Mt Vernon Cosmetic Surgeons Press
LifeOver35
Under the knife No, I’m not going for plastic surgery! Or cosmetic surgery to give it its proper title. But increasing amounts of men are doing so – which is why I’m indebted to consultant cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jag Chana of Spire Healthcare Bushey for writing this excellent common-sense guest blog on what to do if you think it’s for you. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), male cosmetic surgery is more popular here than in the US. Men are increasingly opting for cosmetic procedures in order to improve their appearance and this is set to continue to grow next year. There are many reasons why we’re seeing an increase but perhaps one reason is media awareness. We are surrounded by stories in papers, magazines and on TV of people having surgery and this has made people feel more aware and comfortable with the concept of enhancing our physical selves for the better.
But perhaps even more surprising is the growing impact of “someone we know” having cosmetic treatments and this is particularly true of men. Most of the new male patients I see in my practice are the husbands and partners of my female patients. The majority of these men were always curious about surgery but it was only after seeing the positive results in their wife or girlfriend that they decided to bite the bullet and book a consultation. Surgery isn’t the easy option. There are always risks involved and it’s vital that anyone thinking about surgery does their homework and picks their surgeon very carefully. If you are considering having something done, here’s my advice for selecting the right surgeon: Make sure the surgeon is qualified and recognised Begin by looking for the right qualifications. Good surgeons will have an FRCS (Plast) qualification in Plastic Surgery and should be a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) which is the only association recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons to represent cosmetic surgery. It’s also the only society which audits the safety figures of each of its members. And consider if the surgeon has also consulted for the NHS as he or she will then have the highest level of training in their field. Don’t be pushed There’s so much information on the web making it difficult to decipher and choose the right surgeon. There is a very simple fact with this marketing – the more commercial the clinic is, the higher the visibility, the more likely you are to see it. But remember, this does not necessarily equate to the quality and level of experience and expertise of your surgeon. It’s also very important not to be pushed into surgery by sales tactics, such as seeing nurse ‘advisors’ who may offer free consultations or give discounts on an immediate booking. Your consultation should always be with a surgeon who is actually going to be carrying out the surgery. Don’t go abroad for surgery It’s not a good idea to travel abroad for surgery. Not only do you have no idea about the qualifications or experience of the surgeon, it’s likely that there will be no follow up or after care. I’m increasingly seeing patients coming to me with complications from surgery carried out abroad. Sometimes it’s correctable but it can be disastrous if it’s not. It’s also important to realise that the NHS will not carry out corrective cosmetic surgery. My current top male procedures are: · Liposuction · Male chest reduction (Gynaecomastia) · Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) · Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction) · Facelift If you would like more information or considering surgery and would like to book a consultation with Mr Chana, please visit www.spirebushey.com or telephone 0208 901 5505.
Using Botox to Get Rid of Frown Lines – Tempted by a little bit of Botox? We’ve tested out the muscle-relaxing injection to find out what all the fuss is about.
By Tabitha Stapely
08 August 2011
The notorious anti wrinkle treatment has had some bad press with celebrities such as Nicole Kidman being walking bill boards for how not to do it (overuse of Botox is said to be responsible for Kidman’s frozen features in the film Australia and the reason she was slammed by critics for her wooden performance).
So is there ever an appropriate way of using it? According to Dr Jag Chana from the Spire Health Care Clinic, judicious use of Botox on specific problem areas can look natural and is an effective way of delaying the signs of ageing.
However we didn’t just want to take his word for it, so we tried it out ourselves to treat the beginnings of a frown line on our 39 year old volunteer.
What to expect during a Botox treatment
It’s quick and painless. An initial consultation to establish the best treatment for your needs is followed directly by the treatment. An analgesic cream is rubbed into your forehead and left to develop for quarter an hour.
Once the skin is numb, about six to eight injections are administered into the required muscles – in this case the muscles causing a frown line between the eyebrows.
The prick of the needle feels much like a vaccination injection and there is a couple of seconds of slight discomfort as the cold liquid enters the dermis. Skin looks irritated and red for a couple of hours.
