Chief Surgeon

Dr Stefano Cotrufo

Dr Stefano Cotrufo is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 15 years’ experience working in London as a plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery specialist. He performs a wide range of plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures from his private practice in Harley Street.
Member of The European Union of Medical Specialists for Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
General Medical Council Registered Plastic Surgeon
realself Top Doctor Award
The Royal Society of Medicine Plastic Surgeon
BMA Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of British Society of Rhinoplasty Surgeons
Masters Educational Series, Implantech 2016, Facial & Body Contouring Implants Course Certified Plastic Surgeon

Vaser Liposuction

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VASER liposuction is a cutting-edge liposuction technique that enables fat deposits to be precisely targeted. Using ultrasound waves, this revolutionary fat removal treatment can offer incredible body contouring results with less downtime and less pain compared to other traditional liposuction treatments.

The average waistline reduction after a single treatment was about 1 inch (2.5 cm), which is typically equal to one dress or pant size. Full results are usually seen in 8 to 12 weeks, though individual results will vary.

Dr Cotrufo uses this state-of-the-art technology to produce eye-catching results in just one procedure. The procedure is tissue-selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. Why choose Vaser Lipo?

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All treatments are tailored to the individual and personal experiences and results may vary.

If you’ve struggled with weight gain, and exercise and diet just haven’t given you the dramatic transformation you’d like, VASER lipo can help. It is a suitable fat removal treatment for both men and women and is powerful enough to eliminate substantial areas of fat but gentle enough to treat delicate areas such as the neck and arms.

WHAT CAN VASER LIPOSUCTION ACHIEVE?
  • Produce eye-catching results in a single procedure

  • Easily remove large amounts of stored fat

  • Smooth skin even in delicate areas like the arms and neck

  • Refine and accentuate the appearance of muscles

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO VASER LIPO?

There are other non-surgical treatments such as that also seek to tackle fat and surgical options such as which you may want to consider depending on your individual circumstances. Speaking to Dr Cotrufo about your goals should help you decide on the most appropriate course of treatment(s).

Dr Cotrufo performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures and will advice on the best possible treatment to achieve your desired results.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOUR CONSULTATION?

Meeting with your surgeon before your procedure will help to set clear expectations and put in place the good communication that is fundamental for creating a comfortable and relaxing experience.

DURING YOUR VASER LIPO CONSULTATION, YOU WILL:
  • Be able to discuss your circumstances

  • Be given time to ask advice and pose questions to Dr Cotrufo

  • Undergo a health evaluation

  • Have a full assessment of your skin tone and the fat deposits and/or loose skin in the abdomen area

  • Discuss the options that are open to you, including costs and timescales

  • Ask about risks, benefits and alternatives to Vaser Lipo

  • Learn more about the procedure

In the run up to your procedure and in the days immediately before surgery, you may be asked to make small changes to your lifestyle and to avoid certain medications or activities.

This may include:

  • Taking a blood test or other medical tests

  • Stopping smoking

  • Adjusting or taking certain medications

  • Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Refraining from drinking alcohol

  • Avoiding overexposure in the sun, particularly to the abdomen

  • Committing not to make stringent changes to your diet

If you need a general anaesthetic for your procedure you will be given instructions on how to fast before your surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOUR VASER LIPO PROCEDURE?

As your treatment approaches, you may be asked to make some small lifestyle changes and asked to avoid particular activities and medications

This may include:

  • Stopping smoking to help reduce bruising and make the healing much faster

  • Adjusting or stop taking certain medications

  • Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Avoiding sun overexposure, particularly to the face

  • Committing to not making stringent changes to your diet

THE VASER LIPO PROCEDURE:

Ultrasound energy is used to treat unwanted fat, loosening the cells from other tissues so they can be gently removed through a small tube. Depending on the number of areas being treated, the procedure can take as little as one hour or up to several hours.

The tissue is then removed with a traditional liposuction tube.

  • The Vaser lipo system is moved around the area to be treated, and treats for 30-60 minutes. The targeted area is injected with a special saline solution (tumescent fluid) to numb the area and shrink local blood vessels. It also temporarily expands the volume of the target area, making fat cells easier to remove.

  • Small probes are then inserted into the body through small incisions. These probes resonate at a high ultrasound frequency, shaking fat cells loose while leaving surrounding tissues intact.

  • The loose fat cells mix with the tumescent fluid and then removed from the body using special cannulas which help preserve the tissue matrix.

  • After surgery, patients are prescribed a recovery regimen to promote maximum skin retraction and smooth results. Your physician may recommend massage therapy to enhance results and speed recovery.

