Cosmeticsurgeon.co.uk - UK Cosmetic Surgeons

Earlier this year the PIP scandal left many women having second thoughts about what they were putting in their bodies. The medical profession and plastic surgeons have been working on a way of increasing breast size without the need for implants. One alternative is using our own fat from areas where there is excess and then transferring this into the breast area.

Discussions ahead

There will be a gathering of twenty of the leading plastic surgeons from around the world as well as scientists of cell biology and tissue engineering experts. They will gather at the G20 forum in a few days in Switzerland.

New technique

The technique is called ‘lipo-filling’ and is already being used across the world by many plastic surgeons as an alternative to implants. When the fat has been taken from areas of the body, it is then purified and injected into the area that needs to be filled.

The downside of this treatment is that once the fat had been transferred to a different part of the body around half of it is reabsorbed into the body after 6 months. This is due to the fact that fat cells need a blood supply so the surgeons and medical professionals will be discussing ways of growing blood vessels in the fat implant, which is called neoangiogenesis. There will also be looking at ways of having stem cells in the fat so that the fat implants last longer.

Whatever the case, plastic surgery is forever modernising and new techniques are discovered regularly, and the creation of patient-own fat grafts is just one of many exciting treatments of the future.

From September 2012, Anglia Ruskin University is offering a new course in cosmetic surgery, which will, it is claimed, further ensure the safety and reliability of cosmetic surgery procedures carried out in the UK. While all plastic surgeons working within the UK must already complete training, this new course hopes to boost the level of expertise amongst surgeons working particularly in areas of cosmetic surgery.

Practical knowledge

The course, after which successful students will graduate with an MSc (Master of Science), opens this September to all accredited plastic surgeons who are currently working within the country. Surgeons from other countries will be able to apply from September of 2013. Indeed, it is hoped that the course will mean that Brits no longer feel that it is necessary to travel abroad for reliable and cost-effective plastic surgery. Some plastic surgeons currently working in the UK may not be fully knowledgeable about cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, despite having expertise in medical ‘reconstructive’ work (such as treating burns patients). This is due to the difference between NHS training and the fact that most cosmetic surgery is done in private practices.  It is this gap that surgeon Professor James Frame hopes to fill with this new course, which will be practice-based, ensuring that qualified graduates will have practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge.

The need for training

Headline-grabbing stories such as the recent scandal surrounding ‘faulty’ PIP breast implants show the need, says Professor. Frame, for cosmetic surgeons to be recognised within their own qualification, separate from other areas of plastic surgery. However, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), Fazel Fateh, claims that at present plastic surgeons do indeed receive training in cosmetic surgery as part of their NHS training. “Every trainee is taught the basic principles of aesthetic surgery,” he said, denying that the new MSc would be a necessary condition of being a “fully-qualified” plastic surgeon, although he did agree that the new course would certainly be “desirable for some.” At present, all plastic surgeons working within the UK undergo training, approved by the Royal College of Surgeons, which can last as long as seventeen years. However, the issue of practical experience specifically in the field of cosmetic surgery, and then operating in private practices without that experience, is the disjuncture that the new Anglia Ruskin course aims to bridge, helping patients feel secure knowing that their surgeon is highly qualified.

A surprising amount of people in the UK receive some type of cosmetic surgery during the holiday season, according to new figures released this month.

It has been reported that there was a 45% rise in the number of people enquiring about cosmetic surgery, according to the figures.  It was reported that more and more people are turning to cosmetic surgery to rejuvenate their bodies and faces. During the holiday season, cosmetic surgery was at an all time high in the UK.

The cosmetic procedure leading this new trend was for breast augmentation surgeries. Breasts implants accounted for nearly 65% increase of the cosmetic surgeries performed, with a dramatically rise of 55% during the month of November. There was also a staggering increase in the number of non-surgical procedures as the holiday season opened and parties were plentiful, people wanted to put their best face forward. There was also a rise of 65% in the number of people enquiring about Botox injections with a 43% increase in other cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and they had 32% more enquiries about lip enhancement procedures, as compared to the previous month.

Both women and men made enquiries about non-surgical procedures as the Christmas party season got underway in the UK. In modern society the term “metrosexuals” has been used to define a newly identified segment of society, men who like to groom and use cosmetics and look good as much as women. The percentage of men who could be classified as “metrosexuals” accounted for nearly 41% of all Botox enquires in December.

