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Things you should know about Breast Reduction surgery with Mr Alan J Park, Consultant Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

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Things you should know about Breast Reduction surgery with Mr Alan J Park, Consultant Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Many women with a smaller chest can be quite envious of their larger breasted counterparts but for some women having large breasts can be uncomfortable, even painful and they can affect self-confidence.
Large breasts can typically cause strain on a womans’ back, her shoulders and affect posture, it can also make finding comfortable fitting clothes difficult to find so many women choose to wear looser fitting items of clothing in a bid to conceal their size, which can actually have the opposite effect to that desired.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

Typically women who are unhappy with the shape, size and appearance of their larger breasts undergo Breast Reduction surgery and in doing so can reduce the associated complications such as back and shoulder pain in the process.

A Breast Reduction is major surgery, it is carried out under a general anaesthetic and typically involves the removal of between 200g and 1000g of breast tissue, fat and skin per breast. Incisions are usually made around the nipple which is then relocated to a more aesthetically pleasing position and the excess tissue, fat and skin is removed.

The scars from a Breast Reduction are commonly described as anchors in that they are located around the nipple and then extend vertically down the centre of the breast and into the natural crease. During surgery drains are inserted to help remove any unwanted build ups of fluid which can lead to infection, these are nearly always removed prior to discharge although your surgeons advice should be followed on this, as they may need to stay in situ for longer.

Following surgery the breasts can be quite bruised, swollen and tender and patients should aim to rest at home for a period of around 1 week-2weeks depending on the nature of the job before returning to work and avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks following surgery. The pain will subside over the coming weeks however you will be given pain relief to manage this once discharged from the hospital. It is crucial to follow any post-operative instructions as these are designed to help patients recover safely.

Frequently asked questions about Breast Reduction surgery

(Q) How old must I be to have a Breast Reduction?
(A) It is important to wait until reaching adulthood to ensure the breasts have stopped growing, this is usually around 21 years of age.

(Q) Will I be able to breast-feed following a Breast Reduction?
(A) Yes in most cases women do go on to successfully breast feed their babies

(Q) Will I experience nipple sensation following Breast Reduction Surgery?
(A) Reduced nipple sensation is a common side effect associated with Breast Reduction surgery although in most cases this is temporary and will return in the coming weeks/months

(Q) Are there any complications or side effects associated with a Breast Reduction?
(A) No surgical procedure is without risk, general anaesthetic can carry its own complications which can include common side effects such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, shivering and in extremely rare cases serious allergic reaction and waking during the procedure. The Breast Reduction surgery itself carries risks such as haematoma (which may require a return to theatre), infection, bruising, swelling, mild pain, tenderness, fat necrosis, altered nipple sensation and breast asymmetry. Following your post-operative instructions correctly is paramount in order to manage and/or avoid any potential complications.

If patients have any concerns following surgery, they should contact the telephone number detailed on their discharge information for further advice.

Breast Surgery

#breastreduction #breastsurgery #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery

Tiny nipples set to be the Breast Surgery trend of 2017

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    Tiny nipples set to be the Breast Surgery trend of 2017?

A recent study conducted by a group of plastic surgeons asked 131 participants to rate the attractiveness of various sized nipples.
It found that nipples that occupied 25 to 30 percent of the breast were rated the highest.

While, those larger than 50 percent of the breast were deemed too large by the majority of study participants.
The study concluded that patients with smaller sized nipples rated high in attractiveness than those with larger nipples.

Breast Surgery has for many years been the most common plastic and cosmetic surgery procedure available, the term breast surgery encompasses a number of procedures including Breast Augmentation (Boob Job), Breast Reduction, Mastopexy (Breast Uplift) and Nipple Correction.Breast Surgery can be requested for several reasons including: Breast Malformity, The result of weight gain or loss, Following childbirth or breastfeeding or for Oncoplastic reasons.

This recent trend is seeing many patients request that their nipples be reduced to that of the size of the popular confectionary item, smarties. Of course trends are called trends for a reason in that what maybe popular right now may not be in several years time and so it is important to refrain from acting impulsively in such circumstances.

Nipple Correction has been a popular procedure for many years, it has been used traditionally to treat patients who are concerned about enlarged or inverted nipples or to reduce the size of the areola (the brownish coloured area around the nipple) and is commonly carried out along with a Breast Augmentation procedure.

Nipple Correction alone is a minor procedure although it is commonly carried out in conjunction with a Breast Augmentation (Breast Enlargement)and can help to restore confidence and body image by correcting the appearance of the nipple and breast.

#nipplecorrection #breastaugmentation #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgery #alanjparksurgeon

Increase in Brits opting for Cosmetic Surgery ahead of their holidays

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http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/more-brits-having-cosmetic-surgery-8479993

The schools are out and the holiday season has finally begun for many with thousands of Brits flying out to catch some summer sun over the next couple of months.

