Cosmeticsurgeon.co.uk - UK Cosmetic Surgeons

There might have been a time when it was considered that women couldn’t be boxers, that it was a sport which should only be attempted by men.  Times have changed but people will be saddened to hear that one woman is now facing another bout of discrimination in her attempt to be recognised as a true sporting great in the ring.

The problem for Sarah Blewden is that she had breast augmentation surgery in 2003. Blewden had originally wanted to become a model and thought that her surgical enhancement would help her along her chosen career path now, ironically, it is holding her back.

The Amateur Boxing Association of England has banned Sarah from pursuing a professional career, saying that “international rules” made it illegal for women with implants to box as there was a high risk that breast tissue could become damaged.  However, Sarah has hit a stinging blow back to Tony Atwood, the ABAE chairman, saying that: “My surgeon said they make me no more vulnerable than any other woman. They are not enormous ones – they are in proportion.” She also pointed out that she didn’t have liquid implants, but rather had chose to enhance herself with gel ones and thus there would be no danger that they might burst in the ring.  Indeed if such an occurrence happened more frequently on the female amateur boxing circuit the sport might get many more fans than it currently does. Joking aside though, Blewden is upset and feels she is being unfairly discriminated against.

Breast augmentation surgery is continually the most popular procedure in the U.K and the number of women going under the knife to improve their bust is actually increasing year on year. This could well be, as was the case originally with Sarah, because many women feel that bigger breasts will help them achieve their dream careers or boost them into the lower echelons into that baffling phenomenon known as celebrity. Indeed, it is staggering to think, if they have banned Sarah, what the ABAE would make of model Sheyla Hershey who, after a staggering nine operations has size 38kkk breasts; those would be certain to have any opponent on the ropes but would probably not take too kindly to being squeezed into a lycra outfit! One thing is for certain, this battle is likely to go the whole 12 rounds and whoever emerges the winner will have fought hard for their victory.

When people think of cosmetic procedures the most common thing that will come to mind are surgical procedures such as facelifts, breasts augmentations and liposuction.

However, there are a variety of other cosmetic procedures that will change your appearance without having to turn to surgical options. Many of these will involve chemicals and lasers that may be used to enhance the appearance of the skin, as well as treatments such as Botulinum Toxins, which are used to rejuvenate the face.

These can range from dermal fillers, which are used to get rid of wrinkles to non-surgical breast enlargements using something such as Macrolane TM breast enhancement. At cosmetic surgery consultants there are a wide range of non surgical procedures that are outlined on the website. Some of them can be considered here.

Starting with Macrolane TM breast enhancement, this a form of non-surgical breast enhancement which is becoming popular because as it will increase the cup size of the breast without causing scarring. Macrolane is a gel that is made up of a hyaluronic acid called Stabilized, Non-Animal hyaluronic acid (NASHA), which is actually created naturally within the body.

There are also various facial fillers such as Juvederm, a form of dermal filler that aims to iron out wrinkles by injecting the Juvederm solution into the relevant area. As a facial filler it can be used as an alternative to surgical procedures such as facelifts. Likewise Restylane is also used to iron out wrinkles and to enhance the lips, and other lines that might appear on the face. It is a gel that is injected to add volume to the skin.

Laser treatments include procedures such as Fraxel Laser, which is another way in which wrinkles can be treated. Fraxel Laser treatment involves lasers being shined onto the skin to treat relevant areas whilst avoiding the surrounding areas. It requires an anaesthetic before the lasers produce microthermal zones within the skin; these are tiny columns that are created to rejuvenate the cells found in the tissue.

Beyond the ones mentioned here, there are many other non surgical procedures, which are outlined on various other parts of the website.

In this ever changing, ever demanding, ever shocking world, it would seem that the one constant is time. More precisely, the terrible damage which time seems insistent on inflicting upon our bodies. 

However, despite this, it may well not be all doom and gloom, a new study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has given hope to millions of time-ravaged people.  It is normally our genetic-makeup which determines how we age and makes some people feel epoch’s effects faster than others, however the ASPS has now suggested that environmental factors could also be behind people’s aging.

“In this study, we looked at identical twins because they are genetically programmed to age exactly the same, and in doing so we essentially discovered that, when it comes to your face, it is possible to cheat your biological clock.” commented researcher Dr. Bahaman Guyuron, before going onto say:”… we have discovered a number of new factors that contribute to ageing and second, our findings put science behind the idea that volume replacement rejuvenates the face.”  What this essentially means, in laymens terms, is that more scientific reasoning can now be propped-up behind cosmetic surgery and that this, in turn, should encourage more people to undergo treatments.  There are many different treatments which can help an aged-face and it is hoped that this new research will show people that they don’t simply have to give in to their genetics; there is a plumping and tightening helping hand available.

