Like many types of cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction procedures took a backseat due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this has left a huge backlog of patients waiting to undergo the surgery.

Now, the BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), has addressed the backlog, stating procedures should now be able to be carried out normally.

So, what does this mean for patients and how long will you need to wait for surgery?

The BAPRAS statement

BAPRAS and ABS released a joint statement, letting patients and practitioners know it is now safe to perform breast reconstructive procedures. Part of the statement reads:

“During the height of the COVID pandemic, advice was issued regarding surgical prioritisation in the treatment of breast cancer. Initially treatment was avoided completely in all but the most high-risk patients.

The situation in 2022 is radically different, and while COVID remains common, a combination of a less aggressive dominant variant, widespread vaccination, and better treatment mean that morbidity and mortality from COVID infection is much reduced.”

They finished the statement by saying there is now no medical reason why breast reconstruction cannot be continued.

Undergoing fat graft breast reconstruction

While there is currently a backlog of breast reconstruction procedures, these largely affect those undergoing traditional procedures. One option patients have if they want to undergo the procedure faster, is to opt for a fat grafting breast reconstruction.

Typically carried out on cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy, fat grafting to the breast is a natural way to rebuild lost volume. The procedure is medically known as autologous fat transfer. It involves using the body’s own fat to achieve additional volume and correct asymmetry. Therefore, there are fewer complications associated with it than traditional procedures.

The fat is taken from the thighs, buttocks, or stomach, using a cannula. Before it is inserted into the breasts, the fat is spun in a machine to separate it from the blood and fluids. It is then injected into the breast for natural looking results.

What are the risks and complications of fat graft breast reconstruction?

Although there are very few risks and complications associated with this type of breast reconstruction, there are some you need to be aware of. These include infection, necrosis, and cysts. The risks are very low, but it is recommended you speak with your surgeon. This will help to determine your individual risk factors.

Compared to traditional breast reconstruction procedures, a fat graft procedure is much safer. It also requires a shorter recovery period, and the results will look and feel a lot more natural.

To find out more about fat grafting breast reconstruction, book a consultation with Mr Horlock now. He will be able to answer any questions you may have, as well as help determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

After having a breast procedure, you’ll understandably be wanting to show off your new assets as quickly as possible. However, before you jet off on holiday, it’s important to understand the risks.

Can you fly soon after the surgery? And is it safe to top up your tan while recovering? These are just a couple of questions you should be asking. Discover everything you need to know about planning a holiday after a breast procedure below.

How long after a breast procedure can I fly?

The length of time you should wait before you fly after a breast procedure depends upon how far you are travelling. For short haul flights, you can consider jetting off a couple of weeks after having the surgery. However, if you are planning on a long-haul flight, it’s safer to wait for 6 weeks prior to travelling.

There is a common myth that flying after a breast augmentation procedure will cause the implants to explode. This simply isn’t true. But it does increase your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. For this reason, it is better to ask for advice from your surgeon over how long you should wait to travel.

What type of holiday are you planning?

Another thing you’ll need to factor in is the type of holiday you are planning. Is it an action-packed adventure holiday or a chance to let your hair down and party? If so, you’ll want to resist too much activity until you are fully healed.

If you do want to travel soon after undergoing a breast procedure, make sure it is more of a relaxing break. This will give the body time to fully recover, ensuring you see the best results from the surgery.

Can I use sunbeds before I go?

It might be tempting to hop on the sunbed to build up your tan, but it could be hazardous to your results. Like natural sunlight, sunbeds can cause discolouration and hyperpigmentation around the surgical site.

If you are set on using them, make sure you keep the breasts fully covered and protected. However, sunbeds in general are best avoided due to their long-term health risks.

What about sunbathing?

You can sunbathe, but once again you will need to keep your breasts covered and protected and use a good SPF lotion. It is especially important to keep your scars out of the sunlight as like sunbeds, the sun’s rays will discolour the surgical site.

You might need to take extra precautions if you want to head off on holiday after a breast procedure. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Seek your surgeon’s advice on planning a holiday and follow all safety precautions provided.

A group of UK scientists claim to have discovered a new anti-aging technique that can reverse the signs of aging. The technique, which involves rejuvenating skin cells, is said to help rewind the signs of aging by up to 30 years. If found to be true, this exciting discovery could revolutionise anti-aging treatments.

So, what is this new, potentially revolutionary technique? Discover everything you need to know below…

Understanding the latest research

The new research has discovered a way to cut the time it takes to reprogram cells by 13 days. Up until now, scientists haven’t been able to re-differentiate stem cells into mature adult cells. Instead, they have been able to produce foetal cells. Discovered by the latest team of researchers, the new method halts the reprogramming of the cells partway through. This allows them to identify a more accurate balance of creating biologically younger cells that retain their original function.

The technique has been dubbed ‘maturation phase transient reprogramming’ (MPTR). It has been tested on dermal fibroblasts donated by middle-aged participants. Researchers discovered that the method was able to successfully rejuvenate several cellular attributes, including transcriptome. Using a novel transcriptome clock, the transcriptome was found to have been rejuvenated by a staggering 30 years.

