Lipo or tummy tuck

Liposuction and tummy tucks are two of the most popular cosmetic procedures. However, did you know that lipo and a tummy tuck address completely different issues?

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the purpose and benefits of liposuction and a tummy tuck. If you’re unsure what the differences are or what each procedure is designed for, read on to discover everything you need to know.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure, designed to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. It is not a weight loss solution, but rather a body contouring technique aimed at enhancing your appearance by creating a smoother, more sculpted silhouette. Liposuction can be performed on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin and a thin, flexible tube called a cannula is inserted into the area. The cannula is connected to a suction device that gently removes excess fat cells, allowing the surgeon to reshape and sculpt the targeted area. It can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the extent of the liposuction and the patient’s preferences.

Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to their daily activities within a week or two, with some residual swelling and bruising.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen. It involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening up the abdominal muscles. This popular procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing. Any of these can result in loose, sagging skin, alongside weakened abdominal muscles.

During a tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen, usually between the pubic area and the navel. Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat, tightens the underlying abdominal muscles, and repositions the remaining skin for a flatter, firmer appearance.

A tummy tuck is typically performed under general anaesthetic and requires a longer recovery period than liposuction. Most patients need to recover for 2-4 weeks before returning to normal activities.

How to choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck

When deciding between lipo and a tummy tuck, it is crucial to consider your individual goals and the specific issues you are looking to address. Liposuction is ideal for those who have good skin elasticity and are mainly concerned with removing isolated pockets of fat. On the other hand, a tummy tuck is better suited for individuals with loose or sagging skin, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles.

Evaluate your expectations and desired outcomes. Liposuction is less invasive and has a quicker recovery time, making it appealing for those seeking a less extensive procedure with minimal scarring. A tummy tuck offers more dramatic results in terms of skin tightening and muscle repair but involves a more extensive surgery and recovery process.

In some cases, a combination of both liposuction and a tummy tuck may be recommended to achieve the best outcome.

Book an appointment with Mr Paul Tulley now to determine which procedure is right for you.

Sagging breasts

Sagging breasts have become a significant concern for many women, especially after the recent shift in attitudes towards going braless. The pandemic saw a notable rise in women choosing to go braless, with a YouGov study revealing that a third of women abandoned their bras during lockdown, while 20% now wear one less frequently. Although this trend provided comfort and freedom for many, it has had some unintended consequences, particularly for women with larger breasts.

In this blog, we’ll explore the options available for addressing sagging breasts. This includes the increasingly popular breast reduction procedure, which ranked as the second top cosmetic surgery in 2022, and fat grafting to the breast.

Breast reduction for sagging breasts

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that helps address saggy breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. This helps to achieve a smaller, firmer, and more proportionate breast size. The surgery not only reduces the overall size of the breasts, but also lifts and reshapes them, significantly improving their appearance and alleviating sagging.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the areola and down the breast, creating a keyhole or anchor shape. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are then removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location on the breast. The remaining breast tissue is reshaped, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

By reducing the weight and volume of the breasts and lifting them to a higher position on the chest, a breast reduction can effectively address sagging with long-lasting results. The procedure can also alleviate discomfort and pain caused by large, heavy breasts, such as neck, shoulder, and back pain, improving overall quality of life.

Addressing sagging breasts with fat transfer

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous breast augmentation, can help address saggy breasts to some extent by adding volume. Fat is harvested from other areas of the body, purified, and then injected into the breast area to enhance size, shape, and contour.

While fat transfer breast augmentation can provide a subtle lift and improve the overall appearance of the breasts, it is essential to note that this procedure is most effective for mild sagging. The primary goal of this technique is to add volume to the breasts, which can help to fill out loose or sagging skin, giving them a more youthful and perky appearance.

This procedure may not be as effective at addressing more significant sagging as a breast lift or breast reduction surgery. In cases of moderate to severe sagging, a combination of fat transfer and a breast lift or reduction may be recommended to achieve the desired outcome.

Choosing the right option for you

When deciding between fat transfer and breast reduction to address saggy breasts, consider the extent of the issues, and your desired results.

Fat transfer is generally more suitable for mild sagging. It can add volume, fill out the breast and provide a subtle lift. Breast reduction is a better choice for moderate to severe sagging, or larger uncomfortable breasts. It removes excess skin, tissue, and fat, lifting and reshaping the breasts more effectively.

