Open up your eyes and reduce the signs of ageing
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 1 May 2019
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelids. The aim is to improve hooded or droopy eyelids or eye bags.
A thin fold of skin that protects the eye, the eyelid is an area of the body particularly susceptible to effects of ageing. Heavy, drooping eyelids, dark circles and sagging skin around the eyes can make the face look older. In many cases people start to develop the characteristics in their late teens. Eyelid surgery, also known as ‘Eyelid rejuvenation’ or ‘Blepharoplasty surgery’, is a tried and tested procedure that removes excess tissue around the eyes to produce a more youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty Dubai
As the eyelid is a thin fold of skin it is particularly susceptible to the effects of ageing. Tiny changes to the skin on or around either eye can be quite noticeable and can give the face an unbalanced look. Eyelid surgery, also known as ‘Eyelid rejuvenation’ or ‘Blepharoplasty surgery’, is the best way of combating this.
Over time the eyelid can sag and become ‘hooded’. It can restrict vision and can effect confidence. A tried and tested procedure, Blepharoplasty surgery can rectify this by removing excess tissue. The consultant will cut along the fold of eyelid to remove excess skin, muscle and fat before closing the incision. The incisions are performed along the natural contours of the eyelids and into the laughter lines at the corner of the eyes. Patients can normally leave shortly after the operation and recuperate at home but will need a period of rest and to avoid any strenuous work or sporting activity until the swelling subsides and the stitches have been removed, usually about seven days later.
A tummy tuck is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 30 April 2019
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen (tummy) and to tighten your abdominal muscles. The results of a tummy tuck can be long lasting. You can help this by keeping to a healthy weight after your surgery. There are lots of reasons why people have this type of surgery, including having weaker abdominal muscles after pregnancy or having previously lost a lot of weight.
Why do some people have a tummy tuck? You might want to have a tummy tuck because:
you have loose skin after major weight loss
your abdominal skin and muscles might have become slack after pregnancy
you have abdominal scarring from earlier surgery or injury
it’s part of another operation that you need, such as hernia repair
Tummy tuck surgery removes excess fat and skin and can tighten your abdominal muscles to improve the shape of your abdomen. Some stretch marks from pregnancy may be removed and others made less noticeable. Tummy tuck surgery isn’t a treatment to help you lose or control your weight and won’t stop you from gaining weight in the future either.
Where are Dermal Fillers usually used?
Fillers in Dubai | 26 April 2019
Dermal fillers can be used to achieve a variety of results in different areas of the face. They are usually used in three main areas to achieve the following:
Around the Eyes:
Reduce under eye bags and dark circles
Soften fine lines and crow’s feet
Mid Face Area:
Smooth accordion lines (the fine lines that creep up the sides of the face towards the cheekbones) and folds
Add volume to the cheek area affected by gravity and age
Lower Face Area:
Smooth a “gummy smile” above the lips
Reduce the appearance of vertical lines above the lip
Add volume to the nasolabial folds around the mouth
Correct the downturned corners of the mouth
Stop the jawline from sagging
Plump and reduce chin creases
How long do they last?
Depending on the type of hyaluronic acid used, Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6 to 18 months. This may also vary from person to person depending on how well it’s suited to the purpose and individual. There are many different brands of hyaluronic acid on the market, some of which you might recognise, including Juvederm, Belotero and Restylane. It can be difficult to know which dermal filler is right for you so be sure to ask your practitioner for advice on the right choice for you.
Things to know before your treatment
Dermal fillers are incredibly safe, and allergic reactions are extremely rare, so long as your treatment is carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional. Before getting dermal filler treatment there are a few simple steps you can carry out to ensure your treatment is as successful as possible.
Try and avoid any product containing aspirin, vitamin E, St John’s Wort and any dietary supplements that include ginko, garlic, primrose oil and ginseng for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
Avoid ibuprofen, Aleve, fish oil, alcohol and any product that can thin your blood for 2 days prior to your treatment.
Remove all makeup and wash your face before the treatment to avoid skin irritation.
Are there any side effects of dermal fillers?
After having dermal filler treatment, you may notice some common side effects in and around the treated area. These can include:
Redness
Swelling
Bruising
Pain and discomfort
Using a trained and experienced practitioner can help to minimise these side effects. Taking the right kind of supplements may also help but you should check with your practitioner before taking anything.
do’s and don’ts to help minimise any negative after effects of your dermal filler treatment
Fillers in Dubai | 20 April 2019
Here are a list of suggested do’s and don’ts to help minimise any negative after effects of your treatment.
