Surgical procedures.

• Liposculpture (liposuction)
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Thigh reduction
• Brachioplasty (upper arm reduction)

Liposculpture

Liposculpture is a refined form of liposuction, removing fat from the layer between the muscle fascia and the skin. The most commonly treated areas are the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, arms, knees, neck and back.

When fat cells are removed it is essential the surgeon creates a smooth contour in harmony with your physique — removing fat to the right depth in the treated and surrounding areas to avoid knots and dimpling. Tumescent analgesia has greatly improved results, comfort and patient safety, and at Millennium Clinic we mainly use very fine 2–3mm cannulae, which help achieve a smooth result and limit scar size to 3mm. In liposculpture the surgeon’s expertise is everything: a smooth, shapely result takes years of experience, whatever the machine or method.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

A protruding abdomen — the result of weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy — responds poorly to diet and exercise because the skin and underlying muscles have been stretched. Abdominoplasty flattens the abdomen by tightening the abdominal wall muscles and removing excess fatty tissue and skin.

It is not a substitute for weight loss: the best candidate is of normal weight with weak abdominal muscles and excess skin. The procedure is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia; the post-operative stay runs two to seven days, activity is restricted for at least a month, and a surgical binder is worn for two to four weeks.

Simple abdominoplasty

Less invasive than a radical abdominoplasty, with no muscle suturing. Ideal for patients with long-term weight fluctuation and generalised stretching of the abdominal skin. The scar may span the lower abdomen or be a short central scar, depending on the tissue to be excised. Recovery is faster, and the procedure can be performed under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation.

Thigh reduction (lipectomy)

After major weight loss, excess skin and fat on the upper thigh cannot be hidden by clothing — and liposuction alone will not solve it. The scar generally begins in the groin, runs down the inner thigh and under the buttock crease, occasionally extending toward the knee. Hospitalisation is required and recovery is slower than other cosmetic procedures, but the psychological and physical benefits far outweigh the downside for motivated patients.

Brachioplasty (upper arm reduction)

Redundant upper-arm skin is difficult to hide in warmer months. Brachioplasty removes it, with a scar directly under the armpit; where a larger reduction is needed the scar may extend toward the elbow. Recovery can be uncomfortable, but for patients motivated toward a satisfactory result it is an extremely suitable course of action. The extent of scarring is discussed frankly at consultation.