best results from your facelift

Undergoing a facelift is a huge decision. It is an intensive procedure which can produce dramatic results when performed correctly. However, the results you see can be dependent on a number of factors.

If you’re looking to achieve the best results from your facelift, below you’ll discover some of the top things to consider.

Follow your cosmetic surgeon’s advice

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you’re following the surgeon’s aftercare advice. All good plastic surgeons provide full aftercare instructions. This could include how long you need to wear bandages for, advice on bathing and the amount of rest the body needs.

If you don’t follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice, you may not achieve the results you were expecting. It can also increase the risk of complications during healing, potentially leading to further work needing to be carried out.

So, always follow the aftercare instructions provided to you and don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for advice.

Protect your face from the sun

One thing you’ll need to do if you want to hold on to your results, is avoid the sun. Now, this doesn’t mean hiding away and never experiencing sunlight! What it does mean, is making sure you wear adequate sun protection, especially while you are healing.

The sun’s UV rays are one of the biggest causes of skin ageing, so try and only go in the sun out of peak times.

Pay attention to your diet

It’s important to eat healthy anyway, but after a facelift you’ll especially want to avoid sugar. This is because it triggers glycation, a chemical process which causes sugar to damage lipids, proteins and molecules that are crucial for the skin.

You’ll also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating antioxidant-rich foods. Together, this will help to keep the skin in optimal condition, slowing down the ageing process.

Supercharge your skincare routine

How well you take care of your skin will also impact results. You can ask the surgeon which products they recommend. Or you could go and see a dermatologist to ensure you are using the right products in your existing routine.

Look out for skincare products that contain vitamins, peptides and retinol. These are great for keeping the skin looking clear, smooth and youthful.

Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption

Smoking is known to be a leading risk factor when it comes to recovering from cosmetic surgery. It can increase the risk of wound infections and impact the healing process. Therefore, if you want to achieve the best facelift results, you’re going to want to make sure you quit smoking. You should also limit your alcohol consumption as this too can cause issues with recovery.

These are some of the top things you can do to get the best results from your facelift. For more advice, call 02380 764969 to arrange a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock.

Zoom face anxiety and cosmetic surgery demand

As employees start to head back to work, cosmetic surgery clinics have seen a surge in demand. One of the main reasons cited is thought to be the popularity of Zoom calls while workers were forced into lockdown.

Being forced to stare at their own face during these calls, many people have become more aware of their appearance. Now that they are returning to work, they want to correct their imperfections such as wrinkles and laughter lines.

Here, we’ll look at the rise in cosmetic surgery right now and the most popular procedures being requested.

How has cosmetic surgery demand risen?

Cosmetic surgery clinics around the world have noted an increase in cosmetic surgery demand. As many employees are still furloughed and companies are extending their work from home policy into 2021, they have had the time to undergo and recover from cosmetic surgery. It is the perfect time to hide any work carried out. The use of face masks is also helping to keep facial surgery hidden.

However, it is mostly those looking to get back to work who have had to use platforms such as Zoom, who are mostly seeking cosmetic treatments. Being made to look at their faces as they video call with friends, family and colleagues has caused issues with self-esteem. So, they have booked in for treatments to correct imperfections before they have to return to work.

Which procedures are proving popular?

The treatments being requested right now are varied. Patients are requesting everything from minor tweaks through anti-wrinkle injections to full mommy makeovers. However, it’s the facial treatments which are really surging in popularity.

Face masks cleverly hide the lower part of the face. So, they are helping patients undergo procedures such as chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, lip fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Minimally invasive procedures remain the most popular. However, there has been a significant rise in surgical treatments too thanks to patients having more time to recover.

Is now a good time to have surgery?

There are a few factors patients need to consider before they undergo surgery right now. Many clinics are inundated with patients so there may be a long waiting list depending upon the procedure you’re booking.