AFTER YOUR VASER LIPOSUCTION SURGERY:
You will be able to leave the clinic straight after your procedure.

Over the next 8 to 12 weeks, your body naturally processes and removes the destroyed fat tissue.

  • Within 7 days following your surgery, depending on the area treated, you will have a wound check to assess your sutures which should gradually dissolve. Avoid getting the incision area wet as some warm moist environment harbours bacteria and may lead to a possible wound infection.

  • You should expect some bruising, swelling and pain after your procedure; some swelling may linger for several months.

  • You’ll be up and walking around comfortably after a day or two; please be aware that you may require some assistance in the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.

  • Your garment must be worn for between four-six weeks, as advised by your doctor, to aid healing, reduce swelling and, most importantly help ensure a good contour to your treated areas

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT VASER LIPOSUCTION?

Dr Cotrufo performs combinations of VASER, Laser, Power-assisted liposuction to face, neck, armschest, back, abdominal wall and lower limbs. If you have any questions about liposuction and whether it is right for you or you would like to discuss the level of care you will receive throughout your surgery if you choose to attend our clinic, please call 0207 8732330 to book a personal consultation.

Tummy Tuck & Mini Tummy Tuck

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A tummy tuck, technical name abdominoplasty, can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, increasing comfort, range of movement and confidence levels by restoring abdominal tone.  Tummy tuck is the most effective procedure in body contouring because it allows to reshape different anatomical planes. This includes muscle and the flank tightening, reducing fat volume and finally, eliminating excess skin, creating a “gown effect” possibly with stretch marks.

Tummy tuck can be selected to address any of the above problems individually or all at once. It is performed under general anaesthesia and requires very careful assessment as a major surgical procedure.

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Dr Cotrufo performs abdominoplasty under general anaesthesia. His patients are usually invited to stay in hospital for one or two nights for safety and comfort. Technical refinements such as deep-fascia suturing and use of dissolvable stitches allow him to achieve excellent results with very fine scars over the groin and around the “new belly button”. There are several techniques to perform a Tummy Tuck and Dr Cotrufo will advise you on the safest and best procedure to achieve your ideal shape.

Why choose abdominoplasty?

If your abdomen has been affected by a cycle of weight gain and loss, impacted by pregnancy, ageing or loss of skin laxity, abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck) may be an option.

A tummy tuck reduces the appearance of your abdomen through removal of excess skin and fat. The possibility to tighten the anterior abdominal muscles (recti abdominis muscles) and repair divarication of the muscles typically after multiple pregnancies makes the tummy tuck one of the most common procedures for women. We estimate that Dr Cotrufo performed 90% of his tummy tuck procedures on female patients after one or multiple pregnancies, while the remaining 10% comes following massive weight loss on both sexes. Our patients often find that Dr Cotrufo’s body contouring procedure helps them to feel more content, giving them the self-confidence to wear the clothes they always wanted to wear. The most amazing consequence of body contouring surgery is that patients feel so comfortable again to start taking good care of themselves and reach a much better level of fitness by exercising and dieting.

WHAT CAN ABDOMINOPLASTY ACHIEVE?
  • Restore tummy tone after weight gain and weight loss

  • Remove stubborn excess skin or fatty deposits from the abdominal wall

  • Shape and tone the belly after pregnancy

  • Can help ease lower back pain and improve posture

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY?

If your fat deposits and areas of loose skin are largely below the navel, you may select to undergo a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck.

Few young patients resistant to weight gain often need minor skin reduction along with repair of muscle divarication (diastasis of the recti) and with minimal skin reduction: they are also excellent candidates for a mini tummy tuck.

Umbilical hernias are common problems after pregnancy and they certainly represent contraindications for liposuction. A complete or mini tummy tuck procedure allows repair of the hernia, along with diastasis of the recti muscles with minimal skin reduction and repositioning of the belly button exactly where it is supposed to be.

Another option is to have abdominoplasty alongside liposuction for improved body contouring or to undergo liposuction on its own. From your first consultation, Dr Cotrufo will be very careful while taking you through all the possible options best suited to your goals.

BEFORE YOUR ABDOMINOPLASTY CONSULTATION

Clear communication between yourself and your plastic surgery team are vital for a relaxed and comfortable surgery experience. You need to feel sure about safety well before your surgery.

Dr Cotrufo always invites his patients for at least two consultations before any surgical procedure to make sure everything is clear. The targets are agreed in writing and patients are fully aware of the possible risks and complications associated with this tummy tuck.

