How do your manboobs interfere with your life?

Even though gynaecomastia (manboobs) is a relatively common condition in men, its impact on the lives of sufferers is grossly underestimated. Nearly all of my patients describe some of the following symptoms:

Dreading going on beach holidays with friends

This is an extremely common complaint my single patients describe during our medical consultation. Often, young, single young men dread going on holiday with their pals because they fear endless teasing about the size of their chests. Usually they try and cover up the area with t-shirts or in the most extreme cases avoid the holiday completely. There really is no need for this as the condition can be successfully treated. Leave about 12 weeks before a holiday as the absolute latest to have the surgery.



Avoid taking their top off in front of their partners

This is a really unfortunate situation and I generally advise my patients that their partners are highly unlikely to be concerned by their chest size. However, as part of the psychological impact of gynaecomastia, these reassurances fall on deaf ears, so low is the confidence of these young men. Often their partner will try to reassure them but after several years they will finally realise that their loved one is really suffering and then supports their desire to seek medical advice.



Frustrated at not being able to wear fitted shirts / T-shirts

Current fashion is slim-fit and this is often not compatible with over sized chests especially if the men are over sensitive with the size of their chest. Usually guys will cover up with loose clothing and several layers of clothing even in the summer. Quite often I see guys sweating in the consultation because they have so many layers on despite it being the middle of summer. Its not just T-Shirts, it is also regular work shirts which can be too tight particularly around the sides of the chest. If this affects you, do mention it during your consultation.



Dread taking their young kids swimming

For any young father, being able to take your kids swimming should be an absolute pleasure. For many gynaecomastia sufferers the absolute opposite can be true and these young dads have these priceless moments dominated by embarrassment. In only a few men do their children comment on their father's chest size. But if your condition does inhibit you participating in this family time, you should speak to a doctor.


Male Breast Reduction Surgery can fix all of the above concerns
Thats why I just love performing this surgery as it really does change the lives of my patients for the better. There is no reason why these men should not be able to lead a normal life. For sure, if the problem is 100% psychological and not physical, surgery will NOT help. But that is why the consultation is necessary to make sure that surgery is the best option. I have helped 100's of men lead normal lives and bury their demons.

For an appointment in London or Harpenden please call 01582762877 or email my secretary.

What causes gynaecomastia?

History of gynaecomastia

As early as the seventh century when Paulis of Aegina first described surgical excision, men have presented requesting reduction of their gynaecomastia. Various excision techniques have been described over the decades, and more recently liposuction has gained popularity. The optimal form of surgery depends on the classification of gynaecomastia, with the outcome of surgical intervention to restore a normal adult male chest appearance. However, it is the author’s experience that often affected men prefer an adolescent appearance, such is their stigma attached to any form of breast swelling.

What is gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is best described as abnormal breast tissue enlargement in men. It is caused by an imbalance of the oestrogen / androgen ratio either during normal physiological changes such as at birth, puberty or in the seventh decade of life, or due to pathological conditions (See Table 1). However, the most common cause is unknown, accounting for 25% of all cases.

Table 1: Common causes of gynaecomastia

Social Impact of Gynaecomastia

There have been relatively few publications on the psychological aspects of gynaecomastia in men, compared to the variety of surgical techniques. It is the psychological factors that cause men to request surgical treatment for a relatively benign condition. Therefore, it is important to understand these factors to help manage the patients and their expectations.

Nuzzi et al. compared the physical and psychological differences between affected adolescents and healthy adult males, and identified that there was no difference in the severity of gynaecomastia and the psychological scores [5]. Moreover, they confirmed that there was a significant negative impact on psychological scores in adolescents with gynaecomastia.

Wassersug et al. suggested that due to the embarrassment from their breast size, sufferers would refrain from otherwise beneficial exercise [6]. The associated loss of masculinity was the biggest contributing factor to their embarrassment. Recently, media attention has started to focus on male beauty and not just female perfection. This may have had a significant impact on men’s perception of their own bodies and may have led to a rise in fitness trainings. Certainly, male fashion uses slimmer fitting shirts and tops and for those that suffer with gynaecomastia, these items of clothing are impossible to wear, causing further social embarrassment.

