How to Treat Man Boobs

Man boobs, otherwise known as Gynecomastia, is a growing concern for men. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health statistics, approximately 65% of men between 27 and 92 years old experience gynecomastia.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition defined by abnormally large mammary glands in the male breast tissue. This is caused by a hormonal imbalance where the body is producing more of the female hormone, oestrogen, and the testosterone levels are reduced. This results in a larger-looking chest area or “moobs” as many have named the condition.

Gynecomastia can affect the breast tissue on both sides or present unevenly with excess body fat in just one breast or greater on one side than the other.

What causes gynecomastia?

There are several risk factors that can cause the hormone level imbalances which lead to the development of Gynecomastia. These include:

• Genetics and the mother’s estrogen levels;
• Medications including anti-androgens, AIDS drugs, anti-anxiety medications and antibiotics;
• Anabolic steroids;
• Illegal drugs and alcohol;
• Medical conditions such as Hypogonadism, Hyperthyroidism, Tumors, Kidney Failure or Liver Disease;
• Aging;
• Excessive weight gain;
• Herbal products.

Other conditions that can cause similar breast enlargement symptoms and should be ruled out are breast cancer and a breast abscess.

How can man boobs be treated?

Gynecomastia generally isn’t considered a serious condition for men’s health as it is associated with few physical side effects or complications. However, the effects on an individual’s psychological health can be great. It’s believed, over 30,000 Australian men experience depression due to the trauma of Gynecomastia.

For some adolescents and men, “moobs” may resolve over time but if it doesn’t or it causes physical pain, tenderness, depression or embarrassment, treatment may be necessary. This may be with medications (not specifically designed for Gynecomastia but may help with breast reduction) or surgery.

The two surgical treatments to get rid of man boobs include Liposuction and mastectomy.

Liposuction

At Cosmos Clinic, we treat Gynecomastia using Vaser Liposuction technology. During the cosmetic procedure, small and discreet incisions are made for the cannula to melt down the fibrous breast tissue and the glandular tissue. The excess fatty tissue is then removed to achieve a breast reduction. The process provides a smooth finish and enables the cosmetic or plastic surgeon to expose the chest muscles for a natural appearance.

This is a same-day procedure with results seen in as little as six weeks.

You can read more about Liposuction to treat Gynecomastia here.

Mastectomy

Another type of surgery that may be appropriate is a mastectomy that removes just the breast gland tissue. This typically requires incisions to be made around the perimeter of the nipple or areola. As it’s a more invasive surgery than Liposuction, patients who choose this option to remove the glandular tissue will require an overnight stay.

In our experience, Vaser Liposuction to treat Gynecomastia in young and older men can result in impressive results. Patients not only achieve a physical reduction in their breast area, but they also gain more confidence whether it’s wearing a tight-fitting t-shirt, working out at the gym or going topless at the beach with friends.

If man boobs are putting a dent in your self-esteem, contact Cosmos Clinic to explore your cosmetic surgery options. Should you be experiencing significant pain or psychological conditions such as depression as a result of Gynecomastia, it is recommended they seek medical advice.

What Areas of the Body Can Liposuction Treat?

Liposuction is one of the most effective cosmetic surgery procedures to remove stubborn fat. But what areas of the body can be treated? And what does “one area” refer to?

Liposuction may not be a weight loss solution, but it can be used to target unwanted fat cells in almost any area of the body. We tend to see most cosmetic and plastic surgeon’s showcasing it’s potential to remove excess fat from the tummy as an option instead of an invasive tummy tuck procedure or around the love handles to gain a more feminine, curvaceous shape.

But there are many other areas of your body that can benefit from liposuction including sights where only a little amount of fat is needed to be removed to produce incredible results.

Watch Dr Joseph Ajaka explain the specific areas Cosmos Clinic treat with liposuction for body contouring and body fat removal here.

Areas of the body treated by liposuction

One area of liposuction refers to both sides of the body. For example, the inner thighs on the left and right or fat deposits in both breasts. During a liposuction procedure, both sides of the area are treated to ensure symmetry and body shape enhancement. After all, you don’t want to have one slim thigh and another with plenty of fatty tissue.

Starting from the top to the bottom, here are the areas of the body Cosmos Clinic treat with Liposuction techniques. Each area noted is considered “one area” treated in the cosmetic procedure.

