January 2021 - Apollo Cosmetic Clinics

  • Myths about liposuction

    By

    Liposuction is among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Given the state of its popularity, one could consider that people know well-enough about it to ignore the myths. However, there are many misunderstandings regarding the procedure.

    In this article, we will be listing a few such myths about liposuction.

    1. It can help in losing weight

    The truth about the liposuction procedure is that people can lose about two to five pounds. In fact, this procedure is best suited for people who are within 30% of their goal weight range. This procedure is for reducing localized fat.

    2. It can help in treating cellulite

    There is a difference between cellulite and irregular fat pockets. Cellulite occurs when the subcutaneous fat is pushing the connective tissue bands under the skin resulting in those characteristic bumps and dimples. Through the liposuction procedure, the doctor will be able to get rid of the soft and fatty tissue, but there won’t be any effect on the skin or any other tissues. There won’t be any changes to the fibrous connecting bands either.

    3. It is not for old people

    Anyone with in good health can get the liposuction procedure done safely. However, if elasticity and firmness is decreased, which commonly happens with age, the skin won’t be able to re-drape over the newly reshaped and slimmed contours will be compromised.

    4. It is dangerous

    Every surgical procedure has some risk. However, over the years, liposuction procedures have gotten increasingly sophisticated and safe. If you get the surgery done by a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon and follow all the postsurgical instructions, the procedure will be as successful and safe as other procedures.

    5. It will fix your lax skin

    A heavy tummy or a double chin is made up of excess fat and sagging skin that has reduced elasticity. In these cases, instead of a liposuction procedure, the surgeon might recommend a skin tightening procedure. This is because the former might get you a deflated appearance.

    6. It is the easy way out

    Liposuction is not for losing weight. And, in order to get ideal post-surgical results, one has to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Just like any other contouring procedure, liposuction is used for streamlining and contouring localized areas in someone within their goal weight range.

    7. Fat deposits will return

    Liposuction is a permanent procedure. So, after the fat cells have been removed, they won’t come back. But, there might be some fat cells remaining that can expand the area and grow if one’s calorie intake gets excessive. However, this can be prevented through an exercise regimen and a healthy, balanced diet.

    8. It doesn’t have any recovery period

    Even though it is an outpatient procedure and relatively safe, liposuction has a recovery period, just like any other surgical procedure. Its after-effects are swelling, soreness, bruising around the treated area. While the recovery duration will vary from person to person, one must take rest for a week at least. Resuming exercise or strenuous activity can be done about 4 to 6 weeks later.

    9. It is for women

    Liposuction is also a popular procedure among men. In fact, according to the ASPS statistics, it is among the top 5 cosmetic surgeries, in terms of popularity, in America among men. The most common treatment areas include the love handles, chest, and abdomen.

    10. It can always get rid of belly fat

    The liposuction procedure can be used for targeting subcutaneous fat located above the muscle and under the skin. An abdomen protruding because of fat present on the internal organs (known as intra-abdominal or visceral fat) and under the muscle won’t be improved through the liposuction procedure. The best way of combating visceral fat is an appropriate diet and exercise.

    For a person who is committed to a healthy lifestyle and looking for a way to reach their ideal weight, liposuction offers an excellent and cost-effective path to achieve those goals. After getting an understanding of this popular surgical procedure, the patients will be able to get the best care and treatment.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • Breast augmentation- preparation, procedure and recovery

    By

    Are you not satisfied with the size and shape of your breasts? Millions of women around the world feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their breasts, thanks to the bombardment of a “flawless” body on social media platforms. Well, breast augmentation surgery is the answer if you are looking for the perfect body. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to increase breast size and enhance breast shape. Also known as an augmentation mammoplasty or the ‘boob job’, the main goal of this surgery is to create a well-formed and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. It is done typically through the placement of saline, silicone or alternative composite breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This surgery is not done to fix sagging breasts. However, you can combine a breast lift surgery with breast augmentation to make your breasts look fuller and lifted. It is suitable for women with all skin types. Some of the other goals of this surgery are-