We identified that only 6% of men who had corrective surgery scheduled, had the confidence to go topless in front of their friends, clearly demonstrating social inhibition. A common driving factor in men requesting surgery was that their embarrassment was inhibiting their swimming habits, and in particular when taking their own children swimming. Indeed 16% of patients would not go swimming without covering up with a T-shirt, when with their children. Oversized clothing was worn in 45% of patients in an attempt to hide their breasts. Social embarrassment in front of their partners was present in large numbers with 48% of men not able to go topless with their loved ones.

Clearly these statistics demonstrate the severe impact gynaecomastia has on these men’s social lives. Routine dismissal in primary care compounds their lack of self-esteem and this practice must be discouraged with further advice on best management.

Want to get rid of Moobs like Jabba?

Its not long now until the most awaited film for years, episode 7 of the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens. Now how is this related to treating gynaecomastia I hear you ask - well, its not. Its just a
very weak attempt at connecting this topic to Star Wars - and the Moobs like Jabba connection!

However, seriously speaking, I have seen several men this week who have decided that they are going to make a change for the better in 2016 and they are going to get their chest reduced to a more acceptable size. When a patient comes to see me for a consultation I typically hear the following key points in their history:

• They have suffered from gynaecomastia since puberty
• It affects their choice of clothing - they want to wear slim fit shirts
• A successful procedure will boost their self esteem
• They want to be able to go swimming without feeing self conscious
• Diets don't help

Some of my patients will have used some medicines in the past which without their knowledge could have contributed to the development of gynaecomastia.

Common drugs which can cause gynaecomastia include:

• Cimetidine and Ranitidine ( antacids)
• Finasteride ( for hair regrowth)
• Anabolic steroids ( for body building)
• Ketoconazole (anti-fungal shampoo)
• Digoxin, Amiodarone, Nifedipine & Verapmil (Heart & Blood pressure)

If you would like an appointment to discuss treating gynaecomastia, then please call 01582762877 now or complete this enquiry form.

Want a chest like Chris Eubank or Anthony Joshua?

Many of my patients are slim, heathy and enjoy gym and sport. Indeed I have treated many young men aspiring to be boxers just like Chris Eubank & Anthony Joshua.

These patients are extremely fit yet still have some degree of breast swelling - gynaecomastia. In most of these cases, the condition is true gynaecomastia which is some resistant breast gland which needs surgical removal. In others there is mixed gynaecomastia which consists of fatty breast tissue as well as glandular tissue. Again this needs surgical removal but it can be removed via my VASER Lipo technique or traditional excision.



So if you are bothered by the appearance of your chest let me explain how I treat my patients with gynaecomastia:

1. After you contact the clinic you will be offered a full consultation with me. There is a fee for this consultation.
2. During the consultation I will obtain a full medical history from you and you will also get the opportunity to explain in detail why you would like to be considered for surgery and what are your options. You will also be shown some intraoperative video if you are interested. Many patients also want to find out what the recovery involves, how much time off work they need and what are the side effects and risks following gynaecomastia surgery in the UK. All of this will be explained to you.
3. During your examination I will assess the type of gynaecomastia you have - true, mixed or pseudo. I will also explain where your scars would be and what sort of result you should expect.
4. If after your consultation I feel you are not suitable for VASER lipo I will explain why. It is important to me that you understand how VASER can help and what its limitations are. Only 5% of patients who attend need to be referred to a colleague for formal gland excision through a  bigger scar.
5. If we feel that VASER is a suitable option for you, then my secretary will sit with you and explain the pre-operative procedure and also your quote.
6. We respect the GMC's guidelines and allow a 14 day cooling off period between consultation and surgery, however in most cases we have a 4 week wait.
7. Before surgery you will have an appointment with my nurse to check your fitness for surgery - this is a standard pre-op assessment. Blood tests are taken as are measurements and it is also another opportunity to ask questions.
8. On surgery day you will meet the anaesthetist and the nurse again and myself. The procedure takes place shortly after you arrive and you will be out of the operating theatre after about 90 mins. 
9. In the recovery room, your companion can sit with you until you are ready to go home (about 60-90 mins after the surgery is finished).
10. We see you the next day for a wound check and to go through any instructions on how to look after yourself in the forthcoming days.
11. We review you at 1 week post op and 8-12 weeks post op.
12. :-)

If you would like to schedule an appointment please call 01582762877 for a consultation in London or Harpenden.

