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Are People Spending More on Facial Surgery?

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.

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Is a Tummy Tuck the Answer?

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.

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What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction for Young Women?

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.

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Answering your Facelifts FAQs

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.

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Top Tips for a Speedy Surgical Recovery

cosmetic surgery recovery

No matter what surgical procedure you are undergoing, the body will need a period of recovery. This helps to decrease the risks as well as improve results.

Did you know there are ways to improve your surgical recovery? Here, you’ll discover some top tips you can follow as you recover.

Follow your surgeon’s advice

The most important tip is to follow your plastic surgeon’s advice. After the procedure, Mr Nigel Horlock will provide you with comprehensive aftercare information. This is tailored to your needs and includes everything you need to do for best results.

Avoid looking online for tips or making your own recovery rules up as you go. There is a reason you were provided with aftercare advice by your surgeon. Not only are they there to help you get the best results, but they are also there to protect your health.

Keep moving

While you’ll want to avoid getting straight back to your daily activities, it is important to keep moving. Frequently walking around at a steady pace will ensure blood clots don’t develop. It will also prevent the body from stiffening up, guaranteeing a faster recovery.
Again, ensure you follow Mr Horlock’s advice relating to how often you should move around after the procedure.

Avoid strenuous activities

It’s really important to avoid strenuous activities during recovery. You will have been told when you can expect to return to your normal routine. So, until then, make sure you don’t overdo it.

Vigorous exercise can raise the heart rate and blood pressure and, in the immediate post-operation period, this can cause increased swelling, bruising and fluid collection which can lead to infection. This can also impact how well your incisions heal and leave you with poor wound healing.

Prepare in advance

It’s a good idea to prepare for your recovery in advance. For example, can clean the house ahead of the surgery so that you don’t need to worry about cleaning afterwards. You can also ask friends and family to help for a few days after the surgery. It is recommended you have somebody there to take you home and monitor you for at least 24 hours.

If you have pets and/or children, you’ll also want to make preparations to have someone look after them for the first couple of days. Have meals prepped so you can still enjoy healthy and wholesome cooked meals after the procedure.

These are some of the best tips you can follow for a speedy surgical recovery. Remember, the more time you give your body to heal, the faster you’ll recover.

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Facing the Facts: What Can a Facelift Do

what can a facelift do

If you’re thinking of undergoing facial rejuvenation surgery, it’s important to understand what the facelift can and cannot do. Going into the procedure with unrealistic expectations could leave you disappointed with the results.

Here, we’ll look at what a facelift can do and some of the most common myths relating to the procedure.

What is a facelift?

Facelifts have come a long way since they were first introduced. These days, the procedure delivers more natural-looking results as techniques have developed. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the operation can take between 2 to 5 hours and the general consensus is that it can reset the ageing clock by up to 10 years younger.

There are actually different types of facelifts you can undergo. So, it’s worth researching the different types such as the full, mid-face or lower facelift, to see which best matches your needs.

What is the right age to undergo the procedure?

It is a common misconception that you need to be older to undergo a facelift. Most surgeons recommend having the procedure in your 40s. In your 40s, you’ll have less signs of facial ageing than if you wait until you are older. This means you won’t need such extensive surgery. You will also be able to undergo a revision procedure at some point in the future to maintain the results.

Can you receive the same results from non-surgical injectable treatments?

It’s true that non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers and wrinkle smoothing injections, can provide great results. However, they aren’t going to give you the same level of results as surgery. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can restore lost volume, for example, but they can’t address addresses loose skin, excess fat or muscle sagging.

What’s more, these non-invasive procedures only provide temporary results. You will need to keep having top-up sessions every six months or so to retain the results.

What limitations does a facelift present?

There are some limitations facelifts present. It isn’t 100% guaranteed that you will achieve the desired results. This is because everyone ages differently. The more severe your signs of ageing, the harder it will be to achieve the optimal results.

Facelifts also aren’t a permanent procedure. While the results may last for many years, you may wish to undergo a second procedure to maintain results. Studies have found that approximately 21% of patients require a revision surgery after five and a half years.

Here, are just some of the facts about facelifts you need to be aware of. While the procedure does produce excellent results in most patients, it is worth being aware of the limitations it presents. The more you know about the facelift procedure, the easier it will be to determine whether or not it is right for you.

To find out more about the procedure, call 02380 764969 to arrange a facelift consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock

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What Scarring Can I Expect After a Breast Lift?

scarring after a breast lift

One of the main question’s patients have when they are considering a breast lift, is how visible the scarring will be. When you undergo any surgical procedure, you can expect some level of scarring to be left behind. So, what scarring can you expect after a breast lift? Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know.

