Get Rid of Your Turkey Neck Before Christmas!

Droopy neck skin can age us more than anything else. No matter how good your face, if your neck sags and hangs like a turkey gobbler, you will often not be perceived as youthful.

Loose neck skin appears as we age and the skin loses elasticity, sometimes there is also a contribution of excess fat in that area. Skin sagging can also appear after losing large amounts of weight.

How can we treat sagging neck skin?

While you may have seen skin tightening laser treatments and creams advertised, the only effective way to restore a sagging neckline is to surgically remove the excess skin and tighten the underlying platysma muscle. It is the laxity of these muscles that are responsible for the appearance of ‘banding’ on the neck.

Neck lift surgery can be carried out independently, or in conjunction with a lower facelift. The benefit of the latter is improvement of jowls and the cheek area where skin and fatty tissue also droop as we age.

We can also employ the use of liposuction to remove fatty deposits from underneath the chin and create sharper definition around the jawline.

How is neck lift surgery carried out?

A neck lift is accomplished through small, hidden incisions behind the ears and on the underside of the chin.

A portion of the neck’s platysma muscle is removed and then stitched together along the midline of the neck. This creates a sling effect, lifting and supporting the soft tissues and permanently eliminating the platysma bands.

Fatty tissue is removed from beneath the chin, while the neck skin is drawn tight and sutured behind the ears, with the excess skin removed. If the incisions are created and closed correctly and without undue tension, a very natural looking result can be obtained with no obvious signs that a neck lift has been performed.

Watch a 3D simulation of the procedure.

 

Treating sagging jowls and cheeks

If you also have lax skin on the lower portion of your face that you want addressed, we can perform a MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift at the same time as the neck lift.

If you are having this procedure, the incisions will be made in the hairline, around the contour of the ear at the front and around the sideburn to the back of the ear. This is a minimal incision or short scar technique and results in near invisible scars.

The MACS-lift procedure will elevate the skin of the jawline in continuity with the neck skin to restore a smooth jawline contour. It will also soften the nasolabial fold around the nose and mouth, and lift the cheeks and lower eyelids, giving you a significantly more youthful appearance without it being obvious that you’ve had surgery.

We can also enhance the anti-aging effect by using advanced fat grafting techniques to restore volume to hollow areas of your face and by carrying out a chemical peel to reduce wrinkles and improve the overall texture of your skin.

How long is the recovery from neck lift surgery?

A neck lift takes between two to three hours to carry out and you may be able to go home the same day. Pain should be minimal, but you will be given a prescription for painkillers in order to control any discomfort.

Usually dissolvable sutures are used, but if any non-dissolvable stitches have been used, these will be removed in seven to 10 days.

Recovery from neck lift surgery takes approximately two weeks. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase and it is advisable to sleep with the head elevated to minimise swelling.

It is important not to perform any exercise, heavy-duty lifting or strenuous activities for two weeks after the surgery and at least one week off work is recommended.

Scarring will be pink at first but is easily hidden with a bit of ‘camouflage’ make-up.

Results from your procedure will become increasingly more evident as weeks pass and swelling subsides. After six to 12 months the dramatic results of your surgery will be apparent, taking an average of 10 years off your appearance.

As well as making you look younger, a defined neck and jawline will make you appear truly elegant. Contact us for aconsultation today.

When Less is More: Everything You Need to Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

So many women dream of having larger breasts, that we often have little sympathy for those bothered by a chest that’s too ample.

Although they might seem lucky to have natural curves, having big boobs is sometimes more of a curse than a blessing. In addition to causing back, neck and shoulder pain, large breasts can make exercise difficult or uncomfortable, cause poor posture and skin irritations beneath the breast.

In addition, the weight of large breasts can cause them to sag and make the nipples point downwards – a condition that’s often advanced by pregnancy, weight loss and ageing.

Here at Ocean Clinic Marbella, we often speak to patients who feel very self-conscious about their large breasts. They frequently tell us that they do not feel confident about getting undressed or being seen in swimwear and they have problems finding flattering clothing.

Having a breast reduction can give women a feeling of freedom and confidence like they've never known before. Read on to find out more about this life changing surgery…

How is breast reduction surgery performed?

