In the News

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 28 July 2019

There are multiple factors that go into determining the best implant size for you. Breast measurements, desired size, characteristics of your breast, tissue and chest wall are all critical in making the right selection.

Breast implants are measured in cubic centimetres. That’s why you’ll typically see CC when labeling size, like 350CC. Breast implants come in a whole range of sizes, from about 80CC up to 800CC. Obviously, the higher the number, the bigger the breast implant size. The width of the base also varies, fom 7.4cm to 17.2cm.

Don’t measure your breast size by your bra

Bra cup size is not an accurate way to measure breast size. It is imprecise, because bra sizing standards vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even country to country. Despite being labeled the same cup size, the actual volume may be different. That’s why it’s best if you bring in the exact bra you want to wear after your surgery to your sizing session.

How I help determine a proportionate implant size

From a medical standpoint, it’s important that I also consider your specific body measurements when deciding on what size is right for you. An overly large implant can cause complications, both right after surgery and a few years down the road. Such complications include separation of incision lines and excessive sagging. However, I also understand that an overly small implant won’t improve your body contour sufficiently.

Measurements, like your shoulder width, height and ribcage width is used to determine a range of implant sizes that would achieve proportionate improvement as well as reduce your risk of complications.

Factors that you should consider when choosing breast implant measurements

There are multiple factors that come into play when selecting the right implant size. If you don’t carefully pre-plan, you could run into situations in life that would adversely affect you and your new implants. You should take into consideration the following when selecting your implant size:

Fitness and exercise

Do you like to exercise regularly? If so, perhaps it’s best to stay conscious of the fact that breasts over a certain size can make some physical activities more difficult or cumbersome, such as running and tennis.

Your personality

Are you the type of person that likes to attract attention, or are you more quiet and reserved? The larger the implants, the more attention you could attract. You may want to opt for a slight increase in size, just enough to balance out your body contour for a more natural look.

Be true to yourself

You shouldn’t base your decision on breast size based on an actress that you saw on the internet. They are not you. You should select a size that accurately reflects your own personality and lifestyle. Don’t base your chosen size on how your girlfriend looks, either. Her body is different and the breast size she has may not look very flattering on your body.

Communicate effectively with your doctor

A breast implant consultation is a two-way street. You need to express your expectations and it’s my job to understand them so I can help you achieve them. If you feel that your concerns are not being addressed, don’t be afraid to ask for more clarification or explain your situation further. I’m here for you!

Know what you want

You should not agree to undergo the surgery until you’re confident that you’ll like your new look and size. If you have any doubts prior to your surgery, talk to me about them! We can also schedule another in-clinic implant sizer session.

As you can see, there are many factors that you need to take into consideration when selecting your implant size. You shouldn’t choose a size because it looks good on a friend or celebrity. You should select a size that is right for you. The process is personal and while you should take your doctors suggestions into consideration, you have the final say in the size you select.

Answer your surgery doubts

Unsure of the difference between 300cc and 400cc? Want a natural result? Wondering how you will look after surgery? Want to look like a specific celebrity? Discover your new you with Crisalix – the leading VR 4D & 3D imaging solution among plastic surgeons around the world. Crisalix carries out ongoing post-consultation and surgery studies with patients to measure their level of satisfaction.

Fillers in Dubai | 26 July 2019

Botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. When used appropriately, botulinum toxin is a great solution for reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the face. In particular, it is highly effective in the lip, forehead and eye areas. I always undertake a detailed medical consultation to assess your general health and requirements. After which, if it is deemed safe and appropriate then I can offer botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections as a treatment.

Procedure Preparation

In preparation for botulinum toxin treatment, or any injectable procedure, bruising can be minimized by discontinuing aspirin and any medication or dietary supplement that has anticoagulant effects two weeks before treatment.

Aftercare

Patients are advised to avoid lying supine following treatment for four hours. They are also advised to avoid massaging or applying heat to the treatment area, and to avoid activities that cause flushing (such as exercising heavily, consuming alcohol, and hot tub use) on the day of treatment.

Results and Follow-Up

Partial reduction in function of the targeted glabellar complex muscles is seen by the third day after botulinum toxin injection, with maximal reduction visible two weeks after injection. Return of muscle function is gradual, typically three to four months after treatment. Subsequent treatment is advised when muscle contraction is visible in the treatment area before facial lines return to their pretreatment appearance. After multiple treatments, botulinum toxin effects may be prolonged and, for some patients, treatment intervals can be extended beyond three to four months.

