Skin treatments – an overview

Skin treatments – an overview

The skin is the body's largest and perhaps most exciting organ with a wide range of vital functions.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Introduction

The skin is the body's largest and perhaps most exciting organ with a wide range of vital functions. Among other things, it holds our body together and protects against all possible external influences. The skin is very active and every second of the day, new cells and substances are formed and broken down to help us through everyday life. As the body's outward face, literally, it is therefore not difficult to imagine that the skin is exposed to some extreme stress. This means that it has a great need to be looked after and cared for, both to function properly and also to look as good as possible.

With medical skin treatments means using substances or methods that actively maintains and repairs your skin. There are basically three main reasons why you want medical skin treatments. It could be something you are born with that you want to do something about, it could be skin damage or problems that you have acquired through lifestyle or you want to prevent and combat natural aging.

The structure and function of the skin

The skin can be divided into three layers, each of which has its own importance for function and how we choose to treat it:

  1. The epidermis
  2. The middle layer of the skin (dermis)
  3. The subcutaneous tissue (subcutis)

The epidermis is a thin layer that consists mainly of two types of cells – “wear cells” and “pigment cells”. The wear cells are constantly formed at the bottom of the epidermis and migrate outwards until they are finally worn off in contact with the outside world. The time from their formation to their wear off takes about 6 weeks and this is why we call this a skin cycle. The pigment cells are located at the bottom of the epidermis and form the substance melanin which protects the body against dangerous UV rays from the sun. Melanin is a brown substance and therefore gives the skin a not entirely unknown tan colour when it is secreted. It can also be mentioned that hair also belongs to the epidermis even though anatomically they go deep into the dermis.

The dermis is what makes up the main thickness of the skin and consists mainly of connective tissue such as collagen fibers and elastic fibers. It is also rich in moisturizing substances such as hyaluronic acid. In between here are also glands, blood vessels and nerves, to name the most important.

The subcutaneous layer consists mostly of thin connective tissue membranes, but can also include fat, which is an important part of the fullness that characterizes young and healthy skin.

The skin changes

Unfortunately, with increasing age and other harmful lifestyle influences, changes occur in our skin. The epidermis experiences increasing damage to both the "wear cells" and the "pigment cells", which causes dryness, fine wrinkles and pigment spots. The dermis loses fullness, firmness and elasticity due to loss of connective tissue as well as dryness due to loss of moisture-binding substances. Excessive and sagging skin develops. Damage to blood vessels can cause a lack of glow and also visible superficial blood vessels. In the subcutaneous layer, we lose fat which causes the large wrinkles and pits, especially on the face.

The reason these changes occur is not just age itself, but especially exposure to the sun and tobacco smoking. Other factors that come into play are pollution, weather and wind, as well as various lifestyle factors such as stress and other things you have done and experienced throughout your life.

Good skin health is important

Having beautiful and healthy skin is important for many reasons. It is particularly important to prevent potentially dangerous cell damage, but it is also important in terms of appearance. The skin is your outward face and says a lot about the health of the body. Good skin quality therefore signals to the outside world that you are healthy and that you take care of yourself and have a potentially great influence on others, be it friends, family, partner or in a professional context.

Skin treatments help!

There are a number of things you can do to achieve or maintain good skin quality. It can range from the simplest things like using a moisturizer to the most advanced treatments. Often the best solution is to take several measures at once and we can divide them into two main groups: prevention and treatment .

Prevention means protecting the skin from harmful influences such as sun and tobacco smoke, as well as living a healthy and stress-free life. These are some simple measures that you can talk to our therapists about for more tips.

There are a wide range of active treatments that will help you achieve healthier and more beautiful skin. For convenience, we can divide them into 7 different groups, click on the individual links for more information:

  1. Cosmetic medical creams will treat the top two layers of the skin and will make a wide range of positive changes. Examples of this are general skin quality, pigment spots, skin thickness, elasticity and fine wrinkles. Creams are often used as an important supplement to other treatments, but can also be used alone. CLICK HERE for more information about this.
  2. Physical removal of damaged epidermis with chemical peeling or laser/light . Removal of worn, damaged epidermis with, for example, chemical peelings provides a much faster skin rejuvenation effect than using creams alone. In addition, it will also treat many types of pigment spots. CLICK HERE for more information about this.
  3. Wrinkle removal by reducing facial expressions . A very important reason for wrinkles in the entire upper half of the face is the constant muscle activity we have here. The naturally occurring substance botulinum toxin has over the years become a simple and very popular means of doing something about this. CLICK HERE for more information about this.
  4. Needle treatments. In recent years, it has been proven that by piercing or "damaging" thin strips into the skin while there is undamaged skin around it, the dermis is stimulated to form more healthy connective tissue and thus provide thicker, healthier and "younger" skin. There are also a number of possible treatments here and we have chosen to use the dermapen for several reasons that you can read more about by clicking on the link on our page (coming soon)
  5. Fillers . Lack of fullness under the skin is one of the most important aging changes that occur in the face and restoring lack of fullness in the skin or subcutaneous tissue with a physical filler can be both very effective and useful. There are two methods that can be used, both with their own advantages and disadvantages; either using the transfer of your own fat or with so-called hyaluronic acid fillers. CLICK HERE for more information about the transfer of your own fat (coming soon) or HERE for hyaluronic acid fillers.
  6. Physical removal of excess skin with surgery. Very often there will be a physical excess of skin and the only really effective way to do something about this is to do a surgical procedure. Such procedures can be anything from very small to something more extensive. The most relevant in the face are: 1. upper eyelid surgery , 2. lower eyelid surgery , 3. facelift , 4. forehead lift and 5. lip lift . Click on the word for more information about the procedures.
  7. Other things. Here you can enter all possible lifestyle changes such as caution with sun, smoking cessation, exercise, diet, mental well-being and so on. Our therapists can help you with good advice here! Another treatment used against visible blood vessels on the legs can also be mentioned, namely SCLEROTHERAPY which we can also offer with us.

