Month: November 2011

Drinking water regularly is good for the body. It is also vital to our health that we stay properly hydrated as every single system in the human body relies on water to function.

Much like getting your five a day in fruit and vegetables you should start thinking of water as a nutrient and include it as part of your daily routine. 

Some people struggle to drink enough water because they become bored with the taste. A tip to get around this is to add fruit and other ingredients to your water. Strawberry and mint for example are a great combination when infusing your water. Adding different fruits to your water will help liven up the taste and will make it much easier to drink plenty.

Below are five top health benefits that you may not know about. 

 

1. Great Brain

Your brain is made up of 80% water, so drinking it helps you in many ways including:

Reducing stress

Preventing and relieving headaches

Increasing oxygen and blood flow to your brain

Maintaining memory function

Helping to balance your mood and emotions

Improving concentration and your thought processes

 

2. Weight Loss

Drinking water helps you lose weight as it makes you feel fuller for longer so it is acting as an effective appetite suppressant.

Drinking a glass of water before meal times leads to a reduction in food intake and therefore reduces the number of calories you consume during meal times. It also helps to prevent fluid retention, especially in pregnant woman where many do suffer from this, drinking water can help alleviate the symptoms and make your pregnancy more manageable and enjoyable.

Your body will not try to retain the water if it is getting enough in the first place.

 

3. Detoxify

Your body fluids transport waste products in and out of your cells, while your kidneys and liver flush those waste products and other toxins out of your body. This process will only work properly and efficiently if you are well hydrated. When you are not drinking enough water, you increase the risk of developing kidney stones and experiencing urinary tract infections, along with constipation. Drinking plenty of water will aid these functions.

 

4. Healthy Muscles

Water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Being well hydrated enables your muscles to work harder and for longer before they feel tired, and this will help you build muscle.

When exercising it is extremely important to keep hydrated. Drinking water helps to lubricate the joints in your body and prevents muscle cramping.

Your muscles, including your heart, are made up of 75% water.

 

5. Youthful Skin

Your skin contains 64% water and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Drinking plenty of water hydrates skin cells, plumping them up, making your face look younger and rejuvenated.

Moisturisers are pointless if you’re not drinking enough water as water helps to moisturise your skin, replenish skin tissues and also increase its elasticity. 

Many facelift patients complain of a lack of skin elasticity, this is mainly due to ageing, but if you drink plenty of water this will help prolong the ageing process, meaning your skin will have improved elasticity for longer.

Water also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.

 

As you can see, proper hydration is critical to health and vitality. It is recommended that you drink at least 2 litres of water a day.  After a couple of days you will start seeing the benefits as well as feeling the benefits!

 

Becoming a mother is an incredible experience and there’s nothing quite like the elation that comes from having a new addition to the family. Unfortunately pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding can lead to loose skin, loss of muscle tone, sagging or deflated breasts, and weakened abdominal muscles. Although exercise and diet can help to give back body confidence there is an increasing trend to look at the mummy makeover to gain a one-stop rejuvenation. 

 

“Why have multiple cosmetic procedures when you may be suitable to have everything you wish for in one stage”

 

A mummy makeover can help transform your body back to the way it once was, offering a more rejuvenated and refreshed version of you. It can tighten and fix the affects of pregnancy and childbirth, so you can get your self-esteem and confidence back. A mommy makeover consists of a combination of procedures that create enhanced, rejuvenated breasts, and a more defined body. 

 

Breast

 

Lifting the skin and the breast tissue is a common request and this can be combined with breast augmentation or fat transfer. Fat transfer is an increasingly common request when abdominal rejuvenation is being performed at the same time. Fat can be harvested from the abdominal tissue that is being removed – thus limiting the downsides of irregularities that can occur from liposuction. Additional fat can also be removed from the flanks and other areas of the body to improve contour. For subtle volume enhancements with natural results, fat transfer in combination with a lift may be the ideal choice. 