What factors determine the extent of scarring after a breast lift?

The amount of scarring you experience after a breast lift will be determined by a number of factors. These include:

  • The type of incision made
  • The skill of the surgeon
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Age
  • Whether or not you smoke

These are just some of the main factors that can impact the extent of scarring. It’s important to choose a good surgeon and talk about the different incision options. If you suffer with thyroid disease, Diabetes or high blood pressure, your body’s ability to heal may be affected.

Age can also be a factor as the older you are, the harder it is for the body to heal. However, that being said, older people tend to notice their scars fade quite quickly in comparison to younger patients.

Finally, if you smoke this can impact the results of the surgery. Studies have shown a direct link between smoking and increased scarring. For this reason, smokers are always advised to quit prior to the surgery.

Understanding the different incision types

There are a number of incision types your surgeon may use during your procedure. These include crescent, peri areolar and lollipop.

A crescent incision is made at the top of the nipple to the top of the areola. This helps to give a little lift. However, the majority of surgeons no longer use this technique as it can lead to nipple deformity and the lift it achieves is quite small.

The Peri areolar incision is mainly used on patients who have minimal excess skin in the lower breast, alongside those with a large areola. The method is effective at achieving a small lift.

Potentially the most common incision type with a breast lift is the lollipop method. This involves a circular incision around the areola, alongside a further incision running down to the breast fold. It can eliminate excess skin in the lower breast, while altering the position of the nipple.

These are the most common incision types which can be used. It is a good idea to speak to your surgeon to see which method they plan to use.

The importance of excellent aftercare

If you want to minimise scarring after your breast lift procedure, it is really important to follow the aftercare advice provided. This will include how long you need to rest and whether you need to take care of the wound site.

The aftercare instructions provided by Mr Nigel Horlock are there to help you experience the best recovery. If you don’t follow them, it can impact the overall results.

So, how much scarring after a breast lift you can expect varies from person to person. The above are just some of the factors that can contribute towards the severity of scarring after the procedure.

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How Mask Wearing Has Made Us Eye Obsessed

brow lift

Now that masks have become compulsory in public spaces, it has caused a shift in cosmetic surgery trends. As they cover the lower half of the face, focus now tends to veer more towards the eyes.

This has made many of us eye obsessed. Cosmetic surgeons around the globe have seen an increase in eye related procedures. So, what type of treatments are patients choosing to improve the eye area?

Non-surgical eye rejuvenation treatments

Due to their minimal recovery time and reduced risks, most are turning to non-surgical methods to achieve brighter, more youthful eyes. Botox and fillers can be extremely effective at minimising fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. However, it’s important for patients to realise that there are still risks with these procedures and they only provide temporary results.

When injected into the eye area, Botox weakens the muscles that pull downwards. This automatically makes the eyes appear more rested. It can also help to eliminate crow’s feet and frown lines. However, this treatment won’t eliminate dark circles. Patients who want to eliminate dark circles under the eyes would instead benefit from filler. When filler is injected under the eye, it minimises the appearance of deep tear troughs, hollows and dark circles.

There are a whole range of non-surgical treatments that aim to reduce ageing around the eyes, but these are temporary procedures that require repeat treatments to maintain results, which often adds up. So, if you’re looking for more permanent results, surgery may be your best option.

Eyelid lift surgery

Eyelid surgery is becoming extremely popular. Typically carried out under local anaesthetic, the procedure involves making a small cut in the upper eyelid before removing a small section of skin. This results in less weight on the eyelids, while also opening up the eyes.

The recovery time is around a week, and it’s common to experience bruising and swelling. However, it does offer long lasting results. The procedure takes around an hour and is carried out under general anaesthetic.

Surprisingly, this procedure has been particularly popular with working men throughout the pandemic. This is thought to be because many of them now have the time off to secretly undergo cosmetic procedures.

The brow lift

Another option proving popular right now is the brow lift. Designed to raise the eyebrows, it can effectively lift the eye area, leaving behind a more youthful and smoother appearance. Many patients are surprised to find that they only need a brow lift to achieve their desired results. There are different techniques that can be used, and you may need to wear a bandage on the forehead for a few days after surgery. Sutures will be removed within 7-10 days.

Whichever procedure you are considering having done, it is important to do your research. It isn’t hard to see why eye related procedures are in high demand right now. However, every procedure has its risks; even the non-surgical ones. So, always talk through your options, alongside the risks and complications prior to undergoing any of the above procedures.