Gynaecomastia treatment - don't forget the side walls

For many sufferers of gynaecomastia, getting T-Shirts and Work Shirts to fit comfortably is an issue. Often they describe the shirts being too tight around the sides of the chest as well as at the front. If this is a major problem for my patients I recommend not only just reducing the front of the chest but also extending towards the sides of the chests to reduce the density of the breast tail.

treating the lateral chest walls only

In the above case, the gentleman received just a single 5mm incision at the bottom of the nipple area. I then treated the side of the chest wall giving him a more streamline silhouette and looser fitting shirts.

Daily stretches and massage are advisable when treating this area to reduce contracture of the skin and delayed healing. But otherwise, this heals very simply and very quickly. The photos above are taken 2 weeks apart.

Treating gynaecomastia has become an areas of special interest for me in my VASER practice. We are starting to offer suitable patients with pure fatty gynaecomastia a non-surgical option called fat-freezing. Less than 1% of patients so far are suitable. So for the other 99% - VASER is an excellent choice for treating gynaecomastia.

Side chest wall reduction for increased definition

Most patients who present to me with gynaecomastia are mainly focussed on the front of their chests as this is what tends to stick out under clothing. However, I always examine the sides of the chest walls as if there is excess tissue in this area, often called the breast tail. The lateral chest wall (sides of chest) contribute to the overall chest measurement size and so by reducing the size of these fat pads, your shirts will fit better and be looser. This will mean more comfortable days at work and also more confidence when wearing T-shirts or Slim-Fit shirts.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery for chest reduction and you live in the UK then please contact my PA to book a consultation. 

Psychological Impact of Male Breast Reduction in London & Hertfordshire

I have been performing gynecomastia surgery using VASER since 2008 and have improved the lives of many men which has been extremely rewarding.

Many men report the many positive changes to their lives after having had Male Breast Reduction at Riverbanks and I published these recently.

How Male Breast Reduction Improves Mens' Lives:

• They can now take their kids swimming without feeling self-conscious about the size of their chests
• They don't mind undressing in front of their partners
• They are happy to go on beach holidays with friends
• They stop wearing oversized clothes and enjoy the current fashion of slim fit shirts.

I hear these stories time and time again from my patients and it motivates me to do the best job I can in order to stop their silent suffering and let them lead normal lives.

These findings were also presented in September 2015 to the British College of Aesthetic Medicine in London.

There are many more clips of mine for you to watch on my YouTube Channel which features gynecomastia videos including patient testimonials and surgery clips. 

100% patient satisfaction in latest audit for gynecomastia surgery

As part of good clinical practice I regularly audit my work at Riverbanks, including VASER Lipo for gynecomastia or manboobs. An audit is a systematic review of a variety of outcomes, including but not limited to patient satisfaction, complication rates, revision rates and operation duration time.

In 2014, we performed well:

1. 100% of our gynecomastia patients were satisfied with 43% being VERY satisfied and 57% being satisfied.
2. The average time it took to perform the surgery was 70 minutes.
3. We had 1 post-operative bleed occurring 4 days after the surgery.
4. 4% revision rate - this is low, and means that in 96% of patients, no further surgery is necessary.
5. 20% of our gynecomastia patients also had their tummies and flanks treated at the same time.

1 week post VASER - see slight bruising

If you would like to schedule a consultation with me, Dr Ravi Jain, I would be delighted to see you in Central London in my Harley Street office, or at my cosmetic surgery hospital in Harpenden. Please call 01582762877 and my secretary will be happy to arrange that for you.

Will VASER get rid of the gland in gynecomastia?

I've been successfully treating gynecomastia with VASER Lipo since 2008 now and have change 100's of mens lives for the better. It really is a satisfying treatment to perform as the difference it has made to my patients lives is very rewarding. Many have had such a boost in confidence that it has led to better things such as career changes, business growth, and even better relationships with partners, not to mention feeling more confident in clothes, on holiday, and by the pool!

One of the most frequent questions I get asked by my patients is "will the VASER actually get rid of the gland?"

Well, first of all, in over 95% of the cases I have treated over the years, I have not had to formally cut the gland out to get great results. I use the VASER in a very specific way which dissolves the glandular tissue in the vast majority of my patients. By using the VASER in this way, I can therefore only use a 5mm incision just beneath each nipple, making the whole procedure virtually scarless.  Below you can see a video of how effective this technique is in reducing the volume of breast tissue in the chest.

