Laserlipolysis

With laserlipolysis a laser is used to rupture fat cells under the skin, causing the fat to liquefy. This liquid fat is then allowed to drain away via the lymphatic system. Pockets of fat can be removed from almost any part of the body using this procedure and the results are visible almost immediately. Although there are limits to the amount of fat than can be removed, the surgeon should help you to decide which areas of your body would benefit from this process.

What would my recovery time be?

This varies with the extensiveness of the procedure – the amount of fat removed, the number of sites treated, and so on. It is important that you establish realistic expectations through discussion with your surgeon.

The risks

The following conditions would need a medical review before any treatment could take place:-

• Certain hereditary diseases;

• Cardiac disease;

• High cholesterol;

• Scarring, hernias, or undefined skin disorders in the treatment area;

• The taking of anticoagulants;

• Haemophillia

• The ingestion of pesticides, or similar substances;

In the case of pregnancy, you would not be able to undergo this procedure

Body Contouring

Body contouring attempts to restore a more youthful profile to your abdomen, waistline, arms and legs that may have been lost by pregnancy, weight loss and the aging process and includes a variety of procedures.

If your skin still retains its elasticity, simpler procedures using liposuction or liposculpture can be used. However, in cases where your skin has lost its elasticity, surgery will probably be needed to give you the type of improvement you seek. Body contouring procedures may also be combined with non-surgical techniques that can improve circulation and accelerate healing. Ultimately, the goal of all body contouring should be a more youthful and pleasing shape.

• Liposuction - if you have stubborn areas of fat despite exercising and dieting these could be evened out with liposuction. This process uses a hollow tube (cannula) to remove fat from under the skin and recontour these areas. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. 

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - this can remove abdominal fat and skin and allow tightening of the underlying muscles. Depending on the amount of skin to be removed, stretch marks from pregnancy and scars from Caesarian births could be removed as well. This procedure is also used in cases where substantial weight loss has resulted in a lot of loose abdominal skin, and is sometimes combined with liposuction. 

• Arm Reduction - weight loss and aging can both cause the insides of upper arms to become slack and wrinkled. This type of surgery is able to remove this excess skin, but will leave a scar on the underside of the arm.

• Thigh Reduction - weight loss and aging can both cause the insides of thighs to become loose and wrinkled. This surgery is able to remove this excess skin, but will leave a scar on the inside of the thigh.

See also:
» Liposoft
» Laserlipolysis
» Liposculpture
» Ultrasound

The area to be sculpted is filled with a special saline solution which helps to numb the site and shrink the blood vessels.  This helps to minimise blood loss, thereby giving reduced bruising.  A small probe transmitting sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal from the eye) fragments fatty tissue, whilst leaving other important tissues intact.  The liquified fat is then removed by a suction process.  Pain, swelling and bruising are usually less than with traditional liposuction.

Mole Removal / Laser Mole Removal

What is a mole?

A mole can be described as a blemish that appears on the face or body that can vary in size, shape and colour. Some moles are flat, while others can have a raised appearance. The majority of moles are usually harmless, however if you notice a change in colour or shape, or if the mole begins to irritate, then you should have it checked by a doctor as these symptoms could be signs of something more serious.

Highly visible moles on the body or face can often lead to loss of confidence or embarrassment for certain individuals. Moles that restrict movement, or which are overly large, can sometimes result in pain and distress.

Fortunately there is a fast and straightforward procedure that can remove unwanted moles and bring a renewed sense of confidence. Mole removal surgery is a commonly performed and popular procedure that is usually carried out as a day case.

What happens during mole removal surgery?

The treatment employed to remove moles varies according to the location, shape, condition and size of the mole in question.

In most cases, a local anaesthetic is applied to the area. In addition to this, a sedative is sometimes offered to patients. Surgeons can use a scalpel to excise the mole and a border of skin around the mole. Stitches are then placed either on the surface or deep in the skin, depending on the depth of the mole excision.

Another technique involves surgeons shaving the mole with a scalpel until it becomes flush and consistent with surrounding skin. An electrical device is then used to cauterise the affected area and stop bleeding, and antibiotics are sometimes given to avoid infection. As this technique only removes the surface of the mole, it’s possible that mole cells may remain under the skin causing the mole to grow back.

Laser mole removal is another technique used regularly by surgeons. In this technique, beams from the laser heat the mole’s cells and causes them to break. During the healing process, these broken cells are then absorbed by the body. The laser itself seals blood vessels and so this procedure requires no stitches or sutures, and does not usually leave a scar. Laser mole removal is not used to treat raised or deep moles as the laser cannot penetrate deeply enough. Moles can also be frozen off using liquid nitrogen gas. Once frozen, the mole is removed with a scalpel and the area is closed using stitches or sutures.

After surgery

Mole removal surgery usually takes no more than an hour, and patients are normally able to go home straight away. The area may be a little painful and sore, but pain killers can be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort.