When it comes to rejuvenating your appearance, two popular options often come up – a facelift and facial fat grafting. Both procedures are designed to help you achieve a more youthful look, but they work in different ways and offer unique benefits.

If you’re trying to decide which procedure is right for you, here we’ll explore what each involves and how to choose the one that best suits your needs.

What is a facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, focuses on reducing the visible signs of ageing in the face and neck. It targets issues like sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of muscle tone.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the hairline and ears, then lifts and tightens the underlying tissues and muscles. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned to create a smoother, firmer appearance.

A facelift can address several areas of concern, including jowls, sagging cheeks, and loose skin on the neck. It’s particularly effective for those who have significant skin laxity and want a more dramatic, long-lasting result.

While a facelift can provide substantial improvement, it’s important to understand that it won’t stop the ageing process. However, it can take years off your appearance and give you a more refreshed, youthful look. You can also opt to undergo a mini facelift, which is less invasive than a full procedure.

What is facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing fat from one part of your body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into specific areas of your face. This technique is great for restoring lost volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours.

Unlike a facelift, which focuses on lifting and tightening, facial fat grafting adds fullness and helps to rejuvenate the face. The process begins with liposuction to harvest the fat, which is then purified and carefully injected into the areas that need volume, such as the cheeks, under-eye area, or around the mouth.

As the fat comes from your own body, there’s minimal risk of developing an allergic reaction, and the results are natural-looking and long-lasting.

Facial fat grafting is particularly beneficial for those who want to improve their facial features without undergoing more extensive surgery. It can also be combined with other procedures, like a facelift, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Which procedure is right for you?

Deciding between a facelift and facial fat grafting depends on your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. If you’re dealing with significant sagging skin and deep wrinkles, a facelift may be the best option to achieve the results you’re looking for. A facelift provides more dramatic and long-lasting results, particularly if your main concerns are related to loose skin and loss of muscle tone.

On the other hand, if your primary concern is volume loss, such as sunken cheeks or thinning lips, facial fat grafting might be the better choice. This procedure is less invasive than a facelift and is ideal for adding subtle, natural-looking fullness to your face. It’s also a great option if you want to avoid the longer recovery time associated with a facelift.

For some patients, a combination of both procedures might be the best approach. Combining a facelift with facial fat grafting allows you to address both skin laxity and volume loss, resulting in a more youthful and balanced appearance.

Before making a decision, it’s important to consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon who can assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate procedure. They can help you understand the benefits and limitations of each option and create a personalised treatment plan.

In the end, whether you choose a facelift, facial fat grafting, or a combination of both, the goal is to feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Schedule an appointment with Mr Nigel Horlock to discover which procedure will help you achieve your desired results.

A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has revealed that for the third year in a row, liposuction has remained the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. While it has always featured in the top five procedures, since 2021 its popularity has skyrocketed.

Here, we look at the reasons lipo remains the leading choice for so many patients.

Fast recovery and little downtime

One of the primary reasons why lipo continues to be the most sought-after cosmetic procedure is its fast recovery time and minimal downtime. Unlike more invasive surgeries, after liposuction, patients can return to their daily routine relatively quickly. Most people resume light activities within a few days and return to their normal routine within a couple of weeks.

The advanced techniques used in liposuction today have significantly reduced the recovery time and discomfort associated with the procedure. These methods involve smaller incisions, less tissue trauma, and reduced bleeding, which all contribute to a quicker and smoother recovery process.

Kickstart a healthier lifestyle

Another reason for the sustained popularity of lipo is its potential to inspire a healthier lifestyle. While liposuction is not a weight loss solution, it can provide the motivation needed to maintain a healthy weight and adopt better lifestyle habits. Many patients find that after seeing the results of their liposuction, they are more inclined to stick to a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to preserve their new body shape.

The procedure can also improve self-esteem and body image, which are critical components of overall health and wellbeing. Feeling good about your appearance often translates into increased confidence and a greater willingness to engage in physical activities.

This positive cycle of improved self-image and healthier habits can lead to long-term benefits that extend far beyond the initial cosmetic improvements.

Removing stubborn pockets of fat

Liposuction excels at removing stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Even with a healthy lifestyle, certain areas of the body, such as the abdomen and thighs, can retain unwanted fat deposits. These stubborn areas can be frustrating and demotivating for those who have worked hard to achieve their fitness goals.

Liposuction provides a targeted solution to these problem areas. By precisely sculpting and contouring the body, it can create a smoother, more proportionate appearance.

The precision of liposuction allows for customised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique body shape and aesthetic goals. Whether it’s refining the contours of the abdomen, hips, thighs, or arms, the procedure offers a versatile and effective way to achieve the desired results.

If you are considering undergoing liposuction, schedule an appointment with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

Eye bags are a common concern, often giving the face a tired or aged appearance. While they can result from lack of sleep or lifestyle factors, a recent study has shown that genetics may also play a significant role.

Here, we will explore the findings of the recent study and the best way to address inherited eye bags.

Study shows genes linked with eyelid sagging

A recent study carried out in Paris, aimed to uncover the genetic risk factors behind eyelid sagging, a key contributor to eye bags. It included a total of 502 Caucasian women aged 44 to 70 and found significant genetic links between them. Researchers used standardised photographs to grade the severity of sagging, and conducted a genome-wide association study, adjusting for age and smoking habits.

The study identified two specific genetic markers on chromosome 10, rs16927253 and rs4746957, which were strongly associated with the severity of eyelid sagging. These markers showed a protective effect against sagging.

