‘General’

Six months ago I had never heard of lipedema. As far as I was concerned, I was an overweight woman, with fat legs, who in spite of 43 years of trying to lose weight, had never managed to do so. In addition to being fat, therefore, I carried the burden of my self-perception as being weak-willed and incapable of exercising control over my body, an attitude that spilled over and profoundly influenced almost every area of the rest of my life.

I had come to The Private Clinic because I wanted a breast reduction having heard about the miraculous Vaser technique, which seemed almost too good to be true: a short, minimally invasive procedure under local anaesthetic, which promised minimal downtime… However during the breast consultation I realized that this might also work for my fat legs and so it was, when Dr Wolf was assessing me for treatment, I first heard about lipedema.

It is not an overstatement to say that day was one of the most significant days of my life. Internet searches for lipedema yielded results that were simultaneously desperate, depressing, liberating and yet hopeful. Depressing and desperate because nine out of ten websites delivered the news that it was a chronic and incurable condition of unknown cause. Liberating because at a stroke I realized I was the victim, not the perpetrator, of my affliction (removing guilt at a stroke). And hopeful because one in ten sources mentioned Vaser, or tumescent liposuction: a new technique, which was apparently ‘transforming’ the lives of some lipedema sufferers.

It is hard to know where to begin to describe the experience of the last 4 months in which so many physical, psychological and emotional changes have taken place. I’ll begin with the experience of surgery itself: I have had 5 procedures in 4 separate operations over 4 months. The experience of Vaser itself is, as promised, short, minimally invasive, minimally uncomfortable and carried out by medical teams who are quite exceptional in terms of the quality of care, technical expertise and follow up treatment they provide. Within half an hour, a double chin I had hated since my teens, was removed. Within a further two hours, the breasts I had loathed since my early 40s, and which had ballooned since the menopause, were considerably reduced (the most marked result being that I no longer walk with a stoop, a lifelong affliction I had assumed was a spinal deformity). The tummy which had grown since the menopause was radically reduced within 2 hours, and the same for thighs and calves (in addition to lipedema, the latter were very disfigured in an RTA I had when I was 17. Selective fat removal has rendered them almost symmetrical and looking far more like normal legs. Again, all under local anesthetic and within the space of less than 2 hours).

At this juncture it is worth remarking on how, in just one patient, this extraordinary treatment has alleviated such a wide range of life-long afflictions, resulting from such various causes as the menopause, an RTA, the condition of lipedema and (in the case of my double chin) some unfortunate genes!

My recovery from each of these procedures has been very smooth. I liken the operations to rather long trips to the dentist (although unlike the dentist, you can chat!) and the recovery period is comparable with getting over a mild cold or having a period. I had to wear a compression garment for 2 weeks, take a course of antibiotics and have some (very enjoyable!) MLD. Post-operative pain was minimal and alleviated with an occasional paracetemol.

Visually, I look very different. I never wanted to be a catwalk model or an athlete – that’s not what I wanted from my body – but I now look OK, and looking OK is not something I take for granted! Having spent over 4 decades feeling I was deficient and abnormal, looking OK is a HUGE thing for me, and precisely what I wanted to achieve. I used to think I didn’t fit in and my physical problems were in the foreground of people’s perception of me. Now I look in a mirror and am happy with what I see, which means I can get on with my life and my relationships with other. I’m OK!

Looking OK, means that the psycho-emotional jumble of self-deprecating thoughts and feelings have been defused. It is impossible to overstate just how significant this is. It is fair to say that even if I hadn’t had Vaser, the guilt about my condition would have gone, at a stroke, with Dr Wolf’s diagnosis. But with Vaser I find I am more psychologically outgoing. Unconsciously, as the condition took hold and became compounded, post-menopause, with larger breasts and tum, I had let friendships lapse: I have now picked up the threads of some treasured old friends and have many social events planned, which I would otherwise have avoided.

I don’t quite know where the energy has come from. Yes, I have lost bulk and feel more psychologically inclined to move and be active, but the resultant energy seems above and beyond these causes. Whatever the cause, this has been a fantastic result and find I DO so much more of everything – gardening, housework and so on. With the increased activity is a further enhanced sense of wellbeing. At one point I was doing so much that my son asked if anything was the matter with me, so unaccustomed is he to having an active mum!

The Vaser results have given me a huge boost, which I am building on with changes in lifestyle. I am learning more about lipedema and eating better, plus taking regular exercise. I recognize that these choices will support my overall health now and into the future.

