Three Ways to Get Beautiful Lips

Associated with youthfulness and attractiveness, the shape and size of our lips can make a huge difference to our overall appearance. Unfortunately, lots of us don’t have full lips even when we’re young - and they only lose further volume as we age.

The good news is that it’s easy to augment the lips to make them more shapely and better proportioned for your face. In this article, we present three types of procedures, alongside their pros and cons, to help you decide which might be the best for you.

But first, what does the perfect pout look like?

According to research, the “ideal” lips make up about 10% of the lower third of the face, and the bottom lip should be approximately twice the size of the top one. The lips should thin out towards the corners, resulting in a 1:1 ratio. In addition, the perfect lips should have an accentuated philtrum (Cupid’s bow), and the bottom lip should be plump in the centre.  

Of course, what makes lips attractive is a matter of opinion, but the most important thing to remember when seeking lip augmentation is that the lips must be in proportion with the face. Although you might think bigger is better when it comes to lips, this is not the case. Increasing the size of your lips by more than 50% is likely to look out of proportion. Likewise, over filling the top lip will create an artificial “duckbill” appearance. 

Other factors that contribute to how youthful and attractive a person’s lips look are how defined they are, and the smoothness of the surrounding skin. The border of our lips (called the vermillion border) becomes less defined as we age, allowing lipstick to bleed over the edges. Vertical lines may also appear on the upper lip (known as perioral lines), which are further exacerbated by sun exposure and smoking.

Non-surgical and surgical lip treatments

Injectable lip fillers

Lip fillers are the quickest and most affordable way to augment lips. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane contain hyaluronic acid – the substance produced naturally by the body, which is responsible for nice plump lips (alongside collagen).

When injected into the lips, these soft gel fillers feel absolutely natural and move normally, with minimal potential for nodularity. Filler can be placed precisely to create the desired shape and definition. For example, placed along the vermillion border, the entire lip can look fuller and more pronounced. Meanwhile, using a small amount of dermal filler to accentuate the Cupid’s bow draws attention to the midsection of the lips and creates a poutier appearance.

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are a temporary, non-surgical treatment. How long the results last for depends on the product used and your body’s rate of absorption. Around 6-9 months is typical, however studies show that benefits can last for a year or longer.

Pros: Instant results, affordable entry cost.

Cons: Temporary results, treatment needs repeating meaning higher costs in the long-term.

Fat grafting

Fat grafting is an alternative to hyaluronic acid that uses a patient’s own body fat as a lip filler. Fat is extracted via a gentle liposuction technique from a donor site - this might be the tummy or flanks. It’s then prepared in a centrifuge, which separates the fat from the oil, water and blood. 

The fat is injected droplet by droplet to build up volume and sculpt the shape of the lips. Fat can also be used to fill in lines around the mouth, including perioral lines and marionette lines. Other than a very small incision at the fat harvesting site, no incisions are made in or around the lips and there’s no scarring. 

As well as being completely natural, one of the key benefits of the fat transfer technique is how long it lasts. The carefully injected fat gains a blood supply, meaning it becomes permanent tissue (although patients will experience some initial reabsorption of fat). If a patient desires a plumper effect after the first treatment, a second injection of fat can be carried out at a later date to increase ‘take’.

Fat extraction and grafting is usually performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation. Patients can go home the same day with little discomfort, although we recommend taking some time off if you can as you may experience some bruising and swelling around the injection sites. Likewise, you’ll have some tenderness around the donor area and will need to wear compression bandages. 

Pros: Longevity of treatment, ability to extract as much fat as needed at no extra cost.

Cons: More invasive than using synthetic filler, more downtime required.

Lip lift surgery

A lip lift is a surgical alternative to lip fillers, carried out to change the shape of the upper lip rather than add volume to it. The surgery removes a section of tissue from beneath the nose. Shortening the distance between the nose and lip increases the amount of ‘red’ on show and improves the appearance of a thin upper lip. 

Because ligaments loosen and weaken as we age, lips droop and fall down to cover the upper teeth which can make the mouth appear older. The ideal distance between the top lip and nose in the classically proportioned adult female face is 11 to 13 millimetres, however, that distance elongates by one to three millimetres every decade as we get older. 

Lip lift surgery moves the lip into a more youthful position and exposes a little bit of the teeth. It can be carried out in less than an hour, and is performed under local anaesthesia, with the scar hidden beneath the nose. It is not a painful procedure but some downtime is required because the upper lip will be swollen during the first week. The results are permanent, however, your lips and overall face will continue to mature. 

