ARM LIFT & ARM REDUCTION
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 24 August 2019
A Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits on the upper arm. This can be caused by age, as the upper arm skin becomes loose and flabby, or may simply be a feature of natural fat distribution and surplus arm skin (often caused by weight loss). Brachioplasty procedures tackle these conditions to leave a tight and smooth skin appearance by using one, or both, of two key surgical techniques; liposuction and skin excision.
There are two aspects to the problem of the upper arm, the relative amount of excess fat and the excess skin. These problems have two surgical solutions, which are often combined. At the two extremes, there are patients with large arms with surplus fat, who are treated very satisfactorily by liposuction. Unobtrusive stab incisions are made in the armpit and on the back of the elbow. We then need a skilled and obsessional surgeon to very carefully remove the fat smoothly from around the arm. There are other adjacent areas that we often treat at the same time, and in particular fat around the shoulder, armpit, adjacent back and so-called tail of the breast. This is fat that bunches up particularly when wearing a bra, below the front of the armpit. Also, we carry out liposuction of forearms and make particular note of the fat on the back of the elbow. All of these areas can be treated in the same session.
This liposuction carried out on its own is particularly useful when the skin is still relatively elastic and will, therefore, be more commonly carried out in younger patients. At the other extreme, we have skinny patients who simply have a lot of loose skin hanging down embarrassingly as ‘Bingo Wings’. Retraction of the skin after liposuction would not be adequate, and in any case, there is little or no fat to remove. In this case, the solution is skin reduction, and can only be carried out by removing a long ellipse of skin from the back of the elbow, along the line between the inside and back of the arm, curving into the armpit. It is important to consider the position of the scar to ensure it is as subtle as possible.
The scars themselves take some months to settle in. Some surgeons offer to tighten the skin with an excision of skin confined to the armpit. The skin then is pulled up towards the armpit like pulling up a sock. Unfortunately, this does not work for the vast majority of patients. The excess skin is around the circumference of the arm and not along the length. In patients who have had extreme weight loss, perhaps after bariatric surgery, there is surplus skin everywhere and an arm reduction can be incorporated into reductions of the skin of the back, flank and breast
Many patients do not fit into these two groups. They have both excess fat and excess skin. Liposuction alone will not tighten the skin sufficiently. In these cases, a combination of liposuction and excision of skin and fat is carried out. Experience and careful planning are required to produce a symmetrical result. We have all seen patients who have had unequal amounts of skin and fat removed with unnaturally shaped arms, of unequal size. There are even occasions where patients have required to have skin put back, using skin grafts.
Telltale Signs of Ageing: Hands
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 23 August 2019
One of the telltale signs of ageing is the hands. We don’t tend to apply the same youth-preserving routines to our hands as we do to the face. This, combined with years of hand washing, continual usage and exposure to the elements take their toll on our hands. Signs of ageing hands include dry, scaly and crepey skin, protruding veins, age spots, brittle nails and nobbly joints; which inevitably lead to people feeling self-conscious. How many children want to shake hands with their grandparents?
Where should we start?
The obvious place is the visible area, the skin. It becomes thin, dry and crepey. Lift it up and it stays lifeless, where it was. There is no springing back. We lose collagen, elasticity and the glands that secrete onto the surface. Soft suppleness is lost. There is no tender touch. Age spots or liver spots are the flat brown or grey patches appearing on the back of the hands of most people above 40 years old and particularly those with fair skin.
They occur due to exposure to the sun, resulting in excess melanin production. Sun also causes rough, scaly patches called actinic keratosis (AKs). Beware, these are pre-cancerous, developing into Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC). The patches of pigment are also not immune to malignant change. Beneath the skin, the veins and tendons become prominent and visible as the underlying supporting fat melts away. Nails become brittle and prone to fungal infection. The wrist and finger joints become nobbly, stiff, deformed and painful with arthritis.
EYELID REDUCTION (BLEPHAROPLASTY)
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 22 August 2019
As we age, the skin around our eyes starts to lose its elasticity causing gradual fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, under-eye bags will start to develop as the muscles relax and lower eyelids sag down. In addition, our upper eyelids can also start to droop with age. Comfort aside, this can also give the eyes an older, tired look and a hooded or bulging appearance that can make patients feel self-conscious.
