Procedures

the best version of yourself

abdomen

Abdomen

ABDOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

Removal of excess flesh from the abdomen.

This is a procedure whereby the excess skin around the abdomen is reduced and the stomach muscles are tightened as a result eliminating abdominal creases. This results in a flatter and more toned appearance of the stomach.

What are the benefits?

The procedure can correct a ventral hernia which is formed when the bowel or abdominal tissue breaks through your abdominal wall to create a type of pouch or sack.
Uncontrollable leakage of urine caused by sneezing, coughing, laughing and exercising.
Reduces back pain, as the muscles in the abdomen are now strengthened.
Improves posture by improving the abdominal muscles, which will support your spine.

LIPOSCULPTURE

The removal of fat to sculpt your abdomen.

What is liposculpture:

Liposculpture is a surgical procedure that is used to give you more muscle tone and shapeliness. It treats little pockets of fat, unlike liposuction which covers larger areas.

How does liposculpture work?

A surgeon uses liposculpture to remove fat and move some of the fat to certain areas of your body creating a more desirable figure/body shape.
It isn’t used for weight loss, but rather to tighten up areas that already have good elasticity.
It can improve contours such as accentuating abdominal muscles or narrowing a waist.
Many patients combine liposculpture with other procedures, like tummy tucks. Combining different procedures can help you achieve the desired results since liposculpture is only used for a specific purpose.

Types of liposculpture

Liposculpture generally takes between two and four hours. You will receive local anaesthesia and may receive oral sedation. If the area is larger, you’ll receive general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation.
After the surgery is complete, you might stay at the treatment centre overnight. Usually, only one treatment is needed to achieve the results you desire.

There are three techniques for tumescent liposculpture:

Power-assisted liposculpture (PAL):
- Uses a vibrating tool to help break down fat faster and remove it more easily.
Ultrasound-assisted liposculpture (UAL):
- Fat is melted with ultrasonic energy through a hand-piece. This makes it easier to remove large amounts of fat but takes longer.
Laser-assisted liposculpture:
- Fat is melted through low-energy waves.
- This procedure also takes longer.

Targeted areas for liposculpture:

The most common areas of the body that liposculpture is used for are:
- ABS
- Back
- “love handles”
- Thighs
- Arms
- Under the chin

Pre & Post OP Images

More Procedures

Facial

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Breasts

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Body Contouring

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Abdomen

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Liposculpting

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Genital

Vaginoplasty | Labioplasty | O-Shot

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Dermal Surgery

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Hands

Emergency Hands Trauma Management | Carpal Tunnel | Dupuytren’s Disease

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Patient Instruction Information

What you need to know before THE operation

INSTRUCTIONS

The pre-operative instructions are important in giving you insight on things that hamper your healing progress. Please read carefully. If you still have questions after reading this, call the rooms (011 485 4434), to have all your concerns addressed

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

Medications:

• Do not take any aspirin-containing products (see the attached list), anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, advil, Meloxicam), blood thinners (e.g. coumadin, warfarin, clexane), or vitamin E for 14 days before your operation. These medications thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. Paracetamol can be taken safely.

• Stop taking any supplements, herbal, natural, diet, or alternative drugs 14 days before your surgery (e.g. ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort).

• We recommend stopping birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy 4-6 weeks before surgery, particularly for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction. These drugs increase the risk of blood clots in the leg.

• Only essential medications may be taken throughout the peri-operation. It’s important to inform the surgeon and the anesthesiologist are aware of any medications you take.

• Patients with heart disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Previous cerebrovascular accidents, and pacemakers should also highlight this to the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

• Please notify our office before your surgery if you develop a cold or infection.

Smoking:

• Smoking should be stopped at least 2 weeks before your operation, and you should refrain from smoking at least 2 weeks after the operation as well. Smoking greatly increases the risk of poor wound healing and even skin loss.

NIGHT BEFORE & DAY OF SURGERY

• Arrange transport to fetch you after discharge and a person to look after you post-discharge.

• You can take only essential medications (for example, cardiac or blood pressure pills) on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water (except those mentioned below).

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before, and the morning of surgery. If you do eat or drink, your surgery will likely be cancelled.

• Remove all make-up and nail polish the night before surgery.

• If you are having a facelift or browlift surgery, wash your face with soap and shampoo your hair the night before surgery.

• If you are having breast surgery, make sure you have a post-operative or sports bra available and bring it into the operating room.