Pros: Simple surgery, provides permanent results.

Cons: Only addresses the upper lip.

Combined lip treatments

While all of the above lip treatments have their own pros and cons, sometimes we can maximise the benefits by combining procedures together. For example, to totally rejuvenate your pout, you may need the distance between your nose and upper lip reduced, as well as volume added to your lips. Your surgeon will be able to advise on the right combination of treatments to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Not sure which lip treatment is best for you? Get a facial assessment with a surgeon. Contact Ocean Clinic for an appointment - either in-person at one of our clinics or online via Skype/Zoom. 

Is it Time for a 'Daddy Do-Over?'

You’ve probably heard of the ‘mummy makeover’? Well, men are increasingly getting in on the act too. A ‘daddy do-over’ is a suite of treatments especially for men in their forties and fifties, designed to make them look and feel 10 years younger. 

The treatments that make up a daddy do-over vary depending on the needs of the patient but generally include both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Below we’ll look at some of the most common…

Liposuction

Liposuction is a great treatment for so-called ‘dad bods’, letting you target those stubborn pockets of fat that appear as you get older. It can be used to get rid of fat deposits on the abdomen and those around the waist and back, known as love handles. Some men also store fat on the chest, giving the appearance of ‘man boobs’ - these can also be easily tackled with lipo.  

At Ocean Clinic, we don’t just remove the excess fat, we also sculpt the body during liposuction. Through body contouring, we aim to expose your natural muscle structure underneath and give you an overall more toned-looking body. This means you’ll feel more confident to take your top off, but also feel better in your clothes and be able to wear more form-fitting shirts. 

Eye bag surgery

If you’ve got young kids, you’re likely to be short on sleep. You can often spot parents from the dark circles and bags under their eyes. But bags don’t only appear as a result of being tired; natural ageing can also cause pouchy pockets of fat around the eye. 

Whatever your bags are caused by, if you’ve got them, they’re probably making you look older than you should do. Lower blepharoplasty is a surgery to remove the excess fat protruding beneath your eyes and tighten the skin. The incisions are hidden in the lash line. If you also have sagging eyelids, these can be treated with an upper blepharoplasty. These procedures can have a dramatic effect on your face, making you look refreshed and youthful. 

Cosmetic Facial Injections

The demands of work and family can take their toll on the face. Perhaps you now see crow’s feet and a furrowed forehead when you take selfies with your kids? If you don’t like what you see, cosmetic injections is the answer. These can be used to smooth out wrinkles around the eyes, between your eyebrows and on your forehead.

Facial injections make you look younger almost instantly and last for several months. You’ll still have a full range of facial movement so no one will be able to tell you’ve had them. Lots of men now get injections to look fresher and more rested. Combined with eye bag surgery, the impact on the face can be huge. 

Micro fat transfer

One of the great things about a daddy do-over is that combining procedures offers several benefits. It not only lets you save money when compared to having the treatments separately (and have just one period of downtime), but it’s also an opportunity to get more value for money. That’s because the unwanted fat you have removed via liposuction can be put to use elsewhere.

During the same operation, the fat can be transplanted to your face to replace lost volume. Men typically lose volume from their temples and cheeks as they age and this can lead to a face that looks hollowed out. Using a specialised technique called micro fat transfer, small droplets of fat are injected to rejuvenate your face. Fat can also be placed around your jawline to give you a more defined and masculine outline. 

Are you a good candidate for a daddy do-over?

You don’t actually have to be a dad to get a daddy do-over! Any man who feels that age and life is starting to take its toll on their appearance and wants a confidence boost is a great candidate. You can achieve really impressive results with the right combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures - and at a price that offers great value for money. Why not book a consultation with a plastic surgeon and see what combination of treatments would make the biggest difference for you?  

​​Book an online video consultation or visit one of our clinics in Marbella, Madrid or Zurich. 

What are the best treatments for flat buttocks?

 Do you feel your bottom looks flat from the side? Do you wish your bum filled out clothing better?

Lots of women find their buttocks lose volume and become flatter as they age. In this article, we look at the reasons for a flat backside and lay out four solutions for you to consider…

 What causes a flat butt?

The most likely cause of your flat buttocks is a combination of genetics and ageing. Your genes dictate the general shape of your bottom, while your age influences how much fat is stored there. During childbearing years, estrogen causes women to collect fat in the hips, buttocks and thighs. However, hormonal changes that occur as you age result in fat being shifted from the back to the front (maybe you also have a rounder tummy than you used to?). 

