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Archives for 2015

Rhinotip Correction: The perfect finish

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There are few noses more famous than Cleopatra’s and as we know, “had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed”.

Luckily, the fate of most of our noses wouldn’t have such severe consequences on the rest of the world, so you can probably go ahead and tweak yours with peace of mind.

Although the Egyptians were very particular about facial proportions, it’s only in June 2014 that researchers from New York University published a study claiming to have found the ideal proportions of the female nose.

A nose tip upturned to 106 degrees – which Scarlett Johansson is praised for – is claimed to be the most aesthetically pleasing angle on fair skinned women.

Despite the sample limitations of these findings, they do show just how much of an impact small details can have on aesthetics. And as far as your nose is concerned, Rhinotip Correction is an ideal treatment for a nose that needs just a bit of refinement.

Hooks, crooks and flares

Noses truly do come in all shapes and sizes, but they aren’t always completely proportionate to the rest of our face.

Rhinoplasty before and after photos
Before and After Rhinoplasty with Dr Fallahdar at The Private Clinic.

Going after ‘the prefect nose’ is a pipe dream, as there’s no such thing, but aiming for the perfect nose for YOU is very achievable.

Whenever you alter elements of your face it’s important that they stay in balance with your other features, so that a natural, overall pleasing look can be achieved.

With nose tips, there are a few common instances that can affect your overall symmetry.

Hooked tip: Can create an over-elongated effect; with the jutting out portion of the nose tip being particularly noticeable in profile.

Crooked tip: When one nostril appears larger, or when it slants to one side, making the nose look asymmetrical.

Big tip: Can cause a chunky or rounded general appearance to the nose, which can sometimes be due to thick skin in that area.

Flared nostrils: Nostrils can be larger, or their alar bases spread out too far, producing an upturned or flattened appearance.

What does a Rhinotip Correction involve?

Most tip corrections involve modifying the shape or structure of the underlying cartilage. When appropriate, excess skin is removed from the tip or the alar bases. Otherwise, alterations are made from the inside to minimise the risk of any visible scarring.

It’s possible to carry out the procedure under local anaesthetic with sedation, but your surgeon will advise you if another option is more suitable.

Before and after Rhinoplasty treatment
Before and after Rhinoplasty treatment by The Private Clinic’s Mr. Davood Fallahdar.

You may need to take 7-14 days off work while you recover, but as with any procedure, we’ll be with you every step of the way during your aftercare.

Some swelling may persist over a few months but once it goes down, your nose will finally have its perfect finish.

The Private Clinic

Our Consultant Plastic Surgeons have adopted some of the most pioneering techniques in Rhinoplasty so as to be able to deliver effective and aesthetically pleasing results. These include:

Recovery after Blepharoplasty: The aftercare guide

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Blepharoplasty – the surgical procedure of removing excess skin and fat around the eyes to remove eye bags and correct hooded, or drooping eyelids – is one of the simplest and most straightforward plastic surgery procedures you can have. It is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments which improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

A Blepharoplasty procedure can take as little as 30 minutes, but just as any other treatment or surgery, you’ll need to ensure that you follow all the aftercare instructions and advice (how to care for your eyes, medications to apply or take) to allow for a swift and smooth recovery.

eyelid surgery blepharoplasty incison line

What to expect following your Blepharoplasty procedure

Before you leave the clinic, your surgeon will go through these Blepharoplasty aftercare guidelines with you and answer any questions you may have. Our patient advisors will contact you regularly to follow-up on your progress and you will also be given 24-hour emergency numbers, to keep your mind at ease knowing that you can get in touch with us whenever you feel the need to.

On the day of your procedure, we suggest that a family member or friend pick you up from the clinic and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours, until you are settled in and feel comfortable about acting autonomously.

