Medico chirurgo: la mia professione a Dubai!
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 2 February 2019
Un medico chirurgo italiano di talento lascia l’Italia: una storia di talento e coraggio che trova il lieto fine… a Dubai!
In italia vengono spesi quasi 69 miliardi di euro per istruire i nostri giovani. Purtroppo, a causa della mancanza di opportunità lavorative qualificanti, e di gerarchie istituzionali nel panorama italiano, dopo la laurea, buona parte di questi ultimi decide di emigrare all’estero. La “fuga dei cervelli” dal nostro paese è tutt’altro che una novità, ma un recente rapporto pubblicato dall’Istat le fa assumere quasi le sembianze di un esodo. Il verdetto ISTAT è quantomeno allarmante tra il 2012 e il 2016 l’Italia ha perso circa 10.000 unità tra validi Dottori e Infermieri.
Oggi sono lieto di intervistare uno dei medici che ha deciso di proseguire la sua carriera all’estero, il Dott. Matteo Vigo, giovane medico milanese, specialista in Chirurgia Plastica, Ricostruttiva ed Estetica attualmente Medical Director presso AMWAJ POLYCLINIC di Dubai, Emirati Arabi Uniti.
Cordialissimo Dott. Vigo, la prima domanda nasce spontanea, perchè Dubai?
Dubai è capitata sul mio cammino per caso, a seguito di un viaggio di piacere per visitare mia sorella che si era trasferita da poco. Mi sono innamorato della città ed ho deciso di informarmi sulla possibilità di lavorare saltuariamente qui. Ho cosi iniziato ad informarmi riguardo la possibilità di ottenere la licenza medica e in poco meno di 6 mesi ho ottenuto la possibilità di lavorare nell’emirato di Dubai. Ho speso circa 2 anni come visiting doctor venendo a Dubai circa 1 settimana al mese. Quando invece l’ospedale in cui lavoravo mi ha offerto un posto a tempo indeterminato ho accettato subito e mi sono trasferito lavorando come primario di chirurgia e direttore sanitario nell’unico ospedale dedicato alla chirurgia plastica del medio oriente.
Quali sono le necessità della popolazione araba?
La ricerca della bellezza è una priorità anche nei paesi arabi e le donne tendono a richiedere sempre di più interventi per migliorarsi. Di conseguenza la chirurgia plastica è diventata sempre più popolare . Le richieste dei local vanno soprattutto nella direzione del body reshaping. Ma anche chirurgia del seno (la mia specialità) e del viso, compresi trattamenti di medicina estetica sono sempre piu richiesti.
Il Team infermieristico che ruolo ricopre e collabora attivamente al suo progetto?
Lavorando attualmente in diverse strutture, mi avvalgo di personale infermieristico sia in ambulatorio che in sala operatoria/reparto. Ci tengo molto alla formazione del team, in quanto credo che un lavoro di squadra possa giovare alla paziente, ma soprattutto al risultato finale dei miei interventi.
Organizzo periodicamente riunioni informative, di training, di scambio di idee, per continuare a migliorare l’esperienza del paziente a 360 gradi.
Per ultimo, ovviamente le chiedo, quali sono i suoi obiettivi e/o progetti nel prossimo futuro?
Dopo quasi 6 anni a Dubai posso affermare che ho raggiunto il mio scopo di avere un nome nella comunità locale, ricevendo numerosi pazienti ogni giorno ed avendo feedback molto positivi da parte dei pazienti già trattati. Non ho in programma un rimpatrio a breve termine, bensì un potenziamento della mia attività negli emirati arabi.
Ringraziandola per il tempo a me concesso e per la cordialità della chiacchierata le auguro ovviamente un futuro roseo e denso di soddisfazioni, anche se in cuor mio/nostro spero/speriamo di rivederla presto a operare in territorio italiano.
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO DERMAL FILLERS
Fillers in Dubai | 30 January 2019
Dermal fillers have grown in popularity over the last few years due to their ability as both volume enhancers and wrinkle fillers. They’re usually used on the lips, cheeks and under the eyes, often with amazing, age-defying results.
