Category: Blog

How to improve the appearance of a saggy neck

One of the most commonly requested forms of anti ageing surgery is the neck lift, designed to improve the appearance of a saggy neck.

Unlike facelift surgery that is designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the face, neck lift surgery aims to tighten skin below the jawline. Helping to create a more youthful look, loose neck skin can be firmed and is one of several sagging neck solutions available.

Below you will find some common questions patients ask about this type of skin rejuvenation surgery. If you have any more questions or you wish to book a consultation with Mr Gary Ross visit the contact page.

What is a neck lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and lift the skin of the neck. It is not the same as a facelift, which focuses on rejuvenating skin above the neck.

As we age, the skin begins to droop causing loose neck skin. Once we enter our fifties this often becomes more noticeable, leading some men and women to seek surgery to improve the neck’s appearance.

Usually taking around 2-3 hours, this form of surgery aims to lift the skin, reducing the crepey appearance that can manifest as we get older. Incisions are made and the skin is repositioned and if necessary excess skin is removed.

Who is suitable for neck lift surgery?

Neck lift surgery is most commonly undertaken on patients aged 50-70. Men and women are both suitable for neck rejuvenation procedures.

You must be in good overall health, and be able to demonstrate to a plastic surgery your motivations and goals with regards to undergoing this procedure.

You must also be prepared to put time aside to recover from this surgery. There is healing and recovery time that should be factored into the decision making process, and associated risks that must be carefully considered.

You can find out more about suitability on the treatment page.

Is this type of cosmetic surgery long lasting?

No cosmetic procedure can stop the ageing process, but most patients that undergo neck lift surgery to rejuvenate a ‘saggy neck’ or loose neck skin find the outcome satisfactory.

In the long term, a patient that has undergone surgery to rejuvenate the neck will find they age better moving forward than if they had not undergone the procedure.

Can a neck lift be combined with a facelift?

Yes. It is quite common for patients to combine facelift surgery and neck lift surgery. Sometimes the overall effect is best if both cosmetic procedures are undertaken, and surgeries can be performed at the same time to minimise recovery time.

Are there non-surgical sagging neck solutions?

There are non surgical treatment designed to offer sagging neck solutions, but these have limited effects. They rarely offer the same satisfaction as a neck lift, and in the long term they don’t tend to provide a long lasting cure for a saggy neck.

Who should I trust to perform surgery to correct loose neck skin?

You should pick a plastic surgeon you trust, and who you believe can offer you the best results. If you would like to speak to Mr Ross about your potential facial rejuvenation surgery options you can find out more about his qualifications here.

Where can I get more information?

Visit the neck lift surgery page for a detailed overview of the procedure. You can also see Mr Ross’s case studies here. Further questions and answers about this form of skin rejuvenation surgery may provide you with more information – you can view questions and answers here.

 

The most popular body contouring surgery procedures being requested

The popularity of body contouring surgery continues to grow year on year. Most recently, it was reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that many modern cosmetic surgical procedures are on the rise.

These include liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, often as part of a mummy makeover. This week we look at four of the most popular forms of body contouring surgery, and discuss the benefits of seeking the advanced aesthetic procedures.

Liposuction

According to the ASAPS report, liposuction procedures are up 16 per cent. Whilst traditional lipo procedures can be uncomfortable and require extended recovery time, newer techniques mean faster healing times.

Mr Ross uses Body-jet to remove unwanted fat from the body. It can be used on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and more. It’s often combined with other surgery to form part of a mummy makeover.

Tummy tuck surgery

Designed to rejuvenate the mid section, there are various types of abdominoplasty surgery. Known widely as tummy tuck surgery, this is a flexible type of body rejuventation surgery often undertaken after extreme weight loss or pregnancy.

It’s also popular with men, as well as women, and can have a dramatic effect on the way a patient looks and feels about their body.

Fat transfer

There has undoubtedly been a rise in patients seeking a fat transfer procedure that offers maximum results with minimal downtime.

Specialising in body rejuvenation surgery and mummy makeover procedures, plastic surgeon Mr Ross uses the Body-jet device to take fat from one area of a patient’s body and reintroduce it to another part of the body or face that requires volume.

