Reasons You Shouldn’t Have Plastic Surgery

Have Plastic Surgery

These days, there is a cosmetic procedure to fix practically any aesthetic issue you may have. Patients no longer face the stigma that used to come from going under the knife, and improvements in the sector have led to more natural results. However, while it might be more popular than ever before, plastic surgery isn’t right for everyone.

Before booking your chosen procedure, you’ll need to check if you are an ideal candidate. While this will ultimately be determined on a case-by-case basis, there are some general reasons you shouldn’t have plastic surgery right now. Here’s some of those reasons to be aware of…

You currently have a health issue

If you currently have a health issue, you might not be a suitable candidate for plastic surgery. All patients should be generally fit and healthy before they go under the knife, otherwise it could lead to complications.

If you have a history of pulmonary or cardiac disease, a family history of anaesthetic complications, or an untreated blood disorder, you will need to talk to your surgeon about the possible risks.

Unrealistic expectations

Plastic surgery can significantly change a person’s appearance. However, there are some things it cannot do.

Having realistic expectations is crucial before you undergo any cosmetic procedure. It is unlikely to transform you into an entirely different person, so trying to look like a certain celebrity for example, might be an unrealistic goal.

Surgeons today focus on producing more natural results. The goal isn’t to make you perfect, it’s to fix issues that you currently have.

You are getting the surgery for somebody else

Plastic surgery is a big deal, especially if you are undergoing a major procedure such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation. If you are going to go under the knife, it should only be for yourself, not somebody else.

For example, you should never undergo plastic surgery due to pressure from a partner or loved one. It should always be something you have wanted to have done for a while, and not something spontaneous that you might live to regret.

You don’t have support around you

When you have cosmetic surgery, it can take a lot out of your body. Depending upon the procedure, you may need to rest up for a few weeks and limit your daily activities. Without any support around you from friends or family, the recovery period will be tough.

You may need assistance changing bandages or carrying out daily activities. There is also a chance you will be in pain and need help with tasks such as showering. Having adequate support around you while you are recovering is essential and should be part of your post-operative plan.

If you are trying to decide whether plastic surgery is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock. He will discuss your concerns and help you get a good understanding of what to expect from the procedure you are interested in.

/by

What Can and Can’t Be Achieved with Rhinoplasty?

achieved with rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure that aims to help address aesthetic and structural issues with the nose. Commonly referred to as a nose job, the procedure can help to transform a patient’s life, giving them back their self-confidence. However, before you consider going under the knife, it’s worth noting that Rhinoplasty does have its limitations.

Here, we look at what can and can’t be achieved with rhinoplasty to help you decide if it is the right option for you.

What can by achieved with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can help to fix a wide range of nasal issues. This includes:

  • Straightening a crooked nose
  • Fixing the angle of the nose
  • Smoothing out bumps and dips on the bridge of the nose

The surgeon will be able to reposition the septum or nasal bones to help even out a crooked nose. The angle can also be altered in various ways, and nasal bumps can be trimmed down to reveal a smoother appearance.

There is no denying rhinoplasty can completely change your appearance. So, what are its limitations?

What can’t rhinoplasty do?

A rhinoplasty procedure cannot change the basic structure of the nose. So, don’t expect to be able to change your nose to look like somebody else’s. You may be able to achieve a similar look to what you are hoping for, but you can’t morph yourself into your favourite celebrity for example.

A nose job also won’t address any cosmetic issues such as redness and spots. It focuses on the contours of the nose, not the skin.

These are some of the main limitations of the procedure. It is also important to note that there is a risk you might not like the results. While it is rare, some patients do request a revision surgery as they aren’t happy with how their new nose looks.

The importance of choosing an experienced surgeon

While rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, it is a complex, major surgery. This means it should always be carried out by a fully trained and certified surgeon.

The results you experience will largely be down to how experienced the surgeon is. It can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but unfortunately this often tends to result in poor results.

Many patients have also had to undergo an additional procedure to fix the damage caused by inexperienced surgeons. Revision nose jobs are much more complex than initial rhinoplasty.

If you want to give yourself the best chance of experiencing your desired results, it is important to choose your surgeon carefully.

Having realistic expectations of what rhinoplasty can and can’t achieve is essential before you consider undergoing the procedure. To get a better idea of what to expect, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

/by

Why is Liposuction Still So Popular?

liposuction

A new report has revealed that liposuction was the most popular cosmetic procedure carried out after the Covid-19 pandemic. First introduced in 1974, the surgery has come a long way in terms of technique and results.

