How To Look Great This Summer. And Beyond

Look Great This Summer

Summer is a time to forget your worries, enjoy the sunshine and enjoy a brief respite from the typical UK weather. However, it can also potentially be damaging to your looks. Without adequate protection, the strong summer sun could play havoc with your skin.

If you want to make sure you look great this summer, and beyond, check out these tips.

Keep yourself hydrated

If there’s just one tip you follow this summer, make sure it’s this one! Staying hydrated is extremely important, both for your skin and your overall health. When it is hot, we automatically lose more water from the body as we sweat. This can lead to dehydration, and in extreme cases, heat stroke.

The skin needs adequate hydration to look and feel good. Without it, the skin will appear dull, tired, and dry. It can also lead to signs of aging over time. So, make sure you are continuously topping up your hydration levels.

Protect your eyes

The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate. This means it is at greater risk from the sun. Making sure you wear sunglasses while out in the sun will help to protect the skin, as well as your eyes themselves. It also stops the fine lines that can appear due to continuously squinting.

If the signs of aging have already affected your eyes, an eyelid lift or a brow lift can help to eliminate sagging skin. Furthermore, they can produce immediate results.

Exercise with caution

When you are exercising, it’s important to make sure you are wearing the right clothing. Failing to wear a sports bra for example, could lead to issues with sagging breasts over time. Always wear a sports bra when you are exercising to prevent damaging or stretching the breasts.
If your breasts are already sagging, you might want to consider a breast lift to give them a more youthful look.

Keep the skin protected

Finally, and most importantly, keeping the skin protected is essential. If left exposed to the sun’s rays, the skin is at risk of developing melanoma. Even if you are lucky enough to not develop cancer, the skin is also at risk of premature aging.

Using an SPF of at least 30 is recommended. However, if you do have signs of aging on the skin, there may be several surgical options available. A facelift can help to knock years off your appearance, though it is an extensive procedure. You could also opt for non-surgical treatments such as fillers – but these are temporary procedures that require repeat treatments to maintain results.

These are some of the best ways to protect your skin in the sun, and to look great this Summer. Provided you take the time to protect the body, it will look and feel great for years to come. If you already have signs of aging, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today to learn more about the different procedures available.

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Common Questions About Labial Reduction

Questions About Labial Reduction

Trying to decide whether a labial reduction is right for you? While labias come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, many women are unhappy with how theirs looks.

A labial reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of the inner or outer lips. Like any surgery, it’s important to know everything about it before deciding if it is right for you.

To help you decide, below you’ll discover the answers to some of the most common questions about labial reduction.

What exactly is a labial reduction?

A labial reduction, or Labiaplasty, aims to reduce the size of the labia minora, the inner lips of the vagina. It also creates a smoother appearance with the outer lips, or the labia majora.

There are a number of different techniques that can be used, depending on the preference of the patient. However, the goal of each is to create a ‘tucked in’ appearance.

Are there any risks and complications?

There are some risks and complications to be aware of before undergoing a labial reduction. These include:

  • Numbness
  • Decreased vulvar sensitivity
  • Scarring which results in painful intercourse
  • Chronic dryness
  • Bleeding
  • Infection

These risks are small, but you do still need to be aware of them. If too much of the labial fold is removed, it could cause issues with function. Consequently, the lips may not protect the vagina as much, which could increase the incidence of vaginal infections.

Mr Horlock will talk through the exact method along with all of the risks and complications associated with the procedure during your consultation.

What results will it produce?

The procedure can provide very natural looking results. Those who undergo the surgery to correct issues such as tugging or twisting, often report massive relief. Furthermore, it can be life-changing if the issue was causing you significant discomfort or distress.

A study from 2014, showed around 91% of patients who underwent the procedure, were satisfied with the end result. With that said, results do vary. So it is important to get an idea of the type of result you can expect during your consultation.

How long will it take to recover?

A labial reduction is typically carried out as a day procedure, done with local or general anaesthetic. You will likely feel swollen and sore afterwards, and patients are advised to avoid working for one to two weeks.

You’ll find the recovery runs smoothly if you give the body time to rest, wear loose clothing, and avoid vigorous activity. If you find it uncomfortable to sleep, you can lie down with your bottom slightly elevated. You should notice that any pain, swelling, and discomfort takes around six weeks to clear up.

A labial reduction is a simple, yet big procedure. If the size of your labia is causing you distress, or if you have more questions about labial reduction, book a consultation with Mr Horlock. Discover whether a labial reduction procedure could be right for you.

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Combining Surgical Procedures. A Good Idea?

