In the News

Breast Augmentation Dubai – Do I need a breast uplift operation?

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 18 June 2020

Some patients are bothered by droopiness of the breasts. If you are bothered by droopiness and are happy with the size of your breasts then you do not need a breast augmentation, but may be offered a breast uplift operation called a mastopexy. This is a quite different operation that involves lifting the position of the nipple and breast tissue and tightening the skin of the breasts. There will be an incision around the areola and possibly incisions passing vertically downwards and underneath the breasts.

So, the scarring is more obvious than simple breast augmentation, but no implant is used. All breast uplift operations will tend to droop again as a consequence of time and gravity. Mild degrees of droopiness can be improved by a breast augmentation alone. Sometimes your situation falls between these two options and if I may recommend that you may need a breast augmentation and mastopexy. In most instances it is best to do one or the other first and then see what result can be achieved with the proviso that the other operation can be done at a second stage if needed. However, in some patients it is clear from the outset that both operations will be needed at the same time. This requires careful preoperative planning and counselling. This is difficult surgery. The results are not always entirely predictable in terms of size and breast shape.

Botox® – A Complete Guide

Botox Dubai | 15 June 2020

What are Wrinkle Relaxing (Botox®) Injections?

Wrinkle relaxing injections are more commonly referred to as Botox®, short for Botulinum Toxin. Botox® itself is a registered trademark and brand name by the market leader, but other Botulinum Toxin products are available. 

Whatever you call it and regardless of brand, Botox® when injected acts as a nerve block.  So what really happens is your brain sends the message to the muscle to move, however the nerve can no longer respond as the Botox® has blocked the message being sent, resulting in a reduction in the movement of the muscle. This helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as these are caused by repetitive contractions of the muscle. It’s also used to relax tight muscles, which is more common in the lower face.

The thing to remember here is that this is only a temporary effect, eventually the Botox® wears off and the muscle starts moving as it did previously.

Is Botox® safe?

Botox® has been used in cosmetic procedures for at least the past 50 years – yes that’s right, it’s been around that long!  Once reserved for the rich and famous due to its cost, it is now used widely mainly due to the reduction in the cost of treatments over the past 20 years.  It is extremely rare for individuals to be allergic to Botox® or have anaphylactic reactions to it post injection. 

What is Botox® used for?

More and more studies are carried out on Botox® every year and the list of the conditions it can treat almost seem endless, it is now known to significantly reduce facial scarring after trauma and also reduce psoriasis skin plaques; it really is a wonder drug. I use Botox® on both men and women to smooth out lines and wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead and the glabella (between the eyebrows). I also use it to relax muscles around the lower jaw and smooth out the neck, this procedure is called the Nefertiti Lift.

You can also use Botox® to treat Hyperhidrosis,also known as excessive sweating. Although you can have the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet treated, the most common area tends to be the armpits.  It’s a highly successful treatment that can significantly reduce the amount of sweat produced under the arm and for real sufferers of excessive sweating, this treatment can be a real lifesaver, especially during the summer months.

People also use Botox® to help alleviate the symptoms of migraines, unlike other headaches migraines are transmitted across the nerve endings of the forehead, by having Botox® in this area and blocking the nerve endings the migraine isn’t able to travel and for many people it will stop it altogether.

Are there any side effects to Botox®?

The most common side effects are slight swelling at the injection site, this is normal and shows that the Botox® has got into the muscle; these little bumps will go down within approximately 40 minutes.  You may also have some redness around the injection site and you may get some bruising.  If you do get bruising it is likely to be small pin prick marks which will may take up to 7 days to completely disappear.  Some people do suffer with headaches post treatment, if you do just take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as you would do normally.

One side-effect of Botox® that concerns people is something called a ptosis, these are related to injections of Botox® in the forehead when post treatment the brow drops and feels very heavy.  Full ptosis is extremely rare, however what is more common is something called a partial ptosis, if you get a partial ptosis it is unlikely that anyone else will notice and it will resolve within about 4-6 weeks. 

How quickly will I see results from a Botox® treatment?