What are botulinum toxin injections used for?

Botulinum toxin injections are most commonly used for:

– Frown Lines

– Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)

– Horizontal forehead lines

– Nasal scrunch or squint lines

– Lines on neck

Botulinum toxin is also used in small amounts in a number of other areas on the face depending on the way your muscles of facial expression work. It can raise the outer part of the eyebrow if it is sagging, lift the corners of the mouth, and help to smooth out dimpled or cobblestoned chins. Generally it is not used in the lines around the mouth, usually because it might be difficult to speak and eat.

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is an injected liquid used to treat frown lines, squint and smile lines, nasal crunch lines, and horizontal forehead wrinkles. By relaxing the underlying muscles, these lines become less deep.

Botulinum toxin has been used to treat thousands of patients medically and cosmetically over 20 years. Botulinum toxin is produced in a lab by a bacterium called “Clostridium botulinum”. It has been purified under very strict controlled conditions. The Botox brand of botulinum toxin is made by Allergan, a company with a twenty-year history of making this product safely.

When injected into a small facial muscle, it doesn’t travel anywhere else in the body. It gradually wears off naturally over a 3-6 month period. There are other forms of botulinum toxin now being produced by other companies.

How long do the effects of botulinum toxin last?

Most patients find that the effects of botulinum toxin injections last approximately 3-6 month . Most of my patients come 3-4 times the first year and then 2-3 times a year after that. After the muscles have been relaxed for a while, it takes less to maintain that relaxation. But every patient is an individual, and there is no knowing exactly how you will respond.

How long does botulinum toxin take to work?

The effects are may be first noticed in 72 hours but it may take up to 7 days to maximize the effect. You may be asked to return after the first treatment so that I can assess your response. The first set of botulinum toxin injections may only give a partial response. This is common and complete relaxation may be noticed after the second or third treatment.

Do botulinum toxin injections hurt?

Botulinum toxin is injected with a very small needle (like an acupuncture needle), so it causes very little pain upon injection. Botulinum toxin does not cause irritation or inflammation. Occasionally, patients have noticed that there is a mild stinging sensation.

Are there any people who should not receive botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin injections should not be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers, or patients with neuromuscular diseases like myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), or motor neuropathy should not use botulinum toxin. Patients who are allergic to human albumin (different than an egg allergy) should not use botulinum toxin. It is not recommended in pregnancy or nursing because it has not been tested.

Are there any medical side effects?

Side effects include bruising, eyebrow or eyelid droops, and a temporary headache, and rare flu-like symptoms have been reported. Many of the side effects that are listed for botulinum toxin are seen when large amounts are injected for medical purposes as opposed to the small amounts used for cosmetic purposes. Very rare allergic reactions have been reported.

Cosmetic side effects of botulinum toxin?

We’ve all seen these – and with celebrities too frequently. Basically, these problems are due to either a inexpert injector or a patient who insists on this look despite all evidence that it looks bad! With an expert, experienced doctor or nurse injecting, these potential problems should be rare or nonexistent.

Does Botox interact with other drugs?

Very rarely. It is always important to let me know if you are taking other drugs.

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 23 July 2019

If you’re considering having a tummy tuck or have one planned, it’s important to consider what the recovery will involve. Your recuperation will depend on several factors, including your age, health, and body weight. It will also depend on the type of tummy tuck you have.

It’s natural to want to bounce back to normal after your surgery, but it’s important that you give your body time to heal. You may only need to stay in the hospital for a few hours after the surgery, or I may have you stay for one night or longer. And once you leave the clinic, the real recovery begins. Here’s what you need to know.

TIMELINE FOR RECOVERY

You’ll want to figure out a time frame for your recovery so you have ample time to heal and can take a break from certain aspects of your life. Make sure you make the proper arrangements and are fully prepared for your recovery period.

Your drains will be left in for a few days after the surgery. You’ll be shown how to take care of and empty the drains. You’ll likely need to take an antibiotic and an anticoagulant while your drains are in place.

You’ll wear an abdominal binder for about six weeks. This helps to avoid fluid buildup and helps to support your abdomen.