 

Body

 

The commonest request is an abdominoplasty procedure, which can be in the form of a mini tummy, tuck, a classic tummy tuck, a fleur de lis abdominoplasty, circumferential abdominoplasty or a body lift. The majority of young mums will opt for a classic tummy tuck with removal of excess skin, fat, tightening of the abdominal wall with waist definition combined with liposuction. 

Although the abdominal area is often the most important area for young mums to address the removal of additional fat in other areas is frequently considered. The buttock and legs are additional areas that patients look to address. Liposuction is not an alternative to diet and improved lifestyle and needs to be considered carefully. Where patients wish to consider fat transfer to the buttock region patients need to consider whether the fat is best utilized for breast rejuvenation and run through the pros and cons. 

“When can I have a mummy makeover procedure?”

 

It is best for anyone considering a mummy makeover to be at her ideal weight and to have completed her family. Mothers often feel guilty and are not sure what to tell the rest of their family. Taking time to make the decision to proceed is important and it is often best to have leave at least 12 months after completing ones family before proceeding as the body can change a lot during the post pregnancy period. 

 

Increasingly mothers do not wish to undergo more than one anesthetic / operation / recovery spending time away from their family and combining procedures is an attractive option. It is important that you consult with a plastic surgeon that has significant experience in mummy makeover procedures and that you are assessed regarding your suitability to undergo combination treatments. All patients in Mr. Ross’s practice undergo a thorough preoperative assessment to ensure safety. Mr. Ross works with a dedicated team in one of the largest private hospitals in the UK and aims to provide the safest possible environment for patients. With a vast experience in mummy makeover procedures Mr. Ross can provide one-stage mummy makeover procedures in less than 3 hours in the majority of cases. It is well known that decreasing the surgical time limits complications and this must be the priority for all young mums. Mr. Ross does not use drains and patients are mobilized immediately following surgery and understands that young mums wish to be able to get back to every day life and enjoy their family as soon as possible.

 

Capsular contracture is believed to develop following breast augmentation due to chronic inflammation possibly caused by a bacterial biofilm.

Removal of all of the capsule (capsulectomy) is seen by many as the preferred treatment for women wishing to reduce the symptoms and signs of capsular contracture. However a capsulectomy requires additional surgery, morbidity, increasing operating time, and patient discomfort. In some cases it is very difficult to remove the entire capsule especially from the chest wall. 

Release of the capsule (capsulotomy) is seen as a lesser procedure. This procedure is however relatively quick with minimal discomfort and gives additional tissue coverage for any subsequent implant. 

Recently Dr Swanson has published his experience of capsulotomy as a treatment of capsular contracture.  He concluded that “Capsular contracture after a breast augmentation may be safely and effectively treated with an open capsulotomy, reducing patient morbidity and cost associated with alternative treatments.”

Dr Swanson however does describe an increased incidence of capsular contracture in the presence of ruptured or leaking silicone gel implants when using the open capsulotomy technique.

Mr. Ross agrees that all patients wishing to treat capsular contracture with removal and replacement of breast implants should understand the pros and cons of a total / partial capsulectomy and a capsulotomy. If implants are ruptured or leaking preoperatively a total capsulectomy may be considered to be the optimal treatment method. Where implants are intact a partial capulectomy or capsulotomy may be a better choice for patients. 

In revisionary breast augmentation Mr. Ross will always send some of the capsule for pathological evaluation and thus theoretically always performs a total / partial capsulectomy. However in the case of partial capsulectomy the extent of removal can be limited so that the morbidity / operative time of a partial capsulectomy is similar to that of a capsulotomy. 

In the case of late onset seroma in combination with capsular contracture Mr. Ross advocates removal of the entire capsule along with the implant in the form of an enbloc total capsulectomy.

Like Dr Swanson, Mr. Ross preforms breast augmentation revisionary procedures through an inframammry incision. 