You will start to see results about 4 days post treatment, however it could take 10-14 days for the full results to be seen.  We expect to see a significant reduction in the size and the depth of the lines and wrinkles 14 days post treatment.

How long do the results last?

Typically results can last between 3-6 months, generally you start to see some muscle movement around 3 months post treatment, however it takes about 5-6 months for full muscle movement to return.  Most people tend to have Botox® treatment every 4 months, the more you have it done, the longer the results tend to last.

Will Botox® make me feel numb?

No, everything will feel just as it did before, you will not have any reduced sensation in the area you’ve had treated.  Some people have reported that their forehead feels “tight” and occasionally the brow may feel a little heavy, but these feelings are likely to reduce over the first 4-6 weeks following treatment.

How should I prepare for a Botox® treatment?

If you are concerned about bruising, or you tend to bruise easily avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Vitamins for 3 days before treatment. 

Abdominoplasty – 5 Essential Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Abdominoplasty Dubai | 12 June 2020

The abdominoplasty / tummy tuck procedure is one of the more intensive body contouring procedures, but it can transform your midsection to create a tight and toned look. Many women who have undergone multiple pregnancies get a tummy tuck in Dubai to restore their pre-pregnancy figure, but we also perform this type of surgery on weight loss patients that want to get rid of the extra skin that tends to stick around the midsection, as well as patients that have a protruding stomach due to a weakened or stretched abdominal wall. You must follow my post-op instructions carefully to ensure optimal results.

Here are five essential tummy tuck recovery tips:

1. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. You need your body to heal as quickly as possible after a body contouring procedure so it’s important that you eat plenty of nutritious foods. Eat protein-rich foods like salmon and chicken, and make sure to add some healthy fat to your diet so that your skin can recover and heal properly.

2. Start walking. You will be limited to walking for exercise after tummy tuck surgery so plan on heading outside for a 20 to 30-minute walk each day, or hitting the treadmill for a light walk. Walking is great for circulation and can support the recovery process after surgery.

3. Change your sleeping position. Sleeping in an inclined position will reduce pressure and stress on the abdominal area. Use large body pillows to support your body and help you maintain the right position while sleeping.

4. Wear recommended compression garments. You will experience a significant amount of swelling around the treated area for weeks after the procedure. I may recommend you wear a girdle or binder to support the healing process — even while you sleep. This can help manage some of the swelling and also help with skin re-draping after surgery.

5. Stay hydrated. You need to drink plenty of water before and after your procedure to help your body flush out toxins and also reduce the risk of complications. Get into a routine of drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and support your recovery.

I can provide you with more information about the recovery process during your abdominoplasty / tummy tuck consultation.  

A Beginner’s Guide To Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 12 June 2020

You have been thinking about getting a tummy tuck for a long time now, but you’re not sure where to start. Undergoing tummy tuck surgery is a major decision and you want to be sure that you’re making the right choice despite your dreams of having a flatter abdomen. No doubt, you’ve delved into the internet, combing through pages of before and after pictures – all the while searching endlessly for a midsection that resembles your own. You are not alone. Many of my patients do the same. To help, I have put together a short guide on which steps to follow, plus the best way to prepare for your surgery – all so that you can be closer to making an informed decision.

Find An Experienced Surgeon For Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

When considering a tummy tuck, the first rule of thumb is to locate a board certified plastic surgeon. As an experienced plastic surgeon I perform to the highest standards ensuring your safety. It’s also advised that you seek a plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks since this body contouring procedure requires finesse and an eye for detail. Finding a plastic surgeon who has performed numerous tummy tucks over a long span of time helps give you peace of mind, when it comes to getting you the results you desire. My expertise and experience enables me to not only explain to you what tummy tuck surgery entails, but also guide your expectations regarding results, so that they are in line with your personal goals.

Prepare your Body for your Tummy Tuck

Ensure that your tummy tuck is as successful as possible by preparing your body beforehand. I always remind my patients that a tummy tuck is not a weight reduction surgery, rather it addresses concerns caused by major weight fluctuation, including loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles. Thus, the best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are close to their ideal weight, non-smokers, and those who are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle both before and after their tummy tuck.