Combining Surgical Procedures

Plastic surgery has become a widely accepted and effective way of altering our appearance. Each year, new trends emerge, and existing techniques are improved. One of the most recent trends to hit the sector is combination surgery.

It isn’t unusual for patients to undergo more than one procedure at a time. When the right treatments are used together, maximum results can be achieved. The question is, which surgical procedures work well together? Find out below…

Understanding combining procedures

Combination procedures are basically two or more cosmetic procedures carried out at the same time. The surgeon will perform one procedure, then move immediately onto the next.

These types of procedures take a lot of skill and present several challenges to surgeons. Therefore, patients should only undergo this type of surgery if they are confident in the surgeon’s abilities. Choosing an experienced, skilled surgeon will reduce the risks of complications.

Mr Nigel Horlock is an expert in a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breasts and body. During the consultation, he will go through the different treatment options, which might include combining surgical procedures to achieve your desired result.

What are the benefits?

There are a lot of benefits that come from undergoing combination procedures. These include:

  • Enhanced results
  • Reduces recovery time
  • It is convenient for those with time constraints
  • Lower risk of complications

The main reason for undergoing more than one procedure at a time, is that it can help to enhance results. Some surgeries complement each other, producing much more distinctive aesthetic changes. Many patients find they cannot achieve their desired results with just one procedure.

Another benefit of undergoing multiple surgeries at once, is that it reduces overall recovery time. If you were to undergo one procedure, you would need to recover before undergoing the other procedure at a later date. You would then need to undergo an additional recovery period. In many cases patients struggle to find the time to fit in two recovery periods.

Although combination treatments are trickier to perform, they do actually lower the risks. For example, there is always a risk when going under anaesthesia. If you were to undergo the procedures separately, you would be exposed to the anaesthesia twice. However, with combination procedures, you only need to be put to sleep once. This reduces the overall risks of the treatments.

Which treatments work well together?

So, now you know the benefits, which treatments work well together? The main procedure combinations recommended include:

  • Breast reduction and breast uplift
  • Eyelid lift and a brow lift
  • Genioplasty and a rhinoplasty
  • Facelift and non-surgical injections

These are the main treatments that generally go well together. Each additional procedure is designed to complement the original. With a breast reduction for example, sagging could be an issue in the final result. A breast uplift helps to give the breasts a younger, firmer appearance.

Before booking any surgical procedure, it is important to talk it through at your consultation. Mr Horlock will advise you of any multiple procedures that you might benefit from, and the things you’ll need to consider.

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Male Plastic Surgery Is On the Rise

Male plastic surgery

During the pandemic, cosmetic surgeons have seen a dramatic rise in male patients. While there has been a steady increase in male cosmetic surgery in recent years, demand accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic.

Here, we will look at why male plastic surgery is on the rise and the most common treatments requested.

What is driving a rise in male plastic surgery?

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, around a third of its members noted a rise in male enquiries. One thing said to be contributing to the trend is the surge in video calls.

When businesses went into lockdown, employees were forced to work from home where they could. This meant staying in touch with work colleagues through online video calls. The constant pressure to look good for these calls has led many men to consider seeking improvements.

There has also been a social shift over the past decade. These days, male cosmetic surgery is widely accepted. There isn’t the same level of stigma as there used to be. This makes men more comfortable to book any work they want to have done.

There is just as much pressure placed onto men to look good these days as there is on women. So, it is only natural they are turning to surgical solutions more frequently in today’s society.

Common procedures requested by male patients

Some treatments are proving particularly popular with male patients. The most common procedures booked by men include:

  • Liposuction
  • Facelifts
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Non-surgical procedures

Liposuction has become one of the most common treatments booked by men. Helping to contour the body, it can aid in eliminating stubborn pockets of fat. However, most recently, facelifts have become a leading choice.

Why are more men requesting face surgeries?

A study in 2019 showed that a facelift can make a man appear more attractive and trustworthy. However, one of the main reasons the treatment has accelerated in popularity is down to its anti-aging benefits. Many men feel pressure at work to look younger as they feel they need to compete with their young colleagues. Above all, a facelift can produce outstanding results and lockdown has given patients plenty of time to recover in private.

The rise in video calls has made many men more aware of their features – in particular their nose and jawline. Rhinoplasty is a largely safe procedure to alter the shape and appearance of the nose, and chin surgery can help to alter the jawline. Both of these surgeries can provide more aesthetically pleasing, long-term results.

There is no denying men do feel a lot more pressure these days to look their best. When done for the right reasons, plastic surgery can improve self-confidence, as well as overall quality of life.

Mr Horlock believes that consultation is essential for a good outcome in any aesthetic surgery. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today, and get the results that you want to achieve.