• Remove all jewellery and leave money and all valuables at home

• Do not shave 3 days before surgery. Shower before surgery.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and take off (e.g. sweat pants, button or zipper shirt).

• Arrive at the hospital at least 2 hours before the scheduled operation time

• Be prepared to take time off work. In general, at least 5-7 days (this varies quite a bit, depending on the procedure). Try to avoid strenuous work or exercise for 6 weeks post-surgery. It is recommended to have someone at your home who can assist you.

WE RECOMMEND THAT PATIENTS DISCONTINUE USE OF THE FOLLOWING AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO SURGERY:

Aspirin Containing Products and
Anti-Inflammatories
Herbs and Natural Products
ASA
Instantine
Ginkgo biloba
Actifed
Indomethacin
Garlic
Advil
Midol
Ginger
Aleve
Motrin
Ginseng
Alka Seltzer
Naprosyn
Feverfew
Anaprox
Nyquil
Clove
Ansaid
Nytol
Danshen
Aspirin
Oxycodone
Dong Quai
Bayer
Pamprin
European Mistletoe
Celebrex
Pepto Bismal
Fenugreek
Contact
Percodan
Focus-kelp, black tang
Coumadin (Warfarin)
Persantine
Goldenseal
Darvon
Phenylbutazone
Horse chestnut
Dristan
Propoxphene
Northern prickly ash
Duragesic
Robaxisal
Endodan
Sominex
Entrophen
Sudafed
Fiorinal
Talwin Compound
Flurbiprofen Sodium
Trandate
Heparin
Trental
Ibuprofen
Vitamin E

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AFTER THE OPERATION

General Comfort

It is important for you to get up, move around the house, and take some deep breaths 4-6 times a day from day 1 after the operation. Plan to sleep on your back with your head elevated, if possible. Sleeping on your side will cause swelling on the side you are laying on. Making yourself a nest with pillows can be very helpful.

Some people experience a slight sore throat or mild cough for 2-3 days after surgery. This is a side effect of anaesthesia and should resolve in 48-72 hours.

Pain Management

The first night and day after surgery will be your most uncomfortable. The pain will then stabilize over the next 24-48 hours and then decrease day by day. Analgesia appropriate to the type of surgery will be prescribed for you. Report to the doctor if you have unbearable pain. You will heal faster if you are not tense and tired from pain.

Stool softener may be helpful for patients who develop constipation as result of opioid pain killers. You can progress to regular strength paracetamol as your pain subsides. Narcotics will interact with alcohol so do not drink at the same time you are taking them. Drains are used in 80% to 90% of our surgeries to prevent post-operative swelling and fluid buildup. You will be instructed in drain care before leaving the hospital.

The initial drainage will be bloody, changing to clear red then to clear yellow over the next 3-5 days. If blood clots in the tube, it can be cleared by applying pressure and “milking” the tube toward the bulb. Be careful not to put tension on the tube where it enters the wound. If you have less than 30mls of drainage in 24 hours before your first post-op appointment
you may call the office to make an appointment to have them removed.

Wound Care

• There is no need to change a clean, dry dressing for the first 2-3 days after surgery.
• It is preferable to have your 1st dressing change at the doctor’s office.
• You may shower after the original dressings and drains have been removed. Your doctor will give any other wound care instructions to you at the time of your surgery.
• Keep your supportive Bra on consistently for the first 6 weeks.

Complications

Please call or come into the consulting room or the Emergency Department when the clinic is closed as soon as possible if you have:

Increasing swelling, redness, or pain in the breasts.
Pus drainage from the breasts.
Excessive bleeding post-op (i.e., bandages become soaked with blood).
Shortness of breath.
Fever greater than 38 degrees orally.
Activity Limitations After Surgery

There should be no reaching above your shoulders, twisting or lifting more than 5 pounds for three weeks. No heavy activity or exercise for three weeks. Any activity that makes your face flush or makes you sweat can make you swell. No soaking your incisions (bathing or hot tubs) until your Steri-Strips® are removed, your sutures have been removed, and all scabs are healed.

After three weeks, you may resume normal activities. Do not wear underwire bras for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and then it is a matter of personal choice.

Scar Care

• Scar development is a process that lasts up to a year or more after surgery.
• Apply Micropore tape scars for a period of up to 6 months if possible.
• Use silicone base gel to massage the scar.
• Use clothing and sunscreen to protect the scars.
• Report any scars that you find unacceptable.
• Need to ask a question, email doctor on nkhens@mweb.co.za . We are here to help.