Let your Body Recover from your Tummy Tuck

After a tummy tuck, be aware that you will be sore and that your body will need to rest, recover, and heal. While this does not mean total immobility, you will be asked to stay off your feet and avoid any activities that strain the abdominal muscles. It is very helpful to have someone at home to help – especially for the first few days. Barring any strenuous exercise or activities, most of my patients are able to return to their normal routines within two to four weeks. I cannot stress enough that maintaining a slow and steady pace during your recovery will safeguard you from any major complications.

10 Advice Tips to Consider Before Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 8 June 2020

1 Make sure you have clear reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery and ensure these reasons have been made by you and you alone. Spend some time considering whether surgery is right for you.

2 Try to be certain it will improve your well being and quality of life and consider whether now is the right time

3 Ensure you receive a professional opinion to provide you with sound clinical advice. Your consultant plastic surgeon should be certified and highly experienced.

4 Find out about the surgeon’s clinical history. What are your surgeon’s results like? Do they publish corrective surgery statistics and collect patient satisfaction data?

5 Consultations are very helpful if you’re not sure of your options.

6 Ensure you feel at ease with your consultant. Are they courteous and professional? Do they understand your concerns and desired outcomes? Do they clearly explain your options? Do they take photographs with signed consent?

7 Research the procedure you intend to have thoroughly, ensuring you are aware of any possible complications. Your surgeon should not shy away from explaining the risks or complications of your procedure.

8 Be clear of your desired outcomes and ensure you understand what results you can expect.

9 If you are having implants, make sure you know how long they will last and if they will need to be replaced? Will there be any future costs?

10 It is important to have the support you need before surgery, but have you considered post-surgery? What aftercare will be provided and who should you contact if you are concerned?

TO LIFT OR NOT TO LIFT, THAT IS THE QUESTION

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 5 June 2020

For most of my patients, planning breast augmentation surgery is fairly straightforward. However, if you are older (over 40), have had multiple pregnancies, or have lost a significant amount of weight, you may need to plan for a breast lift as well.

If a patient has minimal breast sag and minimal excess (but good quality) skin, then implants alone can provide the lift needed without additional surgical lifting. This is particularly true when the implants are being placed below the muscle. If the patient has minimal sagging, then placing the implant under the breast will ensure perky, natural and firm results.

If the patient has poor skin quality, stretch marks, too much sagging skin, low-resting nipples, or there appears to be a disengagement between the skin, gland, and chest wall, then a lift is mandatory to achieve the best cosmetic outcome. While most women who fall into these categories are older, some young women do as well. If you have had multiple pregnancies, chances are high that the repeated expansion and contraction of the breast tissue has resulted in loose skin, stretch marks, and the loss of breast volume (especially in the upper portion of the breast). Women under 40 who have lost a significant amount of weight also frequently struggle with flat, drooping breasts. If you have battled obesity in the past, you will almost certainly need a breast lift along with implants.

Some surgeons avoid combining breast lift and augmentation surgery owing to the added complexity this represents, but in the long run, mastopexy augmentation tends to be less stressful and more cost-effective. Combining breast lift and breast augmentation into one single procedure is easier for the patient and more likely to result in a successful outcome.

FULL, NATURAL-LOOKING, BEAUTIFUL LIPS…

Fillers in Dubai | 1 June 2020

Lip Fillers, also known as Lip Augmentation or Lip Injections, are a popular treatment which addresses many lip concerns. 

Increases fullness of thin lips. 

Enhances lip definition

Creates a more defined smile

Give the mouth area a youthful, rejuvenated appearance

Dermal fillers are also effective for smoothing out ‘Lipstick Lines’ or ‘Smokers Lines’ around the mouth, as well as other troublesome areas on the face.

There are many reasons why people are unhappy with the shape and size of their lips. For some their lips have started to appear thinner and less defined as a result of the natural ageing process. For others their lips have always been narrow with a less pronounced cupid’s bow.  Make-up can create the illusion for fuller lips, however many lipsticks are prone to smudging, distorting and bleeding into the vertical lines known as ‘lipstick lines’ above the mouth. 