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to a flat bottom, including sedentary jobs or activities that require you to sit for extended periods. Prolonged sitting can result in the gluteus maximus muscle becoming weak and shrinking in size. In addition to giving you a poorly-defined butt, weak glutes can also cause back, hip and knee pain.

What can you do about a flat bottom?

Shapely buttocks have become very desirable for women in the last few years, which may make you want to add shape to your derriere. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve your silhouette. 

1. Exercise

First and foremost, you can improve the appearance of your buttocks through building muscle. Strong gluteal muscles will add considerable shape to your rear and will also help you develop better posture, increase mobility, and avoid injury.

There are lots of exercises that you can do to get a more rounded, perky butt, like lunges, squats and leg lifts. You can also target your glutes through walking - especially uphill. Exercising regularly will absolutely have an impact on your bum, but while you can shape muscle through exercise, you cannot shape fat. Where extra volume is required, you’ll need to consider a surgical option.

2. CoolTone

If your main issue is lack of muscle definition in your buttocks, you can boost the results of your exercise with a new device to tone muscles called CoolTone. It uses Magnetic Muscle Stimulation (MMS) technology to penetrate below the fat layer, strengthening, toning, and firming the muscles beneath. 

CoolTone can also be combined with Coolsculpting, which is another non-surgical technology for fat reduction. Fat can be precisely targeted in order to sculpt and shape around the bottom and make it appear more pert. 

3. Fat transfer

When you have strong gluteal muscles but not enough fat on top, fat transfer to the buttocks can be a great solution. Also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (or BBL), this procedure involves taking fat from a donor site/s and meticulously grafting it into place in the buttocks, where it becomes permanent.

The fat is removed via liposuction and can be taken from anywhere on the body there is an excess, so it’s like two surgeries in one. The surgeon will aim to remove fat from the waist and flanks (i.e your love handles and muffin tops) in order to sculpt around the buttocks and give the illusion of a more accentuated backside. 

In the photo above, the patient (a 55-year-old female) had liposuction in the abdomen, hips, flanks and back, with the fat transferred to her buttocks. There is no visible scarring with this procedure, since the lipo only requires tiny incisions. 

4. Gluteal implants

If you are very slim, with little fat available for transfer to the buttocks - or you desire a more accentuated lift - you can choose to have gluteal implants. Silicone implants are inserted through an incision placed in the middle fold of the buttocks, leaving a single scar between 5-6 cms long.

There are different sizes, shapes and projections of butt implants, which your surgeon will help you select depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Liposuction will be used to sculpt around the buttocks to achieve more prominence and definition. Meanwhile, the fat that’s been removed will be used to smooth over the implant and add further shape. 

In the photo above, the patient has undergone gluteoplasty with 270cc anatomical gluteal implants. The implants are made from high resistant silicone that does not rupture, and placed under the great gluteal muscle, meaning they are not detectable under the skin.

Want a rounder, perkier bottom? Contact Ocean Clinic for a consultation or 

check out more before & after photos of buttock augmentation

Coming Soon: An Exciting New Development in Breast Augmentation

Lots of women dream about having larger, fuller breasts, but not everyone likes the idea of breast implants. 

One solution is fat grafting, which allows fat to be transferred from one part of the body and into the breasts. Now, a new technology promises to make this procedure even more effective, with incredible results.

The technology involves 3D printed ‘breast implants’ that are specially tailored to each woman’s body. Read on to find out more…

How do 3D printed breast implants work?

Well, first off, these aren’t breast implants in the traditional sense. They act more like scaffolding, around which to build the breasts. The implants are made out of bioabsorbable polymers and can be printed in various sizes and shapes to suit patients’ anatomies and needs. The polymers dissolve after a year meaning there’s no need to have surgery to remove the implants.

But what do they actually do? The 3D printed implants provide a structure, with a defined shape, which surgeons can use to guide fat grafting. The implants have a lattice design, meaning there are thousands of tiny grooves and holes into which fat can be deposited.

This is a more efficient way of grafting fat because it provides a precise roadmap for where the fat should be added. Currently when fat is grafted to the breast, it’s put into multiple planes so that it’s evenly distributed, but it’s harder to shape. 

The new possibilities with 3D breast implants

What’s really exciting about this new technology is that it will allow women to achieve larger breasts through natural fat grafting than is possible at the moment. That’s because the implant acts as a tissue expander and can be used to create a bigger pocket into which fat can be transplanted.

Patients who have thick or tight skin on their breasts have previously been limited to how big they can go - it all depends on how much fat the surgeon can get into the breast. And if the skin is too taught, it cuts off circulation and the fat doesn’t survive. 

