The Benefits of a Brow Lift

eyebrow lift

Brow lifts are quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. Helping to solve both cosmetic and functional issues, this innovative procedure is simple yet effective.

There are lots of great benefits associated with a brow lift. Below, we will look at some of the best benefits you can expect when you undergo this procedure.

What are the benefits of a brow lift?

The goal of a brow lift is to help create a more youthful appearance. It does this in a number of ways including:

Opening the eye area – A brow lift can really open the eye area, leading to a bright-eyed look. This is great for those who frequently look tired due to droopy brows. Not only does opening up the area make you look more awake, but it also makes you look happier too. This makes you appear more approachable.

Smoothing out wrinkles on the forehead – The procedure can also help to smooth out the wrinkles on the forehead. It will smoothen out mild to moderate wrinkles, helping you to look much younger.

Reducing crow’s feet wrinkles – After undergoing an eye lift, you will also see that crow’s feet around the eyes will be greatly reduced or eliminated completely. This can make a huge difference to your appearance.

Repositioning the brow line – In many cases, the brow line is repositioned. Placing the brow in an elevated position helps to pull up and gently stretch the skin for a more youthful look.

Removing excess skin – If you have excess skin around the eyes, it can create a droopy effect. A brow lift can include removing excess skin, ensuring the patient is left with a smoother, brighter look.

These are just some of the benefits you can expect when you undergo a brow lift. The procedure provides long-lasting results too. When you compare it against non-surgical methods such as Botox and fillers, you’ll see the results last way longer. You’ll also save money in the long term as non-surgical procedures typically need to be repeated every six months.

Combining a brow lift with other procedures

If you are looking to undergo a significant transformation, you may wish to combine a brow lift with another procedure. For example, many patients tend to undergo a brow lift, alongside an eyelid lift.

With an eyelid lift, excess fat and skin is removed from the eyelids. They are also lifted to provide a youthful appearance. When you combine it with a brow lift, you’ll see drastic improvements that can make you look up to 10 years younger.

You can speak to the surgeon to see which treatments work well alongside a brow lift. At your consultation, you will learn more about the procedure and the results you can expect to see. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today to see how a brow lift might help you achieve the results you are looking for.

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Are Masks Highlighting Imperfect Ears? Consider Ear Reshaping

ear reshaping

The ongoing pandemic has had a surprising effect on the types of cosmetic treatments being requested. As mask wearing has become essential, it has drawn attention to parts of the body you would not typically worry about. One area that patients are becoming more aware of since they started wearing a mask, is the ears.

There are several cosmetic treatments that can impact how the ears look. The most effective is ear reshaping. Here, you’ll discover more about the ear reshaping procedure and how it can improve your quality of life.

What is ear reshaping?

Ear reshaping aims to adjust the shape of the ears for an enhanced aesthetic effect. There are two different techniques that can be used, and the procedure takes between one to two hours to complete.

One technique includes pinning the ears into place with sutures. The other technique removes pieces of skin and cartilage to reshape the ears. The surgeon will discuss which one would be better for you during the initial consultation. There are pros and cons to both methods so it’s important to understand them before deciding which one to go with.

The procedure can be carried out on both adults and children, as long as the cartilage has fully developed. Adults undergoing ear reshaping will generally be put under local anaesthetic. Children on the other hand are usually treated under general anaesthetic.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit of ear reshaping is that it can greatly improve confidence. When the ears are prominent, they are typically the first thing people see when they look at you. By reshaping them, it brings more balance into the facial aesthetics, improving your confidence.

While there is a very small chance that you may need to undergo a repeat surgery, mostly ear reshaping results last a lifetime. It is known to be a safe treatment too, with thousands of procedures carried out each year in the UK.

Patients who undergo ear reshaping often report significant improvements in their quality of life.

Recovery after surgery

You will be able to leave the hospital on the same day. A check-up will be carried out a week after the procedure. You will need to wear a bandage around the head until this check-up appointment in order to let the ears heal.

You may experience some discomfort, though this should largely disappear after a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for up to six weeks, while light activities can resume within one to two weeks.

Ear reshaping is a popular procedure that can be carried out on adults and children alike. As mask wearing continues to drive people’s insecurities over their ears, the procedure can help to boost confidence and quality of life.

If you are considering ear reshaping surgery, book a consultation with Mr Horlock so that he can answer all your questions, and you can discuss a treatment that would be right for you.

