advice is to approach multiple procedures in stages rather than all at once. It’s crucial to consider the extensive recovery process, which can span weeks to months. Factors such as sleeping positions and daily activities need to be taken into account when planning for a successful recovery.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck):

Abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from your abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles if needed. Following the procedure, during the early stages of recovery, patients often experience (on the abdominal area):

•  notable discomfort, 
• tightness, 
• and soreness. 

In addition, certain individuals may encounter sensations of pulling, restricted movement, and numbness that persist for years post-surgery. And, please keep in mind that the appearance of the scar can vary among individuals due to the unique characteristics of each patient.

Breast Augmentation with Implants:

Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of implants to improve breast size and shape. In the initial week following the procedure, patients commonly encounter sensations of:

discomfort, tightness, and pressure in the chest area as the tissues adapt to the implants. Additionally, heightened sensitivity in the upper back may occur as the muscles, including the middle and lower trapezius and rhomboids, work hard to compensate for the change in  shoulder posture due to the increase of weight  of the chest muscles, particularly the pectoralis major.

Liposuction:

Liposuction is a procedure designed to eliminate excess fat from different parts of the body using suction. During the recovery period, patients often encounter soreness, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas, leading to discomfort. However, a primary challenge in recovery arises from excessive fibrosis, or the buildup of connective tissue, which can be painful and contribute to irregularities in the skin’s texture. Early intervention by a therapist skilled in managing fibrosis is crucial for addressing these irregularities effectively and minimizing potential complications.

Facelift:  

surgery aims to rejuvenate the face by tightening facial muscles and removing excess skin. This procedure can lead to tightness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the face and neck during recovery. One notable challenge associated with this surgery is the persistent sensation of skin pulling and prolonged inflammation compared to other procedures.

Moreover, because facial features are prominently visible, any inflammation or irregularity becomes more apparent and can be particularly frustrating for patients.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery):

Rhinoplasty procedures focus on correcting  the nasal structure, often resulting in swelling, bruising, and nasal congestion. Patients commonly experience  discomfort, particularly in the nasal region, including sensations of blockages and sinus pressure, in the initial stages of recovery. Similarly to facelift procedures, rhinoplasty inflammation may persist for an extended period, and its visibility can be more pronounced due to its location on the face. Therefore, patience is essential during the recovery process, as “Good things takes time”

Body Lift Surgery:

Body lift procedures, which address excess skin and fat in multiple areas of the body, often lead to discomfort, swelling, and restricted mobility throughout the recovery period. Patients frequently report sensations of tightness, numbness and soreness in the treated areas. A significant concern I encounter with my patients is their insufficient understanding of wound care, resulting in frequent infections.

We hope this information is useful. To know more visit our  previous and next blogs. If you are undergoing cosmetic surgery, remember we can help! we are experts in post-surgery care and always glad to help!

If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!

The post What is the Toughest Plastic Surgeries to Recover From? appeared first on Perea Clinic.

How long does it take to recover from cosmetic surgery?

The recovery time from cosmetic surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed, individual factors such as overall health and the body’s natural healing process, as well as the extent of the surgery. Many surgeons promote the notion that post-surgery recovery lasts two to three weeks and assures patients of their ability to return to work within this timeframe. However, my observations in practice diverge significantly from this narrative. Even minor cosmetic surgeries necessitate a healing period exceeding three weeks. Patients, usually, start feeling normal around the six-week mark, notice some improvements by three months, and often only witness the final results after six months.

What  is the hardest plastic surgery to recover from?

Determining the most painful cosmetic surgery recovery can be subjective and dependent on individual pain tolerance, surgical techniques, and the extent of the procedure. However, certain cosmetic surgeries are often associated with higher levels of discomfort during recovery due to the nature of the surgery and the areas of the body involved. 

From my practice experience, I’ve put together a list of the most demanding plastic surgeries in terms of recovery that I handle.

Multiple Procedures: Undergoing multiple plastic surgery procedures simultaneously, such as a mommy makeover combining breast augmentation, tummy tuck,  liposuction and BBL, can result in a more challenging recovery due to the cumulative effects on the body. 

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Following the procedure, patients often experience notable discomfort, tightness, and soreness in the abdominal region during the early stages of recovery.  

