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I don’t use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which don’t require removal and dissolve within four months.
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Scars
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Above the hairline, 10 – 20cm in excision surgery, 5mm for liposuction
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Operation time
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1.5 hours
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Anaesthesia
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General or Local
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Hospital Stay
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Day Surgery
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Benefits
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Cosmetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic
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Risks
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Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Fat cysts, Pain, Numbness, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Remaining stretch marks, Recurrent redundancy, Cosmetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes), Seroma, Organ injury, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery, Liposuction: Friction / thermal burns, Fat embolism, Allergic reaction, (General anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs)
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N.B. Most complications are unlikely and serious risks are rare
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Risk factors
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Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency, diabetes
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Optimising factors
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Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection, support garments
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Discomfort
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1 – 2 weeks
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Bruising
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2 – 3 weeks
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Recovery
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Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work / sports / sex 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months
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Acceptable appearance
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2 – 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective)
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Final result
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6 – 18 months
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Alternatives
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No Surgery, Garments, Weight loss
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