Talk to us, we have the expertise

We are all different, both in terms of how we look, what skin type we have and not least in terms of what we want to improve or restore. With us, depending on what you want, you will get an appointment with a nurse or surgeon with special expertise in the different types of treatment that are right for you. It may be especially recommended to book an appointment with our cosmetic nurse for a three-dimensional (3D) skin analysis using the latest generation of the unique VISIA system, which can indicate both visible external skin damage and problems as well as the deeper problems in the skin that may manifest later with increasing age. Read more about the VISIA system by CLICKING HERE .

The market for cosmetic facial treatments today is characterized by the fact that many practitioners can only offer a small part of the different types of treatment that are out there. This naturally leads to you as a customer only being offered and recommended what the individual practitioner can perform, despite the fact that it does not have to be the best treatment for you. We at Stavanger Plastic Surgery offer comprehensive advice aimed at which measures and treatments are actually most right for you and your skin and face.

What can be done, what does it involve and how much does it cost? Contact us via the "Book a consultation" form on this page or call us on 51 55 85 00 to book an appointment for a no-obligation consultation!

The medical director for injections and lasers is plastic surgeon Thale Riisøen.

Welcome to us at Stavanger Plastic Surgery!

Removal of moles, fat balls and other skin tumors

Removal of moles, fat balls and other skin tumors

While moles are something everyone has in abundance, fat balls and other skin tumors are also very common.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Some people want to remove such skin changes for cosmetic reasons, others because they cause discomfort or, in the worst case, may be a suspicion of skin cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.

Whatever the reason, there is no one better qualified to perform such minor skin surgery than a plastic surgeon. With us, you will have the changes removed with full focus on both the prettiest possible scarring and correct execution.

Who can undergo surgery?

Everyone can basically have surgery. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, these should generally not be used before the surgery. How long this applies depends on the type of medication and must be clarified in advance with our surgeon.

How is the operation performed?

The operation is performed under local anesthesia, which is administered in such a way as to cause the least possible discomfort. We use both the thinnest needles available and a special "anesthetic" in the anesthesia to avoid stinging. The wound is closed with stitches that should give the prettiest possible scar. Moles and suspicious skin changes are always sent for examination by a pathologist. This is included in the price. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

After the operation

If it is a minor change that has been removed, you can do almost anything you want right after the operation. If the procedure is somewhat larger, it may be a good idea to take it easy for a day or two. You will receive information about this at the clinic. Sometimes there are stitches that need to be removed after one or two weeks. This can be done with us at no extra cost, or by a GP or other knowledgeable person. For maximum neatness of the scar, it is important to use tape treatment even after minor procedures. Our surgeon does everything he can to ensure that the result is as neat as possible, so it is important that you also do your part with proper tape treatment. You will receive full information about this in connection with the operation.

Complications

Complications after such interventions are very rare.

You can book an appointment for the removal of moles, fat balls or other skin changes by filling out the "Book a consultation" form on this page or call us today at 51 55 85 00 .

The medical director for operations and procedures is plastic surgeon Bjørn Tore Haga.

Welcome to us at Stavanger Plastic Surgery!

Skin improvement with medical peeling

Skin improvement with medical peeling

Having beautiful, good-quality skin is not only important in preventing cell damage. The skin says a lot about the body's health.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Having beautiful, good-quality skin is not only important in terms of preventing cell damage. The skin says a lot about the body's health. Good skin quality therefore signals to the outside world that you are healthy and that you are taking care of your body.

There are a number of things you can do to get or maintain good skin quality. Often the best solution is to do several measures at the same time. Medical peeling is an effective way to get rapid skin improvement and is recommended in conjunction with the use of medical skin creams. The principle is quite simple: You use a peeling of diluted acid solution that "burns off" the outer layer of the skin. These are worn out and dead skin cells and peeling will therefore cause new and younger skin to emerge. The skin's outer cells stimulate the remaining cells, which leads to thicker, younger-looking skin of better quality. Peeling also means that good skin creams do not have to work their way through the dead skin cells, but can act directly on the cells they are intended for. Medical peels will therefore, in addition to their own effect, also enhance the effect of skin creams. Despite the fact that peeling both cleanses and stimulates, it is always recommended to use peeling together with a skin cream program and only exceptionally alone and then only in milder varieties.

There are several types of peels and it is important to know that the peels we offer should not be confused with the mild peels used by the skincare industry, but are much stronger and more effective medical peels that should only be prescribed and used by doctors.

Side effects and complications of medical peels

Performed correctly and by a trained doctor, medical peeling is safe. It is also the case that the peels become more effective the deeper they go. Peels that are too deep can still lead to pigment disorders or, in the worst case, scarring. Therefore, it is important that our doctor determines the depth of the peel you should have. Pigment disorders can develop into either too little or too much pigment, but usually disappear within one to two years.

Our doctor has many years of experience with medical peels and, not least, the expertise to help you with the healing afterwards.

We hope this answers any questions you may have about medical peeling. You can book an appointment for treatment or a non-binding consultation with us by filling out the "Book a consultation" form on this page or by calling us on 51 55 85 00 .

Welcome to us at Stavanger Plastic Surgery!