Breast Augmentation with Implants: In the initial week following the procedure, patients commonly encounter sensations of discomfort, tightness, and pressure in the chest area as the tissues adapt to the implants. 

Liposuction: During the recovery period, patients often encounter soreness, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas, leading to discomfort. However, a primary challenge in recovery arises from excessive fibrosis, or the buildup of connective tissue, which can be painful and contribute to irregularities in the skin’s texture. Early intervention by a therapist skilled in managing fibrosis is crucial for addressing these irregularities effectively and minimizing potential complications.

Facelift:  This procedure can lead to tightness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the face and neck during recovery. One notable challenge associated with this surgery is the persistent sensation of skin pulling and prolonged inflammation compared to other procedures.

Moreover, because facial features are prominently visible, any inflammation or irregularity becomes more apparent and can be particularly frustrating for patients.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): Patients commonly experience  discomfort, particularly in the nasal region, including sensations of blockages and sinus pressure, in the initial stages of recovery. 

Body Lift Surgery: Often leads to discomfort, swelling, and restricted mobility throughout the recovery period. Patients frequently report sensations of tightness, numbness and soreness in the treated areas. A significant concern I encounter with my patients is their insufficient understanding of wound care, resulting in frequent infections.

What is the riskiest cosmetic surgery ?

The riskiest cosmetic surgery varies depending on several factors, including your individual’s health status, the surgeon’s skill and experience, and the specific procedure performed. However, certain cosmetic surgeries are generally associated with higher risks and potential complications compared to others. The procedures that are considered the riskiest are “Brazilian Butt Lift” (BBL) and Tummy tuck . 

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

A BBL procedure typically entails removing fat from one part of the body via liposuction and injecting it into the buttocks to achieve a fuller appearance.

Risks and Complications:

1. Fat Embolism
2. Infection
3. Asymmetry and Irregularities
4. Skin Necrosis
5. Pulmonary Complications

Tummy tuck  or abdominoplasty 

Moreover, in my experience, tummy tuck procedures performed in Turkey exhibit a heightened risk of complications. Out of every 10 tummy tuck patients who seek treatment at my practice, I find it necessary to refer one to the A & E. These referrals typically stem from infected and open wounds, symptoms of sepsis and occasionally, the need for emergency surgery.

What is the most painful surgery to recover from?

Determining the most painful cosmetic surgery to recover from can vary depending on individual pain thresholds and the specific procedures involved. However, my patients express more post- operative discomfort with certain cosmetic surgeries such as:

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, can be particularly painful due to the intricate nature of reshaping the nasal structure. Patients may experience significant swelling, bruising, and nasal congestion during the recovery period, leading to discomfort.

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery , can be quite painful due to the extensive tissue manipulation and muscle tightening involved. Patients often report tightness, soreness, and discomfort in the abdominal area during the initial stages of recovery.

Breast augmentation with implants, which involves placing implants to enhance breast size and shape, can also cause discomfort, especially in the chest and upper back area, as the tissues adjust to the implants.

How long are you off work after plastic or cosmetic surgery?

Determining the duration of time off work after plastic or cosmetic surgery depends on various factors, including the type of procedure, individual healing capacity, and the physical demands of your job. Typically, patients may need to take anywhere from a few days to several weeks off work to ensure a smooth recovery process.

For minor cosmetic procedures such as chin-lipo patients often return to work within a day or two. 

More extensive surgeries such as breast augmentation,  liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or facelifts may require a longer recovery period. Patients typically take about two to four weeks off work to allow for initial healing and to manage any discomfort or swelling.

For physically demanding jobs or those involving strenuous activity, patients may need to take additional time off to avoid compromising their recovery or risking injury.

We hope this information is useful. To know more visit our next blogs. If you are undergoing cosmetic surgery, remember we can help! we are experts in post-surgery care and always glad to help!

If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!

The post Answering Your Top Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery  FAQ’s: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Nowadays, Turkey is one of the most chosen places to perform plastic surgery, being lipo one of the most common procedures. I am a post surgery recovery specialist with more than 15 years practicing cosmetic surgery post op in the UK. I decided to do my own research, pretending to be a patient looking to book a liposuction in Turkey. For that reason and based on my own experience, I’m answering, in this blog, the most common question you may have about how to start your booking surgery process in Turkey. Here, you will find my position as a patient who doesn’t know anything about the procedure and my position as a practitioner.

