Article by
Patrick MalluccihumanHi and Plastic Surgery
Welcome!
Welcome to the Plastic surgery section of Human hi. Each month we shall talk about a particular topic in Plastic Surgery to explain some of the myths as well as the truths about various aspects of cosmetic surgery. As one of London’s biggest providers of plastic surgery we at the London Plastic Surgery Associates (LPSA) between us provide expert care in all aspects of cosmetic surgery.
As plastic surgeons we have undergone many years of rigorous training in both the reconstructive and the cosmetic aspects of Plastic Surgery. Many people are unaware that the same principles of aesthetic perfection are applied both in the ‘reconstructive’ and the ‘cosmetic” patient which is what makes the subject so fascinating.
This month I shall be giving a brief overview of 3 of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures – designed to give you basic information on them – to learn more you can go to the web site www.lpsa.co.uk.
1. Breast augmentation.
Otherwise known as breast enlargement or in lay terms the ‘boob job’. The operation is designed to enlarge the breasts. There are generally 3 groups of women who seek breast enlargement: those whose breasts have never really developed to any significant degree and simply want ‘some’ breasts in order to feel more feminine. A second very common group are women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy
– their greatest desire is to have back what they used to have prior to pregnancy and breast feeding. The third group are those women who already have reasonable breasts but simply want them bigger.
Breast enlargement remains the most popular procedure in cosmetic surgery and when carried out in the appropriate individual can be a life changing operation restoring confidence and self esteem.
Breast augmentation is generally very safe today although as with any surgery complications can occur
– infection is rare as is bleeding, in the long term implants can harden and break, although this is becoming less common with modern implants. Early on after the surgery there can be sensory changes to the nipple and breast which usually resolve after days. Silicone remains the best known and safest implant material and all doubts surrounding its safety have known been resolved.
2. Blepharoplasty.
The more common term for this is eyelid reduction.
As part of the ageing process changes occur in the upper and the lower eyelids. In the upper eyelids excess skin - which becomes thin and inelastic over time – starts to encroach upon the eyelash margin giving the eyelids a hooded appearance, crowding the upper lid with too much skin. The principle of an upper eyelid reduction is to reduce the excess skin by removing it and also any bulging fat that might be contributing to the bulk. The scar is very fine and lies in the natural lid crease and is hardly noticeable. Serious complications are rare, but as ever, bruising and swelling are normal – bleeding and infection are highly unusual, minor asymmetries are also completely normal.
Changes in the lower lid often give rise to the appearance of ‘bags’ under the eyes – these give the impression of either being tired or being sad and for these reasons people often seek to have them corrected. Once again these changes are due to a loss of elasticity of the skin and the tissues around the eyelid, with the eyelid fat bulging forward to produce the ‘bag’ or puffiness. The operation involves an incision just underneath the lash line – removing the excess skin and either repositioning the fat or removing some of it to reduce the ‘bag’ and give a smoother appearance. As with the upper eyelid complications are unusual although the balance in the lower lid is more delicate than in the upper because of gravity pulling down on the lower lid. Too much skin removal can result in the lower lid being pulled down out of position which may in unusual circumstances lead to secondary correction. The eyes are extremely important in their contribution to facial appearance and hence successful eyelid surgery can be of great benefit in improving overall facial aesthetics.
3. Face and neck Lift.
Many changes occur as part of the ageing process in the face – the skin becomes thinner and less elastic, as well as the support tissues below it, give rise to sagging in the jowl area in particular and under the chin or neck. There is also a loss of facial volume with the face taking on a more hollow or flat appearance around the cheekbones especially. Both fine and deeper wrinkles can also emerge as part of the process.
Face and neck lifting seek to correct some of the changes that have occurred by removing the excess sagging skin and tightening the support structures below it in order to resuspend the face and neck producing a more pleasing youthful appearance. Many different ‘types’ of face-lift have been described and in many ways this can be confusing to those trying to understand what might be best for them. However, the principle of the face-lift –whichever ‘type’ remains the same as that described above. If the ageing process is more advanced then more extensive surgery may be required to achieve the desired result. In the slightly younger patient in whom the features of ageing are only just becoming discernible lesser procedures with shorter scars or with suture techniques maybe appropriate.
Each individual needs to discuss their own case with their surgeon. Facelift scars are generally very well concealed around the contour of the ear, and disappearing into the hairline at the back. Serious complications are rare, bruising and swelling are normal, some bleeding can occur early on, numbness for a few weeks, minor hairline complications are occasionally seen and small asymmetries are entirely normal. Damage to key nerves such as the facial nerve is fortunately very rare indeed.
Come and have a consultation with me, the real life Barbie!
Sarah Burge, Practitioner of Aesthetic Medicine
Treatments Available
Radiesse Injectable Fillers
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