Lips | lip augmentation

Lip surgery / lip augmentation

The lips are an important part of our body identity, and perhaps this is especially true for women.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Large, full lips are often associated with youthfulness and sensuality, so it is perhaps not surprising that it is common to desire larger and fuller lips.

There are two main reasons for wanting bigger lips: Younger people who want bigger and fuller lips than they were born with, and older people who find that their lips have "shrunk" with age, especially those who have smoked and sunbathed a lot (see picture below). Other changes that occur in the area around the mouth with age are loss of volume in the corners of the mouth that gives shadow in the corners of the mouth (so-called "sour mouth"), poorer skin quality in general and a sunken upper lip, i.e. an increasing distance between the nose and the upper lip, to name a few.

Whatever the reason, there are a number of things we can do to give you the lips you want and here is an overview:

Lip augmentation in general

It is very common to want a general enlargement of the lips and especially the upper lip. Sometimes it is in the lip itself that fullness is needed, other times in the edge to give a better contour. For many, the optimal result is when specific curves in the lips are emphasized. Our plastic surgeon has many years of experience with lip augmentation and knows the anatomy very well through numerous filler treatments and operations on the lips. He recommends that lip augmentation can be done in two different ways, either with a temporary filler ("filler") such as Juvederm or Restylane or with a more permanent solution with the transfer of your own fat.

1. Lip augmentation with fillers

This is a simple and safe method of lip augmentation that we have long and good experience with. Fillers (Juvederm / Restylane) have the advantage and disadvantage that they disappear after a certain time, usually in the lips after about 6 months. The treatment must therefore be repeated, but the advantage of this is that the amount and placement of the substance can be adjusted and thus follow your wishes and any physical changes you may experience. These fillers are made of hyaluronic acid , the body's own moisturizing substance which makes the treatment very safe as there is normally no foreign body reaction. You can read more about hyaluronic acid fillers by clicking here .

Lip augmentation with fillers is performed at our clinic by our plastic surgeon who has more than 12 years of experience with such treatments. Treatments with fillers performed by a surgeon rather than a nurse will be an extra security for you as the surgeon can handle any special complications to a completely different extent if they should arise, and it is not more expensive either!

2. Lip augmentation with your own fat

If you want to enlarge your lips once and for all, a transfer of your own fat may be appropriate. What is done is that fat is taken from a place on the body that has a little extra fat (for example, the inside of the knees). This fat is then injected into the lips in a specific way. It is common for a small part of the fat that is inserted to disappear after a while, so 1-2 treatments may be necessary to get the full effect. This method is 100% natural, it is your own fat that fills the lips and once this fat has attached, it will normally not disappear again! You therefore avoid repeated treatments with fillers.

Reduction of pits in the corners of the mouth (“sour mouth”)

With increasing age and especially with long-term smoking, it is not uncommon to develop a loss of volume of the skin on the lower side of the mouth corners. This gives a "sour mouth" appearance with shadows in the corners of the mouth. These pits can be reduced or completely removed using fillers, possibly fat transfer and preferably in combination with skin-improving measures such as peeling or medical creams.

Reduction of wrinkles around the mouth (“smoker’s lips”)

Around the mouth there is a ring-shaped muscle that helps us move our lips. With increasing age and especially with smoking, there is a gradual thinning of the lip and skin volume over time. The ring muscle will then gradually pull the skin over the lips together and cause many small or large wrinkles around the mouth. This is called “smoker’s lips” or “smoker’s mouth”.

There are basically two ways to treat smoker's lips. Either by removing the skin from above or by filling the pits/wrinkles so that they come up to level with the rest of the skin. The best thing may be to do both. Skin treatment can be medical peeling in combination with medical creams, while filling the wrinkles is best done with a particularly fine version of fillers. If there is clear tightening of the muscle, a third option can actually also help, namely botox injection directly into the muscle. You can read more about botox treatment here .

Highlighting the middle part of the upper lip

Some people want the middle part of the upper lip to come forward and be more clearly visible. This gives fuller and more youthful-looking lips. Such an emphasis on the upper lip can be done in two ways; either temporarily using fillers or more permanently using a small surgical procedure on the inside of the lip. Emphasizing the upper lip with fillers requires a slightly special technique and is something our surgeon has a lot of experience with.

Upper lip lift

With increasing age, the upper lip tends to fall downwards and hide the front teeth. Some people are also born with a very low-hanging upper lip. This can be corrected with a small surgical procedure called an upper lip lift . In such a procedure, an incision is made in the skin along the lower edge of the nose and lifts the lip up after removing a small amount of skin tissue. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and stitches are used that are removed after a few days to provide the most beautiful scar. This scar is usually very little visible as it is hidden in the edge towards the nose.

We hope this answers some of your questions about lip augmentation and lip surgery. You can book an appointment for treatment or a non-binding consultation with our plastic surgeon via the "Book a consultation" form on this page or call us on 51 55 85 00 .

The medical director for injections is plastic surgeon Thale Riisøen.
 

Welcome to Stavanger Plastic Surgery!

Wrinkle treatment with fillers

Wrinkle treatment with fillers

Fillers are a type of gel made from hyaluronic acid, which is one of the skin's natural moisture-binding substances.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Fillers are a type of gel made from hyaluronic acid, which is one of the skin's natural moisture-binding substances. This gel is placed in the skin as a filler (hence the English term "filler") to smooth out lines, wrinkles and furrows. It is also used to shape the face and is excellent for enlarging lips. Such fillers have quickly become very popular due to good results and very few complications. Another substance that can also be used as a filler is your own fat.