There is no better feeling than downing tools and switching the out of office on but whilst the idea of relaxing by a pool and sipping a cold beer or cocktail can’t come soon enough, for some people it is also a reminder to get beach ready and so the countdown begins to get in shape. Every persons’ idea of getting in shape is different, whether it’s losing a couple of stone, just a few pounds or toning up, the end goal is to feel confident in a bathing suit or shorts.

This article rings very true for me, I too have seen an increase in patients enquiring about body procedures specifically preparing for summer holidays, from Breast Surgery http://alanjpark.com/breast-surgery/ (Breast Enlargement, Breast Reduction, Mastopexy) to Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) http://alanjpark.com/body-contouring/tummy-tuck/and Liposuction , patients just want to feel body confident on the beach or by the pool.

I often hear the same complaint from many patients enquiring about body procedures, “it doesn’t matter what diet I choose or how much exercise I do, I just can’t shift it’ and so for many people no matter how many sit ups, squats or miles they run there are always going to be those stubborn areas that are tricky to get rid of. Those stubborn areas could be the result of weight loss, pregnancy, child birth, breast feeding or even just the natural make up of the body. My role as a surgeon is to listen to the concern, discuss the expectation and find the right option for each and every individual patient.

If you are considering Surgery and would like more information, please visit www.alanjpark.com or to arrange a consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton, please call 07468 418 419

So often we read articles about the latest celebrity to have Cosmetic Surgery, but is this really news?

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http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/antonia-mariconda/cosmetic-surgery-shaming_b_9877192.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-plastic-surgery

So often we read articles about the latest celebrity to have Cosmetic Surgery, but is this really news?

Patients undergo Cosmetic Surgery for many reasons, we mostly assume its for vanity and sometimes it is about enhancing a feature, but there are other reasons a patient chooses to have a procedure

Changing a feature they have never liked: This is often the case with Breast Enlargement, Breast Reduction and Rhinoplasty. If a patient has grown into the adult world flat chested or even with larger breasts or a hump in their nose, it can often cause self image issues, in some cases the patient may have been the victim of taunts or bullying. The option to change this feature can help regain that confidence.

Changes in the body as the result of weight loss or pregnancy: Often patients who have had a baby, breastfed or have stretched skin as a result of the pregnancy will want to have a procedure to regain their pre baby body shape. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can leave a lady with a lack of volume in the breasts, with sagging and in the case of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) the patient no matter how much exercise they do can have a loose area of sagging skin sometimes referred to as a pouch.

Medical Reasons: A patient with larger breasts can often suffer with back pain caused by the weight of the breasts, a lady will change their posture to compensate for this weight which in extreme cases can cause spinal problems. This example also applies to blepharoplasty procedures, in some cases the sagging eyelid can prohibit clear vision which can make driving a car for example dangerous.

It is important to remember that every patient has their own reasons to have surgery, to not cast judgement but to remember that if something makes a person happier or gives them confidence then taking the step to have surgery is very brave.

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure and would like a confidential no obligation consultation at one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton, please call 07468 418 419 or for more information please visit my website www.alanjpark.com

Important things to think about before having a Breast Reduction

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http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/02/11/4-things-to-think-about-before-get-breast-reduction.html

 

Stemming from the recent Breast Reduction surgery that American actress Ariel Winter underwent, this article highlights from a surgeons perspective the four most important things a patient should think about before considering a Breast Reduction. Miss Winter, a popular American TV star has been very open about having surgery to reduce her breast size from a 32F to a 34D and the reasons why she chose surgery. This article outlines the following considerations:

 

  1. The physical pain of having larger breasts

Unless a patient has larger breasts it is difficult to understand the discomfort and in some cases the pain that they can cause. Back and shoulder pain are the most common complaints, the weight of the breasts can put additional pressure on the spine which over time can be painful, bra straps will then add to the discomfort across the shoulder area

  1. The effect the size has on self esteem

Larger more pendulous breasts can affect body image, women can be deterred from wearing tighter fitting clothes, avoid certain sporting activities for example swimming etc and can sometimes be very conscious of their chest area.

  1. The result may not be exactly as you envisaged

We are always very clear in consultation that it is so important to be realistic about the result envisaged. Not only will the breast be smaller but it will be a different shape and in a different position to that remembered before surgery. The objective is to create a result that suits the patients’ body shape and one that the patient is happy with.

  1. The cost and the recovery

Breast Reduction is major surgery and will usually require a two night stay in hospital, it is of paramount importance that the discharge advice is followed, any medication is taken as directed and that the patient rests, to avoid infection or complications.

 

What is a Breast Reduction

 

Reduction Mammaplasty (Breast Reduction) is an operation which removes the excess fat and skin from the breasts, which are reshaped and the nipples repositioned to form newer smaller breasts. This should result in more attractive breasts and reduce many of the problems outlined above. There are several different surgical designs to reshape the breasts and are illustrated opposite. All of them will involve a scar around the areola of the breast. Each method will use different scars and will have advantages and disadvantages, the most suitable technique in each case will be discussed at consultation. Breast Reduction may be used to correct asymmetry of the breast, where one breast is very much larger than the other and where it is considered to be the least normal of the two.

