PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on a procedure, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you.

You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together. You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

The cosmetic result of a Renuvion treatment depends on the skin's quality and elasticity. This procedure is suitable for patients in good health with mild to moderate loose skin.
You can expect skin contraction of up to 60%. Renuvion is often used in combination with liposuction.

In liposuction, fat cells are permanently removed, reducing the likelihood of their reappearance later. If the pre-operative consultation indicates a risk of loose skin after liposuction, it is recommended to combine the treatment with Renuvion.
The result of the surgery can be assessed after 6-9 months, once the tissue has healed and the skin has contracted.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely. If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

It is a good idea to shop and prepare meals before the surgery, so you can focus on your recovery afterward.

On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



ANESTHESIA

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You must fast for 6 hours before the surgery (no eating, chewing gum, smoking, or similar). You may drink clear fluids like water and sugary drinks in small amounts until 2 hours before the surgery; do not drink milk, juice, etc.

It is crucial to adhere to the fasting rules, as anesthesia can be dangerous if you are not fasting, and the surgery is canceled, if you are not fasting.



SURGERY

On the day of the surgery, arrive at the clinic at the scheduled time. A nurse will greet you and you will be shown to your room, change clothes, and have an intravenous line placed. The anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia with you, and finally, you will meet with the surgeon, who will ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed. The surgeon will also mark the area to be operated on.

The extent and duration of the surgery depend on how many areas need to be treated.. Local anesthesia is applied simultaneously to reduce pain and discomfort and minimize the risk of bleeding.

The small insertion points used by the surgeon during the procedure are stitched with an internal dissolvable suture and covered with plaster. Finally, you will receive a compressive bandage.



AFTER THE SURGERY

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where the nurse will monitor you. You will receive something to drink and eat and pain reliefers if needed. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be discharged after a few hours.

Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

DAYS AFTER SURGERY

Since the surgery was performed under general anesthesia, you will be tired and sluggish on the first day, and you may experience nausea and dizziness. We recommend having an adult at your side for the first 24 hours.

It is important to take it easy for the first days after the surgery and generally listen to your body’s signals to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. Make sure to stay well-hydrated and consume a sensible protein-rich diet.



PAIN

It is important to take the prescribed medication. The medication will reduce pain, but you should expect some discomfort during the first 3-4 days.

Many people experience stabbing and sharp pain in the operated area. This is normal and occurs because the nerves are re-establishing connections. These sensations can last for up to 1 year after the surgery.

You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day. Additionally, you will receive a stronger painkiller, a synthetic morphine tablet, which you can take if you experience severe pain.

The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.



ACTIVITY

In the initial days after the surgery, getting out of bed might be difficult, so having someone to assist you is a good idea. It is important to get up and move around quickly to reduce the risk of blood clots. Engage in light activity, such as short walks, but take breaks when needed. For the first 1-2 weeks, avoid any strain on the wounds.

You must avoid vigorous exercise for the first 6-12 weeks after the surgery, but it is important to keep your body active with light activities, like short walks.

The surgical area may appear discolored and uneven, which is normal and will gradually improve on its own within 1-3 months. The area may also swell further with physical activity. Therefore, it is important to use the compression bandage you have been instructed on.

You must avoid driving until you can handle the vehicle safely and no longer need strong painkillers. Always use a seatbelt, whether you are driving or a passenger.



WORK

You can resume sedentary work after 1 week. Physically demanding work should be postponed for 2-4 weeks.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after the surgery or when there is no longer any discharge from the wounds (unless you have drains). Before showering, remove the compressive bandage and the absorbing dressing. The brown plaster must remain until your follow-up appointment. It can withstand water. Take a gentle shower, rinse the wounds to wash away soap residues (do not wash or scrub the wounds), and pat dry with a clean towel before putting the compressive bandage back on.

You should avoid taking baths, swimming in the sea, or going to a swimming pool and sauna until the stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed.



WOUND DISCHARGE

Discharge from the wounds may occur. This is due to the fluid used during the surgery and is completely normal and normally lasts a few days. You will receive an absorbing dressing from the clinic to manage this.



COMPRESSION BANDAGE

You will be provided with a tight compression bandage for the treated area that you should wear 24 hours a day for the first 3 weeks and then only during the daytime for an additional 3 weeks. This is to reduce swelling and unevenness.

You should remove the compression bandage when bathing or if it needs washing. You can purchase additional bandages from the clinic if you wish to have more to change between.



SCARS

The scars from the surgery will typically be red and swollen but will improve over 6-24 months. Over time, scars usually become narrow and lighter I color, but in some cases, they may become wide and darkly pigmented.

You may apply a soothing cream to the scars once they are completely healed. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of infection, slow healing, and unsightly scars.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

You will be given a phone number upon discharge so you can contact the clinic 24 hours a day if an urgent need arises.

You can also expect a call from a nurse the day after your surgery to ensure you are doing well and to answer any questions.



FOLLOW-UP

After 7-10 days, you will have a follow-up with the nurse. The dressings will be removed, and new tape will be applied and provided to you, which you should change yourself every 10-12 days for approximately 3 months after the surgery. The tape helps keep the scars narrow, flat, and level with the rest of the skin.

We will discuss how to manage the scars moving forward, any potential pain, etc. You will be offered an appointment for follow-up with the plastic surgeon 3-6 months after the surgery. If you encounter any issues before then, you are, of course, always welcome to contact us.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms usually appear after 3-5 days and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary greatly from person to person. Most scars will become nice and white over time, but some people tend to develop red and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years. In patients with many stretch marks, it is common for the scar to fold into the stretch marks and therefore not become smooth and nice, though it often improves over time, not always.

Hematoma/Blood Accumulation: This most often occurs within the first 24 hours after the surgery. It is very rare. In a few cases, it may require another surgery, but it usually does not affect the result.

Sensory Disturbances: These can occur in the skin in the operated area. They usually resolve within 3-6 months after the surgery, but in some cases, they may be permanent.

Bruising and Swelling: This is completely expected and will subside over the first few months. During the first 3-5 days, there is a risk of gas accumulation (emphysema). This is harmless and will resolve on its own. It feels slightly bubbly under the skin when pressed.

Small Wounds in the Scars: If the skin is very tight, there is a higher risk of small wounds and defects in the scar. These will heal over a few weeks.

Fluid Accumulation: In rare cases, fluid accumulation may occur in the operated area. If this happens, it may be necessary to drain the fluid with a thin needle.

Tissue Necrosis: This means that parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this occurs, it may require surgical removal or waiting for the body to heal the area from within, as assessed by the surgeon. If you are overweight or a smoker, there is a higher risk of this happening.

Unevenness and Asymmetry: The skin may become uneven, especially if you have previous stretch marks. The poorer the skin quality, the higher the risk that the skin may become loose again over time and that this will be uneven from side to side.

Nerve Damage: This can affect muscle function and sensation in the area. The condition may be permanent.