If you are off work for some time and you can afford it, now is the perfect time to schedule a surgery. You’ll have a lot of time to recover and you’ll be able to keep the work hidden until any bruising and swelling has gone down.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to book a consultation. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about the procedure and the type of results you can expect. You’ll also learn about the risks and complications involved, enabling you to make the best decision on whether or not the treatment is right for you.

Overall, it isn’t hard to see why demand has risen after the lockdown. There is also the fact that the lockdown has led to an increase in anxiety which might be fuelling an interest in face or body enhancements, but it is imperative that you are choosing cosmetic surgery for the right reasons. Call 02380 764969 to arrange a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve from surgery and he will give honest, unbiased advice on whether cosmetic surgery is the right option for you at this time.

reasons for breast implant removal

Breast implants have been popular for decades. However, the trend for having larger breasts has started to decrease in recent years. These days, surgeons tend to focus on producing more natural results. That being said, many women decide at some point in their lives to have their implants removed.

So, why is breast implant removal so popular? Here, we’ll look at some of the main reasons why you might be considering breast implant removal.

Reasons for breast implant removal: you’re starting a family

If you’re planning on starting a family, having your implants removed could be a personal and practical choice. Celebrity Chrissie Teigen has recently revealed her own decision to remove her implants after becoming a mum. Her reasons were that they no longer fitted her new lifestyle and she felt they were too big.

Starting a family is a big milestone and it does change your priorities. It can also pose issues with breastfeeding in some cases, so it could be a practical step having them removed.

Reasons for breast implant removal: you don’t want future surgeries

Many women have no idea when they first get breast implants, that they require future surgeries to maintain them. While most breast implants should last 10-15 years, some do tend to start failing before that. Future surgeries maintain the look and replace the implants when needed.

If you no longer want to undergo surgery on your breasts having your implants removed is a good idea.

Reasons for breast implant removal: You want to achieve a more natural look

Breast implants today are a lot more natural than they once were. So, if you underwent breast augmentation years ago, your breasts may not look particularly natural. Having them removed would be the best way to return to a more natural look. This is the biggest reason older women choose to have their implants removed.

Reasons for breast implant removal: safety concerns

Of course, for some patients having their implants removed is based more on safety concerns. There has been some media coverage in recent years over the safety of different types of implants. For some patients, simply having them removed before they create any issues is a logical move.

What you need to understand is that the risks of breast implants are very minimal today. It is highly unlikely your implants will cause significant safety concerns. However, if you are worried having them removed is a relatively straightforward procedure.

Reasons for breast implant removal: enhanced comfort

Finally, having breast implants removed can provide enhanced comfort. Over time, bigger breasts can cause back and neck troubles. The extra weight can become uncomfortable and stop you from carrying out specific types of exercise. You may also find they affect what clothes you feel comfortable wearing.

These are just some of the biggest reason’s women choose to have their breast implants removed, but a breast implant removal procedure is often more complex than just removing the implants. Mr Nigel Horlock may need to perform further surgery to reshape the breast to produce the optimal results. In some cases, a breast uplift is also performed alongside the breast implant removal. This can help to improve the aesthetics and reduce the likelihood of dropping. Fat transfer involves taking fat from another area of the body and inserting it into the breast and can produce a more natural breast enhancement.

Call us on 02380 764969 to find out more about breast implant removal.

cosmetic surgery trends

Like many sectors, the recent lockdown saw cosmetic surgery clinics close their doors for non-essential procedures, both here in the UK and across the world. Now that things are slowly starting to reopen, there has understandably been a rush for non-surgical aesthetic treatment such as wrinkle smoothing injections and dermal fillers as their results are only temporary. But what has been the impact on cosmetic surgery?

Across much of the US, elective cosmetic surgery has been given the go-ahead and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) surveyed their members to discover if there had been any shifts in cosmetic surgery trends. Here are the procedures that have been most in demand in the first half of 2020.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation has always been popular, so it’s unsurprising it remains one of the leading trends. Around 44% of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) members who were surveyed, predicted the procedure would be popular throughout the rest of 2020.

