News

AESTHETIC MEDICINE DUBAI | 27 May 2022

After the long months of pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may be dreaming of restoring your body to the shape it had before you decided to have children. Luckily, modern cosmetic surgical techniques have made it possible for us to improve common problem areas and help women become more confident in their appearance after motherhood.

Becoming a mother is usually regarded as one of life’s most treasured moments, but there is another side to the story that many women find challenging to deal with: the way their body changes as a result of giving birth.

During pregnancy and after the birth, a mother’s body will naturally be put under a lot of strain, and even the most fit and healthy woman can experience unwanted changes to their appearance. The glow of motherhood and the pleasure of raising a child can be tinged with a hint of sadness, as a woman may find she is less confident with her appearance.

Some of the changes a woman may experience are because of hormonal changes, which can lead to increased appetite and weight gain. Once the baby is born, a woman may find that her body holds onto the excess fat gained while pregnant as well as the excess skin caused by the stretching of the abdominal wall. This can leave the stomach feeling soft and without muscle definition. While some loose skin will regain its elasticity, many women struggle to get back their pre-pregnancy shape, especially when they have a new baby takes priority over weight loss.

The mommy makeover is one of today’s most popular combination plastic surgery techniques, designed specifically to address common issues faced by women who have been through pregnancy and breastfeeding. The surgical technique has found its way into mainstream media with it becoming the procedure of choice among Hollywood elite.

One reason for its popularity is that the mommy makeover has no set components; each procedure is custom-tailored to fit the individual patient’s unique needs. However, the surgical approach generally starts with a breast and abdomen contouring procedure, then adding additional elements as needed.

As the breasts and abdomen are the primary areas of change with motherhood, a mommy makeover will often center around a breast and abdomen procedure. During pregnancy and breast-feeding, the breasts will also enlarge, increasing as much as a full cup size or more. However, returning back to ‘normal’ can mean a significant loss in breast volume and noticeable sagging. Throughout a pregnancy, the abdominal muscles, skin and tissues stretch to safely accommodate the growing baby. Unfortunately, after childbirth, these layers may not bounce back to their taut, pre-baby shape.

Your mommy makeover may include:

– Breast Augmentation

– Breast Lift

– Breast Reduction

– Tummy Tuck

– Circumferential Abdominoplasty

– Liposuction

Breast implants can restore fullness and lost volume, while a breast lift helps to lift sagging skin for improving shape. Today’s breast augmentation is safer and more effective than ever before. For those with disproportionately large, uncomfortable breasts, a breast reduction surgery can create a smaller, more ideal appearance.

To further improve the figure, commonly added techniques can include the abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck, a circumferential abdominoplasty and liposuction. However, women do not have to stop here; a mommy makeover can also include a thigh lift, arm lift or a Brazilian butt lift. Depending on the recommended set of procedures, a mommy makeover can be performed during one single operation, or for safety reasons, may be spread out over multiple surgical sessions.

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOMMY MAKEOVER

1. The mommy makeover will be performed as an inpatient surgery – This allows you to recover in a appropriate facility where specialized nurses will assist you overnight. 

2. Your recovery can take from one to two weeks – Although this will depend on the specific procedures included in your mommy makeover, plan on your recovery taking up to two weeks, during which time you will be sore, bruised and swollen.

3. You will need help around the house – You will be tired and tender for several days after your mommy makeover, making routine chores impossible; enlist assistance around the house from a family member or friend.

4. No driving until certain pain medications have been stopped – Your surgeon will prescribe the necessary pain medications for a comfortable recovery, however, do not get behind the wheel while taking narcotics.

5. Swelling can last for six months or longer – While some benefits of a mommy makeover are immediate, the full results cannot be assessed until all swelling has subsided; this will take from six months to a year.

6. No heavy lifting, including babies – Vigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks after your mommy makeover; this includes carrying babies and children over 10 pounds.

7. A mommy makeover is for non-smokers – Smoking decreases circulation, delaying wound healing and substantially increasing the chance for serious complications to occur; stop smoking for at least four weeks before and four weeks after your mommy makeover. Better yet, use this as a reason to stop smoking altogether.

8. You will still need gym time – To ensure the results from your mommy makeover are long-lasting, stick with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and routine exercise schedule.

9. Only choose an experienced plastic surgeon – The mommy makeover is a combination of invasive techniques, so choose the best and most experienced plastic surgeon available; never risk your health and safety to cut corners or save money.

10. Get ready for a serious boost in self-confidence – Your mommy makeover will be life-changing, restoring confidence and pride in your appearance.

The mommy makeover is ideal for bringing a post-baby body back to its pre-pregnancy shape. The best way to learn about the mommy makeover procedure is to begin with at-home research. When you are ready to take the next step, please contact me to schedule an in-person consultation.

Contrary to popular belief, a mommy makeover cannot snap patients back to their pre-baby selves mere weeks or months after giving birth. Attempting to do the aforementioned simply would not be safe. You must keep in mind that both pregnancy and childbirth put immense stress on your body, so having surgery soon afterward would be dangerous. Any reputable plastic surgeon will require you to wait at least six months after giving birth before having invasive plastic surgery. This will give your abdominal tissue a chance to heal fully before you have a tummy tuck.

The risks associated with any cosmetic surgery are slightly increased if your body has recently gone through something as stressful as childbirth. It is impossible to determine all the risks involved in cosmetic surgery, but today, when correctly planned and undertaken by qualified professionals, the chance of complications is extremely low.