It is highly recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in both procedures. They can assess your individual needs, review your medical history, and help you make an informed decision about the most suitable option for addressing saggy breasts.

Book an appointment with Mr Paul Tulley now to determine which procedure is right for you.

tummy tuck aftercare

Tummy tucks are ranked among the top five cosmetic procedures for both men and women. However, many people are often unaware of what the recovery process entails.

Gaining a better understanding of the recovery timeline and what to expect can help make the tummy tuck experience smoother. It can also ensure patients experience the best results. Here, we look at the best tummy tuck aftercare advice you can follow.

Activity and Exercise

Upon arriving home, it’s crucial to prioritise rest and minimise any physical activity or movement. The person taking care of you during your first night post-surgery can offer significant support by assisting you with removing your shoes and changing your clothes. This helps prevent unnecessary movement of your abdomen, which could cause discomfort.

Try to maintain your resting position while they also bring you water, refreshments, and any other necessities. This helps you to avoid getting up and lying down multiple times, which could potentially cause dizziness or pain in your breasts or lower back.

You will need to avoid exercise for at least six to eight weeks after the procedure, but Mr Tulley will let you know exactly how long. When you do return to activity, it should be a slow and gradual process.

Lifestyle Recommendations

No specific dietary restrictions are required following a tummy tuck surgery. However, it’s advisable to avoid consuming tough meats or foods that demand extensive chewing, as this can lead to digestive discomfort. During the first 24 hours, aim to drink at least 2 litres of water.

Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking for the initial 7 days post-surgery, as both can negatively impact the healing process. Keep in mind that anything that hinders your recovery has the potential to affect your results.

Sleeping After a Tummy Tuck

For many patients, sleeping during the initial few nights after the surgery can be uncomfortable. In the first week, it’s crucial to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. This helps to promote proper blood circulation and expedite healing.

Starting from the second week, if you choose to sleep on your side, make sure to use a double pillow for slightly higher elevation and take care not to put any pressure on your abdomen.

Key Tummy Tuck Aftercare Tips

To speed up recovery and ensure best results from your tummy tuck, you can use silicone gel when the incision lines have turned a pinkish colour. It is essential to continue taking Ibuprofen after your surgery to minimise swelling as much as possible. In some cases, you may need a stronger anti-inflammatory tablet to help with swelling during your seven-day postoperative appointment.

It is important to always wear your compression garment for at least six weeks. This ensures you feel secure during movements and keeps swelling to a minimum. Removing the compression garment after only a few days or weeks may cause post-surgery swelling to return.

Mr Paul Tulley will provide thorough tummy tuck aftercare instructions you should follow to aid in the recovery process.

mini facelift

A facelift is a highly effective cosmetic procedure for addressing significant signs of facial ageing, such as skin laxity and pronounced wrinkles. Various facelift techniques exist, each with differing levels of invasiveness and outcomes.

In this article, we will examine two common types of facelift procedures: the Complete Facelift and the Mini Facelift.

What is a full facelift procedure?

A full facelift is a restorative procedure, also referred to as a traditional facelift. It tackles the midface area, drooping cheeks, jowls, lower face, and jawline. It achieves a tighter and smoother facial appearance by surgically tightening loose muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning the skin over the face and neck.

The full facelift technique involves making a surgical incision around the ears, extending into the hairline. In some cases, an incision under the chin may be necessary to address neck bands. The skin is meticulously detached from the underlying facial muscles. The muscles are then tightened to create a more youthful appearance. It can be combined with liposuction to eliminate any excess fat. The skin is then drawn up and back, with any surplus skin trimmed before suturing the incisions.

What is a mini facelift procedure?

The term mini facelift can vary among surgeons, but generally, it is a less invasive alternative to the full facelift. Primarily a preventive measure, it tightens the skin and underlying muscles to a lesser extent than a full facelift. Since it targets the face and cheeks only, a mini facelift requires fewer or smaller incisions compared to a complete facelift.

During this procedure, small incisions are made in the temple hairline and in the creases on the front of the ear alone. The dissection under the skin is less extensive, allowing for limited muscle tightening and skin removal. This enables the surgeon to achieve modest tightening of the face and jawline. But with less dramatic improvement in neck laxity.

