The basics of dermal fillers
Fillers in Dubai | 5 March 2019
Today both injectables and fillers are commonplace treatments to eliminate facial wrinkles. However, unlike injectables which temporarily paralyse active muscle, fillers are used to plump the problem area to lift and soften the appearance wrinkles. Injectable fillers can be used to plump the lips, enhance hollow areas of the face, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of settled scars. Fillers are a great option for those with these aesthetic issues, but do not want to undergo an invasive surgery.
Ideal candidates for fillers are in general good health, do not smoke, and are realistic about the outcome of their procedure. It is important that patients understand what fillers can and cannot do for them so they are fully aware of the results. For example, fillers cannot achieve the same results as a facelift or a forehead lift. There are many different fillers available on the market today including Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero, Bellafill and Radiesse.
Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Voluma and Belotero are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Radiesse is not a HA filler, but is meant for the body to create volume through the use of the body’s own inflammatory process. Bellafill is a permanent filler. Because injectable fillers are minimally invasive, there is no scarring involved with treatment.
I also offer fat grafting injections as an option at my practice. For this technique, a patient’s own fat can be harvested from another location on their body to be used as a natural filler. If a patient has a substantial amount of fat on another remote location of the body, it can be liposuctioned to be harvested. Of course, this creates a secondary surgery site which may be associated with additional complications or scarring. It is best to determine during a consultation if this option is right for you.
When a patient desires a filler injection treatment, I will first evaluate the patient’s facial structure and skin tone to get a better feel for where the filler should be placed. I will then inject the filler into the designated areas. Most patients tolerate the injections well, though some do ask for a topical numbing cream to be applied beforehand. The entire injection process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas that need treatment.
After treatment, I recommend that patients use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that may occur. There is typically no downtime required after being treated with injectable fillers. With most treatments, the results are immediate, however, how long it lasts depends on the type of filler being used.
The elements of a tummy tuck
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 2 March 2019
When it comes to a tummy tuck, I frequently explain to patients that the procedure is not a single surgical step, but rather a series of elements that can be combined to create customized results.
Whereas liposuction focuses solely on removing unwanted fat cells from the body – such as those that create a noticeable bulge at the belly – a tummy tuck is intended to create sleeker contours by addressing any number of conditions that keep the abdomen from looking toned.
Excess fat
Of course, stubborn pockets of fat are an obvious culprit when it comes to a larger waistline. While liposuction is frequently performed as a standalone procedure, it can also be used as part of a tummy tuck to help flatten the area. For this element, just about everything is handled as it would be for a solo lipo procedure: Fat is loosened and suctioned out via a cannula. The difference is that while liposuction requires small incisions that are later sutured closed, the incision made for a tummy tuck allows the surgeon access.
Excess skin
While extra fat causes bulges, extra skin creates a sagging pouch that can hide even well-defined abdominal muscles that sit beneath. The amount of excess tissue can range from a little to a lot (sometimes referred to as an “apron”). For a tummy tuck, the surgeon essentially re-drapes the abdominal skin so that it sits flat and tight, then trims away the excess. The incision and subsequent sutures for this element are typically hidden lower on the torso, where they can be covered by a swimsuit bottom or underwear.
Lax muscles
Over time, belly muscles and their covering fascia can become loose. Whereas firm fascia holds everything in place – something like interlaced fingers keeping a water balloon from bulging outward – lax fascia allow the contents behind to bulge outward. Abdominal muscles can separate, giving the entire midsection a flabby look. During a tummy tuck, a surgeon can, if necessary, stitch these muscles and fascia back together to make everything tight and toned. In some cases, as with a mini-tummy tuck, this may be the primary element of the procedure. It is often chosen by moms who have a small bulge that sits below the belly button.
Belly button placement
Depending on the tummy tuck details, the surgeon may need to “relocate” the belly button, which involves creating a hole in the newly taut abdominal skin so the navel appears where it should to remain proportional with the rest of the body. This is called “umbilical translocation.” Following this, the body can be further contoured to encourage an hourglass shape by creating an “internal corset.” I have performed measurements that show narrowing of the waist and improvement of the waistline due to work at this stage.
When all of the steps are completed, the incision will be closed with either a special glue or absorbable sutures, such that the patient can take a shower the next day and there is no need to remove the sutures. Lasers can be used post-operatively to hasten the healing of scars. Also, use of Exparel injections numb the abdomen for three days, which can minimize pain for patients.
Since every patient has a unique body shape and size, as well as personal goals for an ultimate look, each tummy tuck is its own procedure. While there are commonalities between all such surgeries, no two will be exactly alike.