The very first filler to come on the market was Restylane made by the company Q-med in Sweden. This is still on sale, and can be seen as the original hyaluronic acid filler. Today, there are a number of copycat products and further developments of Restylane with the same active ingredient hyaluronic acid, but with different properties of the gel, adapted to different areas of use. The most well-known brands that we carry are Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero, all good in their own way depending on what you want to achieve.

Where can I use fillers?

Fillers can in principle be used in the skin all over the body. However, it is naturally on the face where the effect is best shown and most used. Common areas where fillers give good results are in lines and furrows around the mouth and cheeks, the "sinter wrinkle" in the forehead, deep lines in the forehead and around the eyes. More and more people also want to shape the face such as highlighting cheekbones or enlarging lips, and then fillers are the easiest and best choice.

How long does the treatment last?

Fillers work in the skin for about 6-18 months depending on your skin type and circulation in the skin. In general, you need to refill your lips a little faster than the rest of your skin.

Who can use Restylane?

In principle, all healthy women and men can use fillers. However, you must wait if you have an infection or a special rash on the skin where you are going to be treated. If you are unsure, you can talk to our therapist about this. If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medication, you must clarify this with our doctor before any treatment.

What should I do after a treatment?

The treatment takes a few minutes depending on the type of anesthesia you need. The results are visible immediately. You can go straight to work or do whatever you want after the treatment. It is normal to be slightly red and swollen in the treated area. You must wait until the next day to apply make-up. You should touch the treated area as little as possible so that the preparation does not move. You will receive full information about what to do when you come to us. Treatments with fillers are performed by both a nurse and a doctor at our clinic.

We hope this has answered some of your questions about filler treatments. You can book an appointment for a non-binding consultation or treatment via the "Book a consultation" form on this page or call us on 51 55 85 00 .

The medical director for injections is plastic surgeon Thale Riisøen.

Welcome to Stavanger Plastic Surgery!

Forehead lift

Forehead lift

As we age, the skin on our face changes and becomes thinner and looser. Muscle movement and sleeping position stretch and wrinkle the skin, and gravity causes the skin to sag. This development can often be slowed without surgery.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Due to a lot of muscle use, the forehead is particularly vulnerable, with the result that the eyebrows hang too low and in the worst case, cause you to have a smaller field of vision due to the skin hanging in the way. Furthermore, smaller or larger wrinkles form on the forehead and between the eyebrows, often called frown lines . Some people feel that they have a sad and heavy appearance, and we often hear about problems with, for example, heavy eyelid skin when they are tired or have drunk a few glasses of wine or the like.

This development can be slowed without surgery, either with injection treatment* or with skin-enhancing measures such as medical skin cream programs and fillers like Restylane.

*) In injection treatment, a prescription drug is used. Patients must therefore be assessed by a doctor before the first treatment. After assessment and approval by our doctor, you can book an appointment directly in online booking. 

If the skin has grown too much, it is sometimes necessary to remove skin to get the full effect on the eyebrows and eyelids. Forehead lift has therefore become a relatively common operation. When performing the operation, we have three specific goals:

1) raise the eyebrows and thus reduce the overhang of skin above the eye area
2) remove the “sinter wrinkles” between the eyebrows
3) give a smoother forehead with fewer wrinkles

For many, it's about getting an appearance that is more in line with the age they feel, and a forehead lift can be the solution in the upper third of the face.

The operation

During the operation, the skin on the forehead is loosened so that the eyebrows are raised to the desired level. The “sintegrin” muscles are then removed if this has been agreed upon. By raising the eyebrows, one of two things will then be done; either retaining the skin and suspending it with the help of some mini hooks/threads, or removing the excess skin. The latter is done if the patient wants to keep the hairline in approximately the same place, and then this is done via an incision that goes behind the hairline to hide the scars.

Who can undergo a forehead lift?

Forehead lift is suitable for physically and mentally healthy people who have developed a heavy or wrinkled forehead with low-hanging eyebrows. It is not uncommon for some of those who come with questions about eyelid surgery to consider a forehead lift for the best effect. One should be nicotine-free for at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery. Those with a known increased bleeding tendency should not have surgery. The use of blood-thinning medications must be clarified with our doctor well in advance before the surgery begins.

Your health condition will be carefully reviewed before any surgery and you will receive thorough written information about what to do before and after the surgery. Bald men may in some cases be advised against surgery due to the risk of visible scars.

After the operation

It is important to plan your time after the operation well and, last but not least, it is absolutely necessary for the operation that you follow our instructions carefully. For the first two days, you should stay near the clinic and remain still with your upper body held high. You will be given a head bandage that, together with the stitches, will be removed after 5-6 days. It is common to be blue and swollen in the first 1-2 weeks and it is usually only after about 2 – 3 weeks that you can resume normal social activities again. Harder physical activity can be resumed after 4-6 weeks.

Complications

As with all surgeries, bleeding and infection can occur. This is very rare and will be managed by our surgeon if it does occur. Somewhat more common are side effects such as decreased sensation in the skin that has been lifted. There may also be small areas around the scar where hair does not grow as much as before. This is normally not visible.

We hope that this has answered some of your questions about forehead lifts. Although we provide general information here, we recommend a non-binding consultation with our plastic surgeon for a full understanding of what is right for you. You will also be able to get an analysis of your face and skin and provide comprehensive advice on what can and cannot be done.

The medical director for operations and procedures is plastic surgeon Bjørn Tore Haga.

Welcome to Stavanger Plastic Surgery at Madla!