Speaking of which, in 2 days time I will arrive at the milestone of my 60thbirthday with all that that bespeaks. I shudder to think how I would have felt at this juncture in my life, had I not discovered Vaser. My physical condition would have been unaltered, and I would have hovered in that horrible hinterland of guilt, desperation and false hope. I now feel as though my life has just begun. I have the energy and self-confidence to face the future with enthusiasm, excitement, curiosity and a sense of physical and mental well-being. It is true to say that I feel healthier, in every sense, than I felt at any of my other milestone birthdays.

I cannot recommend Vaser too highly and while I realize that results doubtless vary with the individual, dependent on all sorts of factors, not least patient expectations, I am happy for my results to be used to help others who are in a similar position to where I found myself 6 months ago.

CM, Shropshire, April 2012.

In today’s image conscious society there is a growing trend for men to seek more invasive grooming techniques rather than just a new haircut or face cream. Bro-tox (Male Botox) is a popular treatment that men are seeking to get over their body hang-ups, and arguably they are late jumping on the band-wagon.

April 2012 celebrates 10 years of Botox. It’s been 10 years since the US Food and Drug Administration licensed botulinum toxin for use in the cosmetic industry. When you think of the impact it has made on how men and women changed their feelings about ageing, a decade almost doesn’t seem long enough from the birth of Botox. Before then, only undergoing the knife was an option so understandably there were considerably fewer people going for it. From 2010 to 2011 the male cosmetic market saw a rise of 5.6% according to BAAPS. Nowadays, men account for 10% of popular cosmetic treatment.

Looking at the past decade Botox has come a long way and has come under scrutiny by many. A popular belief that still exists is that Botox is the ‘freeze frame injection’ to smooth out lines and paralyse your muscles so that a ’poker face’ is achieved. Contrary to belief, Botox these days takes a less is more approach, and from the Doctor injecting to the product itself, a more natural look is achieved. Movement in your face is present but the lines simply are not. For this reason many get away with ageing flawlessly nowadays, men and women alike.

Botox is, acceptable. Whether man or women, both want to turn back the signs of ageing and avoid a worn down look. It’s totally down to the individual whether they decide to say yes or no, but it is a miracle tool that should be embraced and celebrated (when in the right hands).

Here’s to 10 years of Botox and may it be blessed with many more!

It’ natural for a woman to schedule a beauty regime before any event to ensure she looks her best. Many celebrities spend days, even weeks on end getting ready for a red carpet event and it was Kim Kardashian who got spotted walking out of her LA salon to ensure her skin was red carpet ready for the Valentino party.

Sporting a number of light red dots on her forehead which may suggest a number of Botox injections (and the fact her salon specialise in these) Kim has never been shy about talking of her cosmetic  endeavours, to date which has only been Botox.

It’s no lie that Kim does always look flawless and I’m sure ahead of the Valentino party she will look  dazzling again amongst a number of celebrities that have sported the natural Botox look rather for a re-fresh, than the ‘freeze-frame’ look.

 Botox nowadays is not about a frozen face, many would still like movement which makes the Botox injection come across very naturally. Celebrity fans apart from Kim Kardashian inlcude Dannii Minogue, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow.

So if you wondered how celebs always look flawless after endless nights of partying, some of their secrets are out!

Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria were recently spotted (For Eva’s birthday) showing off their slender legs in little black dresses. Both always looking elegant, finished the look with a pair of sky-high black heels before heading out.

Many women would love to wear an LBD and confidently walk around with perfectly honed legs, but often it’s the thighs that are difficult to tone. Slim thighs either come naturally or through strict diet and exercise regime, for some it is impossible but now there is an exclusive solution.

Introducing Mr Alberto Di Giuseppe from Milan, Mr Di Giuseppe has pioneered the 360 legs treatment. The treatment is only available in the UK at The Private Clinic. 360 Legs involves a very skilled technique of liposuction to the thighs. Liposuction on the legs is a complicated technique in itself compared to other areas of the body. Furthermore the cannulas used are much smaller to aid precision.

The 360 Legs simply means a 360 approach to lipo on the thighs. Most surgeons will work on the inner or outer thigh with a large cannulas often leaving a wobble on the front of the thigh that’s so important in a little black dress. Larger cannulas are not suitable for use in areas with thinner fat deposits. The advanced technique that Mr Di Giuseppe has pioneered is such that small Vaser cannulas can be used over the entire circumference of the thigh area without leaving behind any wobble or dimpling effects.

