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Blepharoplasty Dubai | 16 November 2019

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 tell-tale 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. 

WHAT IS AN EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

Blepharoplasty is an operation performed on the eyelids (upper, lower or both) which involves the removal of skin and soft tissue, resulting in a fresher more youthful appearance to the eyes and entire face.

The blepharoplasty procedure is done to reduce the heaviness around the eyes. This appearance can be associated with skin, fat, and muscle excess both to the upper and lower eyelids leaving patients with a tired appearance even though may feel well rested. Blepharoplasty is often done as an elective surgery for cosmetic reasons. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty seeks to improve puffy lower eyelid “bags” and reduce the wrinkling of skin.

Blepharoplasty is sometimes needed for functional reasons. When an advanced amount of upper eyelid skin is present, the skin may protrude over the eyelashes and causes a loss of peripheral vision. The outer and upper parts of the visual field are most commonly affected and the condition may cause difficulty with activities such as driving or reading. In this circumstance, upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed to improve peripheral vision.

HOW IS EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY PERFORMED?

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia with or without IV sedation. Because of the facial anatomy changes from one individual to another there is not one procedure that suits every individual. Each operation is customized to suit the individual’s anatomy and the desires of the individual. In general terms, the following principles apply to blepharoplasty surgery.

For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made in the natural skin fold. Excess skin is removed and a conservative amount of orbicularis muscle is removed. Although it is traditionally advocated to remove eyelid fat during the blepharoplasty procedure, I believe that in many cases the fat can be repositioned and contoured as opposed to completely removed. This more modern approach to blepharoplasty leaves the eyelids looking more youthful and avoids the hollowed sunken surgical look of years gone by.

For lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be internal or external. Through the incision on the inside of the eyelid (trans-conjunctival) fat tissue is removed as required. If excess skin removal is required this can often be accomplished by a well concealed incision placed laterally. The skin is closed with very fine sutures.

If the excess skin is enough I always prefer to approach the surgery with the external scar, which is placed very close to the eyelashes line, and will be extended sometimes in the lateral area of the eye. With this technique, you can address at the same time the extra skin and the fat bags, targeting also an excess of the orbicularis muscle and remove it.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Do you look tired even though you aren’t? Is the skin of your upper eyelid overhanging the normal lid crease and starting to impinge on the eyelashes? Are there bulges and bags where there shouldn’t be? Do your eyes appear smaller than they did in years past? If you have answered yes to any of these questions you might be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. 

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for an eyelid tuck is to book a consultation to make sure that you are a suitable candidate for surgery at the time of your consultation.  The ideal candidate for a blepharoplasty is someone who has developed noticeable pockets of fat in the lower lids, or excessive, redundant skin in the upper lids. Anyone with signs of aging in the upper or lower lids may benefit from blepharoplasty.  Blepharoplasty may be also be used to improve sight by removing excess skin out of the patient’s field of vision.

Eyelid blepharoplasty can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of your face, alleviating the appearance of tiredness and old age. Your eyes appear fresher and more youthful and these results may last for many years. The degree of improvement varies from patient to patient.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE CONSULTATION?

I will discuss the degree of change you would notice in your appearance. The procedure and its risks and limitations will be explained to you. Your medical history will be reviewed and then I will examine the skin and fat around your eyes. Your eye sight, peripheral vision and tear ducts might be checked if necessary.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?

The procedure general takes 60-90 minutes depending on whether upper or lower eyelids are done.

WHAT WILL I FEEL DURING THE PROCEDURE?

Initially you may feel a tight sensation around the eyes, with minor discomfort that lasts for a day or two. A mild pain reliever can be taken as needed. People who have had the procedure are often surprised at how painless eyelid surgery can be.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?

You will be given an instruction sheet to take home with you, which will outline the steps you should take to care for your eyelids after surgery. The first evening after surgery, you should rest quietly with you head elevated. Cold compresses are to be used as per the instruction sheet provided. 

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD LIKE?

At first the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you will start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Stitches will be removed after 7 days.

The scars are usually minimally visible even if sometimes an extension in the lateral part of the eye is needed and this scar can remain more visible than the others.

Bruising typically disappears within 7-10 days. After the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration. Your vision might be blurry for a few days. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You need to avoid wearing contact lenses for the first week. You might also consider wearing dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. The eyes may tire easily for several weeks.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY LAST?