It seems that cosmetic surgery options are growing popular with all segments of society. A spokesman for the Transform Cosmetic group, Shami Thomas recently commented on the reported increases in the trend of cosmetic surgery. Thomas remarked, “Cosmetic surgery sees seasonal trends and our call centre staff have been inundated recently with pre-Christmas enquiries. Thomas goes on to state that, “As we approach Christmas, attention turns to the upcoming party season and naturally women and men begin to look to improving their appearances to look their best.”

Following cosmetic surgery there is normally bruising and swelling in the affected areas. Standard recovery time is usually four to six weeks.

There is a new style of breast implants on the market. The interesting thing about this style is that they have been designed to address the common major issues of traditional styles such as ruptures and contraction.

Breast Implants and Enlargement has been dated back to 1890. The original procedure involved injecting paraffin directly into the breast. In the 1920′s paraffin was replaced with fat from other parts of the body. Then during the time of WWII silicon was discovered and ladies of the night began to have silicon put directly into the breast. Later in the 1950′s, silicon impregnated sponges were placed in the breast. In 1961 the very first implant was introduced, made from silicon.

The silicon breast implant was not designed to last forever. There has always been a limit to the amount of time that it can stay in the body before it needs to be removed and replaced. However, there have been cases of the implants dissolving, leaking, rupturing and contracting before their expiration date. This has been a common concern for both patients and doctors.

When silicone implants rupture, common side effects are decreased or uneven breast size, pain, tingling, hard knots, burning, and increased swelling. Sometimes however, no side effects are experienced and this can lead to other complications.

With trends in breast surgeries increasing, Cereform decided to look into a new way to manufacture breast implants. Cereform realized that “Women are more and more willing to have a natural augmentation.” Many women find a natural appearance to be more important than size or lift. With that in mind, many surgeons have started placing the implant under the muscle instead of under the gland.

Silicone implants have become the more common choice for women because of the natural appearance that they give, especially when compared to Saline. Silicone is also a safer material.

“The most important issue for breast implants as with every medical implant is biocompatibility. In aesthetic breast surgery there is always a small risk of capsular formation, a so called hostile reaction of the native tissue with scar formation around the implant.”

The texture of Cereform’s implants was designed to overcome all of the issues with its predecessors by changing the texture. “Our implants are textured by automotive ways and it is the combination of texturation and different layers of Cereform implants that makes it innovative.”

There is a new method of having breast implants done. It is a no touch method that is easier for the doctor and the recovery is faster for the patient.

Silicone for breast implants are closer to real breasts in the way they look and feel. Many times this is the method of choice when having breast augmentation done. However, since they are pre-filled, it can be hard to fit them into the small incision that is made on the breast. On the other side are saline implants that are first inserted and then filled by the doctor with the saline solution.

However, doctors can now use the Keller Funnel No Touch Technique to insert the silicone into the breast. The technique is similar to using a cake decorating bag. The doctor is able to insert the silicone implant into the breast without ever having to actually touch the implant.

It is a very easy procedure and it is surprising it took so long to come up with. The implant itself is placed into the Keller Funnel. The funnel is large at one end and then becomes smaller at the other, again similar to a cake decorating bag. The doctor makes the cut into the breast and the small end of the funnel is placed into the opening. Now the doctor squeezes the large end of the funnel slowly, to work the silicone implant down the funnel and into the breast. The silicone implant is flexible and moves easily down the funnel and into the opening.

Another advantage of using this procedure is that patients have had speedier recovers. Patients have reported that they healed faster and this may be because there is far less trauma to the breasts since the silicone implant is easier to insert. Also, Dr. Drew Ordon of the Doctors, feels that the Keller Funnel Technique may reduce the risk of contracture. Contracture is when hard tissue forms around the implant. A doctor has to press and apply pressure to the area to break the tissue up. This is very painful and uncomfortable for the patient. There is no clear reason why contracture happens in some patients. Theories have been that infections or the talc on the doctor’s gloves may be the reason. The Keller Funnel Technique removes all reasons for the doctor to touch the implant, reducing the risk of infections occurring.

Boobs jobs are becoming ever more popular for brides to be. New reports are showing that many brides are opting to have a boob job done before their wedding day. However, this is not all that the reports are showing. They also show that brides to be feel that breast enlargements and cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures are forms of investments for them as well.