The evidence to support the management of capsular contracture is difficult to interpret and patients need to be guided and be empowered to make the decision on which method to choose.

 

Reference

Swanson E. Open Capsulotomy: An Effective but Overlooked Treatment for Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Oct 4;4(10):e1096.

With the summer season fast approaching, one of the more commonly requested procedures that patients ask for is liposuction. The decision to undergo liposuction can result in an improvement in the appearance and contour of your body. Most patients report a huge boost in their self-confidence after undergoing liposuction, and maintaining results after liposuction requires adopting certain lifestyle modifications.

One of the most important changes you can make is to exercise regularly. In the early postoperative period, it is best to avoid vigorous exercise while you’re recovering from your liposuction procedure. Mr Ross recommends that his patients mobilise themselves frequently in the days and weeks following surgery. Not only will this help prevent blood clots and other complications, it can help getting you feeling back to normal quicker. Once you’ve fully healed from the procedure, Mr Ross will clear you to resume a regular exercise routine.

Alongside a regular exercise schedule, patients should aim to be eating healthy. It is true that most of the visible benefits of exercise won’t be appreciated without a healthy diet. In general, you want to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein into your diet, while reducing the intake of sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats. Eating several smaller meals throughout the day will help maintain your energy levels and keep you from feeling deprived between meals. Drinking a sufficient amount of water during the day is also important. Staying hydrated helps control hunger, maintains a healthy metabolism and aids in digestion.

Although liposuction can dramatically improve the contours of your body, you can still gain weight after liposuction, albeit in different areas of your body. By maintaining a regular exercise schedule, eating a healthy diet and choosing a healthy lifestyle, you’ll enjoy your new contours for a long time.

 

Eyes can tell a story about a person’s life and depending on lifestyle and other factors, the eyes can be one of the first places to show signs of aging.

Many men and women try to keep off the signs of aging by using complex skin care routines, but unfortunately, just using creams alone isn’t always enough to keep your eye area looking as youthful as possible. There are many alternative treatments available for when you wish to take bigger steps.

 

Eyelash Enhancement

Eye enhancement does not need to be complex it can be something as simple as lash extensions or eyelash growth serum. Eyelash extensions are applied to individual lashes with eye-safe glue and is typically performed in a salon. Whilst they have amazing results, they are not permanent and require infills every two to three weeks for maintenance. Elongating the eyelashes can help to open your eyes more and hide the signs of sagging eyelids.

 

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Lines at the sides of the eyes become more pronounced the older you get so in terms of combating this concern, anti-wrinkle injections are an ideal solution. These injections can also be performed as a preventative measure and may delay or prevent the crow’s feet from even appearing in the first place. To ensure this is maintained, we recommend having top ups every 4 to 6 months.

 

Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is becoming more and more popular recently, with many women opting for the surgery. Extra skin and fat on the upper eyelid can cause the eyes to look and feel tired. Some extreme cases have shown that the extra skin can hang so much that it can disturb vision and cause discomfort. Eyelid surgery combined with eyebag removal can effectively reduce the excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids to leave you with more youthful looking eyes. This procedure offers a more permanent solution to sagging and aging eyes, with the removal of excess skin opening the eyes up.

To find out about your options for eye rejuvenation surgery, book in for a consultation with Mr Ross.

Most patients wishing to undergo facial rejuvenation surgery want to obtain a long lasting result. Requests for long lasting minimal access procedures and non-surgical procedures continue to increase. Patients need to be taken through the pros and cons of all the various options. In terms of face lifting, patients need to be shown examples of results that can be achieved by the various facelift incisions.

Recently in New York Dr Antell compared the postoperative results from twins who were treated by different facelift incisions. One set had a short scar facelift and one a full facelift incision.

In the short term the study suggested that no difference existed between the different incisions. However, analysis of the long-term results revealed a significant difference and in particular in the neck. 