Following blepharoplasty surgery the face will have a more youthful appearance and in many cases the eyelids feel less heavy. The results generally last 10 to 15 years and the surgery usually does not need to be repeated.

HOW PRECISE IS THE RESULT?

There is no such thing as a perfect operations and no surgeon is perfect. No individual has perfect pre-existing anatomy and no skin wound heals without some degree of scarring. A mild degree of asymmetry between eyelids is the rule, rather than the exception. A realistic expectation from the surgery would be an 80% improvement in the upper eyelid appearance and a 70% improvement in the lower eyelid appearance.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 14 November 2019

Cosmetic PRP Therapy Treatment is an effective treatment for several conditions and has been successfully used to improve skin and hair conditions. I provide the following PRP treatments:  PRP hair regeneration and PRP skin rejuvenation. PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is not for everyone. Certain medical conditions and use of certain medications may make your platelets less effective.

WHAT IS PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is obtained from your blood and injected into your tissue wherever tissue regeneration is needed. Over the last decade, autologous PRP has been successfully and extensively used in sports medicine to regenerate tendon injuries, muscle injuries, worn out cartilage in aging joints; in general surgery to promote faster healing of  large surgical scars and in the field of cosmetic and anti-aging medicine for skin rejuvenation and hair regeneration.

Autologous PRP provides a safe and very effective regenerative treatment option but unfortunately not everyone is a candidate for PRP cosmetic regenerative treatments. Below are some of the absolute and relative contraindications to PRP treatments:

Absolute Contraindications to PRP Regenerative Therapy:

– Platelet dysfunction syndrome

– Critical thrombocytopenia – very low platelet count

– Hemodynamic instability – very low blood pressure

– Septicemia or local infection to injection site

Relative Contraindications to PRP Regenerative Therapy

– Aspirin and other NSAIDs use within one week of the PRP therapy.

– Corticosteroid injection at treatment site (1 month)

– Systemic use of corticosteroids (2 weeks)

– Cancers (hematopoetic-blood or bone)

– HGB < 10g/dl or platelet count < 105/ul

I do not want you to stop taking your aspirin or blood thinner medication if you are taking these medications for heart condition and for stroke prevention. If you are taking any of the medications for a serious medical illness, you will need to pause the medications under your physician’s care and obtain a medical clearance letter before your PRP therapy.

Cosmetic PRP Therapy Treatment harnesses the healing ability of your blood to regenerate healthy new tissue in the treatment area for natural improvement of common skin concerns and thinning hair.

CLINICAL RESEARCH ON PRP TREATMENT EFFICACY FOR SKIN AND THINNING HAIR

Platelet Rich Plasma is obtained by processing your blood in a centrifuge to get a concentrated mixture of your platelets. Platelets are small cells in your blood that are responsible for your body’s healing response to injury. Upon any injury, your platelets release a minimum of eight growth factors which initiate a cascade of events leading to regeneration of healthy tissue to repair the injured area. High-quality PRP leads to the appropriate growth factor release which results in healthy tissue regeneration for rejuvenated skin and thicker hair when injected in these sites.

PRP THERAPY FOR SKIN

Cosmetic regenerative PRP therapy provides growth factors from your own blood to optimize your wound healing and is used for several non-surgical cosmetic skin treatments to enhance the results of your cosmetic skin treatment. I love the natural results from regenerative PRP skin treatments for improvement of several common cosmetic skin problems such as; skin aging,  acne and other scars, stretch marks, melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders. I often combine your PRP with different types of skin treatments specific to your needs to help you achieve your personal best for your skin needs. 

PRP SKIN SURFACE REJUVENATION AND PHOTODAMAGE REPAIR

PRP injection into the dermis (middle layer of skin) and application of PRP topically with Micropen microneedling skin treatment may improve skin surface aging, fine lines, pigmentation, texture and skin tone.  

PRP SKIN TIGHTENING AND PRP DEEP WRINKLE REDUCTION

To address the signs of deeper skin aging such loss of skin elasticity, deep wrinkles and folds, which present as jowls, sagging of the eyelids, sagging of the skin below the chin, deep nasolabial folds and so forth, I recommend a deeper skin tightening and collagen building treatment. The injection of PRP into the dermis and application of PRP topically with the MFR skin treatment can improve skin tightness, build collagen to lessen the appearance of deep wrinkles, deep folds, jowls, tighten the neck skin and lift the eyelids.