Combining multiple surgeries into one procedure can make recovery time longer when compared to a single surgery. This recovery time is still much shorter than recovering from each individual surgery separately. In the weeks following the completion of your procedures, during your recovery process, your doctor will want to see you for follow ups. This will ensure that you are healing properly. Most of the surgeries involved in a mommy makeover require extensive rest to properly heal. The more invasive the surgery is the more time is required for healing. The amount of time it will take to recover will vary from patient to patient and what procedures were included in their makeover. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to return to your normal activities. The level of pain and discomfort felt after the procedures will also depend on the patient’s pain tolerance and what procedures were performed.

PLASTIC SURGERY DUBAI | 25 May 2022

A Brazilian butt lift is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves the transfer of fat to help create more fullness in your backside. If you’ve heard of a Brazilian butt lift and are curious about more permanent results than exercise alone, read more about the procedure and how to find a reputable provider to make sure it’s done safely. Benefits of a Brazilian butt lift include:

1. The procedure will improve your body’s proportions

2. Brazilian butt lifts reduce fat pockets in other parts of your body

3. Brazilian butt lifts have a natural look and feel

4. You’ll get quick results

5. Your clothing will be more flattering

6. It’s a safe form of butt enhancement

7. Cellulite is less visible

Brazilian butt-lift procedure

A Brazilian butt lift consists of fat grafting that is notable for its natural-looking results. The procedure involves the following steps:

The procedure is usually performed under anesthesia, but in procedures where a smaller volume of fat is transferred, it may be done with only local anesthesia (numbing medication). You may ask for an anti-nausea medication beforehand, especially if anesthesia makes you sick.

Your surgeon then uses liposuction to remove fat from other areas of your body, such as your hips, stomach, and thighs. Liposuction itself involves making incisions in the skin, and then using a tube to remove fat from the body.

The fat stores that have just been removed from your body are purified and readied for injection into your buttocks.

Your surgeon finishes by injecting the processed fat into specific areas of the buttocks to create a more rounded, full look. They make three to five incisions around the buttocks for fat transfers.

Both liposuction and fat transfer incisions are closed up with stitches. Your surgeon then applies a compression garment against the affected areas of skin to minimize your risk of bleeding.

Brazilian butt-lift surgery benefits

Unlike other forms of buttock surgery, such as placement of silicone buttock implants, a Brazilian butt lift is touted for providing more natural-looking results while also creating more roundness in your backside.

It can also help address certain issues, such as the sagging and shapelessness that sometimes occur with age. You might also consider the procedure if you’re bothered by figure imbalances that make it difficult to wear clothing comfortably.

Brazilian butt-lift recovery and outlook

Like any cosmetic surgery, you’ll need to take special care after a Brazilian butt lift. You won’t be able to sit on your butt for two weeks following surgery, and you’ll need to sleep on your side or on your stomach until the area has completely healed.

Your buttocks may be swollen for several weeks as you recover from surgery.

Overall, the effects of this surgery last several months to years.

Initially, you may need more than one procedure until you achieve the exact results you want. It can also take up to six months before you see full results from the initial procedure.

Who is a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift?

It’s always a good idea to check with a cosmetic surgeon before considering a Brazilian butt lift. They might give you the go-ahead if you:

– lost your natural shape due to age or weight fluctuations

– don’t feel comfortable in your clothes

– have enough fat stores in your hips and other areas for grafting

– are a nonsmoker

– are at a healthy weight

– lead a healthy lifestyle overall, which includes regular exercise

– haven’t had any recent infections or complications related to surgery

Brazilian butt lift vs. Sculptra butt lift, silicone implants, and liposuction

Butt augmentations are on the rise, but this doesn’t mean your choices stop at the Brazilian butt lift. Consider discussing the following options with your provider:

Sculptra butt lift. Sculptra is a type of dermal filler used to plump up the skin due to natural losses of volume with age. The filler is most often used for facial wrinkles, but may be considered for use along with a Brazilian butt lift for maximum volume. Use of Sculptra in the buttocks is considered off-label use by the FDA.

Silicone butt implants. As the name suggests, this procedure involves the use of silicone implants placed in your buttocks. It’s much more invasive than the Brazilian butt lift, although sometimes the two procedures are used together. Silicone implants carry the long-term risk of displacement, so you will likely need to get the surgery done again at some point in the future.

Liposuction. If you have excess fat stores in the gluteal area, sometimes a surgeon will recommend removing them as a way to create more roundness. This procedure focuses on fat removal only, not the transfer of fat used in a Brazilian butt lift.

Never use silicone or hydrogel injections for a butt lift. Such injections fail to deliver the same results. But more importantly, the FDATrusted Source has warned against their use due to cases of severe side effects and death.

PLASTIC SURGERY DUBAI | 21 May 2022

A face-lift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to create a younger appearance in your face. The procedure can reduce the sagging or folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline and other changes in the shape of your face that occur with age. During a face-lift, a flap of skin on each side of the face is pulled back, and tissues below the skin are surgically altered to return the contour of the face to a more youthful shape. Before the flap is sutured closed, excess skin is removed. A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is often done as part of a face-lift to reduce fat deposits and sagging skin on the neck. A face-lift won’t decrease fine creases or wrinkles in your skin or damage from sun exposure. Other cosmetic procedures can address the appearance or quality of the skin itself.

