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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

best results from your facelift

Undergoing a facelift is a huge decision. It is an intensive procedure which can produce dramatic results when performed correctly. However, the results you see can be dependent on a number of factors.

If you’re looking to achieve the best results from your facelift, below you’ll discover some of the top things to consider.

Follow your cosmetic surgeon’s advice

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you’re following the surgeon’s aftercare advice. All good plastic surgeons provide full aftercare instructions. This could include how long you need to wear bandages for, advice on bathing and the amount of rest the body needs.

If you don’t follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice, you may not achieve the results you were expecting. It can also increase the risk of complications during healing, potentially leading to further work needing to be carried out.

So, always follow the aftercare instructions provided to you and don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for advice.

Protect your face from the sun

One thing you’ll need to do if you want to hold on to your results, is avoid the sun. Now, this doesn’t mean hiding away and never experiencing sunlight! What it does mean, is making sure you wear adequate sun protection, especially while you are healing.

The sun’s UV rays are one of the biggest causes of skin ageing, so try and only go in the sun out of peak times.

Pay attention to your diet

It’s important to eat healthy anyway, but after a facelift you’ll especially want to avoid sugar. This is because it triggers glycation, a chemical process which causes sugar to damage lipids, proteins and molecules that are crucial for the skin.

You’ll also want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating antioxidant-rich foods. Together, this will help to keep the skin in optimal condition, slowing down the ageing process.

Supercharge your skincare routine

How well you take care of your skin will also impact results. You can ask the surgeon which products they recommend. Or you could go and see a dermatologist to ensure you are using the right products in your existing routine.

Look out for skincare products that contain vitamins, peptides and retinol. These are great for keeping the skin looking clear, smooth and youthful.

Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption

Smoking is known to be a leading risk factor when it comes to recovering from cosmetic surgery. It can increase the risk of wound infections and impact the healing process. Therefore, if you want to achieve the best facelift results, you’re going to want to make sure you quit smoking. You should also limit your alcohol consumption as this too can cause issues with recovery.

These are some of the top things you can do to get the best results from your facelift. For more advice, call 02380 764969 to arrange a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock.

Zoom face anxiety and cosmetic surgery demand

As employees start to head back to work, cosmetic surgery clinics have seen a surge in demand. One of the main reasons cited is thought to be the popularity of Zoom calls while workers were forced into lockdown.

Being forced to stare at their own face during these calls, many people have become more aware of their appearance. Now that they are returning to work, they want to correct their imperfections such as wrinkles and laughter lines.

Here, we’ll look at the rise in cosmetic surgery right now and the most popular procedures being requested.

How has cosmetic surgery demand risen?

Cosmetic surgery clinics around the world have noted an increase in cosmetic surgery demand. As many employees are still furloughed and companies are extending their work from home policy into 2021, they have had the time to undergo and recover from cosmetic surgery. It is the perfect time to hide any work carried out. The use of face masks is also helping to keep facial surgery hidden.

However, it is mostly those looking to get back to work who have had to use platforms such as Zoom, who are mostly seeking cosmetic treatments. Being made to look at their faces as they video call with friends, family and colleagues has caused issues with self-esteem. So, they have booked in for treatments to correct imperfections before they have to return to work.

Which procedures are proving popular?

The treatments being requested right now are varied. Patients are requesting everything from minor tweaks through anti-wrinkle injections to full mommy makeovers. However, it’s the facial treatments which are really surging in popularity.

Face masks cleverly hide the lower part of the face. So, they are helping patients undergo procedures such as chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, lip fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Minimally invasive procedures remain the most popular. However, there has been a significant rise in surgical treatments too thanks to patients having more time to recover.

Is now a good time to have surgery?

There are a few factors patients need to consider before they undergo surgery right now. Many clinics are inundated with patients so there may be a long waiting list depending upon the procedure you’re booking.

If you are off work for some time and you can afford it, now is the perfect time to schedule a surgery. You’ll have a lot of time to recover and you’ll be able to keep the work hidden until any bruising and swelling has gone down.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to book a consultation. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about the procedure and the type of results you can expect. You’ll also learn about the risks and complications involved, enabling you to make the best decision on whether or not the treatment is right for you.

Overall, it isn’t hard to see why demand has risen after the lockdown. There is also the fact that the lockdown has led to an increase in anxiety which might be fuelling an interest in face or body enhancements, but it is imperative that you are choosing cosmetic surgery for the right reasons. Call 02380 764969 to arrange a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve from surgery and he will give honest, unbiased advice on whether cosmetic surgery is the right option for you at this time.

reasons for breast implant removal

Breast implants have been popular for decades. However, the trend for having larger breasts has started to decrease in recent years. These days, surgeons tend to focus on producing more natural results. That being said, many women decide at some point in their lives to have their implants removed.