While the recovery period is usually shorter for a mini-tummy tuck, you’ll still need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. This includes any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR SURGERY

I will properly brief you about how to recover at home.

You will be guided:

– how to care for incisions and drain tubes

– what to be aware of in terms of infection or overall health

– what to avoid in terms of physical activity that affects your incision line for six weeks

– when you need to see me again

– how long to wear the abdominal pressure garment

– how much to rest

– what you can eat

You’ll need to have someone who can drive you home from the hospital and help take care of you for at least the first few days after your surgery. You can shower 48 hours after you remove your drainage tubes. You may want to take a sponge bath until you can shower. You may be advised to use a chair when showering for some time.

You’ll be prescribed an antibiotic and possibly an anticoagulant. You may be given some type of medication to apply to the skin. Take any pain medication as directed. You shouldn’t take any medicine containing aspirin unless directed by your doctor.

You should also avoid alcohol if you’re taking pain medication, and avoid any form of nicotine for at least six weeks. Smoking can hinder the healing process and may cause complications.

GUIDELINES FOR AT-HOME RECOVERY

You may need to sleep on an incline for the first few days after surgery. Keeping your upper body raised slightly with your knees bent at an angle can help reduce swelling. Putting pillows underneath your knees can also reduce pressure on your abdomen. Your doctor will advise you on this.

Keep moving after your surgery, even if it’s only a bit of walking. This will help to keep your blood flowing, which helps with the healing process and decreases the chances of a blood clot in your legs.

I will also tell you how to find an optimal resting position that will be most comfortable. Rest as much as possible since you may feel tired for weeks or even months.

It’ll be several weeks before you are fully back to normal. You won’t be able to drive for a few weeks. You’ll also have to limit strenuous exercise and demanding physical activity for four to six weeks. I can help you decide what activities you can perform and how long you’ll need to take off work.

POSSIBLE PHYSICAL SIDE EFFECTS

Most of the intense pain will be in the first few days following surgery. You can take pain medication to control the pain you are likely to experience. You may experience swelling for up to three months after the surgery.

Your tummy may feel like it’s being pulled when you try to stand up straight. You may feel numbness in your tummy for months or even years. It’s normal to have bruises in your abdominal area. You may have fluid-filled swelling above the scar, but this will go away. Your scar may be red and raised, but it will eventually fade.

TIPS FOR RECOVERY

Taking steps to ensure a healthy recovery is important. You’ll want to be as healthy as possible during this time.

Set up a comfortable space where you can relax and have your needs met. Allow yourself to rest fully for at least two weeks and make sure not to push yourself to do anything physically before you’re ready.

You’ll want to drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins and reduce swelling. Keep your diet as healthy as possible. Include as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.

I recommend the following:

– Take vitamin A and vitamin C supplements.

– Drink green tea to boost immunity and antioxidant levels.

– Take a probiotic supplement.

– Eat pineapple and papaya to reduce bloating and inflammation.

– Use arnica to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain.

– Take a staphysagria supplement to heal your incision.

– Take a phosphorus supplement or drink ginger tea to relieve nausea.

TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY

There’s a lot to consider as far as tummy tuck recovery goes, but all of it is attainable and manageable. It just requires that you consider and plan for all aspects of this healing process, including the time frame.

It’s a slow process, so focus on getting better each day as you move toward your intended goal of full recovery. Be sure to check in with me if you have any questions or concerns.

Fillers in Dubai | 17 July 2019

Although no one likes the thought of aging, we can be thankful that we are living in this modern age when there are more facial cosmetic procedures than ever before to aid in the battle against time. Injectable fillers are not only effective, they are a completely safe method of rejuvenating the face.

Even in the past 10 years, there have been advancements in the science of fillers, and my clinic offers several different approved brands. The most popular are Juvéderm, Profhilo, Restylane, Radiesse, Teosyal and Neauvia. The area of the face that requires filling determines the type of filler that he chooses. Some fillers have a thicker consistency than others and are more suited to areas where more substance is needed to achieve the desired lift. It is possible to fill nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth), cheekbones, noses, chins, tear troughs, jowls, and lips.