If after using this technique there is some gland still present, then I will cut it out using the 'pull-through' technique which only requires a very small increase in the size of the scar to about 8-10mm. I will do this at no extra charge to the patient. Sometimes stitches are required and these will be removed at your 1 week check up. If you are unable to attend the 1 week check up, I will use absorbable stitches for you.

Prior to each and every surgery I perform, I carry out an ultrasound scan and video the pinch thickness as above. This allows me to determine the exact technique I need to use during the surgery. I then repeat the ultrasound scan and video afterwards to confirm success.

Post-op recovery is relatively quick with most office workers returning to work within 48 hours and manual workers requiring about a week off work. We then review all patients at 1 week and 8 weeks post op routinely. If all is good then, we discharge you!

How much does VASER Lipo cost for Gynecomastia Reduction?

Here are some before and after photos of Gynecomastia reduction with VASER.

These are typical examples of my work.

When quoting for Male breast Reduction with VASER prices start at £2800. Post Op aftercare massages are extra at about £100-150 per session depending on the therapist. Sometimes, in larger cases, the price may increase to £3-4000 as the surgical time will be longer. And finally there may be an additional fee for hi definition of the pectorals and anaesthetic and hospital fees.

Costs of VASER liposuction to thighs

Some women are slim around the waistline, but their inner and outer thighs are disproportionately bigger, making it very difficult for them to find clothes to fit properly. Often their waistline can be 1-2 sizes smaller than their hips / thighs. No matter how much they exercise or diet, they struggle to lose the fat from their thighs. I'm afraid that usually, the only solution is fat removal with VASER liposuction and recently good results are possible with Cooltech Fat Freezing.

So what is involved in VASER liposuction to the thighs?

The outer thighs are classed as 1 area, and the inner thighs are classed as another area. So to have both the inner and outer thighs treated, you would need to budget for 2 areas. It is not recommended to treat all the way around the thighs in any single sitting as this could lead to serious lymphatic complications, so I avoid treating the anterior part of the thigh in the same surgery as the other two areas.

On operation day, I agree the areas to be treated with the patient in front of a mirror and then make the surgical markings with the patient's approval.

The surgery is performed under IV Sedation (twilight sedation) by my consultant anaesthetist, for a pain free experience. Don't believe the hype about pure tumescent anaesthesia being painless - it is definitely not. Its tolerable (just) but not pain free. I start with the patient lying on their front and I place a small 5mm incision in the crease below each buttock (so it is hidden), and this allows me to treat the back half or each inner and outer thigh. In fact this is where most of the fat lies anyway, so the majority of the work is done in this position. The patient then rotates onto their back, and I then place another 5mm incision in each groin, being careful to avoid important vessels and nerves such as the femoral structures. These incisions give me access to the front part of each outer and inner thigh, and the scars will heal in the groin which is usually covered up by underwear or bathing costumes.

After the surgery you will be placed into compression leggings designed to minimise swelling and bruising and maximise the smoothness of the contour. I recommend Manual lymphatic drainage and pressure therapy for at least 10-20 sessions over the next 6 weeks to help remove swelling and prevent unevenness.

How much does VASER Lipo cost?

There are 5 components to the fees generally:

1. The surgeon's fee
2. The hospital's fee
3. The anaesthetists fee
4. The post-op therapists fee
5. Compression garments

At Riverbanks Clinic, all of the above are packaged into one convenient price for you with no hidden extras. Our current fee for treating inner and outer thighs under IV sedation with 10 aftercare sessions starts from £4800 (as of August 2013) but please check current fees when enquiring.

Before and after pictures of VASER Liposuction to thighs

Here are some examples of my work at Riverbanks:

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

© Dr Ravi Jain 2013

If you would like to make an appointment with me to find out if VASER Lipo is an option for you, I am available in Harley Street and Harpenden on 01582762877.

Is CoolSculpting an alternative to VASER Lipo?

Coolsculpting by Zeltiq, is a relatively new treatment where it is possible to reduce fat in localised areas by 25-40% according to clinical research. This is done without any surgery or any incisions, but simply by freezing the fat cells via a vaccum cup. The Coolsculpt system has gained popularity world wide and has been widely accepted by clinicians due to the good research and results achieved. But is it better than VASER Liposuction?