DURING YOUR CONSULTATION, YOU WILL:
  • Be able to discuss your circumstances

  • Be given time to ask advice and pose questions to Dr Cotrufo

  • Undergo a health evaluation

  • Have a full assessment of your skin tone and the fat deposits and/or loose skin in the abdomen area

  • Discuss the options that are open to you, including costs and timescales

  • Ask about risks, benefits and alternatives to abdominoplasty

  • Learn more about the tummy tuck procedure

In the run-up to your procedure and in the days immediately before surgery, you may be asked to make small changes to your lifestyle and to avoid certain medications or activities.

This may include:

  • Taking a blood test or other medical tests

  • Stopping smoking

  • Refraining from drinking alcohol

  • Adjusting or stop taking certain medications

  • Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Avoiding overexposure in the sun, particularly to the abdomen

  • Committing not to make stringent dietary changes

If you need a general anaesthetic for your procedure you will be given instructions on how to fast before your surgery.

THE ABDOMINOPLASTY/TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
  • Depending on the complexity of your personal procedure, a tummy tuck will commonly last between 2 and 3 hours

  • The steps of the surgical procedure will vary if you are also undergoing other treatments such as liposuction.

  • To do this, your surgeon will make incisions from hipbone to hipbone and to free the navel from surrounding tissue.

  • Incisions are usually made at the level of the underwear line in order to conceal any possible scarring.

  • Your abdominal muscles may also be tightened during the procedure.

  • Once the incision(s) is stitched, dressings are applied and temporary tubes is inserted to drain excess fluid away. They are usually left in place for about 3 to 7 days.

THE PARTIAL ABDOMINOPLASTY/MINY TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
  • A mini tummy tuck procedure will generally last between 1 and 2.5 hours

  • During a mini tummy tuck, a shorter incision is made and the navel usually remains in place, though it may be reshaped when the skin is tightened and stitched

  • If no muscle repair is needed above the navel, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess removed and the flap is stitched back into place

  • If diastasis of the recti needs to be repaired above the belly button, the options are either to mobilise the belly button along with the abdominal skin flap (with no extra scars) and possibly lowering the belly button OR to leave the navel in its original position and create a new “opening” around it (with a new scar). This last option of “repositioning of the belly button” is obviously more complex to understand and Dr Cotrufo recommends discussing this carefully at consultation more than once until things are completely understood.

AFTER YOUR TUMMY TUCK

Once your procedure is complete, you are likely to feel bruised, swollen and sore, and you may find you have a drip in your arm to maintain hydration. You should be up and about in 24 to 48 hours. We advise to have a friend or relative to drive you home to help you after your tummy tuck for at least one week. Most patients are up and about within 2-4 days, but the statistics show that some patients take up to 7-10 days to be completely autonomous. This is completely unpredictable and this is why Dr Cotrufo recommends having assistance for at least 7 days after your tummy tuck.

After this:

  • You will be able to remove the small drainage tubes inserted during surgery once fluid production reduces. Usually 3-7 days.

  • Moderate pain and discomfort is likely for 3 to 5 days.

  • You should be able go in shower with warm water after the drains are removed. Until then, you can use wipes to clean your skin.

  • During the healing process, you will need to dress your wound as instructed by the clinic team.

  • You will be able to return to normal activities after 2-4 weeks but should continue to avoid strenuous exercise of all types for up to 6 weeks.

  • Most of the swelling should subside within 4 to 6 weeks, though it may take up to 3-6 months for the area to return to its final texture.

  • A series of aftercare appointments will be scheduled for you to attend, usually at week 1, 3 and 6, and 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Dr Cotrufo will also be available to discuss your progress via telephone.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT ABDOMINOPLASTY?

There are a number of differences between a mini tummy tuck and a full abdominoplasty, if you would like to learn more about these variances or what type of procedure is most suited to your personal circumstances and goals, Dr Cotrufo will be able to guide you through this decision-making process. Should you have any further questions about tummy tuck, you can book a consultation by calling our clinic on 0207 873 2330.

Liposuction

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Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used on the body and face to remove excess fat that does not respond well to diet and exercise; liposuction helps to contour the body and can boost self-confidence. Dr Cotrufo performs all different types of Liposuction including VASER, Laser, Traditional and Power-assisted procedures. Dr Cotrufo has only 5 stars reviews on both Google and RealSelf, thanks to the amazing results he achieves with his body sculpting. Dr Cotrufo has more than 12 years experience in mastering the liposuction technique and will certainly provide you with the best possible advice for your body contouring surgery.

Why choose liposuction?