As you get older, the appearance and shape of your face is altered because of normal age-related changes. Your skin becomes less elastic and looser, and fat deposits decrease in some areas of your face and increase in others. Age-related changes in your face that may be reduced with a face-lift include the following:

– Sagging appearance of your cheeks

– Excess skin at your lower jawline (jowls)

– Deepening of the fold of skin from the side of your nose to the corner 

   of your mouth

– Sagging skin and excess fat in the neck (if the procedure includes a 

   neck lift)

A face-lift isn’t a treatment for superficial wrinkles, sun damage, creases around the nose and upper lip, or irregularities in skin color.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

– Men and women with jowl formation (the lower cheeks and jaw line 

   are saggy).

– Men and women with a poorly defined jaw line.

– Men and women with wrinkled saggy and fatty neck.

INTENDED RESULTS

– A sharper and better defined jaw line.

– Improved neck and chin angle.

– Less tired look with more youthful appearance.

This does not treat the lines around the mouth and will not improve skin surface defects and dis-coloration.

HOW YOU PREPARE

Initially, you’ll talk to Dr. Vigo about a face-lift. The visit will likely include:

MEDICAL HISTORY AND EXAM

Prepare to answer questions about past and current medical conditions, previous surgeries, previous plastic surgeries, complications from previous surgeries, history of smoking etc. Dr. Vigo will do a physical exam, may request recent records from your doctor or order a consultation with a specialist if there are any concerns about your ability to undergo surgery.

MEDICATION REVIEW 

Provide the name and dosages of all medications you regularly take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements.

FACIAL EXAM

Dr. Vigo will take photos of your face from different angles and close-up photos of some features. He will also examine your bone structure, shape of your face, fat distribution and quality of your skin to determine your best options for face-lift surgery.

EXPECTATIONS 

Dr. Vigo will ask questions about your expectations for the outcomes of a face-lift. He or she will help you understand how a face-lift will likely change your appearance and what a face-lift doesn’t address, such as fine wrinkles or naturally occurring asymmetry in your face.

BEFORE A FACE-LIFT

Follow medication directions. You’ll receive instructions about what medications to stop taking and when to stop. For example, you’ll likely be asked to discontinue any blood-thinning medication or supplement at least two weeks before surgery. Talk to your doctor about what medications are safe to take or whether the dosage should be adjusted. Wash your face and hair. You’ll likely be asked to wash your hair and face with a germicidal soap the morning of the surgery. Avoid eating. You’ll be asked to avoid eating anything after midnight the night before your face-lift. You will be able to drink water and take medications that have been approved by Dr. Vigo. Arrange for help during recovery. If your face-lift is done as an outpatient procedure, make plans for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you the first night after surgery.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Sometimes the procedure is done with sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only part of your body. In other cases, general anesthesia — which renders you unconscious — is recommended.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

– Face Lifts are usually performed in an accredited facility, day care 

  centre or in the hospital.

– They may be performed under local anesthesia

  with or without oral sedation, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia.

– The surgeon usually makes incisions around the ear. The approach and 

  position of the scar should be discussed with the surgeon.

– Sutures are used for closure followed by placement of an elastic 

  dressing around the face and neck. Often a drain is needed to avoid 

  complication of fluid collection.

In general, a face-lift involves elevating the skin and tightening the underlying tissues and muscles. Fat in the face and neck may be sculpted, removed or redistributed. Facial skin is then re-draped over the newly repositioned contours of the face, excess skin is removed, and the wound is stitched or taped closed. The incisions for the procedure depend on the techniques that will be used and the patient’s preferences. Options include:

– A traditional face-lift incision starts at your temples in the hairline, 

  continues down and around the front of your ears and ends behind 

  your ears in your lower scalp. An incision might be made under your 

  chin to improve the appearance of your neck.

– A limited incision is a shorter incision that begins in your hairline just 

  above your ear, wraps around the front of your ear, but does not extend 

  all the way into the lower scalp.

– Neck lift incision starts in front of your earlobe and continues around 

  your ear into your lower scalp. A small incision also is made under your 

  chin.

– A face-lift generally takes two to four hours but might take longer if 

  other cosmetic procedures are done at the same time.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

After a face-lift, you may experience:

– Mild to moderate pain

– Drainage from the incisions

– Swelling

– Bruising

– Numbness

Contact your doctor immediately if you have:

– Severe pain on one side of your face or neck within 24 hours of surgery

– Shortness of breath

– Chest pain

– Irregular heartbeats

Your incisions will likely be covered with bandages that provide gentle pressure to minimize swelling and bruising. A small tube might be placed under the skin behind one or both of your ears to drain any excess blood or fluid. In the first few days after surgery:

– Rest with your head elevated

– Take pain medication as recommended by your doctor

– Apply cool packs to the face to ease pain and reduce swelling

– Follow-up appointments

 RECUPERATION AND HEALING

– A compression garment may be worn around the lower face and neck 

  for approximately one week.

– Bruising and swelling are normal and may take several weeks to resolve.

– Stiffness in the neck and some soreness with swallowing and eating is 

  common.

– Sutures are removed within two weeks.

– Drains, if used are usually removed 1-3 days after the procedure.

– Make-up can be applied over the skin immediately but not over the 

  incisions for 2-3 weeks.  

PLASTIC SURGERY DUBAI | 18 May 2022

Excess skin and fat from aging, heredity factors, or after dramatic weight loss in the gluteal area can be drastically improved with a buttock lift. Not to be confused with a “Brazilian butt lift,” which adds volume using fat transfer, this procedure involves only removing skin and fat through surgical excision and liposuction. Every year, thousands of people undergo successful buttock-lift surgery and are pleased with the results.