PRP WITH DERMAL FILLERS FOR VOLUME ENHANCEMENT

For areas with mild to moderate volume loss below the skin such as the age-related thinning of the back of hands, deep under-eye circles and loss of facial volume, PRP injections below the dermis can be combined with a dermal filler for volume replenishment. The advantage of PRP is that the regenerative response of your body leads to an improvement in the skin texture, firmness and tightness with healthy new tissue along with the volume that is replenished with the dermal filler. I see this effect most noticeable in the under eye area.

PRP STRETCH MARK TREATMENT

Stretch marks are common in women and men of all ages. Stretch marks can present on many areas of the body such as tummy, thighs, buttocks etc due to a rapid increase in size such as rapid growth during puberty, increase in size during pregnancy and with a sizable weight gain. Stretch marks are like dermal scars in many ways and can be reduced in the same way as dermal scars. best treatment results are achieved with early intervention. For most individuals with stretch marks, I recommend a series of 3-5 treatments with PRP injection and PRP topical application with one or two of the microneedling sessions. 

HOW IS THE REGENERATIVE PRP SKIN THERAPY DONE?

Treatment with PRP can be completed in less than 30 minutes. When you arrive, a small vial of blood is drawn, similar to the volume required for routine blood work. The blood is then spin in a centrifuge to separate the growth factors, and platelets from the rest of the blood. Once this unique mixture is obtained, it can be injected directly into the targeted areas or applied through micro needling.

Before your Cosmetic PRP Therapy,  you will have a thorough consultation where I will evaluate your medical history for appropriateness of the cosmetic PRP treatments and discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment.

PRP HAIR LOSS THERAPY 

PRP hair loss therapy is an effective treatment option for increasing hair density in individuals with certain types of hair loss disorders*

PRP hair loss therapy alone is effective in improving hair density and quality when injected into the scalp of men and women with early and mild androgenic alopecia and with telogen effluvium (after correcting the triggers of telogen effluvium). PRP hair loss therapy is effective in increasing hair density and hair quality in individuals with more advanced androgenic alopecia and androgenic alopecia lasting longer than 5 years. PRP hair loss therapy alone does not lead to hair regeneration in individuals with advanced hair loss with scarring and those with complete loss of hair follicles.

*Individual results vary with genetic, hormonal, environmental and other influences

Abdominoplasty Dubai | 8 November 2019

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen (tummy) and to tighten your abdominal muscles. The results of a tummy tuck can be long lasting. You can help this by keeping to a healthy weight after your surgery.

There are lots of reasons why people have this type of surgery, including having weaker abdominal muscles after pregnancy or having previously lost a lot of weight.

You should always meet the surgeon carrying out your procedure to discuss your care. It may differ from what’s described here as it will be designed to meet your individual needs.

PREPARING FOR A TUMMY TUCK 

I will always explain how to prepare for your operation. For example, if you smoke you will be asked to stop up to eight weeks before your surgery. Smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can significantly slow your recovery. Coughing from a chest infection will make recovery much more painful. Smoking also reduces the amount of blood that reaches your skin, which means your wounds may heal more slowly.

I may also advise you to:

– lose excess weight – you should be as close to the ideal weight for your height as possible before your operation

– stop taking the contraceptive pill four to six weeks before your operation, to reduce the chances of a blood clot (thrombosis) – make sure you use an alternative method of contraception

You have tummy tuck surgery under a general anaesthetic. This means you’ll be asleep during the operation. Before a general anaesthetic, you are normally asked not to eat or drink for six hours beforehand. I will give you specific advice on what you may or may not eat or drink and for how long before the operation.

i will make sure you understand what will happen before, during and after your operation. They’ll also explain what to expect when you wake up and what level of discomfort or pain you might have. This is your opportunity to ask any remaining questions you have about the risks, benefits and alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the operation to go ahead. 

I may ask you to wear compression stockings from the time of your operation until you are fully up and about again. This helps to prevent blood clots forming in the veins in your legs.

Tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure requiring some preparation to help ensure a safe and smooth surgery and recovery. I can offer a list of do’s and don’ts to be followed as part of preparation. I am an experienced plastic surgeon providing tummy tuck and other procedures to patients in Dubai and surrounding locations.