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The best lip enhancement treatment for you
Fillers in Dubai | 28 February 2019
Whether you have a “gummy” smile, wrinkles above your lips, downturned corners of your mouth or just want a luscious pout, there is an option to enhance your lips.
The most direct way to shape your lips and give them the pout, thickness and size that you want is by placing dermal fillers directly into the lips. These fillers usually last anywhere from 4-10 months. There is definitely a trend towards using other types of dermal filler “off-label” to achieve more structure, shaping and longer-lasting properties. Using hyaluronic acid fillers with different types of crosslinking will allow your lip results to last a little longer, typically 6-12 months. A longer lasting option is fat grafting to your lips. By obtaining fat through liposuction, filtering and processing the fat, then carefully placing the fat into your lips, your lips can be shaped. Fat grafting typically lasts for years, making this the most durable option for lip enhancement.
If you have fine lines around your upper and lower lips due to age or smoking, there are 2 major ways to reduce the visibility. Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm Volbella or Restylane Silk, can be gently placed into these fine wrinkles to soften and eradicate them. These results will last anywhere from 6-12 months depending on the type of filler used and how quickly your body absorbs dermal filler over time. Another option to get rid of these fine lines is through skin resurfacing of some kind (chemical, laser, microneedling, radiofrequency and other types of energy). This procedure will cause the skin around your lips to exfoliate, revealing new skin below it that is smoother and has fewer wrinkles.
Regardless of how your skin is exfoliated, this procedure will probably have a longer recovery time than any filler product. The advantage of skin resurfacing is that results will last for months or years, with an occasional need for retreatment.
Understand what kinds of tummy tucks are available
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 24 February 2019
Depending on the patient’s aesthetic objective, plastic surgeons will recommend one of the following three types of tummy tucks available:
Full or classic tummy tucks
Classic tummy tucks (which are also referred to as full tummy tucks) are utilized when individuals want to address the sections above and below their belly button, the full length of the abdominal wall. Patients who opt for a full tummy tuck often want to resolve general roundness and excess skin. With this procedure, one horizontal or u-shape incision, and possibly a second incision, are made above the pubic area and the belly button, respectively, to remove excess skin and tighten muscle. Full tummy tucks present the most natural-looking outcome, and can include a much firmer abdomen.
Mini tummy tucks
Mini tummy tucks involve less extensive incisions compared to a full tummy tuck and are intended to improve only the lower belly, below the patient’s belly button. This makes the procedure ideal for people who want to rid their bellies of a “pooch”, tiny bulge or stretch marks in the lower abdominal region only. Plastic surgeons can tighten loose muscles through a single low horizontal incision (typically without an incision around the belly button), and remove excess lower abdominal skin, resulting in a firmer, smoother lower belly.
Extended tummy tuck
The extended tummy tuck is considered when the goals of the procedure are to address the abdomen while simultaneously targeting the flanks and hips. To perform this procedure, the surgeon extends the horizontal incision more laterally as well as often incorporating a longer, vertical incision, which enables the surgeon to remove excess skin from the upper and lower abdominal region as well as the flanks while tightening the abdominal wall. This procedure is often ideal for those patients who have had multiple pregnancies or have lost lots of weight, either through diet and exercise or through weight loss surgery.
Determine which procedure is right for you
Deciding which procedure is right for you will be contingent upon several factors and is best done in consultation with an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Some of them include your desired results, overall skin quality, body type and location of excess skin on the body. The amount of excess skin will also determine which procedure is most appropriate. Finally, any scarring attained from a previous cosmetic procedure or surgery can determine which kind of tuck the patient qualifies for.
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What a tummy tuck can and can’t do
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 20 February 2019
Most people carry a little extra fat around their stomach. Sometimes, diet and exercise can do the trick – sometimes, it can’t. But, that’s not the only reason patients undergo a tummy tuck procedure. Things like pregnancy and significant weight gain or loss can create excess skin or weakened abdominal muscles, which can most easily be corrected by a tummy tuck procedure.
Still, there are some common misconceptions about this procedure, especially concerning what it can and can’t fix. Below are some of examples of what a tummy tuck can do and what it can’t do.
A tummy tuck can create a new, flat abdomen by removing extra fat
This can be a great, life-changing procedure if you’ve been carrying extra fat around your stomach area and can’t get rid of it. However, it can only do so much in giving you a toned, contoured abdomen. A tummy tuck does often repair and suture weakened and separated abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy or childbirth. But, if you’re looking for muscle tone or abs, a tummy tuck won’t get you there. Most results show a slimmer, less flabby version of the same profile, which can be a great, confidence-boosting jump-start to a new, healthy lifestyle.