Commonly performed to enhance the size and volume of the breasts, the procedure can really boost self-confidence. It can also be used to correct differently sized breasts. Natural results that suit your frame and body shape is the aim of this surgery.

Liposuction

Another trend expected to rise this year is liposuction. Around 30% of surgeons believe there will be an increase in liposuction procedures.

There has been much talk of ‘lockdown weight gain’ – a recent King’s College London and Ipsos MORI survey of 2,254 Brits found that 48% of those surveyed felt they had put on weight due to heightened stress and anxiety. Therefore, it’s maybe unsurprising that people may be researching ways to lose weight, but it’s essential to understand that liposuction is not a quick fix for weight loss. It’s a fantastically effective body contouring procedure that can remove small, stubborn pockets of fat and sculpt the body.

Abdominoplasty

The other surgical procedure expected to become more popular is an abdominoplasty. Otherwise referred to as a tummy tuck, the reasons this procedure is likely to trend is again down to excess weight gained during lockdown.

A tummy tuck can help to remove stubborn fat and tone up the abdomen by tightening lax stomach muscles and removing excess skin. While there are non-surgical options out there, the standard abdominoplasty procedure tends to be the most effective.

Here, in the UK, we are still waiting for the go-ahead on elective cosmetic surgery, but this is a perfect time to ask any questions you may have about a cosmetic surgery procedure you might be interested in or discuss any concerns. Please email us at info@nigelhorlock.co.uk or fill in the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can to arrange a virtual consultation.

male facelift

There has been a significant increase in the number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery in recent years. However, few studies have been carried out to determine how effective it is.

The only study to be conducted has revealed that a male facelift can increase the attractiveness and trustworthiness of patients.

Here, we’ll look at what the study found and what men need to know about undergoing a facelift procedure.

Can a facelift really boost trustworthiness?

According to a study in 2019, a facelift does increase the perception of trustworthiness in men. Carried out by the Georgetown University Medical Center, the study was the first of its kind to look into how cosmetic surgery influences perception over men’s characteristics.

The study included 24 men who underwent facial cosmetic surgery. Procedures carried out include an upper eyelid lift, brow lift, nose reshaping, chin implants and a facelift. Photos from before and after the procedure were then shown to over 150 participants. They weren’t told the purpose of the study and they were asked to rate how they perceived each patient’s personality and appearance.

The men who underwent chin augmentation were the only ones not to have been perceived as more attractive in the after pictures.  However, those who underwent a facelift were viewed as more trustworthy, likeable and attractive.

What does the procedure involve?

Facelifts are one of the most common procedures carried out in the male cosmetic surgery market. They can really help patients to look up to 10 years younger, depending upon the severity of ageing signs on the face.

The technique used during a male facelift is different from that used on women. This is because the bone structure of the face is different. As men have a shorter hairline, the surgeon will usually aim to carry out the incision behind or inside the ear.

Like women, men can lose a lot of volume in the face as they age. Therefore, a facelift tends to include volume restoration. The procedure may also be combined with other minimally invasive procedures for best results. For example, the eyelids or chin may also require a little work.

The actual procedure that will be used will be discussed with you during your consultation. Each patient is unique so the surgeon will ensure the procedure is tailored to match your own requirements.

Who is an ideal candidate for a male facelift?

Men who are in good physical health and who have visible signs of ageing would be ideal candidates for facelift surgery. Ideally, you should also still have some level of elasticity in the skin.

Your bone structure can also play a part in results. If you have what is referred to as a ‘weak chin’, for example, you may need chin augmentation before undergoing a facelift.

Overall, a male facelift can be a very effective procedure. The 2019 study shows that it can impact people’s perception of attractiveness and trustworthiness. However, it’s important that men choose to undergo a facelift for themselves, rather than to impress others. It is a major step to go under the knife, so you need to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Southampton eyelid lift

When you’re thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery to achieve a more youthful look, a full facelift might seem like the obvious option. However, did you know you can achieve a dramatic transformation with a less extensive procedure?