What are Dermal Fillers?
At around the age of 25, the body stops producing collagen and elastin. These two proteins work together to keep tissue firm and skin elastic. Without them, the body isn’t able to keep tissue strong and skin supple. It’s this that causes the typical signs of aging to start appearing, including lines and wrinkles, sunken cheeks and a loss of elasticity in the skin.
Dermal fillers are injectable gels that are usually made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that attracts and binds water in the skin. A treatment will fill in wrinkles and provide volume to the soft tissues, helping to give your skin a more full and youthful appearance well after your body stops producing collagen.
How do they work?
Generally, injecting dermal fillers into the skin causes plumping of that area which helps smooth wrinkles, enhance definition and volumise the face. However, different types of filler can be used for different results and in different areas.
When it comes to treating facial volume loss (like sagging cheeks), a professional will typically use a thicker dermal filler that can provide effective support for the cheeks. Plumping or removing lines from lips, on the other hand, requires a much thinner dermal filler as the skin around that area is thinner.
While dermal fillers are often used alongside treatments like Botox, they actually work quite differently. Botox prevents movement of the small muscles that contribute to wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, create additional plumping beneath the wrinkle, smoothing it out and restoring its youthful appearance. The combination of using Botox alongside Dermal fillers can result in amazing looking results which is why they are frequently used together.
Where are they usually used?
Dermal fillers can be used to achieve a variety of results in different areas of the face. They are usually used in three main areas to achieve the following:
Around the Eyes:
- Reduce under eye bags and dark circles
- Soften fine lines and crow’s feet
Mid Face Area:
- Smooth accordion lines (the fine lines that creep up the sides of the face towards the cheekbones) and folds
- Add volume to the cheek area affected by gravity and age
Lower Face Area:
- Smooth a “gummy smile” above the lips
- Reduce the appearance of vertical lines above the lip
- Add volume to the nasolabial folds around the mouth
- Correct the downturned corners of the mouth
- Stop the jawline from sagging
- Plump and reduce chin creases
How long do they last?
Depending on the type of hyaluronic acid used, Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6 to 18 months. This may also vary from person to person depending on how well it’s suited to the purpose and individual. There are many different brands of hyaluronic acid on the market, some of which you might recognise, including Juvederm®, Belotero® and Restylane®. It can be difficult to know which dermal filler is right for you so be sure to ask your practitioner for advice on the right choice for you.
Things to know before your treatment
Dermal fillers are incredibly safe, and allergic reactions are extremely rare, so long as your treatment is carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional. Before getting dermal filler treatment there are a few simple steps you can carry out to ensure your treatment is as successful as possible.
- Try and avoid any product containing aspirin, vitamin E, St John’s Wort and any dietary supplements that include ginko, garlic, primrose oil and ginseng for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Avoid ibuprofen, Aleve, fish oil, alcohol and any product that can thin your blood for 2 days prior to your treatment.
- Remove all makeup and wash your face before the treatment to avoid skin irritation.
Are there any side effects of dermal fillers?
After having dermal filler treatment, you may notice some common side effects in and around the treated area. These can include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain and discomfort
Using a trained and experienced practitioner can help to minimise these side effects. Taking the right kind of supplements may also help but you should check with your practitioner before taking anything. Here are a list of suggested do’s and don’ts to help minimise any negative after effects of your treatment.
- Using a calming agent like chamomile or taking Bromelain and Turmeric together can help to reduce the skin redness, swelling, tenderness, and/or itchiness that are common after dermal filler treatment. If your symptoms last longer than 3 days be sure to speak to your practitioner.
- Bruising is also fairly common, although this should go away within a few days. To help speed up the process you can use Arnica to help reduce bruising and swelling.
- Do not massage the treated areas as this can cause the filler to move, resulting in an uneven look and feel.
- Avoid applying heat to the treated area until any bruising or swelling has gone away. You should also try and avoid any activities that might cause you to blush or get red faced. Exercising, consuming alcohol, going in the sauna or using a sun bed should all be avoided. No skiing or mountain climbing in very cold temperatures either.