A tummy tuck can’t prevent future weight gain
If you’ve put on weight due to pregnancy or lack of exercise, a tummy tuck can be a great way to feel like you’ve got your body back. However, a tummy tuck should only be performed if you’re at a stable weight because your results can be greatly diminished by significant weight gain afterward. Although excess fat is removed from the stomach, it can’t prevent more being added later on. So, you’ll need to make sure you’re living a healthy, active lifestyle and have no future plans for pregnancy to get the best out of your tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck can remove extra skin
Especially in cases of pregnancy or significant weight loss, extra skin can be left behind that is saggy and impossible to get rid of. Many patients try and fail to get rid of it through exercise, where a tummy tuck or other nonsurgical skin tightening procedures would be better suited for removing it. However, only a certain amount can be safely removed, and your plastic surgeon can help you determine whether your aesthetic goals are in line with a safe procedure.
A tummy tuck can’t remove most stretch marks
Many people also carry stretch marks around their abdomen, hips and thighs. These are usually caused by the skin being unable to properly accommodate rapid growth and the skin tears at a deep level. They can be very difficult to remove, especially through a tummy tuck. As there is only so much skin that can be removed from the abdomen, only stretch marks that are located on the excised skin can be removed (usually below the belly button). If you’re uncomfortable with stretch marks located outside the navel area, you can speak with your plastic surgeon about your treatment options.
A tummy tuck can be a transformative procedure for those who are self-conscious about their pudge and feel like there’s no way to get rid of it. If you’re considering a tummy tuck, always ensure you seek out an experienced plastic surgeon.
How the tummy tuck can do more than ever before
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 18 February 2019
Long gone are the days when tummy tucks required many weeks of recovery. Today’s technological advancements are allowing you to get the results you want in less time and with less discomfort.
The idea of the abdominoplasty was born from ingenuity on the battlefield during World War I. The procedure at that time was more targeted at covering battle wounds and supporting healing than it was a cosmetic procedure, but these innovative techniques laid the foundation for helping not just wounded soldiers but individuals with birth defects and yes, the battle scars of pregnancy and weight stress.
Luckily, we live in a society that takes good things and makes them even better. Medical professionals are constantly working to refine and improve procedures to make them less stressful, less time consuming and more effective overall.
The mini tummy tuck and the drain-free recovery process are two such advancements that provide better results and easier recovery times than ever before.
The mini tummy tuck
Not long ago, people who have been interested in getting a tummy tuck but only sought to correct sagging and bulging below the navel still had to have a full abdominoplasty. However, new surgical advances have paved the way for a procedure that is less invasive for those needing minimal revisions. The partial abdominoplasty, more commonly known as the mini tummy tuck, is for people whose trouble spots fall below the belly button only. Mini tummy tucks are often performed as an outpatient surgery and require less downtime for recovery.
The drain-free tummy tuck
Drains have been an integral part of the abdominoplasty procedure, helping rid the body of natural fluid buildup between the abdominal wall and the newly lifted tissue. However, these drains can be a major inconvenience during the recovery process. Drains come with their own set of risks including clogging or crimping of the hoses. People often find drains to be awkward, inconvenient, and difficult to conceal behind clothing – making recovery much more restrictive.
Progressive tension sutures have made drainless tummy tucks possible. Surgeons use a quilting technique that secures the abdominal skin to the underlying tissue layers, creating a tighter bond and leaving little room for fluid to build up. This effectively eliminates the need for drains. By using progressive tension sutures, surgeons are able to make the incision much lower and therefore easier to conceal, and because this technique reduces tension on the incision site, most individuals experience a less visible scar.
Without the annoyance of drains, people are able to manage their daily activities with reduced discomfort. The combined lipo-abdominoplasty sculpting and shaping tummy tuck technique that I use eliminates the need for drains, and my patients are able to enjoy a much smoother recovery because of this.
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What Can You Do to Minimize a Tummy Tuck Scar?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 14 February 2019
Whether you’ve had children, reached a major weight loss goal or are unhappy with sagging skin in your abdominal area for another reason, a tummy tuck can help you to get the tighter and more toned look you want. While there’s no way to avoid having a visible scar from your tummy tuck or to make it go away completely, there are a few things you can to do minimize its appearance.
1. Work with an experienced Plastic Surgeon – When choosing a plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck, make sure he has plenty of experience performing this type of body contouring procedure. With the right surgical skill and finesse, tummy tuck scars can be very smooth and well-hidden. On the other hand, working with an inexperienced plastic surgeon can not only lead to complications but may also result in a poorly hidden and poorly planned scar.