While you’re comfortable at home, we recommend following the below general guidelines:

  • Avoid lying down flat. By keeping your head elevated, you can reduce some of the swelling while also being more comfortable. Use 3-4 pillows when sleeping. A 45-degree angle is best and a travel pillow will provide support for your neck. During the first week, make sure to sleep on your back.
  • Try not to bend forward or over for the next three weeks as this can increase swelling.
  • For the first 24 hours, try and eat only liquid, nutritious food so as to exert your face as little as possible.
  • DRINK WATER. We can’t stress enough how important it is for you to stay hydrated.
  • Don’t skip any of your medication. It’s in your own interest to take it exactly as prescribed. When your pain lessens, you can switch to over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Don’t remove any steri-strips. It might be slightly uncomfortable, but please try not to touch the crusting around your stitches.
  • Quit smoking and alcohol for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery and 3 months after. That way you’ll be ensuring that your body’s healing ability is performing at full capacity.
  • Contact lenses shouldn’t be worn for 2 weeks.
  • Wait at least a week until you start driving again. Use common sense – if you have trouble seeing, don’t drive.
  • Use an SPF 30 sunblock or higher, regardless of your activities or the weather as your skin will be sensitive.
  • Don’t use any fragranced skincare products. If you feel the need to apply skincare products, do so cautiously and stay away from the incision areas to avoid infection.
  • Don’t apply any makeup until at least a week after your stitches have been taken out and the wounds have sealed. It’s best to avoid applying it until your eyes have completely healed in order to avoid scarring and infection. Note that using new products will further lessen the risk of infection.
  • Don’t do any exercise other than walking, which is necessary daily so as to prevent blood clot formation.

The healing process

Depending on your body, you will be advised to take around 1 week off work. It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling during your initial healing process. This isn’t anything to be alarmed about, and your surgeon and aftercare advisor will talk you through how to control any discomfort. Very few of our patients report any pain experienced with the bruising.

Despite it being a minimal procedure, our patients have expressed great joy at having opted for it. Women in particular, have been impressed at how much easier their morning routines are now that they can easily apply makeup, without having to deal with troublesome creases and folds. Most just tell of how much younger and more refreshed they feel thanks to these small tweaks.


Blepharoplasty with Fat Transfer

The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. You aren’t just a number for us and we care about your well being even after you leave our premises. We pride ourselves in our thorough aftercare and we want you to feel confident that you’ll be supported all the way, no matter the procedure. Our industry-leading surgeons will provide you with all the information you need to have a smooth recovery following surgery and our expert team of medical professionals will be available 24/7 should you need any help or advice.

Blepharoplasty Surgeons at The Private Clinic

Blepharoplasty treatment procedures are available in our London, Manchester, Leeds and clinics.

Consultations for Blepharoplasty procedures are available nationwide in Glasgow, Northampton and Milton Keynes.

The inside scoop on VASER Liposuction, MicroLipo and unwanted fat

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As we age, our fat can slowly settle into certain areas and become very difficult to shift even for regular gym-goers. How fluctuations in weight affect your body comes down to several factors, but an interesting one is the fat cells themselves.

Like traditional Liposuction, VASER Lipo and MicroLipo use suction to remove fat from your body, but one of the things that set this technique apart is how fat is removed during the procedure and the shorter recovery times associated with VASER and Micro Liposuction. To better understand how to attain and keep your results following these procedures, it’s important to know how your fat cells (Adipocytes) work.

The transition from childhood to adulthood

Your fat cells are more subject to change when you’re a child and this is most true when it comes to cell division (Mitosis). While our childhood bodies develop, Adipocytes grow and multiply. The more a child eats the bigger their fat cells become and once they reach their maximum capacity, they divide. A cell divides into two new cells and if those two expand and divide as well, then you can see how that sets you at an early disadvantage.

 

adipose

After puberty, these cells cease to divide, but if you have a lot of them to begin with, it’ll be much more difficult for you to control your weight. Or rather – it’ll be much easier for you to gain weight, as you’ll have much more cells that require replenishing through calories. The role of Adipocytes isn’t merely to cushion and insulate your body; most significantly they store the energy that allows us to function.

adam adipocytes

In 2008, Swedish researchers published findings in the journal Nature, reporting that 10% of our cells die each year and are replaced with new ones. They found that even after weight reduction surgery, obese people had the same amount of fat cells two years on, meaning that controlling your food intake is key to weight consistency.

What happens to fat during MicroLipo and VASER Liposuction?

One of the first things steps for a practitioner during both procedures is to inject the treated area with tumescent fluid. The amount of anaesthetic used can be five times that of the fluid and tissue that will ultimately be removed, but it serves to protect the area from infection and to isolate the fat in question.