WHEN TO CONSIDER A BUTTOCK LIFT

– If you have loose, sagging skin and extra fat in your buttocks

– If you recently experienced dramatic weight loss and are close to your 

   ideal weight

– If your gluteal area makes you feel self-conscious

– If excess fat or skin make you uncomfortable or cause mobility problems

– If your self-confidence would improve from such a procedure

BUTTOCK LIFT CONSIDERATIONS

Pros

– Your buttock area will look smoother and more toned.

– The results will be long-lasting.

– Any discomfort caused by excess skin will be alleviated.

Cons

– Full recovery could take several months.

– Future weight fluctuations can affect results.

– The procedure could result in loss of volume in the buttocks.

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering a butt lift. 

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BUTT LIFT?

Excess skin and fat in the gluteal area can add bulk and frustrate your efforts to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted body through weight loss. If any of these conditions apply to you, then you might be a good candidate for buttock lift:

– You have undergone bariatric surgery or significant weight loss through 

  dieting.

– Pregnancy and/or aging have left you with loose skin and cellulite 

  below the waistline.

– You have significant skin laxity, excess skin, and ptosis (sagginess) of 

  the buttocks.

– The layers of fat below your loose skin are relatively thin.

– You do not smoke. Smoking slows down the healing process and 

   increases the risk of serious complications during and after surgery. If 

   you smoke, you must quit at least six weeks before surgery.

– Your weight has been stable for at least a year, with no further weight 

   loss expected.

– You are in overall good health without chronic medical conditions, 

   such as diabetes or heart disease. People in poor health are not good 

   candidates for body contouring procedures. 

– You have a healthy diet. Problems such as protein deficiencies can 

   interfere with healing.

– If you are in good general health and have a positive attitude and 

   realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this 

   procedure.

HOW IS A BUTTOCK LIFT PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

There are many techniques and approaches, but generally:

– Dr. Vigo will make an incision at the top of the buttocks, in the hips, 

  groin, or under the buttock cheeks to remove excess skin and pull the 

  remaining skin taut.

– Liposuction may be used to further contour the buttock area or thighs 

  to achieve a balanced look.

– Any incisions are sutured and closed in layers to ensure that the skin 

  remains tight.

– Drains and dressings are placed and usually a compression garment or 

  girdle is worn to reduce swelling and tighten the skin.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Depending on the quality of your skin, how much excess there is to remove, and your body shape, your surgeon will determine what options are open to you. If there is a large amount of skin to remove, you may consider having a lower body lift, which would help remove skin around other areas of the body, including the stomach, buttock, thighs and hips. If removing the skin will result in a loss of volume to the buttock, a buttock augmentation might be appropriate following a buttock lift.

WHAT WILL MY BUTTOCK LIFT INCISIONS AND SCARS BE LIKE?

Incisions for a butt lift could include a large incision on the top of the buttocks in the back or hidden underneath the buttock by the crease. If liposuction is involved, there will be smaller scars that will fade and be mostly unnoticeable.

A BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT

A Brazilian butt lift is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves the transfer of fat to help create more fullness in your backside. If you’ve heard of a Brazilian butt lift and are curious about more permanent results than exercise alone, read more about the procedure and how to find a reputable provider to make sure it’s done safely. Benefits of a Brazilian butt lift include:

1. The procedure will improve your body’s proportions

2. Brazilian butt lifts reduce fat pockets in other parts of your body

3. Brazilian butt lifts have a natural look and feel

4. You’ll get quick results

5. Your clothing will be more flattering

6. It’s a safe form of butt enhancement

7. Cellulite is less visible

Brazilian butt-lift procedure

A Brazilian butt lift consists of fat grafting that is notable for its natural-looking results. The procedure involves the following steps:

The procedure is usually performed under anesthesia, but in procedures where a smaller volume of fat is transferred, it may be done with only local anesthesia (numbing medication). You may ask for an anti-nausea medication beforehand, especially if anesthesia makes you sick.

Dr. Vigo then uses liposuction to remove fat from other areas of your body, such as your hips, stomach, and thighs. Liposuction itself involves making incisions in the skin, and then using a tube to remove fat from the body.

The fat stores that have just been removed from your body are purified and readied for injection into your buttocks.

Dr. Vigo finishes by injecting the processed fat into specific areas of the buttocks to create a more rounded, full look. They make three to five incisions around the buttocks for fat transfers.

Both liposuction and fat transfer incisions are closed up with stitches. Your surgeon then applies a compression garment against the affected areas of skin to minimize your risk of bleeding.

Brazilian butt-lift surgery benefits

Unlike other forms of buttock surgery, such as placement of silicone buttock implants, a Brazilian butt lift is touted for providing more natural-looking results while also creating more roundness in your backside.

It can also help address certain issues, such as the sagging and shapelessness that sometimes occur with age. You might also consider the procedure if you’re bothered by figure imbalances that make it difficult to wear clothing comfortably.

Brazilian butt-lift recovery and outlook

Like any cosmetic surgery, you’ll need to take special care after a Brazilian butt lift. You won’t be able to sit on your butt for two weeks following surgery, and you’ll need to sleep on your side or on your stomach until the area has completely healed.

Your buttocks may be swollen for several weeks as you recover from surgery.

Overall, the effects of this surgery last several months to years.

Initially, you may need more than one procedure until you achieve the exact results you want. It can also take up to six months before you see full results from the initial procedure.

Who is a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift?