Here, we look at why liposuction is still so popular, decades after its introduction.

Why did the pandemic cause a rise in liposuction procedures?

The Inaugural ASPS Insights and Trends Report revealed a dramatic surge in cosmetic procedures since the start of the pandemic. Liposuction topped the list, alongside tummy tucks and breast augmentation.

Demand for liposuction is still showing no signs of slowing down. One reason thought to be behind the surge in liposuction procedures is that patients spent more time at home. Businesses were locked down, leading to a rise in remote working. With fewer people to see, and more time being spent at home, patients could heal and recover from their surgery in private.

Many people also put weight on during the pandemic. While liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure, it can help to produce a more toned appearance. Great for tackling small pockets of fat, it can be used to contour and refine the body.

A rise in video calls also contributed to the increase. As it can be used to target small areas, many patients found it an ideal way to eliminate their double chin. When you are on a video call, attention is automatically drawn to the face as the rest of the body is typically hidden.

These are just some of the reasons liposuction cases rose during the pandemic. Even now, as life begins to return to normal, it shows no signs of slowing down in popularity. Many people are still continuing to work from home, giving them more time to undergo the procedures they want.

A popular add-on treatment

Another reason liposuction cases have doubled is the fact that it makes an excellent add-on treatment. That is, it can be carried out alongside other procedures to maximise their results.

Liposuction is often performed alongside tummy tucks, breast reductions, and facial procedures. It is designed to remove small areas of fat, whereas procedures such as a tummy tuck remove excess skin and tissue. If you were to remove skin and tissue without removing excess fat, you wouldn’t get the best results.

What can I expect when I undergo liposuction?

Undergoing liposuction is a lot different today than it used to be. Advancements in the procedure have made it safer, more precise, and less painful. You will experience some pain and discomfort, though this should ease within a week. It takes around six weeks to recover and for any bruising and swelling to fade.

To find out if liposuction is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

/by

BAAPS Demands Legislation Change for Safer Facelifts

Safer facelifts

The BAAPS has demanded that legislation be changed to protect the public from non-GMC registered practitioners. Referring to them as ‘Cosmetic Cowboys’, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has now launched a petition to make surgery safer for patients.

A current lack in legislation means that there are no restrictions on who can and cannot perform cosmetic surgery. This means that beauticians and untrained surgeons can carry out various procedures in the UK, putting patients at risk.

Here, we look at why the BAAPS is demanding a change and how it would lead to safer popular procedures such as facelifts.

Why is the BAAPS demanding change?

The reason the BAAPS is demanding a change in the law is due to a worrying increase in botched procedures. A staggering 80% of members have seen a rise in the number of patients requesting revision surgery. There has also been a 44% increase in the number of botched procedures performed abroad.

Talking about current legislation, president elect of the BAAPS, Marc Pacifico, states:

“Currently, there is more legislation to protect your dog while having surgery, than to protect a patient undergoing a cosmetic operation. Legislation that will clarify the distinction between providers to safeguard the public from serious complications at the hands of untrained and unregulated practitioners, is long overdue.”

Many patients are unaware of the risks of going under the knife or having treatments such as facial fillers. When a beautician offers treatments such as Botox and fillers, it’s easy to assume they are fully qualified and experienced. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.

What are the risks involved?

All cosmetic procedures carry some level of risk. Thankfully, this is often mitigated by the skill and experience of the surgeon. Choosing a practitioner who isn’t qualified however, significantly increases the risks involved, with some complications proving potentially deadly.

Just some of the risks you are exposed to when you choose an unlicensed surgeon include:

  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Infection
  • Unsatisfactory results
  • Additional surgery
  • Life-threatening complications

The risks of going under the knife with an inexperienced surgeon are extensive and potentially life threatening. For this reason, you should always choose a GMC registered surgeon to carry out the procedure.

The benefits of choosing a GMC registered surgeon

You’ll receive a triple whammy of benefits when you choose a GMC registered surgeon. These include:

1) You’ll have reassurance that the surgeon is qualified, skilled, and trusted within the industry.

2) The surgeon will have adequate medical insurance that isn’t available to non-GMC surgeons.

