What are the benefits of liposuction?
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 10 October 2020
The primary benefit of liposuction is the elimination of stubborn, unwanted fat in the flanks. It is a safe and effective procedure that can improve contours for a slimmer figure. Because the incisions needed for liposuction are so small, they are nearly invisible, so you can feel confident about your skin. By eliminating love handles or a “muffin-top”, you may experience heightened self-confidence and greater comfort with the clothing you wear. Stubborn, excess fat can lead to discouragement, which can lead to patients giving up on their healthy lifestyles. By removing the unwanted excess fat, many patients feel greater motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle of nutritional diet and regular exercise.
Botox Maintenance: How Often Should You Get Botox?
Botox Dubai | 8 October 2020
You’re probably wondering how long Botox lasts. Most people see effects for three to four months, but several factors may shorten or lengthen that period:
Your age. Older people with less muscle tone may see results diminish sooner than those with younger, firmer facial muscles.
Your facial structure and expressions.
Whether you smoke.
Your diet.
Whether you take good care of your skin; use facials, microdermabrasion or other resurfacing methods.
How much sun you get and how much sun damage your skin already has.
Whether you use Botox repeatedly or not. However, this seems to differ from one person to another. Some obtain a longer-lasting effect with repeated use, while others seem to develop a resistance to the drug and need more frequent treatments.
Doctors disagree on which of the above factors are the most important so it’s a good question to ask your practitioner. In any case, it is not recommended to have injections in the same injection site (such as for crow’s feet) more frequently than every three months.
As with the injection of any medication, your body’s immune system can develop antibodies to the medication, which render the drug less effective or possibly cause development of an allergy to the drug. The more frequently the drug is injected or the more quantity that is injected, the higher the risk for these antibodies to be formed against the drug.
Dermal filler aftercare: What to do after you’ve had dermal filler
Fillers in Dubai | 6 October 2020
WHAT TO EXPECT DIRECTLY AFTER YOUR DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT
Post treatment there may be some tenderness, redness and swelling to the site, this is very normal and will subside, usually within a few days.
No recovery time is required after facial filler treatments and you can return to day to day activities straight away.
Occasional bruising can occur; it is usually short term and lasts a few days.
AFTER TREATMENT ADVICE
Avoid wearing make-up for 12 hours after your wrinkle filler treatment
Avoid extreme temperatures until redness and swelling subsides – no saunas, steam rooms, sun beds or sun exposure
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours post treatment
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours minimum post treatment
Avoid manipulation of the treated area
Facial filler treatments are normally recommended every 6-12 months.
Cosmetic procedures – Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 4 October 2020
The most common form of tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision near the pubic hairline, so swimwear or undergarments can hide the resulting scar. If there is excess skin above the navel, an incision around the navel may be required. Sometimes, the surgery involves liposuction to remove pockets of excess fat from specific areas of the body. Diastasis is a term used to describe the separation of the two-paired abdominal muscles that make up the front of the abdomen, which is often caused by multiple pregnancies. Sutures are used to tighten up the abdominal wall, resulting in a flatter stomach. Stronger, tighter abdomen muscles may also help reduce lower back pain.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Process and Timeline
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 2 October 2020
Electing to undergo breast augmentation surgery can be both thrilling and intimidating. Although the operation has many great benefits, many people are often unaware as to what exactly goes into getting the procedure. Typically, the surgery will encompass three phases: consultation, operation, and recovery. Each step of the process requires its own level of consideration. By taking the time to learn about each phase, you can ensure that you get the results you want. Before beginning the process, however, you have to decide if the procedure is for you.
Is breast augmentation right for me?
Before setting up a consultation, patients should take the time to consider if the procedure is right for them. The process requires time, money, and enduring some physical discomfort. Since the procedure involves an initial investment, you should take the time to think about your desired outcome and what you would consider a good value for your money. Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you can then meet with a surgeon to get their opinion on how to best achieve these results.
The consultation
Although many patients have their first consultation with some idea of how they would like to appear after the operation, you can also ask surgeons for recommendations. A breast augmentation specialist will have performed many surgeries by the time you enter their clinic, so surgeons have a working knowledge of what people prefer when it comes to breast augmentation. Doctors can use computer-assisted visualization tools to determine the best size and implant type for your body.