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Why is Breast Reduction Popular Now?

breast reduction

At one time, breast enlargements were one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries in the UK. Patients were looking to go as big as they could, regardless of whether or not they looked natural. These days however, surgeons are starting to see more of a trend towards breast reductions.

Here, we’ll look at why breast reduction is starting to take over the breast augmentation sector.

Breast reduction moves up top cosmetic surgeries list

The latest cosmetic trends to watch in 2021 have been announced and smaller breasts made the list. According to the British Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), there has been a dramatic rise in the number of breast reductions requested.

Many patients are choosing to have their implants downgraded to smaller ones, or removed entirely. When breast augmentation is requested, there is now very much a demand for natural looking results. It is a huge contrast to the larger breast trend the industry has been experiencing since the 1990’s.

Why have attitudes changed?

There are a number of factors said to be behind the change in attitude surrounding smaller boobs. The rise of the health and wellness sector has inspired many women to embrace their natural looks. Their values are changing, no longer solely consumed with aesthetic concerns.
Larger breasts are also known to come with a number of downsides. They can impact the types of exercise you do, as well as cause pain and discomfort. A reduction is therefore seen as a way to overcome these challenges.

Social media and celebrities have also played a role. The top celebrities at the time always influence cosmetic trends. In recent years, actresses such as Kristen Stewart have been favoured, famous for their petite body shape.

Natural is definitely the look most patients are aiming for these days. A breast reduction is a great way to make the breasts more manageable and achieve a natural look.

More active lifestyles

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant change in lifestyle. In order to help combat the virus, it has been recommended we become as healthy as we can be. That means becoming more active, especially during lockdown.

The trouble is larger breasts don’t fit in well with a more active lifestyle. They can get in the way, cause discomfort, and generally cause a lot of frustration. The larger the breasts the harder it is to work out and carry out daily activities. This has led to many patients seeking a breast reduction.

Overall, there has definitely been a significant shift in surgery of the breast. Even those who are choosing to go larger, are ensuring they look natural and not go too large.

Prior to undergoing a breast reduction, or a breast augmentation procedure, patients should always undergo a consultation. This will help to determine what results they can expect and whether or not it is right for them. Get in touch with Mr Horlock today to find out more.

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Want to Achieve the Perfect Jawline? Consider a Genioplasty

genioplasty

Looking to enhance your face without the constant need for Botox top-ups? Genioplasty could be the answer.

There has been a recent increase in the number of patients seeking jawline Botox. Driven by selfies, social media and Zoom video calls, the non-invasive treatment has become one of the most requested procedures at clinics across the country. However, results from Botox are only temporary and will need to be topped up.

Genioplasty offers a more permanent solution to help you achieve the perfect jawline. Learn more about this effective procedure below.

What is Genioplasty?

Genioplasty is most commonly referred to as chin surgery.

There are two main types of Genioplasty. The first uses implants to alter the shape, and a second type is to change the chin’s position or alignment. Both procedures are common among both men and women.

The surgery itself takes 60 to 90 minutes (a day case), and is often performed alongside a rhinoplasty surgery (reshaping of the nose) to maximise results. An incision is made through the inside of the mouth or under the chin, so there should be no visible scarring.

It is important you have the surgery performed by an experienced, specialist surgeon. This will ensure you end up with the best results and it will reduce the risks of the surgery.

What results can it provide?

Genioplasty delivers excellent results. While exact results will vary between patients, generally speaking you will see a noticeable improvement in the chin and jawline. If you have chosen to have implants, you can rest assured they will provide a natural look. It will take around four weeks to fully notice the results.

The recovery process

You can usually resume your daily tasks within a week after Genioplasty. You will likely experience some discomfort for a few days after the surgery. However, this can be controlled with over the counter pain medication.

The main thing to keep in mind is that you will need to keep your head more elevated when you sleep. This means sleeping on your back for around a couple of weeks. In terms of strenuous activities, you can resume more demanding tasks within three to four weeks.

Are there any risks and complications?

All types of cosmetic surgery carry some level of risk. With Genioplasty, there are very few risks and complications associated with the procedure. The main risks to be aware of include infection, the implant may shift in position, poor scarring and internal bleeding. The latter is very rare, but you still need to be aware that it could happen.

Mr Horlock will talk through the risks and complications with you during the consultation. This will help you to decide whether or not to go through with the procedure.

To find out if Genioplasty is the right option for you, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today. When performed correctly, chin surgery can significantly enhance the jawline, giving it a more contoured appearance.

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Are People Spending More on Facial Surgery?

facial surgery

During the first lockdown, the number of patients requesting facial surgery procedures rose significantly. A number of factors are thought to be contributing towards the increase.