    • Reconstruction, such as after mastectomy for breast cancer
    • To get symmetry when the breasts are asymmetrical
    • To restore the shape and size of breasts after weight loss or pregnancy
    • To enlarge naturally small breasts
    • To have a younger-looking figure
    • Improve self-confidence or self-image and feeling of femininity

    Breast Implants

    There are two types of breast implants- silicone and saline. Silicone-filled implants are silicone shells filled with soft, plastic gel (silicone) and are less likely to wrinkle as compared to saline implants. Saline-filled implants are silicone shells having sterile salt water (saline) and the saline solution can easily be captivated or passed out of your body if the implants were to rupture.

    You are a good candidate for this surgery if-

    • Your one or both breasts failed to grow normally
    • Your breasts are not symmetrical
    • If you feel that the upper part of your breast is empty
    • Your weight and breasts are losing shape and volume after aging, weight loss and pregnancy.
    • Your breasts are too small
    • You have realistic expectation from this surgery
    •   You are physically healthy
    • You are over 18

    Preparation for the surgery

    Your surgeon will take your detailed medical history to evaluate your fitness level for surgery. Your doctor might ask you to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin before the surgery as they can increase bleeding. He will also ask you to stop smoking for safe recovery. Also, let your surgeon know if you plan to have children and breastfeed as it will help him decide the location of the incisions.

    Procedure

    During surgery, your surgeon may give you general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ease your discomfort. He will make incisions in unnoticeable areas to minimize visible scarring. You can discuss with your surgeon about which incision options are best suited for you. The options usually include Trans axillary incision, Inframammary incision, and Periareolar incision and depend upon your specific anatomy, the degree of augmentation required and the type of breast implant. A breast implant is inserted into a pocket above or below your chest muscle after the incision is made. Incisions are closed with sutures and bandaged with surgical tape or skin adhesive. The procedure takes one to two hours. It can be done as an outpatient surgery or your doctor may ask you to stay overnight in the hospital. Make sure that you have someone who can drive you home after the surgery.

    Recovery

    Your doctor will give you a complete instructions before you leave the hospital for a speedy recovery. You might experience some swelling in the surgery area, but it will subside within a few hours, so there is nothing to worry about. Your surgeon will also prescribe you some pain medications to help ease your pain. Visit your surgeon if the pain is long-lasting or extreme. Discuss with your doctor how long it will be before you can return to your everyday activities.

    • Avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for up to 4-5 weeks after getting your implants.
    • Your doctor will advise you to wear a surgical bra, which is similar to a sports bra. It will help protect and support your breasts after the surgery.
    • Make sure that you apply a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more in your breast area to avoid direct sun exposure.
    • Avoid alcohol consumption as it can reduce the effects of the antibiotics.
    • Do not smoke as it can deprive your body of essential oxygen, resulting in wide, raised scars.
    • Eat a balanced diet including yogurt drinks, milk, water, green veggies and fruit juices.
    • Sleep with your head and chest elevated above your lower body for a few days after the surgery.

    Risks

    Breast augmentation surgery might include various risks including-

    • Implant rupture or leakage
    • Breast sensation
    • Infection
    • Breast pain
    • Scar tissue
    • Wrinkling of the skin
    • Fluid accumulation
    • Wrong position of the implant

    You can avoid many risks of this surgery by choosing a surgeon with enough experience. This surgery should only be performed by a registered and highly experienced surgeon.

    Results

    You will be able to see the results of breast augmentation immediately. Many patients have reported a considerable boost in their self-confidence after the surgery.

    Your breast may change due to gravity, hormonal factors, weight fluctuations, and aging. You should know that breast implants do not last a lifetime and will need to be replaced. Visit your surgeon regularly to determine your breast health and understand more about post-operative instructions. This surgery is not recommended for women who are not fully matured as the body can change a lot, naturally.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • Body Shaping Surgeries- what all you need to know?