Rather, it would probably be more accurate to say ‘hands’ as there are many different treatments which prospective patients can choose between. There is, of course, Botox, but there are also some newer products on the market such as Juvederm which can be very successful at reducing the appearance of even fairly deep-set wrinkles.  However, these treatments are only temporary and, if we really want to fight back against ageing, then a facelift offers a much more permanent solution. Indeed many retired people are now taking up this option in order to fight back against the genetic ravishes of time!  Volume replacement can certainly make a difference but it isn’t a guaranteed nor a lasting solution. Of course, we should also celebrate old age and the beauty and wisdom that comes with it but we do also need to be able to have the confidence to enjoy our final years!

Many more people are now undergoing dramatic weight-loss programs, perhaps inspired by celebrities such as designer Karl Lagerfeld, in order to achieve their dream bodies.

Many people find that, even after they have exercises and starved their way into those size 0 jeans, they aren’t left with a body which they would proudly display in a bikini. This is because, as we lose weight, the skin loses its elasticity, having stretched around all the excess weight for years, and often hangs down in unsightly pouches once the weight has gone. This leads many dieters to turn to tummy-tucks to finish of the job which weight-loss started.

Many natural dieters, as well as those fitted with gastric bands, are turning to abdominoplasty to take that final step towards physical perfection.  “Weight fluctuations affect the distribution of fat and the elasticity of the skin, especially in areas like the hips, flanks, and buttocks.” commented Dr. Grant Stevens, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic surgeon.  This means that tummy tucks are now being added to a healthy diet and regular exercise as the integral parts of achieving a celebrity-beating body.  It’s not just tummy tucks which are available either; liposuction and body-lift procedures can also help eradicate the disfiguring scars of an overweight or obese past.  We lose weight to make a fresh start, to begin afresh and take on life; we don’t want to be shackled down with constant, unsightly reminders of the past!

This is clearly a feeling which is prevalent amongst many cosmetic surgery patients, and in particular amongst men, with the latter investing in tummy tucks 30% more than women did in 2008. This is an astonishing figure and one which proves that the country has well and truly been overrun by the notion of metrosexuality. It is no longer just women who are pressured to look a certain way, now men are going under the knife in an attempt to live up to the billboards and models which surround us every day. Some companies even offer pec and six-pac implants for the lazier man to get fit in a hurry. Joking aside, tummy tucks do offer a major boost in confidence, not just for dieters, but also for those who have gone through the joyous process of pregnancy but who have come out the other side with depleted confidence. Such negativity can now be cut away!

The recession has left all of us pinching the pennies and people are turning away from expenditures which cannot be considered essential. This has left many in the cosmetic surgery industry worried that people may put off having treatments until the economy picks up again.

The industry will gladly welcome the news then, that customers can actually get better value during an economic downturn. It is hoped this message, if put out correctly, will bring in more customers and help the cosmetic industry continue to grow.

The recession has in fact created a “buyers market” according to image enhancement coach Wendy Lewis.  She has suggested that those who want to go under the knife should do some “comparison shopping” in order to ensure that they are getting the best possible deal on their treatment.  It has also been suggested that shoppers may wish to try being slightly frugal, simply having a neck lift instead of a full face lift could save lots of money for potential customers.  Wendy Lewis went on to say that it was “an ideal time for men and women seeking to improve or maintain their youthful image to look at less pricey options”.

Her research has led her to state that more and more top doctors are offering much better value for money in an attempt to get as many new patients through the doors of their practises as possible.  The industry has not been entirely unaffected by the recession however. Lewis did point out that people who were regular Botox enthusiasts were leaving longer between injections. Not only was this saving them money but it was giving them the time to hunt out the best deals and bargains as well. Such tightening of purse strings is something which we can all learn from as we aim to come out the other side of the recession in a much stronger position.

Botox is the procedure which is probably most likely to survive the recession; it offers a cheaper alternative to face-lifts and is also much more widely available than it ever was before. Even dentists are getting in on the action, with one based in Scotland saying he has seen the number of his dental-practise-patients wanting Botox go up and up each year.  As the numbers on the financial graphs continue to droop and drop, the cosmetic surgery industry is hoping it can remain perky and water-tight and avoid the worst effects of the economic tsunami.

