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    Thigh Lift

    You might find that after losing weight you have loose skin and/or fat on your thighs which resists any improvement through exercise. This can affect not just your body confidence, but also cause certain mobility issues. Thigh lift surgery, also called thighplasty, aims to achieve firmer and more aesthetically pleasing thighs.

    Thigh lifts achieve this by reducing extra skin, tightening and smoothing tissue, and removing extra fat. Many people enjoy the confidence this surgery brings, and feel able to wear clothes which show off their body more after treatment.

    Good candidates for a Thigh Lift

    The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider a thigh lift:

    • The effects of aging have led to sagging, cellulite and loose skin on your thighs.
    • You have succeeded in a weight reduction program and you now desire shapely thighs and legs that reflect your more proportional, toned figure.
    • Clothes do not fit properly because of your heavy thighs.
    • Your thighs make you feel self-conscious and you want to restore your self-assurance regarding your body.

    If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

    The Procedure

    The basic aim of a Thigh lift involves removing excess skin along with associated fat from the inner thighs and then suturing the ends together. In principle, it is a very straightforward surgical procedure. However due to the large area and length of wound that requires suturing it is somewhat time-consuming and can take up to 2 hours to complete the procedure.

    The incision line is sutured with dissolving stitches and surgical tapes are then applied to the surface of the skin. A bandage is then applied around the thighs in order to apply some compression and reduce any swelling and bleeding.

    A physical examination, a thorough medical history and a discussion with the surgeon will help determine whether a medial or lateral thigh lift is most appropriate.

    1.Can a Thigh Lift be combined with Liposuction?

    Yes. Both the Medial and Extended Thigh Lift can often be combined with limited liposuction in order to better contour the legs and also to reduce the size of the ‘saddlebags’ or love handles or other areas.

    Pain and discomfort are always subjective. You may find that any pain you feel is probably more noticeable when standing or and walking in the first few days following surgery and usually involves a pulling or tightening sensation in the inner aspect of the thighs. It is advisable therefore that for the first week or so you should take regular painkillers in order to minimise this.

    Most patients usually need 2 weeks off work or any strenuous duties. Depending on the type of Thigh lift that was performed and provided healing proceeds uneventfully, many patients feel that they can gradually start to resume their normal activities after this with the view to be able to exercise fully from 6 weeks after their thigh lift surgery. It is important to remember that some minor swelling will still be present at this stage and will take some months to fully reside.

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      Arm Lift

      Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure that reduces the circumference of the upper arms and removes excess lax skin.

      The arm lift surgery targets what is often referred to as ‘bingo wings’ and is usually performed in conjunction with liposuction to improve the overall contours of the arms. This surgery is suitable for men and women and is often performed on patients who have experienced sudden weight fluctuations.

      Suitable Candidates for Brachioplasty

      The best candidates are men and women who are within several pounds (i.e. 10%) of their ideal weight. If you are significantly more than this you will be asked to reduce some weight before going ahead with any surgery. Ideal candidates also possess loose enough skin and tissue laxity to allow a good outcome of the operation. This will be assessed at your consultation.

      People with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a persistent ongoing infection disorder of the sweat glands in their armpits, should not undergo brachioplasty until treated appropriately. Women who have had Radical Mastectomy or extensive breast cancer surgery are also at risk of developing chronic arm swelling after undergoing this particular procedure and therefore should avoid this operation.

      The Procedure

      On the day of your surgery, your doctor starts by marking your arm where they plan to make incisions. There are several ways of performing an arm lift, but the most common ones involve incisions on the inside or back of your arms. Other options include an armpit incision or one that extends from the top of your elbow to your armpit.

      You’re then given either local or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical method your doctor chooses. Guided by the marks they made on your arm, your doctor goes in and tightens or reshapes the tissue in your upper arm. They then pull your skin back over the tissue and close the surgical wound with stitches.

      If there are extra pockets of fat that might make it hard for your arm to fully heal, your doctor may use liposuction at the same time to remove that fat. The entire procedure is usually done within a maximum of three hours.