The face & neck

• The lower face
  Fat removal here helps to refine the facial features and jawline and might be a great alternative to a facelift.
• The neck
  Liposuction in the neck helps to get rid of the dreaded double-chin and correct the loose skin referred to the turkey neck.
• The ‘Buffalo Hump’
  This is the area between the back of the neck and shoulders. An excess amount of fat here is common for people who have endured long-term steroid use to treated chronic medical conditions.

The Torso

• The chest
  Breasts on both a male and female can be treated with liposuction. For males, this is known as Gynecomastia. For a female to be a good candidate for breast reduction via liposuction, they need to have enough fatty tissue in the chest area, not just large glands.
• The upper tummy
  This is the area above the belly button but below the bra line.
• The lower tummy
  This is the area below the belly button commonly defined as the excess fat that hangs over your pant waistline.
• The suprapubic region
  Liposuction here isn’t common but targets excess fatty tissue above the pubic area.
• The love handles
  Removing excess fat in your love handles can help to significantly shape and contour the body.
• The lower back
  This refers to the fatty tissue below the bra line. The surgical procedure here is more common in females than it is in males.
• The upper back
  Liposuction in the upper back area above the bra line targets the lats which is a procedure more commonly sought after by males than females. This also includes the excess fat cells in the axillary tail which nestles between the armpit and breast area.

The extremities

• The arms
  It’s the underside of the arms that is treated by liposuction techniques to correct the dreaded “bingo wings” rather than the upper arms.
• The inner thighs
  Removing pockets of fat here can help to accentuate the thigh gap.
• The outer thighs
  Liposuction to the outer thighs can improve the portions and shape of the body. It may also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Front of the thighs
  Removing fat from the front of the thighs can significantly reduce the overall size of the upper legs.
• Knees
• Calves
• Ankles

Buttock

• Buttock
  These days removing excess fat from the buttock is not a sort after cosmetic procedure. In fact, it’s more popular to have liposuction in other areas of the body and to put this excess fat into the buttock through a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure as seen here in the before and after.
• Posterior Thigh
  Just below the buttock region can be excess deposits of fat or what we refer to as the “banana roll”. You can take out a small amount of fat, however, removing too much can result in a sagging bottom.

It’s important when considering a Liposuction procedure to any area of the body you set realistic expectations. Liposuction isn’t a weight loss solution and doesn’t replace a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. It’s also worth noting, the results of liposuction will vary depending on how much fat is removed and the skin elasticity and quality.

Following the post-operative procedures, including wearing a compression garment and attending your lymphatic drainage massage appointments, will further assist with your body contouring results.

Consulting with an experienced cosmetic or plastic surgery team will help to confirm whether you are a good candidate for the Liposuction procedure and what areas of the body can be treated. Contact Cosmos Clinic on 1300-138-797 or email at [email protected] to find out more information.

Treating Cellulite With Your Own Fat

Is the appearance of cellulite dampening your confidence? You’re not alone. It’s estimated up to 90% of us have dimpled, lumpy skin mainly on our thighs and buttocks that just doesn’t improve with dieting, cellulite creams and anti-aging skin treatments.

Some of us choose to embrace cellulite, but for others, the orange peel looking skin can make them feel self-conscious and unhappy about their body. New treatments that go skin deep may help boost your confidence by improving the quality of your skin and the cellulite dimpling. The secret ingredient may lie in your fat cells.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is characterised by a dimpled appearance of the skin’s surface that typically occurs around the thighs, buttocks and hips. Cellulite is more commonly experienced with women due to the difference in the distribution of fat cells, muscles and connective tissue.

Cellulite isn’t necessarily a result of excess body fat. Rather it is caused by fat deposits that distort and push against the connective tissue that lies beneath the layer of skin. This causes that dimpled and lumpy appearance that’s often likened to cottage cheese or orange peel.

What causes cellulite?

The exact cause of this stubborn appearance of the skin is uncertain. Some GP’s and dermatologists will say it’s a normal variant that occurs with women and men from all walks of life. However, cellulite dimples are considered related to the following:

• Fat cells push and puckering through connective tissue;
• Reduced collagen production and skin elasticity due to aging;
• Excess fluid building up under the layer of skin;
• Genetics;
• Changes in fat distribution due to oestrogen;
• Excessive weight gain and extreme weight loss can worsen the skin’s appearance;
• Sun damage;
• Skin thickening;
• Pregnancy;
• A lack of exercise.

Can cellulite be prevented?

With no direct known cause, it’s not always possible to prevent the occurrence of cellulite no matter how early you start with cellulite reduction creams.

However, maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise may help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Keeping well hydrated and daily dry-brushing may also diminish the severity of cellulite dimpling as will smoking cessation.

Read: What to Know About Liposuction and Your Cellulite

Although these lifestyle changes may make cellulite less noticeable, they won’t significantly alter the structure of the skin or gain long-term results.

Fat injections for cellulite treatment

As Dr Francesco Fascetti explains in the Cosmos Clinic Instagram DM of the Week, in our opinion the best cellulite treatment is to use your own fat cells.

Through the use of Liposuction, fat cells are taking from other areas of your body and reinjected into the divots and lumpy spots to significantly dimish the appearance of cellulite.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eAewljbmq/

Why use your own fatty tissue?

Adipose tissue naturally contains stem cells. These stem cells remain dormant in the body until they are needed to regenerate damaged or lost tissue. Their unique abilities allow them to transform into many different types of cells and replicate rapidly which is why they’re often used in transplantation and regenerative medicine.

In fact, scientists believe using Liposuction to extract fatty tissue may have the potential to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, or significant injury such as lost limbs.

Essentially, your excess fat may be incredibly useful!

How many treatments are required?

Now back to cellulite. When the fat transfer occurs through Liposuction, it’s is purified and treated with antibiotics before being strategically reinjected to fill and repair the cellulite dimples.

There is no guarantee how much the cellulite will improve after this cosmetic treatment, but often the dimpling diminishes significantly and in turn, boosting the individual’s confidence. Depending on the extent of the cellulite, you may need one to two treatments to improve the skin’s appearance.

To find out whether you’d be a great candidate for cellulite treatment using your own fat cells, contact our team at Cosmos Clinic on 1300-138-797 or email at [email protected].

Defining Your Jawline with Vaser Liposuction

Sick of seeing a double chin in your photos? Is excess fat causing your jawline and jowls to sag?

With advances in cosmetic surgery, patients no longer need to undergo an invasive neck lift to achieve a defined jawline. Even removing a minimal amount of fat through Vaser during a Neck Liposuction/Lift can gain significant improvements to the neck area as you’ll see from these before and afters.

The cause of double chins and sagging jowls

Stubborn fat cells, turkey necks and sagging skin around the neck and chin area are complaints we hear all too often at Cosmos Clinic.

Almost everyone will experience sagging jowls as they age. Over time, the skin around your cheeks and jawline loses elastin and collagen. These connective tissue proteins are responsible for skin’s structure and integrity. A loss in collagen and elastin results in a loss in the tightness and tone of your skin leading to sagging.

It’s not just age that can lead to a loss in collagen and elastin. Weight loss, smoking, sunlight exposure, facial expressions and genetics are all factors in when this protein depletes and how significantly.

A double chin is also very common. This is less about aging, but more about the development of excess fat below the chin area. The unwanted fat is referred to as submental fat and is often linked to weight gain. However, you don’t necceasirly need to be overweight to suffer from a double chin. Fat cells may increase in the area, genetics and/or loose skin can cause the issue.

Vaser Liposuction transforms facial appearances

For patients with sagging jawlines, plastic surgery was usually the answer. A lower rhytidectomy, also known as a neck lift, is one of the surgical procedures performed under general anaesthesia. Small incisions are made to allow for the removal of excess fat, tightening of the neck muscles and rearrangement of the skin to define the jawline.

Other patients may opt for a full facelift to improve the appearance of the face and neck in the one surgical procedure.

However, for people wanting less invasive procedures or younger patients who aren’t looking for a full facelift, Neck Liposuction/Lift is an effective solution. Not only is it performed under twilight sedation, but the cosmetic procedure only lasts about 1 hour and requires minimal downtime and bruising.

Vaser Liposuction of the neck involves melting small fatty deposits through the Vaser probe. Most only need a small amount (approximately 50mLs) of excess fat to shape the jawline and get rid of the double chin, once and for all!

Beyond fat reduction, the ultrasound energy aids the tightening of collagen fibres underneath the skin. The heating of the collagen and elastin proteins causes them to contract which results in skin tightening around the jawline and neck area.

Patients can see results with their lower face almost immediately, however, these will continue to improve up to 12 weeks post-surgery once the swelling subsides. As you can see from the before and after shots, the jawline definition and contouring is significant and can transform the individual’s overall facial appearance.

Along with a good skincare regime, patients also experience improvements in their overall skin quality and complexion. Neck Liposuction isn’t just reserved for the ladies, both men and women with stubborn double chins and sagging necklines are enjoying the benefits of this cosmetic treatment.