Unlike traditional forms of fat removal surgery that are often unreliable and painful, the Body-jet technology uses the gentle power of water to contour the body during the fat transfer procedure.

Mummy Makeover Surgery

Multi-procedure treatments such as the mummy makeover were the main cosmetic rise of last year, which combines breast and body procedures within one surgery session to minimise downtime.

Mr. Ross offers body contouring surgery in Manchester for women seeking to rejuvenate their bodies after pregnancy. Combined procedures above form the mummy makeover.

The mummy makeover combines surgical procedures including a breast uplift surgery (mastopexy with or without breast implants) and some form of tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) procedure to remove excess skin and tighten muscles below the surface. Tummy tuck surgery can include mini or full versions of this procedure.

More information

Find out more about body contouring and ask us the questions you need answering. Make the best choices by being informed and asking for advice from the experts.

Body rejuvenation itself is a broad term used to describe a wide selection of surgical procedures that can help patients feel more confident in their bodies after pregnancy and/or substantial weight loss.

If you would like more information about any of the body contouring procedures above please contact the team. You can find consultation information via the contact us pages.

Most requested body contouring procedures explained

Female patients often visit Mr Ross seeking body contouring procedures. These are surgical procedures designed to rejuvenate the body by reshaping or contouring a specific area.

There are various types of body contouring surgeries that can help women especially. If pregnancy or weight loss has affected the way a certain part of the body looks, surgery may be a way to improve the issue.

Here we have six of the most requested body reshaping procedures requested by women. You can read more detail about each of them on the “Body” treatment pages.

– Tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. This is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and tighten and tone the appearance of the tummy. There are several types of abdominoplasty including the mini tummy tuck (for the lower abdomen only) and the full tummy tuck (for the whole mid section).

– Fat removal

Fat removal and liposuction are body contouring procedures that take unwanted fat from the body. They can be used alone or as part of a body rejuvenation programme with surgical procedures like the tummy tuck. Mr Ross uses Body-jet fat removal which is water-assisted, making it less traumatic to the surrounding tissues.

– Fat transfer

If you need to move fat from one area to another, for example the waist to hips, fat transfer could be the best option. It’s body reshaping without the need for silicone implants or foreign substances, making it popular with those seeking natural results.

– Arm lift

Brachioplasty surgery is designed to reshape the upper arms. Known as an arm lift, this procedure is ideal for women that have lost a large amount of weight and been left with sagging skin. Also it’s popular with older patients who have arm skin that has lost elasticity due to the ageing process. It usually forms part of body lift surgery too.

– Thigh lift

Like an arm lift, the thigh lift is designed to remove excess skin and lift the overall appearance of the upper legs. It’s popular with women that have lost a substantial amount of weight, and is often combined with other body contouring procedures as part of a full body lift.

– Mummy makeover

The mummy makeover involves two or more surgical procedures. In most cases this is a breast rejuvenation procedure and a body contouring surgery. For example, a breast uplift and a tummy tuck can be undertaken at the same time to lift the breasts and tighten the skin of the abdomen.

Book a consultation and get more information

All patients are different and what works for one will not be suitable for another. You’re best to book a consultation with Mr Ross to determine whether any of the body contouring procedures above are suitable for you.

You can find out more information about body reshaping surgery via the treatment pages. Don’t forget you can follow our social media pages and learn about Mr Ross here.

The important questions to ask before undergoing breast rejuvenation surgery

If you are considering breast rejuvenation surgery the first step you’ll be making is booking a consultation. Mr Gary Ross is a leading breast surgery expert, consulting in Manchester.

In this week’s blog he reveals nine questions you should ask before deciding on cosmetic surgery, most specifically breast rejuvenation surgery.

How will this procedure benefit me?

It’s important you ask for the details of what your chosen procedure can do for you, especially when it comes to breast rejuvenation surgery. What are the benefits of undergoing a breast augmentation or breast uplift procedure? Ask how the cosmetic procedure will benefit you personally.

Is this cosmetic procedure right for me?