      1.When can I return to work?

      Recovery time varies from person to person. We usually advise you to take two weeks off work and avoid lifting or driving for four weeks after your arm lift procedure.

      Scars are the greatest drawback in this operation. This is because in a standard brachioplasty the operation results in a permanent scar extending the length of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow which may be visible in short sleeve clothing. Unfortunately, it is not usually possible to reduce the scar length in this procedure.

      In fact, this is the main reason why many patients decide against having this procedure. This operation basically exchanges one cosmetic problem (loose skin) for another (scars). In general, only those with very loose saggy skin are most likely to find this exchange worthwhile. Those with a small amount of looseness will probably not want the scars.

      Although initially, all scars are somewhat red and lumpy, with time (12-18 months) the scars usually settle and improve. Of course, it is not possible to ultimately predict the appearance of anyone’s scars.

      You will have some pain and discomfort after this surgery. However, it is not considered a particularly painful procedure. The pain usually only lasts for a few days and, of course, you will be given appropriate pain killers to control this. One per cent of all operations can lead to major complications.

      Weigh up the pros and cons; it is for you to decide. This is a surgical procedure and as such potentially serious complications such as a blood clot or embolus or an unexpected response to drugs or anaesthetics can occur.

      Besides the complications that can develop after any surgery, there are problems that are special for your surgery. These include: the scar is long and maybe slow to heal, it is not unusual to have scabbing along the scar for several weeks, and fluid(either blood or serum) can collect under the skin flap.

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        Gynecomastia

        Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast over development, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

        For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured.

        Male Breast Reduction Candidates

        Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.

        Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered.

        About the Procedure

        If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be excised, or cut out, with a scalpel. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made in an inconspicuous location – typically along the edge of the areola. Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat removal is commonly treated with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more conspicuous scars. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through a small incision or the existing incisions.

        If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, your surgeon will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola–the dark skin that surrounds the nipple. Or, the incision may be placed in the underarm area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula, which is attached to a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision. The surgeon moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out.

        In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.

        Sometimes, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids. Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

        1.Post Surgery

        Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. In any case, you should arrange someone to help you out for a day or two if needed once you are back home.

        You’ll be swollen and bruised for a while. To help reduce swelling, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

        The results can be long-lasting if you maintain a healthy diet and do regular exercise to minimise any further weight gain.

        You can expect to feel some discomfort for several days following your surgery, however we will provide pain relief in hospital and also advise on managing any discomfort when you return home. If you have any concerns during your recovery, you will have access to our 24/7 patient helpline, so there will always be someone available to help.

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          Genital Aesthetics

          Genital cosmetic surgery is no longer a taboo, and it has been recognized to be important for women’s mental and physical health. Genital aesthetic procedures are easy and satisfying.

          Patients can resume work and social activities shortly after the procedure, which has changed the overall women’s approach to this subject. Thanks to the trust-based communication between the patient and the doctor, satisfactory results are obtained after the procedures. With advanced and rapid medical techniques, patients can easily achieve their desired results.

          What is Genital Cosmetic Surgery?

          The genitalia consist of a vagina, large lips (Labium majus), small lips (Labium minus), hymen (Hymen), and the upper part-top region of the lips (Mons pubis). Any deformations in these parts of the genital area not only lead to an aesthetically unpleasant appearance, but also cause problems such as insecurity, lack of sexuality, dissatisfaction or shame in women. Genital cosmetic surgery is performed to remove such deformities and make necessary corrections.

          Types of Genitalia Aesthetics

          Labioplasty (Cosmetic surgery of internal and external lips)

          Lips, which form the outer genital structure and are called labium, include large lips, i.e. thicker and fuller parts, and small lips, which are thinner and located further inside.

          Over time, depending on the person’s characteristics or age, sagging that causes an impaired appearance, may occur in this section. For example, when you wear a swimsuit or s bikini, sagging looks like a bulging in front underneath the garment. Furthermore, it may close the entrance, which causes difficulty or pain during sexual intercourse.