However, by placing the 3D printed breast implant on top of the muscles, it can stretch the skin. And there are more blood vessels and better blood circulation here, which helps the fat to survive. 

3D printed breast implants aren’t only useful for breast augmentations, they can also be used for breast reconstruction surgery. If a patient has undergone a mastectomy and had a breast removed, the implant can be inserted under the skin to both stretch it and create a scaffold for transplanting fat. The implant can be printed to replicate the shape and size of the remaining breast.  

What are the results with 3D printed breast implants?

The big benefit of 3D printed breast implants is that they can be produced to exact specifications, meaning you can choose the ideal shape and volume. With traditional silicone implants, although there is a big range, you’re limited to what’s available ‘off the shelf’.

Being able to print the implant to your requirements means you can really customise the end result. And not only do you get the perfect breast outline, you get it without the firmer tone that comes with standard implants.   

Once the 3D printed breast implant has dissolved, all you’re left with is the grafted fat, which looks, feels and behaves totally naturally.

Another plus point of the technology is that it encourages the growth of new tissue and collagen, further enhancing your results.

When will 3D printed breast implants be available?

Not just yet. The first clinical trials of the ‘Senella scaffold’ developed by BellaSeno are scheduled to begin in Germany before the end of the year. They are yet to be clinically approved, however, according to the company, preclinical studies have had promising results.

“Preclinical studies have shown that the scaffolds slowly get absorbed by the body while the patient's own tissue forms synchronously. After the scaffold has been fully resorbed, the preclinical trials show that the end-result is natural breast tissue with no foreign body remnants,” they say. 

Looks like we’ll just have to watch this space. But until then, we can still create amazing results with fat grafting. Ocean Clinic’s Head Surgeon Dr. Kaye is an expert in the field and is highly skilled at sculpting beautiful, shapely breasts with transplanted fat. 

The procedure is especially effective in women who have lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss or just ageing. Learn more about our all-natural breast enlargement or contact Ocean Clinic for a consultation.

Should I Get Plastic Surgery? Take Our Quiz

For most people, the decision to get plastic surgery is a big one. Usually, when people come to see us at Ocean Clinic, they’ve already spent years dreaming about getting their ‘problem area’ fixed. 

Committing to plastic surgery absolutely shouldn’t be rushed. However, when our patients finally take the plunge, they always tell us they wished they’d done it earlier. 

Because of this, we thought we’d put together a quiz to help you understand if you’re ready or not, and the impact surgery could have on your wellbeing. Simply select the multiple choice answers that best reflect your situation and see whether you have mostly A’s, B’s or C’s at the end…

Q1. How long have you felt self-conscious about your problem area?

1. For many years

2. For the last few years

3. Only recently

Q2. How do you feel when someone takes your photo?

1. I try to avoid being in photos

2. I try to hide my problem area in photos

3. I’m pretty relaxed about being in photos

Q3. How often do you choose clothes or hairstyles to conceal your problem area?

1. Always

2. Most of the time

3. Sometimes

Q4. To what extent does your problem area affect your romantic relationships?

1. A lot

2. A fair amount

3. Not much

Q5. Have you had a consultation with a plastic surgeon before?

1. Yes, we discussed the options

2. No, but I’ve researched clinics

3. No I haven’t looked into it yet

Q6. What is the main thing preventing you from getting plastic surgery?

1. The cost

2. Worry that it might go wrong

3. Not looking like myself anymore

Q7. What are your expectations for surgery?

1. To make the best of what I’ve got

2. To look younger/more attractive

3. To imitate a celebrity look

Q8. Have you tried other ways to improve your problem area?

1. Only surgery can fix my problem 

2. I’ve tried things but nothing has worked

3. I haven’t tried anything yet

Q9. Are you likely to have any lifestyle changes such as losing or gaining weight or becoming pregnant? 

1. Unlikely

2. I’m not sure

3. Likely

Q10. Do you smoke or use tobacco products?

1. No

2. Yes but I could stop

3. Yes and I’d struggle to stop

The results

If you answered mostly A’s

You’re a great candidate for plastic surgery. Your problem area has had a negative effect on your wellbeing for a long time. It’s affecting your relationships, your confidence and restricting your freedom. When it comes to improving your problem area, you’ve researched your options and realise surgery is the best option. You have realistic expectations about what’s achievable and you’re not about to make any big lifestyle changes meaning you can really enjoy the benefit of your surgery results. If paying for surgery is a barrier, getting an up-to-date quote and looking at financing options might make it accessible for you.  

