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.

Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries have become increasingly common in the UK over the past decade. While these procedures can enhance confidence and improve physical appearance, they also come with postoperative risks—one of the most frequent being seroma formation. Understanding what seromas are, why they occur, and how to prevent and manage them can significantly improve your recovery experience.

What Is a Seroma?

A seroma is a  pocket of fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery or an injury. It happens when tiny lymph vessels are disturbed during the procedure, causing clear fluid (called lymph) to collect in the area instead of draining naturally.

Sometimes the fluid isn’t completely clear, it may be mixed with a little blood or waste from the healing tissues, which can make it look yellow, pink, or even slightly red.

Seromas usually appear a week or two after surgery, often once any drainage tubes have been removed. They can feel like a soft or firm lump under the skin. Small seromas often go away on their own as the body reabsorbs the fluid, but larger ones may need to be checked or drained to prevent infection or slow healing.

Why Do Seromas Occur? 

Seromas typically develop after extensive surgical procedures involving tissue removal, dissection, or disruption of lymphatic channels. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries with a higher risk include:

• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
  
• Liposuction or Body Contouring Procedures
  
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
  
• Breast Augmentation or Reduction
  
• Mastectomy or Breast Reconstruction
  

Risk factors include:

• obesity, 
• large surgical areas, 
• inadequate compression,
• early vigorous movement after surgery.
• flights 

How to Prevent Seromas

Preventing seromas begins in the operating room and continues throughout your recovery:

1. Surgical Drains:
   Your surgeon may place small drainage tubes near the incision site to prevent fluid buildup. These are typically kept in place for several days post-surgery.
   
   
2. Compression Garments:
   Wearing a properly fitted compression garment helps minimize space where fluid can accumulate and supports lymphatic return.
   
   
3. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
   Early initiation of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, performed by a certified therapist who treats you better, can greatly assist in preventing seroma formation. MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, and support tissue healing.
   
   Recent evidence (2023–2024) supports MLD as an effective adjunct therapy in postoperative recovery, particularly for patients undergoing abdominoplasty and liposuction (Leduc et al., J Clin Med, 2023).
   
   
4. Avoiding Strain:
   Follow your surgeon’s activity recommendations. Overexertion can increase fluid production and delay healing.

Treating Seromas Naturally and Medically

Small seromas often resolve spontaneously within a few weeks as the body reabsorbs the fluid. To aid natural healing:

• Continue MLD sessions as advised by your therapist.
  
• Maintain adequate hydration and nutrition, as both support tissue repair and lymphatic health.
  
• Use compression garments as directed.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to aspirate (drain) the seroma using a sterile needle. Persistent or encapsulated seromas may require minor surgical removal.

Seromas after surgery:When to Seek Medical Help?

While most seromas are benign, medical evaluation is essential if you experience any signs of infection or complications. Contact your surgeon immediately if:

• You develop a fever or feel unwell.
  
• The area becomes red, warm, painful, or tender.
  
• Fluid accumulation increases rather than decreases.
  
• The seroma does not improve after several weeks.
  
• You notice hardening or pressure around the surgical area.
  

If infection occurs, the seroma may evolve into an abscess, requiring medical drainage and antibiotics.

A final word

Seromas are a common but manageable side effect of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. With proper surgical care, early manual lymphatic drainage, and vigilant postoperative management, the risk and impact of seromas can be significantly reduced. Always consult your surgeon and a certified lymphatic drainage therapist to ensure your recovery is safe and effective.

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

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4347361/

Fibrosis After Cosmetic Surgery:Why MLD Isn’t Enough

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD

The post Seromas after surgery: Prevention and Treatment appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for removing stubborn fat and sculpting the body. However, many people don’t realise that liposuction does not tighten the skin—it only removes fat. If you already have loose skin before the procedure, you may be left with even more sagging afterward.

Why Does Loose Skin Get Worse After Liposuction?

Liposuction works by suctioning out fat deposits from targeted areas of the body. If your skin has good elasticity, it can shrink and conform to your new shape. However, if your skin is already loose due to aging, weight loss, or genetics, it may not contract properly after the fat is removed. This can leave you with even more noticeable sagging.

Who Is at Risk for Excess Loose Skin After Liposuction?

Some factors increase the likelihood of developing more loose skin post-liposuction:

• Pre-existing loose skin – If your skin was already sagging, liposuction won’t fix it.
• Age – As you age, your skin tends to have less elasticity.
• Major weight loss – If you’ve lost a lot of weight, your skin may not bounce back.
• Poor collagen production – Genetics and lifestyle factors (such as smoking or sun damage) can reduce skin firmness.