The result is perfect contoured thighs that create a seamless silhouette. You can put your best black dress forward and glide with confidence.

Mr Di Giuseppe has led the field in liposuction techniques and has also helped to develop the newest treatments to enhance breast shape and size using fat transfer. He has co-edited four books on lipoplasty and is considered to be a world leader in ultra-sound assisted lipo techniques.

Victoria Beckham amongst other celebrities have been snapped recently not looking like their glowing face. Victoria Beckham was snapped looking extremely tired with dark circles and a gaunt face. She admitted that Baby Harper wasn’t sleeping well and that she has spent endless night’s up with her whilst maintaining her work life too.

Looking and feeling exhausted after having a baby is to be expected to some degree, so don’t worry, you’re not alone. If you are extraordinarily tired your first step should be to go see your GP who should carry out some basic hormone tests, for example checking for any thyroid disorder. Your doctor should also look for any signs of post natal depression.

There are some rebound hormonal changes that can have an effect on how you feel and look after pregnancy, 90% of changes come down to tiredness and a massive change of lifestyle.

Your old lifestyle will have disappeared, going to the gym,  getting a good night sleep, even eating regularly, your priority becomes looking after your new born infant.

Typically post pregnancy skin can be very dry and look more aged with deeper lines starting to appear. Extreme tiredness will result in hollows under the eyes and dark circles. Tiny broken veins on the cheeks are also common as a result of increased blood levels in pregnancy and from pushing in labour.

Hyper pigmentation or melasma is very common during pregnancy due to hormone changes and this uneven pigmentation is ageing and can be very tricky to get rid of.

New mums are usually short of time and put themselves way down the list of priorities, forgetting to eat properly, especially when you are breast feeding will result in weight loss and this can make cheeks look hollow and poor nutrition will make skin dull and dry.

Find time to exercise, eat healthy and sleep as much as you can when you can. But for a quick fix there are several treatments mums can have that can give a much needed confidence boost.

Post partum cosmetics don’t need to take up much of a new mother’s time, but can make a big difference to how her appearance bounces back from pregnancy and birth.

Once you have stopped breast feeding, you could consider Botox which can help reverse the look of tiredness. A little around the forehead and eyes will take away some of the frown lines that tend to appear and gently lift the face.

Fillers around cheek and the eye area will take away the tired look and plump out skin, marry these with a good moisturiser and skin will soon glow again.

Thermage CPT is very good for a tired looking skin, it boosts the skin’s collagen levels, softens lines and tightens up the skin, helping it to look glowing and smooth. It’s a quick treatment that will improve skin over a long period of time – up to two years.

A course of IPL will quickly get rid of broken veins and will even out skin tone.

Melasma can be tricky to treat as it can be quite deep. This is definitely one for a cosmetic doctor to treat. A course of Obagi skincare and some Pixel laser sessions would be my treatment of choice for hyper pigmentation and for darkness under the eyes.

Of course your priority is your little one, but any woman deserves some TLC when they’re feeling a bit down.

Reading an article in the Daily Telegraph recently on how an artist slimmed down the generously proportioned bodies of the renaissance beauties, it’s amazing how female bodies have changed over the decades and indeed, the sizes of them. Italian artist Anna Utopia Giordano illustrated the changing perceptions of feminine allure by slimming down the curvaceous and bosom heavy nude paintings by Botticelli and Titian, to perceive them in line with what the 21st century women “should” look like.

It is evident that the ideal shape for women nowadays has changed significantly over the decades, from larger bottoms, plump tummies and chunky thighs, to a more toned and slimmed down physique. Interestingly the proportions and ratio of the breasts, waist and hips haven’t changed much, but the sizes have just reduced. The photo shopped technique of slimming and enhancing however is a technique that exists today. 4G body balancing keeps this concept in mind. Whether you are a size 16 or size 6, it’s the proportions that are important and the balance of them on your body. Breast Enlargement with Fat Transfer allows you to slim thighs, bums and tums and naturally enhance your breasts using your own fat.

Many women nowadays wish they could actually ‘shave’ off a bit of fat and move it around into their breast for an enhancement not knowing that it now exists. So, your surgeon could well be your next best friend! The procedure is walk-in walk-out, no general anaesthetic, no implants and no hospital stay. It is just your own natural fat being used.