 Just to start with, for each 10 patients that come to my clinic for post-cosmetic surgery from Turkey, I need to refer 1 to the NHS for related post surgery complications!.  I hope this information is useful for you. Let’s start…

Is it safe to get a Lipo in Turkey?

 Yes, it is if you are in the hands of a good surgeon. It is important for you to know that all surgeries have risks. However, the best option to avoid as many risks as you can is by choosing a recognised and specialised surgeon. For your safety, it is key to check the background of the clinic and surgeon (get as much information as you can,e.g. pictures and reviews of previous patients, joint forums in Facebook, etc.). This is the best way to be in a good and safe place.

Just find the right surgeon (who fulfills your expectations and budget). Remember you are not  going to Turkey to find cheap surgeons, you are having your surgery in country because you will be able to afford the best surgeon you need, for example, at the time I wrote this article £1= ₺‎ 22.72 Turkey liras.  Other options are: Colombia, Argentina, USA, or your own home UK.

 Is lipo cheaper in Turkey?

Yes, it is due to an exchange benefit for British people (same happens in Latin America). For example, a liposuction in Colombia with the best  surgeons in the country (they only operate celebrities or wealthy people) you will pay around $25.000.000 Colombian pesos. This is equivalent to £ 4248.52 at today’s currency change. For this precise you will have a full medical team, your fajas and your post aftercare treatment included. As I said before, our currency has a good price in Turkey, however, go for the best as you can afford it. 

How to book a lipo in Turkey

1.Research

I wanted to see what the lipo journey was for most of my clients when they book their surgery in Turkey.  The first thing I did was to do a research of the most recognised clinics and surgeons in Turkey to perform the lipo, and I found that most of them are located in Istanbul.

To my surprise there is a whole marketing industry around plastic surgery in Turkey, so you can find agencies that work with different clinics and surgeons at the same time. These agencies offer you packages according to the treatment  they suggest is the best for my needs. None of them mention that after the surgery I will need a post surgery after treatment, some sessions will be done in Turkey and the rests back in the Uk. So you need to budget for it. This could be £500 to £2000 if you have complications. 

This Packages include:

• Nights at a 4 star hotel(the number depends on the procedure).
• 1 night hospital stay in a private room. 
• Transfers in a private car.
• Free physical check-up (I’ll explain it below).
• Aftercare in the UK if necessary.
• Preoperative blood test.
• Personal host
• Check-up
• Medical garment.
• You can go with one companion free of charge.
• 1 year follow-up by aftercare team (it is virtual).

*They offer special discounts for groups and on special campaigns.

2.contact the agency

• You can find in all agencies’ webpages, a WhatsApp, a chat or an email to contact them. 
• I wrote to them explaining that I wanted a lipo.
• Then, a host wrote to me back to offer me different packages and gave me the information I needed.
• you can ask the host all you need to know.
• Some agencies send me pictures of previous patients, testimonies and videos.

*Remember you are dealing with Marketing people not with doctors at this stage.  

3.Assessment and treatment plan

( all performed by WhatsApp text message)

• The host asked me to provide pictures from different angles of the area I wanted to treat.
• These pics were evaluated by “the expert” (I had the answer in less than 24h). I didn’t have the opportunity to talk to the surgeon despite asking several times that I wanted to ask  questions directly. 
•  I was informed that I was suitable for a 360 Vaser liposuction procedure 

In this procedure, excess fat is suctioned from the affected areas (in my case abdomen, flanks and back).Then, the contour is improved to get the desired curly hourglass shape and a flat tummy.

4.Medical form

A link is sent through WhatsApp, you just have to fill it up. It is an easy and short questionnaire, the questions are focused on knowing your general health.

5.Booking

After the medical form was approved by “the experts”, There were two options:

1. Some agencies ask me to pay a deposit of USD 200 to start the booking process. 
2. Other agencies just ask me to give them the flight information to start the booking process, they don’t ask for money before traveling. 

How much does a lipo cost in Turkey?

Vaser liposuction is around USD 3.240 and you need to deposit USD 200 to book it before traveling or pay the total amount in Turkey, that depends on the agency you choose. Remember that flight tickets are not included.

