Cosmeticsurgeon.co.uk - UK Cosmetic Surgeons

Although plastic surgery is commonly thought of as being along the lines of procedures such as nose jobs or face lifts, this is far from the reality. Take the case of Harry Berger for example. When taxi driver Derek Bird shot into a crowded hotel in Cumbria last June, Mr Berger was among those shot. Because he was hit at close range, the damage to his body was extensive. He was hit in the hand and tricep. He also completely lost his bicep in addition to the arteries and nerves surrounding it. Plastic surgery techniques have been practiced in war zones such as Vietnam, Afghanistan and the Falklands and innovations in these techniques have enabled surgeons to perform miracles.

Within hours, surgeons were able to transplant veins from different parts of Mr Berger’s body to replace those that were extensively damaged. A few days afterward, doctors removed a section of muscle that ran between his hip and armpit and reconstructed his tricep and bicep muscles. A couple of months later, Mr Berger’s nerves were replaced.

Before the war in Vietnam, those with injuries to the arteries or veins that were as extensive as Mr Bergers would have most likely lost their limbs. What basically happens is that if you cut off a limb’s blood supply, you don’t have much more than a few hours to repair it. The reason that Vietnam was so different was that it was the first time that helicopters were deployed in battle. This meant that those who were wounded could be helped by surgeons in a matter of hours. Every new procedure that had been discovered this way continued to be practiced and expanded meticulously for every war afterwards.

The types of techniques that plastic surgeons use actually have their origins in operations used during World War I. Due to the intense trench warfare, field medics saw hoards of facial wounds. What essentially happened was that soldiers would look above trenches and get hit in the face by shrapnel, bullets or other types of debris. It goes without saying that those with mutilated faces would need new techniques to repair their injuries. It was a surgeon named Harold Gillies who discovered the procedures that enabled others to reconstruct facial features. These same procedures eventually evolved into the same modern cosmetic surgeries that everyone knows about today.

Most people who have received an invite to the upcoming Royal Wedding are fretting over what they’re going to wear to the event and shopping for the perfect dress and perfect pair of shoes.

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson isn’t fretting over what dress she’s going to wear to the event however, she’s fretting over what nose she’ll be wearing to the wedding. Supposedly the UK socialite is wanting to have a new nose in place before she watches the royal nuptials.

Although this may seem like a bizarre way to prepare for such a special event, Tara is defending her desire for the new nose by saying she wants a nose with a “straighter profile”, something that apparently wasn’t achieved by her last nose job, done due to damage from her previous cocaine habit.

Amazingly, she isn’t the only one planning surgery for big events. Whether it’s the Royal Wedding or tea time with the Beckhams, cosmetic procedures, whether surgical or non-surgical, are being seen more frequently, which is oddly timed when the conditions of the current economic climate are considered. Market analysts have estimated that in Britian almost 20 million adults want to have plastic surgery and although the number of procedures went down when the economy began suffering, plastic surgeons saw an increase of over 15 percent between the years of 2008 and 2010. The most popular cosmetic procedures currently being done are non-surgical.

“While we feel young on the inside, our outside may not look like we feel,” says plastic surgeon Douglas McGeorge. He says treatments increased in popularity because people live longer. Currently the number of treatments performed stands at 1.3 million, which means the number has risen 30 per cent over the previous two years.

Plastic surgery techniques and treatments continue to become more advanced and the results are becoming more satisfactory, also allowing patients to better predict the treatment’s results. Having plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes is believed by many to just be a lifestyle choice, and the the increasing numbers are proof of that.

The 2.3 billion market apparently sees face lifts and breast augmentations as the biggest trends, as reported in recent figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. There’s also been an increase in gynaecomastia treatments, proving men are having more procedures also.

McGeorge says that more than anything, plastic surgery is more “…about the patient’s wellbeing, not just the surgery.”

Claudia Aderotimi was a pretty 20-year-old girl. Her family came to Britain from Ghana. She often talked of how she wanted to be an actress or model. Some suggest that she wanted to appear in hip-hop videos. She frequently posted pictures and YouTube videos of herself dancing with her friends on the internet.