What is Coolsculpting?

Top dermatologist Dr Rox Anderson from the USA conducted a clinical study on the effects of Coolsculpting on fat cells and identified that up to 40% of fat cells which were frozen would die and would eventually disappear from the patient after about 3 months. This ground breaking study paved the way forward for cryolipolysis (fat freezing).

Coolsculpting works by applying a vaccuum cup to the fatty area (eg stomach, love handles, inner thighs) and then gently freezing the fat. This process is initially mildly uncomfortable due to the suction. Then once the tissue is frozen, the area goes numb. About 60-70 mins are needed to have an adeuqate effect. Then the cup is released and the frozen tissue is massaged til flat. This can be a bit sore for some people, but it only lasts a few minutes.

Over the next few weeks, you may experience numbness over the treated area or some mild discomfort. Occasionally there is some minor bruising, like a big love bite!

Results tend to start to show at about 4-6 weeks with end results at 3-6 months. Naturally it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle for best results and often. Often, combining fat freezing with radiofrequency treatments or Ultrasound and lymphatic massages helps gets even better results.

What is CoolTech?

CoolSculpt is a first generation system for fat freezing, and like most other first generation systems, is quickly superceded by later generations with modifications which improve the whole system. One of the biggest limitations of CoolSculpt is that it only has 1 cup and so can only treat 1 area per hour. This makes it very time consuming and also costly for patients. Another limitation of Coolsculpt is that the cup size and shape lends itself to creating pockets of fat removal with sharp borders, so that it is possible to see possible indentations after coolsculpting.

4 weeks after 1 Cooltech treatment

4 weeks after 1 Cooltech treatment

Cooltech is a second generation cryolipolysis system which offers significant advantages over its predecessor Coolsculpt. First of all it has TWO cups instead of one, allowing two areas to be treated at the same time, saving the patient a significant amount of money and time. When typical prices per cup with Coolsculpt are £800, you can see how much money can be saved with Cooltech where prices are typically £800 for up to 2 cups!

Secondly, the shape of the Cooltech cup is more graduated, and this allows better blending with the untreated tissues, and therefore giving more natural looking results with no obvious indentation as is possible with the Coolsculpt.

How does Coolsculpting compare with VASER Lipo?

I think Coolsculpting can be as good as a very mildly performed VASER Lipo, but not as good as total body contouring with VASER Lipo. It also depends on the area treated. Lower abdomens probably respond best. But I think if you are considering a totally new torso / waistline speak to your surgeon about the possible results with either system. You may be surprised!

Not all six pack abs look the same

Four Pack Abs

Many men who dream of a six pack often trawl through fitness magazines or search through the internet, looking for the ideal looking six pack that they would like to achieve. However, even if they reach the desired body fat % and muscular physique to reveal their six pack. they may not be happy with their results because of their very individual anatomy.

You see, we are all very different and have our own muscle shapes and sizes and these are genetically predetermined. This is what I have to explain to all my VASER 4D liposuction patients, because I am only going to be able reveal their natural anatomy and not create a 'perfect six pack' if they don't have one.

If your surgeon disregards your own natural anatomy and gives you a 'perfect' shaped sixpack, when you naturally have a 4-pack or an 8-pack, then the results are going to look extremely unnatural. This is no more than the outdated method of abdominal etching and not the highly advanced Vaser 4D Sculpt technique.

Not all sixpacks look the same

For sure, most male patients have a six pack, but the exact layout is very different. Some lie above the umbilicus, while other start below the umbilicus as seen above. Some men have 10-pack while others

have only a 4-pack.


In patients whose muscular anatomy is very obvious during their consultation, I perform an ultrasound scan to help locate their muscles, so that their VASER 4D liposuction surgery provides the most natural looking results possible.

Before and after pictures female VASER 4D

Here are some examples of results at 8 weeks after VASER 4D Lipo in females. Final results tend to show at about 6 months.

This lady is very slim but has some stubborn pockets of fat in her lower belly and on her love handles (flanks) as well as her outer thighs. Because of her excellent skin tone and no stretch marks, she was suitable for VASER 4D, technique to create the most feminine shape with VASER Liposuction. 