During the consultation, the doctor will explain the entire process of the breast augmentation. Beyond size, you will have to choose the kind of implant material you would like. The two main choices are silicone or saline, which will determine firmness and shape. Depending on your choice, you will have to select a shape, which can be round or teardrop, among other choices. Depending on what you choose, the doctor will then recommend either to place the implant below or above the muscle.
The procedure
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, though some can elect to stay overnight. The surgery will last between one and two hours, and you will likely receive general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will make cuts under the breast, under the arms, or around the nipples. After they insert the implants, the surgeon will close the incision with a suture.
Recovery
Although breast augmentation surgery once required a significant amount of recovery time, patients are often able to return to work shortly after the operation. To reduce swelling and pain, you should sleep upright, such as in a recliner, for the first 48 hours after the operation. You should expect to reduce any strenuous activity for two or three weeks after surgery, including limiting the amount of times you raise their hands above your head, which will help reduce swelling. This reduction in activity includes exercising and lifting heavy objects. Generally, after eight weeks, most people will be able to return to normal levels of activity.
Tips for healing
To make things easier on yourself after the operation, you should set aside clothes for the week and perform any necessary housework prior to the surgery. The week after the operation will be the most difficult, so you are encouraged to do the legwork beforehand so you can rest that week. Ice packs and loose-fitting clothing will go a long way in helping to alleviate discomfort from the breast augmentation surgery. Lastly, drink lots of water to stay hydrated during the process.
Make sure that you are well informed about all the aspects of breast augmentation before making the final decision to undergo the procedure. If you’re confident that you can handle each step of the procedure, you’re much more likely to have an easy recovery and be thrilled with your final results.
Dermal Fillers – CONTOURING & REFINING FEATURES
Fillers in Dubai |26 September 2020
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.
Breast Reduction Surgery – What you need to know…
Plastic Surgery Dubai | 25 September 2020
For women with very large breasts, having a reduction can feel like having a weight lifted off of their chest. It can relieve them from years of back, shoulder and neck pain; difficulty exercising; and rashes on their chest, not to mention limited clothing options and permanent shoulder grooves from weighted down bra straps. But, like any other medical procedure, breast reduction surgery does have risks. It’s a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the potential pros and cons.
You’ll (eventually) feel great.
A number of studies have found that women who have breast reduction surgery commonly feel a boost in their self-esteem, body image and physical health afterward.
But you’ll be sidelined for a few weeks
The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure that only takes about three hours. Women typically go home on the same day or the next morning. But you’ll likely feel tired and sore afterward, so plan to take a few days off from work or school to recover. You’ll be encouraged to get up and move around regularly, but you’ll have to put off any kind of rigorous exercise for about a month.
You might not be able to get the exact cup size you want
How much your breasts can be reduced depends on your size, breast composition and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Vigo will help you determine the best plan. Most breast reduction patients go down one to two cup sizes.
You’ll get a breast lift, too
The procedure is actually a twofer. Dr. Vigo will remove excess tissue and skin to make your breasts smaller, and then move the nipples up in position to give them a lift.
You’ll have scars
The incision wounds (they usually look like lollipops that circle around the nipples and go straight down to the bottom of the breast) will be swollen for a while. In most people, the scars improve significantly within a year after surgery, but they’re always there.
It could affect your ability to breastfeed later
There’s about a 50/50 chance that a woman might find it difficult – but not necessarily impossible – to breastfeed if she has a breast reduction.
Eye Bags & Dark Circles? Time to Consider Tear Trough Treatment
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 24 September 2020
These are all very common areas of concern for both men and women. Under eye circles are dark patches that are visible under the eye. Depending on cause and skin tone, these can look like shadows or discolouration that’s red, blue or green in hue. Under eye bags on the other hand, are swollen pockets or patches under the eye. Both under eye circles and bags can either occur separately or alone. They may also be caused by or exasperated by the presence of a tear trough (this is a loss of fat tissue leading to hollowness under the eye). The most common complaints people tend to have with under eye circles, bags or tear trough deformities is that they give the appearance of tiredness.