          With a simple operation, these elongated or sagging lips can be shortened and reshaped. Emptied, loosened lips can be made fuller.

          After labioplasty, patients can easily resume daily activities. However, sexual intercourse should be avoided for 4-5 weeks during the recovery period.

          Correction of Clitoral Folds (Clitoral Hudoplasty)

          Clitoris is an important organ in sexual pleasure and orgasm function in women. In some women, excess tissue especially in the inner lips, called the ‘labium minus’, reaches up to clitoris.

          Excessive skin layers on the upper part of the clitoris can be both aesthetically uncomfortable and adversely affect sexual arousal so clitoral hoodoplasty operation can be performed. The operation is usually performed during labioplasty surgery. After inner lips are shortened, the protruding appearance in that region becomes much more noticeable, unless an intervention is made on clitoral hood. This causes dissatisfaction in patients. Therefore, it is advisable to include clitoral cosmetic surgery during labioplasty.

          Surgical Vaginal Tightening (Vaginoplasty)

          The fact that the vagina is larger than normal is one of the leading sexual problems. Because the mismatch between the vagina and the male organ can cause problems with orgasm in both partners. Vaginoplasty aims to correct this problem.

          In some women, normally the vagina size may be structurally larger than normal. In addition, normal delivery, a tear caused by delivery (birth tears), high number of births, failure to suture the episiotomy incision at the time of the first birth, or opening of the sutures, giving birth to a large baby, decreased vaginal elasticity and loosening with increasing age may occur.

          During vaginal narrowing, a longitudinal part is removed from the posterior wall of the vagina. In repair, the muscle layer and the mucosal layer are sutured individually.

          Although vaginoplasty is performed with local anesthesia to a larger extent, it is also possible to perform it under general anesthesia. The operation takes about 1 hour.

          Other genital cosmetic surgeries e.g. vaginal cosmetic surgery, labioplasty, clitoris cosmetic surgery can be performed in combination with vaginoplasty.

          Genital Bleaching

          Although many alternative solutions have been proposed to address the dark pigmentation problem of the skin in the genital region, none of these therapies provides completely lasting and satisfactory results. Topical chemicals applied to the vulvar and anal area cause many skin problems, and what’s more, the results are temporary. Since the skin in this area is very sensitive, many complications can arise upon the application of chemical agents. Therefore, the most effective and advanced way to remove hyperpigmentation is laser application. In recent years, vulvar/anal bleaching technology with CO2 laser has been preferred to lighten the skin color in the genital-anal region and get lasting results.

          Vaginal Rejuvenation and Tightening with Laser

          Structural vaginal laxity or vaginal laxity caused by delivery is common. Such deformities can lead to decreased pleasure or loss of pleasure during sexual intercourse on the side of both men and women. Surgical intervention allows removal of excess tissue and narrowing and rejuvenating the surrounding tissues.

          Recently, vaginal tightening procedure by laser method, which is a very short and easy method, can be performed without need for anesthesia in a clinical setting. The instruments developed for this purpose are getting more advanced day by day and after laser, radiofrequency waves are used to perform more effective and successful vaginal tightening procedures.

          External Genitalia Tightening

          The external genital area, also known as vulva, comprises external lips on both sides and the area between the clitoris region at the upper part and the anus at the lower part.

          People who have complaints of wrinkles, sagging in the genital area and who want a more taut and shiny skin structure can have a procedure known as ‘labial tightening-vulvar tightening’ to get rid of such problems.

          Filling to Large Lips (Labia Majora Injections)

          Structural or aging-related depressions and wrinkles may occur on large lips covered with hair. In that case, fat is injected into large lips to give them a fuller appearance. Injection of fillers into large lips involves a procedure where the fat removed from another part of the body by ‘liposuction’ method is in jected into the large lips using special cannules. Thus, large lips which are smaller or wrinkled than normal can have a fuller and more vibrant appearance.