If you have an excessive amount of thin or loose skin around the neck area, you may be better suited for an alternative neck lift surgery known as the iGuide Neck Lift. This is also a minimally invasive procedure, however, it uses a stitch that is passed under the skin to tighten the skin of the neck and jowls.

For more about the Neck Liposuction/Lift procedure, take a look here. If you’d like to know if you’re a good candidate, get in touch with the team at Cosmos Clinic!

Foods for Glowing Skin This Summer

Want glowing, healthy skin this summer?

Here is a list of the top nutritionist-approved foods you should eat as part of your skincare regime. These will help to hydrate your skin, fight the effects of free radicals and enhance your complexion.

And the best part? By consuming these foods, you’ll not only be looking after your skin health, but you’ll also be looking after your overall wellbeing. Visible effects of dietary changes can occur in as little as 6 weeks which is just in time for enjoying yourself poolside this summer.

Avocados

Avocados are a healthy fat that aids glutathione production. This powerful antioxidant helps to prevent free radical damage and can slow down skin aging. The fruit also contains a healthy dose of vitamin C and vitamin E; nutrients that help protect the skin and support its natural healthy glow.

Dietary fats in general, such as avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This anti-inflammatory nutrient helps to plump up the skin’s appearance by reducing inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids also suppress the hormone known as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which helps to reduce spots and blemishes. This is particularly beneficial if you suffer from acne or frequent breakouts and can be effective when consumed during skincare treatments such as Photodynamic Therapy.

Tomatoes

Vital to skin health are antioxidant-rich superfoods including tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene which is well known for its anti-aging benefits and protection against sunburn. You’ll still need to wear a quality sunscreen though for adequate protection from the summer rays.

Tomatoes are also a good source of phytonutrients, vitamin C and beta-carotene, the antioxidant that converts to vitamin A. When eaten with olive oil, tomatoes have also been found to boost collagen production. This helps to maintain the structure of your skin cells, enhancing skin tone and it’s youthful appearance.

Stimulating collagen production is so important in skin health which is why its the basis of many skin treatments including Platelet Rich Plasma, Laser and Skin Needling.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, kale, and cabbage are your liver’s best friends and important for supporting your body’s detox pathways. Breakouts, acne and skin health complaints such as eczema and dermatitis are strongly associated with suboptimal detoxification. This may be due to excess oestrogen, stress, digestion bi-products, sugar, environmental toxins…the list goes on.

These foods are also rich in fibre which is essential for feeding your gut microbiome. An imbalance in gut bacteria has also been linked with skin issues including acne and eczema.

Zinc-rich foods

If you’ve experienced any form of skin damage, be it from sunburn, ageing or as a result of persistent breakouts, zinc-rich foods should be at the top of your list as they offer plenty of health benefits. These include fish, red meat, poultry, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

This mineral is anti-inflammatory and important for the production of new skin cells. It’s also involved in the regulation of sebaceous glands function which produces oil. By doing so, zinc helps to repair skin and keep it supple. Having inflamed skin, unsightly lesions or delayed wound healing is a sign you need more zinc in your diet.

Water

While not a food, water is essential for beautiful skin. Without water, you’re likely to experience dry skin and you’ll interfere with your body’s ability to digest and detoxify, both of which can impair healthy skin.

As the largest organ, the skin is made up of thousands of cells. Just like all other cells, skin cells are made up of predominantly water. When your skin cells are hydrated, they maintain their structure and firmness. As a result, you may notice your skin glows more than usual.

When dehydrated, you’ll present with dry skin. It may even be tight and flaky, particularly in the areas with blemishes. Dehydrated skin doesn’t have as much resilience as hydrated skin and is more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkling.

If you’re not a fan of drinking plain water, try adding citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit, or berries such as raspberries and blackberries to improve the flavour. Coconut water is another option to help improve your hydration and nourish your skin. This is particularly important during the warmer months and on days you exercise more.

If you’re suffering from persistent skin complaints, such as acne, scarring, pigmentation or enlarged pores, take a look at the effective treatments available at Cosmos Clinic. For any questions, get in touch with our team!

5 Tips for Patients Travelling for Cosmetic Surgery

If you’re thinking about traveling for cosmetic surgery, here are 5 valuable tips before you book your transformative getaway.

