Tummy Tuck – 5 Medical Benefits Of The Surgical Procedure
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 8 July 2019
Tummy tucks are becoming increasingly more widespread. Let’s start with the definition. A tummy tuck is designed to reshape the contour of the belly area when skin elasticity has been lost, and the abdominal muscles weakened due to extreme body changes. The procedure takes about 1 to 5 hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will disconnect the skin from the underlying tissue, suture the abdominal tissue, and cut away any excess flesh from the area.
When completely healed (full recovery can take about six weeks), the stomach area will be firmer, the abdominal muscles tighter, and the contour of the belly restored. But, for patients considering a tummy tuck, there may be more in store than just a firmer, more well-defined stomach. Here are some additional medical benefits to consider:
1. Easier to Maintain Weight Loss
Swiss researchers found that bariatric patients — people who go under the knife to reduce the size of the stomach in an effort to lose weight — were more likely to keep the weight off post-surgery when they combined it with a tummy tuck. In fact, patients that combined the two procedures regained an average of only a pound a year as opposed to 4 lbs a year for bariatric patients that didn’t have any body-contouring procedures performed. Researchers argue that, because of these findings, tummy tucks may be an essential aspect of weight loss surgery.
2. Improved Posture
Carrying an apron of excess skin combined with weakened abdominal muscles can lead to a condition called lordosis , commonly known as “sway back”. This is sometimes accompanied by at least some back pain. Since a tummy tuck will strengthen and tighten the abdominal muscles, the spine becomes supported, and the patient can stand up a little bit straighter. Any back pain that may have been caused by the previous condition should also be diminished or alleviated entirely.
3. No More Stress Urinary Incontinence
Women who undergo vaginal birth sometimes develop stress urinary incontinence or SUI. This is where the bladder tends to empty itself at awkward times, usually when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising.
The plastic surgeon can help the patient recover from this condition during a tummy tuck procedure by obstructing the bladder with soft tissue. These procedures are safe when combined and many women find that they no longer experience SUI following recovery.
4. Relief from Hernias
Ventral hernias can develop when the abdominal muscles become weak. In some cases, hernias can follow a Caesarean section or appendectomy. A ventral hernia is where the intestine or abdominal tissue begins to push through the abdominal wall. The plastic surgeon can also help this condition during the tummy tuck procedure. The combined procedures are safe, practical, and can save the patient money on medical expenses, as well as on the time spent in recovery.
5. Increased Exercise Tolerance
Excess skin and weak abs can make it difficult to exercise. A tummy tuck can reinvigorate the patient’s love of running, walking, or other aerobic activities. It is well-known that exercise is great for the heart and a person’s general well-being. Frequent exercise can also help to retain weight loss.
With all of these medical benefits and the boost to one’s self-esteem, it is easy to see why so many men and women would opt for this life-changing cosmetic surgery procedure. However, it should be noted that a tummy tuck is still considered a major operation with all of the associated risks, including infection. For this reason, a consultation should be scheduled with a qualified plastic surgeon to ensure that the person is in optimal health. There could also be high chances of adverse effects in patients who aren’t normally healthy.
What You Should Know About Wrinkle Fillers
Fillers in Dubai | 5 July 2019
Injectable wrinkle fillers can give you a more youthful look for a fraction of what a traditional facelift costs. Most will fill hollows, lines, and wrinkles in less than 30 minutes with results that can last from 4 months to more than a year. Injectable wrinkle fillers, unlike Botox injections that relax the muscle under a wrinkle, fill the line, crease, or area with one of several different substances. As a result, trouble spots nearly disappear. Wrinkle fillers can also be used as “volumizers,” plumping and lifting cheeks, chins, jawlines, and temples; filling out thin lips, and plumping sagging hands.
The treatment is fast and easy. But all wrinkle fillers have a downside, including the risk of allergic reaction and the formation of tiny bumps under the skin. In some cases, those bumps may be permanent. And sometimes, a bluish skin discoloration known as the Tyndall effect happens. The color change can last for several months, but there are treatments available. In very rare cases, skin cells may die if the wrinkle fillers are not used properly. Not every wrinkle-filler is right for every type of wrinkle. The least risks and best results come from using the right one correctly. That’s why you should only have fillers injected by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with ongoing, special training.
Here is a breakdown of available wrinkle fillers. It includes their basic ingredients, how they work, their pros and cons, and the best areas for treatment. I can help you choose the right one for you.
