breast reduction

At one time, breast enlargements were one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries in the UK. Patients were looking to go as big as they could, regardless of whether or not they looked natural. These days however, surgeons are starting to see more of a trend towards breast reductions.

Here, we’ll look at why breast reduction is starting to take over the breast augmentation sector.

Breast reduction moves up top cosmetic surgeries list

The latest cosmetic trends to watch in 2021 have been announced and smaller breasts made the list. According to the British Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), there has been a dramatic rise in the number of breast reductions requested.

Many patients are choosing to have their implants downgraded to smaller ones, or removed entirely. When breast augmentation is requested, there is now very much a demand for natural looking results. It is a huge contrast to the larger breast trend the industry has been experiencing since the 1990’s.

Why have attitudes changed?

There are a number of factors said to be behind the change in attitude surrounding smaller boobs. The rise of the health and wellness sector has inspired many women to embrace their natural looks. Their values are changing, no longer solely consumed with aesthetic concerns.
Larger breasts are also known to come with a number of downsides. They can impact the types of exercise you do, as well as cause pain and discomfort. A reduction is therefore seen as a way to overcome these challenges.

Social media and celebrities have also played a role. The top celebrities at the time always influence cosmetic trends. In recent years, actresses such as Kristen Stewart have been favoured, famous for their petite body shape.

Natural is definitely the look most patients are aiming for these days. A breast reduction is a great way to make the breasts more manageable and achieve a natural look.

More active lifestyles

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant change in lifestyle. In order to help combat the virus, it has been recommended we become as healthy as we can be. That means becoming more active, especially during lockdown.

The trouble is larger breasts don’t fit in well with a more active lifestyle. They can get in the way, cause discomfort, and generally cause a lot of frustration. The larger the breasts the harder it is to work out and carry out daily activities. This has led to many patients seeking a breast reduction.

Overall, there has definitely been a significant shift in surgery of the breast. Even those who are choosing to go larger, are ensuring they look natural and not go too large.

Prior to undergoing a breast reduction, or a breast augmentation procedure, patients should always undergo a consultation. This will help to determine what results they can expect and whether or not it is right for them. Get in touch with Mr Horlock today to find out more.

genioplasty

Looking to enhance your face without the constant need for Botox top-ups? Genioplasty could be the answer.

There has been a recent increase in the number of patients seeking jawline Botox. Driven by selfies, social media and Zoom video calls, the non-invasive treatment has become one of the most requested procedures at clinics across the country. However, results from Botox are only temporary and will need to be topped up.

Genioplasty offers a more permanent solution to help you achieve the perfect jawline. Learn more about this effective procedure below.

What is Genioplasty?

Genioplasty is most commonly referred to as chin surgery.

There are two main types of Genioplasty. The first uses implants to alter the shape, and a second type is to change the chin’s position or alignment. Both procedures are common among both men and women.

The surgery itself takes 60 to 90 minutes (a day case), and is often performed alongside a rhinoplasty surgery (reshaping of the nose) to maximise results. An incision is made through the inside of the mouth or under the chin, so there should be no visible scarring.

It is important you have the surgery performed by an experienced, specialist surgeon. This will ensure you end up with the best results and it will reduce the risks of the surgery.

What results can it provide?

Genioplasty delivers excellent results. While exact results will vary between patients, generally speaking you will see a noticeable improvement in the chin and jawline. If you have chosen to have implants, you can rest assured they will provide a natural look. It will take around four weeks to fully notice the results.

The recovery process

You can usually resume your daily tasks within a week after Genioplasty. You will likely experience some discomfort for a few days after the surgery. However, this can be controlled with over the counter pain medication.

The main thing to keep in mind is that you will need to keep your head more elevated when you sleep. This means sleeping on your back for around a couple of weeks. In terms of strenuous activities, you can resume more demanding tasks within three to four weeks.

Are there any risks and complications?

All types of cosmetic surgery carry some level of risk. With Genioplasty, there are very few risks and complications associated with the procedure. The main risks to be aware of include infection, the implant may shift in position, poor scarring and internal bleeding. The latter is very rare, but you still need to be aware that it could happen.

Mr Horlock will talk through the risks and complications with you during the consultation. This will help you to decide whether or not to go through with the procedure.

To find out if Genioplasty is the right option for you, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today. When performed correctly, chin surgery can significantly enhance the jawline, giving it a more contoured appearance.

facial surgery

During the first lockdown, the number of patients requesting facial surgery procedures rose significantly. A number of factors are thought to be contributing towards the increase.