How many days do I need to stay in Turkey?

The “specialist” advised me to have a Vaser lipo due to the characteristics of my body, for this kind of procedure I need to be in Turkey for 5 days.  The host told me that I won’t be allowed to travel if I’m not ok. However, being allowed to fly in less than a week after being under general anesthetic is wrong advice in my opinion. This is a high risk to develop DVT and increase the water retention, this means you will need more post op treatments and you could end up in hospital if you present DVT.   

A final word…

If you decide to have a lipo in Turkey, I would recommend to go and invest on second opinions from surgeons in your country (UK for us) that can see you in person, this way you can ask as many questions about what to expect and more importantly to have a full understanding about the procedure and what is best for you , specially if there is a language barrier.  We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice before travelling to have your surgery or have any questions about your post surgery treatment or any of our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

Have you ever thought about having lipo abroad?

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/vaser-liposuction

The post Lipo in Turkey: How to start?  appeared first on Perea Clinic.

If you have read my blogs about tummy tuck , you may have a lot of information about what it is, how it is performed, how to get better results and how to exercise after it. Today, I want to share with you the most common questions patients ask me before booking or during their post abdominoplasty surgery treatment. Next, you can find some of them…

1. Can the fat extracted during a tummy tuck be used in a BBL ?

No. Your surgeon cuts skin with added fat deposits and it cannot be used in a BBL. 

When you want to add volume to your but, what your surgeon will do is a liposuction, then that fat is processed and injected into your buttocks.

In addition, after a tummy tuck the patient should be 2-3 weeks in a half-seated position, so your buttocks must rest on the bed and after a BBL your buttocks can’t rest flat on a surface for 8 of weeks.

2. I’m overweight, Can I use a tummy tuck to lose those extra pounds?

 No. Actually tummy tuck is used for people who have lost weight and have excess skin that needs to be removed and also contour their bodies. 

People who are overweight must lose a few pounds before the surgery because being overweight increases surgery risks and you won’t get the desired results.  

3. Can Surgeons also work on abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck?

Yes they can. Muscles from your abdomen are put together to contour your waist, tense the abdominal wall, making your abdomen look more firm. This procedure works pretty well on people who have developed a huge tummy during pregnancy and as a result their abdominal muscles have been separated (abdominal diastasis).

4. Does tummy tuck make stretch marks on my belly to disappear?

Yes and no. why? Because only those stretch marks located in the extracted skin area will disappear. Remember that Stretch marks can fade over time, but not disappear.

5. Can I have an abdominoplasty right after delivering my baby?

No. First, after delivery your tummy is enlarged due to hormonal changes and time will make it return to its normal size, so don’t worry about that. Second, and I think is the most important, the nursing position will be extremely painful if you have a tummy tuck.

6.  Can an abdominoplasty take away the fat and flaccidity I have on my lower abdomen?

Yes. Actually, the purpose of tummy tuck is to eliminate that annoying roll we have on our lower abdomen.

7. Tummy tuck = large scar?

Yes. But it is a hidden scar. First, the size depends on the amount of skin that the surgeon cuts; and the most important thing is that your bikini, tank or panties will cover it, so don’t worry, people wont notice it! 

Make sure you follow your surgeon’s instructions, in order to avoid complications with the scar so the final outcome will be a nice smooth line that you can hardly see. Also bare in mind that some people scar different than others and in some cases people can develop a keloid scar ( It  is an enlarge, raised scar that can be pink, red, skin- coloured or dark) 

8. Can I have an liposuction and a tummy tuck at the same time?

Yes. Actually, it is what people usually do. First, your surgeon will perform the liposuction. Then, she/he will perform the tummy tuck. However, to get the desired shape and keep a healthy weight you need to work on yourself, this means having the proper after surgery treatment like MLD, eating healthy and exercise.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rembRKqpP9g

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139#:~:text=Stretch%20marks%20(striae)%20are%20indented,they%20make%20their%20skin%20look.

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It has been 12 months after-lipo, you love your new shape, but suddenly you notice new fat deposits. And like a nightmare, fat always seems to have a way of coming back into your body. 

You may think…What is it? Why is this happening to me? What did I do wrong?