As the need for larger and larger weddings have become more and more popular, the bill for the wedding has increased as well for the special day. Women want everything to be perfect, this includes what they look like. This has become a huge factor as to why so many women are choosing to have breast enlargements and other procedures done before the wedding. The procedures are increasing the soon to be brides confidence and making sure that they feel at their best and look their best for the ceremony.

There are more women that choose to have breast implants and other cosmetic procedures done before their wedding day compared to men. The women out weigh the men by 75% to 25%. However, getting married does influence a man’s decision to have cosmetic surgery done before the wedding though. Men who typically do not consider plastic surgery many times do so before being married.

Many women when considering to have plastic surgery done before their wedding are looking to look slimmer and improve their figure and body over all. However, men usually look to have procedures done that will correct sporting injuries for example. A common procedure for men to have done is rhinoplasty.

Large weddings are popular and the expected procedure, especially now in 2010. So it is not surprising to see that cosmetic procedures are part of the pre-wedding agenda. Couples want their day to be perfect in every way. The average wedding can cost as much as £20,000, which means that many patients feel the additional cost of cosmetic surgery is just part of the marriage investment. Especially since plastic surgery will last many years past the wedding day.

Lastly, women who are thinking of having breast surgery done before the wedding day, should allow at least four to six months for time to recover before the wedding day.

Breast lift or breast augmentation surgery is a person’s own choice. Breast tissue can be damaged by age, weight, gravity, pregnancy and nursing. A breast lift will firm and raise breasts, while breast augmentation will increase the size and shape of the breasts. Plus there is breast reduction surgery to decrease the size of the breasts.

Many times a combination of procedures need to be done. A breast augmentation and a lift together or a lift and breast reduction can be done to deliver the results a woman is looking for. With any of these procedures there is an examination and evaluation done by the doctor. This ensures that the patient as all the information they need to make an informed decision to have the procedure or not. Any woman considering these procedures should be in optimal health both physically and mentally. There should also be realistic goals and expectations of the results the woman will see after the operation as well.

As with any surgery there are risks associated with it. There can also be complications too. Knowing that there can be infections, increased bleeding, side effects to the anesthesia used and scarring to name a few should be considered as well. While at the consultation with any doctor that has been chosen, the possible complications that can occur should be gone over. All risks that are associated to the procedure should be discussed as well. However, the benefits should be looked at and weighed in as well. These questions should be completely covered in the consultation so that a patient fully understands the pre, during and post surgical results and care.

Having this information will make deciding on to have the procedure much easier, as well as deciding which procedure will best for you. Keep in mind that having a breast lift procedure done will mean that the breasts can be firmed and contours added to sagging breasts. However, combining a lift with breast augmentation will mean that the breasts will be fuller, larger, lifted and firm as well. This is true with breast reductions as well. These combined procedures many times will create longer lasting results that are also more appealing aesthetically.

Every year Doctors and scientists try to come up with new ways to make breast augmentation procedures easier for both the patient and the physician. The Keller Funnel, introduced in August of 2009 and invented by Kevin Keller M.D., is a newer procedure that lets the surgeon introduce the implant through a small incision. This procedure also allows for faster healing for the patient.

The Keller Funnel allows the surgeon to install the implant without actually having to touch it. It is a cone that is lined with a special kind of lubricant called hydrophilic polymer coating. When it gets moist it gets slippery and that helps the implant to slide through the incision. The implant is placed in the cone, or funnel, and then squeezed into the breast using very little pressure. It is also suggested that getting implants using the Keller Funnel can help to prevent capsular contracture, a condition in which a hard tissue forms around the implant squeezing it and often distorting the shape. Capsular contracture can often be fixed with surgery, however, the Keller Funnel is meant to help avoid contracture from happening.

It is generally difficult for a physician to get a large implant into a small incision, like the very popular already pre-filled silicone implants. The Keller Funnel can get larger implants through the small incisoin quickly, therefore, it helps to avoid damaging or further irritating the tissue surrounding the incision. The implant can still be place above or below the breast muscle using this technique.

The entire idea behind the Keller Funnel is to make sure that the patient heals faster and has less chance of infection, that the surgeons are better able to see what they are doing and that the surgery takes less time which is good for the patient and the surgeon. Patients are able to avoid large scars and because of the no touch system there is less of a chance that foreign objects will be introduced into the body during the procedure.