Alongside having extra time off from work and the pressure of video calling, it is thought many people are turning to surgery to feel better.

Here, we’ll look at the factors driving people to undergo surgery and the most common procedures they are opting for.

Why are facial procedures more popular now?

Facial procedures have soared throughout the pandemic. Some of the reasons cited for the boom in procedures include:

  • Mask wearing highlights certain areas of the face
  • The rise in Zoom video calls
  • Additional time spent on social media
  • People now have more time to get work done

Wearing masks has highlighted parts of the face, such as the eyes. This has led to many people developing insecurities over how certain parts of their face look. Many are undergoing surgery to correct these new-found imperfections.

There has also been a rise in video calls, forcing people to confront how they look. Additional social media use may have driven demand for facial surgery in order to help people look and feel their best.

With millions of workers furloughed, there is now time to get work done that they may have been considering for a while. As they don’t have to see anybody, it gives them the opportunity to get the work done without anybody noticing.

As the lockdowns have continued, it has also caused the symptoms of mental health issues to increase. Many people are feeling down about the situation, using surgery as a way to pick themselves up. These are just some of the main reasons facial surgery procedures have increased since the pandemic began.

Which treatments are patients requesting?

Some of the most requested treatments include eyelid lifts, facelifts and brow lifts. Full facelifts are the most extensive procedure you can undergo to alter the face.

The less invasive treatments tend to be more popular due to how quick and often painless they are. Eyelid and brow lifts have the potential to significantly change the facial appearance, helping patients to look much younger.

The only treatment that can target dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and on the brow, also known as crow’s feet or frown lines, are Muscle Relaxing Injections. These have also seen a surge in popularity as mask wearing has put all the attention on the eyes and upper third of the face.

Overall, people do seem to be spending more on their face to make themselves feel better during these uncertain times.

It is important not to rush into surgery on the face. To learn whether a facial treatment is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

Tummy tuck

As we enter the new year, millions of people look towards getting fitter and healthier.

You may be considering a quick fix to achieve a more toned and sculpted stomach. But is a tummy tuck really the answer to achieve the body you’ve been dreaming of?

Here, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the abdominoplasty procedure.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is known as an abdominoplasty procedure. It focuses on toning up the abdominal area, rather than helping patients to lose weight.

It aims to remove small stubborn pockets of fat which won’t shift through diet and exercise alone, while tightening up the muscles and eliminating sagging skin.

There are different types of tummy tucks available including the full and the mini tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck is less invasive and ideal for those looking to treat the lower part of the umbilicus.

Other options include an extended abdominoplasty and a Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will advise you which type of tummy tuck is right for you. Another option, if skin and muscle tone isn’t a problem, is liposuction to remove excess fat.

What results can I expect?

The results you can expect will depend upon the type of tummy tuck you undergo and the extent of the work that needs to be done. The good news is an abdominoplasty procedure can produce results which last a lifetime.

You will discover more about the results you can expect when you attend your consultation.

Are there limitations?

It is important to understand that there are limitations to what a tummy tuck can do. As mentioned earlier, it isn’t a procedure that will help you to lose weight. So, if you’re looking to lose the pounds, this isn’t the right procedure for you.

What risks and complications do I need to be aware of?

Like any procedure, a tummy tuck does come with some risks and complications. These include:

  • Problems with wound healing
  • Infection
  • Excess fat or skin at the corners of the incision site
  • Pain and discomfort

Generally speaking, tummy tucks are low-risk procedures. However, they are known to be painful during recovery, particularly if you have undergone a full abdominoplasty. Being aware of the risks helps you to determine whether you should go ahead.

These are just some of the most common questions about the procedure. While it can help to tone up the abdominal area, you do need to consider whether it is the right option for you.

Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today if you have any questions about abdominoplasty, and to discover whether you would be a suitable candidate.

Breast reduction

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, patients are generally asked to wait until they are in their twenties before they undergo a procedure. This is to ensure the body has had plenty of time to fully develop and patients are in a much better position to make the decision of whether or not to undergo surgery. However, some procedures are suitable for younger patients, such as a breast reduction.

Here, we will look at the benefits of breast reduction for young women and the top things to consider.

Why would young women benefit from a breast reduction?

Larger breasts aren’t just a potential aesthetic issue for patients. In many cases they can also be a health concern. Young women who develop larger breasts are often plagued with back pain, rashes and trouble carrying out certain daily activities. In these cases, a breast reduction could drastically improve quality of life.

While not all young patients are suitable for a breast reduction, those who are should definitely consider it as a treatment option.

