Surgical Procedures at Re-Shape

Face and Neck Lift - Rhytidectomy

Age, smoking, sun damage and stress all contribute to the deterioration of our skin, which can cause us to look much older than we feel. Surgery can do nothing to stop the aging process, but the face-lifting procedure can improve our appearance enormously, by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and repositioning the skin. A facelift will smooth the jawline. While a facelift should make you look younger, it will not raise sagging eyebrows, remove deep lines in the forehead, or change your upper or lower eyelids.

The most suitable candidates for this procedure will be men and women who’s skin has started to lose it’s elasticity, causing the face to sag and become less defined. They will be in their forties, fifties or sixties and will very often have their eye lids tightened and eyebags removed at the same time if these procedures haven’t been undertaken previously.

There are number of ways that a facelift is performed. The procedure can be performed using limited scarring where the scars will only appear at the front of the ears; or with more extensive scarring, where the scars are distributed in front of and behind the ears, and extending into the hair bearing area. Limited or short scar facelift has gained popularity in recent years and has added increased safety to the procedure. It can be performed under local anaesthetic in suitable cases, takes less time to perform and patients can possibly go home on the same day. The results are equally good and the cost of the procedure is less when compared to the conventional and extensive facelift. Hospital stay is typically 1 - 2 days and the sutures will be removed at 5-14 days. Facials need to be avoided for 6 weeks after the surgery and a high factor sun block needs to be used.

Most people find that they look about ten years younger after a facelift. The scars of the operation will be permanent although they are generally hidden, usually by your hair.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. There are risks associated with facelifts including hair loss, scarring, and rough skin. Infections after the surgery are rare.

Brow Lift

This procedure will smooth the forehead and reduce the appearance of loose skin around the eyes. This procedure is usually performed on men and women between the age of 40 and 60. It aims to restore a more animated and youthful look, by correcting drooping brows and smoothing out the furrows on the forehead which can make us appear tired, sad or angry.

This surgery is often performed with upper eyelid tightening to give the desired more alert and youthful look. As incisions are made in the hairline only it is vital that there is sufficient hair to conceal the scar. The surgeon will remove fatty tissue underneath the skin, loosen the muscles and remove a section of skin. He will then pull the skin down and stitch the brow into its new position.

Patients will normally stay for one night in hospital following surgery, which is performed under a general anaesthetic. They are advised to take 1 – 2 weeks from work, but this is determined by the nature of their work and quickly they heal.

The brow and forehead should appear firmer and less lined. Brow lifts are sometimes permanent, but the effect may be reduced as you get older or if you put on weight.

The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. The procedure will leave scars but once they have faded they should not be particularly noticeable as they are positioned along the hairline only.

Upper Eyelid Tightening and Eyebag Removal - Blepharoplasty

Eyebags and loose skin above the eyes are very aging and can make us appear much more tired than we actually feel. By removing excess skin and fat the improvements can be very pleasing, giving a much more youthful look. Popular with both men and women this procedure can be performed as a day case under local anaesthetic, although most prefer a general anaesthetic and overnight stay in hospital. The most suitable candidates for this type of surgery will be over 35 with skin that has diminished with age or younger men and women who have inherited eyebags or droopy lids.

Upper eyelid surgery is often carried out separately from lower eyelid surgery and if this is the case will be carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation. A general anaesthetic may be used by some surgeons, particularly if both upper eyelids and lower eyelids are being corrected. In upper eyelid surgery, an incision along the eyelid crease is made in the natural skin fold of the eyelid and removes unwanted skin, fat and muscle. The incision is then closed, hiding the scar inside the natural fold of the upper eyelid.

In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon moves or removes fat from the eyebags either through an external incision made just below the lower lashes or through an incision made on the inside of the eyelid. A small amount of skin may also be removed, but the orbicularis muscle (the muscle that closes the eyelid) will be preserved. It is possible to have the uppers and lowers improved during the same surgery and clients undergoing face-lifting procedures will usually include these procedures as well.

Although eyelid surgery is a fairly comfortable procedure, you will be required to take 5-10 days off work. There will be some expected bruising which will subside. The sutures may be dissolvable. If the sutures do need to be removed, this will be done between 4-7 days.