Medical tourism in high demand and not just in Thailand

In the last couple of years, Cosmos Clinic has seen a rise in the number of people travelling for cosmetic procedures such as Liposuction, Breast Augmentation and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL). And while the medical tourism industry is known for popular destinations like Thailand, Mexico and Brazil, Cosmos Clinic is experiencing a growing trend in people who are opting to have their surgical procedures in well-regarded clinics on Australian soil.

“We’re getting a lot more patients travelling interstate and internationally to see us and we’re very honoured by that”, says Dr Joseph Ajaka. “They don’t call us the land down under for nothing”, he jokes.

Oversees medical tourism thrived mainly due to the appeal of affordable cosmetic and plastic surgery offered while relaxing in a tropical location. However, with an increase in risks due to lower standards of care and botched surgery outcomes, a vast majority of people seeking cosmetic surgery are choosing qualified and experienced plastic and cosmetic practitioners in Australia.

5 tips for patients travelling for cosmetic surgery

If you are one of the many medical tourists considering travel to Cosmos Clinic from interstate or overseas for your cosmetic procedure, we have some valuable tips to help maintain great results and ensure a good recovery.

1. Remain hydrated as you travel

Before you travel from your home country or across state lines, you need to assess your hydration. Make sure you are well hydrated before you make the journey and during your cosmetic surgery procedure. This is equally as important as you make your journey home too.

Drinking water will help flush your system and aid the healing process including reducing swelling and discomfort.

2. Invest in a BBL pillow

If you’re undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift, it’s important you purchase a BBL pillow before your treatment. This will help to take the pressure of your behind, which is especially important if you’re sitting for extended periods of time in a car or plane. During your post-operative care instructions, the team at Cosmos Clinic will also advise you on how to sit and for how long to minimise any complications.

Find out more about BBL recovery here. 

3. Wear your compression garments

Regardless of whether you are travelling for your cosmetic procedures, wearing your compression garments is essential for your recovery and results.

We know they’re not the most flattering clothing item, but they help control the swelling and minimise the bruising. The compression garments are particularly important for treatments such as Liposuction, BBL, Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction.

You’ll want to wear them while travelling and for a period after your surgical procedure as advised by your cosmetic practitioner or plastic surgeon.

4. Purchase compression stockings

If you’re travelling a long distance and particularly by plane, we advise you to purchase compression stockings as part of your cosmetic surgery medical care kit. Compression stockings help reduce swelling and the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis occurring during your flight.

Compression stockings allow for optimal blood flow which makes it harder for blood clots to form. They will also help alleviate any discomfort you may experience while travelling, making your journey home much more comfortable. Compression stockings can be purchased online or at your local chemist.

5. Make sure you stay for the required period of time

We know recovering in your own home can be more comfortable, but it’s important you stay local to the Cosmos Clinic for the advised period of time so you can attend your follow-up appointments such as lymphatic drainage massage.

For those considering a BBL, we suggest you stay for two weeks. You may be required to stay up to three weeks if you need it for optimal recovery.

For those embarking on medical travel for Liposuction, we advise you remain local to Cosmos Clinic for one to two weeks.

More invasive surgical procedures such as Tummy Tuck or Breast Augmentation including breast implants may require you to stay longer depending on the extent of the medical treatment and the follow-up care needed.

Other considerations…

There are several other things you may want to consider before you commit to travelling for cosmetic surgery such as:

• Choosing appropriate accommodation
• Arranging adequate support
• Checking your health insurance cover
• Considering travel insurance (particularly relevant for those travelling from different countries)

If you are travelling to Cosmos Clinic, whether from interstate or overseas, you’ll be provided in-depth advice on how to improve your recovery, minimise risks and ensure you gain optimal results from our cosmetic surgery team. If you have any questions about our cosmetic procedures and travel logistics, get in touch with us!

Which Brazilian Butt Lift Shape Is Right For You?

Butts come in all shapes and sizes, with no two bottoms the same. Trust us, as a cosmetic surgery clinic, we see a lot of derrières.

There are, however, a few shapes we tend to see more often and 3 main shapes patients desire when they come to discuss a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. Here, we take a look at the common butt shapes and show you some BBL before and afters to help you decide which butt shape is right for you.

Common natural bum shapes

Square Shape

A square bottom tends to lack the feminine curves with its flat sides making it appear masculine. Women of this butt shape commonly complain about not being able to fill out their clothes and struggling with excess body fat distribution around the waist. Addressing this shape through a butt augmentation typically requires liposuction of fat cells around the love handles, lower back and abdomen before fat grafting to achieve a curvier, fuller buttock.