Why are some surgeons hesitant to operate on adolescents?

Despite the potential benefits, there are some surgeons who are reluctant to operate on younger patients. The main reasons for this include the fact that the breasts may continue to grow after surgery, and there is a question over developmental maturity.

If a breast reduction were to be carried out before the body has finished developing, it could lead to undesirable results. It could also lead to an additional procedure being required if the breasts do grow even larger.

So, while a breast reduction can be beneficial to younger patients, not all will be eligible for the procedure. This is why surgeons tend to be more reluctant to operate on adolescents.

Studies show favourable outcomes for younger patients

Despite the concerns many surgeons have over operating on younger patients, studies have shown it can deliver favourable outcomes.

A study published in the September 2019 issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, showed a breast reduction is an effective procedure for younger patients. The study included 512 adolescent girls, aged 12 to 21 who had undergone a breast reduction. It showed that while minor complications are common, it drastically improved quality of life in most patients.

Top things to consider before undergoing a breast reduction

While undergoing a breast reduction can deliver a lot of benefits for younger patients, there are still things to consider.
The complications, although minor, should be considered. The most common complications include a raised or thickened scar, and continued breast growth. In the study mentioned earlier, approximately 5% of patients experienced continued breast growth after the procedure.

So, younger patients who are suffering with the negative effects of larger breasts can experience a lot of benefits from a breast reduction procedure. However, it is important to undergo a consultation to determine whether now is the right time to have the surgery. There are things to consider and ideally, the breasts should have stopped growing before a reduction is carried out.

questions about facelifts

Facelifts are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.

Prior to undergoing any form of surgery, it is important to know everything you can about the procedure. So, before booking a facelift, take a look at the answers to some of the most common questions about facelifts below.

What is a facelift and what does it involve?

Facelifts, otherwise referred to as Rhytidectomy, are designed to give the face a much younger appearance. The aim is always to make you look refreshed, but not different. The results should always appear natural.

Typically, a facelift will involve elevating the skin and tightening the underlying muscles and tissues that support the face. Fat may be redistributed to restore volume where it has been lost. Any excess skin will be removed before the flaps are sutured closed.

While a facelift can tighten up the skin, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Other treatments, including non-surgical injectables like dermal fillers, may be required to address these signs of ageing.

What is the recovery process like?

When you undergo a facelift, you will usually be able to return home the same day. Dressings will be used to protect the face and they will need to be worn until you go for your first check-up.

It is common to experience some level of discomfort for the first week. This will disappear over time and can be managed with over the counter pain relief if needed. You’ll need to avoid light activity for a couple of weeks, and strenuous activity for up to six weeks. Bruising and swelling may also still be present for a couple of weeks after the procedure.

What risks and complications should I be aware of?

Facelifts are generally considered a low-risk procedure. However, like any surgery, there are some risks and complications you need to be aware of.

The most common risks of a facelift include bleeding, infection, bruising and swelling and asymmetry. There is also the risk of poor wound healing, particularly in patients who smoke.

Your surgeon will be able to tell you which risks and complications you are susceptible to during your consultation.

How long do results typically last?

One of the best things about facelifts is they can help you to look up to ten years younger. However, it’s important to know that the results aren’t permanent. You may be able to cover it up, but you cannot stop the ageing process completely. So, over time your face will once again start to show the signs of ageing unless you undergo an additional facelift procedure.

How long the results of your facelift last will depend upon a lot of factors. However, you will always look younger than if you’d not undergone the procedure and it is safe to have further facial rejuvenation surgery in the future.

Facelifts are commonly requested by patients, but many don’t realise what they can and cannot do. The above are some of the most important things to know about the procedure before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.

If you have more questions about facelifts, the procedure or to discover if you are an ideal candidate, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

These days, equality has improved drastically compared to how it used to be. However, discrimination isn’t totally dead. Women are still fighting to be treated equal within the workplace and a driving demand for cosmetic surgery is being led by age discrimination.

A preliminary report has shown that many patients seeking cosmetic procedures believe they’ve been discriminated against because of their age. Here, we’ll look at how age discrimination is driving the demand for cosmetic surgery.

What the latest cosmetic surgery study tells us

The new study carried out by the University of Pennsylvania is the first to look into age discrimination as a driver for cosmetic surgery. It surveyed 50 patients over the age of 18, at the university’s cosmetic surgery clinic. Two-thirds of these patients were undergoing anti-ageing treatments.

Over 30% of the participants claimed they had been discriminated against because of their age. They claim they have been treated poorly at restaurants and are treated with less courtesy and respect than others because of their age.