Many people find that eyelid surgery can make a real difference to their appearance, especially if they had large bags underneath their eyes. The results of lower eyelid surgery through an external cut are likely to be more effective than surgery through a cut made on the inside of the eyelid as the surgeon can tighten the skin and reduce some wrinkling as well.

The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. The risks of upper and lower eyelid surgery include temporary blurred vision, infection, scarring, inability to close eyes, lower eyelid sagging, dry eyes, and bleeding behind the eye, which can lead to blindness.

Nose Reshaping - Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between nose and upper lip. A small change to the nose can improve the balance of the facial features giving remarkable overall results. The surgical procedure to alter the structure of the nose is known as rhinoplasty and is a very popular procedure with both men and women of all ages.

There are a number of procedures within the scope of nose reshaping, so the exact nature of the treatment will depend on the desired result. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the operation may take place under a general or local anaesthetic and will take around two hours. There are two main techniques used in nose reshaping operations: open and closed. Open means that some or all of the cuts are made outside the nose; closed means all the cuts are made inside the nose. A nose reshaping operation normally involves separating the soft tissue that lies on top of the nose from the bone and cartilage underneath. Depending on the operation, the surgeon might break the nose bone and reposition it and/or reshape the cartilage.

The shape and/or size of your nose should be altered - either for cosmetic reasons or to enhance breathing. Your surgeon can only work within the limitations of your bone and cartilage structure, so there are limits to how far you can alter the shape of your nose.

The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. At consultation, the surgeon will need to have a very clear understanding of what you hope to achieve by undergoing surgery. He will then explain all the risks and limitations associated with the procedure and advise you which techniques would give you the most pleasing results.

Ear Correction - Otoplasty

Otoplasty will reduce the size or prominence of one or both ears.

The surgeon makes an incision just behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear meets the head. Cartilage and skin are then removed from the ear to achieve the right effect - additionally, some of the cartilage may be pinned back with stitches. Finally, the surgeon stitches up the initial incision and then bandages the ears to protect them.

The operation usually takes around an hour. You may have a local anaesthetic and sedation, but some patients prefer a general anaesthetic.You will be required to take a week to 10 days off work and will need to wear a head bandage fro 7 - 10 days to support the ears in their new position. The area will feel tender and swollen for a week or so, but once the bandage and sutures are removed at 7-10 days you will feel more comfortable. The sutures may be dissolving.

Once you've had ear surgery, the results are permanent - although because ear cartilage is very elastic, there is always some forward movement of the ears after the surgery.

Chin and Cheek Implants

Facial implants are used in cosmetic surgery to bring the chin, jaw or cheekbones into balance with the rest of the face. Although the implants are quite small the subtle change can make quite stunning improvements. Implants are often used in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures. For example, a chin implant will often compliment surgery to reduce the nose, giving a better-proportioned and attractive profile.

Chin implants involve surgery and the treatment can take up to two hours per implant, depending on the treatment. Chin implants can use a variety of materials including: silicone, man-made materials, or tissue from your own body. It may also be possible to reshape the chin using 'suture' or 'threadlift' techniques. This involves the placement of sutures or threads with tiny 'teeth' into the brow through a small insertion. The threads are pulled upwards and secured, and the insertion is stitched shut.

Cheek implants involve surgery and the treatment can take up to two hours per implant, depending on the treatment. The surgeon makes a small cut inside the mouth or under the lower eyelash before inserting the implant. The implant is held in place by the cheek muscles, stitches or metal screws. There are several different materials used for cheek implants, including silicone and tissue from your own body.

The implant is usually inserted through the inside of the mouth at the place closest to where the implant will be located. This results in on visible scarring. Patients will normally stay for one night in hospital following surgery, which is performed under a general anaesthetic. They are advised to take 1 – 2 weeks from work but this will be determined by the nature of their work, and quickly they heal.

Most people find that the shape or definition of their chin and cheek has changed. Chin reduction surgery is permanent. Implant results will be semi-permanent if human tissue is used because the tissue will age, or permanent in the case of synthetic implants such as silicone or polythene.

Lip Enhancement

Lip enhancements using implants will make the lips appear larger and fuller. Dermal fillers can be used to plump up fine lines, wrinkles, some scarring, and augment the lips by restoring volume and definition. They will “rejuvenate” the skin.

Lip implants involve surgery under local anaesthetic and the treatment usually takes about 30 minutes. The surgeon makes four small cuts at each corner of the mouth, and then inserts the strip of implant material into each lip and cuts the implant to the size of the patient's lips. The cuts are then stitched.