Using a calming agent like chamomile or taking Bromelain and Turmeric together can help to reduce the skin redness, swelling, tenderness, and/or itchiness that are common after dermal filler treatment. If your symptoms last longer than 3 days be sure to speak to your practitioner.
Bruising is also fairly common, although this should go away within a few days. To help speed up the process you can use Arnica to help reduce bruising and swelling.
Do not massage the treated areas as this can cause the filler to move, resulting in an uneven look and feel.
Avoid applying heat to the treated area until any bruising or swelling has gone away. You should also try and avoid any activities that might cause you to blush or get red faced. Exercising, consuming alcohol, going in the sauna or using a sun bed should all be avoided. No skiing or mountain climbing in very cold temperatures either.
Regular washing and showering is fine as long as you’re using gentle cleansers and moisturisers. Makeup and sunscreen should also be fine to use as long as they are applied gently.
Are dermal fillers right for you?
The most important thing to do before going ahead with a dermal filler treatment is to do your research. Firstly, think about what you want to achieve from the treatment. This will help you and your practitioner to narrow down the type of filler you’ll want to use and ensure your treatment resolves your primary concerns.
Secondly, set a strict budget for your treatment. Many treatments are only fully effective with multiple treatments or a combination of dermal fillers and botox. It’s important to be aware of this so that you aren’t left disappointed by a half effective course of treatment. You should also be wary of practitioners offering a cheap service. These treatments, when carried out by an experienced, qualified practitioner, should not be cheap. If someone is offering you a treatment for a lot less than other practitioners it may reflect the quality of the practitioner, product or clinic. With Dermal fillers, you get what you pay for. So if you’re looking for a high quality treatment with minimal side effects, you’ll need to pay for it.
Finally, once you think you’ve found the treatment and practitioner to suit you, make sure you meet them, ask questions and feel comfortable having them treat you. There should be no pressure put on you to get a treatment done right away or use any products that you haven’t specifically requested. Dermal fillers are safe and effective as long as you select a provider who will make every effort to minimise risk, work with you to address your concerns and follow up to ensure that you are well and satisfied, so make sure you know who you’re dealing with.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Fillers in Dubai | 16 April 2019
Dermal fillers have grown in popularity over the last few years due to their ability as both volume enhancers and wrinkle fillers. They’re usually used on the lips, cheeks and under the eyes, often with amazing, age-defying results. If you or someone you know is thinking about getting a dermal filler treatment, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you decide if fillers are the right choice for you.
What are Dermal Fillers?
At around the age of 25, the body stops producing collagen and elastin. These two proteins work together to keep tissue firm and skin elastic. Without them, the body isn’t able to keep tissue strong and skin supple. It’s this that causes the typical signs of aging to start appearing, including lines and wrinkles, sunken cheeks and a loss of elasticity in the skin.
Dermal fillers are injectable gels that are usually made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that attracts and binds water in the skin. A treatment will fill in wrinkles and provide volume to the soft tissues, helping to give your skin a more full and youthful appearance well after your body stops producing collagen.
How do they work?
Generally, injecting dermal fillers into the skin causes plumping of that area which helps smooth wrinkles, enhance definition and volumise the face. However, different types of filler can be used for different results and in different areas.
When it comes to treating facial volume loss (like sagging cheeks), a professional will typically use a thicker dermal filler that can provide effective support for the cheeks. Plumping or removing lines from lips, on the other hand, requires a much thinner dermal filler as the skin around that area is thinner.
While dermal fillers are often used alongside treatments like Botox, they actually work quite differently. Botox prevents movement of the small muscles that contribute to wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, create additional plumping beneath the wrinkle, smoothing it out and restoring its youthful appearance. The combination of using Botox alongside Dermal fillers can result in amazing looking results which is why they are frequently used together.
Crisalix – A New Generation of Augmented & Virtual Reality in Surgery
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 12 April 2019
Dr Matteo Vigo, one of Dubai’s leading plastic surgeons, believes any breast augmentation patient undeniably deserves the best treatment possible by being shown what their new body could look like before they go for surgery. His newly introduced Crisalix simulator offers patients 3D images of superior accuracy by integrating the latest advancements in 3D technology, similarly to what is used for box office motion picture animations as well as sophisticated 3D architectural visualizations and video games.
The new simulator introduces state-of-the-art scientific algorithms which go to a level of detail and depth of perception never achieved till now. The shape of the implant in the body can be reproduced with exceptional precision, thereby enabling patients to clearly express their desires and expectations and communicate more effectively with Dr Vigo.