    By

    Sometimes, even after following different fitness regimes and having the healthiest of diets, you can’t achieve the kind of slime and sleek figure you want. Factors like genetics, aging, excessive exposure to the sun, and weight fluctuations can result in the appearance of excessive loose skin on different parts of the body. To make things worse, you might have stubborn fat deposits that tend not to respond to your efforts of weight loss. All this can combine to create an unattractive shape.

    Body shaping surgeries are a set of plastic surgeries designed for creating a slim body shape. It is particularly helpful for particularly self-conscious people and those who have infections, rashes, or mobility restrictions because of loose, heavy skin. So, if you are considering having surgery for tweaking or tightening your tummy, buttocks, thighs, or arms, body shaping surgeries can help you achieve an improved shape.

    Having said that, like exercise and diet, undergoing body shaping surgery is a process that requires time and careful planning. It is also important that you have a realistic outlook on what you can accomplish through the surgery.

    When is a body shaping surgery a good choice?

    Body shaping surgeries help remove excess fat or skin, tighten skin, and re-contouring the body. There are two major reasons why people might consider undergoing a body shaping surgery – for achieving the desired body shape by targeting particular areas, and for removing extra skin after a huge weight loss for symptoms like rashes.

    Regardless of the reason why you are undergoing body shaping surgery, achieving the desired result is likely to take more than one procedure. Furthermore, the procedures are also performed in stages. You may feel that you might need your belly tucked, but for getting the body shape you want, you may also require a panniculectomy, which is the removal of skin and tissue below the belly button, or liposuction in another part for maintaining the proportion of everything.

    Depending on what you want from your body, there are different surgery options to choose from for achieving the results you want

    Reshaping waist or stomach

    Abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck is a cosmetic operation used for helping you achieve the body shape you want. It works by removing excessive skin and fat from your abdomen. The stretched abdominal muscles are also tightened through muscle repositioning. Your surgeon may opt for circumferential abdominoplasty, particularly if you are undergoing the procedure after a huge weight loss. This process involves extending the incision for getting rid of excessive skin from the back as well.

    A reconstructive surgery option would be panniculectomy, which is the removal of tissue and the skin of the hanging skin. Liposuction can also be performed individually or in combination with other procedures to maintain proper proportions. It can be used for removing excess fat from other areas such as the thigh so the contours of the stomach match the lower and upper body.

    Hips, thighs, and buttocks

    If you wish to remove excess fat from hips, thighs, and buttocks, liposuction is the main procedure for you. However, the procedure does not do anything about the excessive skin in the thighs or buttocks.

    Both skin and fat can be removed with a buttock lift. With a thigh lift, the primary focus is to tighten the skin and tissue in the front, outer or inner thigh parts. If you want to particularly address your thighs, you may need a thigh lift as well as liposuction.

    Arms

    Excessive skin from the upper arm can be removed through an arm lift, thus reshaping it. Just like thigh lift, you may require liposuction as well.

    Complete body

    A complete body lift is particularly helpful after you lose an excessive amount of weight. It helps in removing overall excessive fat, skin and can improve cellulite as well. The procedure helps reshape the lower or upper body. The procedure usually requires performing multiple surgeries over time in stages.

    An upper body lift focuses on arms, back, and breasts while a lower body lift is aimed at the stomach, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Your chin and face can be treated with a body lift as well. It may also require liposuction.

    Plan your body shaping surgery with care

    It is completely understandable to want to look good and you can understand what it requires to get to how you want to look with the help of a cosmetic surgeon. Different factors come into play, including your lifestyle, overall health, and cosmetic goals. Not every individual is a good candidate for body shaping surgery.

    It is recommended that you work with an experienced surgeon who will help you know which procedures could help you achieve your goals. The surgeon will also inform you about the potential risks, effects, and costs of the surgery. That way, you can make an informed decision.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • What are the benefits of Hair Transplant?