Dermal fillers,derived from collagen, can also be used to give the lips a fuller appearance. Other fillers are synthetically produced in laboratory and are derived from hyaluronic acid. Fillers derived from both collagen and hyaluronic acid are temporary biodegradeable products which last 3-9 months depending on the product and the amount used. Fillers made using collagen will require a skin test whereas fillers made from hyaluronic acid may not. Some of the brand names of temporary fillers include Restylane®, Hydrafill®, Juvederm® and and Radiesse®.

The results of using lip implants should be permanent. Lines and wrinkles are softened with dermal fillers, and the lips can be plumped up and given more definition. The degree of correction is dependent on the patient's wishes and the amount of product used. Results are also dependent on a patient's skin type and facial structure, their life style and their own perception.

Breast Augmentation - Mammaplasty

Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed on women. The size and firmness of the breast is very important to us for our self-confidence. This procedure is ideal for those who have not developed their desired breast size, and for those who have perhaps lost breast tissue after breast feeding or weight loss. The breast is increased to the desired size by inserting an implant behind the breast tissue. Incisions are usually made in the natural crease under the breast although it is possible to insert the implant through the nipple or armpit area.

Breast implants are generally placed in front of or behind the muscle in breast augmentation, depending on the quality and thickness of the breast tissue. Unfortunately breast tissue is changes all the time and a decision is made at the time of consultation and may not be able to sustain its results in long term. Mr Khan's unique approach to breast enhancement using the Muscle Splitting Technique has been published in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal in the USA (see Mr Khan's Profile for more information).

This technique has the ability to give most natural results with the capacity to adept normal breast changes seen in a breast. Mr Khan does all his breast augmentation procedures using this technique where the implant is placed through the breast crease and is partly covered by the muscle, where the muscle lies in front of and behind the implant at the same time. The muscle is not detached from the ribs making it a body and muscle friendly technique that allows the patient to go home same day with out having drains. Most of the patients are able to perform routine activities with in a week and exercises and jobs involving heavy work or lifting are left little longer. The technique gives the most natural results with a nice cleavage, and has the capacity to give longer lasting results. Routine body weight, body fat and breast changes; especially seen after pregnancy, are tolerated better to give the breasts a natural shape for longer period of time.

The breasts should be larger, and asymmetric breasts can be evened up. The results will be permanent, but further surgery may be needed if problems arise. All breast implant surgery will leave some scarring.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. The most common risk with breast implants is capsular contracture, although the risk is low. This happens when the layer of scar tissue that the body normally grows around the implant contracts, causing the implant to lose its original shape and softness. Capsular contracture can sometimes be painful, and the implant may need to be removed and replaced.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction reduces the size of the breasts and reshape the breasts as well. For women with larger than normal breast sizes since puberty, breast reduction provides a way of helping their self-esteem. Physical activity for such women can be difficult due to the size and weight of the breasts and the limited choice of clothing available for their size can also be an issue.

Breast reduction involves a surgical operation to remove fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast. The operation usually lasts between two and four hours and takes place under a general anaesthetic, although some surgeons in some cases may use local anaesthetic and sedation.

Breast reduction can be performed using different techniques. Scar distribution can be on the front of the breast - otherwise known as the vertical scar technique; or scar distribution is like an inverted T, known as the anchor shape scarring technique. Breasts are given an uplift when reduction is performed. The choice of surgery depends on patient choice and the suitability of the breast. Mr Khan has his own technique for breast reduction and breast uplift without reduction; which has been have published by the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal in the USA. For more information see Mr Khan's Profile. In Mr Khan's experience, larger breasts are better shaped for the inverted T scarring technique rather than the vertical scarring technique, and it posing little risk to the nipple area. The vertical or single scar technique is a good option for small to medium size breast reductions. The uplift of breasts in small to medium size breasts can also be performed using the single or vertical scar technique, where patients are not interested in having a breast reduction or extensive scarring.

After a breast reduction, the breasts should appear smaller. The results are usually permanent, but your breasts may subsequently increase in size if you gain weight or if there are hormone changes within your body.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. As with all surgery, this procedure leaves permanent scars which initially may be red but which normally fade close to your natural skin colour over several months. These scars may be more noticeable if you smoke, and may leave a puckered edge on the outside of the scar.