What you should know is that one year  or even before after surgery, many patients could end up with more accumulated fat (without proper aftercare), usually in areas different from those where the intervention was performed. Although fat can return to the same areas, and you will notice uneven appearance under the skin, this is due to the scar tissue of your fat cells after-lipo. 

In this blog, I  will answer those questions you may have after you recover from the surgery and also to advise you about what to do in order to get and maintain the desired results. Let´s start…

1.Why am I getting fat again?

You may not believe this, but our bodies work hard to store fat. It is part of our evolution. Why? Because, thousands of years ago, people who could store more fat lived longer when there was no food around. In addition, life expectancy was only 20 years, so they didn’t have to worry about cardiovascular disease or diabetes. In other words, fat storage was a survival advantage. Nowadays, things have changed, so extra fat is clearly not good for our general health. In the case of  after-lipo new fat deposits means a waste of money, time and pain.

2.How can I avoid getting a new fat deposit ?

To start  with, liposuction treatment isn’t a shortcut to get the body you always wanted. It is a lifestyle change. This starts with your diet habits and exercise routine, both will be your life lasting guarantee of good health and excellent post-lipo results. Furthermore, you need to continue with contouring treatments and MLD to eradicate new fat deposits and maintain the shape.

 3.What should I eat?

Good nutritional advice can help you take control of your eating behavior and avoid falling into unhealthy habits. As a result, you won’t have to worry about regaining the weight ( and new and uneven fat deposits). In addition, a well-balanced eating diet promotes heart health and provides your muscles with the necessary nutrients. Of course, be careful with extreme diets that greatly limit your eating options. The best you can do is to eat small portions throughout the day and avoid processed foods and junk food to easily maintain your weight. A diet made up of the following foods can help maintain results after liposuction:

• Lean white protein like turkey, chicken, fish, etc.
• Whole grains for example brown rice and oatmeal.
• High amounts of green leafy vegetables.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Nuts
• Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and flaxseed.
• Organic soy-based foods.

Fluid intake is very important during this process so try to drink plenty of water, non added sugar juices and herbal teas.

You can visit our blogs about nutrition after surgery to have more information.

What food should I avoid after lipo?

There are some foods that you should restrict after liposuction:

Salty foods. These are not recommended during your recovery and even some months after any surgery. The reason why is that its high levels of sodium can promote inflammation in your body and slow down the recovery process. You should limit or restrict salt for at least two to three months after surgery. You can replace it by incorporating herbs and spices into your food, such as onion, garlic, cinnamon, basil, oregano, parsley or those of your preference.

Processed sweet foods. Eating sugary foods can result in totally unnecessary weight gain. In addition, most sugary foods do not contain the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential for your recovery. In other words, these kinds of products are just tasty, but not healthy, so avoid them!

Alcoholic beverages. Avoid beer, wine, and any liquors, for at least 24 hours after surgery. Your surgeon may recommend you limit them, for a longer period of time, especially if he prescribes some medications that can negatively interact with alcohol.  After your recovery alcohol consumption will have an impact on your results.  Remember alcohol is full of calories and the amount of alcohol intake will get reflected in your body. If you love alcohol and you can’t give up, make sure you go for the ones with less calories.  

We hope this information is useful, to learn more about how to take care of you after-lipo and have new ideas about how to exercise visit this link.

Also, if you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

The post After-lipo: Why am I gaining fat again? appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Some people may think that lipo (liposuction) is an easy way to lose overall-weight, but it is not. In fact,  Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from those annoying (localized fat) areas of your body. People choose liposuction because it also contours these areas. Experts also call it lipoplasty or body contouring. If you want to try a Smart Lipo in Atlanta, you may set a consultation with Dr. Cox to find out if a Smart Lipo is right for you.

Liposuction  can help to remove localized fat for example your abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. There is a limit on how much fat can be removed during the procedure.  If you are considering going under the knife make sure you don’t put on weight before the surgery. This is a big mistake people often make. 

Liposuction is a surgery and like any other surgery, you could have possible complications, however, most of these complications can be avoided. In my previous blog “nutrition before and after surgery” In this blog, I will share with you some of  the post-lipo related complications  that I come across in my clinic and how to deal with them.

What are the possible complications after lipo?