How Post-Operative Care Affects Loose Skin

Post-operative care plays a crucial role in the final results of your skin’s appearance after liposuction. Here’s how:

1. Compression Garments – Wearing a compression garment as instructed helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and encourage the skin to adhere to the new contours of your body.
2. Lymphatic Drainage Massages – These massages help reduce fluid buildup, improve healing, and may enhance skin retraction.
3. Hydration & Nutrition – Staying hydrated and consuming collagen-boosting foods (such as protein, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids) can improve skin elasticity.
4. Avoiding Rapid Weight Fluctuations – Significant weight gain or loss post-liposuction can worsen loose skin.
5. Non-Invasive Skin-Tightening Treatments – Treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy can be used post-op to further stimulate collagen and improve skin tightness.

How to Prevent Loose Skin After Liposuction

If you’re considering liposuction and are concerned about loose skin, here are a few options to minimise sagging:

1. Skin-Tightening Treatments – Non-invasive procedures like radiofrequency, ultrasound therapy, or laser treatments can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
2. Combining Liposuction with a Skin Tightening Surgery – In cases of significant sagging, procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift, or thigh lift may be necessary to remove excess skin.
3. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle – Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and incorporating strength training exercises can improve skin health and firmness.

 Is Liposuction Right for You?

If you have loose skin and are considering liposuction, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your skin’s elasticity and recommend whether liposuction alone is a good option or if you may need additional procedures to achieve the best results.

The Bottom Line

Liposuction can effectively remove unwanted fat, but it won’t tighten loose skin. If your skin lacks elasticity, you may experience increased sagging after the procedure. To avoid disappointment, discuss your concerns with a qualified professional and explore options for skin tightening if necessary.

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.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction/

https://baaps.org.uk/

The post Does Liposuction Make Loose Skin Worse? Here’s What You Need to Know 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.

The post Tummy tuck: yes or no appeared first on Perea Clinic.

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.

In my previous blog, I talked about liposuction or lipo and how it  as any other surgery could have possible complications; however, most of  them can be avoided. In this blog, I will continue sharing with you some of  the post-lipo related complications that I come across in my clinic and how to deal with them. So, let’s keep reading…

Under-correction

Under-correction means that your surgeon has left behind excess or residual fat in the liposuctioned area. As a result, you may see the difference in shape between one side and the other.

These fat deposits must be meticulously suctioned to improve the overall contours. Your surgeon usually checks if both parts of your body look the same or have the same contour before finishing the procedure, when she/he detects any difference corrective measures will be taken at that moment.

How to treat it:

If  the under-correction is not detected during surgery, your surgeon will perform the correction 6 months after the primary surgery in order to allow your body rest and heal.

Skin laxity

Skin laxity is the consequence of poor skin retraction; sometimes it happens because of lack of skin flexibility, but in other cases it is due to the high amount of removed fat. The most common areas that present it are:

• Tummy
• Arms
• Tights

How to treat it:

• You should wear the compression garment for a longer period of time.
• MLD may help your skin elasticity while eliminating excess fluids and reducing inflammation.
• Exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
• Be patient, in some cases it takes almost a year to see final results.
• If after this period of time and post- surgery treatment your condition doesn’t improve, your surgeon may consider a new intervention to eliminate excess skin(just in extreme cases).

Hyperpigmentation

Skin hyperpigmentation is common in some types of skins, especially after trauma. Other reason of skin hyperpigmentation after lipo are:

• Hemosiderin deposition from ecchymosis
• Excessive pressure from compression garments (use the proper one)
• Friction on the area
• Sun exposure
• Some medicines can make you prone to hyperpigmentation

How to treat it:

• Use the right compression garment, we can advise you what fits you best. according to your needs and type of surgery.
• Avoid sun exposure and always wear sunscreen. 
• A dermatologist can prescribe you a cream for hyperpigmentation, for example hydroquinone.
• Usually, hyperpigmentation disappears by itself 12 months after the procedure.

Scar related problems

Very few cases present scaring problems after lipo, but some causes can be:

• If your skin is prone to develop hypertrophic scars or keloids.
• Inadequate sized incisions (always look for a certified surgeon).
• Poor wound healing.

How to treat it:

• Your surgeon may prescribe you steroid creams or injections in the affected area.
• Take good care of the incisions (follow your surgeon’s instructions).
• You may need hands on post-surgery treatment like MLD and massage. These may help you heal better and reduce scars.
• Extreme cases may need re-excision.