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Your Questions Answered on Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal

Thinking of having a breast implant removal procedure? There are several reasons why you may wish to remove old implants. It could be that you now want a more natural look.

Breast augmentation surgery is considered one of the safest cosmetic surgery procedures, and it can produce natural-looking results. Mr Horlock carries out breast augmentation using implants by Johnson and Johnson, as well as Allergan. Both are superior quality brands renowned for their safety.

The average lifespan of breast implants is 10 to 15 years, although some women do not require them changing at this point. Some women decide to have their implants removed completely, but there are a number of options at this point.

So, what is breast implant removal? Is it a good option? And what other options are there? Below, you’ll discover answers to some common questions.

What is breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure which removes your implants without replacing them. It takes up to two hours to complete, and patients are placed under general anaesthetic.

During surgery an incision is made in the same place as the original incision. This helps to keep scarring to a minimum. The implants will be removed before the area is stitched back up. To aid in healing and prevent infection, a dressing will be placed over the wound.

In most cases, an additional surgery is required to help reshape the breasts. It is common to undergo an implant removal alongside a breast lift procedure. If additional volume is required, fat transfer is often a good option. This involves taking fat cells from a different area of the body and inserting them into the breast.

Ideal candidates are those who are healthy, and who don’t want their implants anymore. It could be that you have experienced complications, or the implants are coming towards the end of their life.

What kind of results can I expect?

The results of the procedure will depend upon a number of factors. How much breast tissue is left and the size of the implants will make a big difference. It is important to realise that you might not see full results until a year after the procedure. Mr Horlock will be able to give you the best idea of the type of results you can expect.

What can I expect from the recovery?

The majority of patients return home the same day after a breast implant removal. Sitting upright will help to reduce swelling, and you should rest for around two weeks after the procedure.

Expect to return to normal activities within four to six weeks. While you recover, try and wear loose clothing to keep you comfortable.

Are there any risks of breast implant removal?

Like any procedure, there are some risks and complications you should be aware of. Pain and swelling are common for a few days after the surgery. There is also a risk of infection, oozing wounds, and any scarring may become more prominent. Talk to the surgeon to determine your individual risk factors.

The above are some of the most commonly asked questions about the breast implant removal procedure. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock to determine whether a breast implant removal is a good option for you.

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How to Prepare for a Facelift

Prepare for a facelift

Facelifts have been carried out for decades. The popular procedure is known to make patients look up to 10 years younger. However, while it may be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, there are things you should know before you go under the knife.

Here, you will learn the key factors to consider when you prepare for a facelift. This will help to give you a good idea of what to expect.

What is a facelift and how does it work?

A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to tighten up the skin around the neck and face, helping to combat the signs of aging. It is particularly effective at eliminating and reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

The lower part of the face is typically targeted the most during a facelift treatment. This includes the mouth, cheeks and jawline. The procedure can be carried out in numerous ways, though an incision is typically made along the hairline.

It will eliminate excess skin and fat, alongside tightening up the underlying muscles and tissue. Stitches or skin adhesives will be used to close the incisions once the procedure has been carried out.

What to expect from the recovery

You will usually be able to go home on the same day as the procedure. For the first few days after a traditional facelift, you will likely experience some discomfort. There will be dressings to protect the face that need to be left on until your check-up, normally a week after.

It takes around two weeks to fully recover from the procedure, when you can return to some light daily activities.

Due to where the incisions are made, you shouldn’t notice any scarring once it has healed. However, the amount of scarring present will vary from patient to patient.

Choose an experienced surgeon

If you want to make sure that you prepare for a facelift as well as possible, there are some things you can do prior to the procedure. Ensuring you choose a reliable and experienced surgeon is the first thing you should do.

Mr Horlock is a highly skilled Consultant Plastic Surgeon with many years of experience in both reconstructive work and cosmetic surgery. He performs the full range of facial cosmetic surgery procedures, including facelifts and brow lifts, as well as a number of facial rejuvenating procedures.

Prepare for the recovery

As the recovery is quite lengthy, you should also look to do things around the home to make it easier. Clearing a space and making sure you don’t have to do much of anything after the surgery is recommended. You should also consider things such as meal prepping and having somebody there to look after pets and children if needed.

Facelift aftercare

It goes without saying that you should also follow the aftercare instructions. This will ensure you experience best results while also remaining as comfortable as possible throughout the recovery period.

If you are considering undergoing a traditional facelift, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today. You can tell him your wishes and expectations, and he will discuss with you the different treatment options.