          Reduction of Large Lips by Surgery (Labia Majora Cosmetic Surgery)

          Enlarged or sagging large lips covered with hair, which are located externally in the genital region, might cause some esthetic problems. In that case, enlarged and sagging large (external) lips are reduced and corrected by a simple surgical operation.

          Reduction of large lips is a type of labioplasty too and is also called ‘large lip labioplasty’ or ‘labia majoraplasty’.

          Mons Pubis Cosmetic Surgery (Puboplasty-Venus Cosmetic Surgery)

          The prominent and bulging-like pubis appearance of women, especially when they wear a bikini or tight clothes after giving birth, can lead to non-aesthetic images. Pubic fat is known as a congenital deformity that cannot be resolved by weight loss. In other words, it is very difficult to get rid of the prominence in that area by going on a diet or doing sports.

          Pubic lift surgery is performed at the level of abdominoplasty incision scar or lower abdominal fold scar and hence the problem is corrected without leaving a noticeable scar.

          Hymen Suturing

          Hymen suturing, which is requested by patients for social or family reasons, is one of general cosmetic surgical interventions. A permanent hymen repair is performed by flap method.

          1.Who is a good candidate for Vaginal Rejuvenation?

          The best candidate for a cosmetic gynecology procedure is a woman with concerns about the size, shape and/or volume of her genitalia. Women of nearly every age, including teens, have found both emotional and physical satisfaction following a vaginal rejuvenation. You may be a good candidate for cosmetic gynecology if you:

          • Have had children;
          • Experience vaginal dryness;
          • Have reduced sensitivity or sensation during sexual intercourse;
          • Experience pain during intercourse or other physical activities;
          • Are unhappy with the appearance of labia or vulva;
          • Suffer from urinary incontinence.

          If you meet any of the criteria above, you may be ideal for vaginal rejuvenation treatments. Be sure to ask your online onsultant which treatment is best for you based on your goals.

          Everyone heals at different rates and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities, but the following are general guidelines:

          • You can most likely return to your physical exercise program within two to four weeks of your procedure;
          • You may resume intimate activity within six to eight weeks of your procedure;
          • Most of the visible signs of your surgery should fade within about three weeks;
          • You can most likely return to work within a day or two of your surgery;
          • You can resume driving as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

          In most cases, cosmetic genital surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and we bring you to your hotel shortly after the surgery. You may be sleepy if you have had sedation or general anesthesia and the surgical area will be sore. There will be some bruising, swelling and numbness. Most patients do not require prescription pain medication but if you find that you need something, just call your medical coordinator and we will make sure that you are comfortable.

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            Buttock Enhancement (BBL)

            The Brazilian Bum Lift otherwise known as Buttock Augmentation or BBL surgery is a cosmetic surgery fast raising in popularity all over the world thanks to some very famous celebrities undergoing the procedure.

            It enhances the volume of the bum and allows the crafting of the desirable shape of the buttocks via a method called liposculpture.

            If you feel less confident on the beach or in swimsuit this might be the right cosmetic procedure to restore your confidence and achieve your desired body image.

            The best candidates for a Brazilian Butt Lift

            A Brazilian Butt Lift can be a great option to improve the shape and size of the buttocks, however, certain patients are better suited to the procedure, and it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery, recovery, and results. In general, you are likely a good candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift if you agree with the following:

            • You want a buttock augmentation without implants;
            • You have good skin tone in the hips and buttocks;
            • You have adequate fat stores in other areas to harvest for injection into the buttocks;
            • You are willing and able to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks.

            Despite its name, a Brazilian Butt Lift is not a traditional “lifting” procedure. It does not address loose skin on the buttocks. If you are bothered by excess, sagging skin on the buttocks or thighs, Thigh and/or Buttock lift surgery may be a more suitable option.

            The Procedure

            A Brazilian Butt Lift involves three basic steps:

            • Fat is removed from the hips, lower back, thighs, abdomen, and/or other areas with liposuction.
            • The extracted fat is purified and prepared for transfer.
            • The cosmetic surgeon injects fat into specific points on the buttocks to increase volume and improve shape.

            Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. It is typical for a portion of the injected fat not to “take” in its new location. Our experienced cosmetic surgeons take this into account and may initially inject a slightly greater amount of fat into the buttocks than is needed to ensure your final results most closely achieve your goals.

            1.Pre-Surgery preparation for BBL surgery

            A Brazilian Bum Lift is typically performed under general anesthesia, this is primarily done to reduce the amount of discomfort during the process as much as possible. If you feel ill prior to your procedure it can have unexpected consequences. Even a sniffle should be reported to our team, so that we can determine whether you are fit to undergo the surgery or not.

            Six weeks prior to the surgery you must stop smoking. It is also advisable to stop taking medication which acts as a blood thinner prior to any surgery. At least two weeks off work is also advised, as it may be difficult to sit for long periods of time given the potential discomfort after surgery. Wear loose, comfortable, clothing the day of your surgery to prevent rubbing on the swelling or bruises which are likely to form.

            Liposuction from the desired area surrounding your buttocks will be the first step in your BBL surgery. Our surgical team will endeavour to keep the incisions from the liposuction portion of the procedure as minimal as possible. These will only be around 3 to 4mm long. This not only removes fat from problem areas, but it is then used to provide a natural boost to your buttocks. The even injection of this across the buttocks area is the second, final, part of the procedure.

            Our glutes are used on a daily basis to perform much of our movement in our daily lives. Because of this, there are some significant activity restrictions which you’ll need to adhere to as you recover from your BBL surgery. We will outline these restrictions for you and it is highly recommended you follow them for the best outcome from your BBL surgery.

            If patients work involves sitting down for much of the day, 3-4 weeks or more should be taken off from work. If less sitting is involved in your work, then at least 2 weeks should be planned off from work. Generally, a compression garment is worn for around 3-6 months following the procedure.

            Pain and discomfort involved with the recovery can be controlled with prescribed medication and patients should just try to take it easy and recover at their own pace. Final results should become apparent at about 6 months to one year, once swelling has subsided and the fat has had a chance to establish itself in the buttock enhancement area after transfer.

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              Abdominoplasty

              As we gain weight, either through puberty, pregnancy or lifestyle choices our skin stretches to accommodate our new shape. Rapid weight gain can cause the skin to develop stretch marks, and equally, if you lose weight too quickly, it can leave you with loose skin. If you’re extremely lucky your skin will snap back as it once was, but if you’re part of the 99% who doesn’t have phenomenal skin elasticity you may be left with loose skin on your tummy, as well as other areas including thighs and arms.

              Feeling self-conscious about your figure can make it really difficult to be confident in yourself and can even stop you wearing outfits you’d love to look good in. Having a firm, flat stomach can make a huge difference to the way you feel and when it’s not possible to achieve this through diet and exercise alone, Tummy Tuck surgery can be the right option.

              What is a Tummy Tuck?

              A tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The tummy tuck is also effective for repairing stretched and weakened abdominal muscles. This procedure helps our patients have a more attractive profile and enjoy a smooth, flat stomach.

              Loose skin is often the result of aging, genetics, a previous surgery, fluctuations in weight or pregnancy. In fact, a tummy tuck is a common procedure included in a mommy makeover. Mommy makeovers are cosmetic procedures designed to help mothers obtain their pre-baby body. A tummy tuck may even help in the removal of stretch-marked skin.

              A tummy tuck is a great procedure for healthy individuals if dieting and exercise are just not helping. An abdominoplasty often requires an incision from hip to hip just above the pubic hairline. Through this incision, the surgeon will be able to access your abdominal wall and remove unnecessary skin and tissue. The result will be a slimmer, more smooth appearance.

              There are basically five main types of abdominoplasty in terms of the way the anatomical areas are addressed and re-contoured. Each type of abdominoplasty can be performed using different technical variations as per our surgeons preferences. Liposuction, when indicated, can be performed simultaneously with any of the below procedures for even greater results.