- Regular washing and showering is fine as long as you’re using gentle cleansers and moisturisers. Makeup and sunscreen should also be fine to use as long as they are applied gently.
Are dermal fillers right for you?
The most important thing to do before going ahead with a dermal filler treatment is to do your research. Firstly, think about what you want to achieve from the treatment. This will help you and your practitioner to narrow down the type of filler you’ll want to use and ensure your treatment resolves your primary concerns.
Secondly, set a strict budget for your treatment. Many treatments are only fully effective with multiple treatments or a combination of dermal fillers and botox. It’s important to be aware of this so that you aren’t left disappointed by a half effective course of treatment. You should also be wary of practitioners offering a cheap service. These treatments, when carried out by an experienced, qualified practitioner, should not be cheap. If someone is offering you a treatment for a lot less than other practitioners it may reflect the quality of the practitioner, product or clinic. With Dermal fillers, you get what you pay for. So if you’re looking for a high quality treatment with minimal side effects, you’ll need to pay for it.
Finally, once you think you’ve found the treatment and practitioner to suit you, make sure you meet them, ask questions and feel comfortable having them treat you. There should be no pressure put on you to get a treatment done right away or use any products that you haven’t specifically requested. Dermal fillers are safe and effective as long as you select a provider who will make every effort to minimise risk, work with you to address your concerns and follow up to ensure that you are well and satisfied, so make sure you know who you’re dealing with.
Fillers in Dubai
All About Sizing
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 25 January 2019
When it comes to sizing, I ask my patients to think more about proportion and shape versus cup size. Cup size is an extremely subjective measurement for patients seeking breast augmentation. No two individuals are the same, nor are two breasts on the same body even the same! Before a final size can be determined, I must evaluate things like the quality, thickness and laxity of the existing tissue, as well as your skeletal and muscular structure and overall anatomy.
These considerations all contribute to the fact that everyone wears bras very differently. In addition, manufacturers’ sizes differ widely. So when you think about your new size, think more in terms of proportion and shape instead. And, most importantly, do not pick your size based on what your friend might have or what your significant other might envision. During your consultation, I will carefully select your implant size together, based on dimensions—not volume.
Breast Augmentation Dubai
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 23 January 2019
Breast augmentation surgery requires a general anaesthetic, with the operation taking 1-2 hours, and is usually performed as a day-stay or overnight-stay procedure. Following the surgery it is important to have restricted light activities, with no lifting or heavy duties for 7-10 days. Most patients may drive again and return to work within 10 days after the surgery. Heavy activities and sport should not be undertaken for 3-4 weeks following the surgery. Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, enlarging your breasts and making them more proportional with the rest of your body. Breast augmentation can also be used to correct differences in the size of your breasts or sagging breasts which can occur after pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are many choices and options in breast augmentation, which require careful planning to individualise which are the best options for you. All of these choices have advantages and disadvantages, which you should understand before you make a decision with your surgeon. Breast implants will make your breasts larger, but the underlying shape of your breasts will not change, and differences in the size and shape of your breasts may even be more obvious after the surgery.
Breast Augmentation Dubai
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 22 January 2019
Tummy tucks can also eliminate stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight loss, or weight gain. Even if a person is at their ideal body weight, with very little abdominal fat, excess skin can still cause an undesirable look. The tummy tuck addresses this concern by removing any excess fat, removing excess skin, and then readjusting the skin for a toned and taut look. People who have poor skin elasticity may be especially good candidates for tummy tucks. Poor skin elasticity is quite common after childbirth, weight loss, or aging. The tummy tuck can not only take away the extra skin, but will also tighten up the skin that remains. This, in turn, dramatically improves elasticity for the future as long as you maintain a healthy weight.
Tummy Tuck Dubai
Fillers in Dubai – What to Expect During Treatment
Fillers in Dubai | 20 January 2019
Dermal filler injections are non-surgical and typically completed during an office visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with me to discuss your concerns and goals.
Pre-treatment consultation
During your consultation, I will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to tell me if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.