    By

    Hair forms an important part of the personality of most people. However, with a busy schedule and stressful lifestyles, people hardly have enough time to take proper care of their hair. Stress and lack of appropriate nutrition are amongst the common causes of hair loss. Hair loss has become a major concern for women as well as men all over the world.

    Many factors can be responsible for hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, medications, etc. Some of these factors can combine to result in either permanent or temporary hair loss.

    Thankfully, there are many treatments available nowadays for hair loss. Hair replacement and hair transplantation are some of the most popular hair loss treatments. Hair replacement includes a variety of non-invasive methods like hair wigs, hair patching, etc.

    The most popular procedure for regrowing hair is hair transplantation. The process involves the removal of hair follicles from different parts of the body or head, which are then planted into the areas of the head which are balding. The process is commonly called Follicular hair transplantation.

    There are essentially two primary ways of performing hair transplantation: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). People are commonly confused when deciding between FUT and FUE. The right choice varies from individual to individual. This is because it depends on several factors, such as the doctor’s recommendation and the requirements of the individual.

    Follicular Unit Transplantation involves the removal of a strip of skin from the donor site that contains hair follicles. Typically, this strip of skin is removed from the back of the head. The hair at the back of the head is fuller and does not usually fall. Thereafter, removal and separation of groups of tissue that contains the hair follicles are done before preparing them for transplantation.

    While this is being done, the surgeon makes separate tiny holes in the recipient site. This is the site where the individual getting the transplantation is facing balding and thinning. The extracted tissues that contain the follicles are then placed individually into the recipient site. Follicular Unit Transplantation has been used for many years. Initially, the method was considered to revolutionize the restoration of degrading hairline.

    Follicular Unit Transplantation had some supposed disadvantages, to compensate for which Follicular Unit Extraction was developed. It was supposed to provide the same results while overcoming those disadvantages. The reality is that both these methods have their benefits and their use depends on the individual on whom the transplantation procedure is being performed.

    Follicular Unit Extraction is similar to Follicular Unit Transplantation with regards to the fact that both the process involves the planting of hair follicles to a recipient site from a donor site. However, the main difference between these two processes is that there is no extraction of a strip of skin from the side or back of the head with Follicular Unit Extraction.

    Instead, this technique involves the collection of individual hair follicles directly from the scalp before inserting them into small holes that are made in the recipient site. While this process does take more time, it leaves only tiny circular scars rather than a single scar. Furthermore, post-procedure scenario is also different in Follicular Unit Extraction as compared to Follicular Unit Transplantation.

    What are the benefits of undergoing hair transplantation?

    Once you know about the two main methods used for hair transplantation, you would want to know about the benefits of the process to see if it is worth it. Just like anything else, there are some pros and cons when it comes to hair transplantation as well. Some of the benefits that the procedure has to offer include:

    • Regrow your hair naturally: A hair transplant is an incredible procedure that allows you to have a hairline that appears completely natural. Since the procedure involves transplantation of hair to the recipient site from the donor site, the appearance and texture of the donor’s hair matches perfectly with the existing hair
    • Scar free and painless procedure: Regardless of which particular hair transplant procedure you go for, there will be no visible scar left on the scalp after the procedure, if it is done correctly. Furthermore, since you are given local anaesthesia during the surgery, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure
    • Minimal downtime: The fact that hair transplantation has minimal downtime is one of its benefits as well. You can return to your daily activities straight away after a few days of bed rest. However, before you resume any physical activity, make sure to ask your surgeon whether you should or shouldn’t.
    • Reasonable costs for long term results: There are indeed non-surgical methods to treat hair loss that seem to be affordable. However, these methods require extensive maintenance and the maintenance cost keeps adding up over time. This drastically increases the overall cost. Hair transplantation is the perfect choice for people who want maintenance-free hair loss treatment.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • Tummy Tuck Surgery

    By

    Are sit-ups or regular diet not giving you that taut tummy or flat abdomen? Are you looking for secrets to getting rid of loose belly skin, abdominal skin folds or post-pregnancy weakened abdominal muscles? Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery may be your best bet to achieve a steady, younger-looking figure. It is basically a type of cosmetic surgery and not a weight loss procedure. During a tummy tuck, extra fat and skin are removed from the abdomen, and the muscles are tightened in your abdominal wall.