Here, we’ll look at 3 small tweaks you can make to the face that will make a big difference.

  1. Blepharoplasty

The eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show the signs of ageing. If you suffer from droopy or heavy eyelids, it can make the entire face appear tired or cross. That’s where a blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, can prove useful.

This procedure aims to give the eyes a more youthful look. It can be performed on the upper, lower or both eyelids. The surgeon will make an incision across the crease of the eyelid. Then, excess skin and fat can be trimmed off and the area will be tightened. It takes approximately one to two hours to complete.

  1. Neck lift

When you’re trying to look younger, it’s easy to forget about the signs of ageing on the neck. Over time, the skin can start to sag and wrinkle. If you purely treat the face and not the neck, you could still end up looking older.

A neck lift can eliminate the signs of sagging and reduce any lines or wrinkles in the area. The muscles are typically adjusted before the skin is tightened. If additional fat does need to be removed, the surgeon will combine the neck lift with liposuction. Overall, this is a relatively straightforward procedure which can take from two to four hours to complete depending upon what is being done.

  1. Chin augmentation

Chin augmentation is becoming increasingly popular as an anti-ageing technique. If the chin is out of alignment with the jaw, or misshaped, it can really impact the overall aesthetics of the face.

You have two options with chin augmentation. You can choose to have an implant inserted into the chin to provide additional fullness. Or, you can have the chin moved slightly to improve alignment. The latter is a more invasive procedure.

With chin implants, a small incision will be made, usually underneath the chin. The implant will then be inserted. The implant is tailored to you specifically to ensure natural-looking results.

Chin surgery, or genioplasty, involves an incision being made inside the lower lip or underneath the chin. The surgeon then moves the chin bone to a different position, securing it with metal plates and screws of necessary. Sometimes this type of surgery is also carried out with a rhinoplasty procedure for best results. The surgeon will be able to tell you which procedure best meets your needs.

These are just three targeted procedures you can benefit from when looking to achieve a younger look. Before opting for a total facelift, it’s worth seeing if a more targeted procedure could provide you with the same results.

Lipo

If you’re thinking of undergoing liposuction, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the procedure. Like all procedures, lipo does come with some risks and limitations. There are also different types of liposuction you can undergo too.

Here are some lipo facts you might not be aware of, although to help you fully understand the procedure – what it can achieve and what it can’t – it’s best to book a consultation with body contouring surgeon Mr Nigel Horlock where he will ensure you’re fully informed.

  1. It cannot be used to treat obesity: A common reason people want to undergo liposuction is to lose weight. However, the procedure isn’t suitable for weight loss, and it especially can’t be used to treat obesity. This is because it only removes a small portion of fat. Therefore, it is largely recommended as a contouring treatment. It’s extremely useful for removing pockets of fat that are resistant against diet and exercise. So, if you have a lot of weight to lose, it’s recommended you lose it before undergoing the procedure. It should also never be used as a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise routine.
  1. It provides permanent results: Did you know that the results of liposuction are permanent? After undergoing treatment in an area of the body, it won’t generate new fat cells. However, you can still put on weight in other areas. So, if you continue to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, you’ll find the fat gets distributed slightly differently in the body.
  1. It can be used to sculpt any area of the body: Liposuction can reshape the body, removing those stubborn pockets of fat that many of us find are resistant to diet and exercise. This can include a double chin, back or bra fat, bingo wings, male breasts, love handles, the belly, muffin top, the outer thighs or saddlebags and inner thighs.
  1. Minimally invasive techniques are often used: The way in which liposuction is performed has changed dramatically over the years. These days surgeons follow minimally invasive techniques. This means the recovery and risks of the procedure are reduced. The techniques used are also continually advancing. So, it’s likely the procedure will become even less invasive over the next decade.
  1. It benefits from a short recovery time: One of the great things about liposuction is that it now boasts a short recovery time. Most patients find they can return to work after a couple of days. You should also be able to return to exercise within two to four weeks.