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Can I Change My Areola? Consider Nipple Correction

nipple correction

Unhappy with the way your areola looks? While it is normal for areolas to vary greatly in size and shape, many women are unhappy with how theirs presents. The size and colour of the areolas can also change over time. For example, they can darken in colour and become larger or smaller.

If you are unhappy with how your areola looks, there are surgical options available. Nipple correction surgery has become particularly common in recent years and it can be carried out alongside breast surgery. Below, you’ll discover everything you need to know about areola changes and surgery options.

How can the areola change over time?

Over time, your areola will go through significant changes. During puberty, the pigmented part of the areola grows in size. Eventually they develop into a raised area, appearing darker than the rest of the breasts.

When you go through pregnancy, the areola can again increase in size and darken. While the breasts go back to their original size once lactation has ended, the areola doesn’t. It may shrink a little, or go lighter in colour, but it is unlikely to go back to how it looked before.

These are the main changes your areola can go through during your lifetime. However, there are some changes in the nipples you should watch out for that could need medical intervention.

Knowing when to consult a doctor

Most changes in the size and colour of the areola are completely normal. However, there are some changes that could point to an underlying issue.

If the nipples are dry, itchy and flaky, it could point to nipple eczema. This is linked to atopic dermatitis which can also produce small, raised bumps on the areola.

Any lumps and bumps that develop on the areola should be investigated. They could point to a rare type of breast cancer known as Paget’s Disease of the nipple.

Is nipple correction surgery a good option?

If you do want to alter the appearance of the areola, nipple correction surgery could be a good option. An incision can either be made down from the nipple to the areola, or around the outside of it. The surgeon will then work on reducing the size of the area.

Alongside altering the areola, nipple surgery can also help to correct inverted nipples, and reduce larger nipples. In a lot of cases, nipple surgery is also used alongside breast surgery.

While most patients don’t experience any issues after the surgery, it is important to note there are some risks and complications. Nipple surgery can result in issues with breastfeeding for example. Therefore, if you are planning on having a baby, you may want to hold off on the surgery until you have finished breastfeeding.

If the size of your areola is causing issues with your confidence and self-esteem, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock. You can then talk through your treatment options and decide on the best one for you, as well as ask any questions about the procedure or the aftercare.

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How Can I Get Natural Results From Plastic Surgery?

natural results from plastic surgery

Looking to achieve natural results from your plastic surgery? While in the past, going under the knife delivered a fake, plastic appearance, these days improved aesthetic techniques produce a much more naturally-beautiful look.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to achieve natural results through surgery. Here, you’ll discover some of the best ways to get that natural look when going under the knife.

Ensure you are physically healthy

Before undergoing any type of surgery, it is important that you are generally healthy. This ensures the risks of the surgery are reduced.

Ideally you should be of average weight, and a non-smoker. If you do smoke, quitting a few weeks prior to the surgery is recommended. This is because smoking is well known to affect the results of surgery. It can increase the risks, as well as cause issues with wound healing.

If you do experience complications due to poor health, it can reduce the quality of results, resulting in an unnatural look.

Choose an experienced surgeon

One of the best ways to make sure you receive natural results, is to choose your surgeon carefully. The more experienced the surgeon is in the type of surgery you are undergoing, the better the results will be.

You should also make sure that the surgeon is fully certified. Even the best surgeons can’t always prevent complications from developing. However, choosing a skilled surgeon is certainly going to help to reduce the risks and ensure you achieve the best results.

Make sure your expectations are realistic

Something you should ask yourself before undergoing cosmetic surgery, is whether your expectations are realistic. Many people go into cosmetic surgery thinking it will produce far greater results than it actually will.

The best way to ensure your expectations are realistic, is to talk them through with the surgeon. During your consultation, you will be able to ask what kind of results you can expect and whether you are choosing the right procedure. It could be that in order to achieve the results you want, a combination of procedures will be required.

Research the different surgery techniques

Did you know that the technique used within your cosmetic surgery procedure can also impact results? Choosing a surgeon skilled in both the traditional as well as the latest techniques is going to be your best option. Mr Nigel Horlock is an expert in a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breasts and body.

There are lots of ways to get natural looking results from plastic surgery. For example, if you are considering breast augmentation, you might consider a smaller sized implant. And you might achieve a more youthful looking face from an eyelid lift and/or a brow lift, instead of opting for full facelift surgery. The incision type that you choose for any surgical treatment, will also ensure that scars are well hidden.

Mr Horlock believes that consultation is essential for a good outcome in aesthetic surgery. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today, to talk through your different treatment options and get the results that you want to achieve.

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How Can You Correct Wonky Eyelids?

