Cosmeticsurgeon.co.uk - UK Cosmetic Surgeons

A common treatment for wrinkles, Botox is now being used as an acne scar therapy. Botox, which is a drug that is a derivative of Botulism bacterium, is being shown to reduce the appearance of facial pits caused by acne. It does this by causing the muscles around the scars to relax.

According to Monash University’s Greg Goodman, “If it happens to be that… Botox can help to… relax that area so it doesn’t have so much stress on the existing scar tissue.” He also stated that Botox is generally used in conjunction with dermal fillers. These fillers are injected into a person’s skin after the Botox treatment to smooth the scar tissues.

Professor Goodman also found that while he was reviewing the use of Botox in the treatment of acne scars, that the Botox did indeed help to reduce the look of acne scars. He has published these findings in the Journal of Cutaneous Aesthetic Surgery.

Since Botox was introduced in 1999, it has been widely used to assist in the treatment of wrinkles. It has since been found to help lessen excessive sweating, help those afflicted with cerebral palsy to relieve their muscle spasms, and to aid chronic migraine sufferers with their pain. In 2009, cosmetic surgeons began to use Botox as an acne treatment after determining it could prevent excess oil and sebum production in skin pores. This excess build-up is a primary cause for the appearance of acne on your skin.

Botox works by obstructing the brains signals from the nervous system to the muscles, thus making them relax. This relaxation of the muscles is what reduces wrinkles and acne scarring. There are side effects of the drug, as with most any other. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, there have been 40 cases of unfavourable side effects in those who received the Botox treatment. Among those side effects, the most commonly reported were vomiting and fatigue. As with any cosmetic treatments, it is imperative that you discuss it at length with your doctor, to avoid complications and minimize the chances of adverse effects of treatment.

High profile men have been seeking plastic surgery to prolong their careers and bring back their younger selves with small nip and tucks and non-invasive procedures like Botox. With these men enjoying the benefits of prolonged youth, many other business men have been finding plastic surgery helps in the workforce.

The average of male patients in Melbourne has risen from 10 percent ten years ago to about 20 percent currently. The men who received surgeries ten years ago were mostly in need due to medical reasons whereas the surgeries now are mostly cosmetic in nature. These procedures range from rhinoplasty and eyelifts to Botox and fillers.

Career advancement and preservation are sited as reasons for needing these facial enhancement surgeries and upkeep. Men are afraid of losing their jobs for looking “tired” or “worn down.”

A businessman who has reached the age of 61 had a neck lift to get rid of the dangling skin. He claimed the presence of the skin was disrupting his confidence which was hurting his ability to attend meetings and network properly.
Melbourne doctors believe divorce is also a factor in the rise in men who are seeking surgeries. The men have a need to make themselves feel attractive to the single community.

Many high profile men have claimed good genes rather than good surgeons when they suddenly appear to look a few years younger. Crocodile Dundee hero, Paul Hogan, claimed he had never had surgery or injections to make his wrinkles disappear.

Another handsome star who feared loss of career choices without finding a fountain of youth was Dancing With the Stars judge, Todd McKenney. He has talked candidly of his past ventures with the cosmetic surgeon. He states he has had Botox, pulsed light therapy and even Thermage treatments to tighten his skin and remove wrinkles.

The majority of men, famous or not, tend to be more private about their surgeries even if it is no longer a stigmatism to go under the knife.

Although, Australian figures for 2009 have not been reported, American figures for 2009 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has about 26 percent of all nose jobs, or rhinoplasty, as being performed on men. Cheek implants were reported at 27 percent and eye lifts were at 25 percent. Lifts on the other parts of the face, forehead, 11 percent, and facelifts, 9 percent were much lower but ever increasing.

Botox, keep us looking younger, it is said to now help those who’s majority of life has been spent with excruciating headaches. But is it ok to give migraine suffering patients regular shots of botox around their necks, and heads?

What exactly is Botox, and where does it from?

Botulinum Toxin, (Botox) is a protein formed by the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. The toxin stops the brain from sending out chemical messages to the muscles, telling them to contract.

Preventing migraines with Botox?

About a decade ago, patients receiving Botox cosmetically, claimed it cured their migraines. The company that produced Botox, started advertising Botox as a treatment for migraines, shortly after the theory had surfaced.
With lacking evidence that the treatment was legit, the company was fined over $300 million for wrongful advertising.

What evidence is there that Botox is relieving migraines?

Afterwards, several trials came to the conclusion that the Botox treatment did not cure the chronic migraines. However, the Botox, did seem to reduce the number of days a person might have been affected by a migraine.

Is there enough evidence that Botox works?

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and US Food and Drug Administration agencies both permitted the treatment for sufferers of never-ending migraines, last year. There are still people that aren’t persuaded. Dr. Jes Olesen, neurologist, and the chief of Danish Headache Centre at Glostrup University Hospital, located in Denmark.