Due to the busy pace at which we are now forced to live our lives, many of us take alternative medicines, such as herbal supplements, to help boost our bodies or maybe just to get us through the day. However, a new study has warned that the taking of alternative medicines could seriously hinder the recovery-time of patients who have undergone cosmetic or plastic surgery. 

The latest issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (Don’t pretend you don’t have a subscription!)  has published the research findings of Dr. David Rowe and his team. These findings suggest that herbal supplements available over the counter can have harmful effects if patients continue to take them directly before and after undergoing surgical procedures.  If you’re wondering whether what you’re taking is safe, then the study has listed such remedies as ginkgo biloba, ginseng and Echinacea as the types of tablets you should stop taking. If you are in any doubt as to whether you are taking something safe or not then consult your GP or your surgeon at your initial consultation.  Alternative medicines may make us feel rather much better about ourselves but, if they risk hindering recovery times, then they are certainly not a viable nor wise solution in the long run.  Indeed, it may seem like surgeons are being over protective, but as Rowe points out: In considering the dizzying array of supplements available, the main concerns of the plastic surgeon are interaction with other medications, cardiovascular effects, alteration of coagulation [bleeding] and sedative effects,”

It is not just alternative medicines which patients should be aware of and try to avoid; aspirin or ibuprofen are also banned for patients going under the knife.  Despite these warnings, more than 40% of patients do use herbal medication in the two weeks prior to them going under the knife. The message coming out of the industry now is that this is simply not a safe nor healthy thing to do.  Even if you are only undergoing a light, non-invasive procedure, you should not think yourself exempt from these rules. If there were complications in your surgery and surgeons needed to put you under General Anaesthetic, then this could become dangerous if you had been taking advised-against medication. In short, if you are concerned or confused, talk to your surgeon or to your GP they will be able to tell you whether you are allowed to keep taking the medication in question.

Liposuction has long been heralded as a brilliant solution to those stubborn pockets of fat which we just can’t shift, but now there is a younger kid on the block which is taking the industry by storm.

Laser liposuction has increased hugely in popularity in recent years and it’s not hard to see why.  One girl, who was ashamed of her calves and ankles, has spoken out about how the procedure has changed her life for the better.

Beauty-therapist Anne Grey was so embarrassed by what she deemed her “cankles” that she would hide them under full-length dresses and trousers, even if the weather was insufferably hot.  Like many women who suffer from low self confidence, Anne felt “trapped” by her insecurities according to The Sun newspaper and, eventually, she decided that enough was enough and that cosmetic surgery was the best way to restore her confidence. “I always hated my calves and ankles… I was paranoid and longed to wear mini-skirts like my friends,” she was quotes as saying. She went to visit a Harley Street doctor and laser liposuction was the recommended treatment as it was felt this would add some definition to the calves and help restore Ms. Grey’s confidence.

Laser liposuction breaks down the fat in stubborn areas until it is merely dissolved into the body; thus treated areas will appear more defined and contoured. Anne is definitely happy with the results, saying that her confidence has now gone “through the roof” and that she finally has the confidence to wear the fashions she wants to because she feels that her legs “look amazing”. Hers is a heart-warming story and one which should encourage more women to seek help for embarrassing problems.  Recent figures suggest that as much as 91% of cosmetic surgery is still carried out on women, despite media reports that men are becoming vainer.   Anne’s story, and these figures, should reassure women that they would be joining a whole legion of their sisterhood if they decided to tackle the things about themselves which they were not happy about and the confidence they got at the end of the treatment would certainly be worth the cost. Innovations such as laser lipo also mean that recovery times are not nearly as long as they would be for regular lipo and this should appeal to many career-women. Help is at hand, and it could come quicker than you think.

One of the major trends in the cosmetic industry over the last few years has been the startling rise in the number of brides-to-be deciding to undergo breast augmentations. 

The change in fashion in bridal wear from heaps of material and ruffles to slinkier, more body-con numbers, has led many women to realise that their flaws can’t be hidden any longer. Thus, like a bouquet, many women are now choosing to throw away their love handles and their low self confidence!