CONTOURING AND REFINING FEATURES

When injected by an experienced professional, fillers also have the ability to contour and refine features. Lips can be augmented to reduce the lines that appear with aging, and small noses can be enlarged so that they balance nicely with other facial features. A flat chin can be injected with filler to provide a symmetrical profile. Fillers can provide a straighter nose for people who have a hump in the middle. Cheek bones can be injected to provide a natural-looking lift to the face. Although amazing results can be achieved with injectable fillers, it is the artist in control of the needle who determines the final outcome. It takes artistry, not just a licence, to sculpt the face in perfect harmony and proportions.

Not only can fillers be injected in a short period of time, but there is also little discomfort for the patient. Local anaesthetic is administered prior to the injections, and some brands even have the anaesthetic combined with the filler. Slight swelling or redness at the injection site may be experienced, but this is minimal, eliminating the need to take a few days off of work to heal. Another major benefit of injectable fillers is that they are affordable. Great results can be accomplished without breaking your pocket book.

THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING DERMAL FILLERS

Whether you are considering getting dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles or enhance facial contours, a quick look at some criteria and facts will help you know you have come to the right place for your treatment.

Dermal fillers should be injected only by an experienced and qualified medical doctor. This procedure requires qualifications, experience, and an artistic edge, because 90% of the success of cosmetic procedures depends on who is doing them. For example, a bad haircut would indicate the level of experience of the stylist, not the scissors that were used. This is why it is extremely important to inquire about the credentials of your practitioner and ask to see before and after pictures. Getting a consultation first is advisable, as you would get a chance to see my facility and raise your questions or concerns with me.

YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Bringing a picture of your younger self to your appointment is helpful. However, bringing a picture of your favorite celebrity is not conducive. While you may see one aspect or feature of your face, it is important to know that a face has to be analysed in whole and not in part. The aim of the injectable procedure is to look naturally enhanced. It is also important to understand that each face has its own asymmetry. A good doctor can help bring more symmetry while keeping the overall aesthetics of the face visually pleasing. So make the most of your consultation by being open to recommendations. Your doctor sees in three dimensions, and you would benefit from exploring all your options.

THE ACTUAL PRODUCT

There are many types of dermal fillers on the market. But the most common of them are hyaluronic acid (HA) products. They have proven to produce natural and lasting results while maintaining fluidity to move with facial expressions. This line of dermal fillers also incorporates antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to deliver further treatment benefits while filling and contouring the face.

HOW LONG THE RESULTS WILL LAST

Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers also naturally occurs in the body and therefore gets metabolized eventually. Depending on the dermal filler chosen and whether or not this is the first time you are having a filler injected, you can expect results to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the results, which is very rare, HA fillers are also dissolvable at your request by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER THE INJECTION

It is always best to schedule your injectable appointments a couple of days to a week prior to any major event. With dermal filler injections, you will also need to take bruising and swelling into account. You can reduce this likelihood by stopping any supplements that can act like blood thinners such as fish oil and also some pain killers such as Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, etc., 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

After your dermal fillers treatment, follow the post-care instructions given, which include applying cold compresses, avoiding extremely cold or hot drinks, sun exposure, extreme temperatures, excess facial mimicry, and vigorous exercises. Being gentle is key.

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 10 July 2019

After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke.

ANATOMY OF THE ABDOMEN

The abdominal wall consists of skin, fat, and muscle. The rectus abdominis muscles, which form the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen, are covered by a firm sheath called the rectus fascia. This fascial layer frequently weakens and stretches out with pregnancy and weight gain. As a result, once a patient loses weight or has her children, she may be left with laxity of the abdominal wall. During surgery , the fascial layer over the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed.

SURGERY STEPS

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior C-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel through a second incision. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques.

ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

Liposuction is sometimes performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery to contour the flanks. Some patients wish to undergo simultaneous breast surgery to lift, add volume, or both. The combination of tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation or lift surgery is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” procedure.

Additional procedures incur additional operating time, anesthesia, and surgical risks.

SURGERY AND ANESTHESIA

The surgery lasts 1 1/2 –2 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery. Prior to surgery you will be required to obtain medical photographs, routine bloodwork, and in some cases preoperative clearance. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will need to have a responsible adult available to escort you home after surgery.