V Shape

Ladies with V-shaped buttocks typically have excess fat located on the top of the buttocks, outer thighs and waist. It’s one of the more challenging shapes to alter naturally as muscle bulk targeted to the lower area of the buttocks is required. However, by strategically removing excess fat cells from the thighs and waist during cosmetic procedures, surgeons can create a rounder and wider shape that’s naturally in proportion to the rest of the body.

A Shape

An A-shaped buttock is often considered as the most feminine and desirable shape due to its narrow waist and wide hips. It’s also commonly referred to as the heart shape and seen in women with an hourglass figure. Those with this natural buttock shape tend to consider cosmetic or plastic surgery to increase the size and perkiness of the buttock.

3 popular Brazilian Butt Lift shapes

There are three main BBL shapes we tend to get asked for at Cosmos Clinic – from small and athletic to round and voluptuous.

Small – Sports Illustrated

The Sports Illustrated BBL is one of the more popular buttock augmentation shapes requested, especially among women who are reasonably fit and slim. With a minimal amount of fat required for the fat transfer, a Sports Illustrated BBL can provide you with a perky, round bottom and fills out any visible hip dips.

Medium – Beyoncé

Going up a size is the Beyoncé BBL which focuses on creating a rounder and more voluminous buttock through liposuction contouring. Good candidates for this shape are those women with naturally wide hips, like A-shaped, and enough fat for the fat transfer component of the cosmetic procedure.

Large – Kim Kardashian

Finally, the largest of the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery types featured is the Kim Kardashian which is characterised by the volume generosity and large degree of projection. During the surgical procedure, much of the focus is on fat transfer into the upper and middle areas of the buttock to achieve the level of sculpting and shape. The final results of this BBL type rely greatly on the ratio of buttock size to the waist measurements.

Not sure which buttock is right for you? You can see more Before and After images of all three popular BBL body shapes on our Instagram highlights. Alternatively, get in touch with the team of cosmetic practitioners at Cosmos Clinic who can discuss which option would be suit your body shape and meet your desires of a more shapely behind. You can phone our team on 1300-138-797 or at [email protected].

Can I Get BBL Surgery If I’m Thin?

On the slim side and want to have a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) to add shape and volume to your behind? The good news is, there are ways to give you the butt you desire even if you don’t naturally have much fat.

To be a good candidate for BBL cosmetic surgery you need to have enough fat for a successful fat transfer. This can be a struggle for those with a naturally thin body shape and don’t experience much fluctuations in body fat.

Weight gain and strategic fat grafting

At Cosmos Clinic, we advise those with not enough fat for the liposuction component of the procedure to put on 5 kilos of body fat prior to the BBL surgery. If the patient struggles to gain weight, the cosmetic practitioner or plastic surgeon will reassess where there is some excess fat from various areas of the body.

Some common areas for fat grafting on skinnier patients include the lower back, love handles, arms, inner thighs and abdomen. This helps to provide some contouring benefits and is ideal for those girls who desire a Beyonce or Kim Kardashian look.

In many cases, a combination of weight gain and strategic fat grafting will be required by the cosmetic practitioners to perform the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery optimally.

Watch Dr Francesco Fascetti explain his approach a BBL with patients who don’t have much fat for the fat transfer over on our Instagram feed. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2oAOrZgCHR/

Healthy weight gain tips for your BBL procedure

If you don’t have much fat and are looking to undergo liposuction and butt augmentation, you may be advised to put on weight for the procedure to be successful.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should be frequently visiting McDonald’s drive-thru, binging on ice-cream or indulging in your favourite treats.

For your own health and well-being long term, it is recommended you gain extra fat in a healthy manner. Not only will this be achievable, but it also won’t lead to unhealthy habits and side effects of eating poor quality food like fatigue, bloating, headaches, skin issues and mood swings just to name a few.

Here are a few tips to help you gain weight ready for your buttock augmentation.

1. Consume quality protein with each meal and snack. Quality protein sources include red meat, poultry, tinned tuna, eggs, Greek yoghurt, cheese, raw nuts, hummus, quinoa and peanut butter.
2. If you can’t consume enough protein from whole food sources, try a quality protein powder. You can add this to smoothies, make pancakes, put in baking or simply drink in a shake on the go. Some of our favourite nutritionally balanced protein powders include 180 Nutrition Protein Superfoods, Healthy Chef Pea Protein, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein or Amazonia Raw.
3. Increase your intake of healthy fats such as avocado, coconut, dairy, nuts and seeds to increase your daily caloric intake.
4. Avoid drinking water within 30minutes of your meal or snack as this will make you feel fuller and cause you to eat less.
5. Speed up your eating so that you consume enough calories in time before your brain registers you’re full. If you’re not looking to gain weight or want to maintain a healthy weight eating slowly and mindfully is a great strategy.
6. Choose calorie-dense, yet nutritious, snacks when on the go. Some great options include Medjool dates, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, avocado, coconut yoghurt, Carmen’s original Fruit-free muesli bar, rice crackers and dark chocolate.