Wonky eyelids

Asymmetrical eyes can be caused by a range of factors including genetics, lifestyle factors and ageing. Whatever the cause, wonky eyelids can understandably lead to issues with self-confidence.

The good news is there are ways to correct asymmetrical eyes to give you a more balanced look. Below, you will discover more about the causes of uneven eyelids and the treatments that are currently available.

What are the causes of asymmetrical eyelids?

There are a number of potential causes of wonky eyelids. Understanding the cause can help you to determine the best course of treatment.
Genetics can play a key role in the shape of the eye area. You may notice that other members of your family also have uneven eyes. If it is caused by genetics, you won’t need to undergo treatment unless it bothers you aesthetically.

Ageing is another common cause, and this is something you can treat. There have been a number of imaging studies that have shown ageing links to facial asymmetry. The reason is because when we get older, our soft tissues within the face begin to relax. The cartilage within the nose also grows continuously, further causing issues with asymmetry.

Uneven eyelids could also potentially be caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking. Studies have revealed that smoking can lead to droopy eyelids. Meanwhile, too much sun exposure could also cause skin changes around the eyes. If it impacts one side of the face more, this could generate issues with asymmetry.

These are the most common causes of wonky eyelids. So, how can you treat the problem if it is causing you distress?

Understanding your treatment options

There are several treatment options for asymmetrical eyes. The two main treatments are an eyebrow lift and blepharoplasty.

Both corrective procedures have their pros and cons. It is important to compare them to determine which procedure would be better for you. Mr Horlock will be able to talk through your treatment options with you, during your consultation. You may also be recommended additional procedures that could enhance your results.

A brow lift

A brow lift is a straightforward procedure which raises the position of the eyebrows. This in turn raises the skin and soft tissue of the eyelid as well as the forehead, giving it a younger and healthier look. A brow lift can be carried out as an open or closed procedure with incisions usually made along the natural hairline.

Results of a brow lift are typically immediately seen, but there may be some swelling and bruising for the first week or so after surgery.

Blepharoplasty surgery

A blepharoplasty is surgery on the eyelids. It aims to correct droopy eyelids, and it can also improve the appearance of eye bags.

A blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids, or both. When targeting the upper eyelid, an incision will be made along the crease of the eyelid. Any excess fat and skin will then be removed.

The results of a blepharoplasty can be immediate, but as with a brow lift, you may need to wait until any bruising and swelling have subsided. Both a brow lift and eyelid lift can be done together to boost results.

If you are living with wonky or droopy eyelids, there are treatments available to help give you back your confidence. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today to discuss which treatment would be better for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reduction

breast reduction

Recently, there has been a significant increase in demand for breast reduction surgeries. While larger breasts were once the preference, women today are becoming more concerned with achieving a natural look. Body positivity and increased confidence are also playing a role in the procedure’s popularity.

Before you consider having a breast reduction procedure, you should understand what it involves. Here, we’ll reveal the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about breast reduction surgery.

What is a breast reduction procedure?

A breast reduction procedure aims to reduce the size of the breasts by remodelling them. This is done in numerous ways, and it can also be combined with a breast lift for maximum results.

It is often carried out to eliminate the problems that come with larger breasts. For example, large breasts can interfere with exercise, cause embarrassment and cause aches and pains.

What will it involve?

The actual process will depend upon how much work needs to be done to reduce the size of the breasts. No matter what surgical technique is used, an incision will need to be made around the nipple, as well as vertically below the nipple. Another incision will be placed in the fold of the breast to ensure it remains well hidden.

Excess fat, skin and glandular tissue are removed to reduce the size of the breasts. The procedure itself can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete.

What is the recovery like?

After a breast reduction, you will need to take around two weeks off work. You will be able to return to exercise after six weeks. You shouldn’t find the recovery painful, however any pain can be controlled with over the counter pain relief medication.

After the surgery, you will usually need to stay in overnight so you can be monitored.

What are the risks and complications?

Like all surgeries, breast reductions come with a few risks and complications to be aware of. You may be left with thick, visible scarring. There could also be issues with wound healing, a loss of nipple sensation, infection and excessive bleeding.

These are just some of the risks you need to know about before you undergo the procedure. Your surgeon will go through your individual risks during your consultation.

Will a breast reduction impact my ability to breastfeed?

Most patients find that their ability to breastfeed is unchanged after a breast reduction. However, there is a risk that you will be unable to breastfeed if complications arise. This is something you should speak to Mr Horlock about before deciding whether or not the procedure is right for you.

A breast reduction is the ideal way to make the breasts smaller and can help patients to lead a more active lifestyle, as well as significantly boost confidence. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today to see how a breast reduction might help you achieve the results you are looking for.

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