RECOVERY

Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery area. Once you are fully alert, you will be transported to the stepdown area where you will be given something to eat prior to discharge. You will have two drains and a surgical garment placed at the conclusion of the procedure. The nurses in the recovery area will demonstrate how to empty and record the output from your drains. A responsible adult will need to be available to escort you home.

Patients are seen in the office one week following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be placed into a surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own.

Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until six weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery, although it will never completely disappear.

WHAT A TUMMY TUCK CANNOT DO

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. If you have ongoing weight loss, or are planning to become pregnant, you should delay your surgery. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, but it will remove the skin beneath the umbilicus. Stretch marks above this level some- times appear lighter after surgery, but they will not disappear.

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 8 July 2019

Tummy tucks are becoming increasingly more widespread. Let’s start with the definition. A tummy tuck is designed to reshape the contour of the belly area when skin elasticity has been lost, and the abdominal muscles weakened due to extreme body changes. The procedure takes about 1 to 5 hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will disconnect the skin from the underlying tissue, suture the abdominal tissue, and cut away any excess flesh from the area.

When completely healed (full recovery can take about six weeks), the stomach area will be firmer, the abdominal muscles tighter, and the contour of the belly restored. But, for patients considering a tummy tuck, there may be more in store than just a firmer, more well-defined stomach. Here are some additional medical benefits to consider:

1. Easier to Maintain Weight Loss

Swiss researchers found that bariatric patients — people who go under the knife to reduce the size of the stomach in an effort to lose weight — were more likely to keep the weight off post-surgery when they combined it with a tummy tuck. In fact, patients that combined the two procedures regained an average of only a pound a year as opposed to 4 lbs a year for bariatric patients that didn’t have any body-contouring procedures performed. Researchers argue that, because of these findings, tummy tucks may be an essential aspect of weight loss surgery.

2. Improved Posture

Carrying an apron of excess skin combined with weakened abdominal muscles can lead to a condition called lordosis , commonly known as “sway back”. This is sometimes accompanied by at least some back pain. Since a tummy tuck will strengthen and tighten the abdominal muscles, the spine becomes supported, and the patient can stand up a little bit straighter. Any back pain that may have been caused by the previous condition should also be diminished or alleviated entirely.

3. No More Stress Urinary Incontinence

Women who undergo vaginal birth sometimes develop stress urinary incontinence or SUI. This is where the bladder tends to empty itself at awkward times, usually when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.

The plastic surgeon can help the patient recover from this condition during a tummy tuck procedure by obstructing the bladder with soft tissue. These procedures are safe when combined and many women find that they no longer experience SUI following recovery.

4. Relief from Hernias

Ventral hernias can develop when the abdominal muscles become weak. In some cases, hernias can follow a Caesarean section or appendectomy. A ventral hernia is where the intestine or abdominal tissue begins to push through the abdominal wall. The plastic surgeon can also help this condition during the tummy tuck procedure. The combined procedures are safe, practical, and can save the patient money on medical expenses, as well as on the time spent in recovery.

5. Increased Exercise Tolerance

Excess skin and weak abs can make it difficult to exercise. A tummy tuck can reinvigorate the patient’s love of running, walking, or other aerobic activities. It is well-known that exercise is great for the heart and a person’s general well-being. Frequent exercise can also help to retain weight loss.

With all of these medical benefits and the boost to one’s self-esteem, it is easy to see why so many men and women would opt for this life-changing cosmetic surgery procedure. However, it should be noted that a tummy tuck is still considered a major operation with all of the associated risks, including infection. For this reason, a consultation should be scheduled with a qualified plastic surgeon to ensure that the person is in optimal health. There could also be high chances of adverse effects in patients who aren’t normally healthy.

Fillers in Dubai | 5 July 2019

Injectable wrinkle fillers can give you a more youthful look for a fraction of what a traditional facelift costs. Most will fill hollows, lines, and wrinkles in less than 30 minutes with results that can last from 4 months to more than a year. Injectable wrinkle fillers, unlike Botox injections that relax the muscle under a wrinkle, fill the line, crease, or area with one of several different substances. As a result, trouble spots nearly disappear. Wrinkle fillers can also be used as “volumizers,” plumping and lifting cheeks, chins, jawlines, and temples; filling out thin lips, and plumping sagging hands.