Dr Vigo commented that “prospective patients find it comforting to see the final result before the operation. They are much more tranquil and at ease, thanks to Crisalix.”
Crisalix’s approach for creating the 3D image has been extended to the body’s back and upper arms, to recreate in 3D these parts of the anatomy. In addition, the replication of the patient’s skin in the 3D images has been significantly enhanced, faithfully reproducing the precise skin texture and colour.
To intensely test and validate Crisalix’s performance with various patient profiles, it conducted the first worldwide beta testing of its kind for web-based 3D imaging using standard 2D photos. This study was conducted with acclaimed university professors, recognized key opinion leaders, board members, founders and presidents of associations, and an amalgamation of a number of highly distinguished surgeons from every continent.
Crisalix includes innovative features such as the world’s first 3D Virtual Wardrobe, enabling breast augmentation patients to visualize their new body dressed for any occasion, from a simple sweater to that décolleté or bikini that they never dared to wear before. Dr Vigo has also launched the unique Crisalix iPad app which offers patients a whole new level of interactivity during the consultation.
To watch a video demonstrating the Crisalix technology, please click here.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 8 April 2019
A “tummy tuck,” aka an abdominoplasty, targets two main issues: excess skin and a separation between the abdominal muscles. As a bonus, it also takes care of excess fat. It doesn’t really matter how much fat you have, what really matters for this procedure is the skin and the muscle. While also removing excess fat via liposuction (more on that later), the first differentiating factor of a tummy tuck is that it can help target the excess skin or stretch marks from pregnancy or a significant weight loss. In fact, experts say a tummy tuck may be the only way to get rid of loose, sagging skin. Once the elastic gets too loose, you can put a safety pin in it, but by and large, the elastic is shot. Then there’s the muscle issue. We’re all born with a little separation between both sides of the rectus muscle, [aka your ‘six pack’] — maybe a half an inch or so. But with age, certain lifestyle factors, and definitely pregnancy, that muscle separates further. The result is like the loosening of a corset. Unfortunately, once these muscles spread, the only true way to “bring them back” is via surgery. A tummy tuck brings the muscle edges together, which acts like an internal corset, pulling your belly in.
The Steps of a Tummy Tuck
First, a surgeon “will make an incision, which stretches across your bikini line. Through this incision, your surgeon will not only be able to remove skin but will also be able to tighten your abdominal muscle. The surgeon will lift your skin away from the underlying muscles and then stitch the muscles together, restoring the tightness.
Next, the surgeon will address the skin, pulling it tight and removing any excess. To picture this, think of your stomach as a football field running from your chest to the top of your pubic hair – your belly button is the middle of it. In a full tummy tuck, the skin that’s above the belly button gets pulled down and does double duty to cover the upper and lower abdomen. So if you have a mole above your belly button before the operation, it’s going to be below it after. Speaking of belly buttons, don’t worry, it’s not suddenly going to be sitting on your bikini line. The surgeon will make a new hole for your belly button to emerge from.
Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck
How involved this whole process gets depends on the type of tummy tuck in question — a “mini” or a full: A mini runs from inner thigh to inner thigh and a full spans the stomach from hip to hip. The difference between the two procedures is the length of the incision and the amount of skin that can be removed. (One other difference: In a mini tummy tuck, the surgeon usually only stitches up the lower half of the rectus muscles.) While they’re in there, surgeons might also address any excess fat, removing it the way they would during traditional liposuction. Before finishing the procedure, the surgeon places drains in your stomach to remove any extra fluid that accumulates as you heal, allowing the newly stretched skin to stick to the muscle. (The drains will be removed by your surgeon after about a week.)
The Recovery Process
Even though it’s major surgery — you’ll be under anesthesia for the two-and-a-half to four hours it takes to perform — tummy tucks are technically out-patient procedures, meaning you can go home after spending a couple hours in the recovery room. But you will have to do a lot of recouping after you get home. I generally advise my patients to take two weeks off of work. Light walking right after surgery is advised, but no hitting the gym for at least two weeks. By about five weeks, the patient can usually return to normal activities depending on their individual progress. The recovery process can be painful. It will take a few days to a week before you feel comfortable standing fully erect. Patients often walk slightly bent over due to the tightness of their abdomens.
Who Is a Candidate?