Do’s

Create a Strong Support System around Yourself 

When you undergo tummy tuck surgery, chances are that you may experience severe emotional ups and downs or mood swings. These emotions can range from a feeling of depression to elation. You should enlist the support of close family and friends who can devote some time and effort to take care of you.

Stay Committed to the Healing Process

Tummy tuck procedure will involve at least one to two weeks of downtime, depending on the surgical technique. It will take another several weeks for the swelling to subside completely and for the patient to feel completely “normal” again. Patience, focus, and follow-ups are essential through this journey for a sound and sustainable recovery.

Get Involved in Healthy Relaxation Activities

Read books and magazines, surf the Internet, watch movies at home and perform mild household activities in the first two weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Do not return to work too early, and maintain a relaxed schedule for a few days.

Maintain Close Communication with the Surgeon 

Prior to the tummy tuck surgery, you should share all relevant health information, habits and other concerns frankly with me. After the procedure, if you experience any abnormal pain or other signs, or have any doubts, do not hesitate to speak with me.

Eat a Healthy, Protein-rich Diet

Prior to abdominoplasty, start taking a high protein diet about two to four weeks in advance. Continue this diet even after the surgery for a few weeks under the guidance of a nutritionist. Make sure you are not constipated and avoid any crash dieting.

Don’ts

Use Any Form of Tobacco

If you consume tobacco in any form, stop using it at least four to six weeks before and after the tummy tuck surgery. Smoking and other forms of tobacco will create poor healing, and may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Avoid Rapid Weight Loss

If you have been trying to lose weight through special crash diet formulas, weight loss drugs or other means, you will have to stop it several weeks prior to the surgery. Maintain a stable, healthy body weight as far as possible before tummy tuck surgery.

Don’t Use Herbal Meds and Aspirin

Stop the use of any blood thinners such as aspirin or motrin at least two weeks before tummy tuck surgery. If you are taking herbal medications, vitamin E supplements, or certain prescription drugs, they may have to be stopped as well.

Be Regular on Your Bowel Regimen

Eat plenty of fibrous foods and natural fruit and veggies, exercise daily, and stay regular on your bowel regimen prior to the tummy tuck surgery. In case you get constipated following the surgery from medications and the anesthetic, you can tolerate it for a while until your mobility improves.

Arrange for Transportation and Aftercare

Arrange in advance for someone to drive you back home after the tummy tuck procedure, and if needed, hire some help for a few days during post-operative recovery. 

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 5 November 2019

Are you looking for a hair loss solution? A therapy that promotes healing in injured joints may help restore your lost hair.  

Millions of men and women have male- or female-pattern baldness. It can begin early in life, but is much more common after the age of 50, when more than 50 percent of men will experience some kind of hair loss.   However, an emerging treatment — platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — appears to help regrow lost hair. And, there are virtually no side effects from PRP, except for a mild feeling of pressure at the injection site.

HOW DOES PRP THERAPY WORK? 

Physicians began using PRP therapy about a decade ago to speed up the healing process in damaged joints after injury or surgery. During the treatment, a technician draws your blood and spins it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and plasma. Doctors then inject the plasma, which helps repair blood vessels, promote cell growth and wound healing, and stimulate collagen production.

Doctors began using PRP in dermatology after researchers found that high concentrations of platelets in plasma cells help promote hair growth by prolonging the growing phase of the hair cycle. Doctors inject plasma into the scalp where hair loss has occurred. They typically administer injections monthly for three months, then spread them out over about three or four months for up to two years. The injection schedule will depend on your genetics, pattern and amount of hair loss, age and hormones.  

HOW DOES PRP THERAPY COMPARE WITH OTHER OPTIONS? 

Other treatments for hair loss currently on the market are often more problematic for many patients.  There are two medications for treating hair loss: finasteride and minoxidil. But you must take these drugs consistently over time and results are inconsistent. Each drug also sometimes has side effects: 

• Minoxidil may cause dryness and itching on the scalp.

• Finasteride may cause sexual dysfunction in men.

RESEARCHERS SEE PROMISING RESULTS 

Recent research bears out the potential of PRP therapy.  In a 2014 study, researchers looked at men with male-pattern baldness who used both approved medications, but saw little change in their hair growth.   After four PRP treatments, they had about 30 percent more growth in thinning areas.  A 2017 study out of Italy also found male patients had increased hair and density in areas where doctors used PRP therapy.