The treatment is fast and easy. But all wrinkle fillers have a downside, including the risk of allergic reaction and the formation of tiny bumps under the skin. In some cases, those bumps may be permanent. And sometimes, a bluish skin discoloration known as the Tyndall effect happens. The color change can last for several months, but there are treatments available. In very rare cases, skin cells may die if the wrinkle fillers are not used properly. Not every wrinkle-filler is right for every type of wrinkle. The least risks and best results come from using the right one correctly. That’s why you should only have fillers injected by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with ongoing, special training.

Here is a breakdown of available wrinkle fillers. It includes their basic ingredients, how they work, their pros and cons, and the best areas for treatment. I can help you choose the right one for you.

Hyaluronic Acid Wrinkle Fillers

The most popular category of wrinkle fillers is hyaluronic acid. Each type works in a slightly different way with varying results. Side effects are rare but can include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. The filler may also show up under the skin as tiny bumps. This is a problem that often improves over time. How long the results last varies from several months to over a year or two. Some research shows that repeated injections may help stimulate the body’s own natural production of collagen. That will help reduce the number of lines and wrinkles. There is also some evidence that less filler is needed over time to achieve the same look.

Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers include:

• Belotero Balance
• Juvederm Voluma XC
• Juvederm XC
• Juvederm Ultra XC
• Juvederm Volbella XC
• Juvederm Ultra
• Juvederm Ultra Plus
• Juvederm Vollure XC
• Prevelle Silk
• Restylane
• Restylane-L
• Restylane-Lyft
• Restylane Silk
• Restylane Refyne
• Restylane Defyne

Autologous Wrinkle Fillers

Fat is the most commonly used substance in this category. Your own fat is surgically removed from your thighs, buttocks, or stomach, treated, then injected. You will need to have two procedures (one to remove the fat and one to inject it). Both procedures can be done in one visit. Additional fat purification steps done in the lab can be costly and time-consuming. Results can be semi-permanent, although you may need a series of injections done over time. Platelet-rich plasma injections (“vampire lift”) are another type of autologous wrinkle filler/volumizer. Blood is drawn from the arm, treated, then injected into the face. The effects can last 12 to 18 months.

Minimizing Risks and Increasing Good Outcomes for All Wrinkle Fillers

Wrinkle fillers are among the safest cosmetic procedures in use today. But there are things you can do to help ensure your treatment is safe:

Don’t let price be your guide. If you are offered a wrinkle filler treatment that costs far less than the standard treatment, it’s likely some compromises are being made, either in the skill of the provider or the quality of the product. Never risk making a bargain with your face.

All wrinkle fillers should be done in a medical setting with sterile instruments. Treatments done in homes, hotels, spas, or resorts are not being done in medical environments, regardless of who is doing them.

Do not get injectable wrinkle fillers from sources outside a doctor’s office. Know what you are being injected with, and ask your doctor if an FDA-approved wrinkle filler is being used and if it was purchased directly from the maker. There have been reports of everything from industrial-grade silicone to baby oil being used. If a provider won’t give you this information, don’t let them do the procedure.

Use sunscreen daily to help preserve the filler and help protect against post-inflammatory pigment changes due to the needle sticks from injections.

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 3 July 2019

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens the muscles and removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen so that it appears flat and toned. Mostly associated with “mommy makeovers,” a procedure that allows women to restore their figures after pregnancy, abdominoplasty is also used to help patients that have undergone extreme weight loss in a short period of time.

Between 2000 and 2014, the number of tummy tuck procedures rose an impressive 87 percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Many procedures were, no doubt, for cosmetic reasons, but there are several medical benefits to be gained after the procedure.

Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence

After a vaginal birth, some women can develop Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), a bladder control problem associated with uncontrollable leakage brought on by coughing, sneezing, exercising or even laughing.

In most cases, SUI is treated without surgery. For patients who require more care, several studies have indicated that a tummy tuck can aid in recovery especially in patients that have not had a caesarian section. During the procedure, a slight bladder obstruction is created using soft tissue near the pelvic area, thereby reducing incontinence.

Improved Abdominal Tone and Better Posture

After extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, stomach muscles can become distended, and diet and exercise alone cannot help. A tummy tuck surgically tightens weak muscles, while removing excess skin and fat, to flatten the abdomen.

