Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #67

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Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
This type of surgery offers a flatter stomach with repaired abdominal muscles
and can also be used to sculpt a ‘six pack’. An incision is made across the
lower abdomen, then excess skin and fat is removed and the stomach muscles
are tightened. The navel is repositioned when the skin is re-stretched over the
stomach and a large scar is created across the lower abdomen. A firm strap and
drain are normally worn for a day afterwards, then replaced with a compression
garment for several weeks. Most patients need around three weeks off work.
Implants
Body implants are used to enhance the appearance of the buttocks, biceps,
calves, face, pectorals, penis and triceps. They are also used on patients who
have had previous surgery, injury or disease. The implant is inserted either above
or below the muscle through an incision.
They can be used to correct facial imperfections such as sunken cheeks or a
receding chin and can improve facial balance when combined with a facelift or
eyelid surgery. Implant surgery can create numbness but this usually subsides.
Facial implant surgery can result in swelling and bruising for several days, making
talking and eating difficult. Normal activities can usually be resumed after around
four to seven days, and the results are permanent, unless the implant is removed.
Hair transplants
Mini-grafts, micro-grafts and follicular grafts are used to produce natural-looking
thicker hair. Tiny segments of hair-bearing skin are transferred from the permanent
fringe area at the back of the head to the bald area for permanent results. The
procedure is performed under local anaesthesia in a series of sessions, which
take up to three hours, depending on the number of grafts inserted. Some men
can return to work the day after treatment.
Penis enlargement
Surgery can lengthen the penis by up to 5cm and widen it by up to 2cm. With
lengthening surgery, a low abdominal incision is made and ligaments are cut at
the base of the penis. Fat grafts are taken from the waist or buttocks and are
inserted under the skin of the penis to widen it. Patients can take around six
months to fully recover, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least six
weeks. The results are permanent.
NON-SURGICAL
Wrinkle and filler treatments
Wrinkle relaxant (botulinum toxin) injections are used to treat dynamic wrinkles
– those formed by repeated muscle contraction from facial expressions such as
frown lines, crow’s feet and marionette lines. These injections are also effective
for chin creases and horizontal wrinkles in the lower part of the front of the neck.
Patients can return to work straight after treatment and results are seen after
around four to 10 days. Repeat treatment is necessary after about three to five
months in most cases.
Fillers and fat transfer are used to treat static wrinkles, which are caused by
ageing and repetitive muscle movement, and loss of facial volume. The range of
dermal fillers available are designed for use near the surface of the skin to treat
wrinkles as well as at deeper levels to restore volume. Their duration depends
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