Breast tissue is made up of two components, a firm glandular element and a soft fatty element. When the breast fullness is mainly fatty tissue, liposuction may treat the problem. When more glandular tissue is present, then this may require male breast surgery, sometimes combined with liposuction.

If there is considerable skin excess, this may require reduction which leaves more scaring. Treatment, unless the problem is small, is best carried out under a general anaesthetic. Where glandular tissue is resected, a drain is usually required and patients will stay in hospital overnight.

Liposuction can be done through discrete stab incisions, but excision leaves a more obvious scar, usually just around the nipple edge.

Tummy tuck surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic. With the tissues being freed up to the rib margin there is a space behind the skin and fat layer and drains are used to help close this space.

These are usually taken out on the second postoperative day and so most patients will stay in hospital for 2 nights. Tapes are used to help support the wounds and an abdominal support corset is applied.
The tapes normally stay on for 10-12 days but the support garment should be worn for 4-6 weeks, to minimise any swelling of the lower abdomen whilst things settle. If the muscles are repaired, then these should be protected for 4 weeks after surgery with patients getting out of bed by rolling sideways.
Normal day to day activities can not be resumed for 4-6 weeks and impact exercise introduced gradually two weeks later.
The tummy skin will be numb for some months after surgery and care must be taken with hot objects.

As with all cosmetic operations, complications are unusual. Because the tissues are pulled tight, there is a small risk of wound breakdown when the support tapes are removed. If this occurs, usually, only simple dressings are needed; to protect your clothes whilst the wound heals. Infection and haematomas, (collections of blood), are uncommon.

Fluid can collect after the drains have been taken out, (seroma). If uncomfortable these can be aspirated, but most will settle on their own. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus, whilst described, are rare.

Secondary adjustments of the scar may be required, particularly if there has been some wound breakdown or the prominent fold points at the end of the scar, (dog ears), do not settle.

Any fatty bulges present in the upper part of the abdomen, pre-operatively, are brought down into the lower part, with surgery. Should this create a bulge, then liposuction may be required to improve the contour.

This is something that cannot be done at the initial operation. Patients who have had previous surgery with scars on their tummy may require modifications to minimise the problems of wound healing. This may limit the final result and will be discussed pre-operatively.