To find out if you’re a good candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift and to determine the best approach for your body shape, contact the team at Cosmos Clinic on 1300-138-797 or at [email protected].

What Happens if I Get Pregnant After Liposuction?

The impact a future pregnancy can have on liposuction results is a concern for many women. Will it ruin my results? What happens if I experience weight gain during my pregnancy? Will liposuction affect me getting pregnant?

It’s common for most women to experience some level of excess fat deposits and loose skin after pregnancy. While every woman is different, the contouring results of liposuction will remain regardless of the weight gain. However, some struggle to shed the baby weight or experience significant loose excess skin despite adhering to a healthy diet and exercising regularly. In this case, post-pregnancy liposuction procedures may be a solution.

We answer some of the common questions asked by our clients in relation to pregnancy and liposuction.

What happens to my liposuction results if I gain weight during pregnancy?

Pregnancy often comes with some general weight gain around certain areas of the body. Once the baby is born, many women lose the weight they gained in the first year. However, every woman is different; the amount of weight gained, where fat deposits, where you lose the weight and at what stage the weight comes off will differ from one woman to the next.

This will greatly depend on your predisposition, hormones, breastfeeding, diet and exercise. However, no matter how much weight you gain during pregnancy, you won’t carry the weight in the areas treated with liposuction the same way.

The body contouring results of the cosmetic surgery will remain even though you’ve had some weight gain. You may be wearing a slightly larger dress size, but your shape will feature the same lines you gained from the surgical procedure.

This is because the liposuction technique eliminates the fat cells from areas of the body permanently. For example, if you have Vaser Liposuction around the love handles and abdominal area, new fat cells won’t be reproduced in the treated sites even with moderate weight gain.

It’s important to note, significant weight gain, whether due to pregnancy or an unhealthy lifestyle, can affect your liposuction results as any fat cells that do remain in the treated areas can increase in size. If you maintain a balanced, healthy diet and exercise after your cosmetic procedure than you can enjoy the outcomes of liposuction for the foreseeable future.

Can liposuction interfere with my ability to get pregnant?

Liposuction surgery does not affect fertility and therefore, will not affect your ability to get pregnant. It’s also not a conception barrier, so if you’re not planning children after liposuction, contraception methods are recommended.

Can I breastfeed after breast reduction via liposuction?

While the vast majority of women can breastfeed, a small number of mothers are incapable of breastfeeding whether or not they’ve had a breast reduction using liposuction.

Research shows the main reason for the inability to breastfeed is associated with poor milk production and the main reason for not attempting to breastfeed is due to psychosocial factors. Liposuction is not typically associated with an inability to breastfeed. However, it’s important to note as with any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, there are no guarantees.

Compared with other breast reduction methods, liposuction itself has reduced risks as the cosmetic procedure does not damage the milk ducts or breast tissue. A mammoplasty performed by a plastic surgeon, on the other hand, may lead to increased risks of damage to the ducting as it repositions the skin, nipple and tissue.

Besides a couple of very small incisions to allow the thin cannula that removes fat to enter the breast, the liposuction procedure does not involve significant surgical cutting.

How soon after pregnancy can I get liposuction?

There is no set time period before you can undergo a liposuction treatment after pregnancy. However, it is advised you take time to allow your body to recover and enjoy motherhood before you commit to any cosmetic surgery procedure. We also recommend you consult obstetrician or GP before any invasive treatment.

After pregnancy, your body will experience hormonal changes as well as fluid and weight fluctuations. Life with a newborn is hectic, and physically and emotionally demanding which can impact your ability to recover from a surgical procedure. You also may find diet and exercise after pregnancy enables you to return to a healthy weight without any cosmetic treatment.

Can liposuction help with my loose skin post-pregnancy?

Every women’s pregnancy is unique with the body responding in different ways. Some may carry a greater volume in their belly than others. You may gain more weight or less. Your breasts may expand cup size significantly or handly at all. Your body may respond differently from one pregnancy to the next. With this in mind, it’s very difficult to predict how you’ll bounce back after your pregnancy.