How long does Botox take to work?
Botox doesn’t take effect immediately. For the first 24-48 hours you are advised not to take exercise or rub the treated area to ensure that the Botox settles in the right place.
Some reduction in muscle movement will be obvious after day two or three. After a week the muscle-relaxing effects should have reached their optimum level – effects last for about four months.
I’ve heard you can get Botox shots at high street beauty salons for just £50. Is this safe?
You can find Botox being offered at high street beauty clinics for £50 a shot, but it’s worth paying a bit more to visit a qualified cosmetic surgeon who is trained in all forms of cosmetic surgery and therefore can advise on the best form of treatment to achieve your requirements – it might turn out that a muscle-relaxing injection may not be suitable for your needs.
Once you start delving into the complexities of muscle groups and how they act in tandem, you can see how easily inexpert use of it can lead to surprised or cross expressions. With effects lasting about four months, it’s best to choose a trained cosmetic surgeon with a good knowledge of sub-dermal muscle structures. They’ll also offer superior aftercare if anything goes wrong.
Reviewer’s Verdict on Botox
‘Yes and it didn’t freeze the muscles completely. Movement was reduced by about 90% leaving a much smoother area between the brows yet with a remnant of muscle ability resulting in very natural look.
‘It helped that my skin is still relatively young so there was little contrast between smooth and lined areas of the forehead. This may not be the case on more heavily wrinkled skin.
‘While the results looked much more natural than I thought they would (none of my friends noticed I’d had the treatment done) I could still notice how other muscles were forced to work in unnatural ways when I frowned heavily, compensating for the area that was disabled.
‘With prolonged use I would worry that the treatment may cause wrinkling in other areas. Having said that, it gave such a subtle effect that I would consider using it once or twice more in my early forties to help slow down the vertical frown line between my brows as long as there was minimal contrast to the natural ageing of the rest of my face.’
My Stylebible: Sophie Eggleton talks to award winning Dr Jag Chana about the Brazilian Boob Job he is currently pioneering in the UK
I can’t imagine many children saying ‘when I grow up I want to be a plastic surgeon’ so how does one end up with this career?
I always wanted to be a surgeon but during my medical school years I was intrigued that plastic surgery involved rebuilding the body whereas other surgery generally involved removal or ablative surgery. It was this concept of reconstruction which fascinated me and stimulated me to pursue a career in plastic surgery.
Do you get nervous before ever operation due to the responsibility involved?
Not any more.
Sometimes treating a patient who is so severely affected by a large nose that carrying out a cosmetic rhinoplasty can dramatically change a person’s confidence and self esteem. This can be as rewarding as some reconstructive work.
You’ve received various awards for your work, what aspects elevate a surgeon to an award winning one?
I suppose this is due to persistence in focusing attention to research and new techniques as well as presenting this work at scientific plastic surgery conferences.
You are currently pioneering the Brazilian boob job here in the UK, what is new or special about this procedure?
The implant is different because it has a coating made of polyurethane. This has been shown to have a lower capsular contracture rate which results in improved longevity of the implant. Also because the implant integrates better with the surrounding tissues the risk of malposition of the implant is very low.
The chance of rejection is only 2-3% compared to the 16% of other implants. If this is the case why has it taken so long to come to the UK?
These implants have been in the UK for use second line in patients with recurrent capsular contractures. However, it is only recently that long term data has become available from Brazilian surgeons that demonstrate their advantages in primary breast implant surgery.
You offer 5 styles of implant, what seems to be the most popular?
These implants come in a large variety of shapes which can be selected according to the patients existing breast dimensions and preferences. This cannot be ‘chosen’ by the patient but the range of implants allows the surgeon greater flexibility to provide a tailored approach in order to meet the patients expectation in terms of shape and projection. The final choice is one that is jointly decided by the surgeon and patient.
What celebrities are often used as examples of the perfect ‘insert body part’ by your patients?
They usually don’t do this. More often my patients come saying they do not want surgery like some celebrities e.g. huge implants, over tight faces, etc. They want a natural look.