Hyaluronic Acid Wrinkle Fillers
The most popular category of wrinkle fillers is hyaluronic acid. Each type works in a slightly different way with varying results. Side effects are rare but can include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. The filler may also show up under the skin as tiny bumps. This is a problem that often improves over time. How long the results last varies from several months to over a year or two. Some research shows that repeated injections may help stimulate the body’s own natural production of collagen. That will help reduce the number of lines and wrinkles. There is also some evidence that less filler is needed over time to achieve the same look.
Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers include:
- Belotero Balance
- Juvederm Voluma XC
- Juvederm XC
- Juvederm Ultra XC
- Juvederm Volbella XC
- Juvederm Ultra
- Juvederm Ultra Plus
- Juvederm Vollure XC
- Prevelle Silk
- Restylane
- Restylane-L
- Restylane-Lyft
- Restylane Silk
- Restylane Refyne
- Restylane Defyne
Autologous Wrinkle Fillers
Fat is the most commonly used substance in this category. Your own fat is surgically removed from your thighs, buttocks, or stomach, treated, then injected. You will need to have two procedures (one to remove the fat and one to inject it). Both procedures can be done in one visit. Additional fat purification steps done in the lab can be costly and time-consuming. Results can be semi-permanent, although you may need a series of injections done over time. Platelet-rich plasma injections (“vampire lift”) are another type of autologous wrinkle filler/volumizer. Blood is drawn from the arm, treated, then injected into the face. The effects can last 12 to 18 months.
Minimizing Risks and Increasing Good Outcomes for All Wrinkle Fillers
Wrinkle fillers are among the safest cosmetic procedures in use today. But there are things you can do to help ensure your treatment is safe:
Don’t let price be your guide. If you are offered a wrinkle filler treatment that costs far less than the standard treatment, it’s likely some compromises are being made, either in the skill of the provider or the quality of the product. Never risk making a bargain with your face.
All wrinkle fillers should be done in a medical setting with sterile instruments. Treatments done in homes, hotels, spas, or resorts are not being done in medical environments, regardless of who is doing them.
Do not get injectable wrinkle fillers from sources outside a doctor’s office. Know what you are being injected with, and ask your doctor if an FDA-approved wrinkle filler is being used and if it was purchased directly from the maker. There have been reports of everything from industrial-grade silicone to baby oil being used. If a provider won’t give you this information, don’t let them do the procedure.
Use sunscreen daily to help preserve the filler and help protect against post-inflammatory pigment changes due to the needle sticks from injections.
Tummy Tuck – The medical benefits
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 3 July 2019
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens the muscles and removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen so that it appears flat and toned. Mostly associated with “mommy makeovers,” a procedure that allows women to restore their figures after pregnancy, abdominoplasty is also used to help patients that have undergone extreme weight loss in a short period of time.
Between 2000 and 2014, the number of tummy tuck procedures rose an impressive 87 percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Many procedures were, no doubt, for cosmetic reasons, but there are several medical benefits to be gained after the procedure.
Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence
After a vaginal birth, some women can develop Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), a bladder control problem associated with uncontrollable leakage brought on by coughing, sneezing, exercising or even laughing.
In most cases, SUI is treated without surgery. For patients who require more care, several studies have indicated that a tummy tuck can aid in recovery especially in patients that have not had a caesarian section. During the procedure, a slight bladder obstruction is created using soft tissue near the pelvic area, thereby reducing incontinence.
Improved Abdominal Tone and Better Posture
After extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, stomach muscles can become distended, and diet and exercise alone cannot help. A tummy tuck surgically tightens weak muscles, while removing excess skin and fat, to flatten the abdomen.
Weak abdominal muscles are often associated with lordosis, or sway back. After an abdominoplasty, patients may notice that their posture has improved significantly, thanks to the tightened muscles supporting their spine. The improved support and better posture can have the added benefit of relieving certain types of back pain.
Ventral Hernia Correction
A ventral hernia occurs when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the abdominal wall and forms a pocket or sack. There are several potential causes, including abdominal weakness caused by massive weight loss or surgeries like C-sections or appendectomies.
The underlying symptoms that require a ventral hernia correction are remarkably similar to those for abdominoplasty. Both surgeries correct weakened adnominal muscles and pressure on the skin. No matter the cause, whether pregnancy or weight, a weak abdominal wall will allow a hernia to form.
Once you develop a ventral hernia, it is very easy for it to happen again. Often, your surgeon will weigh the benefits of adding an abdominoplasty procedure to the hernia repair to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent future occurrences. Combining the procedures is not only safe, but very practical, as it can reduce medical expenses and recovery time.