Alongside having extra time off from work and the pressure of video calling, it is thought many people are turning to surgery to feel better.

Here, we’ll look at the factors driving people to undergo surgery and the most common procedures they are opting for.

Why are facial procedures more popular now?

Facial procedures have soared throughout the pandemic. Some of the reasons cited for the boom in procedures include:

  • Mask wearing highlights certain areas of the face
  • The rise in Zoom video calls
  • Additional time spent on social media
  • People now have more time to get work done

Wearing masks has highlighted parts of the face, such as the eyes. This has led to many people developing insecurities over how certain parts of their face look. Many are undergoing surgery to correct these new-found imperfections.

There has also been a rise in video calls, forcing people to confront how they look. Additional social media use may have driven demand for facial surgery in order to help people look and feel their best.

With millions of workers furloughed, there is now time to get work done that they may have been considering for a while. As they don’t have to see anybody, it gives them the opportunity to get the work done without anybody noticing.

As the lockdowns have continued, it has also caused the symptoms of mental health issues to increase. Many people are feeling down about the situation, using surgery as a way to pick themselves up. These are just some of the main reasons facial surgery procedures have increased since the pandemic began.

Which treatments are patients requesting?

Some of the most requested treatments include eyelid lifts, facelifts and brow lifts. Full facelifts are the most extensive procedure you can undergo to alter the face.

The less invasive treatments tend to be more popular due to how quick and often painless they are. Eyelid and brow lifts have the potential to significantly change the facial appearance, helping patients to look much younger.

The only treatment that can target dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and on the brow, also known as crow’s feet or frown lines, are Muscle Relaxing Injections. These have also seen a surge in popularity as mask wearing has put all the attention on the eyes and upper third of the face.

Overall, people do seem to be spending more on their face to make themselves feel better during these uncertain times.

It is important not to rush into surgery on the face. To learn whether a facial treatment is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

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Is a Tummy Tuck the Answer?

Tummy tuck

As we enter the new year, millions of people look towards getting fitter and healthier.

You may be considering a quick fix to achieve a more toned and sculpted stomach. But is a tummy tuck really the answer to achieve the body you’ve been dreaming of?

Here, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the abdominoplasty procedure.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is known as an abdominoplasty procedure. It focuses on toning up the abdominal area, rather than helping patients to lose weight.

It aims to remove small stubborn pockets of fat which won’t shift through diet and exercise alone, while tightening up the muscles and eliminating sagging skin.

There are different types of tummy tucks available including the full and the mini tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck is less invasive and ideal for those looking to treat the lower part of the umbilicus.

Other options include an extended abdominoplasty and a Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will advise you which type of tummy tuck is right for you. Another option, if skin and muscle tone isn’t a problem, is liposuction to remove excess fat.

What results can I expect?

The results you can expect will depend upon the type of tummy tuck you undergo and the extent of the work that needs to be done. The good news is an abdominoplasty procedure can produce results which last a lifetime.

You will discover more about the results you can expect when you attend your consultation.

Are there limitations?

It is important to understand that there are limitations to what a tummy tuck can do. As mentioned earlier, it isn’t a procedure that will help you to lose weight. So, if you’re looking to lose the pounds, this isn’t the right procedure for you.

What risks and complications do I need to be aware of?

Like any procedure, a tummy tuck does come with some risks and complications. These include:

  • Problems with wound healing
  • Infection
  • Excess fat or skin at the corners of the incision site
  • Pain and discomfort

Generally speaking, tummy tucks are low-risk procedures. However, they are known to be painful during recovery, particularly if you have undergone a full abdominoplasty. Being aware of the risks helps you to determine whether you should go ahead.

These are just some of the most common questions about the procedure. While it can help to tone up the abdominal area, you do need to consider whether it is the right option for you.

Book a consultation with Mr Horlock today if you have any questions about abdominoplasty, and to discover whether you would be a suitable candidate.

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What Are the Benefits of Breast Reduction for Young Women?

Breast reduction

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, patients are generally asked to wait until they are in their twenties before they undergo a procedure. This is to ensure the body has had plenty of time to fully develop and patients are in a much better position to make the decision of whether or not to undergo surgery. However, some procedures are suitable for younger patients, such as a breast reduction.

Here, we will look at the benefits of breast reduction for young women and the top things to consider.

Why would young women benefit from a breast reduction?