It is important for patients to understand that minimal access incisions only allow surgical access to certain anatomical areas and also the subsequent movement of the inner tissues of the face is limited to certain directions through a minimal scar access.

The study concluded that although a shorter incision is appealing to the patient and surgeon, the study suggested that the full incision may offer a superior long-term result in the neck.

Mr Ross uses a similar full-face lift incision as described by Dr Antell. He also believes that the full facelift incision gives better access to the area under the chin (submental area) and allows more movement for the SMAS and the platysma muscle. This is a particularly important in patients with skin laxity in the neck. The full facelift incision also gives more options in elevating the SMAS and lifting the face in a variety of vectors. Every patient requires an individualized technique to obtain the optimal results and a full facelift incision offers more options for patients. 

Patients are often concerned about the extent of the full facelift incision. Patients need to be aware that the only part of the scar that is different between the techniques is the scar that runs behind the ear and into the scalp skin. This scar is rarely visible when placed correctly. Patients also appear concerned about the possible increased recovery required for a full facelift incision. Mr Ross has not seen any increased recovery requirements for patients undergoing a full facelift incision as compared to short scar techniques. Mr Ross does not use surgical drains or dressings and patients undergoing a full facelift can eat and drink and mobilize immediately after surgery.  

Mr Ross is able to perform a range of facial rejuvenation procedures and is able to run through the pros and cons of the various options so that patients can make an informed decision as to whether to proceed. 

 

Reference

 

Antell DE, May JM, Bonnano MJ, Lee NY.

A Comparison of the Full and Short-Scar Face-Lift Incision Techniques in Multiple Sets of Identical Twins. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Jun;137(6):1707-14. 

Breast implants age just as our bodies’ age and with time there are changes that occur. Often these changes cause minimal disruption to patients but pain, discomfort and visible change to implants can occur.

The most accurate data available on implants from the FDA suggests that 30% of all primary breast implants will need to be removed within 10 years and that 50% of implants in revisionary breast augmentation need to be changed within 10 years. It is uncommon for implants to be removed or changed within weeks/months of surgery, although infection, extrusion and rotation of implants can occur.

Most of the reasons for removal or change of implants are related to the aging changes of the implants and the breast/skin. Age related changes of the breast or skin can lead to the skin drooping over the implants and the need for a mastopexy as a secondary procedure. Rippling or palpability can also occur with time due to thinning of the skin.

For implants ageing often leads to the development of capsular contracture. The capsule is scar tissue that surrounds any implant in the body and is a protective lining. Where this scar tissue changes and tightens it can cause changes that lead to pain, discomfort and visible changes. Leak or rupture of the contents of the implant can also occur.

 

TALKING IT OVER

 

When patients consult for revisionary breast augmentation it is important to discuss the pros and cons of implant removal only and removal and replacement with or without mastopexy and the use of autologous fat transfer. Removal only is often not the desired operation by many patients, as many women cannot imagine what it would be like to live without implants – especially where they have had implants for many years. They often perceive a loss of feminity, a need to change clothing or image, and interestingly they worry about how other people will react. Consultations for breast revisionary surgery are complex and the pros and cons of removal and replacing with or without lifting need to be discussed in detail.

The most important decision when considering removal is the benefit to the breast and the surrounding tissue. Removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule allow the breasts to recover from the stretching effects of implants and the possible effects that the implant and capsule have had on the body.

Personally, I have been surprised at patient’s reactions to having implants only removed when considering breast augmentation revision. Although they often feel that they will have no breast tissue after removal and they dread the result, this is often not the case. Often they are relieved, surprised by how good the result is and have not reacted in the negative manner psychologically that I initially suspected would occur.

 

WEIGHING UP THE OPTIONS

 

By removing implants only, the breast is able to settle and gives patients the opportunity to see what it would be like without the implants. I always would offer patients the opportunity to have a further breast augmentation with or without mastopexy at a second stage, but it is surprising that relatively few patients come back for a subsequent operation.