A Breast reduction (also called reduction mammoplasty) is usually performed in one of two ways:

The Lejour

This technique involves making an incision vertically from the base of the breast, up to and around the nipple (it mimics the shape of a lollypop). We use this technique for moderately heavy breasts.

Hall-Findlay

This technique uses three incisions; one around the areola, another running vertically from the nipple to the breast crease, and the third following the natural curve of the breast crease (it mimics the shape of an anchor). This technique is suitable for very heavy breasts or those with pronounced sagging.

With both techniques, the surgeon then removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin and reshapes the breast. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher position, and reduced in size to suit the new breast dimensions.

If the patient has one breast larger than the other, the asymmetry will be corrected. Liposuction is also sometimes employed to shape and sculpt the breast.

The whole procedure takes between two to four hours, depending on how extensive it is.

Are there any side effects from breast reduction surgery?

In some cases, where breasts are greatly reduced in size, it might not be possible to breastfeed afterwards. This is because the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level.

Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, however, even if this is the case, the ability to breastfeed is not guaranteed.

It is also important to note that pregnancy and breastfeeding can result in a loss of breast tissue and skin stretching, which can change the shape of your breasts.

For these reasons we usually advise to postpone having breast reduction surgery until after you have had children, especially if you plan to breastfeed.

Breast reduction can also result in a loss of sensation to the breast or nipple, although this is rarely permanent.

How long is recovery?

After surgery you will stay overnight in one of our comfortable bedrooms. Depending on how extensive the surgery, you should be able to go home the following day.  

You will be given a special surgical bra to wear, which will help to support your breasts as they assume their new shape and should be worn for three weeks, day and night.

The stitches used are generally of the dissolvable variety, meaning you won’t have to return to have them removed. After two weeks you will be able to return to work, providing your job does not involve any heavy lifting or strenuous activity. You will be able to resume exercise after one month.

Your breasts will be swollen for a few weeks post surgery and this may give them a slightly unnatural appearance, but it will settle down. Scarring will be pink for a number of months but should eventually fade to become unnoticeable.

Are the results permanent?

Although breast reduction removes both glandular and fatty tissue, some fatty tissue will still remain. If you gain weight after the operation, your breasts may increase in size.

Similarly, if you lose weight, you should see a reduction in the size of the breasts which may be accompanied by sagging, depending on the extent of the decrease and the laxity of your skin.

You should tell your surgeon if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, as you may be advised to stabilise your weight before having surgery.

For most people, however, the results of a breast reduction are permanent, giving them long-term relief from the pain, inconvenience and embarrassment that over-sized breasts can cause.

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, take a look at this video of Dr. Kaye, Head Surgeon of Ocean Clinic Marbella, carrying out the procedure. To book a consultation please call the clinic or fill out our contact form.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon: How to Avoid the Cosmetic Cowboys

Committing to cosmetic surgery is a serious undertaking and certainly shouldn’t be rushed into, however there are a large number of clinics engaging in unethical marketing techniques.

According to research presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), patients are being sold to by salespeople and rushed into making a decision.

Medical students Sohaib Rufai and Chris Davis conducted a study of the top 50 providers of cosmetic surgery (as listed by Google) and found:

·      14% of consultations do not take place with the operating surgeon but with a sales consultant instead

·      Only three in five practices stipulated the recommended two-week cooling-off period

·      52% offered promotional deals – 27% of which were time-limited

The research found non-compliant providers, going against industry guidelines, were typically chain companies rather than independent individuals or small group practices.

Government recommendations “flouted”

Two years ago, a major review of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical beauty treatments was led by Prof Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

The review was prompted by the “explosive growth” in the number of non-medical professionals offering dermal fillers, and also by the PIP breast implant scandal.

It found that with cosmetic procedures in general, patients were not being given enough information about the risks and were rushed into making decisions.

“The Review Committee was concerned about reports of patients being offered discounts for surgery if they sign a binding contract at the end of the first consultation,” stated the report.

“There were similar concerns following reports of enticements using ‘last minute’ and ‘late space’ deals whereby the patient was offered a discount to fill a ‘free slot’ a matter of days after the initial consultation.

“A patient cannot give informed consent if they are not provided with time to reflect. It is not acceptable that patients are encouraged to commit to such a significant decision without the opportunity for careful consideration.”

The review made a number of recommendations, including banning time-limited and package deals and financial inducements.