So, why is breast implant removal so popular? Here, we’ll look at some of the main reasons why you might be considering breast implant removal.

Reasons for breast implant removal: you’re starting a family

If you’re planning on starting a family, having your implants removed could be a personal and practical choice. Celebrity Chrissie Teigen has recently revealed her own decision to remove her implants after becoming a mum. Her reasons were that they no longer fitted her new lifestyle and she felt they were too big.

Starting a family is a big milestone and it does change your priorities. It can also pose issues with breastfeeding in some cases, so it could be a practical step having them removed.

Reasons for breast implant removal: you don’t want future surgeries

Many women have no idea when they first get breast implants, that they require future surgeries to maintain them. While most breast implants should last 10-15 years, some do tend to start failing before that. Future surgeries maintain the look and replace the implants when needed.

If you no longer want to undergo surgery on your breasts having your implants removed is a good idea.

Reasons for breast implant removal: You want to achieve a more natural look

Breast implants today are a lot more natural than they once were. So, if you underwent breast augmentation years ago, your breasts may not look particularly natural. Having them removed would be the best way to return to a more natural look. This is the biggest reason older women choose to have their implants removed.

Reasons for breast implant removal: safety concerns

Of course, for some patients having their implants removed is based more on safety concerns. There has been some media coverage in recent years over the safety of different types of implants. For some patients, simply having them removed before they create any issues is a logical move.

What you need to understand is that the risks of breast implants are very minimal today. It is highly unlikely your implants will cause significant safety concerns. However, if you are worried having them removed is a relatively straightforward procedure.

Reasons for breast implant removal: enhanced comfort

Finally, having breast implants removed can provide enhanced comfort. Over time, bigger breasts can cause back and neck troubles. The extra weight can become uncomfortable and stop you from carrying out specific types of exercise. You may also find they affect what clothes you feel comfortable wearing.

These are just some of the biggest reason’s women choose to have their breast implants removed, but a breast implant removal procedure is often more complex than just removing the implants. Mr Nigel Horlock may need to perform further surgery to reshape the breast to produce the optimal results. In some cases, a breast uplift is also performed alongside the breast implant removal. This can help to improve the aesthetics and reduce the likelihood of dropping. Fat transfer involves taking fat from another area of the body and inserting it into the breast and can produce a more natural breast enhancement.

Call us on 02380 764969 to find out more about breast implant removal.

cosmetic surgery trends

Like many sectors, the recent lockdown saw cosmetic surgery clinics close their doors for non-essential procedures, both here in the UK and across the world. Now that things are slowly starting to reopen, there has understandably been a rush for non-surgical aesthetic treatment such as wrinkle smoothing injections and dermal fillers as their results are only temporary. But what has been the impact on cosmetic surgery?

Across much of the US, elective cosmetic surgery has been given the go-ahead and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) surveyed their members to discover if there had been any shifts in cosmetic surgery trends. Here are the procedures that have been most in demand in the first half of 2020.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation has always been popular, so it’s unsurprising it remains one of the leading trends. Around 44% of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) members who were surveyed, predicted the procedure would be popular throughout the rest of 2020.

Commonly performed to enhance the size and volume of the breasts, the procedure can really boost self-confidence. It can also be used to correct differently sized breasts. Natural results that suit your frame and body shape is the aim of this surgery.

Liposuction

Another trend expected to rise this year is liposuction. Around 30% of surgeons believe there will be an increase in liposuction procedures.

There has been much talk of ‘lockdown weight gain’ – a recent King’s College London and Ipsos MORI survey of 2,254 Brits found that 48% of those surveyed felt they had put on weight due to heightened stress and anxiety. Therefore, it’s maybe unsurprising that people may be researching ways to lose weight, but it’s essential to understand that liposuction is not a quick fix for weight loss. It’s a fantastically effective body contouring procedure that can remove small, stubborn pockets of fat and sculpt the body.

Abdominoplasty

The other surgical procedure expected to become more popular is an abdominoplasty. Otherwise referred to as a tummy tuck, the reasons this procedure is likely to trend is again down to excess weight gained during lockdown.

A tummy tuck can help to remove stubborn fat and tone up the abdomen by tightening lax stomach muscles and removing excess skin. While there are non-surgical options out there, the standard abdominoplasty procedure tends to be the most effective.

Here, in the UK, we are still waiting for the go-ahead on elective cosmetic surgery, but this is a perfect time to ask any questions you may have about a cosmetic surgery procedure you might be interested in or discuss any concerns. Please email us at info@nigelhorlock.co.uk or fill in the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can to arrange a virtual consultation.