I believe that many women have breast augmentation at a vulnerable time in their lives and live with implants believing that without them they would be perceived unattractive. Years later, many women are adamant that they will have no breast tissue after and are frightened. I have found that in most cases there is sufficient breast tissue and that the results are very acceptable.

Often there is a sense of relief for patients; that actually having them re- moved is not as traumatic as they thought. For those that do decide to have further surgery it is much easier to plan and discuss the options with patients at this time, allowing patients to make an empowered choice.

There is no doubt that the informed consent process for revisionary breast augmentation is better for both the patient and the clinician and I have no doubt that the optimal results are obtained by treating patients in this manner. Patients treated in this two-stage manner may well behave more like primary breast augment patients rather than revisionary breast augmentation patients with potential longer longevity of the implants.

 

IMPLANTS V HEALTH

 

Throughout the years there have been many incidents of patients needing to have implants removed as a result of MHRA or DOH advice in relation to specific breast implants. Concerns regarding connective tissue disorders lead to a moratorium of silicone gel implants in the USA (no link has been proven). Links to rare conditions and cancers such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma remain under investigation and there is never going to be a breast implant that is 100% reliable and 100% safe. Patients must carefully consider removal of breast augmentation as a breast rejuvenation technique.

When considering augmentation removal one must consider the breast, skin and the capsule. It is often best to remove the capsule in its entirety and where this is removed with the implant this is called en bloc removal. It is often best to let the breast tissue and skin settle although one can try and elevate the tissue higher up the chest wall at the same time where appropriate. The operation is often not that painful and patients recover very quickly.

One usually uses the same initial scars to perform the operation and where an inframammary incision has been used one must try and elevate this scar so that on removal of the implant the scar sits near the crease/fold of the breast. There are always risks of irregularities but often there are more extensive irregularities before surgery and these are often well tolerated.

 

WHO CAN HELP?

 

Patients generally see removal of implants as a failure. It is important that all patients considering breast augmentation revision should consider removal only as an aesthetic operation. It may be that removal only is in the patient’s best interest in the revisionary setting and patients need to carefully weigh up the pros and cons and make an empowered choice. They must consult with a clinician who has experience in all the various different forms of revisionary breast augmentation surgery in order that their expectations for revisionary surgery are realistic. Ask to see before and after photographs at your consultation, and make sure you’re putting your surgery in the hands of an expert.

We’re all a little guilty of sticking to our trusted make-up routine throughout the years that we most likely developed in our early 20’s or even late teens. As you age, you can suddenly find that your go-to look is no longer cutting it and that your eye makeup is now hidden under your eyelids. It might be time to reconsider your options.

Beauty is in the eyes – are you unhappy with your eyelids?

Are you finding applying your make-up more difficult due to sagging eyelids? You’re not alone. The once perfect winged eyeliner and eyeshadow you loved so much is not only difficult to apply, but once you’ve finished, it disappears under the additional sagging skin on your eyelids that seemingly appeared from nowhere. So, what are your options?

Non-Surgical option – change up your technique

Is your over liner disappearing under sagging skin or your winged liner drooping instead of soaring? Tight lining your eyeliner is a technique where you apply eyeliner by pushing it up gently in between the eyelashes, giving you a depth of colour and definition to your eyes that is both subtle and will not be hidden by sagging skin.

 

Surgical option – Upper eyelid Surgery

This can be a more permanent fix if you want to restore your eyes to their former glory and continue with your favourite eye make-up routine. Upper eyelid surgery can make a big difference to the appearance of your eyes and can give you a more youthful look. Upper eyelid surgery removes the excess, sagging skin to lift your eyelids and rejuvenate their appearance. 

 

Surgical options – Brow Lift

A brow lift procedure can be performed to reposition the brow area. It is often performed alongside eye rejuvenation surgery for optimum results. A brow lift can also give your overall facial appearance a more youthful and rejuvenation look. 

