Knifestyles - The definitive guide to Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeryhttp://www.knifestyles.net/Copyright Knifestyles - The definitive guide to Plastic and Cosmetic SurgeryPinkOnesYou should always meet the surgeon who'll be operating on you. Never make do with just seeing a counsellor or a nurse. If the doctor's really good, he should explain the procedure in detail, show you photos of other patients he's operated on and let you speak to at least one person who's had the same op as yours if you want to. Don't be afraid to ask them questions about their training, credentials and how many times they've done the specific operation you're having. You don't want your nose done by someone who usually does breasts. They should also be willing to talk about their personal rate for complications, such as revisions or post-op infections. Ask lots of questions so that you feel at ease about having them operate on you. If you're choosing between two surgeons and experience and qualifications are equal, go for the person you feel will care for you best. You need a rapport with your surgeon. Finding someone who puts you at ease is very important. About 10 per cent of surgery requires some kind of follow-up or revision work afterwards. Having follow-up treatment doesn't necessarily mean that the surgeon hasn't done the job properly - in some cases, it means they're perfectionists and it can be essential to get the perfect result (such as removing flaps of skin around scars). A good surgeon will talk about their policy on revisions and most will perform them free within 12 months. Look for a surgeon who's on the General Medical Council specialist register for plastic surgery and a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). To check membership, visit www.baaps.org.uk and look under 'Find a surgeon'. Surgery is expensive, so find out exactly what you're getting for your money and don't be influenced by a slick marketing brochure. Make sure you find a clinic that looks after you post op and if something was to go wrong. Ask how long the surgery is likely to last and when and if you'll need to have surgery again. Even though Botox isn't surgery, you still have to research it properly because there can be risks, such as infections or a droopy face, if the treatment is done badly. Make sure that the injections are done by a fully trained, experienced doctor. Find a reputable doctor by calling the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors on 0800 3283613 or visiting www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk. Good Botox doctors will normally be conservative with the first dose because they don't know exactly how you're going to react to it. They'll tell you to come back in two weeks for a check-up and possible top-up - better that way than going too far the first time. If you're having Botox, it's worth remembering that your face has to remain upright, you can't do any exercise and you can't touch your face for four hours after having the injections. Otherwise the muscle-relaxing substance could move and cause your face to look droopy. It's now very easy to have Botox, microdermabrasion and fillers done in your lunch hour, but don't do anything on a whim. Think carefully about it first, then talk to your friends and family before making a decision. Be sure you have a clear idea of what you want before you go for a consultation, so you don't get swayed into having something done that you don't really want. Don't panic if you don't see any results straight away - it takes up to a week to see the true effects of Botox. Also, treatments such as microdermabrasion will take six sessions before you see an improvement in your complexion. Always find a therapist, doctor or dermatologist who's near your home because you might have to go back quite a few times. You won't want to be travelling the length of the country for every appointment. Do it for yourself and not because you want to look like anyone. It's very important to remember that every time you have cosmetic surgery you're going under general anaesthetic, so there's a danger attached. People treat it like a game - but once you have a boob job, you're stuck with it, so you've got to think about it carefully. Never be pressurised into it by anyone, such as your boyfriend or your husband. If they don't like the way you are, tell them to get stuffed. Only have cosmetic surgery because you want to do it for yourself. Find a good surgeon you're 100 percent happy with because it's really important to trust the person operating on you. Have your surgery done at a clinic close to home because if there's a problem I can go back to them immediately. Lots of people are going abroad, but you cant fly back at the drop of a hat if there's a problem. It might be cheaper to have surgery abroad, but you get what you pay for. Also, if something goes wrong once you're back home, very few surgeons will want to correct other people's work. Think about the recovery period you'll need to get over the surgery. Certain procedures have longe recovery periods, so always check with the surgeon first about how long you'll be out of action for.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:48:39 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/expert-advice/cosmetic-surgery-dos-and-donts/http://www.knifestyles.net/expert-advice/cosmetic-surgery-dos-and-donts/What is it? Restylane Lipp. How does it work? Launched this year, Restylane Lipp is perfect for those Wh crave plumper lips without the risk of a trout pout. It contains hyaluronic acid (AH), a natural substance found in the body. Local anaesthetic and a dental nerve block are administered for pain relief. The surgeon then injects AH into your lips, leaving them fuller, but still natural-looking. The results last up to a year, longer than most lip fillers. Recovery time Have it done on a Friday because your lips will be bruised and swollen for up to two days. Cost Prices start froth £350 per syringe (per session).Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:37:04 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/restylane-lipp-lip-filler/http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/restylane-lipp-lip-filler/What is it? UltraShape. How does it work? An ultrasound beam selectively targets fat cells around the stomach, middle and hips and zaps them. It does this without harming the surrounding nerves, blood vessels or skin and the fat cells destroyed don't grow back. However, if you gorge on cream cakes, you'll gain fat elsewhere - sadly, it isn't a miracle cure! Recovery time Most people only need one session, which takes one to two and a half hours. Side effects, such as mild discomfort and bruising, are rare, meaning you can go about your day as usual. Cost Prices start from £650 per treatment.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:35:17 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/ultrashape-fat-melting-ultrasound/http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/ultrashape-fat-melting-ultrasound/How does it work? A sample of skin is taken from behind your ear and sent to a laboratory, where new skin cells are grown from it. These are then injected into fine lines or scars. Recovery time The first session of injections is arranged for 10 weeks after the sample's been sent to the lab. It can be done in your lunch hour under local anaesthetic, but skin maybe swollen for a few hours afterwards. Results can last 12-18 months and patients typically require refresher treatments every 18 months. Cost Prices start from £3,750 for skin sampling and two sessions of injections.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:33:24 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/isolagen/http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/isolagen/What is it? Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. How does it work? Varicose veins, which are often found on the backs of the knees and calves, are injected with a special foam through a tiny needle directly into the veins. The foam pushes the blood along the veins to 'deflate' the unsightly bulges. Patients generally need around 10 injections in each leg and the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Recovery time? Patients may experience slight discomfort during the injections, but the anaesthetic numbs most of the pain. Some people also experience a dull ache a few hours afterwards. The procedure takes 30-40 ­minutes, after which a firm compression bandage is applied to the treated areas. This must be worn for up to two weeks afterwards, which means covering it in plastic when having a bath or shower. Cost Prices start from £1,000 for one leg and £1,600 for both.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:31:44 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/ultrasound-guided-foam-sclerotherapy/http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/ultrasound-guided-foam-sclerotherapy/What is it? Mesotherapy injections. How does it work? A series of small injections, containing active ingredients such as silicone and caffeine, are applied from elbow to armpit. These speed up the fat-burning process, tackle water retention and improve elasticity. Sessions last 15 minutes and a course of 10 is usually recommended. Recovery time? There'll probably be some discomfort during the injections and you'll suffer some bruising. No anaesthetic is used and you may feel a dull ache in your arms that lasts for an hour or so after: each treatment. After four or five sessions, your skin will start to tighten up. Small amounts of fat can return, so some patients may need follow-up sessions. Cost Prices start from £175 per session or £1,500 for a course of 10.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:27:10 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/mesotherapy-injections/http://www.knifestyles.net/cutting-edge/mesotherapy-injections/The surgery-free facelift that's said to leave you looking younger and fresher in just one hour. What is it? The ThreadLift - also known as the Feather Lift, Aptos or Suture lift - is a revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure that uses fine surgical threads to lift areas of the face that have headed south. Think brows, cheeks, jowls and neck, all repositioned higher. The Contour Threads that are used to lift and rejuvenate have tiny barbs or cogs that are spaced evenly apart. Once inserted under the skin (via a long needle), they open much like an umbrella and pull tight. This tension then creates a suspension that gently lifts soft tissue, creating a more uplifted and contoured look to the face. Due to the unique design of the cogs of the contour threads, the surrounding tissues act to hold the thread in place without any telltale scarring. This procedure doesn't replace a conventional facelift, rather it offers patients an innovative, non-surgical approach to looking younger. What can it do for you? The ThreadLift is touted as the hassle-free facelift that can make you lose a decade in less than an hour. In properly selected patients, droopiness of the brows, cheeks, jowls and neck can all be lifted and improved with this procedure. The ThreadLift can be done on a single area of the face or several areas. The results are said to be immediate. The lift effect can be up to 30-40 per cent of what a surgical facelift procedure could achieve. The amount of lift that the procedure's likely to achieve will be demonstrated during your consultation. In general, the best candidates are women in their thirties through to their sixties, who don't want a facelift but feel their look would benefit