It’s important to follow the aftercare advice provided to ensure you recover at the fastest rate. You’ll also find recovery times will vary depending upon where the procedure was performed.

These are just 5 facts to know about this common procedure. Before undergoing liposuction, it’s important to have a consultation. This gives you the opportunity to find out what to expect. It also allows you to learn more about the risks, recovery time and the results you can expect to see.

cosmetic surgery demand

The latest figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has revealed an overall drop in procedures. However, some treatments still remain popular despite the dwindling numbers.

Body contouring surgery has proven to be one of the biggest in-demand procedures currently carried out. Popular with both men and women, it was one of the few treatments which experienced an increase in figures.

Here, we’ll look at the latest figures released by the BAAPS and why body contouring is still very much in demand.

Understanding the latest cosmetic surgery figures

The latest figures show that there was a total of 27,000 procedures carried out in the UK in 2019. This sees a 7.5% decrease in overall procedures compared to the year before. Women accounted for 92% of procedures, while men accounted for just 8% of the total.

The most popular procedures in women included breast augmentation, breast reduction and abdominoplasty. However, despite their continued popularity, breast augmentation saw a decrease of 11% and breast reductions saw a fall of 2%. Abdominoplasty was the only procedure out of the three to see an increase of 7%.

For men, a lower body lift was the most popular procedure, up by 88% from the year before. Other popular treatments include Botox and fillers, helping to provide a younger appearance without going under the knife.

These figures clearly show body contouring surgery is the preferred treatment for both men and women.

The popularity of body contouring procedures

There are a few reasons why body contouring procedures remain popular despite falling figures. The majority of body contouring procedures are minimally invasive. Reduced recovery times and more precise results attract thousands of patients to these procedures.

In recent years, there has been a shift to more natural-looking cosmetic surgery results. Body contouring procedures give patients the natural results they’re looking for. While they can’t drastically change their appearance, they can certainly enhance it.

Another contributing factor behind the rise in body contouring procedures is that it is virtually painless. Newer methods are being continuously introduced, allowing treatments to be carried out quickly and painlessly.

The rise of the lower body lift and abdominoplasty

Two body contouring procedures which have experienced the biggest increase in popularity are the lower body lift and abdominoplasty. A lower body lift aims to tighten and sculpt the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and hips. It is a more intensive procedure than other body contouring methods and it produces fantastic results. Abdominoplasty procedures focus solely on the tummy area, helping to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat while tightening up the tummy muscles.

These days, there are a lot of different body contouring procedures available. If you’re considering undergoing a body contouring procedure, it’s worth booking a consultation with an experienced surgeon. This will help you to establish which procedure is right for you, alongside giving you the opportunity to learn more about the results you can expect. No cosmetic procedure should be undertaken lightly so always do your research before deciding if it’s right for you.

cosmetic surgery results

Whether you’re looking to undergo cosmetic surgery, or you’ve recently had a procedure, you may be wondering how weight gain or loss could impact the results. While the answer largely depends upon a number of individual factors, the truth is any change in weight can impact the results.

Here, you’ll discover how weight fluctuations could impact your cosmetic surgery.

Weight gain after plastic surgery

If you’re undergoing procedures such as liposuction, a tummy tuck or a breast reduction procedure, weight gain could impact the results.

With liposuction, results are classed as permanent due to the fact that fat cells don’t grow back. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t gain weight. You’ll still gain fat if you eat an unhealthy diet for example. So, if you do experience weight gain, it will simply distribute in different parts of the body.

If you’ve undergone a breast reduction, it’s possible the extra weight you gain will distribute within the breasts. You’ll also find if you get pregnant, the breast tissue will grow, causing the breasts to enlarge.

