Repairing Damage to Your Stomach After Pregnancy

Designed to dramatically change and adapt in order to carry babies, women’s bodies are incredible feats of engineering.

However, while this process is amazing, it is not perfect, and can result in damage to the body. In particular, women are often left with distortions to the abdomen following pregnancy.

Although it is very common, it is not always talked about. You may be led to believe that the changes to your tummy can be corrected through diet and exercise, and therefore feel ashamed or embarrassed if you are unable to achieve this.

The truth is, much of the damage sustained as a result of pregnancy can only be repaired through reconstructive surgery. This includes:

• Diastasis recti
• Loose skin and stretch marks
• C-section scars
• Umbilical hernias

Below we take a look at each of these conditions and how we can repair them.

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a condition where the left and right sides of the abdominal muscles (‘six pack’ muscles) separate. It is caused by the overstretching of the linea alba, the tissue that covers the front surface of the belly. There are a number of reasons this stretching can occur but pressure from a developing baby during pregnancy is a key culprit.

Doctors diagnose diastasis recti when the distance between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle reaches two centimeters or more. Research shows it is a condition that affects that at least 60% of women six weeks after birth, and 30% percent of women still have it a year after birth.

It is especially common in women who carry large babies or twins, or those who are petite in size themselves. The result of diastasis recti is that it leaves a gap or a pooch around the belly button and loose fatty tissue on either side.

Unfortunately, it’s a condition that not only causes aesthetic damage; it can lead to all kinds of problems and pain — like pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, breathing and digestive problems, and pelvic girdle and back pain.

Diastasis recti can be repaired as part of an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. The muscles of the abdominal wall are pulled together and tightened from below the ribs to the pubic bone. Meanwhile, excess fat and skin is removed to ensure the stomach has a flat, smooth contour.

Loose Skin and Stretch Marks

The skin of the tummy is stretched during pregnancy and, while it does shrink back after birth, it will have lost some of its elasticity during the process. What this means is the skin might be looser, it might take on a crêpey appearance and in some cases, even sag downwards.

It is also common for stretch marks to appear where the skin has had to expand rapidly and this can give the tummy a stripy, scarred appearance. Stretch marks affect around 8 out of 10 pregnant women.

A tummy tuck will tackle loose skin by pulling it taught, removing the excess and resecuring it, via an incision made below the bikini line. Through this tightening of the skin, the appearance of stretch marks are also improved.

They can be further minimised through non-surgical treatments like Venus Viva, which resurfaces the skin using radiofrequency. Meanwhile, significant skin tightening can also be achieved with non-invasive techniques including Venus Legacy and LPG Endermologie.  

C-Section Scars

Delivering a baby by cesarean section can leave women with a highly visible scar, depending on how well the incision was made and closed and how the individual heals. It can also result in problems like infection, itchiness, rashes and pain, that can occur years after the procedure was performed.

Excess scarring happens when your body goes into overdrive during the healing process. A hypertrophic scar is one that is thicker and raised. They can also be red in colour. Keloid scarring, meanwhile, sees scar tissue extend beyond the original incision site.

A surgical scar excision can be performed as part of a tummy tuck or in isolation. The scar will be cut out and re-sutured with very fine stitches to reduce the scar to a minimum. To prevent excess scar tissue occurring, medication can be injected before, during, or after the excision, or a silicone gel dressing can be worn. Proper post-surgical care can ensure the incision heals nicely.

Umbilical Hernias

While most women get a sticky-out belly button during pregnancy, an umbilical hernia is when the navel protrudes so much it is considered ruptured. A true umbilical hernia does not go away after birth and should be repaired to prevent worsening.

Umbilical hernias are the result of a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall, which allows an internal part of the body (abdominal fat or small intestine) to push through. An umbilical hernia appears as a painless lump in or near the belly button and may get bigger when laughing, coughing or going to the toilet.

As well as appearing unattractive, umbilical hernias left untreated can lead to serious conditions like bowel obstruction or strangulation. Umbilical hernia repair is a simple procedure to close the hole in abdominal wall using stitches or a special mesh. At the same time, a desirable flat profile is restored to the belly button. It can be carried out as part of a tummy tuck or in isolation.

If your tummy has sustained postpartum damage, contact Ocean Clinic Marbella to find out how we can help restore your pre-pregnancy appearance.

