End of the Cosmetic Surgery Stigma – Why we’re Proud to be Pretty

There was a time when undergoing a cosmetic procedure was something no one wanted to admit.

Patients would hide under headscarves and big sunglasses, leaving the media to speculate about ‘what work had they had done?’. However, the tide is turning, and improving our appearance is no longer something that needs to be treated as a big secret. 

In fact, more and more celebrities are opening up about their cosmetic enhancements and this is leading to more ordinary people seeking out treatment and being proud of their improved looks.

Rapper Iggy Azalea is one such star. She recently revealed she had a boob job and rhinoplasty and “loves” her new look.

Fellow singer K. Michelle is completely open about the fact her curves aren’t au naturel. She’s even been filmed having surgery for her VH1 reality show “My Life.”

“I got my boobs done, I had fat transferred to my butt, I had fat sucked out of my stomach. You know, just normal women things,” she says, adding: “I’m not ashamed.”

Meanwhile, a whole host of celebrities have gone on record talking about having cosmetic facial injections; from Britney Spears and Pamela Anderson, to Gwyneth Paltrow and Courtney Cox.

As cosmetic surgery becomes more fashionable, it appears that the stigma around it is fast becoming a thing of the past. According to Dr. Kaye, Head Surgeon at Ocean Clinic Marbella, going under the knife is actually something to be proud of these days.

“Looking one's best has become more important than ever,” he says. “Many people put a lot of time and effort into their physical appearance, eating healthily, training at the gym, having hair and beauty treatments – cosmetic procedures are just another weapon in the arsenal.”

“For some people, being able to have cosmetic surgery is even a status symbol,” he continues. “They feel they have worked hard to buy their new boobs or flat tummy and want to show it off.”

Dr. Kaye says he see less and less reticence in his patients, with more being happy to talk openly about their surgery.

“People are more informed about cosmetic treatments than ever before and often come in knowing exactly what they want. They are not shy about ‘trying on’ boobs, in fact, they often find it lots of fun!

“Sometimes we look for patients to use as case studies and we have more and more patients that are delighted with the surgery they’ve had and are very happy to talk about it.”

Dr. Kaye concludes: “Having cosmetic surgery can be a wonderful, confidence boosting, life changing experience – why shouldn’t we celebrate it?”

Thinking about cosmetic surgery? Book your no-obligation consultation with Ocean Clinic Marbella.

Don’t Hide Your Legs Away - Banish Unsightly Varicose Veins with a Simple Procedure

Ocean Clinic Marbella is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Gonzalez, a specialist in vascular surgery, who will be treating patients with varicose and spider veins.

Varicose veins affect around 20% of the population here in Spain. They can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly they appear on the legs. Many suffers feel ashamed to show their legs and cover up with long skirts and trousers, but the condition can be easily treated with minimally invasive surgery.

Thanks to the arrival of our new team member Dr. Sergio Gonzalez, a specialist in vascular surgery from Malaga, we will be able to treat varicose veins, spider veins and other vein disorders right here in Marbella.

We asked Dr. Gonzalez to tell us some more about the treatments…

What causes varicose veins?

High temperatures, obesity, pregnancy, physical inactivity and wearing very tight clothes are all drivers of varicose veins. The varicose disease is one of the ten most common surgical treatments and is in the 'top 10' of the most frequent interventions in the Western world.

Venous insufficiency is more prevalent in females due to hormonal changes that make women more prone to this disease. The high temperatures in summer are also an enemy for sufferers of this disease because they can induce vasodilation.

Likewise, exposure to UVA rays, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi and hot baths are all aggravating factors, as well as sources of heat applied directly to the legs such as electric blankets or hot waxing.

However, in 90% of cases the occurrence of venous problems is due to a hereditary cause, in addition to the reasons previously indicated.

The symptoms and clinical manifestations are progressive and evolve, appearing in the early stages as sensations of pain, heaviness and tension in the legs, followed by cramps and swelling.


It is important to treat varicose veins?

The varices or dilated superficial veins of the lower limbs cause aesthetic problems and tired legs syndrome. In turn, if these are not treated, it can lead to venous diseases such as inflammation and thrombosis of the veins (thrombophlebitis) and venous ulcers at risk of varicorragia (bleeding). Restricted blood flow to the legs can be very painful, causing cramps and tingling in the legs after short periods of standing.
 

What is the treatment for varicose veins?

There are a number of different treatments available. The first thing we do is an ultrasound examination. Then, according to the size and/or location of the varicose veins, we can select the best technique.

If the veins are sizable, the best choice is classic surgery, which involves complete removal of the vein/s.

A new, minimally invasive technique involves lasering the veins with a fine catheter inserted through a tiny incision in the skin. The end of the catheter emits laser light (ENDOLASER) in the wall of the varicose vein, which destroys and seals the vein. It is minimally painful and within days the patient is performing normal activities.

If the veins are somewhat smaller, the best option is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a drug that seals the vein walls. Generally it is a treatment that accompanies conventional surgery or laser catheter.