New body by Dr Ravi Jain

As you can see, amazing results can be achieved very quickly and she has a brand new shape. Results will continue to improve up to 6 months after surgery, when the real definition will start to reveal itself.

VASER Lipo for Chin and Jowls

For many patients, a facelift can be avoided by having Chin & Jowl Lipo using the VASER system. In fact, a lipo lift can be extremely rejuvenating. It is important to recognise that this is a small liposuction surgical procedure with a relatively quick recovery. One will have to wear a head strap for 3 days 24/7 and then for 12-16 hours a day for a 3 more weeks. During the first 3-4 weeks after surgery have some ultrasound and manual lymphatic drainage massages to help reduce fibrosis and promote skin retraction. There are a few risks associated with lipo to the chin & neck.

If you follow all the instructions above for VASER Chin & Neck Lipo, you could achieve results like these:

For more information on chin & neck lipo, visit our website. 

What are the benefits of foam compression after liposuction?

In the UK there is a wide variation in the level of aftercare following liposuction, ranging from simple compression strapping for a couple of weeks, to 12 weeks of compression suits with foam padding as well, together with regular manual lymphatic drainage sessions.

I believe strongly in the benefits of well fitted compression suits for at least 3 weeks 24/7, then for 3 week 12 hours a day for regular VASER Lipo. After more sculpting procedures such as VASER 4D, I would add in extra foam padding as well as increasing the during of compression suits to 8 weeks instead of 6.

The whole aim of liposuction aftercare is to reduce swelling and therefore pain, and also improve the final cosmetic result. Foam padding significantly reduces pain and is very useful if a lot of swelling is anticipated, or, the compression garments cause creases in the skin.

Patients aren't really pleased about it when I instruct foam padding but, it is in their interests and they appreciate it after a couple of days, especially when they see the improved results.

I tend to advise foam padding for the whole torso with all Vaser 4D procedures. I also advise foam padded belts for treating lower abdomens and flanks. But at Riverbanks we have various sizes of padding to fit the area we wish to provide additional compression to.

Vaser Lipo Pre-op Instructions

Once you have made a decision to proceed with VASER Lipo I tend to advise my patients the following pre-op instructions:

4 weeks before surgery

• Start high intensity interval training 3-4 times a week. This will help to burn up any internal fat, which cannot be removed during surgery.
• Try to introduce a gluten-free diet to reduce bloating and also some excess fat.
• Start taking slimming teas such as Jade Fusion every day to help reduce weight further. You will need about 4-6 cups a day.
• Stop smoking as this significantly increases the chances of infection, wound complications and anaesthetic problems.

2 weeks before surgery

• Stop alcohol intake as this will thin your blood and increase blood loss during surgery
• Attend your pre-op assessment with my nurse where you will receive your prescription for your surgery, and be fitted for your compression garments. You will also be risk assessed for deep vein thrombosis and any anaesthetic risks. At this appointment any outstanding balances will need to be settled.

24 hours before surgery

• Pack your day bag for surgery day to include loose fitting clothing of dark colours
• Take your prescribed medications as instructed, so make sure you have collected them from your local pharmacy.
• Drink lots of water - about 3-4 litres of water during the day before surgery to hydrate yourself which will help speed up your recovery
• Have a really good 'cheat meal'!
• Do not eat or drink 8 hours before your surgery time

Who is the ideal patient for VASER Lipo?

I was asked this question by The Good Surgeon Guide on my twitter feed last week, and its a great question.

Contrary to popular belief, VASER Lipo can be used on all sorts of body sizes, though the best results come from those who are NOT that overweight. Clinically obese people (i.e. those with a BMI of over 30 unless extremely muscular) who are looking for a surgical solution to weight loss should see a bariatric surgeon instead, as VASER lipo is not about weight loss but about reshaping your body.

So who is the ideal patient?

Well, from the last 350 patients I have treated, I can say that the ideal patient is male or female, with an age of 38 years old, weighs in at about 75KG and has a BMI of 26.

Before and After VASER to Abs, Flanks and Hips

So as you can see, our VASER patients are generally not overweight but do have trouble spots they want rid of. The split between male (37%) and female patients (64%) is narrowing each year and I suspect in 5 years I will treat as many men as women.

So what sort of areas do patients request to have treated?