from a little lift along with stronger facial contours. However, patients shouldnt be too heavy or too thin or on blood-thinning medication. The procedure Performed under local anaesthetic, a typical ThreadLift is quick and easy to perform, usually only taking about an hour to complete. The threads are inserted through tiny (1.5mm) incisions in the hairline and then passed under the skin in precise locations using a small needle. The threads and their tiny barbs grasp on to droopy fat and tissue, lifting and repositioning it to give a more uplifted and youthful appearance. Once the threads are in position, the body will produce collagen bundles which will surround each one and maintain the lifting effect. The colourless threads used stay within the deep fat and subcutaneous tissue for life, with little risk of reacting. They're non-absorbable and provide prevention against further ageing. Patients are able to go home soon after the procedure, but driving is not recommended. Cost Prices vary from £1,500 for brows, jowls or neck and £1,800 for cheeks to £2,000-£2,300 for two or three areas. Recovery time In general the skin will feel quite swollen, bruised and tight for up to a week after the procedure. Facial movements will be limited for the first two weeks - chewing gum and hard food, facial massages and sleeping on your face aren't allowed for three to four weeks. However, pain and discomfort is said to be minimal and most patients can resume 'quiet' activities the following day. What can go wrong? Risk factors include slight asymmetries and bunching of the skin - in other words, pulling and surface irregularities of the skin. However, this usually resolves itself spontaneously after two to three weeks. The comforting thing about this procedure is that it's reversible - the threads can be adjusted or removed altogether if you aren't happy with the results. There have been reports that the threads can break, but they can hold 61b of weight, so breaking would be very unusual. However, it's possible that you can disrupt the threads if you don't follow the aftercare advice carefully. How long does it last? Most ThreadLift results last for three to five years. However, because the threads don't dissolve, the procedure prevents further droopiness for many years.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:16:37 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/facelift/threadlift-feather-lift-aptos-or-suture-lift/http://www.knifestyles.net/facelift/threadlift-feather-lift-aptos-or-suture-lift/Microdermabrasion gives acne-scarred, blotchy and dull skin a brighter outlook. What is it? Microdermabrasion - otherwise known as mechanical exfoliation - is a controlled method of superior skin exfoliation or superficial peeling. It's an excellent treatment to make skin look younger and softer. Microdermabrasion is the toast of well-heeled New Yorkers. It's the third most popular treatment in the US after Botox and collagen implants. The procedure is carried out by a sophisticated machine which bombards the skin with a continuous blast of fine aluminium oxide crystals. The abrasive action of these tiny crystals gradually removes the stratum corneum (top) layers of the skin and scrubs away surface imperfections, as well as creating an all-over smoothness. The crystals are then sucked back up into the machine along with the dead skin cells. At the same time, microdermabrasion also stimulates collagen to encourage the production of new cells in the deeper layers of the skin. Facial muscles can also be lifted - making the skin look younger and softer - by the powerful vacuum action, although this is only a temporary result. What can it do for you? The procedure can be used simply to inject a healthy radiance to your complexion. Skins that really benefit are those with uneven pigmentation (it treats all skin colours); have become prone to superficial lines and s wrinkles; have small scars; have large, blocked and congested pores; have milias (white spots); are acne prone and blemished; or have age spots and sun damage. However, for many of these skin issues, one treatment won't be enough. A course of six is usually recommended and you'll need up to 10 sessions for serious acne scarring. Microdermabrasion can't remove deep scarring, birthmarks or tattoos. You're not a suitable patient for this treatment if you have undiagnosed lesions, recent herpes outbreaks, weeping acne or active rosacea. The procedure can also be used on the neck, hands and chest and is even offered as a cellulite treatment because the vacuum action helps with lymphatic drainage. The procedure Many patients have described the sensation of microdermabrasion treatment as being similar to that of slight sun or windburn. On lying down, the technician will cleanse your face and then direct the nozzle containing the crystals over you. Via a combination of velocity and the abrasive nature of the crystals, old skin cells are removed layer by layer. Used crystals and dead skin cells are then drawn away by a vacuum action. Discomfort during the session is minimal, although the sensation on the skin may feel a little strange and sensitive, especially when working round the eye area. If you find the pressure a little too much, the technician can turn down the controls on the machine to lessen the suction on the skin. The treatment typically lasts about 20 to 30 minutes - longer if your treatment includes the neck and d6colletage area. Cost From £40. Recovery time Generally, it's said that there's no downtime with this treatment. But be warned: skin can feel hot and look pinkish straight after the procedure and high colour may be evident for a couple of days after. Following treatment, be sure to use a good quality moisturiser to rehydrate the skin and, more importantly, a high sun protection factor - after