So why a dispute?

Olesen says, the majority of the participants were taking more pain medication then required. It was hard to tell if the participants had migraines, or pain pill overuse migraines. Also, it would be obvious to the experimental group that they received the Botox, instead of the placebo, because their facial images would change. This would corrupt the purpose of the experiment.

There are a few people that would have to disagree with Dr. Jes Olesen.

Neurologist, Sheena Aurora, says that chronic migraine sufferers, take pain pills normally, so the pills wouldn’t effect the trial. According to her, even a 10 percent increase can be a relief for the patients. Another Doctor says chronic migraines are very challenging to treat, and the critics of the trial aren’t helping the millions of migraine sufferers. He said the critics need to look at the larger picture.

According to a recent survey, a full one-third of middle-aged women would gladly resort to surgical techniques to mask the visible facial signs of aging!

Three thousand women from 40 to 65 years of age revealed that one out of every three of these women would contemplate cosmetic surgery to achieve a more-youthful appearance. Nearly one-third of the women also told the surveyors that they found the prospect of looking two decades younger held more appeal to them than becoming a millionaires!

Among those willing to undergo the knife to turn back the clock, the most favored cosmetic corrective procedure was an eyelift. Following closely behind in the ladies’ preferred baggy of surgical “tricks” was the tummy tuck.

Close to another one third of the research subjects preferred non-surgical techniques such as chemically-based facial “peels” or “fillers”. Botox was one such frequently-mentioned “filler”. Botox is a prescription drug that is administered intramuscularly between the eyebrows. According to its makers, Botox reduces wrinkles by obstructing certain facial nerve impulses. Botox claims that this decreases the muscular activity that cause certain types of lines to develop in women‘s faces. Among the women questioned, Botox – along with its topical counterparts – was preferred over the drastic measure of resorting to the plastic surgeon’s scalpel.

David Ross is Chief Executive at one of the UK’s most elite cosmetic surgery facilities. Known as The Hospital Group, this medical organization provides those with serious concern about their appearance a full range of surgical and non-surgical remedies. Breast enlargement, eye lifts, liposuction, and facelifts are provided alongside chemical peels, fillers, Botox, and cosmetic dentistry. The Group performs these services in nineteen clinics throughout Ireland and the UK.

Mr. Ross recently remarked: “The way you look matters to many people, no matter what their age is. If you feel unhappy with your appearance, this can lead to feelings of frustration and depression.

“For many people, changing the way they look can improve their whole view on life, and often gives them the confidence that they didn’t have before, as well.

The Hospital Group provides expert advice and treatments to ensure that patients get the look they are after.”

From all appearances, the cosmetics industry is cashing in big amid on all this age-induced hysteria. Amidst the hype and hoopla, one can only wonder: Is being so vane all in vain?

Many people have been receiving non-urgent cosmetic and medical surgeries, and the bills have been paid by the taxpayers. These non-urgent procedures include acupuncture, Botox and even penile implants. More than £78,786 of the taxpayers money has been spent on these procedures since 2009, NHS Surrey reported.

The most money was spent on acupuncture, with 50 seperate patients spending more than £1000 each for a total cost of £51,428. The next most expensive was Botox, with 33 people treated for excess sweating. This has cost taxpayers £15,133. And finally 4 people got penile implants with a price-tag of £12,225. Even more was spent on removing excess skin. The money spent on this was £15,651. But by far the most prevalent treatment formerly covered by taxpayers’ money is the epidural spinal injection used for the treatment of chronic back pain. £209,936 was spent on this procedure last year, with £136,387 already being spent this year.

The health service’s Fast, Steady, Stop Programme will end the payment for all of these non-urgent procedures to save the county money. NHS Surrey has stated: ‘if you don’t need it, the NHS won’t won’t pay for it’. From now on, these procedures will only be paid for if completely necessary. Health services could not explain exactly what this means.

The other procedure which the health service will stop paying for are: facial hirsutism for women, hair transplant, corrective surgery for male pattern baldness, general hair loss correction and tattoo removal.

One large reason for the cessation of payment for these procedures is to try to correct the £125m deficit in NHS Surrey.

A PCT spokesman said that some procedures could still be used if doctors think it is the right approach, but this will be determined on an individual basis. He said also that in certain cases, it is possible that acupuncture could be used to treat people with chronic back problems.

He also went on to explain how the ‘Fast, Steady, Stop’ approach would help Surrey provide better treatment and make better use of taxpayers’ money. The hope is also obviously o balace the budget in Surrey.

Recent advances in plastic surgery techniques decrease the risks of some of the most common concerns for those considering plastic surgery. Since darker skins pigmentation create a greater risk for developing scar tissue such as greater visibility, raised scars, thicker scars, and skin discoloration, these newer techniques offer more hope for those who feel they need services of a plastic surgeon.

Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid and Hypertrophic scars are thick raised scars that are not only a source of discomfort, but they are also unpleasant cosmetically as well. While a hypertrophic scar remains within the bounds of the original incision or wound, it does overgrow causing a more visible scar. At the same time, a keloid scar extends past the bounds of the wound and becomes large and painful.

While people of any ethnicity can develop these kinds of scars, there is a greater chance that those of African, Asian, and Hispanic lineage will see evidence of their formation. When there is already a history of such scars, it is more likely that they will occur.

Other factors that point to the possible formation of keloid or hypertrophic scars are inflammation and tension of the wound.

With the newer techniques available to cosmetic surgeons, anyone that is at higher risk for forming keloid or hypertrophic scars should not have to be overly concerned. These techniques can actually prevent the overgrowth with careful placement of the incision. The patient can also opt for less invasive procedures which will reduce inflammation that may occur, and tension at the wound site. Placing stitches in deeper layers of the skin can also reduce this tension.

Botox is another method that can be used to release the tension that is often present on a healing incision or wound.

Discoloration

When it comes to discoloration, this can be with the accumulation of too much pigmentation, or lack of enough pigmentation that sometimes occur with laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion procedures that leave the skin dark, blotchy, or lighter than surrounding areas.

If you are considering facial cosmetic surgery, and you are from an ethnic background that places you at risk of any of the above side effects, be sure that you get in touch with a surgeon that has experience with darker skin. He will be able to make recommendations, and help you choose the best methods and safest procedures for you.

Valentine’s Day is the day where people are reminded that it is important to show others how much they are loved. It has been promoted as primarily a holiday for couples and their are many gifts that couples exchange on this wonderful day. Some people stick with traditional gifts such as flowers, chocolate, and jewelry. But some are unique and they opt for things like cosmetic treatment packages. So, it is really possible to buy a sweetheart a set of dimples to enhance their smile.

Giving cosmetic treatment packages is actually becoming popular, with more and more people giving these gifts each year. The improvement in societies attitude toward cosmetic procedures is directly responsible for this. Society no longer looks down on a person for getting a procedure done to look better. The word vain is no longer associated with cosmetic procedures because most people really would like to look prettier then they are. Instead of feeling guilty about plastic surgery people are excited about it. Gitika Chopa, 28, a Delhi-based banker, was practically glowing when she found out about the gift her boyfriend planned to give her for Valentine’s Day. She told the India Gazette, “My boyfriend is gifting me a package that includes Botox and other therapies to help me get rid of wrinkles and other marks on my face. This is the most exciting gift that I have ever got because it will give me a new lease on life.”

The rush that surgeons are seeing near Valentines Day is not surprising to Manoj Kumar J. Manwani, cosmetic surgeon at Criticare Hospital in Mumbai. He told the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) over the phone, “This is a common thing. Every year we see an increase in the number of people going in for cosmetic procedures around Valentine’s Day because everyone wants to look good….We see more than 20 percent increase in women going in for cosmetic procedures around Valentine’s Day.”

Dr. Manwani also said, “Most common procedures are nose jobs and chin augmentation but one treatment that is really getting prominence nowadays is dimple creation. Not only girls, even boys are increasingly going in for dimple creation.” Dimples are created by making a shallow cavity inside the mouth. This cavity will cause the cheek to sink in at that point creating a dimple. The procedure takes only 30 minutes and requires a local anesthetic. For most people regular activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure.

Dimples enhance a person’s smile making them look cuter and younger. People who have always admired dimples on others can now admire them on themselves. 

People undergo plastic surgery for a wide range of reasons. Some have a procedure to ake themselves look younger and be more marketable in the job market. Others have surgery to be more attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex, and some just want to possess that perfect beauty that they have always wanted. Many brides-to-be decide that getting plastic surgery, before their wedding, is necessary to give them the wedding that they always dreamed of.

New research performed by The Good Surgeon Guide showed that 58 percent of women engaged to be married, are considering having a cosmetic treatment before the wedding. The study asked 512 brides-to be a series of questions concerning their intentions concerning cosmetic surgery before their wedding day. The results were intriguing. Botox, teeth whitening, and liposuction were the three most appealing treatments according to this group of women. Botox, the wrinkle relaxing injection, is a very popular procedure. It is non-surgical, which appeals to many people and is a quick temporary treatment. Teeth whitening is of course high on many people’s list. A bright flashing smile is important, especially when a person’s picture is being taken. Liposuction is much more invasive, but the patients who have undergone
this procedure are amazed at the results.

Breast augmentation ranked in the fourth position with only 47 percent of the women, that would have surgery, considering this procedure. Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery in the cosmetic surgery field. In fact during 2009 the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons performed 8,565 breast augmentations. This is over 23 percent of all procedures performed for both men and women. The Harley Medical Group has also reported that they have performed an increasing number of breast augmentations and expect 2010 to have record numbers.