Buttock fat transfer results can also be impacted by weight gain. After undergoing the procedure, the area treated will still react to weight gain in the same way it did before. For this reason, patients are advised to maintain a consistent weight after the procedure has been performed.

Finally, with a tummy tuck, there’s a certain amount of weight you can gain before it impacts results. Those with a larger frame will typically get away with gaining up to 15 pounds before it shows. However, someone with a smaller frame will find a 10-15-pound weight gain more noticeable.

Weight loss after cosmetic surgery

Just like weight gain, weight loss can also impact the results of cosmetic surgery. Therefore, patients who are planning on losing a lot of weight should do so before they undergo any procedure.

If you’ve undergone a procedure to remove fat, for example, any further weight loss could warp your new appearance. So, if you do want to lose weight after surgery, it’s recommended you do so gradually. Avoid fad diets and excessive exercise routines. If you lose weight at a slower pace, it’s not going show up so significantly in your results.

Factors to consider

Ideally, you’ll want to discuss weight gain and weight loss with the surgeon during your consultation. They will be able to advise you how it would impact the results of the procedure.

Generally speaking, the slower the change in weight, the less impact it’s going to have on your cosmetic surgery results. If you are planning on losing weight, it’s much better to do it before going under the knife. No procedure should be used for weight loss purposes.

Instead, procedures such as liposuction are typically used to contour the body to create the perfect shape.

When you’ve spent a lot of money on the right procedure, you’ll obviously want to maintain the results for as long as possible. Understanding how weight fluctuations could impact the results is therefore important before you go under the knife.

Capsular Contracture risk

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures that has been carried out for decades. While its safety has been dramatically improved over the years, there are still risks patients need to be aware of before they undergo the procedure.

Capsular contracture is one of the main complications that can occur after breast augmentation. Here, you’ll discover what capsular contracture is and whether it’s possible to prevent it from occurring.

What is capsular contracture?

When you have any kind of implant inserted into the body, it naturally causes a capsular to develop as part of the healing process. A capsular is a build-up of scar tissue, caused when the body detects a foreign object. The scar tissue acts as a barrier around the implant, which can actually be beneficial in terms of keeping breast implants in place.

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue unusually hardens and contracts against the implant. If this occurs, it can cause the aesthetics of the breasts to change, as well as lead to pain in the breasts in severe cases.

There are different grades of capsular contractor, ranging from grade 1 to grade 4. Grade 1 capsular contracture is the mildest form, often presenting no symptoms. With grade 2, there may be minor cosmetic symptoms, while grade 3 presents more noticeable aesthetic changes. Grad 4 is the most severe, causing the breasts to become misshapen and hard. Patients who experience a grade 4 capsular contracture tend to also suffer breast soreness and tenderness.

What causes it?

There is no known exact cause of capsular contracture, although experts do have a few theories. What should be stressed, is that the complication isn’t caused due to dangerous or toxic implants. It occurs in all types of implants, so it isn’t strictly an issue with breast augmentation.

It is thought that genetics could play a role, alongside a bacteria layer known as Biofilm. The latter can cause a low-grade infection in the area, potentially leading to a hardening of the scar tissue.

However, sometimes the cause isn’t known, and capsular contracture can occur randomly in patients. It is worth noting here, however, that it is rare, and most patients experience either grade 1 or grade 2 cases.

Is capsular contracture preventable?

While it isn’t possible to prevent capsular contracture in every single patient, there are some measures that can be taken to minimise the risk. A new experimental study has shown that Omega 3 fatty acids could help with capsular contracture prevention.

The study, published within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal in March 2020, was carried out on mice. It was discovered that mice which were fed Omega 3 fatty acids, developed less capsule formation around implants. It is thought this is down to fewer collagen deposits.

While the study does prove promising, it isn’t guaranteed to prevent every case of capsular contracture. Other potential preventative measures include thoroughly screening patients, using the correct size implant and minimising implant handling.