3) Registered GMC surgeons work within premises equipped to perform procedures, as well as deal with any potential complications that arise.

Safety should be a key priority when you are looking to undergo any cosmetic procedure. Mr Nigel Horlock is proud to be a renowned GMC registered surgeon. Whether you are thinking of going under the knife, or you need a revision surgery, book a consultation now.

/by

Unhappy With Your Breast Implants? Consider Implant Revision Surgery

Implant Revision

Breast implants typically need to be replaced every 10-20 years. However, there are several reasons why patients may want or need to remove them sooner. Maybe you are unhappy with how the implants look, or you suffered complications during the procedure. Whatever the reason, breast implant revision surgery can help.

Discover what implant revision surgery is and what it involves in the brief guide below…

What is breast implant revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery typically aims to remove the implants. The procedure takes around two hours to complete, and the incision will be made in the same place as the original one. This helps to avoid any new scarring.

You will be placed under general anaesthetic, before the implants are removed and the wound is stitched up. However, in most cases the breasts will need to be reshaped in another surgery to ensure best results.

A breast lift may be carried out alongside the surgery, and fat transfer can be used to naturally alter the shape of the breasts.

Why might I need revision surgery?

Women choose to have breast revision surgery for a number of reasons including:

  • They aren’t happy with the results of their breast augmentation
  • The implants are causing discomfort or pain
  • The implant has ruptured
  • There has been a change in the shape of the implant

It isn’t always possible to predict how breast augmentation will look. In some cases, the final result may be different to what the patient has anticipated. A revision surgery can help to address any issues that occurred during the first procedure.

If the breast implants are uncomfortable or painful, it could be a sign of damaged lymph nodes, capsular contracture, or developing seroma. Experiencing persistent pain after breast augmentation isn’t natural and it should be addressed with the surgeon.

Ruptures are another rare complication. The implant may have burst, causing it to leak out into surrounding areas. This can be life threatening in some cases, so if a rupture is suspected it should be treated as quickly as possible.

These are just a small number of the reasons you might choose to have breast revision surgery.

Are there any risks and complications?

Breast revision surgery presents very few risks to the patient. However, some complications to be aware of include:

  • Pain and swelling
  • Infections
  • Your breasts are hot to the touch
  • Leaking wounds

Your surgeon will go over the potential risks and complications before surgery. While the risks are small, you do need to take them into account when deciding if the procedure is right for you.

To learn more about breast revision surgery and whether it could be right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock.

/by

Tips for a Successful Liposuction Recovery

Liposuction Recovery

Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK. Helping to remove stubborn pockets of fat, the procedure has come a long way since it was first introduced.

When compared to other cosmetic surgeries, liposuction is often considered a minor surgery. However, even if it is only used to remove small areas of fat, patients still need to take time to recover.

If you want to ensure a successful recovery from liposuction, read on to discover some of the best tips you can follow.

Lymphatic massages to aid your liposuction recovery

During the first week after your liposuction, the body will be quite inflamed. This will leave you feeling tired, sore, and you’ll have a build-up of excessive fluid in the body. To eliminate this excess fluid, drains are typically used. However, they can also be combined with lymphatic massages.

Lymphatic massage is a low-pressure technique that aims to stimulate the body’s drainage system. Ideally, the massages should begin the day after surgery, and continue a few times a week for a couple of months.

Not only do lymphatic massages help to drain excess fluid, but they can also help to reduce the risk of lumps and bumps and prevent fibrosis.

Wear a compression garment

For three weeks after the procedure, you will develop bruising, firmness, and swelling. A compression garment can help to reduce these symptoms, and it will need to be worn for a period of four to eight weeks.

Your surgeon will provide the garment, often alongside a supplement foam to wear underneath it. Always wear the compression garment as advised by your surgeon. If worn correctly, it can help speed up results.

Consume an anti-inflammatory diet

Ideally, a few weeks before your liposuction appointment, you should start to consume an anti-inflammatory diet. This should include eating plenty of berries, sticking to a plant-based diet where possible, and taking a prebiotic.

Continue the anti-inflammatory diet after the procedure and avoid consuming too much salt to reduce water retention.

Follow your surgeon’s advice

The most important tip you can follow to aid your recovery is to always adhere to your surgeon’s instructions. Liposuction recovery will vary from person to person, and your surgeon’s advice will be tailored to your specific circumstances.