It’s always a good idea to check with a cosmetic surgeon before considering a Brazilian butt lift. They might give you the go-ahead if you:

– lost your natural shape due to age or weight fluctuations

– don’t feel comfortable in your clothes

– have enough fat stores in your hips and other areas for grafting

– are a nonsmoker

– are at a healthy weight

– lead a healthy lifestyle overall, which includes regular exercise

– haven’t had any recent infections or complications related to surgery

Brazilian butt lift vs. Sculptra butt lift, silicone implants, and liposuction

Butt augmentations are on the rise, but this doesn’t mean your choices stop at the Brazilian butt lift. Consider discussing the following options with your provider:

Sculptra butt lift. Sculptra is a type of dermal filler used to plump up the skin due to natural losses of volume with age. The filler is most often used for facial wrinkles, but may be considered for use along with a Brazilian butt lift for maximum volume. Use of Sculptra in the buttocks is considered off-label use by the FDA.

Silicone butt implants. As the name suggests, this procedure involves the use of silicone implants placed in your buttocks. It’s much more invasive than the Brazilian butt lift, although sometimes the two procedures are used together. Silicone implants carry the long-term risk of displacement, so you will likely need to get the surgery done again at some point in the future.

Liposuction. If you have excess fat stores in the gluteal area, sometimes a surgeon will recommend removing them as a way to create more roundness. This procedure focuses on fat removal only, not the transfer of fat used in a Brazilian butt lift.

Never use silicone or hydrogel injections for a butt lift. Such injections fail to deliver the same results. But more importantly, the FDATrusted Source has warned against their use due to cases of severe side effects and death.

ABDOMINOPLASTY DUBAI | 14 May 2022

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 2 – 2.5 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 drink and the to eat. 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 3 or 4 days following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be replaced into your surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own. The surgical garment should be worn for the following  4 weeks

Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until four 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.

BOTOX DUBAI | 9 May 2022

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.

AESTHETIC MEDICINE DUBAI | 5 May 2022

Renuvion applies radiofrequency energy and helium plasma causing controlled coagulation and theref contraction of soft tissue below the skin, quickly and gently, as part of a minimally invasive procedure.

ADVANTAGES OF RENUVION

Until recently, no surgical procedure or energy source achieved consistent significant tightening without an extensive recovery. Now, whether ultrasonic liposuction is used in conjunction with Renuvion for skin tightening or not, there is hardly an area of the body that cannot be treated.

LESS INVASIVE

Renuvion is used in a minimally invasive procedure through small entry points to gently contract tissue below the skin. Incisional scars are very minor compared to traditional excisional surgery.

LESS DOWNTIME

The procedure can be performed while awake with a local anesthetic or while the patient is asleep. Recovery time is shorter compared to more invasive treatments and alternative minimally invasive RF technology.

OPTIMAL RESULTS

Doctors often report that the contraction effect created by Renuvion is noticeable immediately after treatment. Results may even continue to improve over time. 

WHAT IS RENUVION?

Renuvion is a revolutionary minimally invasive procedure that uses cold plasma energy on the underside of the skin to instantly tighten and rejuvenate anywhere on the face and body. A unique alternative to traditional facelifts, tummy tucks, and body sculpting, the Renuvion procedure will shrink and sculpt loose and lax skin without large incisions, downtime or complications of cosmetic surgery.

Renuvion for the face uses cold plasma energy under the skin to lift, tighten and rejuvenate the face and neck giving you natural-looking results with minimal downtime and no complications of a traditional facelift. Renuvion is unique because the cold plasma energy applied under the skin creates instant skin contraction resulting in improved laxity, tightening and shrinkage.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THIS SKIN TIGHTENING PROCEDURE?

Renuvion is a treatment option for patients who want skin tightening results, but do not want to do invasive plastic surgery. No other minimally invasive technology will tighten the skin to this degree with such a:

– tiny incision

– little or no scarring

– minimal downtime

BENEFITS OF RENUVION FOR THE FACE

– Immediate skin tightening

– Improved skin elasticity

– Eliminates crepey skin

– Scar reduction

– Reduction and/or elimination of age spots, sun damaged pigment and 

   freckles

– Reduction of wrinkles and lines caused by ageing and weight changes

– Tightening of loose skin in known problematic areas of the face

– Improvement of skin texture and tone around the lips, eyes, cheeks, 

   forehead, jaw and neck

– Reduction of eye bags and crow’s feet

– Reduction of acne and pigment issues (chloasma)

RENUVION COMMON TREATMENTS

Both women and men can undergo Renuvion treatment. However, it is most popular with women and the most common treatment areas are:

– Face

– Neck

– Breasts

– Stomach

– Arms

– Thighs

WHAT IS PLASMA ENERGY?

Cold plasma is created when helium gas is energized by radiofrequency energy and delivered through the Renuvion device. Because Helium gas is very stable, it can be ionized at very low energy ensuring flexible, precise and safe delivery. Cold plasma is cooler than laser energy making Renuvion Face a safer procedure with less risk and damage to the tissue and affording patients a quick recovery. The level of improvement and rejuvenation from cold plasma energy is unrivaled in current technologies. No laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency treatment is capable of tightening and firming skin to this level.

RENUVION CONSULTATION

During your consultation, Dr. Vigo will evaluate your skin elasticity, and your underlying muscle tone. He will thoroughly explain the technique along with its risks, benefits, and recovery times.