During a short operation (1-3 hours), loose skin and excess fatty tissue around the eye area is removed, tightening the relaxed muscles and giving the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance and a more attractive aesthetic. I use eyelid surgery in conjunction with non-surgical techniques to counteract the effects of ageing around the eyes.
Non-surgical treatments can reduce the wrinkles but not the folds. Injectables can lift the eyebrows. Surgical skin reduction of the upper eyelids leaves a very fine scar in the natural fold and in the lower eyelid is disguised under the eyelashes. Bulging fat can be reduced surgically at the same time the skin can be reduced or re-positioned surgically at the same time as the skin reduction or in the lower eyelid often through the inner conjunctival side of the lid, thus avoiding any possibility of a visible scar. Finally, fat grafting can be added to restore lost fat of not only of the eyelids but of the brow and the temple. The tired hooded, look with bulging bags should now be a thing of the past. A simple upper eyelid reduction takes less than an hour, but other options to restore vitality including fat grafting and tightening of relaxed muscles may take two or three hours.
MINI-FACELIFT – removing excess skin around the face, jaw & neck areas
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 17 August 2019
A mini-facelift is focussed on removing excess skin around the face, jaw and neck areas, the mini-facelift is an ideal treatment for people wanting to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing a full facelift procedure.
Skin ages over time and the earliest signs of ageing appear where the skin is most delicate- the face and neck. Fine lines and excess skin typically start to develop in our 40s, transforming into deeper wrinkles and volume loss in our 50s. This process is further escalated by lifestyle and external factors such as sun exposure, stress, smoking, nutrition and sleep. Common concerns include drooping eyebrows, bags around the upper and lower eyelids, drooping/sagging skin, reduction in fat around the cheeks, and wrinkles.
The mini-facelift is designed to turn back the clock by 10 years, enabling the natural ageing process to continue from that point. There are several approaches to a facelift treatment, depending on the patient’s concerns and specific skin condition which will be reviewed during a consultation.
The mini-facelift procedure uses minimal incisions to remove sagging and deformations that have formed due to ageing – usually in the face, jaw, and neck areas. These incisions are hidden in the natural folds and the hairline leaving no visible scarring. The procedure takes around 1.5 hours and can is treated as a day case.
Why have a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Plastic Surgery Dubai | 13 August 2019
The shape and proportion of a person’s buttocks are largely determined by genetics; both your skeletal structure and how your body stores fat influence the appearance of the lower body. A healthy diet and exercise can work to achieve a healthy body weight and tone the muscles, but many patients remain unhappy with a “flat” buttocks that lacks shape, despite a healthy lifestyle.
Brazilian butt lift surgery can help overcome the effects of genetics by reshaping the buttocks and surrounding areas, such as the hips, lower back, and thighs. You might consider a Brazilian butt lift to:
- Enhance the curves of your lower body
- Reduce fat pockets on your hips, thighs or belly while adding fullness to the buttocks
- Help clothing fit more attractively
- Give a more youthful, aesthetically pleasing shape to flat buttocks
- Enhance your overall proportions by improving balance between your upper and lower body
What is a Brazilian butt lift?
A Brazilian butt lift is a specialized fat transfer procedure that augments the size and shape of the buttocks without implants. Excess fat is removed from the hips, abdomen, lower back, or thighs with liposuction, and a portion of this fat is then strategically injected into the buttocks.
A skilled cosmetic surgeon can improve the proportions of the entire lower body with Brazilian butt lift surgery, helping a patient lose fat in common “problem areas” and enhance the buttocks, with results lasting many years.
Am I a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift?
A Brazilian butt lift can be a great option to improve the shape and size of the buttocks; however, certain patients are better suited to the procedure, and it is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery, recovery, and results. In general, you are likely a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you agree with the following:
- You want a buttock augmentation without implants
- You have good skin tone in the hips and buttocks
- You have adequate fat stores in other areas to harvest for injection into the buttocks
- You are willing and able to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for several weeks
Despite its name, a Brazilian butt lift is not a traditional “lifting” procedure — it does not address loose skin on the buttocks. If you are bothered by excess, sagging skin on the buttocks or thighs, thigh & buttock lift surgery may be a more suitable option.