By most accounts, she had a nice, round bottom. Yet, it seems that this was not enough for Claudia. It appears that Claudia was obsessed with having a bigger rear end. In many of the YouTube videos where she is seen shaking her bottom with her friends, she is often seen wearing pads that make her rear end look bigger. This obsession with having a bigger bottom is what made her decide to get plastic surgery, which proved to be the biggest mistake of her life.

Claudia traveled to America to have plastic surgery because she thought she would save money. She ended up paying for the surgery with her life. She didn’t know that the person who performed the surgery had no medical qualifications whatsoever. The surgery took place inside a cheap hotel room near Philadelphia. The plan was to pump industrial silicone into Claudia’s rear end, but instead Claudia died because of the procedure.

It would seem that plastic surgery is only a matter of having enough money to get the procedure performed. The general public seems to be developing an obsession with surgical makeovers in hopes that it will boost their morale. It is common for TV programs here in Britain to show people who undergo various forms of plastic surgery who also claim that they lead a better life this way. The media could as well be the reason why the demand for plastic surgery has tripled in the last couple of years.

Here in Britain, what we need are less makeover shows that mislead the public and more responsible doctors that follow stricter plastic surgery regulations. The world could also benefit if something was done to fight the obsession people have with meeting entertainment ideals. This way Claudia Aderotimi would not have died in vain.

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.

How many times have you considered the idea of plastic surgery, but because you were not certain as to what the end result would be pushed the idea out of you mind? While a large number of people do have plastic surgery, there is an even larger number that have considered having some type of cosmetic procedure done, but because they had no way of knowing what the final result might be they quickly changed their minds. This really isn’t that much of a surprise when you consider the plethora of questions that surround a possible candidate for cosmetic surgery. Questions such as; how will I look? Will I look natural? Will people be able to tell that I’ve had anything done? These concerns are very valid and well founded when it comes to the idea of cosmetic surgery, especially given the fact that the only guide a person has had to go by was photos of the after results of other people who have had similar procedures done. While these considerations can present a quandary for a person considering the idea of cosmetic surgery there is no longer any reason to be worried as there is now a solution to the problem.

Dr. William Bruno, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, has found the answer to these concerns for the potential cosmetic surgery candidate. The Vectra 3D Imaging System utilizes special cameras and dynamic soft tissue modeling technology in order to generate an actual 3D model that has been formed after calculating what the realistic outcome to a cosmetic surgical procedure might be. The model is made based upon volume, distance, shape, placement, gravity and precise measurements. While a model of every single possible cosmetic surgical procedure scenario might not be available, the list of what types of models is quiet impressive. The system can offer you a model of the bodily areas such as face, breast and body sculpting.

Models for cosmetic procedures that have been utilized at this point include:
Rhinoplasty
Chin augmentation
Liposuction
Breast augmentation
Tummy tuck
Cellulite removal
Face lift
Facial implant
Botox and fillers
Lip augmentation
Breast reduction
Buttock augmentation and lift
Dermabrasion and Chemical peels

Although being able to see a model of what the results can look like is definitely a big asset, this system also gives you the option of exploring what various sizes of implants would look like as well.

No matter the area of your body, the idea of some type of plastic surgical procedure may very well have crossed your mind. However, the jump from just thinking about having plastic surgery done to serious consideration is a very large area to cross. There are many factors involved in having any type of plastic surgical procedure done and it’s very important to give serious consideration to every aspect involved to make certain that your decision is a wise one. The areas that are the most vital for consideration would that of expectations, expense, risks and recovery.

When it comes to the expectations the best way to proceed is to consider exactly what type of results you’re seeking. In other words; what are you looking to change about your self and what type of procedure will you need to accomplish that feat? It’s important to be realistic when you consider your expectations; don’t make your decision based on the expectation of coming through your procedure looking like a runaway model, or even like you did when you were in high school. Keep your expectations real so that you won’t face a bitter disappointment.