RENUVION FACE PROCEDURE

Performed in a day care facility  and using local anesthesia with sedation, Dr. Vigo starts the Renuvion procedure with three tiny, hidden incisions under the chin and behind each ear. He will then use the Renuvion device sub-dermally (under the skin) to deliver cold plasma, which instantly tightens, shrinks and rejuvenates skin from the inside out. Results are immediate and continue to improve as your body continues to heal. A compressive garment is needed post operatively in order to enhance the result of the procedure.

DOES THE PROCEDURE REQUIRE GENERAL ANESTHESIA?

Renuvion can be done under general anesthesia, sedation or even local anesthesia only for limited areas.  

HOW MANY RENUVION TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Renuvion is a single treatment. You will start seeing results soon after surgery, but the skin continues to tighten over the next several months and up to a year as the skin remodels and deposits new collagen.

RECOVERY AFTER RENUVION SKIN RESURFACING

Although most patients are up and about at 2 weeks, there is still redness/erythema that lasts approximately 4 weeks. The energy penetrates deep into the skin for maximal result which does lengthen downtime. This is in contrast to Renuvion tightening where I have had patients go back to work within a few days. For limited areas, most patients only require a pain reliever during recovery. 

RECOVERY & SIDE EFFECTS

Recovery from Renuvion procedures can take between two to three weeks depending on the extent of the procedure and the target area.

Larger body parts generally require more downtime and patients will feel more symptoms than that of smaller target areas. Patients should expect to experience symptoms for up to three weeks post treatment. These can include:

– Dry skin

– Peeling skin

– Mild pain

– Redness

– Swelling

– Itching

– Bruising

Medication can be taken to curb symptoms if at any point you feel uncomfortable. However, symptoms are very rarely severe and patients can usually return to regular light activities after two to five days.

It is common for patients to experience a ‘tight’ feeling in the area that has been treated as the sensation post treatment is different than before.

In addition, compression wraps can be worn day and night in the immediate recovery phase to help with the healing process and ensure a more comfortable resting / sleeping state.

However, every patient is different and no two are the same. So if you are feeling like you are experiencing more symptoms than you should, contact your clinician for assistance and advice.

COSMETIC SURGERY DUBAI | 1 May 2022

Cosmetic plastic surgery includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures that enhance and reshape structures of the body to improve appearance and confidence. Healthy individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations are appropriate candidates for cosmetic procedures. Plastic surgery is a personal choice and should be done for yourself, not to meet someone else’s expectations or to try to fit an ideal image

ABDOMINOPLASTY

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

– Aging

– Heredity

– Pregnancy

– Prior surgery

– Significant fluctuations in weight

ARM LIFT

An arm lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the under portion of your upper arms. During an arm lift — also known as brachioplasty — excess skin and fat are removed from between the armpit and elbow. The remaining skin is placed back over the newly repositioned contours to create a more toned look.

BLEPHAROPLASTY OR COSMETIC EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.

BODY LIFT

A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat. Excess sagging skin and fat are removed and the procedure(s) can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface.

BODY CONTOURING

Dramatic weight loss has many benefits. But after any substantial amount of weight loss due to weight loss surgery and/or lifestyle changes, the skin and tissues often lack the elasticity to conform to the reduced body size. Surgical body contouring following major weight loss removes excess sagging skin and fat while improving the shape of the underlying support tissue. The result is a better-proportioned appearance with smoother contours.

BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “breast aug” or “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.

BREAST LIFT

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted. A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY

Breast reconstruction is surgery to make a new breast after removal of the breast or part of the breast. The aim is to make a breast of similar size and shape to your original breast. But they won’t be identical. The main ways of making a new breast include:

– removing the whole breast and skin, and using an implant underneath the remaining skin

– removing the whole breast, leaving skin behind, and using an implant (skin sparing mastectomy)

– using tissue taken from another part of your body

using your own tissue and an implant

After reconstruction surgery you might consider more surgery to:

– create a new nipple

– change the shape of your other breast to match

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size more in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with excessively large breasts (macromastia).

BROW LIFT

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift:

– Reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes

– Improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows

– Raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids

– Places the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position

BUTTOCK ENHANCEMENT

Buttock augmentation, or gluteal augmentation, is used to improve the contour, size and/or shape of the buttocks. This is done through the use of buttock implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of the two. Buttock implants are silicone-filled devices that are surgically placed deep within the tissues of the buttock. Buttock augmentation through the use of fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one area of the body into the tissues of the buttocks. This technique is sometimes referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift.

EAR SURGERY

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. A defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or that becomes apparent with development can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by injury. Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem. If protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery.

EYELID SURGERY

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.

FACE LIFT

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:

– Relaxation of the skin of the face causing sagging

– Deepening of the fold lines between the nose and corner of the mouth

– Fat that has fallen or has disappeared

– Jowls developing in the cheeks and jaw

– Loose skin and excess fat of the neck that can appear as a double chin or “turkey neck”

The loss of youthful contours in the face can be due to variety of factors, including thinning of the skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, smoking, as well as heredity and stress.

FAT TRANSFER BREAST AUGMENTATION

Fat transfer breast augmentation essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is a breast augmentation option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer natural results.

GYNAECOMASTIA SURGERY

Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced. Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty.

LASER SKIN RESURFACING

Laser skin resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, laser vaporization and lasabrasion, can reduce facial wrinkles, scars and blemishes. Newer laser technologies give your plastic surgeon a new level of control in laser surfacing, permitting extreme precision, especially in delicate areas.

LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction, sometimes referred to as “lipo” by patients, slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving your body contours and proportion.

MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced. Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty.