Larger breasts aren’t just a potential aesthetic issue for patients. In many cases they can also be a health concern. Young women who develop larger breasts are often plagued with back pain, rashes and trouble carrying out certain daily activities. In these cases, a breast reduction could drastically improve quality of life.

While not all young patients are suitable for a breast reduction, those who are should definitely consider it as a treatment option.

Why are some surgeons hesitant to operate on adolescents?

Despite the potential benefits, there are some surgeons who are reluctant to operate on younger patients. The main reasons for this include the fact that the breasts may continue to grow after surgery, and there is a question over developmental maturity.

If a breast reduction were to be carried out before the body has finished developing, it could lead to undesirable results. It could also lead to an additional procedure being required if the breasts do grow even larger.

So, while a breast reduction can be beneficial to younger patients, not all will be eligible for the procedure. This is why surgeons tend to be more reluctant to operate on adolescents.

Studies show favourable outcomes for younger patients

Despite the concerns many surgeons have over operating on younger patients, studies have shown it can deliver favourable outcomes.

A study published in the September 2019 issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, showed a breast reduction is an effective procedure for younger patients. The study included 512 adolescent girls, aged 12 to 21 who had undergone a breast reduction. It showed that while minor complications are common, it drastically improved quality of life in most patients.

Top things to consider before undergoing a breast reduction

While undergoing a breast reduction can deliver a lot of benefits for younger patients, there are still things to consider.
The complications, although minor, should be considered. The most common complications include a raised or thickened scar, and continued breast growth. In the study mentioned earlier, approximately 5% of patients experienced continued breast growth after the procedure.

So, younger patients who are suffering with the negative effects of larger breasts can experience a lot of benefits from a breast reduction procedure. However, it is important to undergo a consultation to determine whether now is the right time to have the surgery. There are things to consider and ideally, the breasts should have stopped growing before a reduction is carried out.

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Answering your Facelifts FAQs

questions about facelifts

Facelifts are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.

Prior to undergoing any form of surgery, it is important to know everything you can about the procedure. So, before booking a facelift, take a look at the answers to some of the most common questions about facelifts below.

What is a facelift and what does it involve?

Facelifts, otherwise referred to as Rhytidectomy, are designed to give the face a much younger appearance. The aim is always to make you look refreshed, but not different. The results should always appear natural.

Typically, a facelift will involve elevating the skin and tightening the underlying muscles and tissues that support the face. Fat may be redistributed to restore volume where it has been lost. Any excess skin will be removed before the flaps are sutured closed.

While a facelift can tighten up the skin, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Other treatments, including non-surgical injectables like dermal fillers, may be required to address these signs of ageing.

What is the recovery process like?

When you undergo a facelift, you will usually be able to return home the same day. Dressings will be used to protect the face and they will need to be worn until you go for your first check-up.

It is common to experience some level of discomfort for the first week. This will disappear over time and can be managed with over the counter pain relief if needed. You’ll need to avoid light activity for a couple of weeks, and strenuous activity for up to six weeks. Bruising and swelling may also still be present for a couple of weeks after the procedure.

What risks and complications should I be aware of?

Facelifts are generally considered a low-risk procedure. However, like any surgery, there are some risks and complications you need to be aware of.

The most common risks of a facelift include bleeding, infection, bruising and swelling and asymmetry. There is also the risk of poor wound healing, particularly in patients who smoke.

Your surgeon will be able to tell you which risks and complications you are susceptible to during your consultation.

How long do results typically last?

One of the best things about facelifts is they can help you to look up to ten years younger. However, it’s important to know that the results aren’t permanent. You may be able to cover it up, but you cannot stop the ageing process completely. So, over time your face will once again start to show the signs of ageing unless you undergo an additional facelift procedure.

How long the results of your facelift last will depend upon a lot of factors. However, you will always look younger than if you’d not undergone the procedure and it is safe to have further facial rejuvenation surgery in the future.

Facelifts are commonly requested by patients, but many don’t realise what they can and cannot do. The above are some of the most important things to know about the procedure before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.

If you have more questions about facelifts, the procedure or to discover if you are an ideal candidate, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

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Top Tips for a Speedy Surgical Recovery

cosmetic surgery recovery

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

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

Follow your surgeon’s advice

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

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

Keep moving

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

Avoid strenuous activities

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

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

Prepare in advance

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

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

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

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Facing the Facts: What Can a Facelift Do

what can a facelift do

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

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

What is a facelift?

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

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

What is the right age to undergo the procedure?

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

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

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

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

What limitations does a facelift present?

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

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

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

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

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