Which one is right for me?

A full facelift is generally recommended for older patients (usually from their 50s upwards), when the neck has started to slacken and descend. Also, for those exhibiting moderate to severe sagging in the nasolabial folds, cheeks, marionette lines, jowls, and laxity in the jawline and neck area. Fat grafting can be used to replace lost subcutaneous fat and to enhance facial contours.

On the other hand, the mini facelift is well-suited for younger patients who have recently started observing a loss of cheek volume and contour in the mid-face/cheek area. Also, for those that notice tear-troughs or lower eyelid shadows and some loss of definition around the jawline. But who generally have good neck contours.

To determine which procedure is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley today.

popular male surgeries

The number of men undergoing cosmetic procedures has increased dramatically in recent years. While they still make up a smaller percentage of cosmetic surgery patients overall, the stigma surrounding male cosmetic surgery is slowly fading. This has led to more men than ever before seeking out ways to improve their appearance and boost their confidence.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular male surgeries right now.

Rhinoplasty

Men, just like women, can feel self-conscious or unhappy with the appearance of their nose. A nose that is too large or misshapen can impact a man’s overall appearance and self-confidence, which can in turn lead to a desire to change its appearance through rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves reshaping the nose to improve its appearance or function. It can be performed to address a wide range of concerns, such as reducing the size or width of the nose, correcting asymmetry, or improving its overall shape to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.

Chin and jaw implants

Another popular male surgery procedure right now is chin and jaw implants. A well-defined chin and jawline are considered desirable masculine features. A strong chin and jawline can create a more defined, chiselled appearance that is often associated with strength and attractiveness.

Men who have a weak or receding chin or a narrow, undefined jawline, may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Chin and jaw implants can help to address these concerns, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced facial profile.

Inserted behind the jaw, underneath the chin, or inside the mouth, scarring is minimal, and the recovery time is extremely quick.

Tummy tuck

Another popular cosmetic procedure men can’t get enough of is a tummy tuck. This procedure is typically more extensive than liposuction, which solely removes excess fat.

Many men struggle with excess abdominal skin and weakened muscles due to factors such as weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics. These issues can be difficult to address through diet and exercise alone, which can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.

A tummy tuck can help to create a flatter and more toned abdomen, which can improve body confidence and self-esteem. It can also provide functional benefits, such as improved posture and reduced back pain, by strengthening the abdominal muscles.

Eyelid lift

An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is also proving popular with male patients. Just like women, as men age, they may experience a loss of elasticity in the skin around the eyes. This can lead to drooping eyelids, puffiness, and bags under the eyes, giving an older, tired, or even angry appearance.

Blepharoplasty can help to tighten the skin around the eyes, remove excess fat deposits, and smooth out wrinkles and lines in the area. This can result in a more youthful, alert, and refreshed appearance. An eyelid lift can also improve vision by removing any excess skin that may be obstructing the field of view.

These are just some of the popular male surgeries carried out at clinics across the UK. To find out about your suitability, and to book any of these procedures, contact Mr Paul Tulley today.

labial hypertrophy

Labial hypertrophy is a condition that affects many women in the UK, causing an enlarged or asymmetrical labia. While labial asymmetry is perfectly normal, it can still take a toll on our self-confidence. The good news is that labial hypertrophy is typically harmless and can be addressed with cosmetic surgery if desired.

So, if you’re feeling self-conscious about your labia, know that you’re not alone, and there are options available to help you feel your best, such as a labiaplasty.

What causes labial hypertrophy?

Enlarged labia often have no underlying cause and can change in size and shape throughout a woman’s life due to hormonal fluctuations and ageing. Pregnancy can also cause labial hypertrophy due to increased blood flow to the area. In some cases, labial hypertrophy is genetic and can be present from birth or seen before puberty.

While it’s rare for any woman to have perfectly symmetrical labia, an obvious difference in size between the two can lead to a loss of self-esteem. It’s important to note that this condition is typically harmless and not linked to any serious medical conditions.

What is a labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty, also called a labia reduction, is a surgical procedure for women who feel their labia minora is too large or asymmetrical.

The procedure involves removing excess tissue from the labia and reshaping them to achieve a more desirable appearance. It can also be used to correct issues with asymmetry. The surgery is typically performed under local or general anaesthetic, and usually takes between one to two hours.

