Cosmetic surgery
We all want to look good. That's perfectly normal. That's why we do sports, watch our diet and invest in creams, cosmetics and a good hairdresser. But in some areas we come up against our limits. For example, those stubborn fatty pads that stick to the tummy, legs and bottom, resist every diet and are immune to physical exercise. Or if we, as women, want to have a bigger, a smaller or at least a tighter bust, for example, after a pregnancy. In such cases, there is only one thing that helps: cosmetic surgery. This achieves very good results in combination with clever compression treatment.
The term cosmetic surgery covers all operations that are performed to improve or rejuvenate the external appearance. In the chest and waist region, these include liposuction, abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck"), breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lifting and the treatment of gynaecomastia (development of a female breast form in men).
Liposuction
Liposuction is now considered to be one of the most frequently performed cosmetic operations worldwide. For the most common form of liposuction, tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA), a specially prepared anaesthetic solution is first injected into the region to be treated. The fluid must be allowed to act until the originally firm adipose tissue has turned soft. Then it is sucked out through a cannula by a vacuum pump. The procedure, which is usually performed on an outpatient basis, usually lasts two to five hours depending on the size of the area to be treated.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty helps restore a sagging abdominal wall: a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic hairline. A good surgeon places the incision in such a way that it is completely covered by the underwear or bikini bottom. Then he separates the skin and fatty tissue from the abdominal musculature. If the skin is sufficiently elastic, it can be tightened by pulling downwards and removing the surplus skin. A new opening is made for the belly button and the surgical wound is closed. This procedure is mainly performed under general anaesthetic.
Breast augmentation
With a breast augmentation, the surgeon inserts implants in a cavity between the mammary gland and the chest muscle or behind the chest muscle. Small skin incisions are needed to insert the implants, which, depending on the technique used, are made either in the armpit, the inframammary fold or along the edge of the areola. The implants consist of a silicone envelope and are filled with saline solution or hydro- or silicone gel. The latter are considered today to be better tolerated.
Breast reduction and lifting
Women with larger than average breasts and men with a female breast form (gynaecomastia) decide in favour of a breast reduction. The surgeon removes skin, fatty and glandular tissue and reshapes the breast with a natural contour. For a breast lifting procedure, the sagging breast is lifted and surplus skin removed. In both a reduction and lifting of the female breast, the doctor moves the nipple upwards to give the breast a firm and youthful appearance.
Why is compression so important?
Once the fat has been suctioned out, the abdominal wall tightened and the breast changed to suit the patient's wishes, the objective is to support the new shape(s) during the healing process. There are special compression garments for this, for example lipomed from medi. These ensure that the remaining fat cells are optimally distributed throughout the tissues and any gaps that arose are closed. They also prevent the skin from shrinking or forming waves and prevent the onset of oedema and haematomas. In this way, an even silhouette is formed within four to six weeks. Medical compression pantyhose are most suitable after liposuction or a tummy tuck. After a breast operation patients are recommend to consistently wear a fully supporting bra.
There are specially fitted compression vests for men after reconstructing the natural shape of their chest. All these garments are easy to put on and are comfortable to wear, even on hot days, because they are active breathing and moisture permeable.
Summary: there are some blemishes that only a surgeon can help with. By making sure you wear high-quality compression garments after the operation, there are no further obstacles to your perfect figure!
Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe medical aids, e.g. from medi if necessary. Your medical retailer will fit them individually for you.