If you are considering a Breast Reduction, I hold clinics in Warwick, Coventry and Nuneaton. To make an appointment please call 07468 418 419 or visit my website www.alanjpark.com for more information.

Why patients choose Cosmetic Surgery?

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http://www.doctortipster.com/35091-cosmetic-surgery-a-world-of-benefit.html

 

This article is somewhat different from other items I have written, I tend to write about specific procedures, the benefits of the procedure and how they are performed. However today I came across an interesting article about the reasons why patients choose to have surgery.

 

Cosmetic Surgery is often connected to vanity however there are many reasons why patients choose surgery and the results can often be life changing. We live in a nation where looking good is important, we pay to visit the gym and stay healthy but there are sometimes alternative reasons why surgery is an option and there are many examples of this.

 

  • Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove sagging skin from the eyelid area, Sir Alan Sugar is an example of someone who chose this procedure for more medical reasons. Back in 2007, the 59-year-old electronics tycoon had the operation because of vision problems, A qualified pilot, he explained that droopy skin overhanging his eyelids was threatening to block his sight and stop him pursuing his hobby of flying Learjets. Affected vision is a common symptom that patients describe when attending consultation, corrective surgery is usually minor and can often be carried out under local anaesthetic as a daycase patient.
  • Breast Enlargement is the most popular procedure sought by patients either for reconstructive (following mastectomy) or cosmetic reasons. Enhancement surgery is common amongst women who have naturally small breasts or who have lost volume and size due to weight loss or breastfeeding. Breast size can affect body image and confidence and in some cases deter individuals from going about day to day life for example swimming and wearing closer fitting clothes. Breast Enlargement is performed by placing an implant either on top of the muscle or behind depending on the look the patient wishes to achieve and can give the patient their confidence back.

 

  • Breast Reduction is one of the most life changing procedures I carry out, patients with larger and sometimes pendulous breasts can often suffer with back pain which can lead to posture issues, inability to find comfortable underwear and can cause some ladies embarrassment. Breast Reduction surgery is major surgery as in some cases it can involve taking away large amounts of fat, glandular tissue and skin. Following surgery women report to feel increased confidence and most importantly a new feeling of comfort that was unknown before surgery.

 

  • Male Breast Reduction / Gynaecomastia sometimes referred to as ‘man boobs’ can be an embarrassing condition for men to live with. It is provoked by an imbalance of the hormones Oestrogen and Testosterone and can vary from small, firm enlargement of breast tissue just behind the nipple to a larger, more female-looking breast. Males suffering with Gynaecomastia can sometimes be deterred from going to the gym or being seen shirtless as the condition often affects body confidence. Depending on severity Gynaecomastia can be treated in two ways, either with liposuction alone or if required with a combination of excision and liposuction to result in a smooth chest contour.

 

  • Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty is a very common procedure particularly for women who have had children and men or women who have lost weight. Pregnancy and weight loss can leave excess skin and fat around the abdomen which cannot be shifted by exercise or diet alone, it can make certain clothes uncomfortable to wear and affect body image. An Abdominoplasty is major surgery and involves the removal of fat and skin from the area, giving the abdomen a smoother effect and should only be considered once weight loss has stabilised and a females family is complete.

 

This article outlines only a small number of the conditions that affect patients that make the decision to have surgery, however there are many more. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure please visit one of my clinics in Warwick, Coventry or Nuneaton. To make an appointment you can call 07468 418 419 or visit my website for more information www.alanjpark.com

BAAPS say the number of men opting for cosmetic surgery doubles in the past decade

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3436484/Banish-moobs-Number-men-opting-plastic-surgery-doubles-past-decade-eyelid-procedures-proving-popular.html

BAAPS say the number of men opting for cosmetic surgery doubles in the past decade

Figures in 2015 suggest that cosmetic surgery in men has doubled over the last 10 years. Surgery for men only accounts for 9% of the total cosmetic surgery industry however one of the most commonly carried out procedures in my practice is Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia).  A Male Breast Reduction procedure is carried out to remove enlarged breast tissue (often referred to as ‘moobs’) and in extreme cases excess skin also.

 

The symptoms of Gynaecomastia can vary from a small, firm enlargement of breast tissue just behind the nipple to a larger, more female-looking breast, it can affect one or both breasts and the area can be painful or tender to touch.

 

What is involved in a Male Breast Reduction?

The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from individual to individual and in Gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both. If there is predominantly a diffuse fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised (cut out). This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars. The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic although in minor cases local anaesthesia and sedation can be used.

 

If you are considering surgery and wish to book a consultation with a GMC Specialist Surgeon, I hold clinics in Warwick, Coventry and Nuneaton. You can make an appointment by calling 07468 418 419 or for more information please visit my website www.alanjpark.com