Oedema

Swelling is normal after any trauma is caused to the body. In the case of liposuction, inflammation can start 24 to 48h after the procedure and during the following 10-14 days it can continue mildly increasing. However, it is controlled by the compression garment you have to use during the following 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.

Persistent oedema can be due to:

• Preoperative anemia (lack of nutrients before surgery)
• Low serum proteins
• Kidney malfunction
• other surgical contraindications

How to deal with oedema

• Wear your compression garment 24/7 right after surgery. Compression is very important. 
• Take care of your wound, remember some of them will have draining devices.
• Use MLD as soon as you are allowed to in order to drain excess and remaining  fluids, also to increase wound healing and improve circulation.

Bruising

Bruises also appear immediately after the procedure. In some cases, the peak is by the end of 7 to10 days, but generally disappears by 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. 

Severe and persistent bruising is related to:

• Chronic smoking, 
• Use of blood thinners 
• Abnormal bleeding/clotting profile
• Bleeding from superficial veins damaged during the liposuction (only in a few cases) 

How to deal with bruising

• Don’t smoke at least 3 before surgery and wait until your surgeon allows you to after surgery.
• Stop using blood thinners (your surgeon will tell you when)
• MLD will help bruises disappear faster.
• Apply arnica on the area 

Fibrosis

Fibrosis is a set of imperfections that you can observe after liposuction and are described as painful hard lumps under your skin where liposuction has been done. It can also appear as large pores, tissue discoloration and uneven areas.

Risk factors for fibrosis

• The size of your scar. When the scar is big there are more possibilities to develop fibrous tissue.
• Genetics. There are people who are prone to develop fibrosis even when having small cuts, they can develop big scars (keloids). 
• Lack of movement.  Sitting for a long period increases the risk of fibrosis. Remember you need to move every hour for 5 minutes after your surgery and increase exercise as soon as you start feeling better. 
• Wrong type garment and compression 

How to deal with fibrosis

• Take care of your wound (follow your surgeon’s recommendations)
• Star your post surgery aftercare as soon as possible, so each technique can be applied at the right time of the healing such as: MLD is fundamental during the first phase of your recovery, MLD will help you to avoid or reduce fibrosis if needed
• Wear the compression garment that fits you.

Seromas

Seroma is a mass or lump caused by localized accumulation of clear fluid or serum within your tissue, organ or body cavity. It is a side effect of surgery or trauma. In other words, It is a serum pocket on your skin.

Risk factors

• Surgery
• Trauma

 How to deal with seromas

Most seromas can be reabsorbed into your body, sometimes it can take almost a month. However, in severe cases it can take a year and you may experience hardening once the seroma heals. To reduce or improve seroma reabsorption use MLD as soon as you are allowed to and wear your compression garment.

When to see a doctor to drain the seroma?

• It gets bigger
• The amount of fluid continue increasing 
• If put exercise pressure on the area of the surgery, the skin or organ 
• It becomes too painful 
• If shows sign of infection such as: redness, warmth or tenderness 

Infection

An infection occurs when a microorganism (bacteria, viruses or fungi) enters a person’s body and causes harm. Surgeons report that less than 1% of liposuction patients present infection.

Causes of infection

• The presence of a haematoma in the subcutaneous tissues with secondary bacterial contamination.
• uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes
• Immune system complications
• Smoking
• Poor or non-sterilised conditions during the procedure
• Poor wound care 

How to deal with infection

• Proper wound care
• Pre-operative tests must include blood sugar levels (especially for patients above 30 years of age or with family history of diabetes) 
• Basic surgical principles must always be taken such as proper hand washing, sterile operating room conditions, good skin preparation and gentle tissue handling. Always look for certified surgeon.

Skin irregularities after lipo

A surface irregularity is the uneven appearance of the skin (waviness). 

Some causes are:

• Too superficial or too much liposuction
• Fibrosis with adhesions
• Inappropriate compression garment or posture
• Redundant skin.

How to deal with them:

• Wear the proper compression garment
• MLD may help with body contouring, fibrosis and seromas
• Extreme cases will need another surgical procedure 

We hope this information is useful, in our next blog we will continue talking about post-lipo complications and how to take care of your wounds, don’t miss it! If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901919/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196271

Seromas

Fibrosis

The post Possible complications after lipo (part 1) appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Aging is a natural process, most of us start to notice it on our face at the age of 30, But what you should know is that there are different treatments available to modify these unwelcome changes. If you don’t want to go under the knife, there are many options available such as facial botox injections, which you can get from a professional botox clinic. If you are looking for something more permanent and fast, one of the most effective is facelift (Invasive and Noninvasive facelift) or rhytidectomy.