The area of expense is a very serious matter when it comes to plastic surgery. Many insurance plans will not cover any type of plastic surgery; unless it is something that is medically necessary. One of the best examples of this type of necessity would be that of someone who suffered severe facial lacerations and bone breakage due to an accident. In this case insurance would more than likely cover the expense in order to repair the damage done so that the area affected can be returned to normal. Plastic surgery you choose for personal reasons is considered elective and you are expected to cover all of the costs associated with that yourself.

Be aware that all types of surgery carry a potential risk factor. Make certain that you are aware of the potential risks you may have to deal with related to your procedure. Advanced information may well help you prepare somewhat better.

The recovery time that can be expected can vary greatly from patient to patient and from procedure to procedure. Your surgeon can give you a rough estimate of what you can expect, but keep in mind that not every patient is the same and not everyone reacts to every procedure the same way.

Although many plastic surgeons can do a very good job and achieve excellent results, the doctors that lower their patient’s pain and discomfort are many times much more successful. Why a person choses to have plastic surgery varies from person to person, however how they choose who will be their surgeon comes down many times to the pre and post surgery pain. A direct relationship to the success of a surgeon and their ability to keep the patient comfortable and pain free, reflects on how successful they are.

Plastic surgeons need to tell their patients what to expect through each step of the surgery process. There should be nothing more than small pain, other patients will lose faith in the doctor. Making sure patients know what to expect is a huge part of how they react to the procedure being done. All patients should be treated and dealt with individually when it comes to pain tolerances and how to handle it. Pain after the surgery can be dealt with by using strong medications for several days.

However, pain is not just about invasive procedures, it needs to be dealt with in cases of injectable procedures as well. Doctors that delver pain free botox and similar filler treatments are held to a higher regard then those who do not. This is extremely important in any plastic surgeon’s business, since word of mouth is very powerful. Positive feed back requires intense committeemen to the services provided and dedication to every patient that comes into the office.

Furthermore, pain needs to be handled by degrees of pain. As any surgery becomes more invasive the amount of pain associated with it will be increased and how to control it becomes more important. But, this doesn’t mean that non invasive surgery pain should be taken lightly either.

Pain can vary from patient to patient, based on their weight and pain threshold. Heavier patients may have more pain because there is more fat and skin that is removed in a procedure such as abdominoplasty. While a thinner patient has less fat and only loose skin that is being removed. This can be true in procedures that deal with muscles as well. A person with good muscle tone will experience less pain than a person with poor muscle tone.

There are numerous medical malpractice claims that can be levied against plastic surgeons. These can include breast implants, liposuction, face lifts and breast reduction as well. Patients have to consider whether or not to bring legal action against doctors that have caused sever infections, scarring, diseases, disfiguration, tissue damage and other strange results that can occur. Many times people who want to change or improve the way they look, end up facing other embarrassment, discomfort, pain, complications and numerous corrective surgeries. Not only that, but having to deal with multiple procedures and multiple failures is something to consider as well.

The thought of the “Cat Woman”, name is Jocelyn Wildenstein has become the face of too many surgeries that went wrong. However, more recently there is the experience of the British flight attendant that won a make over and now explains how plastic surgeons will go too far when not properly kept in check.

Nicole Stratton is the British flight attendant. She was chosen to be on the popular British program, Brand New You. She wanted to look better for her husband, however he did not feel this way. For the show, she received 30 hours of plastic and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles, California in a matter of 6 weeks. Doctors changed her nose, ears, brow and breast enhancements. She also had liposuction done on her stomach, back, hips, jaw and chin. Furthermore, she had extensive dental work completed and laser eye surgery done as well. By the time all the surgeries were completed, the grand total was a quarter of a million dollars.

What first seemed like a dream come true, later was not. Since she had saline implants inserted, one ruptured and both breasts were replaced with silicone implants instead. However, later one of those was replaced due to a build up of scar tissue. Not only that, but when these occurrences took place, she had to pay to go back to California and pay the doctor’s fees. Because of these stresses, her husband and she later divorced, she left the travel industry and now works for the prison system.

Doctors need to let patients know the risks and complications that can occur from plastic surgery. A medical malpractice lawyer should be contacted when there has been drastic damages, so that the patient has legal options and the possibility of recovering the money spent.