    Who are the best candidates for a tummy tuck?

    Abdominoplasty is suitable for both men and women. As an extra precaution, it is generally advised by doctors that you should be a non-smoker. You might consider a tummy tuck-

    • If your abdomen is still protruded even after following a proper diet and doing regular exercise.
    • If your abdomen muscles are weakened and saggy after your pregnancy.
    • If liposuction didn’t improve the appearance of your abdomen.
    • If you have a weak lower abdominal wall.
    • If you have excessive crinkles and wrinkles on belly skin.
    • If your skin is separated into 2 bulges, one above the belly button and one below the belly button.

    Tummy tuck is not advisable

    • If you are planning on getting pregnant.
    • If you are planning or working on losing a lot of weight.
    • If you are a chain smoker.
    • If you have a severe chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease.
    • Usually, after the tummy tuck surgery, a long lasting scar remains near your abdomen area, which is not so easy to get rid of. If you don’t want such a scar on your skin, then you shouldn’t go for this surgery. You can talk about the scar placement and length with the doctor before the surgery.

    Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

    Your doctor will discuss the type of tummy tuck that suits all your needs along with giving you the least possible scarring. Read on to learn about the real differences between these body contouring procedures –

    Mini tummy tuck- It is also known as Partial Abdominoplasty and is used to improve the shape of your lower belly. It is a less extensive type of surgery and removes a smaller portion of skin. A smaller incision is made above the pubic mound via which excess skin is removed and also the loosened muscles are tightened. Sometimes liposuction is used along with tummy tuck to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture. The scar produced by this surgery is thin. The results of mini tummy tuck include a slim and flat lower abdomen.

    Full tummy tuck- It is also known as Complete Abdominoplasty where the surgeon removes the excess skin and fatty tissue from above and below the navel. If you have roundness and excess skin folds above and below your belly button then this is the best option for you. A horizontal or U-shaped cut is made above the pubic mound, the surgeon will remove the extra skin and fat. Sometimes a second incision is made around the navel to remove excess skin above the belly button to achieve natural results. The resulting scar will typically be longer than a mini tummy tuck, running from hip bone to hip bone.

    Extended Tummy Tuck- It is also known as Extended Abdominoplasty and is used to get a lateral thigh lift in addition to improving lower and upper abdomen. It gives you an improvement of your flank or waist and simultaneously smoothes the contour of the upper lateral thigh. It is usually preferred by people who have excessively saggy skin hanging around their front belly or by women who have gone through multiple pregnancies. The scar formed after the surgery runs along the posterior axillary line and is longer than the other two surgeries.

    How to Prepare Yourself for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

    • Choose a good surgeon and talk to him about your goals.
    • Tell your doctor about all the types of medications that you are taking on a regular basis or if you are allergic to any. Talk about any other major surgery that you have had.
    • If you are a smoker, then you will be asked to quit smoking 2 weeks before and after the date of surgery. Also, if possible, you must give up your old smoking habits forever because smoking decreases blood flow and can slow the healing process.
    • Eat a well-balanced diet before the surgery.

    Recovery from Tummy Tuck Surgery

    Most tummy tuck operations are performed as outpatient procedures and can last for nearly one to five hours depending on the type of abdominoplasty you are undergoing. According to your case, the doctor might allow you to go back home after a few hours or you might be advised to stay overnight to facilitate safe monitoring of your health. It’s normal to have swelling in the surgical area for about 4-5 weeks and the doctor might prescribe you some painkillers to ease your pain. Some other problems you might face include soreness, bruises, numbness, and fatigue.