It takes about three months to see an improvement. After that time, most  patients – both male and female – have regrown 30 to 40 percent of the hair they’ve lost.  

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PRP THERAPY? 

Part of the success of PRP comes from selecting the right patients for therapy, PRP is safe and effective for many people. However, you should not have PRP therapy if you fall into either of these groups: 

• If you have an underlying disorder such as thyroid disease or lupus, you aren’t likely to have good results because these conditions will continue to cause hair loss over time.

• If you are on blood thinners, your platelets won’t work as effectively and the procedure is not as effective.

PRP therapy works better if your hair loss is recent. It is more challenging to “wake up” hair follicles that have been dormant for a long time.

Blepharoplasty Dubai | 3 November 2019

Whether you are looking to correct vision problems, reverse the effects of ageing or simply for cosmetic reasons, there are a wide-range of benefits of eyelid surgery.

WHY UNDERGO EYELID SURGERY?

 Appear Younger

Unfortunately, the ageing process is something that occurs in everyone, no matter how well a person may take care of themselves. Some people may experience unwanted signs of ageing as early as their 20s, while others are lucky enough to notice them many years down the line. Nevertheless, it is a natural and unavoidable occurrence.

The eyes are one of the first and most visible areas to demonstrate ageing since the collagen in the delicate skin surrounding the eyes begins to weaken earlier on and more severely than in most other areas. That being said, one of the key aims of eyelid surgery, in particular blepharoplasty, is to remove any excess skin around the eyes which causes them to appear tired, baggy and aged. After undergoing such a procedure, most patients are pleased with how much younger and more refreshed they look.

This is because the eye is constantly moving, causing loss of volume, added wrinkles, drooping and excess skin. Blepharoplasty removes that excess tissue, skin and fat in order to leave a more youthful appearance.

Look less tired

During initial consultations, many patients complain of constantly looking like they have not slept a wink in a long while, even if they always get a solid eight hours, or appearing stressed when they are not. Surgical removal of the excess eyelid skin and fat will mean a look that appears less tired since this excess skin is what contributes to under-eye bags and puffiness as we begin to age.

Patients may also choose to undergo other procedures, such as brow lift, which has a similar effect in that it aims to reduce the number of wrinkles, lines or creases present on the forehead. These are normally carried out together in order to shorten the recovery process.

Remove dark circles

There are three main causes of dark under-eye circles; the loss of volume in the tissue under the eyes, excess eyelid fat which can cause ‘bulging’, and the reduction of the pigmented eyelid skin, causing darkness beneath the eyes. The correct surgical procedures can help with these issues by removing any excess skin, sculpting and redistributing the fat, and replacing lost volume.

Improve vision

While eyelid surgery is most commonly used for cosmetic motives, there are frequent cases in which it is performed for health reasons. For many patients, the upper eyelid skin may droop down into their field of vision, causing sight problems, which blepharoplasty is able to fix.

Moreover, some patients may suffer from ptosis, or droopy eyelid, which is a physical condition causing the eyelids to droop lower than normal, often impairing vision. Again, a surgical procedure can be performed to correct vision problems, whilst also resulting in a younger, more refreshed appearance. Here, the upper lid is lifted and excess skin and tissue is removed in order to expand the line of sight. Many patients have found that there is a much greater level of comfort in their forehead and eyebrow area after the procedure, as they no longer have to make the effort to raise their eyelids to be able to see clearly.

Another eye condition which can be treated with eyelid surgery is that of dry eye syndrome. This is where the eyes are not able to produce enough tears, or the tears produced are evaporating too fast. However, surgery will only be carried out where dry eye is severe and other treatment methods have failed to help.

Receive a confidence boost

The eyes are a central aesthetic feature and are often the first thing somebody notices about you, which is why feeling content with the way they look is key to positive self-esteem. As such, the physical improvements resulting from cosmetic eyelid surgery and other combined procedures are immeasurable and will certainly help patients feel happier and more confident in their own skin.

Are you a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery?

Remember that Dr. Vigo will always provide an honest opinion regarding the type of surgery a patient has come in to enquire about. This means that it is not uncommon for some patients to be advised against a certain type of surgery. In any case, Dr. Vigo will go through each procedure thoroughly so that patients can make an informed decision about which type of surgery is right for them. Sometimes, non-surgical procedures, such as tear trough fillers might be are a more appropriate course of action.