Breast Uplift with Implants - Mastopexy with Implants

There are many ways to enhance a droopy breast, what is generally called ptosis. Scar distribution may vary and partly depend on the surgeon preference and partly on the degree of skin excess, nipple position and its relation to the breast crease. Implants in these procedures are generally placed in front or behind the muscle depending on the findings of assessment and perhaps choice of the surgeon.

Where is the implant placed the and how is the patient informed regarding the distribution of scarring?
In breast enhancement, breast implants are generally placed in front of or behind the muscle depending on the quality and thickness of breast tissue. Unfortunately breast tissue is changing all the time and a decision made at the time of consultation may not be able to sustain its results in the long term. Mr Khan performs breast enhancement using the Muscle Splitting Technique which has been published in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal in the USA (see Mr Khan's Profile for more information).

Selection of scarring:
In minor ptosis or in patients where the level of nipple is on the same level as that of breast crease, what is known as Grade A ptosis, there is no need to lift the breasts provided an adequate size high profile implants are chosen. In breasts where nipple position is just below the breast crease, I lift the breast form inside what I call augmentopexy and the procedure is performed through the breast crease with no additional scarring on the breast. This can only be performed if a muscle splitting procedure is performed and unused space in front of the muscle can be utilised for lifting the breast from inside. The use and selection of this procedure is limited to breast with early ptosis without excess skin envelope and is not a replacement of mastopexy or uplift for advanced ptosis. In more advance ptosis and where nipple has not dropped more than three centimetres, I usually performed breast enhancement with uplift through nipples. Scars are very wrinkly initially and may take up to four to six months to settle down. Majority of the augmentation in ptotic or saggy breast can be treated by appropriately using one of the above procedures. Less commonly breast uplift need to be done using a scar running through the front of the breast or even more uncommonly uplift with implant may require a scar running on the front or on the front of the breast as well in the crease of the breast.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. The surgery leaves permanent scars which initially may be lumpy and red but which normally fade close to your natural skin colour over several months. These scars may be more noticeable, eg wider, if you smoke.

Breast Uplift - Mastopexy

Breast can drop after weight loss, pregnancy, breast feeding, and the natural aging proces - or due to naturally larger size breasts. Large size breast may be present from puberty and after a certain period of time gravity will take its toll, and results in a downward migration of the nipple resulting in the loss of nipple to crease relationship. Large breasts can affect the physical activity, choice of clothing and may also cause back or neck ache. Breast uplift or mastopexy is required to reshape the breasts in cases where nipple has dropped below aesthetically acceptable level. The procedure aims to make the breast appear higher and reposition the nipple.

The breast uplift procedure (without implants) helps to rejuvenate the appearance of the breasts. In small to medium size breasts the procedure can be performed with out reduction of breast volume or its cup size. In larger breasts, reduction is strongly advised to reduce the affects of gravity; otherwise the breasts will drop again resulting in loss of results.

Breast Uplift or Mastopexy can be performed with varying scarring patterns depending on the volume of the skin reduction. In small to medium size breasts where there no reduction is required, the breasts can be lifted using scars around the nipples only. In medium to moderately larger breasts or skin envelope, the single or vertical scar technique can be performed. In larger breasts or breasts with excess skin envelope, the inverted T scar techniques is a better option for satisfactory results, though vertical scarring can still be an option.

Your breasts should appear higher, as will your nipples. Breast uplifts are sometimes permanent, but the breasts may droop again as you get older, or if you become pregnant or put on weight.

Male Breast Reduction - Gynecomastia

About fifty percent of men have excess fat or glandular tissue on the chest giving an unwanted fullness to the breast area. It sometimes affects only one side, but more commonly both sides are affected. This condition can cause embarrassment and limit the type of clothes that can be worn without feeling self-conscious. Surgery to remove the unwanted fat and some times glandular tissue is performed routinely at ReShape and the relatively simple procedure will result in a flatter, firmer and more contoured chest. The ideal candidates for this surgery are men who are not overweight, and have good skin elasticity. Age is not a factor with this procedure, although a younger, more taught skin is likely to contract better after the excess tissue has been removed.