    Risks-

    • Infections.
    • Bleeding.
    • Collection or accumulation of fluid under the skin.
    • Complications caused by the use of anesthesia.
    • Blood clots.
    • Change in the color of skin.
    • Wound Separation etc.

    The results of tummy tuck are usually long lasting. You will definitely love your new toned appearance, however, you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • How Rhinoplasty (nose job) works?

    By

    Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that is done to reshape the nose and enhance facial harmony. It can also be used to correct structural defects, including those that trigger breathing problems. Rhinoplasty is not a procedure with specific steps, it is customized specifically according to the goals of the patient undergoing the surgery. The various changes associated with a rhinoplasty surgery are-

    • Nose width at the bridge and position of the nostrils.
    • Change in nose size with respect to the facial balance.
    • Change in the angle of the nose with respect to the upper lip.
    • Correcting defects like bumps, indentations etc.
    • Alteration in the tip of the nose, especially in the nasal tip that is hooked, upturned, drooping, bulbous or enlarged.
    • Large, wide or upturned nostrils.
    • Nasal asymmetry

    You are a good candidate for this surgery if-

    • You have realistic goals for the improvement of your appearance.
    • You don’t smoke.
    • You are healthy and fit.
    • Your facial growth is complete.

    Procedure of Rhinoplasty

    • A local or general anesthesia is given to the patient so that he/she does not feel uncomfortable during the surgery.
    • Tiny incisions are made inside the nostril to access the underlying bone and cartilage.
    • According to the type of result expected by the patient, some tissues from another part of the body might also be added to the nose using synthetic fillers. Sometimes bones and cartilage are also removed to give the nose a proper shape.
    • After the rearranging and reshaping of the bone, tissue and nasal skin is redraped and incisions are sealed.
    • Lastly, a splint is placed outside the nose to provide support to the new nose shape. In some cases, the doctor may also use pieces of nasal packing or gauze inside the nostrils to keep the septum in place and reduce bleeding.
    • Generally, a 1-night stay at the hospital is needed after the surgery.

    Rhinoplasty with other surgeries

    As the nose plays an important role in the facial structure, many patients usually opt for other treatments along with rhinoplasty. These can include chin reduction, chin augmentation, facelift, cheek augmentation and brow lift.

    Recovery and Care

    Rhinoplasty can involve several weeks of recovery but you can return to work within two weeks of surgery. Swelling may subside within a few weeks, but it may take up to a year for your nasal contour to fully refine. Your doctor will provide specific instruction on how to care for the surgical site. It is very important to stay on proper medications after the surgery to help reduce the pain.

    • It is advised not to use reading glasses or sunglasses for the first month after the surgery to enable correct nasal healing.
    • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more whenever you go outside.
    • Avoid strenuous exercise.
    • You will be advised to keep your head elevated for the first few days.
    • Try to keep your face still as much as possible.
    • Eat foods containing lots of fiber and nutrients.
    • Apply cold compresses to the mid-face and nose.
    • Brush your teeth gently to avoid putting any kinds of pressure on the nose and upper lip.
    • Avoid wearing clothes that go on over the head. Instead, wear clothes with

    How long do the results last?

    The results, either significant or minor, will be or life long. Although the surgery is done to reshape the nose, the overall result will be within the limit. The surgery will be performed within the framework of your face and exceptionally high results must not be expected. A healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your new look.

    Risks associated with the surgery

    As with any major surgery, rhinoplasty also carries risks and complications. These are-

    • Temporary swelling and bruising.
    • Bleeding.
    • Injury or hole in your septum.
    • Skin irritation because of tape and bandaging.
    • Nasal blockage due to the swelling.
    • Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
    • Infection.
    • Feeling of numbness around the nose.
    • Scarring.
    • Possibility of an uneven-looking nose.