Not all breast rejuvenation procedures will be suitable, so it’s important to make sure the surgery you choose is right for your specific needs. If you want to lift sagging breasts a breast augmentation alone is unlikely to be enough. Be clear in discussing your goals and what you want to achieve before committing to a procedure.

Discuss your concerns and what you want to achieve honestly, and don’t be afraid to ask whether breast rejuvenation surgery is suitable for you in the context of your life and plans for the future.

How much will this cost in total?

All procedures cost different amounts; a breast reduction will not cost the same as a breast enlargement with fat transfer. Always be clear on the overall cost of treatment. Don’t forget this cost should include hospital fees and the time of an anaesthesiologist as well as your plastic surgeon.

Who will perform my surgery?

It’s perfectly reasonable to ask who will be performing your surgery. Patients often find at chain clinics that the person they consult with is not then the person performing the surgery. Ask who specifically will be performing your breast rejuvenation surgery.

How do I prepare for my surgery?

Asking how you can best prepare for surgery is a good way to make sure you have the best experience possible. You should be prepared to give up smoking and consider other health factors in advance of breast rejuvenation surgery.

What happens during my surgery?

It’s a good idea to ask more about what the surgery entails. Research your procedure and take some questions to your consultation if there’s any specifics you’d like to know. It’s an invasive form of surgery, so it’s important you understand what your chosen breast rejuvenation surgery involves.

What happens after my surgery?

Knowing what to expect after a cosmetic procedure is part of the process when it comes to safe surgery. Be aware of what you will need to do regarding leaving hospital and recovering at home. Ask about taking time off, how to care for your surgical scars, and when you’ll be required to revisit for check ups.

What is the recovery like?

In some cases breast rejuvenation surgery can require some weeks off work. Asking how the recovery will affect your day to day life is important so you can plan around the down time. This is a good time to ask about healing and pain management too.

What happens if I’m unhappy with the results?

It’s quite rare for a patient to be unhappy with the results of cosmetic breast surgery, but in this event it’s good to know where you stand. Ask your surgeon about the risks and complications of surgery, as well as what to do if you’re unsatisfied with the results.

Get in touch

For more information on planning your breast rejuvenation surgery please contact the team. You can book a consultation here if you wish to discuss your needs with Mr Ross.

The questions to ask before you choose to undergo Botox injections

When it comes to facial anti ageing treatments, Botox injections are the most popular. Having become a mainstream cosmetic solution to lines and wrinkles, both men and women seek Botox treatment.

Mr Gary Ross offers Botox injections as part of wider facial rejuvenation treatment plans for his patients. It is common to combine Botox treatment with more invasive methods of facial anti ageing, as this can reduce and prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming.

For example, muscle relaxing injections may be used after facelift surgery or blepharoplasty surgery in order to address facial ageing signs that surgery alone can’t always fix.

Asking the right questions

With popularity continuing to soar, particularly with younger patients, here are five questions you should ask before undergoing Botox injections. Make sure this anti ageing facial rejuvenation treatment is suitable for you.

– What are Botox injections?

Botox is a product name but it is commonly used to describe muscle relaxing injections. It is a type of toxin and had uses in medicine before being used in aesthetics.

They are designed to freeze the muscle it’s injected into, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming. It can be used as a preventative measure, but it’s often used to reduce the signs of facial ageing.

– What is Botox treatment like?

It is non surgical and non invasive. However, it is still a medical treatment and should be entered into with an understanding about the pros and cons regarding it. Botox treatment takes less than 30 minutes, in most cases.

Before treatment with muscle relaxing injections a numbing cream is applied to the skin to ensure patient comfort. The patient will have had a consultation prior to the treatment, and the medical professional will have a detailed plan of where to administer the toxin.

– Am I suitable for treatment with muscle relaxing injections?

This is determined during a consultation. In most cases patients are 30+ and if you are unsuitable or deemed to not need Botox treatment you will be turned away. You can read more about the anti ageing treatment and who it can be beneficial for here.

– Are muscle relaxing injections safe?

When administered correctly, by a medical professional with advanced injectable training, Botox injections offer high patient satisfaction. There are risks associated with all cosmetic treatments, and it’s advised to read up on these before committing to treatment.