Risks and Rewards
Due to its growing popularity, many people believe that a tummy tuck is an easy procedure. It’s important for patients to realize that it is still a major operation, requiring one to five hours in the operating room, under general anesthesia.
A typical abdominoplasty removes up to 10 pounds of stomach fat by disconnecting the skin from the underlying tissue, suturing abdominal tissue, and cutting away any extra skin. A full recovery can take several weeks, and just like any other surgery, there are risks of infection and other complications.
That said, the various medical and cosmetic benefits of a tummy tuck make the procedure appealing for many people. Interested patients should discuss the procedure in detail with their surgeon and consider all the advice before deciding whether to undergo surgery.
The Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Fillers in Dubai | 1 July 2019
There’s no escaping from the fact that as our bodies age our skin loses elasticity. Various factors such as over-exposure to the sun, pollution, and lifestyle factors can increase the speed at which a woman’s skin loses it elasticity and bounce. At one time there was very little choice for women who wanted to halt the skin aging process. Nowadays we have many options at our fingertips ranging from anti-aging cream to surgery. I believe there’s a better option that’s quicker than creams and less invasive and final than surgery: dermal fillers.
Dermal fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid which is a sugar molecule that exists naturally in almost all living organisms. Its role is to bind water molecules and act as a lubricant and shock absorber in moveable parts of the body. It is also responsible for transporting nutrients and regulating water balance in the skin. Dermal fillers boost the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, revitalising and adding volume to the skin, thus diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Here is some of the main benefits of dermal fillers:
Quicker than creams
Anti-aging creams are a long-term investment in your skin. Applied daily in small amounts, the results can take several months to appear and may not even be very noticeable at all. Dermal fillers are injected into areas of the skin that need a little extra plumping and the results can be seen almost instantly.
Quicker than surgery
Most dermal filler procedures take less than an hour, so you can have your face plumped in your lunch hour then return to work straight after! Surgery tends to give slightly better results that will last much longer but it is very invasive and involves a recovery time of up to 4 to 6 weeks in most cases.
Long lasting but not permanent
Because dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid which occurs naturally within the body anyway, over time the acid dissipates and is re-absorbed by the body so the filling effect starts to wane. This is good for people that want to have a youthful look without committing to permanent surgery!
Natural looking effect
Dermal filler injections give a natural looking result that doesn’t alter the facial expressions of the recipient in the same way as filler treatments such as Botox can. As your face changes over time you can control the way you look with regular dermal fillers to plump out the right areas of your face.
‘Dangerous’ YouTube videos that show you how to inject fillers and Botox into your own face branded ‘deadly’ by doctors
Fillers in Dubai | 25 June 2019
Doctors have slammed “deadly” YouTube videos that show how to inject cosmetic fillers and Botox into your own face. The online clips encourage people to inject dermal fillers at home, rather than paying the average £200 to £500 cost at a clinic. But now experts have called for the videos to be removed, saying viewers risk infection, blood poisoning and even death if they get it wrong. Leading surgeons say viewers need to exercise extreme caution warning that YouTube videos showing so-called ‘DIY dermal filler methods’ are extremely dangerous. By attempting to follow them you’re risking infection. If you accidentally inject into a blood vessel, you risk the death of tissue and permanent scarring. In rare circumstances, it could even lead to blood poisoning and death. I would plead that no one ever administers their own filler. Leave it to a trusted medical expert who has had years of training and is fully understanding of the anatomy of the face. Read the full story here.
Tummy Tucks – Understand what kinds are available
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 20 June 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 and qualified Plastic Surgeon. 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.
Breast Augmentation Operation Guide
Breast Augmentation Dubai | 16 June 2019
Breast enlargement surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Most patients come to the clinic early in the morning on the day of their surgery. Your breast enhancement surgery will then take place later that morning or early afternoon that day. Patients can generally be discharged the same day however if your surgery is scheduled for the afternoon you may have to stay overnight before being discharged the next morning.
Depending on your specific type of procedure, surgery typically takes between 1 to 2 hours.
Possible Incision Areas
I pride myself on making the smallest and most concealed incisions possible, usually four to five centimetres long. There are three incision areas widely used for breast augmentation:
- The infra-mammary incision (under the breast fold)
- The circumareolar incision (around the nipple)
- The axillary incision (in the armpit)
Each incision has its advantages and disadvantages. Your final choice needs to be discussed with me at consultation.
Inserting your breast implants
Your implants will be placed either under or over your pectoral muscle depending on several factors including the size of your breast, skin quality, and your breast shape. The position of the implant will have been decided prior to surgery at your consultations.