A Short History of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is the most performed plastic surgery procedure on the planet, having grown rapidly in popularity since its introduction more than 55 years ago.

The very first breast implant operation was carried out in 1962 - on a dog. The procedure was pioneered by three ambitious surgeons Thomas Biggs, Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow in Houston, Texas (USA).

Inspiration strikes

Gerow had the idea for the implants after handling a bag of warm blood and being struck by how much it felt like a breast. The surgeons joined forces with the Dow Corning Corporation, the silicone company, to create the first ever, space-age breast implant.

The experiment to place the silicone implants in a dog - named Esmeralda - was deemed a success. The implants remained under the skin for a couple of weeks without adverse effects, before the dog started to chew at her stitches and they had to be removed.

The first human to receive breast implants

Later that same year, 29-year-old mother-of-six Timmie Jean Lindsey agreed to be the first person to receive the new breast implants. She had visited a charity hospital to see about having some tattoos removed from her breasts but was asked if she’d volunteer for the first-of-its-kind surgery. Timmie Jean Lindsey is still alive today and still has the original breast implants.

The medical team began looking for other women to try out the implants and, the following year, presented the work to the International Society of Plastic Surgeons. The revolutionary procedure set the plastic surgery world on fire.

Big breasts become big news

Breast augmentation surgery first took off in Houston, where 17 or 18 were being carried out per day. The trend soon spread to the rest of America, where the figure of breast implant operations eventually rose to over 300,000 annually.

The desire for bigger breasts was being driven by curvy cultural icons like Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, and even Barbie. Meanwhile, Playboy magazine was also taking off, followed by the launch of the Hooters restaurant chain, all of which led to a greater focus on women’s assets.

Breast implants become safer

The early silicone implant, although massively successful, wasn’t without its problems. Concerns over safety led the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 to limit the availability of silicone breast implants until more clinical trials had taken place.

During that time, surgeons turned to saline implants, which could be filled either before insertion or after. These provided a good alternative, since saline solution was known to be harmless should it leak into the body.

However, in 2007, following exhaustive studies, the FDA declared silicone-gel breast implants safe. They licensed two companies to manufacture them, under tight new regulations that included making the outer shell of the implant thicker to reduce the likelihood of rupture.

There have been many advances over the decades, including a move to so-called “gummy bear” implants, made from a semi-solid, silicone-based cohesive gel. Meanwhile, the range available has also grown massively. In the beginning, there were only four sizes, now there are more than 450 choices.

Did you know, Ocean Clinic Marbella specialises in breast surgery? If you’re interested to learn more about this procedure make an appointment for a consultation with one of our surgeons.

Looking Good: Treatments to Rejuvinate Your Eyes

Sagging or wrinkling skin around the eyes is one of the most visible signs of ageing.

Sadly, it can make us look older than our years or more tired than we feel. Because of this, rejuvenating the eye area can have a dramatic impact.

However, not all eyes age in the same way - for example, some of us will experience eye bags, while others will have hollows, some people may have excessive crow’s feet and others might have a problem with sagging skin. The good news is, whatever issue you have with your eyes, we have a range of treatments to tackle them. Read on to find out.

Treatments for Crow’s Feet

We offer two non-surgical solutions for lines around the eyes. The most popular is by cosmetic injections thanks to their instant results. Facial injections don’t treat the wrinkles themselves, but instead target the muscles behind them. The toxin paralyses the muscles making it harder for you to pull those facial expressions that create the wrinkles, such as squinting and scowling.

It is extremely effective on smile lines around the eyes, as well as frown lines between the eyebrows and forehead lines. Due to its muscle weakening effect, regular use can actually prevent the formation of new wrinkles and lasts between 4-6 months.

The second treatment, Venus Viva, is a skin resurfacing tool. It works to smooth away lines by using nanofractional radiofrequency to heat the cells below the surface of the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural collagen production and triggers repair. Because Venus Viva is much gentler than laser treatment, it can be used around the delicate eye area.

Treatments for Eye Bags

The most effective treatment for eye bags is a lower blepharoplasty (also called lower eyelid surgery). This is a surgical solution that involves the removal of the excess or prolapsed fat that is responsible for the pouches beneath your eyes. It is carried out through a small incision on the inside of the lower eyelid or, if you also require removal of excess skin, in the crease on the outside. Either way, the scarring will be next to invisible.