2. Bring Your Bikini to Your Consultation – During your consultation, you should discuss the specific placement of your tummy tuck incision. It can be helpful to bring in your swimsuit as a reference point to make sure your scar will be hidden when you hit the beach. A lower, flatter scar, for instance, will likely be a better option if you typically wear a low-cut bikini, whereas a higher, more rounded incision might be best if you wear a one-piece or higher bottoms.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure – The sun can negatively affect the way your scar heals, so make sure you cover it up and wear plenty of sunscreen when spending time in the sun during your recovery and up to a year afterwards.
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3 Reasons to Get a Tummy Tuck before Summer
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 12 February 2019
If you’re getting ready for a cruise, beach getaway, or just planning to spend more time outdoors this summer, consider the benefits of a cosmetic procedure to achieve your ideal figure. Getting a tummy tuck could be just what you need to increase your self-confidence when stepping out in a bathing suit and summer ensembles this season!
Here are just three reasons to get a tummy tuck in Dubai before summer:
1. Reduce your waist size – Whether it’s because of loose skin, extra pockets of fat, or just genetics, you may be self-conscious about having a thicker waist. A tummy tuck procedure can reduce your waist size by several inches. I can remove excess skin via a traditional tummy tuck procedure, or can combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to address fatty deposits.
2. Significant results within a few months – Talk to me about the benefits of a tummy tuck procedure. Undergoing a body contouring procedure like a tummy tuck now means you can enjoy results within a few months — just in time for bathing suit season. In most cases, you’ll get better results from surgery than months of dieting and exercise.
If you are a better candidate for a mini-tummy tuck, you may be able to enjoy results even sooner.
3. Restore your abdominal wall – If your abdominal muscles have been stretched or torn after pregnancy or weight gain and weight loss, working out and eating right won’t help you achieve that tight and toned look you want. A tummy tuck can restore your abdominal wall and tighten weakened muscles.
The result is a very streamlined appearance and flat stomach. If you have a small “pooch” or a protruding stomach after pregnancy or weight fluctuations, you may be a great candidate for a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck procedure could be just what you need to restore your figure after pregnancy or weight loss. Many women undergo this procedure simply to enhance their figure and achieve their ideal silhouette.
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Deciding on the Best Tummy Tuck for You
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 8 February 2019
Pregnancy, lifestyle or aging may have left you with the appearance of imperfections in your tummy that just won’t go away with diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can eliminate sagging stomach skin, tighten separated abdominal muscles and remove stubborn fatty tissue. If you find yourself unhappy with the appearance of your midsection, deciding on the right tummy tuck for you can be the first step toward achieving a winning waistline.
The most common tummy tuck patients are women who have been pregnant or individuals who have achieved significant weight loss. In both cases, baggy skin, loose stomach muscles and excess fatty tissue are issues that frequently remain behind despite your best efforts to get in shape. However, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, so be sure to reach your target weight first for the best results.
A full tummy tuck can address the entire upper and lower abdomen. By removing some amount of fatty tissue before drawing the two halves of your abdominals together, I can create a slimmer shape for your midsection before tightening your stomach skin and excising any extra.
The mini tummy tuck is a less complex procedure that addresses the area of the stomach below the belly button only. As such, the mini tummy tuck can be a great option for patients with mild skin sagging and minimal abdominal separation confined to the lower abs. A mini tummy tuck can create beautiful results in the right candidates, but if your needs are more extensive, bear in mind that a full tuck likely will deliver better results.
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Considering a Tummy Tuck after Your Pregnancy?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 1 February 2019
After carrying a baby for nine months, your body is bound to change. Pregnancy results in loose skin around the stomach and weakened abdominal muscles. Though rather small prices to pay for the miracle of childbirth, it’s understandable that many women want to regain a semblance of their former figure after the baby comes. The main reasons for getting a tummy tuck are to strengthen the stomach muscles and tighten drooping, excess skin, but an added reason is the boost to your confidence. Always keep in mind that tummy tucks should be reserved until after you’re done having children, so you do not end up stretching out your retightened abs.
There are several guidelines to follow to get the best results from a tummy tuck after pregnancy. First, allow yourself the time and patience needed to lose the weight you’ve gained and to achieve a steady weight. Considering that it took nine months to gain those pounds, be patient with yourself as you drop the weight through proper diet and exercise. Pursuing a tummy tuck too soon after pregnancy, while your weight may still be fluctuating, will interfere with the outcome. Having a baby is a game-changer in every way possible, and it’s reasonable that you want to pursue getting your waistline back to its former glory. However, you’ll get the best results by waiting at least six months post-childbirth and nursing. A tummy tuck is a surgery that requires its own recovery time, and you want to ensure that your body is strong and healthy enough for optimum results.
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