For surgical procedures, it proposed the introduction of a two-week cooling off period before surgery, as well as two-stage process of written consent.

However, the new research by Rufai and Davis found that not one provider stipulated compliance with two stages of signed consent.

“Government recommendations emerging from the recent Keogh review continue to be shamelessly flouted by the industry,” says BAAPS. “Whilst there have been some improvements in cosmetic surgery marketing in the last two years, the guidelines determined by the Keogh review continue to be pointedly ignored, mostly by the larger commercial chains.” 

What to look for when choosing a cosmetic surgeon

·      Qualifications, training and membership of professional bodies

Make sure your surgeon is registered with the certifying body in their country of practice. Head Surgeon of Ocean Clinic, Dr. Kaye is a fully registered plastic surgeon in Spain, Germany and the UK. He is also a full member of professional bodies such as The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons and he is a fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

·      A great reputation
Does the surgeon/clinic have a good reputation? Check for reviews online and look for awards and certifications. Ocean Clinic Marbella has been certified by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and has won numerous awards, including the WhatClinic Customer Service Award and the one2one Medical Tourism Award.

·      Experience in the procedure you want
Ask to see before and after photographs of patients who have had the procedure you’re requesting for reassurance your surgeon has sufficient experience. You can see pre and post operative photography from procedures carried out by Ocean Clinic Marbella here.

·      A consultation with the operating surgeon
It is vital that your consultation takes place with a properly qualified medical professional who can assess your suitability for the treatment requested. They will be able to advise you on achievable results, as well as any risks involved. At Ocean Clinic you will always see the operating surgeon or specialist who will carry out your treatment.

·      An opportunity to see the operating theatre

Your safety during surgery depends in large part on the anaesthetist and the operating facility, so you should ask for full details. If you are considering surgery at Ocean Clinic Marbella you will be invited to tour our state-of-the-art in-house facility, which includes 5 bedrooms for overnight stays.

At Ocean Clinic Marbella you will never be pushed into making a decision and won’t be offered cut-price deals. We offer the highest level of clinical care and put our patient’s safety and wellbeing above all else. If you’d like a consultation please contact us.

Put Your Best Face Forward – Survey Finds 50% of People Planning Cosmetic Skin Procedures

Would you like younger, tighter, more luminous looking skin? You’re not alone…

According to a survey just released by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, more than half of consumers are considering a cosmetic skin procedure to improve their appearance.

The organisation polled more than 8,300 people and 52% said they were thinking about aesthetic treatments such as cosmetic facial injections, injectable fillers, skin-tightening procedures and chemical peels.

The survey asked people about their satisfaction with their appearance and found more than half of those questioned were unhappy about lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the mouth. A massive 71% were concerned about wrinkles around the eyes.

Other major worries were skin texture and discolouration, bothering 75% of people, and sagging skin on the face and neck troubling 63% of those surveyed.

What treatments does Ocean Clinic Marbella offer to address your worries?

The good news is that there is a whole range of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments designed to address these very problems, many of them available here in Marbella at Ocean Clinic.

Non-surgical facial treatments we offer include:

·      Cosmetic Facial Injectables

·      Synthetic and natural fillers (fat grafting)

·      Chemical peel

·      Restylane Skinboosters

How we treat lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes

Any wrinkling or lines on the upper portion of the face can be treated with cosmetic facial injections. This is extremely effective on forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes. It can also be used to treat lines on the neck.

Cosmetic facial injections are an incredibly popular treatment, which works by temporarily paralysing the muscles, thereby giving a ‘smoothed out’ appearance. Many patients worry that having this treatment will prevent them from making normal facial expressions, but in the hands of a skilled surgeon, who understands the anatomy of the face, the result can be very natural.

The results from a single treatment last between three to four months, at which point you may be treated again. Cosmetic injections have been used medically for many years and are considered a proven and safe treatment.

How we treat lines and wrinkles around the cheeks and mouth

  

Dermal fillers are used to treat lines in the mid and lower portions of face. These work by physically filling the lines and creases with hyaluronic acid (HA). Although it sounds a bit scary, this is actually a substance produced naturally by the body.

The substance is injected into the lines, filling and plumping to decrease the severity of the creases. Fillers can be used to treat wrinkles on the cheeks, lines above the lip, smile lines around the mouth and creases around the jawline. It can also be used to restore volume to lips, fill in under-eye hollows and soften acne scars. 