Lip Fillers – All Your Questions Answered!
Fillers in Dubai | 9 August 2019
Q: How long does the procedure take?
Less than an hour. First, your injector will cleanse the area and apply a topical numbing cream (it needs about 20 minutes to kick in) or inject you with lidocaine. Then, the injections themselves take 15 to 20 minutes.
Q: How bad does it hurt?
Most women say the lidocaine shot hurts most (like an intense bee sting). As for the filler itself, it can be best described as an immediate pricking sensation, then uncomfortable pressure as the filler moves throughout the lips.
Q: Will they look good right after?
You’ll see immediate volume, but expect a few days of bruising and swelling (so schedule accordingly).
Q: What about the side effects?
You may notice some small bumps under your lips. They usually smooth out on their own within a week or two, but if not, your injector can remove them. While rare, more serious complications (like a blood clot) can occur, so if you’re experiencing significant pain or skin discoloration, see a doctor ASAP.
Q: How do I take care of them after?
No touching your lips for 48 hours after injections. And hold off on exercise for a few days, as it speeds up your blood flow.
Q: How do I maintain them?
Touch-ups every three months to a year. Why such a big window? Factors like filler consistency and lifestyle can affect longevity. For instance, in patients who are more physically active, their filler dissolves faster than in those who are more sedentary.
Q: What if I hate them?
Your doctor can dissolve the filler by injecting lips with the enzyme hyaluronidase. Most reputable derms will do this for free if you’re not happy with their work.
Blepharoplasty – FAQs
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 6 August 2019
Infection: This is very uncommon. If you feel unwell, hot, or the treated area appears red, with sensations of burning or there is any discharge we would urge you to contact the clinic for advice and/or urgent treatment.
Pain: You will experience discomfort over the first few days following surgery however the degree of pain does vary from person to person. Painkillers can be prescribed and taken home with you and manages any discomfort well.
Work / Sport / Leisure Activities: It is recommended that you take one week off from work, however if you have a sedentary job a few days is acceptable but you must stand up and walk around every hour or so as movement will accelerate healing. If you have an active hobby or leisure interest, please seek advice from your surgeon as to when you will be able to return to it following surgery.
Children: If you have young children or babies, please ensure that the area(s) treated are not touched or disturbed for at least 1 week. Your tissues have been agitated and require a period of time to heal without disturbance. It is recommended that you organise help with caring for young children during the first few days of recovery.
Bathing: Wounds must be kept completely dry for the first week. ‘’Baby wiping’’ the face for the first week to clean yourself is recommended. After your first post-operative check with the nurse at the end of week one, you will be advised that you can shower and wash as usual – you will also be provided guidance appropriate products to use.
Sun Bathing: Do not sit out in strong sun for the first two weeks after surgery. Once you have fully recovered and your scars are matured you may allow your eye area to be completely exposed in the sun but shielding them as much as you can in the weeks following your treatment will only improve your final scarring results
Diet: Ensure that you maintain a healthy nutritious diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as this is important for wound healing and bowels. As you are inactive and have most likely been taking painkillers constipation may become an issue, to help prevent this or to ease symptoms you may use a product such as Senokot® or whatever has suited you in the past
Flying: If possible avoid flying for the first six weeks – usual medical guidelines dictate 2 weeks for short haul flights and a full 6 weeks for long haul. Following surgery, you must ideally wear flight socks and take low dose aspirin before flying.
Top Things to Consider Before Having Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 3 August 2019
If you’re thinking about cosmetic surgery, there are a few things that you should consider beforehand. These include: making sure you fully understand your motives, having time to explore all of your options, becoming familiar and informed about the realistic results that cosmetic surgery can achieve, ensuring you know the costs and how you will fund your procedure, listening to pre and post operation advice and, knowing the risks and recovery time of your cosmetic surgical procedure. An appreciation of all these things will help you make a decision about having cosmetic surgery. Often reputable clinics have a cooling off period after a consultation to allow you to digest and reflect on all the information you have gathered, so that if and when you go ahead with cosmetic surgery you are fully informed and certain you would like to proceed.