You will be given safety advice during your consultation prior to this (or any other) treatment too. Feel free to ask any safety questions you have during this meeting.

– How long do the results last?

Generally, the results of Botox injections will last around 6-12 months. This depends patient to patient and results cannot be guaranteed.

More information

If you would like more information about Botox treatments or any of the facial rejuvenation procedures offered by Mr Gary Ross please contact us.

You can book a consultation online or find out more information via the non surgical treatment pages.

 

Do you need a breast augmentation with implants or breast lift surgery?

A common misconception is that breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are one and the same. This is not the case, and the procedures differ vastly in what they can offer a patient.

In truth, a boob job in the generic sense is to enlarge the breasts with silicone implants. However, breast lift surgery is an entirely different type of breast rejuvenation surgery.

In this week’s blogs we examine the two most popular types of breast surgery – breast augmentation using silicone breast implants and mastopexy (breast lift surgery).

What are the different types of breast rejuvenation surgery?

Generally speaking, breast rejuvenation surgery falls into two camps: augmentation to increase or reduce size, or uplift surgery to lift the breasts.

The most popular form of breast surgery is breast enlargement, which uses silicone implants and/or fat transfer to boost the size and shape of the breasts. Contrastingly, mastopexy is designed to lift the breasts. Hence the term breast lift surgery.

In some cases an implant will also be used in mastopexy procedures to provide volume. However, for those women seeking an uplift procedure, an augmentation with implants alone is rarely enough.

How do you know which breast rejuvenation surgery is suitable?

A one on one consultation is an ideal way to determine which type of breast rejuvenation surgery is most suitable. During a consultation your plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns and examine the breasts to provide his/her opinion.

The aim of the consultation is to make sure you’re a candidate for either breast lift surgery or breast augmentation, and to make sure your goals are realistic. You will then be told to take some time to consider your options and make a choice based on the information given.

You plastic surgeon will provide you with realistic expectations of what can be achieved with cosmetic surgery, as well as the risks and complications you should consider before committing to undergoing breast rejuvenation surgery.

Who is a candidate for breast augmentation surgery?

A breast augmentation is designed to add volume to the breasts, boosting the size with silicone breast implants. It’s suitable for women that wish to change the size of their breasts, but isn’t recommended for women that have sagging breasts, or wish to reduce the size of their breasts. In this instance a breast reduction is more likely to be suitable.

Who is a candidate for mastopexy or breast lift surgery?

Mastopexy is designed to lift the breasts into a more youthful position. Often older women choose this type of breast surgery. It’s also common amongst women that have breast fed or found their breasts have sagged as a result of pregnancy. Weight loss is another common factor for choosing breast uplift surgery.

This type of breast rejuvenation is intended to reposition the breasts, and may or may not include the use of silicone implants. Every patient should be offered a bespoke treatment plan that caters to their specific concerns.

More information

If you would like to find out more about any of the rejuvenative breast procedures offered by Mr Gary Ross please contact us. You can use the contact form or call the clinic directly.

Booking a consultation is the best course of action if you wish to discuss your concerns specifically with Mr Ross.

Improve the appearance of your legs with knee liposuction

We see cosmetic surgery trends come and go, but the rise of knee liposuction looks set to stay. It was reported as being an increasingly popular procedure in the America, and that seems to now be the case here in the UK.

Designed to remove pockets of stubborn fat, liposuction is a popular form of body contouring procedure. It has been widely offered in clinics across the country for decades, although techniques have been refined and results have improved.

As well as larger areas, such as the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, fat removal procedures like liposuction can also be used for smaller pockets of fat. Knee liposuction is a prime example of this.

Who is knee liposuction suitable for?

Knee liposuction is suitable for male or female patients that wish to alter the aesthetic of their knees, or overall appearance of the legs. It’s classed as a body contouring procedure, and involves removing fat to change the contours of the knee area. Suitability for this kind of knee rejuvenation surgery can be ascertained during a consultation.

What is the procedure like?

