When it comes to getting the best results from cosmetic surgery, most people focus on choosing the right procedure and an experienced surgeon, which, of course, is essential. But your everyday habits can have just as much impact on how well you heal and how long your results last.

Things like sun exposure, smoking, and even poor sleep can interfere with your recovery and affect the final outcome.

If you’re planning surgery, or you’ve already had it, paying attention to these lifestyle factors can make a big difference to how your body responds.

UV exposure and healing skin

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of sunshine, but when it comes to healing skin, UV exposure can be a problem. Fresh scars are especially sensitive to the sun, and even limited exposure can lead to long-term discolouration. This is known as hyperpigmentation, where the scar becomes darker than the surrounding skin, and it can make scars more visible than they need to be.

If you’ve had a facelift, breast surgery, or any procedure with visible incisions, protecting your skin from the sun is essential. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), keeping treated areas covered while outdoors, and avoiding tanning beds completely.

The impact of nicotine on cosmetic surgery

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: Smoking and cosmetic surgery do not mix. Nicotine affects blood flow and oxygen levels, both of which are crucial for proper healing. It increases the risk of complications such as infections, poor wound healing, skin loss, and even implant-related issues.

For procedures involving lifts, tight skin closures, or fat grafting (where survival of transferred fat depends on blood supply), smoking is particularly risky. It can reduce the amount of fat that survives after grafting and affect the final shape and feel of your results.

Even vaping or using nicotine patches can have similar effects. Surgeons usually recommend stopping all nicotine use at least two weeks before and after surgery, but the longer you can stay away from it, the better.

The importance of quality sleep

Getting enough rest is one of the most powerful things you can do to support recovery. When you sleep, your body produces the hormones and proteins it needs to repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and build new cells.

Poor sleep can also increase your stress levels, which can slow down healing and leave you feeling more run-down during recovery. It’s a good idea to plan ahead so your sleeping environment is as calm and comfortable as possible post-surgery. This could mean using extra pillows, sleeping on your back if advised, and keeping screens or distractions to a minimum in the evening.

If pain is making it difficult to rest, talk to your surgeon about safe ways to manage discomfort while supporting your recovery.

Support for longer-lasting results

Surgery can offer fantastic results, but maintaining them is a team effort between you and your body. Protecting your skin, quitting harmful habits, and giving yourself enough rest all contribute to smoother healing and longer-lasting outcomes.

Mr Nigel Horlock offers detailed aftercare advice tailored to each patient, helping you understand what to expect and how to support your recovery at home. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery and want to make sure you’re doing everything possible to get the best result, a consultation is a great place to start.

If you’ve recently had cosmetic surgery, or you’re planning to, chances are you’ve also thought about how soon you can get on a plane, head off on holiday, or simply return home if you’ve travelled for treatment.

While it’s completely normal to look forward to getting back to everyday life (or taking a well-earned break), travelling too soon after surgery can interfere with healing and increase your risk of complications.

In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to consider when it comes to flying, wound care, and even sun exposure after cosmetic surgery.

When is travelling safe after cosmetic surgery?

The timing of your return to travel depends on the type of surgery you’ve had and how smoothly your recovery is going. In general, short-haul flights should be avoided for at least 7 days following most cosmetic procedures, while long-haul flights often require a longer wait (around 4 to 6 weeks is typical). This is to reduce the risk of complications such as swelling, clotting (particularly deep vein thrombosis), and delayed healing.

Long periods of sitting can increase swelling and pressure in areas that are still recovering. After surgeries like tummy tucks, breast augmentation, or facial procedures, your body needs time to rest, and flying too soon can add unnecessary strain.

If you’re unsure when it’s safe to travel, speak to your surgeon during your follow-up appointment. They’ll be able to advise based on how your individual recovery is progressing.

Protecting your wounds

Even if you’re cleared to travel, your body is still in recovery mode, and taking care of your healing wounds should remain a top priority. Dressings should stay clean, dry, and secure, particularly during long journeys when access to clean facilities might be limited.

Be mindful of movement, friction, and pressure on surgical sites, especially when carrying luggage, sitting for extended periods, or navigating through busy airports.

Wearing any compression garments that you’ve been advised to use is important, even while flying, as they help with circulation and support the surgical area. Staying hydrated and taking short walks on the plane (where safe to do so), can also help reduce swelling and support recovery.

It’s wise to bring any medications, aftercare products, or spare dressings in your carry-on bag.