It maybe that you’ve had children and breast-fed leaving your breasts empty, or you’ve lost weight and need them filling up again, or indeed you would just like a fuller and more rounded bust naturally – it is a revolutionary technique that reduces the huge risks with breast implants and other such foreign objects. If you’re carrying that extra bit of weight that won’t shift, it’s an ideal solution! Breast Enlargement with Fat Transfer is so 2012.

Demi Moore’s recent appearance is that of somebody frail for personal reasons however her young kept youth is down to many cosmetic procedures. In 2010 finally admitted to liposuction, breast augmentation and botox to name a few. Her maintenance regime is however down to Thermage skin-tightening treatments. The treatment involves using radio frequency technology that heats the deep collagen fibres that lay under the skin. Over time the re-growth of collagen fibres aids the skin’s elasticity and helps tighten and contour the skin.

The skin tightening treatment can be performed on the tummy area, arms, legs, buttocks and even the face. Unlike lasers, Thermage is an all year round treatment meaning you don’t have to avoid the sun. It also works on all skin types.

The treatment helps keep skin firm and young looking therefore dramatically turning back the ageing process. Let’s be honest, the years have been very ‘kind’ to Demi and she is a testament for good cosmetic procedures working effectively and how not to go overboard. Furthermore, we admire Demi’s honesty of the treatments she has had.

From Wednesday nights National TV awards to other recent events many celebrities, including Carol Vorderman, have opted for the gravity defying cleavage look to get noticed. In order to get the look there’s one thing the celebs have in common, an apple full bust. Holly Willoughby, Christina Hendricks, Carol Vorderman and many others have squeezed into the tightest corsets to enhance their assets. If you’re lacking the fullness in your breasts, no bra will help. The latest cosmetic trend is Fat Tansfer for breast enhancement.

Fat Transfer allows you to take fat from one area of your body, like the thighs or tummy, to then inject this into the breast after it’s been cleaned, to ‘fill out’ any emptiness in your breast. It’s popular for those who often have emptiness at the top of their breasts due to weight loss or post breast feeding, and the rounded shape achieved will look knockout in any corset!

What’s better is that the procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anaesthetic. This means a quicker recovery time and the associated risks with general anaesthetic is eradicated. The procedure is a winning formula for many women out there, a flatter tummy, slimmer thighs and bigger, more fuller breasts – surely a dream come true?! 

Cosmetic procedures in this modern day don’t only sit with women any longer. There has been a dramatic increase in men opting for all kinds of cosmetic procedures including Hair Transplants, Liposuction procedures, muscle sculpting procedures like Vaser High-Def, Botox, Moob surgery along with many more.

Today, the Daily Mirror reported on four different men who underwent four different types of cosmetic procedures. The Daily Mail together with The British Association of Plastic Surgeons reported that 10% of all cosmetic surgery procedures were accounted to males, further still a 7% rise in the number of men having any kind of procedure done.

 The Daily Mirror featured the very topical Liposuction Contouring procedure, a technique used to strip the fat from around the stomach area using a gentle form of liposuction to then carefully sculpt using a cannular around your natural muscles to form a toned, defined and sculpted look. Results are impressive and this is a procedure that many men are talking about. Dr Alfredo Hoyos, featured, from Columbia isn’t the only doctor to offer this procedure any longer. In 2008 Dr Mike Comins was the first UK doctor to be trained by Dr Hoyos.  His technique in Vaser High-def is second to none. Dr Comins has treated thousands of patients to date which has allowed him to better, and perfect his technique. Results are flawless.

So, if you don’t have the endless hours needed in the gym to get that ripped, toned look, then yes, why wouldn’t one think about this Lipo-sculpting procedure. Especially post the very festive season.

It’s ok that men are opting for more cosmetic procedures and in fact liberating that they are looking after themselves as much as women are ‘expected’ too. And if you are thinking about it, we can guarantee you’re not alone!

The festive season is for sure in full swing and as many indulge in alcoholic beverages and salty food, all takes its toll on your skin. Keeping hydrated is key to avoid dry, puffy and spotty skin.

Excess salt allows our bodies to retain water which can result in bloating and puffy faces. Keep drinking water and you can avoid these symptoms. All the indulgences also makes skin dull, dry and this may result in breakouts. Quick fixes are superficial chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments but it helps to drink water with these treatments. They are quick to rejuvenate skin allowing your skin still to sparkle throughout the festive season.

There are also many transformation creams availble to ensure deep intense moisture lock and gentle exfoliators to boost the skins metabolism to rejuvenate it. The Jan Marini range is a festive favourite and a luxurious treat.

Dazzle your way through this festive period!