Do you think our obsession with celebrity and airbrushed photo shoots are the main cause of the increase in people getting work done?
No, it is more the increase in media stories about cosmetic surgery which is making this more acceptable in society
In your opinion has the quest for the body beautiful and perfection gone too far?
Of course there are always isolated cases of patients who go too far. But most of my patients have a very sensible and realistic approach to wanting cosmetic surgery and only have specific concerns that they want me to address.
How much do you consider the mental state of each particular client and their reasons behind wanting the surgery?
This is something that is automatically assessed at consultation and it is usually evident if someone is not suitable. Patients need to be realistic in what can be achieved and if this cannot be understood by the patient then of course surgery is denied. If there are psychological issues that need to be addressed then I have a clinical psychologist to whom I refer patients for an opinion.
Have you had any work done yourself ?
No I have not had work done and yes I would probably have work done when I need it – if I had time and if I was not working as hard as I am at the moment. Not sure who I would get to do it though ?
Who are your personal style icons?
I don’t have any
What is on your ipod right now?
Too much to list since I listen to music when I operate but have recently downloaded Adele and Rumer.
Who is your favourite fashion designer?
I don’t have one – only my personal tailor.
What is your favourite city?
Perth, Western Australia.
What is your best kept secret in your Little Black Book?
That would be telling!
What can’t you travel without?
My beautiful wife and three gorgeous children.
What is your favourite hotel?
I hardly ever stay in the same hotel so don’t have a favourite. However I have stayed in some fantastic hotels around the world. Quite notable would be the Rambagh palace in Rajasthan, Copacobana Palace in Rio and for location the Victoria Falls Hotel.
What is your favourite restaurant?
I am hooked on Chinese food and my favourite restaurant is the Phoenix Palace near Baker Street.
What has been your most extravagant purchase?
My Porsche.
What products can’t you live without?
I don’t have any favourite products.
Where is next on your places to visit?
Patagonia.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Happiness always comes from putting your family first.
What is on your shopping list right now?
I like photography and a new lens for my camera is on my list for the next purchase.
Do you social network?
Never, I hardly get any time to read my emails.
For more information on Mr Jag Chana please visit; www.spirehealthcare.com
Tickle Lipo Brings Liposuction to a Whole New Level
Liposuction and body contouring are among the most asked-about cosmetic surgery procedures anywhere. In addition new advances in harvesting fat during liposuction for use as a natural facial filler or for “natural” breast enhancement have created an entirely new category in aesthetic medicine. Physicians who are using the Tickle Lipo device say that the system is ideally suited for all these applications, offering increased patient comfort, precise sculpting of even difficult body areas and harvesting of high quality fat cells which are suitable for fat transfer.
Tickle Lipo helps to make the procedure easier for both the patient and the doctor. With the Tickle Lipo even difficult to treat areas such as the bra roll, male chest, and waist respond extremely well.
The decrease in pain is from the fact that you can be much more gentle with the manual movement of the cannula while the vibratory effect is supposed to down regulate local pain receptors. When done awake or under light sedation, patient’s describe the vibration as a “tickling” sensation, hence the name.
Breast Augmentation Is Not Just About Size
When the topic of breast augmentation or cosmetic breast surgery is approached, many immediately think of model Katie Price and her oversized, mountainous, breasts. What you need to remember, howver, is that the majority of women who opt for cosmetic breast surgery are more interested in finding the right size for themselves rather than obtaining overpowering breasts that enter the room before their body does.
There are many reasons women seek enhancements; Page 3 boobs are a small portion of those women seeking a boob job.
Motivating factors include asymmetrical breasts, postsurgery reconstruction, postpregnancy sagging, underdevelopment and body proportioning
Many patients opt for surgery because they are asymmetrical – where one breast is larger or different in shape than the other. In some cases as much as a cup size in difference. For these women, simply finding a bra to fit comfortably and properly is impossible, and they are forced to add padding to create a uniform appearance in clothing. An enhancement procedures brings balance and proportion to a patient’s form, allowing her to feel more comfortable in and out of clothing.