The research suggests that certain genes, particularly those involved in the H2A histone family and nearby genes related to collagen and cellular processes, play a role in how our eyelids age and sag.

What treatments can help fix inherited eye bags?

Many people turn to fillers as a quick fix for under-eye bags. While fillers can temporarily smooth out the area, they are not always the most effective long-term solution. Fillers need to be repeated regularly to maintain results, which can be costly and time-consuming.

If you are looking for a more lasting solution, blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a better option. This surgical procedure can address the underlying causes of eye bags and provide long-term results, making it a popular choice for those with significant eyelid sagging.

Correcting eye bags with blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids, effectively reducing the appearance of eye bags. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids, ensuring minimal visible scarring. The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance.

This surgery not only improves how the eye area looks, but it can also improve the function of the eyelids, reducing any discomfort caused by sagging skin. Recovery from blepharoplasty typically involves some swelling and bruising, which subsides within a few weeks, revealing the final results.

If you are looking for a long-lasting solution to inherited eye bags, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock to see if surgery could be the ideal option for you. With a personalised approach, he can help you achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance.

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to get beach ready! While the clock may be ticking, there’s still time to undergo some quick and effective procedures to help you achieve that confident summer body.

Here we’ll explore some of the best procedures you can undergo right now to look and feel fantastic in your swimsuit.

Sculpt your curves with liposuction

One of the most popular and effective procedures to get beach-ready is liposuction. It targets those stubborn fat deposits that just won’t budge, no matter how much you diet or exercise.

Liposuction can help sculpt your body by removing excess fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms. The procedure involves a small incision through which a thin tube, or cannula, is inserted to suction out fat cells. The recovery period is relatively short, with most people returning to their daily activities within a week or two.

Results are typically noticeable almost immediately, with continued improvement as swelling subsides. So, if you’re looking to trim and tone in time for summer, liposuction could be the perfect option.

Boost your confidence with breast procedures

When it comes to achieving your dream summer body, breast procedures can make a huge impact. Two popular options are a breast lift and breast augmentation.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed to raise and firm the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure is ideal if you’re looking to counteract the effects of ageing, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. The result is a more youthful and uplifted breast contour, perfect for that bikini top.

If you’re looking for a fuller bust, breast augmentation might be the way to go. This procedure involves inserting implants to increase breast size and improve shape. While the full recovery period for breast augmentation can take a few months, many patients feel comfortable showing off their new look in as little as a few days. With advancements in surgical techniques, bruising and swelling are minimised.

Achieve smooth, toned legs with a thigh lift

For many, the thighs are a troublesome area where fat and loose skin can accumulate. A thigh lift is a fantastic option to achieve smoother, firmer legs. This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the inner and outer thighs, resulting in a more toned and contoured appearance.

During the thigh lift procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations to minimise visible scarring. The recovery period varies, but most people can expect to resume light activities within a couple of weeks. As with other procedures, results will continue to improve as swelling decreases, and the final, more sculpted look is revealed.

With these procedures, there’s still time to achieve your beach body goals before summer hits. Whether you’re looking to slim down, enhance your curves, or tighten up loose skin, there’s a solution to help you feel confident and ready to hit the sand.

According to the latest statistics from an annual survey carried out by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, continues to be one of the most sought-after procedures for both men and women. This surgery not only improves the appearance of the eyes, but also offers several other significant benefits.

Here we’ll explore the advantages of opting for eyelid surgery to give you an idea of why it is so popular.

Helping you appear more youthful and alert

One of the primary benefits of eyelid surgery is its ability to make a person look more youthful and alert. As we age, our eyelids can droop or become puffy due to excess tissue. This can make us look more tired or older than we feel.

A blepharoplasty procedure can correct these issues by removing or repositioning excess tissue, tightening the skin, and reducing puffiness around the eyes. The result is a fresher, more youthful appearance that makes you look as awake and energetic as you feel.

Creating a smoother forehead

Often, people don’t realise how much they strain their forehead muscles to lift sagging eyelids. This constant straining can lead to deep wrinkles and creases on the forehead. Eyelid surgery eases this strain by correcting the sagging or drooping eyelids, which in turn can lead to a smoother forehead.

With less need to raise your eyebrows to see better, your forehead can relax, reducing the appearance of lines and giving you a more relaxed facial expression.

Self-confidence benefits

Eyelid surgery doesn’t just improve how you look, it also boosts how you feel. According to the recent statistics released by the AAFPRS, eyelid surgery was one of the top three procedures carried out on men, demonstrating its popularity across genders.

By enhancing the most expressive features of the face – the eyes – blepharoplasty can significantly boost self-confidence. Men and women who undergo this procedure often report feeling more confident in their personal and professional interactions.

Minimal scarring and lasting results

Another significant advantage of eyelid surgery is that it offers a long-term solution to eye ageing with minimal visible scarring. The incisions made during the surgery are strategically placed in the natural creases or inside the lower eyelid, making them nearly invisible once healed. As a result, the improvements are not only effective but also subtle, providing a rejuvenated look without obvious signs of surgery.

The effects of this surgery are long-lasting, giving patients a lasting boost to their appearance and self-esteem.

If you are considering undergoing eyelid surgery and want to explore how it could benefit you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock. Whether you’re looking to appear more alert, smooth out your forehead, or simply feel better about how you look, eyelid surgery might be the perfect solution for you.