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic facial procedures, carried out to improve the appearance of the eye area. Most people seek blepharoplasty surgery to make their eyes appear less tired or to improve their symmetry. Knowing what to expect after the procedure is important and can make the process less overwhelming.

BLEPHAROPLASTY RECOVERY

Post-surgery

It might seem a little scary, but once you wake up from your blepharoplasty surgery, the first thing you will notice is that your vision is blurry. This is nothing to worry about and does not mean the surgery has been unsuccessful, but rather because of a thick antibiotic ointment which is applied to the eye area to stop the surface area from becoming dry. This should be used for one week post-surgery, four times a day, on the inside of the eye and the wounds.

To prevent the eye from becoming dry, artificial tear drops are prescribed. For 24-48 hours after the surgery, ice packs should be used and patients should also sleep in a sitting up position, using several pillows to reduce the swelling by preventing fluid from accumulating.

Absolutely avoid any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercising for at least 7 days into the blepharoplasty recovery period. However, patients need to be mobile right away, so we recommend walking at a gentle pace to begin with.

For the first couple of weeks it is recommended that dark sunglasses be worn to protect the eyes from becoming irritated by wind or sun. We also suggest taking regular naps as the eyes can become tired easily during the recovery period.

Is there any bruising?

Moderate swelling and bruising is very normal, though the severity of it will differ significantly from person to person. This should decrease within just 1-2 weeks if you have had an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, whereas an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty takes 2-4 weeks. 

After this time it is generally not at all noticeable that surgery has recently taken place. In a few patients, this swelling and bruising can last for a longer period of time.

Bandages are not normally necessary during the blepharoplasty recovery period, though dressings tend to be placed over the eyes to reduce swelling after the procedure.

Will I be in pain?

This is not a painful procedure and blepharoplasty recovery is relatively easy. Any pain following surgery will usually be slight and can be managed with the appropriate painkillers. These should be distributed to you after the procedure. Most patients will also be able to get up and walk around as normal on the same evening, or the morning after the surgery.

Abdominoplasty Dubai | 1 November 2019

After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke.

Anatomy of the abdomen

The abdominal wall consists of skin, fat, and muscle. The rectus abdominis muscles, which form the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen, are covered by a firm sheath called the rectus fascia. This fascial layer frequently weakens and stretches out with pregnancy and weight gain. As a result, once a patient loses weight or has her children, she may be left with laxity of the abdominal wall. During surgery , the fascial layer over the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed.

Surgery steps

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior c-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel through a second incision. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques.

Additional procedures

Liposuction is sometimes performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery to contour the flanks. Some patients wish to undergo simultaneous breast surgery to lift, add volume, or both. The combination of tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation or lift surgery is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” procedure.

Additional procedures incur additional operating time, anesthesia, and surgical risks.

Surgery and anesthesia

The surgery lasts 1 1/2 –2 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery. Prior to surgery you will be required to obtain medical photographs, routine bloodwork, and in some cases preoperative clearance. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will need to have a responsible adult available to escort you home after surgery.

Recovery

Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery area. Once you are fully alert, you will be transported to the stepdown area where you will be given something to eat prior to discharge. You will have two drains and a surgical garment placed at the conclusion of the procedure. The nurses in the recovery area will demonstrate how to empty and record the output from your drains. A responsible adult will need to be available to escort you home.

Patients are seen in the office one week following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be placed into a surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own.

Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until six weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery, although it will never completely disappear.

What a tummy tuck cannot do

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. If you have ongoing weight loss, or are planning to become pregnant, you should delay your surgery. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, but it will remove the skin beneath the umbilicus. Stretch marks above this level some- times appear lighter after surgery, but they will not disappear.

Dr. Matteo Vigo is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is the world’s leading professional body for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons.

See Dr. Vigo’s Abdominoplasty Dubai page.

Abdominoplasty Dubai | Dr Matteo Vigo

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Watch Dr. Vigo explaining the tummy tuck procedure here.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 30 October 2019

Renuvion J-Plasma body contouring and skin tightening is an innovative minimally invasive treatment that tightens as well as contours saggy skin in almost any area of the body. It can offer particularly desirable results as a non-surgical neck lift procedure.

A special device delivering helium plasma energy via small incisions to the undersurface of the skin in the neck region helps achieve a tauter and more contoured neck appearance.