1. Do it for the right reasons
Cosmetic surgery is elective and can be major surgery so you shouldn’t make a rash decision or do it for the wrong reasons. Your choice to have cosmetic surgery should be considered and be because you want to improve an area of your body that you’re not happy with and feel more confident with the way you look. Cosmetic surgery may improve your self-esteem and confidence but it should not be considered if you’re pinning your hopes on it changing and improving other elements of your life or, if you’re doing it for someone else.
2. Do your research
It’s important to research your cosmetic surgeon and the clinic or hospital setting where they operate. Don’t just accept their claims for excellence of care.
3. Have realistic expectations
Cosmetic surgery aims to improve a body part that you’re not content with and potentially improve your self-esteem. Your consultant will discuss with you the realistic improvements that your chosen cosmetic surgery can achieve for you. Every procedure is tailored to an individual and their specific requirements.
4. Don’t go overboard
Your cosmetic surgeon will aim to enhance or refine a body part to improve your overall look whilst retaining your natural physical characteristics so that you still look like you.
5. The costs
You’ll need to be aware of the total cost of your cosmetic surgery including any follow-up care. Some clinics offer the reassurance of all-inclusive package prices with no hidden extras to pay or competitive finance options to fund your treatment.
6. Be prepared to follow pre and post-operative advice
If you’re a smoker your cosmetic surgeon will strongly advise you to stop smoking altogether or at least for two to four weeks before and after your surgery. Smoking significantly compromises your body’s ability to heal and recover after surgery as well as increasing your risk of infection and other complications.
Your consultant may also offer recommendations regarding your alcohol consumption, prescription medications and, diet and exercise. You should listen to this guidance as it will support your welfare and the success of your operation. For example, following your cosmetic surgery you’ll need to be active enough to prevent the unlikely but possible occurrence of blood clots, chest infection, or constipation.
7. The risks of your procedure
Many cosmetic surgery procedures are major surgery and as such they carry the possibility of complications occurring such as excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site. Your cosmetic surgeon should discuss in detail the risks of the specific surgery you’re considering. You need to understand these risks.
8. Recovery time
Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to give an estimate of how long in general patients take to recover from specific cosmetic surgeries. You can organise your best recovery plan based on this information and put in place any personal or professional measures to make your recovery easier and more amenable.
What is Eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 1 August 2019
Eyelid surgery, sometimes known as an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, is a common surgical procedure that is used to alter the shape and appearance of the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both eyelids. Blepharoplasty is typically performed by removing any excess skin and tissue from the eyelid area. Additionally, the underlying eyelid muscles are adjusted and smoothened and support is created for the surrounding eyelid tissue in order to improve the ‘droopiness’ of eyelids and to eliminate the ‘puffiness’ of eyebags.
What causes eyelid problems?
As we get older, we start to lose elasticity in our skin as a natural part of the aging process. Because the face and the facial skin are often more exposed to environmental factors (such as sun, wind, pollution, etc.) than other parts of the body, it is often the first part of the body to show visible signs of aging and a loss of this elasticity. The skin around the eye is very thin and delicate, and it is one of the places where aging skin will be most visible on the human body. As the skin around the eye loses elasticity, it will begin to stretch, and gravity will cause the stretched skin to pool above and below the eyes. On the top eyelid, this creates the appearance of ‘hooded’ or droopy eyelids. If the top eyelid sags too much, it can start to impede a person’s field of vision. On the bottom eyelid, the effect is slightly different. There are small fat deposits located under each of our eyes that helps to cushion the eye socket. When the lower eyelid skin begins to lose elasticity, this area will become more exposed and a bulge can appear under the eye. This is commonly referred to as ‘undereye bags’.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a relatively uncomplicated outpatient surgery procedure. It is suitable for someone who is generally considered to be in good health. Both men and women can have the surgery, and it is suitable for people from any ethnic background. Blepharoplasty is usually recommended for people over the age of 35, as this is when the appearance of the eyelid will start to show signs of aging. In certain cases where a person may have a family history of droopy eyelids and severe bags, the surgery may be performed on someone younger.