Not everyone is a tummy tuck candidate. This procedure is most commonly performed on women in their 40s and 50s, after they have finished having children. Remember, it has nothing to do with fat. The muscle repair and skin removal are the differentiating factors of the surgery. So, for those who might have excess fat, but not muscle separation or loose skin, or for those who plan on having children, doctors don’t recommend a tummy tuck. I looked at large volumes of statistics, and about 55 percent of women that come in the door [with concerns about their stomach] have liposuction, while about 45 percent need a tummy tuck. In males, it’s about 90 percent that end up needing liposuction and only about 10 percent that are better candidates for tummy tucks. Identifying which procedure is right for you — noninvasive body-sculpting, liposuction, mini or full tummy tuck — can be tricky, unless you’re a board-certified plastic surgeon. There are different roles for each procedure,.
How Does the Tummy Tuck Compare to Body-Sculpting Procedures?
If you’re hoping to get tummy tuck-like results on your lunch break, you’re out of luck. Noninvasive procedures can’t come close to achieving the results of a tummy tuck. In short, body-contouring procedures, like CoolSculpting and SculpSure, are surface level. They work by either freezing or heating fat cells to kill them off, which is great for stubborn squishy spots no amount of diet and exercise seem to effect, but won’t do anything to address the sagging skin or underlying muscle separation the tummy tuck targets. If a patient’s primary issue is excess fat, noninvasive options can usually reduce superficial fat by 25 percent, on average. So, for someone who does not need dramatic fat reduction, non-invasive options may be reasonable.
Or Liposuction?
But what about lipo? Liposuction can remove significantly more fat than noninvasive body contouring, but that’s all it can do. Liposuction will only remove fat. It will not tighten loose muscles. Plus, if you’re concerned about loose skin, liposuction can actually make the problem worse. I think many patients look to new technology hoping to avoid surgical costs and downtime but patients who would really benefit from a tummy tuck will be frustrated by how limited the difference is.
WHAT IS GYNAECOMASTIA?
Male Breast Reduction Surgery Dubai | 4 April 2019
Gynaecomastia is the benign (non-cancerous) growth of male breast tissue and can be due to a number of causes. It may be due to hormone imbalance or as a consequence of medication you are taking. It can also be due to alcohol excess or recreational drug abuse. Your doctor will discuss the cause of your gynaecomastia with you. Along with causing swelling of the breast and nipple, gynaecomastia can be uncomfortable and the nipple can become sensitive.
HOW CAN GYNAECOMASTIA BE TREATED?
Some cases of gynaecomastia will get better without any form of treatment. If one of your medications is thought to be causing the gynaecomastia, it may improve with changing or stopping a particular tablet. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
Whilst gynaecomastia itself can be uncomfortable and unsightly, it is not dangerous and no harm will come from having it. When cancer has been ruled out, many men are happy to have no treatment.
Another form of treatment is to have medication. These medications are often good at reducing discomfort and sensitivity but may not reduce the size of the breast.
The third form of treatment involves surgery to your breast.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GYNAECOMASTIA
There are three main surgical procedures which can be undertaken:
Liposuction
Liposuction is used to remove the fatty tissue under a general anaesthetic. Small incisions (cuts) are made on the chest wall. A small metal tube (cannula) is used to suck out the fatty tissue. The incisions are then sutured to give a flatter, firmer and better-contoured chest. Any stitches will be of the dissolving type and so do not need to be removed.
Excision of Gynaecomastia
In excisional surgery, I will make a cut around the nipple to remove the breast tissue. This may be combined with liposuction of the breast tissue at the same time.
Male Breast Reduction
If the breast is very large more tissue and skin may have to be removed. This will give more scars. The degree of scarring will depend on how much skin needs to be removed. I will advise you about this.
After Surgery
After surgery for gynaecomastia your breasts will look discoloured and feel firm and swollen. You may need to have a drain (a fine plastic tube) inserted into the breast during the operation. This will be removed seven days after your operation. You should be able to go home the same day. You may be advised to wear a corset for up to six weeks after the operation to help with the swelling. I will advise you where these can be bought. You will not be able to drive home after your operation and it may be two to three weeks before you can drive.
The dressings can be removed after 7-10 days and you should be able to return to work after two weeks. For the first three weeks after the operation, don’t lift anything heavy or do heavy manual work. Most men resume normal activities within two to three weeks.
Risks and Complications
All surgery carries with it some risk. Common side effects of a general anaesthetic include nausea and vomiting. As mentioned earlier, the chest can be swollen and bruised following the operation.
Specific Complications
Haematoma
This is bleeding into the tissues following surgery. It can occasionally lead to patients returning to theatre to stop the bleeding or remove the blood.
