Mr. Chana is one of the few Plastic Surgeons performing the Brazilian technique of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. This technique was first advocated by a Brazilian surgeon called Ranalto Saltz.
Mr Chana has always strived to keep at the forefront of new techniques and advances in Plastic Surgery. He has adapted this technique into his own practice in order to enhance the results for his patients. He has also published his own research into improving the safety and reducing complications from abdominoplasty.
This work was awarded the prestigious Hacket Memorial Prize by the British Association of Plastic Surgeons when it was presented by one of Mr Chana’s research assistants. This research has also been published in the International Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He has also been interviewed by the BBC along with one of his patients on a feature about abdominoplasty surgery.
What is the Brazilian Abdominoplasty?
The Brazilian abdominoplasty is essentially an advancement on the original procedure. During a Brazilian abdominoplasty, a traditional abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) will be combined with liposuction.
The combination of liposuction with the abdominoplasty significantly enhances the result of the abdominoplasty improving the waistline and overall contour. Also due to the differences in the way the procedure is carried out, there is also no need for drains to be fitted in the abdominal wall – one of the more unpleasant aspects of the traditional process.
The ideal candidate for a Brazilian abdominoplasty will have a moderate amount of loose skin and fat on their stomach area, as opposed to a traditional procedure that focuses more on loose skin alone.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the abdominoplasty is carried out, liposuction is performed on the front and sides of the abdomen. This is performed to reduce the fat content under the skin. The result is that the underlying waistline and contours of the abdomen are enhanced. Once the excess skin has been removed, the reduction in fat also results in the skin to be more effectively redraped.
The abdominal muscles are tightened at the same time to flatten the appearance of the abdomen. However, during the process of the muscle tightening the space required to lift the skin is reduced having already performed the liposuction. This means there is less empty space left under the skin and usually drains are not normally required. There are also fewer complications of seroma formation after the procedure.
The procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic, and you will be required to stay in the hospital for one to two nights following your procedure. Mr. Chana works with highly experienced and qualified anaesthetists to ensure your utmost comfort and safety during your procedure.
What is the recovery process?
Brazilian abdominoplasty is still considered a surgical procedure which has the same recovery times as a traditional abdominoplasty. You will be required to wear a compressional garment for six weeks after surgery. You should take two weeks off work after your procedure – and some patients find that they have to take up to four. You will also need to refrain from heavy exercise for six weeks. Any discomfort you experience can be managed by painkillers prescribed by Mr. Chana – you should not take aspirin because this can affect the rate at which your wound heals.
Before and After
Consultation
If you are interested in a Brazilian abdominoplasty – or any other cosmetic surgery – you should learn about the procedure thoroughly before embarking upon treatment. The best way to do this is through a consultation with an experienced surgeon. A consultation serves a number of purposes: not only will you be able to learn about the surgery and decide whether it is appropriate for you, but your surgeon will be able to assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, both physically and psychologically.
There are physical limitations that can render you exempt from certain types of surgery. Where abdominoplasty is concerned it is important that you are not too overweight and you must not be a smoker since both of these factors significantly increase the risks of wound healing complications.
You’ll be able to discuss anything that’s playing on your mind during your consultation, whether that’s scarring, recovery time, alternative procedures or what sort of results you can expect. You’ll also be able to build a rapport with your surgeon which many patients report allows them to feel more relaxed and comfortable moving forward with their procedure plan.