Sun and scars

If your travel plans include sunshine, it’s essential to protect healing scars from UV rays. Fresh scars are particularly sensitive to sunlight and can darken permanently when exposed too early, leading to long-term discolouration. This process, known as hyperpigmentation, is more likely to occur in the first few months after surgery when the skin is still fragile and producing new collagen.

Even if your scar looks healed on the surface, deeper layers of tissue may still be mending. Always use high-factor sunscreen (ideally SPF 50), keep scars covered when possible, and avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure during your initial recovery period. Taking these small steps can make a big difference to how your scars look in the long run.

If you have any questions about when it’s safe to travel after surgery, or how to care for yourself while you’re away, Mr Nigel Horlock will be happy to advise you during your consultation or follow-up appointments.

For many women, menopause marks a profound transition, not just hormonally, but physically and emotionally.

Skin that once felt firm may begin to loosen, breasts might lose their youthful shape, the abdomen can feel softer or less defined, and arms may take on a slightly sagging appearance.

These changes are completely natural and part of the body’s evolution over time. However, for some women, there’s a mismatch between how they look and how they still feel inside – vibrant, confident, and full of life. That’s where the idea of the so-called ‘menopause makeover’ has gained popularity.

Here, we’ll look at some procedures that can help women enter this new stage of life feeling more empowered and comfortable in their own skin.

What body changes can occur during menopause?

To understand why cosmetic treatments are increasingly sought after around menopause, it helps to look at what’s happening beneath the surface.

When oestrogen levels decline, the body’s production of collagen and elastin also slows down. These are the structural proteins that keep skin firm, plump, and resilient. Without them, the skin begins to thin and lose elasticity. At the same time, fat distribution shifts, often leading to a thicker waistline or softer midsection, even if you haven’t gained weight.

Breasts, too, can start to feel different (less full and droopier), while the upper arms may take on a softer, less toned look as muscle mass naturally decreases with age.

It’s worth emphasising that these are normal, expected changes. But for women who want to regain a sense of control over how they look and feel, a menopause makeover can be a thoughtful, tailored approach to restoring confidence.

What’s a menopause makeover?

The beauty of this approach is that it’s entirely personalised. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. For some women, the focus may be on surgical procedures like a breast lift or augmentation, helping restore volume or correct sagging that has developed over time. Others may be more concerned with their abdomen, seeking a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles for a firmer, smoother silhouette.

The upper arms, a common concern at this time, can also be reshaped through procedures like brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery, which removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue. For women who aren’t ready for surgery or want to explore non-surgical options first, there’s an ever-expanding range of treatments that can target the skin and soft tissue.

Non-invasive skin tightening procedures, laser treatments, and injectables can help improve skin texture, stimulate collagen production, and add subtle volume where it’s been lost. Combining surgical and non-surgical treatments can be the most effective way to achieve natural-looking results.

Book a consultation to discuss your concerns

If your reflection in the mirror no longer matches the way you feel inside, whether that’s due to sagging skin, lost volume, or changing body contours, you might understandably want to explore ways to refresh and restore.

If you’re thinking about exploring a menopause makeover, it’s essential to work with an experienced, qualified surgeon who understands both the physical changes associated with menopause and the emotional dimensions of this life stage.

During your consultation, you’ll have the chance to discuss your concerns, your goals, and the options available to you. It’s important to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what each treatment can (and can’t) achieve.

If you’re curious about how a menopause makeover might work for you, Mr Nigel Horlock and his team are here to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and support you every step of the way.

If you’ve had breast implants for a while, you might be wondering whether it’s time for a change. Maybe your body has changed, your preferences have shifted, or you’ve noticed a difference in how your implants feel or look. Whatever the reason, breast implant exchange is a common and straightforward procedure that can help you feel more confident and comfortable again.

In this blog, we’ll look at what breast implant exchange involves, why someone might choose to have it done, and what you can expect if you decide it’s the right step for you.

What is breast implant exchange?

Breast implant exchange is a surgical procedure that removes your current implants and replaces them with new ones. For some people, they simply want to update their look, perhaps going for a different size or shape. For others, they want to address concerns like discomfort, aging implants, or changes in breast tissue over time.

In some cases, it may also be part of a broader breast revision procedure, especially if there’s been a complication like implant rupture or capsular contracture (where scar tissue around the implant tightens).

The good news is, if you’ve had implants before, you already know a little about what to expect. The process is similar to your original breast augmentation, though the details can vary depending on why the exchange is being done.