Many women can find a few areas on their body that they believe has too much fat. Many of these women also find that their breasts are too small. A new procedure, called fat grafting or fat transfer, now allows for them to take fat from one part of their body and use it to enhance their breasts.

Anup Dhir is a senior cosmetic surgeon at New Delhi’s Apollo hospital and spoke to The India Times concerning this hot new procedure. He said that surgeons were once afraid to use fat grafting. He explained, “A decade ago surgeons were hesitant to perform this procedure as calcification after fat transplantation could not be differentiated from those caused by cancer.” Calcification is the process where
calcium salts build up in soft tissue making it hard. He goes on to explain that the MRI has allowed these concerns to be cleared up.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), which was holding reservations about this procedure, has finally given their approval. Anup Dhir said, “I personally feel the situation with fat grafting will be the biggest thin in plastic surgery in the first half of the 21st century, not just for breasts but for other parts of the body as well.” Being able to have a breast enhancement while also slimming and contouring the body, is a novel procedure that many women will be excited to avail themselves of.

Meenakshi Agarwal is a Mumbai- based cosmetic surgeon who has performed a few fat-grafting surgeries, and he sings praises to the natural look of the new breasts. To the India Times he explained, “If a woman wants natural looking breast, she should go for fat grafting. It is a better way of getting a soft, visible push-up effect and more streamlined breasts.” No matter how good the surgeon is, getting silicon or saline implants to look and feel as natural as a fat grafting augmentation is impossible.

Dr. Dhir would caution women who are seeking this procedure to be sure that the surgeon is well trained. He said, “The technique must include all precautions to ensure that the maximum survival of fat tissue occurs. This can be achieved by reducing the possibility of trauma to the harvested site, demonstrating correct refinement of the tissue.” He also explains that a patented suction system is being designed to make the transfer more efficient.

This procedure is less invasive than a traditional breast augmentation and the results are claimed to be better. The fact that the implanted material is from the patients own body helps to prevent the development of complications and side effects. This procedure could indeed be the future of breast enhancement.

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a cosmetic surgeon in Phoenix Arizona. His goal for each of his patients is to find the right procedure for them and then use his skill and experience to give them the look that they desire. He does, however, understand that not all surgeons have these goals. And so, Dr. Angelchik wrote a press release to give people an outline to follow when choosing a plastic surgeon.

He says, “When choosing the right plastic surgeon, there are many things to consider. After all, you usually do not get more than one chance to improve your appearance with plastic surgery or minimally invasive cosmetic treatments.” He divides the choice into four specific things to look for when choosing a plastic
surgeon. These are education, associations, experience, and vision.

A plastic surgeon is required to do years of specialty training after medical school. When choosing a plastic surgeon, a person wants to be sure that they are well educated and trained for the procedure. A good surgeon will not only rely on what he learned in school. He will also keep abreast of new techniques and
technologies that are becoming available. Finding out about a doctor’s education is as simple as asking them about it or checking on it via the internet.

There are many plastic surgery associations that a doctor can be a member of. In the UK two of the most prestigious associations are the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and The Harley Medical Group. In the US the major association is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). A surgeon should be certified to practice plastic surgery, operate an accredited facility, attend continuing education programs and also follow a strict code of conduct. Many associations require at least these things of their surgeons and most require more. It can be important to know what certificates and awards a surgeon might have, as well as other associations or fellowships that the surgeons is a member of. A surgeon’s charitable contributions is also a good way to gauge his or her character.

The experience of a plastic surgeon is gauged by a few things. The number of years in practice is important but a decision cannot be made based solely on this. Research should be done to determine if any newsworthy problems ever occurred in association with the doctor. These negative news stories should not weigh too heavily on a decision however they should not be ignored. Talking to people who have actually been patients of a surgeon is usually a good way to gauge his or her experience.

The vision of a plastic surgeon is a true test of the surgeon. He or she should be able to give you specific goals concerning your procedure and be able to meet these goals. During the patient interview the surgeon should be able to outline the procedure and make the patient feel comfortable and at ease.