MOMMY MAKEOVER

The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore the shape and appearance of a woman’s body after childbearing. Many women notice changes in their bodies post-pregnancy. There are many areas of the body that can be addressed, most commonly the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia and buttocks. A mommy makeover is typically performed as a single stage procedure.

NECK LIFT

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. What neck lift surgery can treat:

– Excess fat and skin relaxation in the lower face that creates jowls

– Excess fatty deposits under the chin

– Loose neck skin

– Muscle banding in the neck, which created abnormal contours

OTOPLASTY

Ootoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. A defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or that becomes apparent with development can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by injury. Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem. If protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery.

PINNAPLASTY

Ear correction surgery is cosmetic surgery to alter the size or shape of the ears, or pin them back if they stick out. Pinning back the ears is known as an otoplasty, or pinnaplasty. It’s usually carried out on children and young teenagers, although adults may wish to have it done, too. An otoplasty isn’t suitable for children younger than five as their ears will still be growing and developing.

Most people are happy with the results of an otoplasty, and generally it’s a safe procedure. But it can be expensive and there are still risks to consider.

THIGH LIFT

Thigh lift surgery reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. If fitness and weight control efforts have not achieved your goals for a body that is firmer, more youthful-looking and more proportionate to your overall body image, a surgical lift may be right for you.

TUMMY TUCK

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

– Aging

– Heredity

– Pregnancy

– Prior surgery

– Significant fluctuations in weight

PLASTIC SURGERY DUBAI | 25 APRIL 2022

Until recently, nose reshaping was a painful surgical procedure that requires an overnight stay in the hospital and long recovery period. Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping, also known as Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses dermal fillers to alter or reshape your nose, smoothing out any bumps and irregularities.

The non-surgical nose job became a popular treatment for different age groups because it is an excellent choice for those who don’t want to have surgery. Major advantages of Nose Reshaping Fillers are that you can return to work the next day and resume your daily routine. No more hospital stay, leave of absence or long recovery period.

WHAT IS NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY?

You may have heard of nonsurgical rhinoplasty referred to by its nicknames “liquid nose job” or “15-minute nose job.” A nonsurgical rhinoplasty is actually a dermal filler procedure that changes the shape of your nose for up to 6 months. This procedure is ideal for people who are looking to smooth out bumps in their nose or make it look less angular but who aren’t ready for a permanent solution, or are worried about the risks and recovery time involved in a traditional rhinoplasty. Going under the needle is certainly less complicated than going under the knife for a nose job, but modifying the nose’s shape is never risk-free. This guide covers the procedure of a liquid rhinoplasty.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty uses dermal filler ingredients to change the shape of your nose. A gel-like injectable ingredient (usually hyaluronic acid) is inserted underneath your skin in the areas where you wish to create smoother lines or volume.

The filler ingredient settles into where it’s injected in your deeper skin layers and holds its shape. This can change the look of your nose for anywhere from 4 months to 3 years, depending on your skin, your desired results, and the ingredient used.

WHAT’S THE PROCEDURE LIKE?

The procedure for liquid rhinoplasty is fairly simple, especially compared to surgical rhinoplasty. After a consultation where you discuss your desired results, your doctor will have you lie down with your face tilted up. You may have a topical anesthetic applied to your nose and the surrounding area so you won’t feel pain from the needle.

After the anesthetic takes effect, Dr. Vigo will inject the filler into the area around your nose and maybe the bridge of your nose itself. You might feel a slight pinching or pressure while this is done. The whole process can take from 15 minutes or less to 45 minutes.

TARGETED AREAS

A nonsurgical rhinoplasty targets the bridge, tip, and sides of your nose. Fillers can be injected around any part of your nose to modify its shape.

This procedure works well if you want to:

– smooth out small bumps in your nose

– make the tip of your nose more prominent

– add volume to your nose

– lift the tip of your nose

Additionally, if you have a mild prominent bump of the bridge of your nose, it can camouflage it and smooth the contour of your nose profile.

Liquid rhinoplasty won’t be able to give you your desired results if you want your nose to look smaller or if you’re looking to smooth out more prominent bumps.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT

After liquid rhinoplasty, you may see pain, swelling, and redness where your injection was inserted. Within an hour or two, the injection should start to settle. The redness should start to subside, and you’ll be able to better see your desired results. Bring an ice pack to use after your appointment. Results should be fully visible within a week or two. Redness or bruising should completely subside by then. As far as downtime, people who swear by liquid rhinoplasty love that there’s practically no recovery time. You can be back to work and your normal activities the very same day.

Most filler ingredients will dissolve into your skin layer within 6 months. Some filler ingredients will last up to 3 years. No matter what, results of a liquid nose job aren’t permanent.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

Different filler ingredients have different guidelines for how to prep for your procedure. Dr. Vigo will give you detailed instructions on what to do before a nonsurgical rhinoplasty. The suggestions below are broad guidelines:

– Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen), vitamin E supplements, and any other blood-thinning supplements in the week before the procedure. If you’re on any blood-thinning medication, make sure your doctor knows it.

– Be aware of your vitamin K levels to reduce the risk of bruising. Eat lots of green, leafy vegetables to boost your vitamin K in the weeks before your procedure.

– Drink plenty of water and eat a meal before your appointment. Don’t overeat, as you may feel nauseous during or after the appointment, but do make sure you’ve eaten something with starch and protein.