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How to Anti-Age Your Neck

benefits of a neck lift

Anti-ageing treatments typically target the face, but if you want the best results it’s worth getting your neck done too. Many patients forget that the neck can be a real giveaway in terms of age. Just like the skin on the face, it can start to droop and sag as well as develop wrinkles as we get older.

The question is, how can you anti-age your neck? Below, you’ll discover some of the best treatment options available which target the neck area.

#1 Keep it sun protected

You know how important it is to protect the skin against the sun, but are you stringent about applying it to your neck too? If not, it’s time to start lathering on the sun lotion to protect the neck from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of skin ageing. So, if you want to keep your neck

looking as young as possible, you are going to want to protect it against the sun.

#2 Undergo a surgical neck lift

Of course, using sun lotion only protects the neck from UV damage. It doesn’t do anything for the signs of ageing you may already have. If you’re looking to treat existing signs of ageing, a surgical neck lift could be the answer.

Much like a facelift, a neck lift works by eliminating excess skin and tightening up the muscles. This results in a drastically younger appearance. Sometimes liposuction is also used in combination with the lift for best results.

#3 Liposuction

If the issue with the neck is mostly down to excess fat, liposuction can be a great treatment choice. These days liposuction procedures are mostly used to remove small pockets of fat. This makes it ideal for use on the chin and jaw area. After liposuction, the neck appears younger and more contoured.

#4 Non-surgical vs surgical methods

You’ll find you have a range of surgical and non-surgical anti-ageing neck treatments to choose from. For a non-surgical neck lift, Coolsculpting employs an innovative fat freezing technology to produce a more contoured neck and reduce the appearance of your double chin. Fat dissolving injections can be very effective for dissolving smaller pockets of fat, such as the submental fat, or fat pocket under the chin, with very little downtime.

A common cause of ageing in the neck is the sagging of the platysma muscles. This pair of muscles are located in the centre of the neck and sit tightly side by side when you’re younger. As you get older, the muscles start to separate and two lines appear in neck and, over time, the lines become wider and move lower. Botulinum toxin can be used to soften the appearance of the muscle bands in the neck.

While non-surgical treatments do have their benefits, they don’t produce the same level of results as surgical treatments. They also don’t last anywhere near as long. Often, they need to be maintained regularly to continue seeing results. They are also limited in what they can achieve. So, if you do have signs of ageing that need to be addressed, surgical treatments are better for more drastic, long-term results.

As you can see, there are a number of treatment options to anti-age the neck. Surgical treatments do tend to be most effective and you won’t need to maintain them as frequently. However, before undergoing any treatment it’s important to undergo a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. They will be able to assess your neck and recommend the best treatment option for you.

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UK Body Considers Ban on Cosmetic Surgery Advertising on Content Directed at Teens

cosmetic surgery advertising

Leading UK body The Committee of Advertising Practice, is considering placing a ban on cosmetic surgery advertising aimed at children. There has been growing concern over the cosmetic surgery content targeting teenage girls through social media.

If the ban is put in place, it would be the first time that restrictions have been placed on cosmetic surgery promotion.

What are the new rules being proposed?

The new rules would see all cosmetic surgery advertisements banned which were targeted at those under the age of 18. This would apply to all media channels, including online content and TV programmes.

The procedures included in the new rules are breast enlargement, Botox and nose jobs. It will not apply to creams or haircare products and ads can still be targeted at adults.

Why is the cosmetic surgery advertising ban being considered?

There are several reasons why a ban on cosmetic surgery advertisement aimed at children is being considered. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the body pressures placed upon children. Thanks to social media, many young children are already developing insecurities over their appearance. Cosmetic surgery adverts contribute to this.

It isn’t just cosmetic surgery adverts that could be banned either. Dieting and weight loss products will also be looked into. The bans are being considered as a way to better protect young people from potential harm.

How lockdown contributed to negative self-image

The recent lockdown has impacted all of our lives. However, it has had a particularly worrying effect on the confidence of teenagers and children. A survey carried out by Girlguiding, revealed a third of young women and girls aged 11 to 21, wouldn’t post an unedited photo of themselves.

The lockdown has certainly contributed to negative self-image due to how much additional time has been spent on social media. So, limiting the amount of content they are exposed to online that promotes cosmetic surgery could help go some way towards developing a more positive body image.

In 2018, an advertisement for breast enlargement by MYA was the first to be banned. It was shown during Love Island, with critics arguing teenage girls would have been exposed to the content. The ad saw a 21-year old talking about how much better her life had been after a breast enlargement. After receiving a record number of complaints, the ad was eventually banned. Now, it looks like experts want to crack down on similar ads which notoriously target children.

While cosmetic surgery can greatly improve a patient’s life, it is only recommended for those aged 18 and over who have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can achieve.

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