By the time you reach your forties, you will probably be an expert in skincare with a daily skincare routine. However, as you age, your skin goes through changes and will therefore require different ingredients so that your skin gets the most out of the products you are using. Continue reading “Changes to your skin in your forties”
Author: David Jagroop
Acne in thirties
Acne is thought of as a problem that primarily effects teens, however, it can also be just as common in adult life. You may never have suffered from acne, and all of a sudden you may experience an outbreak that is hard to get rid of. Continue reading “Acne in thirties”
Tear Trough Fillers
Dermal fillers are a common non-surgical procedure for anti-ageing. They can create a younger and more rejuvenated appearance. Fillers are commonly used in the lips, forehead lines, and the lines around the mouth. However, it is relatively uncommon for patients to ask about ‘tear trough fillers’ as there is not much awareness over this procedure.
Similarly to all other types of filler, tear trough fillers will help to give you a fresher and younger appearance. One of the first things we notice with ageing is ageing around the eyes – so why not pay extra attention to the areas that could be contributing to signs of ageing.
What are tear troughs?
Tear troughs are the indent between the inner corner of the eye, often appearing as a dark circles or a ‘hollow look’ around the eye. Often tear troughs appear in addition to fatty tissue or eye bags underneath the eye creating a shadow which accentuates its appearance. As we age, we lose volume and elasticity within the skin, making tear troughs even more visible, however they can also be visible in younger patients.
What filler is used for tear troughs?
At 111 Harley St. Dr Alexandrides favours using Restylane injections because it gives a natural appearance. It’s also long lasting meaning that results can last for up to a year. Other fillers such as Juvéderm are not favoured as they can create a puffy-eyed appearance.
How long will results last for?
Results can last up to a year, but generally tear trough fillers will last for about 6 months.
Are the injections painful?
Surprisingly no. Patients report a slight sensation, but in comparison to other types of fillers such as lip injections which have been reported as relatively painful, tear trough fillers are reportedly significantly less painful. In addition, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied prior to treatment.
Plastic surgery and smoking
Smoking is recognised as an unhealthy habit. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and amputations. It causes harm to every organ in the body, including the skin. If you’re considering having plastic surgery and are a smoker, it is advised you attempt to either quit or considerably cut down on the amount of cigarettes you smoke for 2-6 weeks before your operation.
Will smoking affect the surgery?
Yes, smoking will affect the plastic surgery as it inhibits the ability for your skin and wounds to heal. Cigarettes contain the harmful substance nicotine which causes your arteries to narrow. When you arteries become narrow, it causes them to spasm which can restrict blood being able to get to the wound and heal it. When surgery is performed, the incision would reduce your normal amount of blood flow and so it is important that we have the most amount of blood possible in order to keep the soft tissue alive.
In order for your skin to heal, it needs to be able to have access to oxygen. When you smoke, you restrict this oxygen from being able to access the wound to heal it. As a result, your white blood cells are less able to fight any bacteria that might cause infection.
There are immense benefits to quitting smoking and it can improve your overall health and life span. Whilst smoking is an addiction, those who are able to quit for 4 weeks will be able to heal just as well as non-smokers.
Quitting smoking before your operation is good practice for the long run and will bring you greater benefits if you try to quit altogether. If you quit for the recommended amount of time you may benefit from the following: improved circulation, increased oxygen levels, decreased blood pressure, improved sense of taste and smell and improved lung function.
Questions you should ask your Rhinoplasty surgeon
The thought of a Rhinoplasty procedure can be overwhelming. You may have been contemplating changing its appearance for years and now it all comes down to your consultation to make sure you’re asking the right questions, but what are the right questions? Below, Dr Alexandrides lists a number of questions that you should always aim to ask and discuss with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. The questions can be applicable to any type of invasive surgery:
- Can I see your awards to see that you are board certified? What board are you certified by?
- Can I see your before and after photos of previous Rhinoplasty procedures?
- How many Rhinoplasty procedures have you performed?
- What will you do to ensure I get the best level of care?
- Who else will be involved in performing the surgery (if any) and what is their experience?
- When was your last Rhinoplasty procedure?
- Do you find that your patients have a high level of satisfaction?
- Can you tell me more about the 111 Harley St Patient Promise and what the policy is for Rhinoplasty revisions?
- How many revisions have you had to perform and why?
- How long would my procedure take and how long will it take me to recover?
- What possible complications could occur?
- What technique will be used for my Rhinoplasty procedure?
- Where will my procedure be performed, and what happens if there is an unexpected surgical complication or medical emergency?
- Will I be put under local anaesthetic?