Necrosis after lipo

Skin necrosis is when  part of your skin (where lipo was performed) turns into black because cells start dying. If you think you have had started to develop necrosis ask your surge to receive treatment immediately.

Necrosis could be due to:

• Smokers are more prone to develop skin necrosis.
• Aggressive liposuction that causes damage to the subdermal vessels.

How to treat it:

• Extreme cases will need a tailored treatment prescribed by your surgeon.
• you can improve blood flow with MLD, but it is not a treatment for necrosis.

Chronic Pain as neurological complication

Chronic pain is rare, but in most cases it goes away by itself after some months. It could be due to a neuroma (pinched nerve, excessive growth of nerve tissue) or due to injury to underlying fascia or muscle. 

How to treat it:

• In my blog about workplace first aider on dealing with chronic pain, I tell you how to deal with it and how MLD, massage and our hands-on treatment can help you.
• Painkillers may help, but ask your GP first.

Hypoaesthesia a a neurological sequel

Hypoaesthesia is very common after liposuction, but sensations generally return to normal 12 months after lipo. However, long term hypoaesthesia may be due to damage to the cutaneous sensory nerves and it needs specialized treatment.

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!

The post Possible complications after lipo (part 2) appeared first on Perea Clinic.

When you age, you may notice that your eyelids start stretching, and the surrounding muscles that support them get weaker. As a result, excess fat may gather above and below your eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids and eye bags. In addition, this sagging skin around your eyes can reduce your peripheral vision (side vision) but you can also use eye glasses to have a clear vision. This visual problem may increase in  the upper and outer parts of your field of vision. If appearance or visual issues are your problems, don’t worry! It can be reversed with Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) which is one of the Non-Surgical Skin Treatment. If you don’t know what it is, I would be pleased to tell you…

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that rejuvenates your eyelids area (upper and lower eyelids) by removing excess skin, muscle and fat from them.

 A blepharoplasty will be right for you, depending on your needs, if your vision is affected or the expectations you have. The following information may help you know…

Why blepharoplasty?

People may consider an eyelid surgery if you:

• Have droopy or sagging eyelid skin. 
• Cannot open your eyes completely due to excess skin.
• Have visual difficulties due to excess skin.
• Want a younger and alert look.
• Have excess skin on the lower eyelids.
• There are bags under your eyes.

How long does blepharoplasty take?

It  is an outpatient (hospitalization is not needed) procedure that lasts approximately 2 hours.

This procedure can be performed at the same time as another procedure, such as a brow or face-lifting.

Does it have side effects?

As everybody heals different, you may have possible side effects such as:

• Temporary discomfort
•  Tightness in the eyelid area
•  Swelling
• Bruising
• Excessive tearing
•  Sensitivity to light (the first few weeks)
• Temporary dry, burning, or itchy eyes (it is rare)
• Infection and bleeding (as in all procedures)
• Difficulty closing your eyes or other eyelid problems
• Scars
• Eye muscle injury
• Skin discoloration
• Normal surgery associated risks, for example including reaction to anesthesia and blood clots.

When can I return to my normal activities after the eyelid surgery?

Again, each person heals different but most people are able to start the following:  

• start reading in two or three days.
•  work in five to ten day, if it is not a strenuous activity.
• use of contact lenses can be resumed after two weeks (once you have been re-evaluated by your surgeon).
• strenuous activities and alcohol use can be resumed after three weeks.
• bruising and swelling will go away after several weeks.

Results can be seen from the second week in most cases, but if you don’t notice any difference, do not panic! Talk to your doctor!

How can I reduce risks and 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 follow 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 blepharoplasty is based on MLD. It can 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. 
• contour your eyes.
• reduce eye bags.
• Speed up the recovery process. 
• Increase wound healing.
• Have better and long lasting results.
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Eliminate the remains of medication, anesthesia and serum used during the intervention.
• Promote the regeneration of capillaries and lymphatic vessels damaged after the procedure..
• Reduce discomfort and provide well-being after surgery.
• Improve the condition of the skin.
• Avoid or reduce fibrosis (adhesions in the scar). Fibrosis occurs due to the overproduction of connective tissue. By removing excess fluid from the treated area the fibers can connect easily reducing the overproduction of new connective tissue. 
• 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 or medical spa, they should observe what your eyes/face need. 
• Then, evaluate the condition of your recovery process in each session.
•  Finally, evaluate how you respond to any appliance (MLD in this case) 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 eyes look after this procedure.

We hope this information is useful for you. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you like this blog, please share!

