At Bodies Beautiful in Prague we have had a lot of experience of mini tummy tucks and tummy tucks or to give it it’s proper medical name, abdominoplasty. The most common reasons that women seek a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is because after child birth their skin has become lax and the loss of strength of the muscles in the abdomen means that the skin hangs down, rather like an apron. Dramatic weight loss can also lead a woman to seek a tummy tuck, as the skin stretched through obesity has lost elasticity and the underlying muscles no long support the abdomen so that when the weight is lost, skin does not spring back but rather hangs in folds over the abdomen.

But to talk first about the mini tummy tuck. This is a less extensive procedure than the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) where the waist area is effectively ‘tidied up’. This mini tummy tuck surgery is suitable for patients where drastic correction is not required, and where the muscles of the abdomen may not need to be tightened. A mini tummy tuck does not always involve the surgeon having to reposition the belly button. When surgery is done for the mini tummy tuck the skin is separated between the line of incision and the belly button only. A skin flap is pulled down to tighten the tummy, excess skin is cut away and the flap of skin is reattached. The result of the mini tummy tuck is a flatter more toned looking tummy. Even although this is a mini tummy tuck it will still take a couple of hours in surgery and will involve a hospital stay, the length of which will vary according to each patient’s needs.

Expectations for any kind of cosmetic surgery are often very high, but if you approach your mini tummy tuck realistically it can offer an excellent result and one that is long lasting. It will, however, be important to follow healthy life-style so that you do not gain weight following your mini tummy tuck.

Recovery after a mini tummy tuck should be straightforward, stitches that are applied will normally be of the dissolvable type and support bandages will need to be worn to begin with in the period immediately after your mini tummy tuck. There will be bruising and there may be some swelling but this is normal and should settle within a couple of days. Any pain control you need will the managed by the clinic staff.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a more extensive operation. In a full tummy tuck operation the surgeon will make his incision along the pubic line from hip to hip. He will then make a second incision so that the navel can be freed from the tissue surrounding it. The skin flap that is produced from these incisions is then lifted to allow the surgeon access to the abdominal muscles below the skin. The next step of the tummy tuck is for the surgeon to realign the muscles so that they once again are positioned to support the overlying skin. A new hole in the skin is made for the belly button to be repositioned. The result should be a flatter and more youthful looking abdomen.

Some times in tummy tuck surgery liposuction is used as an additional method of achieving the desired result but on it’s own the tummy tuck will take a couple of hours. It will be necessary for a patient who has had abdominoplasty to stay in hospital for two to three nights following surgery. At Bodies Beautiful in Prague our clients are usually delighted with the results of their tummy tuck. The new tighter and firmer tummy without the overhanging ‘apron’ makes them feel younger and more confident. If you are considering a tummy tuck it is best to have realistic expectations. A tummy tuck can make a dramatic difference but nothing will return your body to the days of your youth!

At Bodies Beautiful in Prague we are always happy to discuss the best course of action with each of our patients. Only a full examination and discussion with a qualified surgeon will determine whether a mini tummy tuck or full abdominoplasty is the best surgery for you.

Nose Reshaping Abroad

It has always been the stuff of schoolgirl comic books, the ugly ducking with the sticking out ears and big nose, who had an operation to make her nose pert and sweet and suddenly gained a new found popularity. Well happy ending stories aside, concern over the shape or size of the nose is a problem that millions of people face all over the world. After all our face is the first thing that people see and we have all heard the jokes and the leg pulling that have to be endured by those with less than perfect noses.

Considering rhinoplasty (nose remodelling) is a big step but one that many people are more than happy to take so that the first thing that people notice when they come into a room is not the shape or size of their nose. In very extreme cases or where accident or disease has caused an anomaly the NHS will usually pick up the tab, but for everyone else they will have to find their own solution although it is always worth asking your GP for his or her recommendation.

If you choose to have your cosmetic surgery abroad, make sure you research the clinic you go to. Bodies Beautiful Clinic in Prague, http://www.bodiesbeautiful.co.uk for instance, has comprehensive information on all types of procedure. Once you have selected a surgeon, he or she will explain how to prepare yourself for surgery. Your surgeon will examine your nose and take measurements of its shape and size and may take photographs, so that the before and after appearance can be compared.

If you are a smoker you will probably be asked to stop, as smoking increases the risk of chest and wound infection, which can adversely affect recovery. This kind of surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, with 1 or 2 nights at the clinic.

The time the operation takes will depend on what has to be done but is normally around two hours. If you’re having surgery to make your nose smaller, your surgeon will make incisions inside your nostrils so that he can get to the bone and cartilage, some of which will be removed or re-arranged to produce the end result that you and your surgeon have discussed.

The skin over your nose will not be operated on (often referred to as open nose reshaping surgery), and will naturally shrink to take on the new shape of your nose. In some cases the surgeon may need to make a small incision in the alar-facial groove or junction, this is needed for reduction or flaring of the nostril and is carried out to give the face a more balanced and natural look.

A cast will be placed on your nose during surgery, and must be kept in place for 11-15 days. In some cases this is held in place with stitches, and will needs to be removed by a surgeon. These days, in most cases, this cast is exchanged 7 days after the operation by the surgeon for a cast which the client can peel off themselves after the extended recovery period.

There will be some discomfort after the operation and some bruising that will fade in time. Most discomfort is experienced within the first 24/48 hours as tampons are inserted to pack out the nose. Removal of this packing can be uncomfortable but only for a few seconds. Rhinoplasty is a commonly performed operation and is generally safe.
Rhinoplasty can make a real difference to the life of someone who has been self conscious about his or her nose for years.

At BBC DIRECT our experience is your reassurance.  We have always offered our guarantees as standard, what we like to call the “check what’s included part!”

We have many hundreds of satisfied clients who have had many different procedures such as gastric balloon and lap band abroad and we are always happy to answer questions about your cosmetic surgery abroad, as many as you need, until you feel completely comfortable with the decision you have made.   We are realists, we know not everyone will get the result they want, but if anyone ever tries to tell you that their service is infallible, walk away! Through our careful attention to detail at BBC DIRECT we aim to equip you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about the cosmetic surgery abroad you want at a price that you can afford.

We have a motto at BBC DIRECT that sums us up.

The Czech Republic Specialists – Equal to None – The First Here – Still Here!