Implants placed under the muscle tend to give a slightly more natural upper ‘pole’ of the breast and possibly a lower incidence of capsular contracture (scar tissue that can develop around an implant and cause the breast to feel hard).
- Subpectoral (under the chest muscle)
- Subglandular (beneath your breast tissue)
- Dual Plane (partly under the muscle, partly under breast tissue)
Closing your incisions
Dissolvable stitches are normally used to close the incision. Dressings will then be applied. I may place a drain on each side to remove unwanted fluid from around your implants. These are usually removed prior to discharge. Occasionally drains need to be left in place for a little longer.
What’s in a pout?
Fillers in Dubai | 13 June 2019
Well, quite a lot, as it turns out that full and sumptuous lips are the most preferable lip shape of them all – but according to a global study, there’s one key trait that distinguishes the perfect pouts from their equally plump, yet sub-par, counterparts.
A survey of more than 1,000 people from 35 different countries revealed that the key to the ultimate lip shape actually boils down to symmetry. In the study, which was published in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, more than 60 per cent of respondents chose the 1:1 ratio between the upper and lower lip as the most attractive shape. The second highest-rated pouts were those with a fuller lower lip, like Kylie Jenner, who has built an entire beauty empire based on her infamous (and surgically-enhanced) pout.
A heavily-defined cupid’s bow is the most-requested lip shape. Cupid’s bows can be enhanced and further defined with the use of specific amounts of filler in the upper lip to enhance the natural vertical columns that lie immediately about the upper lip. The use of a specific filler can also be used to enhance and redefine the overall contour of the lips. Other common shapes patients request improvements on include the “natural trout pout”, when the lips’ symmetry is slightly offset by a heavier top lip, and the “flat upper lip” as seen on Julia Roberts, where the upper lip has no defined cupid’s bow.
Lips start to naturally reduce in size from the age of 28 onwards, as this is when collagen and hyaluronic acid production slows – the latter is the most commonly-used product in lip injection treatments. There are numerous lifestyle factors that can affect the fullness of your lips too. Don’t smoke, stay out of the sun and don’t overdo the booze if you want your lips to be naturally full for longer. Obviously there are some risks involved with lip-plumping treatments, which can leave patients with severe swelling, bruising and soreness afterwards. Prospective patients should always seek advice from a medical professional before embarking upon surgical treatment.
Tummy Tuck – ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 20 June 2019
Once reserved for Hollywood’s elite and America’s wealthy, the tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to which people of all walks of life are turning to for tightening the abdomen and the removal of excessive skin and fat. A tummy tuck works best for people who are close to their ideal weight, but cannot shed the loose skin that has developed in their abdominal area because of pregnancy, weight loss and age. The typical patient is a female whose abdominal wall has been stretched due to pregnancy. It’s also a procedure designed for men and women who have lost a large amount of weight as a result of exercise and a more healthy diet. Variations of the full tummy tuck, such as a mini-tummy tuck (which depends upon how much skin laxity is present and where it is located), are also a possibility. The result of tummy tuck surgery is a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate to a person’s body type and weight.
Pregnancy and excessive weight can stretch the skin of the abdomen many times its normal state. That’s where a tummy tuck can really help in tightening and flattening that area of your body. The most common form of tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision near the pubic hairline, so swimwear or undergarments can hide the resulting scar. If there is excess skin above the navel, an incision around the navel may be required. Sometimes, the surgery involves liposuction to remove pockets of excess fat from specific areas of the body.
CONSULTATION
To find out if you’re really a good candidate to have a tummy tuck procedure, schedule an appointment with me in the first instance. There are various types of abdominoplasty, including mini-tummy tucks and full tucks with liposuction. Only a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon can tell you what’s right for you.
CHILDREN
Child bearing can cause unwanted tummy laxity. If you’re done having children, then it’s okay to pursue a tummy tuck, but if there’s any doubt, then you should wait.
MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS
With TV programs such as Biggest Loser, there are many men and women who have pursued their own weight loss program to shed 100 or more pounds. Plastic surgeons will advise putting off a tummy tuck until the patient has maintained their ideal new weight over an extended period of time. Continued weight loss or weight gain can quickly undo the results of a tummy tuck.
EXERCISE
Before considering a tummy tuck, it’s critical to develop a healthy lifestyle involving regular exercise and good dietary habits. If you haven’t done so already, you should start. It’s always a good idea to consult with your family physician before starting a regular exercise regimen.
Blepharoplasty Dubai – REFRESH YOUR APPEARANCE
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 7 June 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 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.