Wound infection
This can occur after any kind of surgery and may need treatment with antibiotics or a return to theatre. If your wound becomes red and inflamed you should contact your doctor.
Deep vein thrombosis
This can happen after any operation or general anaesthetic. The risks are reduced by wearing preventative stockings (TEDS) for two weeks.
Poor wound healing
With a male breast reduction problems may occur with the wound. The blood supply to the area around the vertical scar is at its poorest. This may delay healing and very occasionally the wound may break down and leave a small raw area. This gradually heals with time but may take several weeks.
Nipple complications
The operation by its nature partially disrupts some of the blood supply to the back of the nipple. There is a small risk therefore of the nipple dying resulting in its loss. There is a risk of loss or alteration in sensation to the nipple.
Asymmetry
There may be some lasting differences in the size and shape of your breasts following surgery. Most men are asymmetrical prior to the operation.
Scarring
Initially the scars will be bright red lines – in most cases the scars will heal satisfactorily and soften becoming much paler in time, usually within twelve months. Some patients have a tendency to form red and lumpy scars or keloid scars which are broad raised scars. Such scarring will be permanent.
FOLLOW UP
You will be given an appointment to return to the clinic in 7-10 days where the dressings and drain(s) will be removed and the wounds inspected. You will also be reviewed approximately six weeks after your surgery once the bruising and swelling has completely settled.
LONG TERM OUTLOOK
If lipofilling is performed and only fat is removed, weight gain can make the gynaecomastia return. If the breast tissue itself is removed, as in the excision surgery or male breast reduction there is a chance the breast tissue can regrow. You will have medical photography before and after surgery of your chest. There will be nothing which will identify you to anyone else on these and they are used as a record of your treatment.
Breast Augmentation – Size Matters
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 29 March 2019
I offer additional peace of mind by only ever having worked with the finest quality breast implants. Today there are two main types of breast implants available: silicone gel-filled or saline-filled. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types and I will explain the best choice for your body at your consultation.
Breast Implant Sizes and Shape
All my patients’ needs are unique, I will talk to you at length about your breast profile and the look you wish to achieve, listen to your needs, offer you advice and help you decide which breast implant is right for you in terms of your size and shape.
Size Matters
The size of your new breasts will be affected by the diameter of the implant (determining the ‘fullness’ of your breasts) and its projection (how ‘prominent’ you’d like your breasts to appear). Implants can be chosen by diameter and have the option of three projections, leading to a more tailored solution for you. My comprehensive range of breast implants include 100s of different sizes and shapes and I will assist you in making your ultimate choice.
Round implants are sometimes perceived to produce a more ‘fake’ or ‘augmented’ look, this is just a common misconception and their popularity is testament to their success. The round implant is the implant of choice in many countries and is suitable for the majority of patients. In the unlikely event a round implant ‘turns’ in its pocket, it will remain symmetrical and not distort the shape of the breast.
Anatomical breast implants are shaped like a teardrop. Designed to follow the body’s natural lines and produce a more natural looking breast, they have more volume at the bottom than the top and appear more oval when viewed from the front. Although initially brought into practice for use in reconstruction surgeries, they’re now widely used for breast augmentation purposes and often an appropriate choice for women with very little breast volume or for those who have a particular chest anatomy. It is possible for anatomical implants to ‘turn’ or flip in the pocket. If this does occur the rotation will cause the breast to look lopsided. For this reason, all anatomical implants are designed with a textured surface that adheres to the tissue, helping to keep the implant in place.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 24 March 2019
I want you to be as comfortable as possible following your surgery. I will guide you through exactly what to expect following when recovering during your consultation, so you can prepare and know exactly what to expect. The length of your recovery process depends on your health and other variables. During the first 48 hours, you may have an elevated body temperature and swelling. This is expected and both should return to normal over time. Your breast implants need to be held in their new position, so you will require a surgical support bra to stay in place for a two to four-week period after breast enlargement surgery. During this time, you must restrict your activity to ensure the breast implants are not disturbed. I will sometimes recommend the use of an upper pole strap to hold your breasts in the desired position.
Advice
- Sleep or rest with your head slightly elevated, avoiding lateral positions. Keep your arms close to your body, and avoid lifting weights until allowed by myself.
- Do not drive for at least 2 days after your surgery, and do not exercise until approved by me usually 4-6 weeks.
- Do not expose your breasts directly to sunlight until approved by me.
- Healing cream may be recommended by me.
Your first post-operative consultation will take place approximately seven to 10 days after your surgery.