The study also found a link between self-rated health and age discrimination. It also found those who had experienced age discrimination, expected to face it again in the future. This ultimately leads to much lower self-esteem, which is what could be driving the cosmetic surgery trend in older patients.

Should patients be referred to mental health professionals?

The researchers are hoping the findings of this study will help dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to better treat older patients. Those who are undergoing treatment because of age discrimination should be educated on the realistic results they can expect from the procedure.

In some cases, it may even be beneficial for surgeons to refer older patients to mental health professionals. If age discrimination is driving their need for surgery, it might not provide them with the results they are expecting. Any patient suffering from mental health issues should seek help before deciding whether or not surgery is right for them.

The importance of realistic expectations

Anti-ageing procedures can significantly help patients to feel much more confident. However, the results will depend upon numerous factors. No anti-ageing procedure is a miracle cure. They also don’t stop the natural ageing process.

Those who are seeking cosmetic surgery due to age discrimination might not feel differently about themselves after the procedure. This is something many older patients don’t understand. As well as changing the outer appearance, these patients would benefit most from seeking help for how they feel psychologically. Unless the emotional issues are addressed, cosmetic surgery is unlikely to help patients develop the increased self-esteem they’re looking for.

While cosmetic surgery can prove to be beneficial to older patients, this recent study highlights the importance of assessing the reasons behind why the patient wants the procedure. Cosmetic surgeons need to ensure the patient knows what to expect and how their experience with age discrimination might impact how they feel about the results. Going under the knife is a major decision and should only be done for the right reasons.

The facelift has always been a popular cosmetic procedure. Helping patients to look sometimes decades younger, its results can last for years.

The way in which facelifts are performed has changed dramatically over the decades. Thanks to advancements within facial aesthetic surgery, newer techniques have helped to produce more natural-looking results.

Here, we’ll look at how the facelift has evolved and what you can expect from the procedure today.

The beginning of the facelift

The facelift procedure was developed just over 100 years ago. Due to how secretive the procedure used to be, it’s difficult to pinpoint its exact origins. However, it is known that both American and European surgeons were experimenting with facial lifting techniques in the early 1890s.

The results of these early facelift procedures were much different from what we see today, however. Although it started out as a secretive procedure, results were anything but natural. Elliptical incisions were used in earlier facelifts, along with fat excisions.

It was down to World War I that facelift procedures really started to take off. A greater need for facial reconstructive surgery meant the facelift evolved at record speed. Improvements within anaesthesia also aided in the progression of the treatment.

The difficulty with earlier facelifts is that they largely only addressed the skin. This meant that the results were short-lived. Over time, surgeons began focusing on the underlying tissue to produce longer-lasting results. It was in 1976 that the SMAS technique was introduced as the standard facelift technique, developed by Tord Skoog. This was the first significant change within the industry in more than 50 years.

The development of the modern facelift

The modern facelift procedure emerged in the 80s and 90s. After the development of the Deep Plane Rhytidectomy technique, surgeons became more focused on minimally invasive techniques. Previous techniques required a long operating time and an extensive recovery period. So, surgeons wanted to develop a technique that would reduce both the surgery and the recovery time, while still producing great results.

A demand for less downtime saw more minimally invasive procedures be introduced including the thread lift which became particularly popular in the late 1990s. Here, barbed threads were placed into the subcutaneous, then pulled to achieve a tighter lift. However, this technique also provided limited results.

In recent years, it is claimed that a non-surgical facelift can be achieved by combining energy-based skin treatments, dermal fillers and wrinkle smoothing injections. These aesthetic treatments can achieve good, albeit short-term, results for men and women that are just starting to see the signs of facial ageing, but for older patients a surgical facelift often remains the most appropriate option.

What can facelift patients expect today?

Today, there are a number of facelift techniques which can be used and a facelift procedure is often combined with other surgical procedures such as a brow lift, eyelid lift or neck lift. Non-surgical treatments can also be used to produce the optimal outcome.

If you’re interested in addressing the signs of facial ageing, arrange a facelift consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock to discuss your options. The facelift has certainly come a long way since its inception. Improvements in anaesthesia, surgical tools and techniques have made it a much safer, more natural-looking procedure.

A new cosmetic surgery show due to be hosted on Channel 4 has come under fire for exploitation. The show, which sees a panel vote on whether participants should undergo cosmetic surgery, is being dubbed by MPs as “tawdry and exploitative”.