My lip fillers have been specifically developed to enhance the natural pattern of your lips, helping you achieve more defined, beautifully shaped, bigger lips. My semi-permanent fillers are a manmade, non-animal gel that mimics the body’s natural hyaluronic acid, giving safe, long-lasting and natural looking results. 

There are many lip fillers on the market that are substandard in terms of ingredients and quality. I only use the most advanced temporary lip filler range available. 

BENEFITS OF LIP FILLERS

Lip Fillers lend volume and definition to lips, producing a sensual, more pronounced pout.

Gives a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance

Can help turn the corners of the mouth upwards

The treatment is non-invasive with virtually no recovery time necessary; you can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.

Non-permanent and will naturally break down.

Suitable for Vegans

The treatment can be tailored to your needs providing a natural look.

Blepharoplasty – How Eyelid Surgery Works to Refresh Your Appearance

Blepharoplasty Dubai | 19 May 2020

The eyes have a dramatic impact on appearance and can let others know how we feel – whether we are happy, sad, angry, or tired. They are one of the first things we notice and they have a great deal to do with how others perceive us as they glance at our facial features. Eyes with excessive or sagging skin are frequently associated with a perception of old age (even when they occur in a young per-son) and tiredness. Unfortunately the eyes are often one of the first areas on the face to show telltale signs of aging. Over time, the eyelids may begin to droop and sag. Bags can form under the eyelids making it hard to feel alive and vibrant. The loose skin over your eyes and the fat bags under your eyes may be making you look more tired and older than you feel inside. Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an operation (actually, a set of operations) for your eyelids designed to maintain the appearance of your eyes. Surgery of the eyelids, blepharoplasty upper and lower, can correct sagging eyelids, remove fatty pouches beneath the eyes and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids. The result is a brighter, more alert, and rested appearance.

19 May 2020 | Blepharoplasty Dubai

Tummy Tuck – Extra Benefits of an Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty Dubai | 10 May 2020

A tummy tuck can be a transformative procedure for contouring the midsection by tightening weakened abdominal muscles and removing excess skin. However, many people are surprised to learn that when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck offers additional benefits not normally associated with the surgery. In addition to helping people change their shape after pregnancy or losing significant amounts or weight, a tummy tuck can also do the following:

Reduce Back Pain

When your core muscles are weak, your other muscles must compensate to help you keep your posture, and this compensation can lead to back pain. Additionally, strong core muscles stabilize and keep your pelvis and spine in a neutral position, which aids in a healthy back. Tummy tuck surgery tightens your abdominal muscles, which effectively strengthens your core, improves your posture, and can help to reduce back pain.

Reduce Urinary Incontinence

Countless women suffer from a weak bladder caused by childbirth or natural aging. If you leak when you sneeze, cough, jump, or laugh, your tummy tuck procedure can improve your bladder control. During the procedure, your surgeon can create a slight obstruction using the soft tissues that support the pelvic floor, bladder, and urethra. This causes tension and pressure along the path from the bladder to the urethra, preventing leakage.

Correct Ventral Hernias

A ventral hernia is a bulge of tissues that protrudes through an opening in your abdominal wall muscles. It can cause pain and complications with other organs, like the intestines, and pregnancy is a risk factor for developing these types of hernias. Women exploring abdominoplasty who also have a ventral hernia are often pleased to learn that a tummy tuck and hernia repair can be combined into one surgery, requiring just one recovery period. Additionally, by tightening the muscles, a tummy tuck also reduces the likelihood of hernia reoccurrence.

Increase Exercise Tolerance

Removing excess skin and strengthening the abdominal muscles can make exercise easier. Not only will the removal of excess skin make exercise physically less taxing, but it will also boost your confidence at the gym. Often when patients undergo a body contouring procedure such as a tummy tuck, they are more motivated to stick to an exercise regimen.

10 May 2020 | Abdominoplasty Dubai

Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles

Fillers in Dubai | 16 May 2020

Botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. When used appropriately, botulinum toxin is a great solution for reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the face. In particular, it is highly effective in the lip, forehead and eye areas. I always undertake a detailed medical consultation to assess your general health and requirements. After which, if it is deemed safe and appropriate then I can offer botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections as a treatment.