This is an exciting development that could greatly help to reduce the signs of aging in treatments moving forward.

What does this mean for patients?

While this new discovery is exciting, it’s important to realise that it won’t lead to new treatments or methods to reverse aging for quite a few years. Additional research will need to be carried out, followed by clinical trials.

Researchers still need to take the discovery made and turn it into viable treatment options. All of these things take time, but it does prove promising for future treatments.

Anti-aging treatment available now

If you don’t want to wait for new treatments to be developed, there are ways you can look up to 10 years younger right now. For instance, a facelift is one of the most effective, long-term procedures to help patients wipe up to a decade off their appearance.

Certainly, the technique used to carry out a facelift has improved dramatically in recent years. Nowadays, the results look more natural, and they often address the underlying cause of aging. Patients can undergo a facelift to tighten up the tissue and muscles of the face, remove excess skin, and increase volume in areas that have lost it.

While a facelift might not be for everyone, it can produce outstanding results. Book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today to find out if a facelift could be the right option for you.

Cosmetic surgery trends have long been driven by celebrity influence. However, the number of patients trying to imitate their favourite stars by changing their appearance is decreasing.

Now, a new trend is taking over which focuses on individuality and surgeries giving natural results. This means tailoring procedures to suit each individual. Here, we’ll take a look at the surgeries that are meeting a new trend of individuality.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures carried out on patients. It can have a drastic impact on your overall appearance, and there are several techniques the surgeon can use to manipulate the results.

But, now that the focus is on surgeries giving natural results, patients are requesting smaller changes that don’t alter their ethnic identity. This includes removing humps, correcting asymmetry, and fixing a crooked nose.

Fat transfer to the breast

One of the latest innovations in the cosmetic surgery field is fat transfer procedures. Fat is taken from one part of the body and transferred into another. This helps to provide natural volume where it is needed.

Fat transfer to the breast is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking a breast augmentation procedure. Most importantly, the results are natural, and there are much fewer risks involved compared to having implants inserted into the breasts.

But, keep in mind that fat transfer to the breast can only help to add a little volume. Therefore, it isn’t suitable for those looking to achieve a more dramatic increase in breast size.

A brow lift

Those who are looking to achieve a natural, youthful appearance, could benefit from a brow lift. Facelift procedures are great for turning back the clock, but the changes aren’t always natural. A brow lift on the other hand is a more natural procedure.

The minimally invasive surgery aims to lift the brows, which in turn lifts the forehead and the eye area. Certainly, these are notoriously the areas where signs of aging first start to appear. However, with this procedure, it is difficult to tell if any work has been done and it focuses on natural results.

These are some of the main types of surgeries that are helping to keep up with the individuality trend. In short, improvements in the way procedures are carried out, alongside new techniques, have helped surgeons to produce more natural results.

If you are looking to undergo cosmetic surgery that focuses on a more natural appearance, book a consultation with Mr Horlock. Certainly, he will be able to advise you on the best procedures to help maintain your individuality.

Did you know the size and shape of your chin can have a significant impact on your overall appearance? Whether you have a long, prominent, strong, or weak chin, it can cause issues with self-confidence.

Over time, the appearance of the chin can alter. This can lead to issues with insecurity and in some cases, asymmetry. There are all kinds of concerns patients have about their chin and consequently, several types of treatments available. Here, you’ll discover some of the most common chin concerns our patients have and the various treatments available.

What are the most common chin concerns?

Several factors impact how the chin looks including fat, genetics, bone structure, and skin elasticity. Each of these factors can contribute to a range of aesthetic issues. Some of the most common chin concerns patients have include:

Dimpled chin – If there is a dimple in the chin, it is usually caused by a tight muscle that is pulling the skin inward.

Double chin – Submental fat, or a double chin, is one of the most common concerns patients have. It is mostly caused by excess weight gain, though in some cases it can be genetic. Double chins can sometimes be difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise alone.

Large chin – Those with a large chin may feel like it is too broad. When the mandibular protuberance is larger than other facial features, it will draw attention to the mouth and jaw area.

Small chin – A small, or recessed chin, can also significantly impact your overall appearance. There will be a lack of definition in the area, making other facial features more prominent.

Drooping chin – As we age, we start to lose elastin and collagen in the skin. This can lead to drooping, especially in the chin area. When the skin sags, it can create jowls underneath the chin, leading to issues with self-confidence.

These are the most common chin concerns patients have. The good news is there are treatments to solve each of the issues above.

What treatment options are available?

There are several treatment options available to address concerns with your chin. If you want to change its shape, for example, a genioplasty could be the best option. This surgical procedure can be carried out in a couple of different ways. Implants are commonly used to add volume and alter the shape of the chin. Another, more intensive option, is to change the alignment or position of the chin.

If you have a small chin, fillers can be a great semi-permanent option. This minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to surgery. Or, for those looking to eliminate a double chin, liposuction can help. This targeted procedure will eliminate pockets of fat, helping to banish submental fat.

To find out which treatment option is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.