The most common reason for these brides-to-be to consider cosmetic procedures was because of the wedding pictures. Every bride wants her wedding to be perfect, and wants to be able to look back at the wedding pictures with fondness. Every thing has to be just right and that includes how she looks. Christiana Clogg, co-founder of the Good Surgeon Guide, said, “A wedding is the single most important day in plenty of men and women lives and a large number want everything to be perfect, including their appearance. I can understand the appeal of a flawless image for weddings; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with people getting some work done before they get married, providing they do their homework.”

The survey also included 509 engaged men, of which around 33 percent said they were considering a cosmetic procedure. Their choices ranged from veneers to chest reduction and most men said that they considered a procedure in order to please their partner.

Society is slowly changing their attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. The continuous increase in the numbers of procedures performed each year is a testament to this fact. However, not everyone is comfortable admitting to having undergone a cosmetic procedure. United States politicians are rumored to have undergone plastic surgery, but they are not telling.

Dr. Ayman Hakki, of the Luxxery Cosmetic Medical Boutique in Waldorf, Maryland, is an accomplished cosmetic surgeon who has a keen eye for individuals who have undergone plastic surgery. He has performed procedures on Miss America and Washington Redskins Hall of Famers. He has been touted as a celebrity cosmetic surgeon and his opinions are respected throughout the US. He has compiled a list concerning which politicians he believes have undergone plastic surgery.

The Plastic Surgery Channel reported some of these results and many high profile politicians have made the list. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denied having any plastic surgery when question about it, however Dr. Hakki sees strong signs that indicate that Mrs. Clinton had Botox injections in her forehead. Another high profile female politician is Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who he claims has had a face and neck lift.

Dr. Hakki is sure that political plastic surgery is not monopolized by women. He claimed that Vice president Joe Bidden and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have both under gone procedures. He believes that Bidden had hair transplants and Botox, and Schwarzenegger had a partial face lift. Dr. Hakki admits that he has not performed any procedures on these individuals , but he is confident in his ability
to spot the signs.

Even with the change of attitude in society, concerning cosmetic procedures, many politicians are not willing to admit to them. They fear that people will consider them vain and some will have procedures done in small stages over a long period of time, to avoid arousing suspicion. On the website A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Cap Lesesne said, “Politicians want to come away looking younger, better, healthier, but with something that does not say they have had plastic surgery.”

Some Chinese officials who have also undergone plastic surgery are reluctant to admit to it. Whereas Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh all admit to using Botoz, the injectable wrinkle relaxer.

The recession has not seen a decrease in cosmetic surgeries, on the contrary it has flourished. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported nearly a seven percent increase in the cosmetic surgeries performed by them in 2009 in the UK. Mr. Nigel Mercer, President of BAAPS, said, “The public’s interest in aesthetic surgery appears to remain strong and indeed growing..”

Along with the increase in surgical procedures, the cosmetic procedures that are non surgical have increased substantially. These procedures include accent laser treatment, Botox, collagen injections, and others. Liz Dale, director of The Harley Medical Group, said, “Non-surgical procedures, which saw a big growth last year, have continued to be a strong area for us and now account for 32 percent of all our
business.” A non-surgical procedure that has become very popular is the skin peel, also known as a chemical peel. During the recession many people have tried to find less expensive ways to look beautiful and chemical peels are one of these recession-proof procedures. The Harley Medical Group’s Obagi Blue Peel, which gets rid of blemishes, acne scars, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, and wrinkles, has been in high demand. It has actually been dubbed ‘the recession facelift’ since chemical peels have outstripped facelifts in popularity.

Skin peels are a skin resurfacing technique which removes the top layer of skin. The body replaces this skin with a fresh layer of skin that is clearer and no longer has the problem that the old layer of skin had. There are three different levels of skin peels which include light, intermediate, and deep. The different levels of peel correspond to the severity of the problem that the patient wishes to erase. The deep peel is actual able to remove deep lines and medium sized wrinkles. Many people have found that a face-lift is not always necessary because a chemical peel can indeed make their face look fresh and young.

Mr. Dale also reported, “The surgical side of the business is also continuing to grow. While breast augmentations remain the most popular surgical procedure, rhinoplasties (nose operations) are closing the gap in second.” Breast augmentation is very popular for mothers who are trying to regain their figures after giving birth. They actually account for 75 percent of the breast up lift patients, and an astounding 90 percent of the tummy tuck procedures.

2009 also saw the number of men undergoing plastic surgery increase dramatically. In fact 18 percent of all procedures performed in 2009, were on men. The Harley Medical Group reports that Botox and Sweatox actually account for much of this growth in procedures performed on men.