General information about liposuction

Liposuction

Permanent fat removal with liposuction (also called liposculpture) is, after breast augmentation, the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the world.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Our bodies are designed in such a way that there will almost always be some areas with extra fat that are not so easy to lose weight. In men, this is typically the stomach and in women, it is the thighs. Some people also have extra fat under the chin, others in the calves or knees and so on. When you lose weight, all the fat cells in the body will become smaller in size, but they will still be there. That is why the areas with extra fat still remain even if you lose weight. By liposuctioning areas with extra fat, the cells will be removed - forever . If you gain weight later, there will be fewer fat cells in the liposuctioned area and you will therefore gain less weight here than you would otherwise.

Liposuction performed by a plastic surgeon is to physically remove the fat cells and therefore permanently , and should not be confused with more or less frivolous external machine methods for "fat removal" that are available on the market.

Water-assisted liposuction with Body-Jet

The traditional method of liposuction performed by plastic surgeons is to first fill the area with anesthetic water, then use special cannulas with negative pressure and then manually suck out the fat. As the only clinic in all of Rogaland, we at Stavanger Plastic Surgery can now also offer "water-assisted liposuction" - a method that removes fat both faster , more effectively and more gently than regular liposuction!

What is water-assisted liposuction?

Water-assisted liposuction is performed using a device called Body-Jet®. The principle is simple: instead of sucking the fat with “brute force”, the Body-Jet® machine has an extra tube inside the cannulas that gently injects anesthetic water into the tissue while the liposuction is being performed. This means that you get more anesthesia where you need it and that the fat is separated from the rest of the body’s cells more easily and more gently. The result is both a faster operation, less pain/discomfort and less bleeding. Less fluid is also needed prior to the liposuction, which makes it easier to get a nice and even result. Our plastic surgeons have been performing liposuction for many years and notice a big difference in our clients after the operation – water-assisted liposuction provides greater safety, better results and less discomfort than after regular liposuction!

It is also useful to know that water-assisted liposuction also works great for fat transfer . This means that instead of throwing away the fat that has been removed, it can be transferred (transplanted) to an area where there is too little fat. This can be, for example, to the breasts, to the buttocks or to the face. Our plastic surgeons have several years of experience with this type of fat transfer, and the method gives very good results. Read more about fat transfer to the breasts here !

Who can undergo permanent fat removal?

Liposuction can be performed on mentally and physically healthy adults of all ages. Areas that can yield good results are the abdomen, hips, buttocks, flanks, outer thighs, inner knees, ankles, back, chin, chest and above the lower abdomen, to name the most important. Liposuction can also be an important addition to other surgical procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast reduction and facelift.

It is important to clarify that liposuction is not a weight loss method in itself. Liposuction removes specific areas of excess fat and cannot be used for general "thinning" of the body.

There are some medical conditions that mean that you should not have surgery. These include known bleeding disorders, a tendency to clot, serious mental illness and allergies to anesthetics. If you abuse alcohol, medication or drugs, you should not have surgery. If you have had a serious eating disorder, you must provide a statement from your treating psychologist or doctor that it is okay to have surgery. To ensure rapid healing and reduce risk, smokers should reduce nicotine use to an absolute minimum in the period around the surgery. The use of blood-thinning medications should be agreed with the doctor well in advance of the surgery.

How is the operation performed?

Depending on where the liposuction is to be done and what has been agreed, you will either be given general anesthesia or extended local anesthesia during the operation. The procedure itself is performed by the surgeon first injecting a mixture of local anesthesia and water before the fat is gently removed with a specially made cannula. There are no large scars after the operation, only small marks from these thin cannulas.

After the operation

If you have had general anesthesia, you will be allowed to rest for a while at the clinic after the operation. You can then go home by being picked up by someone you know, or by taking a taxi with an acquaintance. You cannot drive yourself home. For the first 24 hours, you must have an adult with you and you cannot be further away than about two hours' drive from the clinic.

The first few days you will feel sore and "sore" in the operated area. You should take it easy for the first couple of days, after which you can resume normal light activity. Social activities usually go well after about 1-2 weeks, while heavy physical activity such as running and weight training should be postponed until 4-6 weeks after the operation. Depending on the extent of the operation and the type of job, many people can work after just a few days. However, it is important that you have planned it so that you have the opportunity to stay relatively calm for at least the first week after the operation.

In order for the result to be as beautiful as possible, it is necessary to wear compression garments for at least 3 (preferably 6) weeks after the operation. The first week, it should be worn day and night without being taken off once. After a week, you can shower and wash the compression garments. It is normal for anesthetic fluid and blood to come out of the wound openings in the first few days. Small bandages are placed over the small skin openings that were made. These should normally be worn for two weeks before you take them off. If there are stitches under here, they will disappear on their own after a few weeks. After two weeks of using paper strips, you can switch to regular breathable medical paper tape. This tape is changed about once a week – not too often because it causes soreness and disturbed scar formation, but not so infrequently that it becomes very dirty. The tape should be worn until the scar is no longer red or pink.

After a few days, it is normal for the operated area to swell slightly. There may also be a bluish discoloration of the skin. This is completely normal and will resolve within a few weeks. The final result after the operation will be seen after at least 3-6 months.

Complications

Complications after such procedures are very rare and liposuction done correctly can be considered safe. Numbness and tenderness of the skin may occur, this usually subsides within a maximum of a year. Minor irregularities may occur and this can happen regardless of which method of liposuction is done. Sometimes this can be corrected afterwards. Often minor irregularities are tolerated well as the slimmer figure is still nicer than it was.

Result after surgery

The goal of the surgery is to remove one or more areas of excess fat. The final result depends not only on how much fat is removed, but also on the quality and elasticity of the overlying skin. For the vast majority of people, the skin will retract nicely after liposuction. However, there are situations where this can be difficult, such as skin with stretch marks after pregnancy and significant weight loss. In such situations, skin often also needs to be removed for a satisfactory result.