This depends on the clinic you visit, and which form of fat removal you decide to undergo. Mr Gary Ross often uses Body-jet to remove fat, especially from smaller areas. This type of body contouring is water-assisted, making it more gentle than traditional liposuction methods. Being less invasive than lipo, as most of us know it, the treatment times are faster and the procedure often causes less bruising.

What is the recovery like?

As knee liposuction with Body-jet is more gentle it causes less trauma to the tissues surrounding the treatment area. Whilst there is always going to be some bruising and possible swelling, in many cases patients find the recovery speedy.

Would I need follow up treatment?

Most patients are satisfied with the results of their knee liposuction, and do not require further procedures. The fat should not return if a healthy diet is maintained. Every case is unique and each patient will have a different experience.

Can this procedure be combined with others?

It’s quite common for patients to request multiple procedures; this saves recovery time in the long run. Procedures such as fat removal and fat transfer are often combined with body contouring treatments such as thigh contouring.

Can this type of fat removal be used in other smaller areas?

Yes, this is a popular method of fat removal for smaller areas of the body, as well as the face. It is a surgical procedure, so you will need to seek the advice of an expert in liposuction.

Booking a consultation

A consultation provides an excellent opportunity for you to talk to an expert about body contouring procedures. If you would like to discuss your concerns with Mr Gary Ross, or you would like further information about cosmetic procedures such as knee liposuction, contact the team or book a consultation.

More information

You can visit the treatment pages to explore the cosmetic procedures offered by Mr Ross. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the news page for our weekly blogs and news from the industry.

Getting back in shape with body contouring surgery after pregnancy

There are many reason someone may consider undergoing body contouring surgery. By far one of the most common for women is to regain their pre pregnancy figure. We call this a mummy makeover.

A mummy makeover includes two or more body contouring surgery procedures. Usually this will include an abdominoplasty of some kind and a breast rejuvenation procedure.

What is a mummy makeover?

The mummy makeover is a term used specifically for women as in most cases the combination of tummy tuck surgery and a breast rejuvenation are due to the changes pregnancy makes on the body. It is common to be left with sagging breasts after breast feeding or excess, loose skin on the abdomen.

Why choose a mummy makeover?

It’s designed to recontour the body and improve self confidence. The idea of choosing body contouring surgery means these women are able to feel better in their body’s again, and see their shape return to more like it was previously.

Who is suitable for this type of cosmetic surgery?

Body contouring surgery designed to lift the breasts and reshape the tummy area is suitable for women who are unhappy with their appearance after having children.

It is invasive surgery and there are risks associated with it, so it’s important to be aware of that. Patients also need to have realistic expectations of what the body rejuvenating procedures can offer.

Who is not suitable for mummy makeover surgery?

Women who have unrealistic goals or expectation are not suitable for this type of surgery. You must also be at a reasonable weight and should only be undergoing body contouring surgery for your personal reasons. It is never advised or encouraged to have cosmetic procedures for anyone else.

Who should you trust with body contouring surgery?

The combination of breast and body rejuvenation procedures means you should seek the skills of a plastic surgeon with experience in this field. Mr Ross, for example, is a leading expert in this field of cosmetic surgery.

Can I see some before and after images?

Yes, we have a page dedicated to before and after images of mummy makeover procedures. You can visit the body contouring surgery pages separately, or as an overall treatment.

Where can I get more information?

Mr Gary Ross is a Manchester plastic surgeon specialising in body rejuvenation procedures and you can find lots of information on the treatment pages.

The mummy makeover is something you should really do your research on before committing to treatment. It’s recommended you book a consultation and get the advice of a plastic surgeon before making any decisions with regards to cosmetic surgery.

What are the different stages of wound healing after cosmetic surgery?

A popular question asked by patients before surgery is what are the stages of wound healing like. Before undergoing any form of cosmetic surgery, or indeed any surgery at all, it’s important to understand the recovery process.

It’s vital to understand the recovery process firstly so you have some idea of what the post-surgery healing process is like. As well as this, knowing how to care for your scars and the best scar treatment after surgery is beneficial.

Why do we get scars?

Scar tissue forms when a wound closes and fibrous tissue forms. They often start off red and angry looking, but in most cases fade in time to a pink or even grey colour. They may feel raised and can be itchy in the first year or so after surgery.

