While liposuction removes fat cells, it is not recommended as a procedure for losing weight. What happens after the fat is removed - specifically, if you have the same calorific intake as before the procedure and the same level of exercise? Would fat be put back on, or maintained at the post operative level? If weight is subsequently gained, what actually happens? The fat cells have been physically removed, so would less fat be put on, or would a smaller number of fat cells just get bigger? Name and address withheld
Liposuction removes fat cells. It is NOT a treatment for losing weight or obesity. You are correct in your understanding. The body has a finite number of fat cells. When some are removed, fat cells are still left in place in these areas. IF you maintain or lose weight post liposuction, your results should remain relatively stable. IF you gain weight post liposuction, you may put on bulk in areas that were not treated, such as the upper body, flanks, even the breast area. So, the fat cells will redistribute and multiply if you gain weight, and thus, you will lose some of the benefit of having had the procedure.
I am a 23-year-old female who would like to know what is the best way to remove freckles, moles and sunspots on the face. Also, is the reappearance of freckles, etc, a risk for all kinds of procedures? Lottie King, Sydney, New South Wales
Freckles are basically caused by sun exposure. They get darker in summer or when you are outdoors. If you live in Sydney, that would explain why you have sun spots at 23. Australian Dermatologists have been very proactive about educating the public on the dangers of UV exposure. The best ways to remove existing dark spots is via lasers, peels, bleaching agents. To prevent recurrence, sunscreen is key - Dermatologists will recommend consistent daily use of SPF30 broad spectrum sun protection, wearing hats and clothing, if you are prone to sun damage. No treatment will guarantee that you will not have reappearance. You will most likely have new spots coming up from previous sun damage that is cumulative. Moles may be excised or lasered, and may possibly recur with time.
I am thinking of having a breast reduction and also a lift. I am nearly 49 years old, and was wondering if I would need a small implant for firmness? Also how long does recovery take? Will it leave a lot of scarring? Helen Saunders
At 49, I can assume that you are done having children and breastfeeding. So, a lift or reduction is basically the same procedure; with a reduction, more tissue is removed to reduce the size. The reason to add an implant would be if you need more volume or projection to the breast shape. If you want to be smaller, you don't need an implant obviously. Scarring from breast uplifts and reductions is significant. The minimum you will be able to have is called a "lollipop" or vertical scar which goes around the nipple and extends vertically. A standard breast reduction involves an "anchor" scar that adds an incision all the way under the breast. The vertical technique is now widely used, and limits the length and amount of scarring involved. The end result is a perkier, prettier breast shape with smaller nipples that point forward instead of downward. The trade-off is the visible scars that will fade, but are permanent.
I had a tummy tuck 14 weeks ago and it has all gone horribly wrong. I have had two further operations to try to correct the problems but I'm still very swollen and have weeping from two places in the wound. I feel very let down and that I am getting the run around from the clinic. Is there any independent body (UK) where I can have a second opinion, or get help? Name and address withheld
I am very sorry to hear of your situation. You sound like you need to be treated IMMEDIATELY. If you cannot get someone at the clinic to attend to you where you had surgery done, you should report at once to the nearest A&E or NHS hospital where there is a plastic surgery department. In the alternative, at least visit your own GP for advice. Weeping wounds must be managed closely to prevent infection and skin loss or other serious complications from developing.
What products can you recommend that do what Botox does, but are not injections? I can't pay to maintain them right now. Name and address withheld
My personal favourite topical Botox formula is DDF Wrinkle Relax, which I have used since it hit the market. If you are in the UK, it is sold at Harvey Nicks and The Berkeley, or visit www.ddfskin.com. Another choice is Olay Regenerist available in drug stores. Neither of these will do exactly what Botox can do, since they cannot penetrate deeply into the muscle as an injection does, however, they are good wrinkle reducing products and contain pentapeptides.
My nose is huge and I want to fix it. I had surgery once before as a kid (sports injury, I got hit by a baseball bat), but I was never happy with how it looked. A doctor (in the US) said that the first doctor just didn't fix the bump, which is really what bothers me. He just re-aligned the nose. My question is, how can I know I am going to someone who will know how to fix the bump once and for all? I'm not happy that I have to do another surgery, so I need to make sure this gets done right. Name and address withheld
It sounds like you may have just had a closed reduction of a nasal fracture after your sports injury, which would not take care of your bump. Sometimes, when there is swelling from a trauma or injury, a surgeon may not be able to fix the bump at the same time as setting the bones into place. So, now you can have your bump fixed, which is called a rhinoplasty and would likely involve breaking the bone and shaving some of the bone and cartilage down to reshape your bridge. Choose a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with a lot of experience doing nasal procedures, and ask to see photographs of his results before electing to have surgery.