Read more about liposuction by:

We hope this has given you some of the information you are looking for regarding liposuction. Liposuction is one of the procedures we perform most often at Stavanger Plastic Surgery and with the option of water-assisted liposuction we can offer you a unique opportunity for less discomfort, greater safety and good results!

Book a no-obligation consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon. You can also call us at 51 55 85 00 .

The medical director for operations and procedures is plastic surgeon Bjørn Tore Haga.

Welcome to Stavanger Plastic Surgery – a center of expertise in liposuction!

Breast reduction women

Breast reduction women

Regardless of the reason for surgery, breast reduction is a procedure with great patient satisfaction, with most people getting breasts that are smaller in size, rounder in shape, and also a lift back to "where they were many years ago."

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

Having breasts that are too large can be troublesome. Pain and discomfort in the shoulders, neck and back are common, as is discomfort with bra straps over the shoulders that dig in and create dimples. Some are also bothered by skin irritation, odor and even fungus formation on the underside where the breasts lie more or less firmly against the stomach skin. For others, there are not direct physical complaints, but dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts, they are too large or sagging and it can be difficult to find the right clothes and so on.

Regardless of the reason for surgery, breast reduction is a procedure with great patient satisfaction, with most people getting breasts that are smaller in size, rounder in shape, and also a lift back to "where they were many years ago." The procedure also allows for smaller nipples. Read on for more information!

Who can have breast reduction surgery?

All physically and mentally healthy women with larger breasts than they want and with a realistic picture of what can be achieved are suitable for surgery. If you are over 40 years old, a mammogram should be taken before surgery. You do not have to be thin to have breast reduction, but at the same time the risk of problems increases with the degree of obesity. You can discuss this in consultation with your surgeon.

You cannot smoke or use any form of nicotine for the last 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after the surgery. This is for your own safety as the nipples can be damaged by smoking, and you may also risk wound problems. If you use any form of nicotine, you can discuss this in consultation with your surgeon.

If you are taking blood-thinning medications, the use of these must be clarified with your surgeon.

Which surgical method should I choose?

In order for the breasts to become smaller, some skin must be removed and this results in scars. There are mainly two surgical methods for breast reduction. While both methods result in scars around the nipple and a strip down from it, one method (“Method 1”) will only have these scars, while the other will also result in a scar under the breast itself (“Method 2”). While method 1 results in smaller scars, it will, however, give the breast a slightly strange shape in the first few months after the procedure, while method 2 gives the correct shape right away. A third method will be liposuction only and a fourth method will only give scars around the nipples. Which method is best for you depends on several things, including size before and after, skin quality and your wishes. This is discussed with our plastic surgeon during the consultation.

If you are slightly or moderately overweight, it is also often recommended to have liposuction in the flanks to give the best possible result. The flanks mean the outer side of the breasts under the armpits. Please discuss this in consultation with your surgeon.

The operation

Unless otherwise agreed, the operation is performed under general anesthesia. The operation time is approximately two hours and four people will look after you during the operation, all experienced specialists in their field. After the operation, you will be given a private room to wake up in with full support from our staff regarding your needs.

After the operation

After the operation, you will normally need a couple of hours of rest at the clinic before you are ready to go home. When you leave the clinic, you should be picked up by someone you know, or travel with you in a taxi. You cannot drive yourself home, nor can you take the bus or train. For the first 24 hours, you should have an adult with you and you should stay within a two-hour travel distance of the clinic.

Upon departure, you will receive thorough oral and written information about the normal course of the disease and what to do in the first few days after the operation. It is important that you have planned well so that you have the opportunity to stay still for the first week. If you have small children, you will need help with lifting and the like for 1-2 weeks. Social activities usually go well after about 2 weeks, while heavy physical activity such as running and weight training should be postponed until 5-6 weeks after the operation. You should not expose the scars to the sun for the first 6 months. In the first weeks after the operation, you must wear a special bra that provides extra support. You can purchase this from us in advance.

Complications

There are generally few complications after breast reduction and the operation can be considered safe. As after all operations, bleeding may occur. This happens very rarely and almost always within the first 24 hours. The bleeding will stay inside the breast and will therefore not be so large that it is dangerous. Should such bleeding occur, you will receive help from us at the clinic. Another unusual problem may be delayed healing with minor wound problems that will require some wound care. The most feared complication after breast reduction is losing the nipples due to poor circulation. This is very uncommon and occurs almost exclusively in those who have not stopped smoking/using nicotine. Breast reduction can reduce the ability to breastfeed in almost half of those who have the operation. Reduced sensation to the nipple or the skin nearby may also occur. This will usually disappear within one to two years after the operation.

The result

Women's breasts vary greatly in size, shape and consistency. This means that breast reduction must be carefully tailored to the individual and there are many factors that must be taken into account when planning breast reduction. The final result will depend, among other things, on the firmness of the skin and breast tissue. It is therefore important to have realistic expectations of the result. We therefore highly recommend a conversation with our plastic surgeon for the best insight into what is right for you and your breasts. In general, this is an intervention with a very high percentage of satisfied patients with both cosmetic benefits and medical benefits in the form of less weight gain – it is very common to hear patients say that their only regret is that they had not had the surgery earlier!

We hope this has given you some of the information you need regarding breast reduction. You can book a no-obligation consultation with our skilled and experienced surgeon by filling out the book a consultation form on this page or by calling us on 51 55 85 00 .

The medical director for operations and procedures is plastic surgeon Bjørn Tore Haga.

Welcome to Stavanger Plastic Surgery!

Breast augmentation with prostheses

Breast augmentation with prostheses

For over 50 years, the insertion of silicone breast implants has been the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the world.