Before you undertake the procedure, your surgeon will physically examine the structure of your eyes and face and provide recommendations so that you will have a good understanding of what to expect from the surgery. You should carefully consider any advice you receive from the surgeon to ensure the surgery is the right choice for you. If you have certain medical conditions, particularly eye conditions, you may not be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Dry eyes, glaucoma, and other eye conditions may have an impact on the outcome of your eyelid surgery. You should inform your surgeon of any eye or general health conditions that you have. The surgeon will discuss these issues with you and ensure that the procedure is safe for you.
What can I expect from the surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a relatively short, uncomplicated procedure that is normally performed as a outpatient surgery. In a typical eyelid surgery procedure, local anaesthetic will be applied to the eyelid and the surgeon will make several small, discreet incisions along the eyelids. Special care will be taken by your surgeon to ensure there will be minimal bleeding or scarring. The incisions will normally be hidden in the natural eyelid folds. In an upper eyelid procedure (upper blepharoplasty), incisions will be made in the upper eyelid crease. In a lower eyelid surgery, the incision will be made just underneath the lash line of the lower eyelid. In some instances where no skin needs to be removed, the surgeon may be able to perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure, an incision is made from the inner side of the lower eyelid directly, and as a result there is no visible scarring. Once the incisions are made, any excess of tissue (skin and/or fat) will be removed and the incision will be sealed with small sutures. The whole procedure will typically take between one to three hours. The specifics of your eyelid surgery procedure will vary depending on the nature and severity of the eyelid issue that is being addressed and whether the surgery will be on your upper, lower, or both eyelids. Your surgeon will outline and explain all of the details of your particular procedure before the operation to make sure that you are prepared.
What can I expect after surgery?
Following surgery, you should arrange for someone to rive you home. As with any procedure that affects your vision, it is important that you allow sufficient time for recovery before you drive or undertake any activity that requires uncompromised vision. As part of your recovery, you will need to ensure that you rest, elevate your head, and apply ice to the eye area to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. Individual patients will experience pain differently, but the procedure should only cause mild pain. Regular, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, should be taken as needed. The recovery time from an upper eyelift can vary for individual patients, but the skin of the upper eyelid tends to heal quickly. Most patients find that they are able to return to normal activities within three to four days. Some patients may develop dry eyes for one to two weeks. If the dry eye symptoms persist for a longer period of time, you should discuss this with your surgeon.
WHAT BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY CAN DO
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 31 July 2019
Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
WHAT BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY CAN DO
– Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
– Improve balance of breast and hip contours
– Enhance your self-image and self-confidence
WHAT BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY CAN’T DO
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. I will assist you in making this decision.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation is a deeply personal procedure, and it’s important that you’re doing it for yourself and not for someone else, even if that person has offered to pay for it. Patient satisfaction is high, specifically when they want the procedure themselves.
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if:
– You are physically healthy and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
– You have realistic expectations
– Your breasts are fully developed
– You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
– You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after
pregnancy, weight loss or with aging
– You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast
appearing “empty”
– Your breasts are asymmetrical
– One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an
elongated shape
WHAT TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel.
Structured saline breast implants
Structured implants are filled with sterile salt water, and contain an inner structure which aims to make the implant feel more natural.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket.
Gummy bear breast implants
Form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.
The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants.
Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. If a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct.
Placement of gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.
Round breast implants
Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection.
Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.
Smooth breast implants
Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement.
Smooth implants may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.
Textured breast implants
Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned.
Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of breast implants, so there may be additional options available.
Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, it is important for you to monitor your breast implants and follow-up with appropriate checkups.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
In preparing for breast augmentation, you may be asked to:
– Get a blood test
– Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
– Stop smoking
– Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can
increase bleeding
– arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with
you for at least the first night following surgery.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY?
During your breast augmentation recovery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal.
Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so.
WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?
While a breast augmentation yields larger breasts right away, the final results may take a few weeks as the swelling subsides and the skin stretches. Some patients may need to wear a bandeau to help shape their breasts, especially if they have underlying asymmetry or very small breasts to start with. Incision lines may take several months to fade.