Brand names for HA fillers include Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. Although only temporary, the results can last as long as 18-months, depending on your body’s rate of absorption. 

Alternatively, we are also able to use your own fat as filler, using a technique known as fat grafting. This process has a number of benefits. Using ‘like for like’, and transplanting the fat as living cells, means the results can be both very natural looking and very long lasting.

How we treat poor skin texture and discolouration

For patients suffering with sun damaged skin, acne scars, discoloration, age spots, keratosis pilaris or fine lines and wrinkles we usually recommend a chemical peel.

The treatment involves using various types of acid to break down layers of top skin, to expose fresh, new skin beneath. The peel ‘depth’ is determined by the strength of the chemicals used.

Depending on the nature of the problem being treated, you may have a light, superficial peel; a peel targeted to one area; or a full-face, deep phenol peel for more severe wrinkles.

The results can be long lasting – up to 10 years in the case of deep peels.

How we treat sagging skin on the face and neck

Skin that is thinning and has lost elasticity can be improved non-surgically with Restylane Skinboosters, formulated to provide deep skin hydration.

The treatment, which contains hyaluronic acid, is injected into the skin over a course of three treatments, each approximately four weeks apart. By boosting hydration levels deep inside the skin, the Skinboosters improve the overall quality of the skin, increasing its smoothness, elasticity and firmness.

Restylane Skinboosters are clinically proven for treatment of the face, neck, decollatage and hands, with results lasting around six months. They can also be used alongside fillers to achieve an enhanced result.  

The ASDS survey found that those who had previously had facial injectables were 93% satisfied with the outcome. If you would like to find out more about non-surgical facial treatments get in touch with Ocean Clinic Marbella today.

Don’t Believe the Hype - Why You Can’t Replace Surgery with Skin Cream

Consumers are being warned not to believe the promises made by anti-aging products claiming to contain stem cell technology.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), consumers are being dazzled by scientific terms but given very little explanation of how the new skincare products are actually supposed to work.

Research around stem cells for topical use is in its infancy and there remains a lack of evidence for safety and efficacy of such products.

Despite this, says the ASAPS, marketers are promoting stem cell-based products that promise to rejuvenate users’ skin and make them appear more youthful.

The association conducted a study into how stem cell–based skin creams are portrayed to the public. It found that very few substantiated claims with scientific evidence, and even fewer mentioned any risks or limitations associated with stem cell science.

Says Dr. Ivona Percec from the ASAPS: "Only a relatively small number of therapies have moved to clinical application thus far, however the cosmetic and beauty industry continues to borrow language from stem cell science research to market unproven products and treatments as ready-to-go, when such is far from the case."

She adds: "There are limitations to stem cell applications. The public should be wary about products labelled as having beneficial stem cell-related properties unless scientifically proven to work."

Dr. Kaye, Head Surgeon at Ocean Clinic Marbella, agrees the public are being misled about the results these creams and serums can achieve.

“It’s very tempting to think a pot of cream can banish wrinkles and restore your skin’s elasticity, but – no matter how expensive it is – there are no miracle creams currently in existence.”

He adds: “Stem cell research is very exciting and does offer a lot of potential but at the moment, the best results are achieved by physically transplanting the stem cells.

“We can do this by taking fat from one part of the body and transplanting it, via micro injection, into another, such as the face. This process is called fat grafting and does produce a rejuvenating effect.”

Dr. Kaye incorporates fat grafting into all his facelift procedures but it can also be used as a standalone treatment – you can read more about fat grafting here.

Fat can be grafted to any part of the face, where the living cells within it reconnect to the blood supply and restore youthful volume.

It’s an effective treatment for common signs of aging, such as hollow cheeks, hollow eyes, thin lips and deep wrinkles.

“Due to the content of living cells, fat grafting not only plumps out the skin, it actually improves the quality of the skin itself. Skin elasticity is improved and the texture is smoother,” says Dr. Kaye.

“Maybe one day in the future we will be able to see the same results from a topical stem cell cream, but at the moment fat grafting is the only guaranteed way to reverse the skin aging process.”

Fat grafting treatments at Ocean Clinic Marbella start from €1,000. Please contact us to make an appointment.