In many cases, it’s a smoother experience than the first time around, particularly when the surgery is planned rather than reactive.

Why you may consider implant exchange

There are many reasons why someone may choose to exchange their breast implants. Over time, your body changes, whether due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, or simply personal preference. What once felt like the perfect size or shape might no longer suit your lifestyle or how you see yourself. In these cases, implant exchange offers a way to adapt your look to better match who you are now.

Some people choose to go smaller or more natural-looking, while others decide to switch to a different type of implant, such as moving from saline to silicone. Others may want a lift at the same time, especially if the breast tissue has sagged over time.

It’s also worth noting that breast implants don’t last a lifetime. While many last for many years, it’s generally recommended to review them at the 10- to 15-year mark to check for any signs of wear or changes.

In other cases, an implant exchange may be medically necessary. If an implant has ruptured, shifted, or is causing discomfort, removing and replacing it can restore both appearance and peace of mind.

What happens in an implant exchange?

Breast implant exchange is usually performed under general anaesthetic and often takes less time than the original augmentation. Mr Nigel Horlock has extensive experience in breast surgery, including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He offers a tailored approach to help you achieve the result that’s right for your body and goals.

The surgical approach depends on your individual situation. Some procedures involve using the original incision lines, while others may require adjustments to improve the overall shape and position of the breast. If a breast lift is being done at the same time, your surgeon will explain how that may affect your recovery and final result.

After the procedure, most people experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which usually settles within a few weeks. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions to support your healing and help you get back to normal activities safely.

To find out more about whether breast implant exchange is right for you, book a consultation today.

Choosing to have breast augmentation can be a life-changing decision. It’s natural to have questions about how your breasts will feel once the procedure is done. Many people worry that their implants will seem too firm or sit higher on their chest than they’d like.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the breasts can feel unnatural after augmentation, what you can expect during recovery, and how to care for yourself as you heal.

Why breasts may feel unnatural at first

In the first few days after surgery, it’s normal to notice tightness, firmness, and even some swelling in your chest area. This happens because your body needs time to adjust to the new implants. The skin and muscle around your breasts can feel stretched, leading to a sensation of pressure or discomfort.

If your implants are placed beneath the chest muscle, you may also feel extra tightness for the first few weeks.

While these early changes can be unsettling, they are typical during this early phase. Think of it as your body going through a period of adaptation. Your tissues need to settle around the implants, which is why your breasts might look and feel firmer than you imagined.

Some women also experience numbness or tingling near the incision sites, which tends to improve as the nerves recover.

Understanding the ‘drop and fluff’ phase

When breast implants are first placed, they can sit higher and appear more rigid than expected. Over the next few months, however, they begin to ‘drop’ into a more natural position. At the same time, your skin and tissues start to relax around the implants, causing them to ‘fluff.’

This process, often called ‘drop and fluff,’ usually takes between three and six months, depending on your individual recovery.
It’s important not to compare your progress to others, as each body heals at its own pace. Factors such as skin elasticity, muscle tightness, and implant type can impact how quickly (or slowly) your breasts soften and shift.

If you’re feeling anxious, remember that these changes are a normal part of recovery. Stay in touch with your surgeon and attend follow-up appointments so they can monitor your healing and address any concerns you might have.

Tips for a smooth recovery after breast augmentation

Helping your breasts transition from that unnatural feeling to a softer, more natural look involves following your surgeon’s advice and giving yourself time to heal.
Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

Wear a Supportive Garment – Your doctor may suggest wearing a post-surgical compression garment to manage swelling and provide the right level of support.

Practice Good Self-Care – In the first few days after surgery, focus on rest and gentle activities. Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise until your surgeon gives you the all-clear.

Manage Discomfort – You’ll likely feel some degree of soreness, tightness, or pain, especially early on. Ask your surgeon about recommended pain relievers and any other measures to help you stay comfortable.

Some swelling and bruising is normal but keep an eye out for signs of infection (redness, severe pain, or fever). If you notice anything concerning, contact your medical team right away.

Ultimately, it’s quite common for breasts to feel unnatural immediately after surgery. Over time, you’ll likely find that your implants soften, settle, and blend with your body’s natural shape.

If you have ongoing worries or experience sudden changes in how your breasts look or feel, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon. Schedule an appointment with Mr Horlock today if you’d like to learn more about what to expect after breast augmentation.