A rhytidectomy (facelift) seeks to smooth deep wrinkles, contour your face and define certain facial characteristics. To improve results there are treatments like MLD that also help you to heal faster and have long lasting results. You can consult experts like Ageless Skin Rejuvenation for additional guidance.

Let’s start with the basis.

What is facelift?

It is a surgery that lifts and firms sagging facial tissues to restore naturally your own youthful facial appearance. In other words, this procedure helps the patient look like a younger version of him/herself.

As all surgeries, face-lifting must be performed by a certified plastic surgeon. She/he will remove excess and sagging skin, smooth deep folds, and lift and tighten the deep facial tissues. 

How is facelift performed?

During the surgery a flap of skin on each side of your face will be pulled back, and tissues below your skin will be surgically altered to return the contour of your face to a more youthful shape. Before the flap is sutured closed, excess skin is removed. In addition, for some cases a neck lift (platysmaplasty) is often done too, in order to reduce fat deposits and sagging skin on your neck.

Keep in mind that not all of you may need the same type of facelift for that reason there are two types of these surgeries. Let’s have a look.

Types of facelift: 

Mini facelift

In this procedure, your surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia; she/he will recommend the best option according to your needs. The main objective is to address the annoying signs of aging before they become too pronounced. In addition, it avoids the need for more extensive surgery for many years.

Standard facelift

Your surgeon will make incisions just behind your hairline, starting near the temples, and around the front of your ear. These incisions will be hidden in your natural folds. Your surgeon will reposition the deeper tissues beneath the skin and remove excess skin to smooth creases, eliminate sagging skin under your cheeks and chin, and give you back the naturally youthful contour to your face and neck. This kind of surgery can last 3 hours.

Facelift recovery 

The recovery process is fast for more patients (2 to 4 weeks).

Follow all your surgeon’s instructions for aftercare and returning to activity.

As every patient heals differently, you may need different techniques to heal faster and have better outcomes.

Keep in mind that people (family, friends, coworkers) may notice this surgery because bruising and swelling are completely normal after this procedure. The peak will be 2 days after surgery and it will take 10 to 14 days for swelling and bruising to disappear. So, to heal and get rid of  swelling and bruising faster, you should start your MLD sessions as soon as possible.

If you want to hide bruises, you can wear camouflage makeup, ask your surgeon for advice.

It is key to keep your face protected from the sun. You will be more vulnerable to sunburn for several weeks after surgery, besides, when you avoid sun, scars heal fast. If you want to spend some time out, always wear a  hat and apply sunscreen regularly.

How to have better, faster and long-lasting results?

It is normal after any plastic surgery procedure to  notice hardness, water retention, swelling, hematoma or lumpiness on treated areas. In addition to the aftercare you do at home, book your post-surgery aftercare treatment as soon as possible to get better, faster and long lasting results.

Our  Post surgery treatment for facelift is based on MLD. It helps you to:

• Reduce swelling, bruisers, lumps.
• Ease pain.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Drain excess fluids or avoid fluid retention.
• It will give you a sensation of calm and comfort. 
• Shape your face.
• Speed up the recovery process. 
• Increase wound healing.
• Have better and long lasting results.
• Reduce fibrosis

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) helps to move the fluid by gently pumping it back into the lymph vessels, reducing the swelling, retention of fluids and pain after the surgery. 

Without Lymph Massage (MLD) the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma (pocket of serum).

What you should look for…

Take into account that your body is different from others, so what works for others may not work on you. Also, each person is different and responds in a different way to each treatment; for this reason, our treatment is tailor made session by session. All what we do is based on your needs and the evolution you have. 

To tailor your treatment:

• First, the professional should observe what your body/face needs. 
• Then, evaluate the condition of your recovery process in each session.
•  Finally, evaluate how you respond to any appliance used on the treated area. 