Your injectable filler treatment
Just before the actual treatment, the area will be cleaned, and you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection. Many filler products also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment. I will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically beneath the skin.
Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections. Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment. You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but I may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity.
If you are having fat injections…
Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure and follows a different treatment protocol. Typically, fat grafting is performed as an outpatient procedure, using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Up to 2 weeks of downtime may be required, depending on the extent of liposuction performed. I will go over what to expect with surgery and recovery during your consultation.
Fillers in Dubai | 20 January 2019
What are Fillers Made With?
Fillers in Dubai | 14 January 2019
In general, fillers are categorized by the substance they are made from. A note for your safety: always make sure that you are receiving FDA approved, brand name fillers, which are only available through a licensed physician, such as a board certified cosmetic surgeon.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. FDA approved HA fillers include:
Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, VOLLURE
Restylane products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne
Belotero Balance
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse®.
Poly-L-lactic Acid – Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (meaning it is safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance. It has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid products are technically classified as “collagen stimulators,” as their main mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment. Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last more than 2 years. FDA approved Poly-L-lactic acid fillers include Sculptra® Aesthetic.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic, biocompatible substance that has been used in medicine for much of the last century. In dermal fillers, PMMA takes the form of a “microsphere” or tiny ball, that remains beneath the skin indefinitely to provide continued support. PMMA fillers will also contain collagen, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that provides structure and firmness. FDA approved PMMA fillers include Bellafill® (formerly known as Artefill).
Fillers in Dubai | 14 January 2019
How Can Dermal Fillers Enhance My Appearance?
Fillers in Dubai | 7 January 2019
Did you know that many visible signs of aging can be traced back to volume loss? As facial tissues thin out, lines become etched around the nose and mouth and cheeks look a little hollow. Dermal fillers can replace lost volume to help smooth wrinkles, plump the lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually have choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses)
Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
Diminish vertical lip lines
Plump & enhance the lips
Smooth out a chin crease
Improve symmetry among facial features
Fillers in Dubai | 7 January 2019
What are Dermal Fillers?
Fillers in Dubai | 1 January 2019
Dermal fillers are used to maintain volume in the face, and thus restore (or prolong) a youthful, rested, healthy appearance. Dermal filler injections take only minutes to perform and the cosmetic results are immediate. I inject the selected facial filler at sites where natural fat has depleted, the most common being the cheek bone area and the folds next to the nose (nasolabial), the lines running from the mouth toward the chin (marionette lines) and thinning lips. The new generation of facial fillers is more practical than the animal-based collagens they are descended from, as the newer products are biocompatible, more versatile in their weights and densities, and last longer. However, most facial fillers are still temporary, and depending on the staying power of the product as well as the reaction of the patient. Touch-ups will eventually be required.
Dermal fillers instantly plump up nasolabial folds, marionette lines, sunken cheeks, thinning lips and soft jaw lines. They can also be used to correct scars and deeper wrinkles.
No prep time is required with fillers, though you may request topical numbing cold ice packs prior to the procedure.
Fillers in Dubai | 1 January 2019
Procedures to help you attain a flat well-toned abdomen
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 28 December 2018
When diet and exercise fail to achieve the waistline you desire, I can offer the expertise of having perfected procedures to help you attain a flat, well-toned abdomen.
There are variations to the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure:
Standard tummy tuck
Addresses the loose, sagging abdominal skin common after pregnancy and weight loss
Surgically removes excess fat and skin from abdomen
Tightens weakened or separated muscles above and below the belly button, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer
The scar is horizontal, situated above the pubis
Mini-abdominoplasty
Surgical removal of fat and skin; specifically the area below the belly button
Tightens the weakened muscles below the belly button
The scar is horizontal, situated above the pubis
Lipo-abdominoplasty
This procedure combines the benefits of an abdominoplasty with liposuction
Addresses the fat or fullness of the upper abdomen with liposuction that a standard tummy tuck will not address
Extended abdominoplasty or Fluer-De-Lis
Addresses the excess skin and fat above the belly button often a result of massive weight loss
The scar orientation is both vertical and horizontal
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 28 December 2018