How are ‘spider veins’ treated and how much does it cost?

Small varicose veins, also called ‘spider veins’, can be treated with laser skin treatment and sclerotherapy. The combination of both techniques makes it much more effective than each one separately.

It is minimally painful and patients are treated on an outpatient basis, in sessions of 30-45 minutes depending on each case. After completion of the treatment an anti-inflammatory cream is applied, along with a leg bandage that must be worn for 24-48 hours. Patients are not prevented from walking or performing any other activities.

The number of sessions required depends on the amount of varicose or spider veins. All this is decided in the first consultation. The price of each session varies according to the number of total sessions, but between €300-400 euros per session.

How long is the recovery time following varicose vein surgery?

‘Venules’ varicose veins (ie, those that do not involve the saphenous veins) do not require stitches, so the procedure does not require admission to the clinic. The operation is usually performed with local anesthesia or light sedation.

After the operation, bandages can be removed after 24-48 hours and patients can return to a perfectly normal life. The only indications are avoiding sports for 10 days.

Patients can return to work after 3 to 4 days, or the following day if they work sitting down, in an office, for example.

During the healing process, areas of "hardness" and bruising may appear over a period of 2 weeks to 2 months, but they are not usually painful and disappear by themselves.

How long have you specialised in vascular surgery?

I began my career in 2001, after studying medicine at the Medical School of Malaga. I went on to specialise in heart and vascular surgery at the University Hospital Carlos Haya Malaga.

Working in both surgical and clinical care, I have gained extensive experience in the field and have published more than 20 papers on the topic in medical journals.

Suffering from varicose veins or spider veins? Book a consultation with Dr. Gonzalez to find out the best treatment for you.

Are You Unhappy With Your Breast Implants? We Can Help

Breast augmentation is a complex surgery, and if not performed by a highly skilled surgeon, can result in an undesired outcome.

Asymmetry, where the breasts are uneven in appearance in terms of size, shape or breast level, is a common issue. Or perhaps you simply feel your breasts don’t look natural enough?

Whatever it is, if you don’t like the look of your breasts following surgery, you will no doubt be very distressed. Breast surgery is a significant investment – one which you might have saved several years for.

This is why it is vital to research your surgeon in advance and not be lured in by ‘bargain boob job’ offers – it is undoubtedly a false economy, as you may well have to undergo additional surgery.

However, if you do have implants you’re unhappy with, there’s no need to despair. Here at Ocean Clinic Marbella we have much experience in correctional and reconstructive breast implant surgery, helping give women breasts they can be proud of.

Common breast implant appearance issues (and how we can correct them for you)

Breasts are misshapen

One cause of misshapen breasts is implant malrotation. This happens when a teardrop implant (which is fuller at the bottom than it is at the top) rotates. It can turn sideways, or even rotate upside down, making the breast look misshapen. It sometimes occurs when the surgeon has created too large an implant pocket in the breast, allowing the implant space to move around.

It can be corrected by replacing the teardrop implants with round shaped ones – if they rotate within the breast it does not cause a problem. However, corrective surgery should be sought as soon as possible because if the breast tissue has stretched to fit the new position of the rotated implant it will be harder to put right.

 

Misshapen breasts can also be caused by loss of breast tissue or the formation of scar tissue around the implants. Capsular contracture (tightening of the breast tissue) can also cause distortion in one or both breasts. Releasing the tissue by making incisions, or completely removing scar tissue, can correct the problem.

Breasts are uneven

One breast may appear to sit higher or lower than the other on the chest. This can be caused by the surgeon making pockets to place the implants that don’t match or are in slightly different positions.

Using an incision in the armpit to place the implant may result in an increased risk of asymmetry. This is because the implant must be placed without direct access to the breast.

The position of the breast creases can also cause asymmetry. If they are at different positions it will cause the implants to sit differently on the chest. The problem can be corrected by repositioning the implant and/or reconstructing the fold underneath the affected breast.

Breasts have unnatural fullness at the top

Excessive upper pole fullness in one or both breasts can occur when implants fail to descend properly, or rise up after placement. 

This can be treated by lowering or releasing the tissue that is holding up the implant so it can rest in its new lowered position.

Breasts sit too low

This issue is known as ‘bottoming out’ and happens when the breast implant is placed too low or descends too much over time. This may occur due to excessive weight of the implant, poor breast tissue elasticity, or from the implant pocket being made too low. It occurs more often when the implants are placed above the muscle instead of below it.

Depending on what contributed to bottoming out, you may need to consider a different implant size, but the issue can usually be corrected by reconstructing the inframammary fold under the breast so that it is better able to support the implant in the desired position on the chest.

Nipples are uneven

Asymmetry of the nipple (and areola) on the breast mound can happen for a number of reasons.

One cause is choosing an implant that is too large. If the implant doesn’t fit the dimensions of the patient’s chest wall it may place the nipple areolar complex in an unnatural position. Here, correction is made by changing to a more appropriate size.