- Are my expectations realistic and what kind of results can I hope to achieve?
- What guidelines can you give me for after the Rhinoplasty procedure in terms of what I should and shouldn’t be doing?
- How long will it take for any swelling to dissipate, and when can I expect to see the final results?
Top 3 Nose Job Questions
Does the nose change shape after Rhinoplasty? If so, how?
Dr Alexandrides highlights that although your face can continue to change shape due to weight/gain or loss, the actual column of the nose will not change shape. There is a misconception that noses continue to grow with age, however, this is untrue. They do however droop due to gravity. As we age we lose the collagen and elasticity in our body which causes parts of our bodies to sag and droop. As we age it is possible that the tip of the nose can also start to droop which will slightly alter its appearance.
How long does it take until the swelling subsides after Rhinoplasty?
Dr Alexandrides reiterates that swelling after Rhinoplasty should be expected and that you should wait until at least 6 months after your surgery before you can make a judgement. Depending on your nose and the aesthetic appearance, it is possible that there may only be a slight alteration to the appearance. Dr Alexandrides always encourages patients to be realistic about their expectations and what they wish to achieve. The surgeon who practised the surgery should have fully discussed the procedure with the patient.
There are several factors that could be conducive to the swelling of a nose after Rhinoplasty. It depends on the type of surgical technique that was performed due to the appearance of the nose. For example, most Rhinoplasty surgeries are reductive and minimise the size in some way. If the nose was broken, you may expect to experience a considerable amount of swelling and puffiness.
What is the ideal age to have Rhinoplasty?
Dr Alexandrides states that the 111 Harley St. practice does not perform surgery on anyone under the age of 18. It is advised that if the surgery is for aesthetic reasons wait until they are at least 18 as the nose will continue to grow.
Healthy Summer Skin Guide
Caring for your skin during the summer months can be a difficult thing; you assume that getting Vitamin D from the sun would be a good thing… it even feels warm and assuring on your skin. However, sun and UV exposure are one of the most damaging factors to our skin.
The summer can bring about a plethora of skin damaging conditions. Below, Dr Alexandrides highlights some of these problems and how you can treat them:
Healthy Summer Skin – Potential Troubles
Sun burn
First of all, sun burn can easily be prevented by spending less time in the sun and always wearing sun protection that will protect you from both UVA rays and UVB rays. A lot of sun creams on the market actually do more harm than good, and are not protecting the skin in the way that you would expect. Instead, Dr Alexandrides recommends opting for a UV mineral filter that will reflect the sun’s harmful rays rather than absorb them and create a chemical reaction.
If the damage has already been done you can reduce inflammation and redness by applying a cold ice pack or compress to soothe the skin. You should also apply aloe vera gel or aftersun and drink plenty of water to rehydrate the skin.
Sunspots
Exposing yourself to the sun can cause photo-ageing and one of the signs of this is uneven skin tone and pigmentation. Dr Alexandrides recommends keeping your face out the sun wherever possible, as when the damage has been done it can be hard to treat. However, you can try a number of non-surgical options such as: Fraxel and Skin Peels to try and rejuvenate and repair the damaged skin.
Dull skin
You may think that a glowing complexion comes with a tan, and as a result you feel your pale skin is looking dull and lifeless. It’s easy to neglect the skin in the summer and forget about your existing skincare regime or apply less moisturiser, but your skin needs just as much attention, but for different reasons.
A primary cause for dull skin during the summer is that it’s actually dry and lacking nutrients. Reviving the skin with amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins with mesotherapy will improve your skin’s tone and texture and bring it back to life.
Big and Beautiful Eyes: Double Eyelid Surgery
Having double eyelid surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty) can make your eyes appear wider and rounder by creating a crease higher in the eyelid. The operation is relatively straightforward and takes as little as two to three hours, performed under local anaesthetic. The majority of double eyelid surgeries are day cases and recovery is fast, with stitches being removed within seven days.
In addition, double eyelid surgery works well with other surgeries such as fillers for the chin. With fillers, you can achieve a longer and more contoured appearance. We are able to either remove fat from the upper cheeks and re-inject it into your chin, or simply inject fillers into the desired area.
Other Procedures Patients Opt For Post Double Eyelid Surgery
Other popular surgeries with Asian patients include fillers on the nose, or nose reshaping through Rhinoplasty. With Rhinoplasty, you can achieve a thinner, sloping nose. During your consultation, we can discuss your exact desires, and work together to create a look that would satisfy you within reasonable expectations.
If you’re considering plastic surgery at 111 Harley St. and are worried about a language barrier, we have translation staff in place so that you can effectively communicate your needs and desires.