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Even small areas of stubborn fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss or exercise can change the profile of your body and face. Suction-assisted lipectomy allows you to target these specific areas, enhancing the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheek or neck. Ultimately liposuction aims to restore a more masculine or feminine profile. In selected cases, Dr Cotrufo recommends using the VASER liposuction to perform a high-definition or mid-definition body contouring of abdominal wall, arms or buttock areas.

WHAT CAN LIPOSUCTION ACHIEVE?
  • Women use liposuction to shape the chin, their hips, thighs, knees, stomach and flanks as well as the under arm and breast area.

  • Men who seek liposuction commonly have liposuction to the chin, around the waist and to reduce enlarged breasts – known as gynecomastia.

  • Liposuction surgery represents the base for Fat Transfer and the Brazilian Butt Lift

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO LIPOSUCTION?

There may be liposuction alternatives that are more suited to your problem areas. For example, if you want to change the appearance of your abdominal area, you may find a tummy tuck or a combination of mechanic-assisted liposuction and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (VASER) would help you achieve your goals more effectively. Arm Lift and thigh lift procedures can often be combined with liposuction if the excess of skin is too large to follow a substantial fat reduction. Certainly, diet should be the first approach when possible, according to body habit, time and lifestyle.

BEFORE YOUR LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE:

Establishing which procedure is likely to be best for your specific needs, feeling confident and comfortable with your surgery journey is a process that requires good communication between you and your surgeon. This starts at your consultation, here you’ll have the opportunity to explain your personal circumstances and pose questions.

DURING YOUR CONSULTATION, YOU WILL:
  • Have the opportunity to explain your reasons for seeking liposuction.

  • Be given time to ask advice and pose questions to Dr Cotrufo

  • Undergo a health evaluation.

  • Have your fatty deposits and skin condition assessed

  • Discuss the body contouring options that are open to you, including costs and timescales.

  • Talk through potential risks as well as benefits.

  • Learn about the procedure and what will happen before, during and after your liposuction.

In the run-up to your fat removal surgery and in the days immediately prior, you may be asked to make lifestyle changes or to avoid particular medications and activities.

This may include:

  • Taking a blood test or other medical tests

  • Stopping smoking

  • Adjusting or taking certain medications

  • Avoiding aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Refraining from drinking alcohol

  • Avoiding overexposure to the sun

  • Committing not to make serious dietary changes

If you require a general anaesthetic for the procedure you will be instructed how to fast.

THE LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE:
  • The time required for liposuction varies according to the extent of the procedure and number of surgeries being performed but it is usually under 2 hours.

  • The size of the area, amount of fat being removed, type of anaesthesia and liposuction technique being used will dictate how long the procedure will take.

  • Tiny incisions (1.5cm) are made into the skin and tubes used to remove the excess fatty tissue

  • In VASER lipectomy and laser-assisted liposuction the fatty tissue is broken down further before being taken on

  • Incisions are closed with self-dissolving suture or left open with a suctioning drain for 2-7 days.

AFTER LIPOSUCTION:

When you wake up, you may find that you have a drip in your arm to maintain your hydration and it’s possible that a small drainage tube may be inserted under the skin to drain fluid away from the surgery area. Once you are able to drink and the fluid has reduced, these will be removed. You may need to stay in the clinic overnight.

After this:

  • You should ask a friend or relative to drive you home and assist with your liposuction recovery for the first 24-72 hours.

  • You will be required to wear a snug elastic garment or wrapped bandages

  • You should walk around as soon as possible

  • Sutures are usually self-dissolving so there is no need to struggle

  • Most swelling should subside within 3 weeks though some may remain for 6 months.

  • All types of vigorous exercise should be avoided for 1 month after surgery and you should also avoid hot and spicy foods

  • You will need to attend scheduled aftercare appointments with Dr Cotrufo, which are all included in the price of your surgery

  • It is essential to arrange lymphatic-drainage-massages to start immediately after surgery; our clinic can help you find the specialist closer to you.

STILL GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT LIPOSUCTION?

Our expert plastic surgeon Dr Cotrufo is an expert in body contouring and has considerable experience in performing only successful liposuction procedures.

As a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, he has worked in some of the best hospitals in the world and you will find only 5 star reviews about his liposuctions.

Dr Cotrufo performs combinations of VASER, Laser, Power-assisted liposuction to face, neck, armschest, backabdominal wall and lower limbs. If you have any questions about liposuction and whether it is right for you or you would like to discuss the level of care you will receive throughout your surgery if you choose to attend our clinic, please call 0207 8732330 to book a personal consultation.

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