Book a consultation

Would you like a consultation from our doctor or answers to your questions? Fill out the form and we will contact you!

Please do not share sensitive personal information in the inquiry.

There are many reasons to want larger breasts. You may feel they are too small or don't have the shape you want, or you may want to replace lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

This page contains information for those of you considering breast augmentation with silicone implants. Although we have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible, we recommend a conversation with our highly experienced and skilled plastic surgeons for the best insight into what is right for you and your breasts. Such a consultation is non-binding, and can be booked by either calling us on 51 55 85 00 or by filling out the form book a consultation on this page.

– Is it safe to have silicone breast implants?

Silicone has been used as a prosthetic material since the early 1960s. Silicone provides soft prostheses and is almost always preferable to, for example, saline. While prostheses were previously made with liquid silicone, today only prostheses are made with silicone that is completely dimensionally stable (so-called cohesive gel). This means that silicone will never “leak” into the body from the prostheses.

Large international studies over a long period of time have clearly shown that modern silicone implants generally do not pose any health risks. Breast augmentation with silicone implants can therefore be considered a safe procedure.

Who can get breast implants?

All healthy women can basically get breast implants. The minimum age for plastic surgery in Norway is 18 years, and we always start with a consultation where the doctor and patient together consider the case.

There are certain conditions that mean that someone cannot or should not have implants inserted. This applies, for example, to known bleeding disorders, blood clotting tendencies, serious mental illness and allergies to anesthetics. If you have had a serious eating disorder, you must provide a statement from the treating psychologist or doctor who approves the operation. Breastfeeding must have ended at least 3 months before the operation. It is recommended that women over 40 years of age have a mammogram before surgery. To ensure rapid healing and reduce risk, smokers should reduce nicotine use to an absolute minimum in the last 14 days before surgery. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, this must be clarified with our surgeon well in advance of the operation.

– Which prosthesis should I choose?

Breast implants come in different sizes and shapes. When it comes to shape, there are two main types: anatomical or round .

Most people choose round implants. Anatomical implants have a teardrop shape with extra fullness at the bottom to mimic the shape of natural breasts. Which shape is best for you depends on your desired enhancement and the shape and size of your breasts.

In general, one can say that there is not a big difference between round and anatomical implants, but those who want more fullness up top (more "push" in the "cleavage") often choose round implants, while anatomical implants are a good choice if you want the most natural shape possible or need extra fullness in the breasts below nipple level (e.g. slightly sagging or "tubular" breasts).

To find the right prosthesis size, you need to look at the different dimensions of a prosthesis. While it is the plastic surgeon who largely determines the height and width of the prosthesis depending on the size of your chest and breasts, you can largely help choose the size yourself by determining the projection , that is, how much the prosthesis should protrude from the chest.

Prostheses can therefore be divided into different groups depending on the size or how much projection the prostheses have. In general, it can be said that those with the least projection (moderate or moderate plus profiles) are intended for a natural look for those who either have very small breasts or for those who have lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you want extra large or protruding breasts, it will be appropriate to choose prostheses with a larger projection.

– What size should I choose?

The size of the prostheses is naturally something that many people are very concerned about. Prosthetic size is stated in milliliters (ml or cc) or in grams (which is almost the same). Which size is right for you depends mainly on how big your breasts are and the shape and size of your breasts. Those with looser breasts with a lot of “extra” skin may need larger prostheses or a simultaneous breast lift. The most common sizes are between 200 and 400 ml. A rule of thumb is that for an average slim woman, 250 ml corresponds to an increase of about one cup size (for example, from B to C).

It is important to us that you are satisfied with your choice of prosthesis and that your wishes are largely taken into account. However, there are certain limitations that mean that you cannot enter just any size for everyone. In principle, it would be natural to assume a prosthesis that provides so-called "proportional" breast enlargement. This means that your new breasts should at least to some extent match the rest of your body.

Not only can it be technically impossible to have very large implants inserted, they can also cause problems in the form of sagging breasts, stretch marks, uneven skin and pain in the breasts/shoulders/back. During the consultation, we at the clinic have various trial implants that can be inserted into the bra as inserts. This can give you an indication of which size is best for you.

Is there any difference in which brand of prosthesis is used?

There are a number of different prostheses on the market. As with all other products, both price and quality vary here. At Stavanger Plastic Surgery, we have two brands – both high-quality prostheses with good scientific documentation. Mentor is the first brand and considered to be of the very best quality with good scientific documentation to be very safe over many, many years. For example, Mentor is approved by the American FDA, which has the strictest rules for product approval - not all prostheses are FDA approved and it may be important to check this before you decide which type of prosthesis you want inserted into your body. Mentor prostheses are handmade and undergo a wide range of quality tests for maximum safety. They are also followed by the market's best warranty scheme, including a lifetime warranty against product defects and a 10-year warranty against capsule formation. The prostheses also have a patented rough surface that is intended to reduce the chance of folding in the skin and capsular contractions. They naturally come in a wide range of sizes and shapes to ensure that there is a model that is the best fit for you. The other brand we can offer is Motiva which we have had since the fall of 2016. Motiva prostheses have become quite popular in a short time due to a special type of silicone gel that feels very soft and natural. Motiva also comes with good warranty schemes and even has a built-in sensor that allows the surgeon to find out what kind of prosthesis you have even afterwards using a scanner.

Should the prosthesis be placed above or below the muscle?