We are always happy to help.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174

https://www.hospitalbritanico.org.ar/micrositio/pagina/blefaroplastia

https://blefaroplastia.es/tiempo-de-recuperacion-tras-una-blefaroplastia/

The post Post-op treatment: Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) appeared first on Perea Clinic.

After any surgery or skin cut, the appearance of  fibrosis is possible, in fact common (depends on your skin type). In case of liposuction(post-lipo fibrosis), it generally appears near where the incisions for the cannula were made. There are different factors that can cause it, but also there are different techniques to treat this condition. Let ‘s have a look!

What is post-liposuction fibrosis?

After the skin or any tissue is cut, the way it repairs is by creating fibers whose main purpose is to make the separated tissues get together again. Post-liposuction fibrosis is the appearance of extra fibrous tissue generated as a result of abnormal tissue formation while healing. In addition, fibrosis swells the surrounding tissues and causes hardening of the area. It can also present as a bruise or painful lumps.

Post-lipo fibrosis is a circulatory problem. Different factors may cause it. The most common one is an increase in the production of collagen or due to the necrosis of a fatty area. 

What causes fibrosis?

1.Fat necrosis. The non-vascularised fat (outside the adipocytes) that wasn´t extracted can accumulate in the areas where the cannula was introduced. As a result, this fat degenerates, forming fibrosis, until it is finally destroyed by macrophages (specialised cells involved in the detection, phagocytosis and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms).

2.Collagen buildup. After lipo, and in addition to fat, the collagen fibers that have been displaced by the aspiration of the cannula can accumulate. As a result, it will contribute to the formation of fibrous areas.

3.Smoking. Wound healing and the subsequent scar formation require an accurate balance of inflammation. Smoking is known to result in more wound related postoperative complications, probably by disturbing the normal inflammatory physiology. In other words, smoking may lead to fibrosis, that is why your surgeon asks you to stop smoking at least 1 month before the procedure and during the recovery process.

4.Poor nutrition. Lack of vitamins, proteins and nutrients may lead to fibrosis. Poor nutrition before or during the healing process can delay healing and impair wound strength.

5.venous insufficiency. Bad blood flow leads to fibrosis because nutrients and oxygen cannot reach the healing tissues. The lack of nutrients causes cells to die, damaging the tissue, and fibrosis or a new wound can form.

6.Skin quality. According to your skin type (how it heals), you may have less or more possibilities to have fibrosis.

How do I know if I have fibrosis?

Fibrosis symptoms are:

Pain. After surgery, it is normal to feel pain, but it will go away after some weeks (2 or 3). However, pay attention if  pain never stops, goes away and then comes back or if you also feel muscular tension on the treated area. Those are fibrosis signs.

Lumps. If you notice lumps after inflammation has gone ( 1 month after the procedure) that could be a sign of fibrosis.

Pigmentation. After a liposuction, red spots on the skin are normal, but if these don’t disappear or increase in number, this is also a sign of fibrosis.

How can I avoid or improve post-liposuction fibrosis?

The more manipulation of the tissues the more risks to develop fibrosis. So, according to your needs your surgeon will use the best technique during the surgery to avoid fibrosis.

 Starting your post-op MLD sessions as soon as possible reduces the risks of having fibrosis or seromas. In addition, they increase blood flow, boost your immune system, drain accumulated fluids and wastes and improve the appearance of your skin.

Are there any medicines to avoid fibrosis?

There are no medicines available to avoid, prevent or treat fibrosis. However, vitamins like A  and C may help you to reduce the risks of  fibrosis.

Vitamin A 

• Facilitates healing, 
• Regulates the metabolism of cell regeneration of the stratum corneum (is the outer layer of the skin (epidermis)). 
• Improves skin quality (makes it softer). 
• Promotes the synthesis of collagen (key for wound healing).

Vitamin C 

• Needed for tissue growth.
• Repairs all body parts.
• Form an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
• Heal wounds and form scar tissue.
• Repair and maintain cartilage, bones and teeth.

A final word

In some cases, post-lipo fibrosis cannot be avoided or completely removed (depending on age, skin quality, results of the surgery…), but it will be possible to reduce pain and other symptoms, and also improve appearance using MLD and different appliances. Remember that, at Perea Clinic, the treatment is always made according to your needs.

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!

We are always happy to help!

 References

https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/cells/macrophages

https://www.ccmir-mir.com/fibrosis-post-liposuccion/#:~:text=%C2%BFQu%C3%A9%20t%C3%A9cnicas%20se%20utilizan%3F,mismo%20tiempo%20reducir%20la%20fibrosis

https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/002404.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/stratum-corneum

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3353110/

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000744.htm

The post 6 Causes of post-lipo fibrosis  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.