              The five types of abdominoplasty are:

              • Standard Abdominoplasty with umbilical re-positioning
              • Standard Abdominoplasty with a “floated umbilicus”
              • Mini Abdominoplasty
              • Extended Abdominoplasty
              • Circumferential Abdominoplasty

              The Procedure

              The details of your surgery will be planned out during your consultation and may differ from the summary below.

              An abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and may take a few hours. Liposuction is often used alongside a tummy tuck to remove excess fat deposits and improve the end results.

              Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will apply an incision along the lower abdomen. Through this incision, excess saggy skin will be excised. The muscles of the abdominal wall will be repaired and tightened. Once the midsection has been artfully sculpted, the incision will be closed and bandaged. You will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until you are awake.

              1.When can’t I have Abdominoplasty?

              Abdominoplasty isn’t suitable for you if you:

              • are a heavy smoker
              • are overweight
              • have had blood clots in the past

              Many people want this surgery because being overweight or multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdominal skin or muscles. Make sure you have lost as much weight as possible and are not planning any more pregnancies before you go ahead. Otherwise, the benefits of the surgery will be much reduced, and you will have all the risks of the procedure without the longer-term benefits.

              If you’re not sure whether the operation is suitable for you, it’s worth speaking to our online consultants. They won’t recommend surgery if it isn’t right for you.

              When you first get home, the most important thing is not to overdo any activity. Follow the advice of your surgeon.

              At first, gentle walking is the best exercise. Take things slowly and build up gradually. But, if you are doing any exercise that pulls on the scar and feels like its stretching, then you should take it a little slower.

              Don’t take part in sports for 6 to 12 weeks after your operation – ask us for advice. It’s also really important not to do sit-up type exercises for at least 6 weeks and then take it slowly. Again, if you feel any type of strain, don’t do it. Take advice from us as different surgeons will have different procedures, which may vary depending on your type of procedure.

              Once you have the go-ahead from your surgeon, there are exercises that can strengthen your abdominal muscles. The general advice is to do each exercise five times, three times a day, but do contact us first.

              Knee rolls

              Lie on your back, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keeping your knees bent, slowly lower your knees to one side, but only as far as is comfortable. Bring them back to the centre and repeat on the other side.

              Pelvic tilts

              Lie on your back, with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands in the small of your back. Push down so that your back is flat against your hands, tilting your hips up.

              Tightening your abdomen

              Lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands on your lower abdomen or hips. Breathe in, and as you breathe out, pull your tummy button down towards the floor. Hold for a count of three, then relax.

              After abdominoplasty, it’s important not to do too much too soon. Too much activity too soon can put strain on the wound and cause a stretched scar. It can also slow down healing and increase swelling around your wound. The key is to pace yourself.

              It usually takes about 6 weeks to recover, but this varies between individuals and the technique used, so it’s important to follow the surgeon’s advice. You’re likely to need about 4 weeks off work.

              When you get home, you may be advised to rest in bed for another day or two, but you should get up to use the toilet. It will help your recovery if you’re up and about as soon as it’s not too painful.

              Avoid movements that strain your tummy muscles – roll onto your side to get out of bed.

              Don’t do too much too soon. Start with gently walking around at home. You can go up and down stairs if it’s not painful. Then start doing housework that is comfortable, such as making drinks or light meals. Once you’re comfortable around the house, gradually build up to longer walks of 5 to 10 minutes.

              You’ll need to avoid vigorous activity (including sports) or heavy lifting (including shopping) for up to 12 weeks. Your abdominal muscles protect your back when you lift, so you need to take care until they are healed. Don’t have sex for 3 weeks after surgery or drive for 6 weeks. We will give you specific instructions, depending on the type of operation you have.

              If you would like some exercises to help you recover, talk to us before you leave the hospital. Do remember that every operation and patient is different, so please don’t exercise before checking with us.

              If you need to, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, contact us for advice.

              Your surgeon may ask you to wear a support garment (a type of corset) for up to 6 weeks after surgery. This helps to ease pain and discomfort and reduce swelling.

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