VASER tools.Still001
Doctor fastens the VASER Liposuction tip.

Once that’s done, the VASER instrument is inserted through small incisions and the fat is emulsified using ultrasound wavelengths specially designed to target it. The last step is to suction it all out while the doctor adds definition with his hand.

Over the next few weeks, you have to wear a compression garment while you experience some swelling and your skin tightens to adapt your new figure. Your blood and lymphatic systems will work during that time to eliminate whatever liquid remains.

Before and after MicroLipo to the thighs
Before and after MicroLipo to the thighs at The Private Clinic.

With MicroLipo, a number of minuscule incisions are made in the area to be treated, then tiny cannulas less than 3mm in diametre are inserted into them. A slow suction process allows for delicate fat removal that requires very little downtime or trauma – the incisions don’t even require stiches. Downtime depends on the area you have treated, with some patients resuming work 48 hours after treatment.

Attaining and maintaining your Liposuction results

These procedure aren’t weight loss solutions, they are body-shaping tools. The most suitable candidates will be close to their desired weight and have healthy lifestyles that incorporate good nutrition and exercise.

An example of VASER Liposuction performed at The Private Clinic.
An example of VASER Liposuction performed at The Private Clinic.

The key to a successful procedure of this kind is for you to be dedicated to maintaining the results. You don’t have to starve yourself, nor exercise more, instead you just need to be smart about what, and how much, you eat.

Before & After Vaser High-Def
Before and after Vaser Hi-Def at The Private Clinic.

On top of that, it can take your body up to eight months to finalise your new figure, so be sure to keep healthy and be patient. Otherwise, your fat will reappear, albeit maybe not in the same places at first. Be conscientious and everything will settle as it should.

The Private Clinic

We have some of the best and most experienced VASER and MicroLipo doctors in the UK, who help train new generations of qualified and trustworthy specialists. We undertake over 1,000 procedures every year and have results that speak for themselves. On top of our standard procedure, we offer VASER Mid-Def, Vaser Hi-Def, Vaser 4D and VASER 360.

Three laser treatments that will make your life easier

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From funky disco lights to optical disk drives, laser technology has proven to be a very useful asset to humanity. In medicine, laser surgery has saved lives by enabling unprecedented precision and that same quality allows for effective specialist laser skin treatments.

We’ve picked out the top three procedures that could help you save time and money in the long term, with health and beauty benefits to boot.

For Black Friday Offers 2017, please check this link – https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/black-friday-offers-discount-deals-2017

Laser Hair Removal

Ever since Harper’s Bazaar printed an ad with a young woman posing in a sleeveless dress with her arms resting over her head, modern-day women have been concerned about unwanted hair in previously hidden places.

harper's bazaar 1915 hair removal
Harper’s Bazaar 1915 Hair Removal ad.

As fashions changed and women’s bodies became more and more uncovered, a trendy and self-conscious woman would have to spend some time in the bathroom smoothing out various areas. More men have also started to pay attention to their grooming and let’s just say that for those who have to tackle thick back hair, life isn’t so easy either.

Anyone who’s had to tackle their legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip… will know just how time-consuming the process can be. Plus you have to repeat it on far too regular a basis. Depilation creams can be quicker, but they can be aggressive on the skin. Same goes for wax – with some added pain, because as we all know: no pain, no gain.

back hair removal the private clinic
Results before and after Laser Hair Removal.

Laser Hair Removal only involves three to six sessions, can be done on just about any part of your body and best of all, it’s permanent. The laser zeros in on hair follicles and damages them in such a way as to disrupt the hair’s growth cycle. Once the follicle ‘dies’ it won’t produce any more hairs.

Think of all the time you’ll save… money too, depilation products don’t come cheap!

To get 25% off our Harley Street Laser Hair Removal courses click here.

Acne N-Lite Laser treatment

If you’ve ever had an Acne breakout – which you would have since such is the gift of puberty – you’ll know that it’s not a pleasant experience to go through. Severe Acne can make you feel very self-conscious, plus you subconsciously know a spot will be plotting to pop out on events like birthdays, parties and Christmas.

Roaccutane pills are one way of dealing with the problem, but they can be expensive and have side effects like dry skin and lips (amongst others). Many mainstream brands will claim they can work miracles but it’s rarely the case.