Renuvion J-Plasma can be performed as a stand-alone procedure. However, it is frequently performed along with liposuction cosmetic surgery. While liposuction eliminates fat below the chin and around the neck, J-Plasma tightens the skin. This provides remarkable improvements to the neck contours without traditional neck lift surgery.

Renuvion J-Plasma Procedure

The same local tumescent anesthesia used for liposuction is also administered in the neck area to perform J-Plasma neck lift. The surgeon will place small incisions in the treatment area. If the patient is undergoing liposuction along with J-Plasma, the surgeon will perform the liposuction first.

They will then use the same incisions to insert a unique device to deliver helium plasma energy to the skin’s under-surface to tighten and contour it in a precise way. The helium energy immediately tightens the skin and encourages the production of new collagen in the treated skin facilitating improvement which will continue for several months after the procedure.  

What Is Helium Plasma Energy?

In the normal state, helium is an inert, non-reactive gas. But when it is ionized with radiofrequency energy, it becomes reactive.

This is a state that scientist call “plasma.” On contact, helium plasma tightens the skin’s undersurface immediately and to such a degree that is incomparable to other available technologies such as radiofrequency, ultrasound or lasers.

Besides, helium plasma is significantly cooler than laser energy. This makes it much less potentially harmful. Now, there is an FDA-approved device available that can deliver helium plasma in a completely safe and effective manner for skin tightening in almost any area of the body such as torso, neck, abdomen, arms, thighs, back, etc.

Results with Renuvion J-Plasma Neck Lift

Both body contouring and skin tightening procedures offer visible outcomes within 1 to 2 weeks, as soon as the inflammation subsides. There is often considerable improvement in the appearance of the neck within one month of the procedure. The helium energy prompts the production of collagen over the next 3 to 6 months following the procedure enabling the neck to appear tauter and more youthful.

Recovery

The patient may experience mild inflammation and light bruising following this procedure. This typically resolves in 7 to 14 days. Even if this procedure is done along with liposuction, there is no additional recovery time than if the patient had received liposuction alone.

The surgeon may recommend recipients of J-Plasma procedure to wear the same post-op garments as liposuction patients. Similar to liposuction recovery, patients can resume light activities and short walks at home within 2 to 3 days.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 28 October 2019

The safety and quality of the breast implants available today have encouraged many women to decide actively on their breast appearance. Women want to feel confident about their appearance, which usually includes a desire for perkier and more youthful looking breasts. A patient may seek to enhance the shape and look of her breasts, but how can she get dramatic outcomes that still look natural? A number of factors will go into determining natural looking results with breast implant plastic surgery.

Choose the Right Cosmetic Surgeon

Many surgeons are performing plastic surgeries today. Unfortunately, not all of these surgeons are well-qualified in matching the right implant size and type with a specific patient’s body shape and frame. The most important factor that affects the outcomes of the breast enlargement procedure is the choice of the cosmetic surgeon.

The plastic surgeon should be skilled and capable of employing a wide range of surgical techniques and procedures to offer the patient the most natural breast appearance possible with minimal scarring. The patient may not be able to achieve the natural outcomes she seeks if the surgeon follows a cookie-cutter approach and relies on specific favorite techniques only. 

Choose the Right Implant Type

The patient’s choice of an implant, as well as the implant placement technique, will determine the appearance, tautness, and firmness of the breast augmentation plastic surgery results. Before choosing saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants, the patient should discuss her desired outcomes with the plastic surgeon.

The shape of the implant, round or teardrop, also impacts the appearance of the breasts after the enhancement procedure. The surgeon should recommend the best implant shape according to the patient’s body type to accomplish natural outcomes.

While people mistakenly believe that round implants always create a round breast shape and teardrop implants create a natural breast shape, this is not necessarily true. In choosing the correct implant shape, other physical attributes also play a vital role.

Choose the Right Implant Size

The choice of the correct sized breast implant is a crucial factor in achieving natural looking results. The patient may seek to attain a specific cup size. However, cup sizes are subjective. It is essential to focus on the implant size that will offer the patient the natural results she seeks.

In reality, there is only one right size for a specific patient. A well-proportioned look requires the placement of implants that are neither too big nor too small in relation to the body.