 

To discuss your options, book in for a consultation with Mr Ross where he will explain all of the techniques he can perform to give your problem area a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. It is always important to be aware of surgical limitations and to manage your expectations. Take a look at Mr Ross’s patients’ before and after pictures to view their results.

There are many methods described by surgeons to select the breast implant for breast augmentation and determine the best outcome for patients. 

In Mr Ross’s opinion the only person who can determine the optimal outcome is the patient. In order that patients can understand the pros and cons of the various options patients must be educated as to the many different options available to them. Through this decision-making process patients need to be given sufficient information to be able to be empowered to make the decision. 

Mr Ross uses both tissue planning and dimensional analysis alongside 3D analysis and virtual reality technology to help patients. Education involves not only written information but also a series of detailed consultations to look through preop and postop photos of previous patients. 

Mr Ross uses patient outcome related outcome measures and patient feedback to constantly analyse his results and this can also help guide patients through the decision making journey.

Where patients wishes are either not realistic or have the potential to do harm it is important that patients are educated as to the reasons why. There are often a range of implants and pockets in a range of sizes that patients can choose from and almost every implant and pocket selection will have some form of compromise. Variations in size and shape will all have implications in the longer term. Patients need to accept that the result is most importantly determined by their own anatomy and where expectations are deemed unrealistic the avoidance of surgery may be an outcome that needs to be discussed.  

Recently Dr Adams has published a review of the various methods used by surgeons to help patients make these important decisions. 

Measurements, sizing, tissue based and bio dimensional planning are all essential tools for both the surgeon and the patient. As described it is essential that surgeons continually audit and analyse their results in a consistent manner. 

Mr Ross agrees with Dr Adams conclusion that the selection of the best implant for breast augmentation can only be determined by the detailed comparison of patient outcome measures and comparing these against the surgical related outcome measures.

 

Reference Adams WP Jr, Mckee D.Matching the Implant to the Breast: A Systematic Review of Implant Size Selection Systems for Breast Augmentation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Nov;138(5):987-994.

Cosmetic surgery is all about making an improvement in your quality of life. Once one has had cosmetic surgery it is important to understand that the confidence that this gives must not be relied upon to last for ever. It is not uncommon for patients to see the benefits and see cosmetic surgery as a quick fix. It is important that patients do take care of their scars and work at improving these. Rather than further cosmetic surgery being seen as a way of maintaining results patients should focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. 

 

The scar

In order to maximum your cosmetic surgery results it is important to focus on the scars and the postoperative swelling. Although scars are often well hidden and fade with time patients can often help this process. Massage whether superficial or deep can help the lymphatic drainage and improve swelling by developing additional lymphatic channels. Massage also helps the body to adapt to the scars and helps improve the sensation around the scar. It is important to avoid certain exercises in the immediate postop phase to avoid stretching of the scar and it is important to protect the scars in the sun. Hydrating the skin and looking after ones skin especially following facial surgery is very important. 

 

A healthy diet and lifestyle

It is important prior to surgery for patients to be at their ideal weight. However postoperatively it is also important to maintain a stable weight. Weights can fluctuate a little in the weeks following surgery as often ones weight increases slightly following surgery. Recovery can be a challenge and regular exercise routines can be affected. It is important to take advice on the amount of exercise one can perform postoperatively and build up gradually. Patients will not be able to perform the same exercises at the same intensity as preoperatively and should not get demoralized. Just as putting on additional weight can be detrimental, losing additional weight postoperative can also be detrimental. In body contouring procedures this can lead to excess skin, in breast procedures additional breast emptiness and in facial procedures loss of volume. 

Not only is maintenance of weight essential but diet also plays a big part. Keeping your skin well hydrated with appropriate fluid intake and a well balanced diet is essential. 

 

Cosmetic surgery can give improved self confidence but the long-term results are reliant on patients taking time to focus on their recovery.