Before and after N-Lite treatment for acne.

Our N-Lite treatment is one type of laser treatments for the face which targets the small bacteria in your skin that’s causing you all this grief and eliminates them. It has an added bonus of encouraging collagen production and lowering the chances of acne scarring. The long-lasting relief it offers can be truly life-changing for people with severe Acne, while milder cases will benefit from clearer, healthier skin, and the added advantage of no longer having to worry that your face is out to get you.

N-Lite treatments are available at our clinics in Harley Street London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Northampton and Buckinghamshire.

IPL Photorejuvenation

Naturally flawless skin is usually a pretty tall order, especially when you live in an urban setting where exhaust fumes abound. We usually counteract the effects of such an environment with all sorts of cleansers, creams and of course, make-up. If you’ve caught on to the countering make-up trend, then there’s half of your morning gone already.

The Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology makes it possible to smooth out your skin’s tone and texture to the point that after having it done, the Editor of Essentials magazine was ‘happy to go out with just moisturiser on’.

It’s a very effective treatment for sun damaged skin, age or sun spots, Rosacea and an irregular skin tone, as it diffuses redness and reduces discolouration. The fabulous Jemma Kidd is a make-up artist and her quest for the perfect complexion lead her to us. She said: ‘Three days after treatment, I have flawless skin.”

Take it from the pros, having smooth skin has never been easier.

IPL is available at our Harley Street clinic in London and our clinic in Leeds.

The Private Clinic and Cyber Monday

There’s never been a better time to give these treatments ago. With 25% off Laser Hair Removal at our Harley Street clinic during our Cyber Monday promotion, you’ll find that we’re competitively priced while still offering the most advanced treatment options, performed by qualified and reputable therapists and laser practitioners. Find out just how much you could save with our Cyber Monday offers here.

 

 

Inverted nipple correction and breastfeeding

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Despite the fact that over 10% of the UK’s population have inverted nipples, many of them feel self-conscious about them. Women especially have been found to feel strongly about wanting their breasts to look ‘normal’.

If you are thinking about having this procedure, it’s important to know that it’s possible that your breastfeeding abilities will be impaired. If you haven’t started a family yet, it’s a factor that you may wish to consider. The results will all depend on the severity of your inverted nipples and the root cause behind them.

What are inverted nipples?

The breast’s primary function is to create and provide milk for your baby. It’s reflected in the breast’s composition. Mammary glands produce milk and are located at the breast’s centre, while milk ducts stretch from them to the nipple where it can be delivered to an infant.

breast anatomy

Inverted nipples occur when there’s too much connective tissue in the nipple or the milk ducts are too short. If the pull from the milk ducts is stronger than that of the nipple’s smooth muscle, then the same thing can happen. Note that only one nipple can be inverted even though the other is evert.

There are three different grades of inversion. In the first instance, the nipples are flat or only slightly turned inwards and can easily be manipulated outward, or they can pop out thanks to stimuli. Nipples in the second grade are slightly more inverted and although they can be manipulated to come out, it’s more difficult and they don’t remain evert. Finally, grade three nipples are completely inverted and can’t be teased out.

Grading__Inverted_Nipple-01

What’s does nipple correction involve?

The procedure is simple and depending on the method used, it can last from 30 minutes to slightly over an hour.

If it’s a case of overgrown connective tissue, then an incision is made at the base of the nipple and the surgeon will aim to disentangle and loosen the tissue in question. The goal here is to try and preserve as many milk ducts, blood vessels and nerves as possible.

However, if it’s a matter of the ducts being too short, or their pull being too great, those links will have to be severed in order for the nipples to become everted. A biodegradable suture may be put inside the nipple to keep it in place while the tissue around it heals.

Your breast could be a little bit sore afterwards, but it’s nothing that pain killers can’t solve and there’s no downtime to worry about.

Will I be able to breastfeed?

It depends.

Whenever it’s achievable, your surgeon will try to conserve as many milk ducts as possible, but everything comes down to the reason behind your inversion and the technique that would be used accordingly.

Because of this, it’s often recommend that women who would want to breastfeed in the future, wait to have the procedure until after they’ve completed their families.

baby feeding

Even if you’re born with inverted nipples, they sometimes do emerge by themselves after puberty, sometimes even by the age of 25. For this reason we would recommend waiting until such an age before pursuing treatment. On the other hand, always visit a GP if you suddenly develop an inverted nipple as this may be a sign of a more serious condition like Breast Cancer.