Implants that are too big will make the breasts appear artificial and round. If the implants are too small, the breasts will look loose and empty on the top. The most beautiful outcomes from breast implant surgery are a result of accurate measurements. The surgeon will help the patient visualize how different sized implants will appear on the patient.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 26 October 2019

Liposuction fat reduction procedure currently ranks as the second most popular plastic surgery. For more than 30 years, patients suffering from stubborn fat pockets in certain areas have benefited from liposuction to achieve sculpted contours. But one of the downsides with liposuction is that some patients may have significant tissue laxity in the treated sites, which will create saggy or loose skin after fat elimination.

Now with the introduction of J Plasma skin tightening technique, a surgeon can overcome this limitation and create attractive contours with smooth and tight skin by combining liposuction with J Plasma.

Less Invasive Procedure with Targeted Results

One of the foremost surgical techniques to perform fat reduction today is tumescent liposuction. The plastic surgery procedure is less invasive and avoids the need for general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will create small incisions in the affected sites through which a slim cannula will be introduced into the deeper tissue to eliminate excess fat deposits.

Small incisions will ensure that the recovery is faster and scarring, if any, is minimal. If the patient suffers from significant tissue laxity due to excess fat pockets, liposuction alone can end up creating uneven results with saggy and loose skin. To overcome this hurdle, your surgeon will utilize the power of J Plasma along with tumescent liposuction.

J Plasma energy will allow the surgeon to produce targeted tightening under the skin (sub-dermal contraction). As the tissue contracts and the fat deposits are eliminated, it will reveal slimmer as well as tighter skin in the treated areas. The patient can have noticeable, natural looking, and sustainable body contouring results with this combined procedure.

Efficient In-Clinic Procedure

The surgeon will use lidocaine or another local anaesthetic to numb the affected sites. Most patients will stay awake throughout the surgery, but may be given a calming medication prior to the procedure. Through the small incisions, the surgeon will insert the thin cannula into the targeted tissue areas to dislodge unwanted fat cells.

Once the fats are sufficiently loosened up, the surgeon will suction them out with the help of a syringe or pump attached to the outer end of the cannula. The fat removal treatment will be performed quickly, and will be followed by the introduction of J Plasma through the cannula. Cold plasma will help to tighten the tissue from within in the areas where the fat has just been reduced with liposuction. The J Plasma procedure will help to create tighter, smoother skin, and eliminate tissue laxity. The complete procedure, including liposuction and J Plasma, may take about one to two hours. The patient can usually return home the same day.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 24 October 2019

Even full, voluptuous lips can lose some of their volume due to the process of aging. Lip augmentation cosmetic surgery can help create a more youthful facial appearance and offer enhanced confidence to patients who have experienced a loss of fullness in their lips.

Treatment options such as lip augmentation filler injections, lip implant plastic surgery, and fat transfer are available to patients seeking lip enhancement.

Sustainability of Outcomes with Lip Augmentation Dermal Fillers

Over the years, there have been significant advancements in lip dermal filler injections. But these solutions do not offer permanent results. Lip filler longevity depends on the type of filler used and the body’s response to it.

Lip fillers, for example, will last longer in younger individuals due to adequate collagen and hyaluronic acid production to support and enhance the outcomes. On the other hand, older adults will need routine treatments such as Restylane. Some of the commonly used filler injectables are:

Juvederm

For lip augmentation, Juvederm is used mainly to fill wrinkles around the mouth. The Juvederm gel is hypoallergenic. It creates instant fullness in the treated site. The results are natural looking and can last up to one year.

Restylane

Restylane comprises hyaluronic acid (HA). This dermal filler provides fullness and a natural brightness to the tissue. The outcomes last between six and 12 months. After that, the body absorbs the HA through its natural processes.

Perlane

HA is also the primary ingredient in Perlane. This helps Perlane outcomes appear natural and sustain for an extended period. The outcomes of this dermal filler can sustain between six months to one year.

Collagen

The patient will have to undergo an allergy test before receiving collagen-based lip fillers as animal-based fillers can lead to an allergic reaction. Human collagen-based injections are also available. The outcomes sustain for approximately three months in both cases.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer for lip augmentation involves the removal of fat from one area of the body and its use for lip enhancement. The fat does not create an allergic response as it comes from the patient’s own body. The results last for between three to six months. After that, the patient may require a touch-up procedure.

In general, dermal fillers can sustain in the lips for between three months to a year depending on the type of filler administered.