TThe procedure takes an average of one hour. The surgeon will make an incision around the areola to access any excess breast tissue. Very occasionally these cuts may extend further down the chest. In addition, the nipples may need to be repositioned. You will be required to stay in hospital overnight, take a few days off work to rest and avoid lifting or physical exercise for one month. An elastic garment will need to be worn for one to four weeks to encourage a smooth result. Ninety five percent of patients are treated with liposiuction alone at ReShape and typically patients go home on the same day. Very infrequently they may need the removal of tissue through the nipple or through a scar under the nipple.

Most men find that the breast area is reduced in size and flattened in shape. The results are usually permanent, but weight gain, hormonal imbalances or the use of certain drugs (including anabolic steroids) may cause the breasts to re-enlarge.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. The surgery leaves permanent scars which often are lumpy and red for several months, but should fade to your natural skin colour.

Nipple Improvement

Nipple improvements will alter the shape, size or appearance of the nipple. The correction of inverted nipples is possible as well.

There are two main treatments within nipple reshaping: nipple reduction and correcting nipple inversion. Both operations take place under a local anaesthetic and can last up to one hour. Nipple reduction involves cutting two circles: one around the circumference of the areola (the brownish area around the nipple) and one where the outer edge will be after surgery. The skin in between these two lines is removed and the skin pulled together and sewn. To correct nipple inversion, the surgeon will make an incision around the lower half of the nipple and free the tissue behind it which is holding it inwards, this will allow the nipple to protrude as desired. Nipple reshaping can also be performed using fat transfer to create a more projected nipple.

Time off from work can be minimal and as sutures will probably be dissolvable, they will not need to be removed.

The nipple/areola will appear smaller or the previously inverted nipple will now protrude.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail.

Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty

In Mr Khan's practice, abdominoplasty is the second most common body reshaping procedure after liposuction. Patients asking for this procedure are generally females but it is not uncommon for men to request this procedure. Abdominoplasty benefits patients who have lost weight either through conservative measures (exercise or diet) or after gastric banding or similar procedures. The vast majority of patients are mothers, where after childbirth excess skin roll under the umbilicus has failed to respond to exercise or to other routine toning procedures and measures. Abdominal reshaping can be achieved using liposuction alone in selected cases where abdominal bulge is not associated with stretch marks or skin roll. In cases where the skin roll is present or where skin excess is associated with stretch marks, then skin removal is necessary with or without liposuction.

Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure and involves extensive scarring that may extend from one hip to the other; depending on the amount of the skin excess and extent of the skin fold. Mr Khan performs all of his abdominoplasties using the famous Saldanha technique. Saldanha has revolutionised this procedure. This technique allows for the removal of unlimited fat and skin excess without endangering the viability of the skin or compromising the wound break down due to blood circulation.

Postoperative complications are significantly reduced when this technique is employed and combined with progressive tension sutures of Pollock and Pollock. These sutures have almost completely eliminated the risk of seromas after abdominoplasty procedure. Mr Khan has written about benefits of using the Saldanha Technique which has been published in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal in the USA (see Mr Khan's Profile for more information). All of Mr Khan's patients are able to go home next day and drains are left for less than 24 hours. Skin bump at the end of scar (Dogear) is still a common occurrence and requires surgical removal under local anaesthetic, and is done free of charge at Re-Shape. Patients are treated as day cases, and can go home within hours after the surgery.

Your stomach should appear flatter and your abdominal muscles should feel and look firmer as they may have been repaired.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. It may be possible to achieve a flat stomach through healthy dieting and effective exercise. Indeed it is recommended that an abdominoplasty should be used to remove excess skin after dieting and exercise has achieved the right body shape underneath. A tummy tuck will not stop you gaining weight in the future.

Liposuction and Fat Removal - Lipoplasty or Liposculpture

In Mr Khan's practice, liposuction is the most common body reshaping procedure followed by abdominoplasty. Liposuction or liposculpture is used to reshape areas of the body with fatty deposits that are resistant to a healthy diet and exercise. Commonly requested areas for liposcution by women include: neck, arms, armpits, abdomen, upper back rolls, lower back, love handles, outer thighs, inner thighs, knees, and calves. Commonly requested areas of liposuction by men include: neck, chest, abdomen, and back.