    You can avoid many risks and complications by choosing a surgeon who has adequate experience in plastic surgery. Be sure to ask questions and discuss your surgical goals, with regard to both breathing and appearance.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • Things to Know If You’re Considering Breast Reduction Surgeries

    By

    Also known as reduction mammoplasty, Breast reduction surgery reshapes the breasts and makes them smaller. Some people go through this procedure for cosmetic reasons. It is often recommended by doctors if large breasts are causing neck pain, back pain, or other health problems. If you are planning to undergo this procedure, here are some things that you need to consider:

    1. It is not the same as a breast lift procedure

    People are often confused between the two procedures because, during the reduction surgery, a doctor almost always performs a lift surgery. It is important for you to know the difference between the two. Through the breast reduction procedure, all the excess glandular breast tissue and fat will be removed along with some skin. It will reduce the size of your breast. In the breast lift procedure, only the excess skin is removed for reshaping sagging breasts. It improves the breast’s silhouette without removing breast tissue or fat. When the two procedures are combined, it results in smaller breasts with tighter contours.

    1. There are criteria for insurance coverage for the breast reduction procedure

    Before you talk to a doctor about a breast reduction procedure, you should check your insurance policy. Give a call to your insurance provider and talk to them about the preconditions you must meet for getting your breast reduction procedure covered. This might include trying nonsurgical treatments before going for the surgery. In many policies, the length of time for trying other treatments is specified. After approving the surgery, the policy might define the minimum amount of breast tissue that the surgeon should remove.

    1. The surgeon won’t be talking in terms of cup size

    During the consultation appointment for the breast reduction procedure, the surgeon might not describe the results in terms of cup sizes. The reason behind this is that there are no standards in the bra industry. Every manufacturer has a different cup size. Instead, the surgeon will talk about breast tissue grams that will be removed. It might be frustrating because one might be used to talking about cup sizes. In order to gauge the size changes, note that one pound has 454 grams. Another way of describing results is by discussing proportions.

    1. There might be drains in your breasts

    Even though they might sound scary, drains can aid your recovery process. Drains are thin and flexible tubes sitting under the skin that empties into a small bag. They help in removing blood and fluid from the area. So while the patient is healing, this can decrease discomfort and swelling. In most cases, the doctor will remove the drains a week after the procedure. In order to avoid any surprises after the procedure, it is important to ask the surgeon if drains will be required.

    1. Seeing the breasts for the first time after the procedure can be shocking

    Once the surgical dressings have been taken off, the patient might be a little shaken at the results. There will be significant bruising and discoloration on the breasts along with stitches. Depending on the technique used by the surgeon, the stitches might go down the front of the breast and around the nipple. Also, the breasts will be swollen and look unnatural. Bruising will disappear in about 7 to 10 days while the swelling will improve gradually over several weeks.

    1. It will be a little challenging to sleep for a while

    The patient has to keep their upper body elevated to decrease swelling and discomfort while sleeping. Doctors recommend using a wedge, a recliner, or several pillows for propping the body while sleeping. Also, it is important for the patient to stay on their back as much as they can during recovery. They can position pillows along the sides and under the knees for preventing rolling. Sleeping on the stomach should be done only after the surgeon has cleared it.

    1. The final results will take some time

    As the patient recovers, their breasts’ size and appearance will continue changing. In fact, it might take several months to get rid of all the swelling. The breasts need some time for settling into their new appearance. The scars will continue changing as well, slowly fading into softer and paler reminders. It is wise to wait before going out and buying new clothes and fancy bras. The surgeon will help in gauging the progress.

    Women who go through the breast reduction procedure experience improvement in their quality of life. They feel good about their appearance and have increased psychosocial, physical, and sexual well-being. But, it is important to have deep knowledge about the procedure before going through it. So, take some time before deciding on the surgery.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

  • Gynecomastia- causes, diagnosis and treatment

    By

    Gynecomastia is a condition in boys or men where the amount of breast gland tissue is increased because of an imbalance between the estrogen and testosterone hormones. It can affect one or both breasts. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

    Symptoms

    Here are a few symptoms of gynecomastia:

    • Breast tenderness
    • Swollen breast tissue
    • Pain
    • Nipple discharge from one or both breasts