If you follow the advice your surgeon provides, it will ensure a comfortable, rapid recovery. Of course, complications can always arise, but following the instructions provided to you will reduce the risks.

Book an appointment with Mr Nigel Horlock today to learn more about liposuction and its recovery. He will give you an idea of what to expect from both the procedure and the recovery process.

/by

Will a Breast Lift Make Me Look Younger?

Breast Lift

Patients undergo a breast lift for a variety of reasons such as helping to alleviate back pain and eliminating sagging. But could having one also make you look younger?

When done correctly, a breast lift can give you a more youthful look. Here, you’ll discover what it is and how it could help you knock years off your appearance.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift is a common procedure used to treat sagging or droopy breasts. It tightens surrounding tissues and removes any excess skin while elevating the breasts into a more youthful position. If the areolas have increased in size over time, the surgeon can also make them smaller during the procedure.

It is important to note that the procedure does not add volume to the breasts. If this is something you are looking for, breast augmentation can be carried out at the same time as a lift.

How can it make you look younger?

A breast lift can make you look younger in a couple of ways. As you age, the breasts naturally start to droop lower. This can be down to simple gravity and a loss of elasticity, or from life experiences such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. When the breasts droop and sag, it makes them look a lot older. This surgery can elevate the breasts back into their original position, helping to give you an instantly younger look.

Without surgery, there is no other way to lift the breasts. No diet or exercise tricks can magically move the breasts to a more elevated position.

Top things to consider

Before you rush and book yourself in for a breast lift, there are a few things to consider. Like any procedure, it comes with risks and complications, as well as limitations as to what can be achieved.

Some of the main risks and complications include bleeding, breast asymmetry, change in nipple sensation, and breast contour irregularities. Mr Horlock will give you a better idea of what to expect when you go for an initial consultation.

You also need to remember that this procedure can only do so much. If your goal is to look younger, you might want to consider combining a breast lift with breast augmentation. This will elevate the breasts as well as give them extra volume.

Another thing to consider is where you get the procedure done. Always choose a reliable and well-respected surgeon to carry out your breast lift. This will help to reduce the risks involved, as well as help you to get the best possible results.

/by

Brow Lift Or Blepharoplasty?

Brow Lift Or Blepharoplasty

As you age, your skin starts to lose its elasticity, leading to lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Due to the fact that the area around the eyes is so thin and delicate, it is often one of the first places that the signs of ageing develop.

If you want to achieve a younger, fresher appearance, treating the eye area should be a top priority. The question is, should you opt for a brow lift or blepharoplasty? Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about both procedures to determine which one is right for you.

What is a brow lift?

A brow lift is a surgical procedure that aims to address drooping or excess skin around the eyes and forehead. It does this by raising the brows, which in turn tightens the skin on the upper eyelid.

There are a number of techniques that can be used to carry out the procedure. It may be performed with an endoscopic camera, or an incision may be made on the upper eyelid.

When the brows are lifted, it makes you appear a lot younger. You will also have a more refreshed appearance, leaving you looking a lot more awake. The procedure is typically carried out under general anaesthetic, and it takes around one to two hours on average to complete.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that aims to eliminate excess skin from the eyelids. Over time, the skin around the eyes stretches, and the muscles weaken. This can cause excess fat and skin to develop both above and underneath your eyelids.

As well as making you look older, sagging skin around the eyes can also lead to vision problems. A blepharoplasty can resolve issues such as droopy eyelids, bags under the eyes, and excess skin.

An incision will be made along the natural crease of the eyelid, helping to hide any scarring. Once the incision has been made, the excess skin will be removed, alongside any fat if needed. The cut will then be closed, and you will be sent to a recovery room until you feel well enough o go home.

Which procedure is right for you?

Both a brow lift and blepharoplasty can help to create a more youthful appearance. It could be that you would benefit from having both procedures carried out at the same time.

If your problem is a heavy brow, then a brow lift would be the right choice. However, if it is down to heavy eyelids, blepharoplasty would be the ideal option. If you have both heavy brows and heavy lids, a combination of the two procedures would work best.

In terms of recovery, both procedures may cause bruising and swelling for one or two weeks. If you undergo blepharoplasty, you may need eye drops until the wound has healed.

To get the best idea of which procedure is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

/by

Achieve Your Best Tummy Tuck Results

Best Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks have been a popular cosmetic procedure for many years. Helping to flatten and tone the abdomen, the procedure can help you to achieve that dream summer body you have always craved. But what can you do to achieve the best tummy tuck results?