Patients may experience some swelling and bruising in the area after the procedure, and will need to avoid sexual activity and strenuous exercise for several weeks.

Can a labiaplasty be used to increase volume?

A labiaplasty isn’t just beneficial for reducing the size and altering the shape of the labia. It can also be used to increase the volume if preferred.

Labiaplasty with fat transfer is a surgical procedure that increases the volume of the labia majora. Often performed in conjunction with laser energy treatments, the goal is to achieve optimal results.

During the procedure, which typically lasts between 30-60 minutes, the patient is under local anaesthetic. Fat is removed from another area of the body, purified, and then carefully injected in thin layers into the labia majora. This technique ensures a natural-looking result.

If you are interested in undergoing a labiaplasty, book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley today.

Nose Problems

Rhinoplasty has remained one of the most popular cosmetic procedures carried out in the UK for decades. When done correctly, it has the power to boost confidence, and significantly alter the way you look. Prior to undergoing a rhinoplasty, it helps to know what kind of aesthetic nose problems it can address.

To give you a better idea of whether a nose job is right for you, here we will look at what the surgery can and can’t do.

What nose problems can a rhinoplasty fix?

When carried out correctly, a rhinoplasty procedure can help to fix a range of issues. Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most common nose problems the procedure can address…

Reducing the size of the nose:

For those who feel their nose is too large in relation to their other facial features a rhinoplasty can reduce the size of the nose, softening its appearance and producing a nose of more optimal appearance. This significantly improves the appearance of the face and often enhances other features such as the eyes or lips.

The nose is reduced in all proportions: projection, length and width and the tip is usually refined.

Improving the bridge profile, removing bumps or dips:

Rhinoplasty can also help you to straighten any dips or bumps within the nose. These can be caused by an injury, or genetics. In the event of trauma, scar tissue and new bone can form, causing lumps in the nose. In genetic cases, the bone or cartilage may have overdeveloped.

The surgeon will be able to smooth any dips, and flatten bumps, leaving behind a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing result.

Reducing the size of the tip:

Rhinoplasty usually involves refining the nasal tip to produce a nose of optimal proportion. It can also increase tip support and correct tip asymmetry when required.

Fixing a crooked nose:

Whether you were born with a crooked nose, or you have suffered an injury, rhinoplasty can help to straighten it out. The nose will appear crooked if the septum or nasal bones are not sitting in the centre of the face or are asymmetric.

A number of rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty techniques are used to correct these issues. These involve straightening and symmetrising the nasal skeleton, usually resulting in improved air flow and breathing.

Correcting the results of previous unsatisfactory rhinoplasty’s surgery:

A revision rhinoplasty is used to correct the results of previous unsatisfactory surgery. A range of techniques are used dependent on the individual requirements to produce a nose of optimal shape and proportions. This may involve adding a number of cartilage grafts either from the nose itself, or elsewhere such as the ear or rib in some cases.

What nose problems can’t a rhinoplasty fix?

While a rhinoplasty procedure can help improve the look of the nose in relation to the rest of the face, it may not be able to give you the exact same nose as somebody else as they may have different qualities or types of tissues such as skin quality and thickness.

To find out exactly what type of results you can expect, book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley today.

Will a Facelift Last

Thinking of having a facelift? If so, you’re not alone. One of the most common cosmetic procedures carried out in the UK, a facelift can help to eliminate the signs of ageing, making you appear up to 10-15 years younger.

A common question many patients have is how long will the results last? Here, we look at how long you can expect to enjoy the results of a facelift and how they can be enhanced.

How long do facelift results last?

A facelift produces the longest-lasting results of any anti-ageing facial treatment and should last ten to fifteen years depending on the extent of surgery performed and surgical technique. The expertise and skill of the surgeon that performs the procedure and the type of procedure(s) chosen are very important.

Your face continues to age over time but usually at a slower rate after facelift surgery due to the fibrous tissue laid down after the procedure providing additional support. The length of time the procedure holds back the signs of ageing will vary between patients depending on a number of factors. These include avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure, avoiding a stressful job and/or lack of sleep, patient nutrition and genetic factors.

Combining a facelift with additional facial procedures results in a more comprehensive correction that is likely to be more durable over time.