Buccal Fat Removal For Thinner Cheeks
Fullness in the face is often associated with youth, however, overtly full cheeks can contribute to a more
Don’t Sweat It… Londoners Combat Tropical Temperatures On The Tube With Botox To The Armpit
With some reports suggesting that commuters were subject to Sahara worthy temperatures on the Tube last week, it’s no surprise that Londoners in their droves are seeking sweat solutions more effective than their usual roll on deodorant.
Excessive Sweating
In the past month bookings at 111 Harley St. for Botox to the armpit have soared in line with the mercury, with patient appointments up 400% compared to last year. The procedure, which has gained popularity in the past requires a 30-minute appointment and results are noticeable within three days, lasting up to 9 months – side effects are rare, and Dr Alexandrides notes that none of his patients has ever reported problems.
Dr Alexandrides, MD at 111 Harley St. commented: “We’ve seen peaks and troughs for patient bookings before when the UK has bouts of summer sunshine, but nothing like this before. In terms of the gender divide, it’s very much a 50/50 split, both men and women seek out the treatment to avoid sweating under the armpits. After a consultation, my patients see this as a seasonal essential, and I may not see them again for the treatment until next year – it can have a huge impact. I’ve had patients confess that they refuse to remove a suit jacket during meetings, or women who will only wear black tops and dresses all summer to avoid showing sweat marks.”
During the procedure, Botox is injected with a tiny needle just beneath the skin’s surface to target the sweat glands, not deeper into the muscle as it would be for the treatment of wrinkles. The procedure is relatively painless as numbing cream is applied to the area, and there is no need for recovery time, patients can return to work or carry on with their day immediately after the treatment. And results? Botox to the armpits reduces sweating on average between 85-90%.
Split Earlobe Repair
It is not uncommon for people wishing to adorn themselves with jewellery. Unfortunately, this can sometimes come at a price, with heavy or large earrings causing trauma and expanding or ripping the ear lobe. This problem is very common, yet some are completely unaware of the information and options that are out there to treat the earlobes.
Whether you have worn tribal style earrings and made an enlarged hole in your ear, or your heavy earrings have completely torn the ears, there is a quick and easy solution which is highly effective.
Earlobe repair
Earlobe repair is carried out under local anaesthetic. The earlobe is reconstructed and the skin edges are stitched together in order to create the most natural appearance. The treatment itself is usually relatively uncomplicated, and we can normally repair both ears in one session. Post-surgery, you can expect the healing time to take from 1-2 weeks, with any scarring healing gradually over time.
Can you still leave a small hole so that I can wear earrings again?
This is a common question that is asked before surgery. The best option for repair is to close the hole or tear completely in order to avoid a risk of the lobe being exposed to more trauma in the future, and potentially tearing again. It is possible to re-pierce in the future, however it is encouraged to wait until the lobe is fully healed after at least 6 weeks. In order to avoid future damage, it is recommended to wait for three to six months after surgery.
Smoking: How To Get Rid Of Smoker’s Lines
Smoking is detrimental for your health, and also for the health of your skin. Smoking can speed up the ageing of the skin, meaning that you may develop and experience: wrinkles, lines, dry skin, sallowness of the skin, uneven skin tone, and broken blood vessels faster than non-smokers. However, even non-smokers can get vertical lines appearing around the mouth. The process of ageing is unavoidable and therefore, as the skin loses elasticity wrinkles will start to appear.
Studies have shown in particular, that those who smoke are significantly more prone to developing premature wrinkles around the mouth, otherwise known as ‘smoker’s lines’. Women are even more likely to develop smoker’s lines than men because the skin structure differs to men.
Preventing Smoker’s Lines
The most obvious preventative measure is to quit smoking, however, in many cases this is easier said than done. Whilst smoking will increase the deepening of smoker’s lines, you can also take other measures to attempt to delay the wrinkle formation. Mesotherapy not only helps to restore collagen production and plump out the wrinkles, but also feeds the skin with essential vitamins and amino acids.
It also widely believed that any process which causes you to purse your mouth such as drinking through straws and water bottles can contribute to making lip lines more pronounced, and so it is recommended to avoid this when possible.
Treating Smoker’s Lines
Fillers are an effective and popular way to replace the loss of volume from the lips and also to fill out the lines around the mouth. Depending on your age you may desire a combination of the two. As you age the upper area above the top lip elongates and the top lip thins. For a more youthful look, filler in the top lip may be advised in addition the filler in the lines.
There are various types of fillers available which your consultant will discuss with you.
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