    Causes

    Gynecomastia is a condition that is triggered when the amount of testosterone decreases in comparison to the estrogen. There are several conditions that can be responsible for blocking the effects of testosterone, increasing the estrogen, or reducing the testosterone level. Here are a few things that can upset the hormone balance:

    1. Natural hormone changes

    The hormones estrogen and testosterone control sex characteristics in women and men. Estrogen controls female traits like the growth of breasts while testosterone controls male traits like body hair and muscle mass. Some people believe that estrogen is an exclusively female hormone, but it is produced by men as well, usually in small quantities. If the male estrogen levels get out of balance with the testosterone levels or too high, it can lead to gynecomastia.

    1. Medications

    There are several medications that can lead to gynecomastia:

    • Anti-androgens for treating prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, or other conditions.
    • Anabolic steroids and androgens are sometimes illegally used by athletes for enhancing performance and building muscle.
    • AIDS medications
    • Anti-anxiety medications
    • Antibiotics
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Ulcer medications
    • Cancer treatment
    • Stomach-emptying medications
    • Heart medications
    1. Alcohol and street drugs

    Here are a few substances that can lead to gynecomastia:

    • Alcohol
    • Marijuana
    • Heroin
    • Amphetamines used for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
    • Methadone
    1. Health conditions
    • Hypogonadism – Conditions in which the normal testosterone production is interfered with like pituitary insufficiency or Klinefelter syndrome.
    • Tumors – Some tumors, especially the ones involving adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and testes can change the male-female hormone balance.
    • Hyperthyroidism – In this condition, too much thyroxine is produced by the thyroid gland.
    • Liver failure and cirrhosis – Any changes in the hormone levels related to cirrhosis medications and liver problems can be associated with gynecomastia.

    Diagnosis

    The diagnosis will begin with the doctor asking you about the health conditions that run in your family and your drug and medical history. This will be followed by a physical examination that includes an evaluation of your breast tissue, genitals, and abdomen.

    Here are some diagnostic tests used for determining the cause of gynecomastia:

    • Mammograms
    • Blood tests

    Depending on the initial test results, you might have to go through the following tests as well:

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
    • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
    • Tissue biopsies
    • Testicular ultrasounds

    The doctor will make sure that your breast swelling is due to gland enlargement and not some other condition. Here are some examples of such conditions that have similar symptoms:

    • Fatty breast tissue – Some boys and men have breast fat resembling gynecomastia. It doesn’t need any further evaluation.
    • Breast cancer – Even though it is uncommon among men, it can occur. The presence of a firm nodule or enlargement of one breast can be a concern for breast cancer.
    • Breast abscess – This is a breast tissue infection.

    Treatment

    In most cases, you won’t need any treatment for gynecomastia and it will resolve itself over time. However, if it is caused by another underlying condition like malnutrition, hypogonadism, or cirrhosis, it might need treatment.

    In case your gynecomastia is caused by taking some medications, the doctor will recommend either stopping them or substituting them. In adolescents with no definite cause other than normal hormonal changes, the doctor will recommend periodic reevaluations in every 3 to 6 months to check if the condition is improving on its own or not. Usually, it will go away without any treatment in less than 2 years. However, if it doesn’t, here are some treatment options:

    1. Medications

    Medications that are used for treating breast cancer and other conditions can be helpful with gynecomastia as well.

    1. Surgery

    If the medications don’t work and the enlarged breasts are becoming significant and bothersome, the doctor might advise surgery. Here are two surgery options for treating gynecomastia:

    • Liposuction – Through this procedure, breast fat is removed, but not the breast gland tissue.
    • Mastectomy – In this surgery, the breast gland tissue is removed. It is often performed through small incisions that ensures less recovery time.

    Make sure that you talk to your doctor before going through the surgery to understand everything there is to know about the procedure.

    Blog written by:
    Dr. Sasikumar
    Consultant Cosmetic Surgery
    Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, MRC Nagar

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Tags