Weak abdominal muscles are often associated with lordosis, or sway back. After an abdominoplasty, patients may notice that their posture has improved significantly, thanks to the tightened muscles supporting their spine. The improved support and better posture can have the added benefit of relieving certain types of back pain.

Ventral Hernia Correction

A ventral hernia occurs when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the abdominal wall and forms a pocket or sack. There are several potential causes, including abdominal weakness caused by massive weight loss or surgeries like C-sections or appendectomies.

The underlying symptoms that require a ventral hernia correction are remarkably similar to those for abdominoplasty. Both surgeries correct weakened adnominal muscles and pressure on the skin. No matter the cause, whether pregnancy or weight, a weak abdominal wall will allow a hernia to form.

Once you develop a ventral hernia, it is very easy for it to happen again. Often, your surgeon will weigh the benefits of adding an abdominoplasty procedure to the hernia repair to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent future occurrences. Combining the procedures is not only safe, but very practical, as it can reduce medical expenses and recovery time.

Risks and Rewards

Due to its growing popularity, many people believe that a tummy tuck is an easy procedure. It’s important for patients to realize that it is still a major operation, requiring one to five hours in the operating room, under general anesthesia.

A typical abdominoplasty removes up to 10 pounds of stomach fat by disconnecting the skin from the underlying tissue, suturing abdominal tissue, and cutting away any extra skin. A full recovery can take several weeks, and just like any other surgery, there are risks of infection and other complications.

That said, the various medical and cosmetic benefits of a tummy tuck make the procedure appealing for many people. Interested patients should discuss the procedure in detail with their surgeon and consider all the advice before deciding whether to undergo surgery.

Fillers in Dubai | 1 July 2019

There’s no escaping from the fact that as our bodies age our skin loses elasticity. Various factors such as over-exposure to the sun, pollution, and lifestyle factors can increase the speed at which a woman’s skin loses it elasticity and bounce. At one time there was very little choice for women who wanted to halt the skin aging process. Nowadays we have many options at our fingertips ranging from anti-aging cream to surgery. I believe there’s a better option that’s quicker than creams and less invasive and final than surgery: dermal fillers.

Dermal fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid which is a sugar molecule that exists naturally in almost all living organisms. Its role is to bind water molecules and act as a lubricant and shock absorber in moveable parts of the body. It is also responsible for transporting nutrients and regulating water balance in the skin. Dermal fillers boost the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, revitalising and adding volume to the skin, thus diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here is some of the main benefits of dermal fillers:

Quicker than creams

Anti-aging creams are a long-term investment in your skin. Applied daily in small amounts, the results can take several months to appear and may not even be very noticeable at all. Dermal fillers are injected into areas of the skin that need a little extra plumping and the results can be seen almost instantly.

Quicker than surgery

Most dermal filler procedures take less than an hour, so you can have your face plumped in your lunch hour then return to work straight after! Surgery tends to give slightly better results that will last much longer but it is very invasive and involves a recovery time of up to 4 to 6 weeks in most cases.

Long lasting but not permanent

Because dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid which occurs naturally within the body anyway, over time the acid dissipates and is re-absorbed by the body so the filling effect starts to wane. This is good for people that want to have a youthful look without committing to permanent surgery!

Natural looking effect

Dermal filler injections give a natural looking result that doesn’t alter the facial expressions of the recipient in the same way as filler treatments such as Botox can. As your face changes over time you can control the way you look with regular dermal fillers to plump out the right areas of your face.

Fillers in Dubai | 25 June 2019

Doctors have slammed “deadly” YouTube videos that show how to inject cosmetic fillers and Botox into your own face. The online clips encourage people to inject dermal fillers at home, rather than paying the average £200 to £500 cost at a clinic. But now experts have called for the videos to be removed, saying viewers risk infection, blood poisoning and even death if they get it wrong. Leading surgeons say viewers need to exercise extreme caution warning that YouTube videos showing so-called ‘DIY dermal filler methods’ are extremely dangerous. By attempting to follow them you’re risking infection. If you accidentally inject into a blood vessel, you risk the death of tissue and permanent scarring. In rare circumstances, it could even lead to blood poisoning and death. I would plead that no one ever administers their own filler. Leave it to a trusted medical expert who has had years of training and is fully understanding of the anatomy of the face. Read the full story here.