all, the top layer of your skin has been removed. What can go wrong? If the microdermabrasion machines are used at a too high power or overenthusiastically by the technician, there's a risk of hyperpigmentation, streaking, perforation, bleeding and infection. In very rare cases, the face may swell up. Infection can also be a concern if the machines aren't sterile. Ask about the hygiene levels the salon practises. Many components of the machine are supposed to be sterilised or replaced with a new disposable nozzle between treatments. How long does it last? If you have no specific problems with your skin, a microdermabrasion treatment can simply be used as a brilliant skin pickme-up. In fact, it's a favourite procedure used by A-listers before a big event as it cleans the pores and livens up dull skin wonderfully. Madonna, Thandie Newton and Gwyneth Paltrow are all said to be fans of the treatment. For skin that needs treatment for sun damage or scarring, a course of 10 sessions carried out at least a week apart is recommended to even out skin texture. With each treatment, you'll see a gradual and progressive difference. Additional treatments every one to six months are recommended to maintain the condition of your newly polished skin.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:07:14 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/dermabrasion/microdermabrasion/http://www.knifestyles.net/dermabrasion/microdermabrasion/What can they do for you? These light peels can subtly clean and brighten your skin. They come in a DIY kit for home use and are less irritating than salon peels. They're also far less effective, but they're safer and can be done weekly if needed. Home peels may help reduce enlarged pores, age spots,fine lines and slight sun damage and improve dull skin tone. The procedure This often consists of three steps: cleanser; acid; and soothing moisturiser or desensitiser, also available as pre-soaked pads. After the treatment, your skin will feel so soft, you won't want to put make-up on, so use these products in the evening or on a weekend. You'll see some results immediately, but your skin will improve much more after several treatments. What can go wrong? Very little, unless your skin is very sensitive. You may feel a tingling sensation, but it's short-lived. Ones to try L'Oreal Renoviste Anti-ageing Glycolic Peel Kit, 118.99. MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, £60 for 30 packets (from www.HQhair.com).Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:55:47 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/face-peel/face-peel-at-home-kits/http://www.knifestyles.net/face-peel/face-peel-at-home-kits/A chemical face peel can sort out many skin worries - from a dull complexion or acne scars to deep wrinkles. It all depends on how deep you want to go. What is it? A face peel is a chemical potion that's painted on to skin to produce an accelerated version of exfoliation. The difference is that a peel goes deeper into your skin, making your complexion smoother and brighter for longer. There are three types of peel available. Superficial peels are the most common ones - they exfoliate the skin, taking just the top layer off. Medium-depth peels, which penetrate deeper into the skin, are used to reduce fine wrinkles and acne scars. Deep peels are the strongest type you can have. It's claimed that they eradicate deep wrinkles and even alleviate facial scarring. What can it do for you? It can improve your skin's appearance. In all types of peel, chemicals loosen and remove the skin's surface layer. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic the change. A deep peel can reduce pitted acne scars, pigmentation, rough texture or mild sun damage; a superficial peel will make your skin feel super-soft and give it a glow. The procedure A deep peel is administered by a medical doctor or registered nurse, who'll apply a strong glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) mixture to the face with a spatula. It's left on for 90 minutes, when you may feel some stinging. When the peel is removed, it also takes off the top layer of skin. At the other end of the scale, a superficial peel, which contains much less glycolic acid, is brushed on to your skin and left for a few minutes. It's then washed off during a short facial. This can be done by a beautician. Cost From £50 to £3,500, depending on the intensity of the peel, whether you need to be sedated or stay in hospital, and the aftercare required. Recovery time After a deep or medium peel, it can take a couple of weeks before you can resume normal activities. Even after this time your skin may still be quite red. Skin will turn red or brown and flake and peel, so recovery may require several days off work. A superficial peel, however, takes hardly any time and skin may be just slightly pink, so you can head back to the office. What can go wrong? If you don't wear sunblock after a peel, you could end up with a blotchy or uneven complexion. The downtime is far longer for a deep peel. You should have an in-depth consultation to make sure you have the correct procedure and understand the risks. The deeper you go, the more layers of skin you remove to get a bigger, quicker improvement. However, the further you go, the longer it takes for your skin to recover. How long does it last? Using the correct aftercare regimen, the effects can last up to a year. You'll be given a list of specific products to use at home, plus you should have a maintenance peel every four to six weeks. But visible results - smoother skin- will be felt after the first treatment and seen after the first two to three visits.Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:52:13 +0000http://www.knifestyles.net/face-peel/chemical-face-peel/http://www.knifestyles.net/face-peel/chemical-face-peel/