If you answered mostly B’s

Your problem area has been on your mind for a while now… perhaps it’s time to do something about it? If you haven’t had a consultation with a plastic surgeon before, it makes sense to find out what solutions are open to you and how much this could cost. If you worry about things potentially going wrong with your surgery or no longer looking like yourself, discuss these concerns with the surgeon. Ask to see before and after photos, or even to speak with a previous patient to find out about their experience. Make sure you understand what results are achievable for you and what to expect before you make up your mind.

If you answered mostly C’s

As your appearance does not have a significant impact on your life, it might be unnecessary to go through with plastic surgery. Your dissatisfaction with your problem area may pass or you might be able to achieve improvements through diet and exercise or with non-surgical treatments. And if you simply desire to follow a beauty trend, it’s advisable to do it in a temporary way, because fads pass quickly! Cosmetic treatments like fillers and cosmetic injections can be a good way to get a boost without going under the knife. And don’t forget - smoking is a no-no for surgical procedures so you must be prepared to stop for several weeks if you do decide to have surgery. 

Think you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery? Or simply want a cosmetic ‘tweakment’? Contact Ocean Clinic for more information.

Argon Plasma-Driven Radiofrequency: A New Advancement in Body Contouring

At Ocean Clinic we’re continually exploring ways to achieve better results for our patients. One new technology we’ve recently started using as part of our body contouring surgeries is argon plasma-driven radiofrequency.

The technology has been developed to help shrink skin and tissue and do away with the need for surgical excision. 

Typically after liposuction, patients will be left with some skin laxity and one way we tackle this is with post-surgical radiofrequency skin tightening treatments. Now, however, a new argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device allows us to induce skin and tissue retraction during the surgery itself.

How does the argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device work?

The device uses pressurized argon gas to drive radiofrequency energy into a hollow cannula. 

The cannula is moved around in a similar way to a liposuction cannula, rapidly heating small sections of subcutaneous collagen matrix to 85°C. This heat generates strong contraction of the collagen within fractions of a second, causing a 40–50% reduction in fiber length.

Skin tone continues to improve over a year, as new collagen develops within the tissue. Studies show the treatment can achieve up to 36% measured skin surface area contraction.

Is it safe?

The argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device is actually safer than other radiofrequency devices because it only heats a small targeted area. Unlike with bulk tissue heating, the tissue surrounding the treatment site remains at much cooler temperatures. Clinical measurements show that in an average treatment region, skin temperatures get to about 38° when treated with the argon plasma-driven device, as opposed to 45° and higher with bulk heating devices. 

Because of the unique heating and cooling properties of the technology, immediate soft tissue contraction can be achieved without unnecessarily heating the full thickness of the dermis. 

What happens during treatment?

The treatment is carried out immediately after your liposuction procedure, while you are still sedated and on the operating table. The device is inserted and slowly withdrawn a number of times from the same incisions made for the liposuction cannula. These ‘strokes’ are done at different depths in order to trigger significant soft tissue and skin contraction that will be visible within 24 hours of treatment. 

What are the results?

When liposuction is combined with argon plasma-driven radiofrequency energy, it results in significant improvement in the contour and laxity of skin and soft tissue. Improvement can be seen as early as the next day but tissue contraction really becomes noticeable about three months post-op and continues for a year or more. 

However, results do depend upon the patient taking responsibility for aftercare, which includes wearing compression garments as instructed by your surgeon. This is vital for achieving the desired smooth contour.

Who can benefit from the argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device?

Anyone who is undergoing a body contouring treatment with liposuction can benefit from argon plasma-driven radiofrequency. The device enhances the results of liposuction, helping to restore the firm tone and defined shape of youthful body contours.

Popular treatment regions include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, knees, upper arms and bra roll, as well as the lower face and neck. Post-bariatric patients can be treated if the need for skin contraction is less than 33%. 

Women who have given birth and want to restore their physique can also be helped, although diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) can only be slightly improved. This condition is better treated with a tummy tuck and surgery can be combined with liposuction and argon plasma-driven radiofrequency to improve the overall silhouette and skin tone. 

Argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening can also be used during breast lift surgery to significantly improve the breast skin and tissue, resulting in breasts that are not only perkier but also younger in tone and texture.

Want to find out more about body contouring treatments with the argon plasma-driven radio frequency skin tightening device? Contact Ocean Clinic by telephone: (+34) 951 77 55 18 or by email: info@oceanclinic.net