Before undergoing a tummy tuck, there are a few things that are useful to know. In your consultation, your surgeon will always take you through the procedure, what to expect and how to prepare.

Here, we share a few important measures that you will need to take to prepare for a tummy tuck, so you can get the body you have been dreaming of.

Reach your ideal weight

There is a misconception that a tummy tuck can help you to shed unwanted weight around the abdomen. While the procedure will leave you looking more toned, it is not a weight loss substitute.

This means that if you want to get the best results, you should be at, or as close to your ideal weight as possible. You can lose weight safely before the procedure by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and junk food.

Staying hydrated will also help, just make sure you don’t lose weight too quickly. If you do, this too can cause problems during surgery.

Quit smoking prior to the procedure

Did you know that tobacco smoke increases the risks of complications when undergoing surgery? In particular, it can impact wound healing, causing an infection at the wound site, and increased scarring.

If you do smoke, quitting before the procedure will significantly lower the risks. Not only that, but it will improve practically every other aspect of your health too. Quitting isn’t easy, but the benefits are more than worthwhile.

Follow your surgeon’s advice

One of the best ways to ensure you achieve the best results, is to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice. What do they recommend after the procedure? How long should you rest and wait to get back to daily activities?

By following their advice to the letter, it minimises the risks and ensures you end up with the best possible results.

What to expect from a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is an extensive procedure, removing stubborn pockets of fat, tightening up the stomach muscles, and removing saggy skin. How extensive it is will depend upon how much saggy skin and fat needs to be removed.

It can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, and you can choose to undergo a traditional or mini tummy tuck. The type of procedure that is right for you will be determined at your consultation.

After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a couple of nights. You may also need to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. The initial recovery period takes around 2-3 weeks, which is when you can return to work and resume daily activities.

To learn more about getting the best results from a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock now.

/by

Protect Your Eyelids from Ageing in the Sun

Protect Your Eyelids

We have already seen record temperatures and unusually sunny days this summer in the UK. With further heat waves expected, now is the perfect time to start thinking about keeping the body protected.

While it’s natural to want to enjoy the beautiful weather that we have been treated to this year, it can cause havoc for our skin and eyes. Without adequate protection, the sun could trigger signs of ageing. Particularly in delicate areas like the eyelids.

So, how can you reduce the risk of your eyelids ageing in the sun? Check out the best tips you can follow to help protect your eyelids this summer.

Why protect your eyelids?

The sun’s rays don’t just put your skin at risk, they can also have a detrimental impact on your eyes too. Not only can they increase the risk of cancer, but they can also cause premature ageing around the eyelids too.

It is the UV radiation from the sun that causes problems for the eyes. Some of the main conditions that can be triggered by the sun’s rays include:

  • Cataracts
  • Macular degeneration
  • Corneal sunburn
  • Conjunctival cancers

The risks are very real, making it crucial to focus on protecting the eyelids during the summer months.

Keeping the eyelids protected

If you want to keep your eyelids protected this summer, there are some things you can do. Let’s look at some of the most effective protective steps you can take…

Wearing sunglasses – Wearing sunglasses is one of the most effective ways to keep your eyes protected. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Wear a wide brimmed hat – A tightly woven fabric wide brimmed hat can help to keep the sun out of your eyes. Choose a hat with a three-inch brim, and it will help to block out around 50% of the sun’s rays.

Use broad spectrum sunscreen – Even with protective gear, it’s a good idea to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It should contain an SPF of 15 or higher, and state that it is safe to be used around the eyes.

Take care near water, snow, and sand – Water, snow, and sand are known to reflect the rays of the sun upwards. This means you can be hit by its harmful rays twice.

Avoid being in direct sunlight during peak times – One of the best ways to protect the eye’s during summer is to stay out of the sun during peak times. These tend to be from 11am through to 3pm.

Reversing the signs of ageing

If sun damage has already occurred around the eyes, taking protective steps can prevent the damage from worsening. However, if you want to reverse it completely, you may benefit from undergoing a blepharoplasty.

Also known as an eyelid lift, a blepharoplasty is most commonly used to correct droopy eyelids. However, it can also eliminate the signs of ageing from around the eye area. To see if the procedure could help you to achieve a younger, fresher look, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

/by