The best course of action is to consult an experienced plastic surgeon who will be able to advise you on your specific case.

The Private Clinic

Our philosophy at The Private Clinic is that we want to help you feel more like yourself and comfortable in your own body. In order to do that, we’ve gathered some of the UK’s leading Consultant Plastic Surgeons to advise you in an unbiased and professional manner. Keep in mind, if they do not think that a procedure would benefit you, they won’t perform it.

Inverted nipple correction consultations are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Find out more about inverted nipple correction at The Private Clinic by calling 03339209135 or using our online Inverted Nipple surgery contact form.

Workout supplements: How gaining muscle might be making your hair fall out

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Being thin or skinny used to be the body trend everybody chased after, nowadays it’s all about being fit. As far as trends go this is a pretty good one to follow, as in theory it promotes healthy eating, regular exercise and being mindful about your lifestyle.

Some people have amazing discipline and dedication on top of that, choosing to take things to the next level, building up their muscles to impressive levels. As you can imagine, such training requires a lot of energy and it’s important to replenish the body when undertaking such straining workouts. The problem is that some active ingredients in supplements can act as double-edged swords.

fitness-man

The issue with sports nutrition and workout support

As many fitness buffs will tell you, shakes and other workout supplements can come in handy when you’re trying to get in shape. On the other hand, such dietary supplements have often also been demonized.

What’s important to know is what to look out for and how certain components can affect your body. If you’re worried about Hair Loss, you may want to avoid testosterone boosters and performance enhancers like creatine.

creatine
Creatine helps to supply energy to all cells in the body.

Protein shakes aren’t the culprits in this scenario – at least not the pure protein ones. For instance, products that are 100% whey or egg based and free from additives shouldn’t contribute to your Hair Loss – though be aware that the increase of nitrogen-based amino acids (which make up protein molecules) in your body can stress your liver and kidneys over time.

What you do have to keep an eye on, are protein shakes that only have a certain percentage of protein concentrate, as the remaining compounds may have adverse side effects.

Growth hormones: mass over frizz

Those who suffer from Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia), or are likely to due to genetics, are subject to the influence of a steroid and hormone known as DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). It plays an important androgenic role by affecting the development and maintenance of male characteristics as well as the production of blood cells. However, it can also contribute to Hair Loss by reducing and inhibiting the hair’s natural growth process (for a detailed explanation, click here).

DHT
DHT inhibits the hair’s necessary nourishment for proper growth from getting through.

Where’s the connection, we hear you ask? Well, an enzyme called 5a-reductase synthesises testosterone and turns it into DHT. Effectively, it means that substances which increase testosterone levels, will also contribute to a rise in DHT levels.

Steroids that promote testosterone production for its muscle building properties are no longer available for commercial distribution and have been replaced with natural alternatives, such as DHEA (a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands). We’d avoid it since those who ingest it for any other reason than to supplement a DHEA deficiency potentially end up with nefarious side effects. Likewise, although creatine is very popular and effective in boosting athletic performance, numerous studies have shown that it does raise testosterone levels.

dieta-fitness

To be clear, all we’re saying here is that these dietary supplements are best avoided if you’re genetically predisposed for Hair Loss, or if you’ve already started experiencing thinning, as in these situations high testosterone levels are likely to aggravate the condition.

Unsure what is causing hair loss?

If you are unsure about what is causing your hair loss we have a hair loss DNA test called the The Fagron TrichoTest. This test works by analysing 3 polymorphisms within 16 DNA mutations (SNPs), analysing a total of 48 genetic variations. The test combines the analysis of genetic variations, lifestyle factors and literature related to hair loss treatment. The results will allow the patient to see the likely cause of their hair loss and our team of hair loss experts will be able to suggest the most appropriate treatment options through topical, oral or surgical solutions.

The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we play host to a number of expert Consultant Trichologists as well as elite Hair Transplant specialists, in order to offer complete hair solutions to our patients.

For more information on Hair Thinning, Hair Loss and Trichology, click here.

To know more about our renowned FUE Hair Transplants, click here.