According to this evaluation, the professional will decide what works best on you and how to continue with your treatment. If you are far away from our Clinic and can’t visit us, seek a clinic near that creates your treatment based on your needs not on what they want to sell. Last but not least, the place you choose must treat you as you deserve! Always look for what treats you better!

A final word

You may not feel like “normal” for a couple of weeks. However, with proper aftercare treatment, you may love how your face looks after this procedure.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you like this blog, please share!

We are always happy to help.

https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/face/facelift-guide/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059

The post  Facelift recovery: How to heal faster  appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Scar tissue is a dense, fibrous tissue. It is usually quite hard and forms in the area of damage to the normal tissue. Damage can be caused by cuts, bruises, incisions, injury or disease and it can vary in size and depth.

How does the scar tissue form after the cosmetic surgery?

The process of the formation of the scar tissue after a cosmetic surgery is the same as after any other surgery or injury. After a cosmetic surgery, the scar forms in the areas of incisions due to the damage caused. Scar tissue can form superficially as well as deep under the surface of the cut. There are 4 main scar formation stages which are homeostasis, clotting, growth and proliferation and strengthening. Here we will focus on proliferation and strengthening.

•       Proliferation: is the stage where new collagen is being laid by the body in the area of an incision forming the actual scar.
•       Strengthening: Is the stage where healing continues after the proliferation. This is where the area of incision might look slightly red and be itchy. The scar might appear to be fully formed on the surface, however, more healing is occurring deeper, under the skin.

Moreover, it is important to note that some areas might develop hypertrophic (bigger and raised) scars after cosmetic surgery which are known as keloids. Keloids can form anywhere in the body, however, ear lobes, face and chest areas are most prevalent for keloid formation.

What can help to manage the scar tissue after the cosmetic surgery?

There are many different approaches that are being used to manage the scar tissue build up after a cosmetic surgery. However, the treatment that stands out and is often recommended by surgeons is manual lymphatic drainage. Manual lymphatic drainage helps to prevent fibrosis (which is the scar tissue formation), as well as manage post-surgical swelling and helps with contouring/shaping of the area operated. In addition to the manual lymphatic drainage, exercise therapy is also an effective way of managing the scar tissue. However, we strongly recommend consulting your surgeon to ensure that exercise therapy is appropriate and know when you can start it. Once given all clear by your surgeon, you should see an exercise specialist to ensure that exercises prescribed are suitable for you and the area operated on.

Can nutrition influence scar tissue healing after a cosmetic surgery?

Short answer is yes, it can. Your diet can either help with the scar tissue formation or have an adverse effect on it. For example, it is advised to have a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, fats and proteins as all of these macronutrients are playing a vital role in wound healing and scar tissue formation. Lack of any of these nutrients can result in longer scar tissue formation time and impair the strength of the scar. Moreover, staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps to keep the skin moist, hence, having a direct, positive impact on scar tissue formation and wound healing.

Also, it has been observed that smoking and alcohol use has a detrimental effect on wound healing and scar tissue formation, hence, we would recommend to stop smoking and consuming alcohol before and during your operation or at least to reduce the tobacco and alcohol intake to a minimum.

Scar tissue management while having an underlying health condition:

All of the information provided above is for the general population who does not have long term health conditions. But for example people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can and are having cosmetic surgeries too. However, this population should be aware that usually they need an extensive examination before the operation and that their condition has an impact on scar tissue formation and wound healing. For example, diabetes makes collagen more viscous which can result in the scar forming longer and being physically harder. Hence, we would recommend consulting your GP for individualised advice before making a decision to have a cosmetic operation.

What will happen if I ignore the scar tissue after cosmetic surgery?

If scar tissue is left untreated, it may take much longer for it to recover and in some cases, it might never look completely healed. Also, in case of deep scar formation, the scar might affect the physical function of the area as scar is not very flexible, hence, it might alter the range of movement of the particular area as well as cause pain.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mil Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3840475/pdf/wound.2011.0321.pdf 

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/acm.2020.0109 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4961501/pdf/10-1055-s-0036-1584824.pdf 

http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/27032/1/Hydration%20review%20JWC%202015-255-1-%20Final%20Version%20(revised%20-%20v4).pdf 

https://www.ophed.com/system/files/2015/07/NutritionandWoundHealing.pdf

The post How to manage the scar tissue after cosmetic surgery appeared first on Perea Clinic.