What we do know is that many women struggle with loose skin post-pregnancy, particularly if they’ve carried a bigger than average baby or experienced a large amount of weight gain. These women may consider a tummy tuck or liposuction to address the sagging skin and improve skin elasticity.

For some women, Vaser Liposuction with skin tightening skin tightening technology may be the ideal solution. Performed in conjunction with Vaser Liposuction, this method uses plasma and radiofrequency energy to gently heat the soft tissue and tighten the skin. This enhances the effects of liposuction and treats the troublesome areas where the skin hasn’t bounced back.

What is a Mummy Makeover?

A ‘Mummy Makeover’ refers to a collection of cosmetic procedures that can help enhance your figure and address some problem areas you haven’t been able to resolve with a healthy diet and regular physical activity post-pregnancy.

Mummy Tummy Liposuction is just one of the more popular cosmetic surgery treatments of the makeover involving the use of Vaser Liposuction. Some cosmetic or plastic surgeons may also suggest a breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction or stretch mark treatments as part of the ‘Mummy Makeover’ depending on the goals of the client.

Good candidates for Mummy Tummy Liposuction are those women with reasonable skin quality and who have little to no muscle separation. You will be able to return home to your family on the same day and will be fitted with a compression garment that can assist in the healing process. You’ll also be required to attend post-operative lymphatic massages just as you would after any liposuction procedure.

While your liposuction results aren’t going to be the focus of your pregnancy, you can be rest assured your body contouring results will still be there after you’ve given birth. However, many women experience natural changes in their body post-pregnancy and as a result, they chose to delay liposuction until after pregnancy. It may take a little longer than anticipated to lose weight or feel yourself again, but be patient with your body as it recovers and enjoy the joys of motherhood.

Vaser Liposuction vs Vaser High Definition Liposuction

There is often confusion between the different liposuction procedures available, in particular, Vaser Liposuction and Vaser Hi-def.

Both cosmetic treatments are effective at sculpting the body and defining your shape. But which lipo procedure is right for you?

Here we take a look at the two body contouring procedures and the suitability for both men and women.

Vaser vs Vaser High Definition Liposuction

Both Vaser and Vaser Hi-def Liposuction are surgical procedures to remove excess fat cells from areas of the body.

The key difference between the two cosmetic surgery procedures lies in the body sculpting.

Vaser Liposuction can be used to target stubborn fat cells in all areas of the body including the tummy, love handles, arms, legs and neck. It can also be used to treat gynaecomastia (man boobs), to reduce the size of womens breasts and to define the face.

It uses a highly targeted ultrasound technology to melt and separate the unwanted fat cells for easy removal. As such, Vaser Liposuction is a much gentler procedure than traditional liposuction methods with a shorter downtime, minimal pain and less bruising.

Depending on the fat removal amount, the end result of Vaser Liposuction is a slimmer, more contoured figure. Vaser Liposuction can also be used alongside the skin tightening procedure, skin tightening to enhance the results or by using a fat transfer, in combination with a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.

Vaser High Definition Liposuction goes one step further in the body contouring and sculpting process. The highly precise liposuction procedure removes small fat deposits around and on-top of the muscle groups.

This results in a high level of muscle definition and ultra-defined results that no other lipo procedure can achieve. Compared with Vaser, Vaser High Definition Liposuction provides a more athletic, muscular appearance.

Vaser High Definition Liposuction for men

The high definition liposculpture procedure is best suited to men, particularly those who have good skin integrity and good core strength with a strong horizontal definition.

Vaser hi-def liposuction used around a patient’s abdomen that has minimal fat can help to define the muscle groups resulting in a six-pack, athletic appearance.

Vaser High Definition Liposuction for women

Vaser High Definition is rarely suitable for women. In fact, very few females are good candidates for the cosmetic procedure as you have to be particularly lean and the results do procedure a very athletic, masculine look.

Women who opt for this body sculpting procedure typically want that bodybuilder appearance.

When treating women with Vaser Liposuction, we always focus on the verticle and midlines of the body rather than the horizontal. This highlights their natural body shape.

You can watch Dr. Joseph Ajaka explain this during the Cosmos Clinic ‘DM of the Week’.

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To discuss your body contouring needs, it’s best to speak to an experienced cosmetic practitioner who offers both liposuction procedures. Contact our team at Cosmos clinic on 1300-138-797 or email at [email protected] for individually tailored advice.