Alex Mahon, the chief executive of Channel 4, alongside its chairman, Charles Gurassa, were both questioned by the Commons culture select committee. They asked whether the broadcaster had forgotten its responsibilities to the public in favour of titillating and voyeuristic viewing.

Why is the Surjury show is causing controversy?

The new show, dubbed Sujury, is due to be aired on Channel 4 sometime in 2020. There is set to be 12 jury members who will vote on whether members of the public who applied to the show could use the procedure they are considering. These jury members are made up of both experts and peers.

The reason the show has come under fire is that it is taking people who already have low self-esteem, and potentially encouraging them to undergo a serious surgical procedure. This could in fact make their self-esteem issues even worse.

Channel 4’s chief executive, Mahon, claims the show is helping to raise awareness of an important issue. He claims it isn’t intended to be a tawdry program. Instead, it is there to highlight the issue of how common cosmetic surgery is today. However, this hasn’t done anything to diminish the controversy surrounding the program.

Trivialising cosmetic surgery

The main concern is that Surjury is going to trivialise serious surgical procedures. A responsible cosmetic surgeon will always evaluate their patient’s expectations and reasons for surgery and will advise the patient that cosmetic surgery is not appropriate at this time.

It is important for patients to be aware of how life-changing cosmetic surgery can be. The majority, especially invasive procedures, cannot be reversed. This means without fully understanding the procedure and its risks, patients could end up regretting their decision to go under the knife. Cosmetic surgery of any kind is a big deal and it should never be rushed into.

The importance of cosmetic surgery preparation

Patients who are considering undergoing a cosmetic procedure are advised to review the guidelines provided by the BAAPS. The first guideline laid out by the professional body is to ensure it is you who is making the decision, nobody else. They also recommend doing as much research as you can into the procedure before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.

Equally important, is booking a consultation with an experienced and appropriately qualified plastic surgeon prior to undergoing the procedure as they will be able to fully explain all the potential risks and complications, as well as discussing what can be achieved.

Overall, cosmetic surgery is a big deal and it does require a lot of research and preparation before you decide whether or not to go under the knife. To arrange a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock to discuss any procedure in more depth, call 02380 764969.

A new study has revealed that men who undergo a facelift appear more trustworthy and likeable. It also interestingly showed that they appear as though they have better social skills. Here, we’ll review the study and its findings and also take a look at how male facelifts differ from female facial surgery procedures.

Results of a male facelift analysed

The new study included 24 men who underwent a facelift procedure and had an average age of 49. They each consented to have their before and after surgery photos shown to 145 respondents who were aged from 25 to 34 years old.

The respondents were asked to rate how extroverted, attractive, sociable, masculine, trustworthy, risk-seeking and aggressive the men appeared. However, they weren’t told about the surgery or the purpose of the study in order to rule out any risk of bias.

There was a total of six surveys created for the study, and the respondents didn’t see both photos. Some were shown the before photos, while others were shown the after photos. The results of these surveys revealed that after surgery, the men were rated more trustworthy, likeable and attractive.

Interestingly, surgery didn’t appear to alter the men’s masculinity ratings. There was also a more significant link between upper eyelid surgery and increased trustworthy and likeability ratings.

Men who choose to undergo a facelift, tend to have upper eyelid lifts, nose reshaping, chin implants, neck lifts and brow lifts.

How do male and female facelifts differ?

In general terms, the same approach is employed – the aim of facelift surgery is always to enhance the patient’s natural appearance and subtly rejuvenate the face – yet there are certain considerations that plastic surgeon Mr Nigel Horlock will take into account when approaching male facelift surgery in order to cater to their masculine features.

Facial hair is one thing which needs to be taken into account. When choosing an incision placement, the surgeon needs to ensure they aren’t damaging any of the hair follicles. There are also some anatomical differences between female and male faces. Males tend to have stronger ligament and skeletal structures, making it slightly more difficult to manipulate them surgically. Male facelifts often focus more on the lower portion of the face due to the thicker skin present in the area.

Women tend to have a more delicate facial appearance while men have stronger features; whereas a female facelift restores softer, more rounded and youthful contours, a male facelift aims to make the face appear more masculine and defined.

After the facelift, men also have an increased risk of swelling. This means the healing process can be a lot longer than it for women undergoing a facelift. These are just some of the main differences between the two procedures.

The interest in male cosmetic surgery continues to grow and for men who are contemplating a facelift but are concerned that surgery could make them look different rather than better, the results of this study could put your mind at rest. To find out if you’re suitable for a male facelift, call 02380 764969 to book a consultation with Mr Horlock.