Since it’s invention doctors all over the United States have began using the Keller Funnel to aid in breast augmentation. Keller Medical Inc. does state that “Because every woman is different and individual results may vary, you should speak to your surgeon about the merits of the Keller Funnel.” As with all surgeries it is best to do research before making a final decision.

Terrorists have been known to be cunning and relentless in their mission to spread terror around the world. They plan massive attacks, usually on civilian targets and will put bombs anywhere that they suspect will recieve the most notice. Terrorists have even been known to strap bombs to themselves and thus, become heroes to their cause as suicide bombers. It has now been rumored that terrorists are contemplating breast implant bombs.

WHDH News 7 in Boston, Massachusetts US, reported that British spy satellites have intercepted communications from Pakistan and Yemen concerning this. Terrorists in the communication were talking about making explosives that could be placed in a breast implant and then inserted into female terrorists. Sources say that British intelligence has reported, that the surgeries will be performed by plastic surgeons
that had come to London’s hospitals to be trained. Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Franklin Rose, told KPRC Local 2, that the technology for such a thing is available and would not be very difficult. However he is appalled by the idea saying, “To have a plastic surgeon put a liquid explosive in an implant and teaching somebody how to detonate it , it’s unfathomable.”

Ron Clark, a former Houston FBI Director, believes that homeland security is taking this threat seriously and will be able to handle it. He said, “I’m sure we are gathering all the information, intelligence that the government can. They are also securing all the ports, airports and main attractions as much as possible. The government takes these types of threats seriously and not relaxed. He is confident in the governments ability to prevent these threats from being implemented successfully.

This threat comes right on the heals of the botched bombing on Christmas day. Nigerian terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to detonate a bomb on the Northwest Airlines Flight 253 bound for Detroit, with 300 people aboard. He sewed the bomb to the inside of his underwear and attempted to detonate it as the jet-liner prepared to land. The bomb failed to detonate and thus the flight was saved, however it raised awareness that such an attack could, in theory, work.

Breast implant bombs is a frightening idea that is very plausible. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented the use of full body scans and believes that these will be successful in preventing these attacks. The full-body scan is equipped to detect explosive materials and residue and so, should be able to detect these bombs. However, it is not really known whether the scanners will be competent in finding explosives inside of breast implants.

Before there were silicone implants women who wanted breast augmentation were forced to have saline implants put in. Now that silicone implants are available, and approved to be used, many women are rushing to get them. Women who already have saline implants must not be discouraged, because the switch from saline to silicone is easy and quick.

Dr. Allan Parangao, the author of ‘A Woman’s Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery and Body Contouring’, reports that replacing saline implants with silicone implants is a simple procedure. In fact, the surgery can take less than 45 minutes to complete because a pocket already exists in the breast where the old implant had been. A local anesthetic is sufficient and Dr. Parangao reported that many women returned to work the very next day after having their breast implants switched.

Some women with saline implants wonder if it is really necessary to have their implants changed. In a press release, Dr. Cohen, a board-certified plastic surgeon of the Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery, said, “Some of my corrective surgery patients choose silicone partly because they weren’t happy with their experience with saline, but what’s interesting is that we’re starting to see many more patients wanting to ‘trade up’ to silicone for its own sake, without necessarily requiring significant correction at the same time.” He says that the silicone implants have a more natural texture and that they can help to compensate for many of the aesthetic challenges that come along with revision breast surgery.

Dr. Parangao said , “silicone gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants do. Especially for women with relatively little natural breast tissue, silicon gel implants can give much more natural looking breast enhancement.” Saline implants sometimes take on a rippled effect which is not seen with silicon. Also silicon gel has been refined with a property that causes the gel to ‘stick’ to itself in the same way that breast tissues stick to each other. This creates a feel that is nearly indistinguishable from natural breast tissue.

In an article by American Health and Beauty, 41 year-old Patty said although “saline implants improved my figure 100%…they were hard. They looked great but did not feel natural.” After her breast implants were changed she said that her silicone breast felt better and she was actually able to push them together in a Wonder bra, which had been impossible with the saline.

UK cosmetic surgery companies such as The Harley Medical Group and Make Yourself Beautiful offer breast augmentations.