Incorrect implant placement can also cause nipples to look odd. Placing implants too high can make the nipples point downward, place them too low and nipples may point upwards. The same can occur if the implants are placed too far to the middle or the side; the nipples point to the side or middle. This can be corrected by repositioning the implants.

Breasts are too far apart

A wide gap between breasts may be caused by a patient’s natural anatomy (i.e. they have a bowed breast bone and their breasts sit wide on their chest), however this issue is accentuated by large implants. The appearance can often be improved by replacing them with a smaller implant. A common mistake is to go for larger implants to achieve a better cleavage, but this will only serve to make the gap look even bigger.

In some cases, the surgeon has made too wide a pocket and the implants have migrated to the side, or the implants are too heavy and have stretched the tissue (stretching can happen when a person lies down and their breasts go out to the sides). This displacement can be corrected by moving the implants back together and reinforcing the sides (a smaller implant may also be recommended).

Breasts look ‘fake’

Choosing an implant that is too large for your frame, a shape/type that doesn’t suit you or the wrong placement method can result in an unnatural appearance.

For example, if you opt for subgandular implants (implants placed underneath breast tissue, but above the chest muscles) when you don’t have enough existing breast tissue it is possible you’ll be able to see and feel the implants in the breast.

These issues can be solved by either using a smaller size or different shape/type of implant and/or by placing them subpectorially (under the muscle). This method creates more cushion between the implant and the skin, so you’re less likely to feel the edges or see rippling. It also offers a beautiful, natural breast shape and reduced risk of capsular contracture.

It takes skill to create beautiful, natural looking breasts. If you’ve been let down by your surgeon, arrange a consultation at Ocean Clinic Marbella to discuss breast implant revision surgery, and find out what we can do for you.

Cutting Edge Technique: Ocean Clinic’s Signature PAVE Facelift

Considering a facelift? Ocean Clinic Marbella is proud home to one of the most innovative techniques available today, pioneered by Head Surgeon Dr. Kaye.

The cutting edge method has made waves in the field of cosmetic surgery, with Dr. Kaye invited to present his ideas to doctors and surgeons around the world.

He has lectured on facelift surgery on behalf of many national associations of plastic surgery – including the American, European, German and Spanish associations - and at the most prestigious medical conferences globally.

 

Most recently he was invited by the Kenyan Society of Plastic Surgeons to perform a live facelift surgery for doctors at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi (pictured above).

 

What’s so exciting about the technique?

Dr. Kaye’s PAVE-Lift (Peeling-Assisted Volume Enhancing) facelift combines a number of innovations. The first is the addition of a fourth ‘suture’ to provide support for the neck.

Sutures are portions of surgical material that are woven into the face to provide strong anchor points for the repositioning of facial muscle. Usually, only three sutures are included in a MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift. These sutures provide support for the cheek, jowl and jaw and result in good results on the mid-face, but do not improve the appearance of a sagging neck.

Dr. Kaye believed by adding one more suture, under the chin, it could correct neck skin laxity. Combining this with liposuction of the neck could provide patients with an even more angled and youthful silhouette. 

  

He carried out the new technique on 219 patients and was delighted with the results. The method maintained the benefits of the original technique but presented a dramatically improved aesthetic outcome for the neck.

Dr. Kaye went on to develop his facelift technique by introducing skin peeling and fat grafting as part of the treatment. The idea of this ‘enhanced facelift’ was to combine the most effective anti-aging techniques currently known to cosmetic surgery into one package.

All carried out together, it not only offers patients the best results possible, it also reduces the cost, discomfort and downtime associated with having multiple procedures.

Skin peeling

Facelift surgery lifts and tightens the facial muscles and skin, correcting major sagging. Next, a chemical peel is applied to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The chemical solution breaks down layers of skin to reveal fresh, new skin beneath. It is effective in correcting fine lines around the eyes and mouth, age spots and discolouration, and rejuvenates sun-damaged skin.

Fat grafting

As we age, we lose volume in our face. Hollow cheeks or eyes can be very aging, but this volume can be replaced via fat grafting. This involves taking fat from one part of the body (such as the tummy or thighs) and transferring it to the face.

Fat is skilfully injected into the areas of the face requiring more volume; these could include the lips, cheeks, temples and tear troughs. It can also be used to soften deep wrinkles such as those which appear around the mouth (nasolabial folds).

Since fat contains living stem cells, fat transfer offers sustainable results, far superior to that of synthetic fillers. Properly transplanted, these cells can find a new blood supply and live on long-term as vascularized tissue in the recipient site, meaning patients will always enjoy a plumper, more youthful face.

Additionally, stem cells have a rejuvenating effect on the skin, significantly improving the actual skin quality of the patient.

A truly holistic treatment

It’s not surprising that Dr. Kaye’s revolutionary facelift technique has attracted such attention. It is the only method to tackle all aspects of the aging face and offers unparalleled results.

The PAVE-Lift is tailored to each patient and is therefore suitable for younger patients as well as older individuals. To find out what a PAVE-Lift could do for you contact us for a consultation today!