An important decision that you and your surgeon must agree on is where the prosthesis should be placed. It should either be placed above or below the large chest muscle (pectoralis major). Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. An important difference between the two methods is how the breast looks at the upper edge, the “neckline” – that is, the part of the breast that is above the bra. If the prosthesis is placed over the muscle and you are very thin, there will be a much greater chance that the edge of the prosthesis will “show”, that is, it may be a little too visible that you have had surgery. If you are slim and looking for a natural result with the least possible visible transition to the edge of the prosthesis, it will then be best to place the prosthesis under the muscle. If you have somewhat fuller coverage with breast tissue, it will often be sufficient to place the prosthesis over the muscle. This is also done if you want there to be a visible and full edge here (so-called “Hollywood cleavage”).

Another thing worth noting is that placing the prosthesis over the muscle is a much "gentle" procedure with less discomfort in the first few days after the operation. However, a prosthesis under the muscle provides somewhat better protection in relation to any hard capsule formation and also less chance of visible folds/unevenness, while another disadvantage with prostheses under the muscle is an uneven contour at the very bottom of the chest if you tend to have too much sagging in your breasts. Should the latter happen, it may be appropriate to do a small after-lift and this will then be considered a separate procedure. When placing the prostheses under the muscle, a small part of the pectoral muscle will be loosened in connection with the procedure. This will not initially be noticeable normally, but can be noticeable in certain sports where you are dependent on great strength.

You will receive full guidance on which method and prosthesis type is best suited for you during your conversation with our plastic surgeon, who has extensive experience and special expertise in this area.

Where should the scar be located?

In connection with breast augmentation, it has been common to place the scar in one of the following three places: under the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit. Going in around the nipple requires a relatively large nipple and has been shown to be somewhat more likely to cause infection. Access via the armpit often causes problems with the correct placement of the prosthesis and a significantly greater risk of less attractive scars. With us, the scar is therefore almost always placed under the breast. It is about 4-5cm long and tends to be very barely visible where it is hidden down against the breast fold.

The operation

If the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle, you will always need anesthesia (i.e. sleep). The operation takes about 45 minutes and you will normally need 1-2 hours of rest at the clinic before you are ready to go home.

For your maximum safety and comfort, you will always be looked after by 4 healthcare professionals in the operating room and 1-2 people in the recovery room. All are specialists in their field and have extensive experience in plastic surgery. You will also be given a private room after the operation with food and drinks included.

After the operation

When you leave the clinic, you should be picked up by someone you know. Due to the medications you have been given, you cannot drive yourself home. For the first 24 hours, you should have an adult with you and you should stay within a two-hour travel distance of the clinic. If necessary, we can help you arrange hotel accommodation near the clinic.

Upon departure, you will receive thorough oral and written information about the normal course of the surgery and what to do in the first few days after the surgery. It is important that you have planned well so that you have the opportunity to stay still for the first week. If you have small children, you will need help with lifting and the like for 1-2 weeks. Absence from work is usually for a week, but some people manage to go to work after a few days if you have an office-type job. Socializing usually goes well after about 1-2 weeks, while heavy physical activity such as running and weight training should be postponed until 5-6 weeks after the surgery, this is because it takes so long for the body to create a strong enough capsule around the prosthesis so that it does not move. It is therefore important to wear a supportive bra for the first 6 weeks after the surgery. It is generally recommended to wear a bra as much as possible afterwards to preserve the shape of the breast. This is especially true when you exercise. A free follow-up check-up is usually arranged.

Complications

Complications after breast augmentation are very rare. As with all operations, bleeding or infection can occur, however, it is very rare and our surgeons are available to help if this should happen. Should you receive a very hard blow to the prosthesis, such as a traffic accident, the prosthesis may be damaged. There will then be no leakage as modern prostheses do not have liquid silicone. However, a damaged prosthesis (detected on an MRI scan) must be replaced. However, this is very unusual and the prostheses are generally very durable.

Some people notice decreased or increased sensation in the skin around the scar or in the nipple. This usually resolves within a year. In very thin women, and especially those who place the implants over the pectoral muscle, something called "ripple" may occur, i.e. visible waves in the skin over the implant. This is because the capsule the body creates around the implant is smaller than the implant and thus squeezes it a little. Another known problem is so-called capsular formation. The body always forms a thin capsule around foreign bodies. This is considered an internal scar and is completely normal. As a rule, this capsule will not cause you any problems as it is thin and soft, but for a minority, this capsule can shrink and thicken, thus giving the breast both a hard implant to the touch and a worse shape. Should this happen in one breast, a new operation may be necessary if you experience discomfort with it. Capsular formation is not considered a complication, but a side effect of the procedure and does not mean that you have not tolerated the prosthesis or that any mistakes were made during the surgery.

Seroma is a spontaneous accumulation of clear tissue fluid that is probably due to tissue irritation or lymph leakage. Should this occur, you will be referred for ultrasound and ultrasound-guided aspiration with a view to examining for bacteria and cells. A condition that has been discovered in recent years is a very rare form of lymphoma (lymph cancer) known as BIA-ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). This is a condition particularly associated with textured prostheses (we do not have such prostheses with us!) and as of 2019 has been detected in just over 600 women worldwide (which is not so much when you know that over 30 million women have implants!). The condition also has a very good prognosis for the few who are affected. Remember not to confuse this with “regular” breast cancer, which affects about 1 in 10 women – no increased risk of “regular” breast cancer has been shown with breast implants.

Today's modern dentures are made to last a long time, with an expected lifespan before replacement of 12-15 years. 

We have soft and supportive bras for sale for use after surgery.

Book a consultation today by filling out the book a consultation form on this page or call us at 51 55 85 00 .

The medical director for operations and procedures is plastic surgeon Bjørn Tore Haga.

Welcome to Stavanger Plastic Surgery.