What Causes Under Eye Circles, Bags & Tear Troughs?
There are a number of genetic and environmental causes that give rise to under eye circles, bags and tear trough deformities. Some people are more predisposed to developing these and whether they affect other members of your family is a good indicator of your risk. Your skin tone may also play a role. Paler skin tones tend to show up blood vessels more readily and thus give the impression of bluish discolouration under the eyes. Darker skin tones may exhibit increased pigmentation in the under eye area which gives the appearance of shadowing. Aside from genetics, other common causes include:
Ageing: as we get older, the skin under the eyes loses its thickness and elasticity. This thinner and more fragile skin is more likely to show underlying muscles and blood vessels which also gives the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Sun damage can also cause dark pigmentation under the eyes as well as accelerate skin ageing. Fat loss and reduced skin laxity can also cause under eye bags to appear more prominent. Loss of fat under the skin and skin ageing can also give rise to tear trough deformities.
Diet: deficiencies in Vitamins C and K as well as iron are thought to present with discolouration under the eyes. Diets high in salt can also increase fluid retention which can increase the prominence of under eye bags.
Sleeping: or rather lack of, can result in worsening of under eye circles and bags.
Dehydration: reduced water intake, excess caffeine and alcohol can all cause volume depletion in the skin and lack of laxity.
Sun damage and smoking: this can cause increased pigmentation and skin ageing both of which give rise to dark under eye circles and bags.
Inflammation and allergies: this can cause puffiness, bags and under eye circles over time.
Treatment Options For Under Eye Circles, Bags & Tear Troughs?
Luckily, there are a wide range of treatment options if you suffer from under eye circles or bags. The first thing is to ensure that you have a good skincare routine which includes using an under eye cream that contains ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K and ferulic acid which help with under eye circles. Another important skincare tip is to ensure that the under eye skin is kept moisturised so having hyaluronic acid in your under eye cream would help immensely.
If the problem is purely due to thin skin or pigmentation issues, then advanced skin treatments like chemical peels and collagen induction therapy can help brighten and firm up the under eye skin. For tear trough deformities and under eye bags, hyaluronic acid tear trough fillers can treat the hollowness under the eyes and rejuvenate the eye area. For more defined tear trough deformities, cheek fillers can help provide support for the tear trough fillers.
FILLERS IN DUBAI – POPULAR DERMAL FILLER BRANDS
Fillers in Dubai | 20 September 2020
Unlike botulinum toxin injectables—such as Botox, Dysport or Xeomin – which impact the way muscles move in your upper face, dermal fillers are meant to “take up space” just under the skin to fill in lines and restore volume lost to aging.
HYALURONIC ACID DERMAL FILLERS
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are well-loved for their long-lasting, natural-looking results. Here’s the lowdown on hyaluronic acid fillers like the Juvéderm family of fillers, Belotero Balance and Restylane Lyft.
For the science buffs: hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan found in epithelial, neural, and connective tissues in humans. For the rest of us: HA is a carbohydrate that naturally occurs in the body. Because it attracts water, HA helps keep skin lubricated, supple, and youthful-looking. The dermis (deepest layer of skin) is composed of hyaluronic acid and collagen—and as we age, our reserves of both are naturally depleted.
The reason HA makes such a powerful ingredient in dermal fillers is the way it interacts with the moisture in your skin. In gel form, HA will swell when combined with water, which ultimately smooths and fills lines and wrinkles while restoring natural-looking volume. The HA used in dermal fillers is either synthesized using bacteria or derived from animals, such as rooster comb. Because it mimics the HA already in our bodies, there is very low risk of adverse reaction.
Thanks to advancements in our understanding of the aging process, how hyaluronic acid works, and the quality of available dermal fillers, we are able to provide more consistent, longer-lasting results. Often, the hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers has gone through a crosslinking process, where the molecules have been chemically bonded to help them last in the body for longer periods of time.
Not all hyaluronic acid fillers are the same, and certain products are better-suited to addressing certain concerns. The consistency, size of the hyaluronic acid molecule, and how the molecules are bonded all impact where a filler works best and how long results will last.