Many women have a dream of what their wedding will be like, normally from a very young age and the perfect physical form is normally one very important part of this dream.  Breast Augmentation can make a bride confident that she will fill out her dress and will look confident and stunning as she walks down the aisle.   One bride-to-be, Jackie O’Neil, took herself from a 32AA to a 32C cup before her dream wedding in Cyprus. She told the Daily Mail:  “Before the operation, I had no bust at all. It had always made me very depressed. There were lots of clothes I just couldn’t wear, like small summer dresses. “When I went for a consultation, I was a nervous wreck. But it had totally changed my life and given me confidence I just never had.” Jackie’s story is testament to just how big a change to your life a breast augmentation could make. Her wedding might have been slightly deflated if she hadn’t chosen to have the surgery and yet she battled through her fears and came out the other side much more confident, and much more married!

With breast augmentation’s constantly being one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world year on year, and with an estimated 6 billion pounds spent on wedding every year, it seems almost inevitable that eventually the two industries would collide in the form of bride’s boob jobs.  Like everything else to do with weddings, it seems that most women believe that the cost is ultimately worth it; they are probably right. It is a day which you will remember forever and, after the confetti has been swept up, the cake eaten and your drunk Auntie Mabel carried up to bed, you will be left with two things.  Firstly a partner to love and cherish, but also a new found confidence which will never divorce you.

Despite the difficult economic climate which we are all facing up to as we come towards the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, some companies are still managing to stay afloat and even improve their business.

One of these success stories can most certainly be seen as MYA, the Leeds-based cosmetic surgery company.  The company has reported a 25% increase in enquires for procedures at the beginning of the year compared with the year before.  The increase demand for MYA’s service seems to point to the fact that the cosmetic surgery industry may well turn out to be recession-proof; the 1224 enquiries received since the start of year seeming to back up this notion.

MYA stands for Make Yourself Amazing and there certainly seems to be an amazing story behind these figures posted in the most turbulent economic times seen since World War 2.  John Ryan, the company’s chairman, has said: “The recession is a real thing, but with cosmetic surgery people regard it as a priority in their lives and they will forego a new car or a holiday to get it done. People feel it gives them the boost they require in difficult times.” This seems to sum up the public’s reasoning; they might be feeling down about the economy but many people are choosing to alter their appearance in order to give themselves an extra lift or indeed to give themselves an advantage in the jobs market. Looking good now matters to young professionals more than it ever did in the past.

Breast Enlargements seem to be the most popular procedure with 62% of MYA’s patients opting for this option.  It is not just patient numbers that seem to prove that MYA is defying the recession. It recently created 12 new jobs in Leeds through the creation of a new patient booking system and it intends to spend £1million on a new advertising campaign which will also be the catalyst to the proposed opening of 6 new clinics throughout the U.K.  This story is only made the more remarkable when you consider MYA is only one company and represents only a fraction of the cosmetic surgery market. When all the industry was considered together it is likely that the figures would be even more amazing and be undeniable proof that the cosmetic surgery industry is not only going to survive the recession but is going to come out of it perkier, fresher and fabulous.

20 years ago very few really knew about cosmetic surgery. It was something exotic, something strange and scary which only the uber-rich and the uber-famous really engaged with.

Those days are gone and now a startling new survey has found the extent of our plastic surgery knowledge. Amazingly, more people know the correct medical term for a nose job, rhinoplasty, than know the location of the stomach in the human body!  Quite how much this says about the British education system as well as our national obsession with plastic surgery is open to debate.

The study was run by Yakult, and found that a mind-blowing 80% of people knew the term rhinoplasty but less than 66% could pick out the stomach on a diagram. Nutritionist Fiona Hunter commented on the findings saying that: “People are bombarded with health messages from a variety of different sources – from friends, family and the media through to food manufacturers and retailers so I’m not surprised people are often confused. It’s important that people remember that nutrition is an evolving science and as such we are constantly fine-tuning the message”. Ah, so we can breathe a sigh of relief, we are not to blame for our ignorance after all, it’s the fault of the media and, well, isn’t it always? 

Companies like Yakult are hoping to get the message across that nutrition and being aware of how our bodies work is as important to looking and feeling great as cosmetic surgery is. Indeed a healthy and balanced diet can be a much cheaper way to physical perfection.  It would seem that the British public have not yet cottoned on to this idea yet though and Hunter is right that the message will have to be fine tuned in order to win more people over.

Nose jobs, or rhinoplasty as most of you will probably call it now, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. It’s mainly favoured by women but men, most infamously Michael Jackson, have also been known to go under the knife in the name of nasal narcissism.  The perfect nose doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting at around £3000 but it is probably the most noticeable physical feature on anybody and thus it can certainly be money well spent. Thus it would seem cosmetic surgery is no longer something to turn your nose up at; it is something which has entered the conscious of the British public.