What other procedures can you undergo to enhance results?

Cosmetic surgeries such as a neck lift, liposuction, eyelid surgery, fat transfer and a browlift can all help to produce more extensive results.

Patients will usually continue to be treated with other adjunctive treatments such as cosmetic injectables, skin treatments such as mild chemical peels and hydrafacials, and fillers in some cases after their facelift. They may also undergo smaller surgical procedures such as facial fat grafting after a number of years to help maintain the results over time.

Following adequate aftercare advice will help, alongside making sure you are fit and healthy before you undergo surgery.

To find out if a facelift is right for you and the kind of results you can expect, book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley today. He will be able to advise you on any additional procedures you may find useful to achieve your desired results, as well as run through your individual risks.

Surgery After Weight Loss

Weight loss is something many people strive for, and it can deliver excellent health benefits. However, many patients are left frustrated and embarrassed after losing a large amount of weight due to leftover excess skin. You may be left with loose, heavy folds that hang down from the stomach, arms, and legs.

The only way to eliminate this excess skin is through surgery. However, before jumping in and undergoing cosmetic surgery after weight loss, there are things you’ll need to consider.

How long should I wait before undergoing surgery?

Ideally, you should wait at least 18 months after losing weight to undergo cosmetic surgery. This gives the skin plenty of chance to shrink and ensures your weight loss is stable. You should quit smoking, and ensure you are generally healthy before the procedure. This will limit complications and improve the results.

What is body contouring and how can it help?

After weight loss, patients can undergo a number of body contouring procedures. These include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Tummy tuck
  • Lower body lift
  • Thigh lift
  • Arm lift
  • Breast surgery

Anywhere that excess skin and fat has been left over can be treated with an effective procedure. The goal of body contouring surgeries is to target small areas of the body. They correct issues that can’t be fixed through diet and exercise.

According to research, patients who undergo body contouring procedures after weight loss experience significant improvement in their emotional wellbeing, quality of life, physical function, and body image satisfaction.

Can I undergo multiple surgeries at once?

Multiple surgeries may be recommended to help you achieve your dream body. For example, liposuction may be carried out alongside an arm lift. Various procedures can be carried out at the same time, though this will depend on your overall health.

Sometimes combining different surgeries is the best way to achieve the results you are looking for. You can speak to your surgeon to determine which procedures are right for you.

If you have recently lost a lot of weight and you have been left with excess skin or fat, book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley today. He will help you choose the best procedures to address the issue, leaving you with your dream, toned body that you worked hard for.

cosmetic procedures

Want to achieve the perfect summer body this year? Undergoing cosmetic procedures during winter is the best way to ensure you get results in time for the summer season.

There are several reasons why going under the knife in winter is beneficial. So, what are the benefits and what are the best winter procedures you can undergo?

The benefits of having cosmetic surgery in winter

Winter is one of the best times of year to undergo cosmetic surgery. You get more time off work, which makes it easier to schedule in the downtime required. Major procedures such as a tummy tuck, facelift, or breast augmentation, can take months to fully heal. The bruising and swelling commonly left behind can also take weeks to clear up.

Depending upon the type of procedure you undergo, you may be required to wear a compression garment. In the summer months, this could prove to be uncomfortable. However, as it is colder in winter, you may even find that the garment makes you feel warmer, and more comfortable.

As many cosmetic surgeries leave behind temporary short-term physical scarring and bruising, it can be difficult to hide them in spring and summer. In winter however, you naturally cover up more, making it easier to hide any work you have had done.

These are just some of the reasons you may want to undergo a winter procedure.

What are the best winter cosmetic procedures?

Some procedures are better performed in winter than others. The main types of procedures to consider at this time of year include:

  • Liposuction
  • Breast augmentation
  • Facelift

Liposuction is one of the few procedures that require you to wear a compression garment for a period of time. Not only is this more comfortable to wear in winter, but the cold can also prevent excessive swelling. The results can take months to properly show, though you will see some improvement instantly. So, if you have the procedure in winter, you should enjoy the results in summer.

The same applies for breast augmentation and facelifts. The latter is known to have a lengthy recovery, while breast augmentation will also require a period of downtime. The results can take months to fully reveal themselves, making winter the perfect time to have them done.

If you want to achieve your dream summer body this year, book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley today.