Below are my top 5 treatment requests for VASER Lipo:

1. Abdomens & Love Handles 
2. Gynaecomastia (Man Boobs)
3. Saddle bags (Outer thighs)
4. Double chins
5. Upper Arms

The demand for VASER 4D body sculpting is increasing at a dramatic rate and its not surprising as for many its a much more cost effective solution that having all of the above areas treated individually. On top of that, you also get a much more athletic look.

Before and After VASER 4D Sculpt

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr Jain, please fill out our enquiry form or call 08000325415.

Written by Ravi Jain

What are the risks with liposuction to the chin and neck?

Updated 3 October 2015

Liposuction can be used to redefine the jawline removing jowls and double chins. Newer techniques such as VASER lipo offer a more delicate form of liposuction with less blood loss. However there are risks to the procedure which your surgeon will discuss with you. These relate to the underlying anatomy as the head and neck has important nerves which run along the jawline and also below the ear.

Non-surgical options to reduce appearance of double chins and tighten the jawline include Ultherapy which also use ultrasound energy but without any cuts or surgery. This option will also be discussed during the initial consultation with me.

 

During the surgery, your surgeon will use the best techniques to avoid permanent injury to these important nerves and it is extremely unlikely that permanent injury will occur. However, some temporary complications can occur and these are due to inflammation and the healing process, and only occur in a few patients.

Complications after liposuction to the chin and neck include:

1. Numbness around the mouth and or jaw
2. Bruising
3. Skin tethering
4. Fibrosis

I will try and explain these in more detail now:

The numbness can occur if the marginal mandibular nerve is injured during the surgery. It can become inflamed or irritated by the passage of surgical instruments. I have even seen. Occur when no surgical instruments have been near it, but the has been some prolonged inflammation. The numbness is temporary and usually settles within a couple of weeks. Occasionally it can cause temporary drooping of the mouth.

Mild bruising is to be expected after surgery but occasionally it can be extensive or worse on one side. This is probably due to a haematoma or a collection of blood which developed after surgery. In rare cases it will need further emergency surgery to drain. Thankfully this is rare.

In sun damaged or lax skin, once the fat is removed, the skin retraction can be incomplete and so one can get uneven tightening of the skin. Sometimes post operative carboxytherapy can resolve matters.

In over aggressive liposuction to the neck, there may be prolonged inflammation which can lead to hard scar tissue forming (fibrosis) and this can cause lumpiness as well as all of the above complications. This may take several months to resolve.

All of the above complications can be managed with thorough post operative aftercare using ultrasound and manual lymphatic drainage straight after surgery. Thankfully, these complications are unusual and temporary.

For all of our patients who have received VASER liposuction to the chin, we offer aftercare as routine. This real is a life changing procedure for the right candidates. For more information on Riverbanks Clinic call +441582762877.

Bodytite vs VASER

It can be very difficult for a patient to sift through all the marketing hype to decide which treatment can be best for them. I always get asked by new patients what's the best treatment and why do I prefer VASER?

Lets start off by explaining the basic differences between Bodytite and VASER.

Bodytite uses radio frequency energy to melt the fat under the skin using a twin pronged probe. Above the skin is another radiofrequency head which is designed to help tighten the skin.

VASER Lipo uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify the fat beneath the skin and NOT melt it. This is important because it does not kill fat or surrounding tissue and so there is less collateral damage and so quicker healing. Also the fat can be transferred to other parts of the body for contour enhancement. Typical areas include male chest, female buttocks.

There have been NO clinical studies comparing these two different methods of body contouring to date. However, there have been several independent published studies which have confirmed that VASER offers quicker recovery, less blood loss, more fate removal and better skin tightening over other methods. On the other hand the only studies I have seen about Bodytite have been sponsored by Bodytite and so can't really be used to compare fairly.

But by far the most important factor in choosing your treatment is the skill of your surgeon. You should be choosing your surgeon by his care and results, and not the type of machine he uses. I have seen patients who have bad results from all different methods of liposuction including VASER and that is down to the surgeon not the kit.

Poor result after traditional liposuction

Same patient after I used VASER
to improve her appearance

During all of my new patient consultations in Harpenden and London, I will show you hundreds of examples of my results - no one else's. I will also try and show you results of patients who have similar shape to you.

Only then will you be able to decide if I am the right surgeon for you.