PLASTIC SURGERY DUBAI | 20 APRIL 2022

A body lift is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess tissue after significant weight loss. The procedure offers numerous benefits to those that have lost weight quickly due to bariatric surgery or their own dieting efforts. If you have reached the target number on the scale but do not see the results you were hoping for when you look in the mirror, body contouring surgery may be the right choice for you. 

During your consultation with Dr. Vigo, he will perform a physical evaluation and review your goals for body lift treatment. Together, you will select the most beneficial combination of procedures to provide you with the most dramatic results that will highlight and enhance your features. A full body lift may include any of the following procedures in the upper, mid, and lower sections of your body:

– Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen for a tighter and more toned mid-section

– Thigh and leg lift removes skin and fat deposits from the thighs and legs for more defined thighs and calves

– Buttock lift can trim skin and fat to lift and reshape the buttocks

Arm lift, or brachioplasty, can remove excess, hanging skin from the upper arms

– Breast lift removes excess skin and tissue to situate the breasts in a higher position

Each of these procedures will remove excess tissue to tighten and tone your skin for improved contours in that specific area. Dr. Vigo emphasizes clear cosmetic goals for all of his patients. 

FULL BODY LIFT BENEFITS

While each of these procedures on their own can produce quality results, when two or more are combined, your results can be even more dramatic. Benefits of a full body lift may include:

– Removal of excess, sagging skin for a slimmer figure and to eliminate 

  health issues such as rashes or skin infections

– Firm, toned, and smoother skin that accentuates your weight loss 

  success

– Elimination of folds of skin, making personal care easier

– Exercise and other physical activities may be easier and more 

  comfortable

– Wider variety of clothing options

– Rejuvenated and more youthful appearance

– Improved confidence and self-image

During your consultation, Dr. Vigo will outline the specific benefits you may see from a full body lift based on the personalized combination of procedures you choose.

Customized to Your Needs

Body lifts can be completely customized to the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Vigo is experienced in a wide range of body lift procedures and will help you determine the right procedures for you. In some cases, your lift procedures will be performed simultaneously to provide you with dramatic results with just one time under anesthesia and one recovery period. Other patients might require two or more procedures to reach their desired outcome without sacrificing their safety.

Creates a Smoother Body Contour

When you started on your weight loss efforts, you probably had an image in your mind of how your final result would look. That image probably did not include extensive folds of loose skin hanging over those newly sculpted areas, marring your overall profile. By removing skin folds, you can streamline your body contour to get much closer to the image you had in your mind before you began your journey. The cosmetic improvement can do much to increase your self-esteem and your self-confidence, as well as your satisfaction with your weight loss success.

Eliminates Skin Irritation, Infection

When you have loose skin rubbing together, you also have an increased risk for skin irritation and even infections. This problem can become quite painful, impacting your ability to wear some types of clothing and participate in some activities. You may require multiple treatments to manage ongoing skin conditions, which can be inconvenient and time consuming in addition to physically painful. When we eliminate the loose skin, we also effectively eliminate the skin issues.

Allows for Smaller Clothing Sizes

Before you began your weight loss, you were probably looking forward to fitting into smaller sizes of clothing. Unfortunately, loose skin left behind can continue to hinder your ability to wear the clothing you had been waiting for. In addition, the extra skin can make clothing uncomfortable, keeping you from donning some of your favorite pieces. Body lift procedures can smooth your body contours to make those smaller clothing sizes more comfortable.

Understanding the Procedure

During a body lift, Dr. Vigo may take one of several approaches, depending on the level of correction needed. The location and amount of excess skin to be removed is another factor, as is any personal preference you may have about your final appearance.

Typically, a body lift begins with a circumferential incision that extends around the lower body. This gives Dr. Vigo access to the treatment areas, including the belly, waist, hips, thighs and buttocks. Next, excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned and re-draped. Liposuction may also be incorporated to help remove fatty deposits in the treatment area. Finally, the incisions are closed and the recovery process begins.

Recovery and Results

Most men and women experience discomfort following their body lift, including soreness at the incision site and initial swelling. As these dissipate, more well-defined lower body contours are seen. Most patients can return to work in a week or two. However, more active pursuits should wait until you feel more comfortable.

A body lift helps you feel better about your body following major weight loss or other physical changes that left loose skin behind. Although it’s important to maintain realistic expectations, you can expect to see a permanent improvement in your lower body contours as long as you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Body lift, or body plastic surgery, helps reduce saggy, loose appearance and irregularities on the surface of the skin due to poor elasticity, or laxity in the central area of the body. Loss of elasticity may occur as a result of significant weight loss, aging, sun damage, and genetics, among various other factors. This is a common surgery for patients who have lost weight after weight loss surgery (bariatric procedures).

What Body Lifts Can Treat

A body lift can help your body appear smoother, more toned, and shapelier overall. Body lifts can treat the appearance of excess skin, fat, and cellulite by removing these tissues from various parts of the body. If you are bothered by the appearance of loose, sagging skin or fat tissue in multiple parts of your body, you may benefit from body lift surgery. After weight loss many patients believe they’re able to achieve greater overall satisfaction and quality of life when they look and feel better.

To achieve the best results, it’s recommended that you maintain a normal body weight for at least a year – especially if you’ve just recently achieved significant weight loss – before moving forward to body lift procedures. It may also be best to postpone abdominal body lifts if you’re planning for further weight loss or future pregnancies. The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for body lift surgery is through a one-on-one plastic surgery consultation.

Preparing for Body Lift Surgery

The initial step in any surgical procedure is consultation. Before your body lift surgery, be prepared to discuss your expectations with Dr. Vigo.