They are totally normal although in most cases your surgeon will endeavour to make them as small and neat as possible. The key is to make sure you know what to expect and how to help the scars heal after surgery.

Do all procedures incur scarring?

In most cases, yes. If you’re undergoing a cosmetic procedure such as a tummy tuck or brachioplasty you should be prepared to have visible scars, although most patients agree it’s a reasonable trade to be rid of loose skin.

Breast augmentation scars can often be hidden in the crease under the breast, although with breast uplift surgery the scar may run long the nipple. Ask your surgeon for advice before committing to surgery.

Can I prevent scars?

Not really, but you can make sure you care for them. If you would like more advice on preventing scars or scar management please ask your medical professional.

What are the stages of wound healing?

The stages of wound healing vary patient to patient. However, most follow a similar pattern. The stages of wound healing proceed in an organised way and follow these four processes:

1. Hemostasis: wound clotting
2. Inflammation: controls bleeding and prevents infection
3. Proliferation: wound is rebuilt with new tissue made up of collagen
4. Maturation: when collagen is remodelled and the wound fully closes

What is the best scar treatment after surgery?

You can care for your scars by massaging them. There is a previous blog post on scar massage here you may find helpful.

I don’t like my scars. What can I do?

In most cases, cosmetic surgery scars are considered a trade for a reduction in loose skin or augmented breasts. If you don’t like your scars, or you are unhappy with the results of your after surgery, you should firstly speak to your plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to give you advice and reassure you.

In extreme cases, scar revision surgery can be offered, but this will still leave you with a scar.

More information

If you would like to discuss undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures, scarring, and the best scar treatment after surgery please contact us. Booking a consultation would be the next step.

What to look for from a cosmetic surgeon when considering fat transfer

Are you considering fat transfer procedures to re-contour and reshape your body? If so, you’re one of the growing number of patients turning to this form of body shaping surgery in the UK.

At the start of the year, Mr Gary Ross spoke to Harper’s Bizarre about the trend of body contouring shifting to focus on fat removal and fat transfer, and from the rise in patients we can see his prediction was right.

So what is fat transfer and what can it offer patients?

Fat transfer is a procedure to take fat from one part of the body and replace it in another. The aim of this cosmetic procedure is to rejuvenate the body or face by improve volume.

Popular areas of the body to use fat transfer include the abdomen and buttocks, where fat is often taken from before being replaced in areas including the hips.

Similarly fat can be removed and then replaced in the face, if facial rejuvenation is the main goal of treatment.

Who is this cosmetic procedure suitable for?

This form of body rejuvenation or facial rejuvenation treatment is ideal for both men and women, although it is undoubtedly more popular amongst females. It’s suitable for patients that wish to improve contours or volume in the face and body.
It is not suitable for patients that are looking for fat reduction; this is a different procedure which involves removing fat from the body. Other procedures such as liposuction may be more suitable in this case.

How do you know which surgeon to choose for fat transfer?

It’s best to pick a medical professional that specialises in body contouring surgery including fat removal and fat reduction. When researching your cosmetic surgeon make sure to research which type of procedure is being offered at your chosen clinic.

Mr Ross offers Body-jet Fat Transfer to patients looking to reshape and contour the body in a more natural way. This form of fat transfer is water-assisted and therefore represents a more gentle procedure.

You can find out more specific information about this procedure, and how it can be beneficial to you, via the treatment pages in the menu bar.

What specific questions should I ask at my consultation for fat transfer?

The key to getting the most from your consultation is asking the right questions. If you’re considering fat transfer or fat removal with Body-jet here are some questions to ask:

– What can this treatment offer me?
– Where will I undergo this treatment?
– Am I a suitable candidate and will I be likely to get good results?
– How long do the results last?
– Who will perform my surgery?
– Will I be awake during the treatment?
– Are the results natural-looking?

Get more information

If you wish to book a consultation please contact the clinic team who will be happy to help you and advise you regarding what this form of body contouring surgery involves. You can also find out more in depth procedure information via the treatment pages.