NON-HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS
While hyaluronic acid fillers may be popular, they’re not your only option—and sometimes an alternate product will provide you with better results. Non-hyaluronic acid fillers are composed of a variety of ingredients ranging from collagen to mineral compounds. Often, these products provide a two-fold benefit: they physically fill in lines and plump up the skin in addition to helping your body make more collagen for a fuller, healthier look.
While you can likely expect nice looking results from any of the products, it’s important to be open with your provider and provide clear information about your expectations and any allergies you may have. It’s also worth your while to ask what can be done if you do not like your results – unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, the above fillers cannot be “undone” by anything other than time.
POPULAR DERMAL FILLER BRANDS
The Juvéderm family of fillers include multiple formulations specifically designed for treating different areas of the face and addressing a variety of concerns. All Juvéderm products contain lidocaine to help ensure treatment is as comfortable as possible.
- Juvéderm XC instantly softens the appearance of moderate to severe creases on the mid- and lower-face for up to a year.
- Juvéderm VOLLURE XC is a firmer, crosslinked gel that is ideal for smoothing deeper wrinkles around the nose and mouth for over a year. It uses Juvéderm’s patented VYCROSS technology (a particular ratio of large and small HA molecules) to create a very smooth result that is still durable enough to handle the movements of the lower face beautifully. VOLLURE is great for treating smile lines, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds.
- Juvéderm VOLUMA XC is used to restore volume in all three areas of the cheeks and create a youthful contour in the midface. It provides a subtle lift, helping patients look noticeably younger, for up to two years.
- Juvéderm VOLBELLA XC can subtly enhance lip volume, improve lip definition, and soften vertical lip lines. It has a lower concentration of HA in differently weighted particles to ensure it is soft enough to provide very natural results but durable enough to last at least a year.
Like Juvéderm products, Belotero Balance is formulated with hyaluronic acid and designed to fill in creases and correct age-related volume loss. What makes these two products different is their crosslinking, how cohesive the product is, and the firmness of the gel. Belotero is less viscous and thus able to spread to all the small areas of the dermis, which is why it is often recommended for treating “etched in” creases.
Restylane Lyft, on the other hand, is a denser hyaluronic acid gel with a higher molecular weight, meaning it’s a good option for treating deeper nasolabial folds, filling in severe lip lines, and adding volume to the cheeks.
Bellafill fills in lines and improves the appearance of scarring for up to five years. It contains a mixture of collagen gel and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres to improve wrinkles in two ways: it physically restores volume and plumps deep wrinkles and scars as the product rests under the skin and it provides an internal support structure to prompt your body’s natural collagen production. That means that while you’ll see see instant results, your skin will look and function better long-term and results will improve with time.
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a mineral compound found naturally in human bones and cartilage. When injected, it quickly acts to replenish lost volume while simultaneously prompting collagen production for lasting improvement. Radiesse can be mixed with lidocaine to reduce discomfort during injection. In addition to correcting facial wrinkles, Radiesse is often favored for hand rejuvenation.
Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid that works by stimulating collagen production, restoring your skin’s inner structure, and increasing volume subtly and gradually over time. Sculptra is unique in its ability to provide improvement for at least two years after a treatment course of three to four injection sessions.
BREAST AUGMENTATION – THE BENEFITS OF SMALLER IMPLANTS
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 17 September 2020
Many of my patients come to me thinking bigger is always better, even when their body type could benefit from smaller implants.
With the breast augmentation gaining momentum a few years back, women were opting for large breast implants. However, the scenario has changed and women are looking for more natural results with breasts that look less obviously enhanced. This is leading to the trend of 3D imaging for breast augmentation. 3D imaging provides a higher chance of offering results as per the plan. This is also helping women to choose the implant size that results in the natural looking breast augmentation. Lifestyle is the most important factor in a decision to undergo a cosmetic surgery. Hence, women are seeking breast implants to balance the figure than to dominate their appearance.
To balance an active lifestyle, many women prefer smaller implants that can offer a more fit and athletic look. Advancement in breast augmentation technology is resulting in improved design, fill volumes and construction, accelerating the development of new devices that leads to less wrinkling and rippling.