Procedure Preparation

In preparation for botulinum toxin treatment, or any injectable procedure, bruising can be minimized by discontinuing aspirin and any medication or dietary supplement that has anticoagulant effects two weeks before treatment.

Aftercare

Patients are advised to avoid lying supine following treatment for four hours. They are also advised to avoid massaging or applying heat to the treatment area, and to avoid activities that cause flushing (such as exercising heavily, consuming alcohol, and hot tub use) on the day of treatment. 

Results and Follow-Up

Partial reduction in function of the targeted glabellar complex muscles is seen by the third day after botulinum toxin injection, with maximal reduction visible two weeks after injection. Return of muscle function is gradual, typically three to four months after treatment. Subsequent treatment is advised when muscle contraction is visible in the treatment area before facial lines return to their pretreatment appearance. After multiple treatments, botulinum toxin effects may be prolonged and, for some patients, treatment intervals can be extended beyond three to four months.

What are botulinum toxin injections used for?

Botulinum toxin injections are most commonly used for:

Frown Lines  

Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)

Horizontal forehead lines

Nasal scrunch or squint lines

Lines on neck

Botulinum toxin is also used in small amounts in a number of other areas on the face depending on the way your muscles of facial expression work. It can raise the outer part of the eyebrow if it is sagging, lift the corners of the mouth, and help to smooth out dimpled or cobblestoned chins. Generally it is not used in the lines around the mouth, usually because it might be difficult to speak and eat. 

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is an injected liquid used to treat frown lines, squint and smile lines, nasal crunch lines, and horizontal forehead wrinkles. By relaxing the underlying muscles, these lines become less deep.

Botulinum toxin has been used to treat thousands of patients medically and cosmetically over 20 years. Botulinum toxin is produced in a lab by a bacterium called “Clostridium botulinum”. It has been purified under very strict controlled conditions. The Botox brand of botulinum toxin is made by Allergan, a company with a twenty-year history of making this product safely.

When injected into a small facial muscle, it doesn’t travel anywhere else in the body. It gradually wears off naturally over a 3-6 month period.  There are other forms of botulinum toxin now being produced by other companies. 

How long do the effects of botulinum toxin last?

Most patients find that the effects of botulinum toxin injections last approximately 3-6 month . Most of my patients come 3-4 times the first year and then 2-3 times a year after that. After the muscles have been relaxed for a while, it takes less to maintain that relaxation. But every patient is an individual, and there is no knowing exactly how you will respond.

How long does botulinum toxin take to work?

The effects are may be first noticed in 72 hours but it may take up to 7 days to maximize the effect. You may be asked to return after the first treatment so that I can assess your response. The first set of botulinum toxin injections may only give a partial response. This is common and complete relaxation may be noticed after the second or third treatment.

Do botulinum toxin injections hurt?

Botulinum toxin is injected with a very small needle (like an acupuncture needle), so it causes very little pain upon injection. Botulinum toxin does not cause irritation or inflammation. Occasionally, patients have noticed that there is a mild stinging sensation.

Are there any people who should not receive botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin injections should not be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers, or patients with neuromuscular diseases like myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), or motor neuropathy should not use botulinum toxin. Patients who are allergic to human albumin (different than an egg allergy) should not use botulinum toxin. It is not recommended in pregnancy or nursing because it has not been tested.

Are there any medical side effects?

Side effects include bruising, eyebrow or eyelid droops, and a temporary headache, and rare flu-like symptoms have been reported. Many of the side effects that are listed for botulinum toxin are seen when large amounts are injected for medical purposes as opposed to the small amounts used for cosmetic purposes. Very rare allergic reactions have been reported.

Cosmetic side effects of botulinum toxin?

We’ve all seen these – and with celebrities too frequently. Basically, these problems are due to either a inexpert injector or a patient who insists on this look despite all evidence that it looks bad! With an expert, experienced doctor or nurse injecting, these potential problems should be rare or nonexistent.

Does Botox interact with other drugs?

Very rarely. It is always important to let me know if you are taking other drugs.

16 May 2020 | Fillers in Dubai

error: Content is protected !!