Fat deposition can be localised, and is referred to as stubborn areas; or fat deposition can be generalised, covering larger areas of the body. Generalised fat deposition is usually associated with being overweight or obesity. Stubborn or localised fat deposits respond better to liposuction. Overweight or obese candidates are not good candidates for liposuction or for procedures designed to reshape the body. However certain candidates may benefit from such procedures; but extreme or dramatic transformation is unlikely, and they may need more than one procedure. Mr Khan's advice for these patients is to lose weight using conservative measures; and to change their lifestyle, eating habits and to participate n regular exercise. Some surgeons do advocate mega-liposuction where an enormous amount of fat is removed, using ultrasonic or possibly conventional liposuction.

Cuts for liposuction are almost invisible and most of the patients go home after surgery and need to wear pressure garments provided by us. These garments need to be worn for 3 to 4 weeks. Each individual is assessed separately and procedure is tailor-made for that individual. Patients are informed that liposuction is not to be considered as a weight reduction measure, and changes are in the body contour line and body shape appear better with or without changes in dress sizes. Liposuction is not a procedure to eliminate stretch marks or to get rid of cellulite. Cellulite may persist and the presence of stretch marks with excess skin responds less satisfactorily to liposuction, when compared with patients with firm skin and those without stretch marks.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells to alter body shape.

Body Lift

An upper body lift will alter the shape, size or appearance upper bpdy area around the abdomen. Body lift surgery is an extremely effective procedure for patients with excess skin resulting from weight loss. Depending on the location of the excess skin, patients may choose to undergo either an upper, mid, or lower body lift. Total body lift surgery is helpful for patients who have lost skin elasticity all over their body. Excess skin can cause severe chafing and discomfort, as well as prevent patients from wearing clothes in a smaller size.

Upper Body Lift
Patients requiring abdominoplasty usually have excess fullness of their flanks associated with large fat deposits on the hips or lower back. These areas may need to be addressed either at the same time or separately as staged procedures. Liposuction alone on the back and flank is sufficient to deal with this presentation and is usually performed at the same time. Less commonly these excess skin rolls on the flanks and hips may require skin excision in addition to liposuction; and this can be done simultaneously or separately as a second procedure.

Total Body Lift
Though a total body lift is the most comprehensive way to rejuvenate your figure after massive weight loss, you need to take into account the extended recovery period required for such complex surgery. Mr Khan does not perform a total body lift as a single procedure. Once the swelling has gone down and the scars begin to fade, most patients are extremely satisfied with their new appearance.

The Upper Body Lift will tone the appearance of the upper body giving a more lean appearance to the upper body.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. An upper body lift will not stop you gaining weight in the future.

Thighlift - Thighplasty

The Inner Thigh Lift procedure is an option for those who have excess loose sagging skin on the inner thighs. The scars from this procedure would be concealed neatly in the groin area. If excess skin on the outer thigh is also an issue it will not be possible to lift the skin without leaving some exposed scarring. Thighlift will alter the shape, size or appearance of the thighs.

A thigh lift is a surgical operation that will take place under a general anaesthetic. The procedure usually lasts about three hours. The surgeon will make a oval-shaped incision at the top of the thigh and remove a section of skin and any surplus fat. They will then pull the remaining skin together and stitch it into place. You will be required to stay overnight in hospital as movement will be minimal initially. You will need 1-2 weeks off work to rest and a high standard of hygene will be important whilst the area is healing to prevent infection. Sutures will be removed at 7-14 days and you will be required to wear a supporting garment to ensure a smooth result. Thigh lifts can also be performed using 'suture' or 'threadlift' techniques. This involves the placement of sutures or threads with tiny 'teeth' into the thigh through a small insertion.

Thigh lift will result in the thighs appearing thinner, firmer and more attractive looking upper legs. Thigh lifts are sometimes permanent, but the effect may be reversed as you get older or if you put on weight.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail.

Vulvaplasty

Many women undergo female cosmetic genital surgery, for various relevant and personal reasons. They may simply want to look and feel as normal and attractive for themselves, and sometimes for their partners. The procedure reduces the protuberance of the inner lips of the vulva if they unusually over-developed in women. Such a situation can cause embarrassment and can lead to soreness because of the friction with clothing.

The inner lips are trimmed back to a more usual size. One night stay in the hospital may be required and dissolvable stitches are used. The area can be very tender for two weeks and healing will take three weeks.

Results are permanent.

General risks associated with any surgical procedure apply. The surgeon will discuss all associated risks with you in detail. Some irregularities may remain in the inner lips.

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