An alternative approach is to add volume to the eye area, rather than take it away, in order to smooth over the bags. This makes the transition from eye to cheek less noticeable. Volume can be added with either dermal filler (lasting 12-18 months), or for a permanent fix, transplanted body fat.

Meanwhile, radiofrequency treatment system Venus Legacy can be used to target the pockets of fat beneath the eyes and tighten the skin. Heating the tissue helps break down stubborn fat accumulations and boosts collagen production, improving the skin tone. The treatment also stimulates the body’s lymphatic drainage system, releasing the trapped fluid that exacerbates the appearance of eye bags. A course of treatment is required.

Treatments for Saggy Eyelids

Hooded eyes can be treated with an upper blepharoplasty (also referred to as upper eyelid surgery or an eyelift). An eyelift is a simple surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fatty tissue and skin. The incisions are made in an eyelid crease so as to make them inconspicuous.

It’s possible that your sagging eyelids are caused by weakening of the levator tendons (these help support the muscles responsible for opening and closing the eyes). In these cases, we would perform ptosis surgery to repair or shorten the levator tendons.

A brow lift offers another way to correct hooded eyes, at the same time as smoothing and tightening skin on the forehead. By lifting everything upwards and removing excess skin, a forehead lift will also restore your eyebrows to their youthful position. For this surgery it is only necessary to make tiny incisions in the hairline.

Treatment for Hollow Eyes

Hollow or sunken eyes are caused by the loss of orbital fat in the lower eyelids and can result in the appearance of dark circles. To treat this, volume must be restored beneath the eyes. For a temporary fix, this can be achieved by injecting dermal filler. It is a relatively low cost option and will last for 12-18 months.

For a permanent solution, a patient’s own body fat can be used to fill the hollows. Fat grafting is carried out using a tiny cannula that leaves no visible scarring. Although a certain percentage of transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body, the fat that gains a blood supply will become permanent tissue.   

To make a consultation for any of the above treatments, contact Ocean Clinic Marbella via our website or Facebook page.

7 Non Surgical Treatments to Give Your Face a Lift

If your complexion is looking a bit dull and tired after the winter, get ready for summer with a non surgical facial treatment.

At Ocean Clinic Marbella's Medical Spa, we offer a range of treatments that can help improve skin tone and luminosity, and minimise the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Read on to discover the unique benefits of each one...

LPG Endermologie

LPG Endermologie is like a workout for your face. The treatment uses micro-pulsations over the entire surface of the face and neck, gently pinching the skin in order to jump-start circulation.

This oxygenates the tissues, exfoliates the skin and reactivates the production of essential support fibers. Over a course of treatments, research demonstrates impressive uplift in collagen, elastin (+46%*), and hyaluronic acid (+80%*), leading to stronger and firmer skin (+70%*). The face is redrawn with cleaner, more youthful contours.

Even after the first session, skin is softer and the complexion is twice as radiant*. Since LPG Endermologie is 100% natural, pain-free and requires no down time, it’s the perfect way to get instantly healthy-looking skin before a party or event.

*Humbert P. et al. Study, Clinical Interventions in Aging

Chemical Peel

We offer three types of facial peels; superficial, medium and deep. The first two offer immediate skin brightening without downtime, while a deep peel gives significant results but requires sedation and a longer recovery.

Whichever peel depth you choose, the treatment works in the same way - a chemical solution is applied to break down layers of skin. A superficial, tri-acid peel will remove the top layer of skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and blemishes, and boosts radiancy. The effects will last for several weeks.

For longer lasting results, a deep, phenol peel strips away more layers of skin, tackling deeper wrinkles, scars, pigmentation and some skin growths. The benefits can be seen for up to 10 years.

Restylane Skinboosters

Restylane Skinboosters plump and hydrate the skin through tiny superficial injections of hyaluronic acid filler directly into the epidermis and mesoderm (middle layer of the skin).

Once injected, the hyaluronic acid molecules start to swell with water, absorbing up to 200 times their weight. This has a noticeable plumping effect, filling out superficial lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and lifting sagging skin.

Meanwhile, replacing moisture in the skin, gives the visage back its luminosity. What’s more, Restylane Skinboosters help to kick-start collagen production giving long term, anti-aging benefits. Restylane Skinboosters are administered over a course of three treatments, each approximately four weeks apart.

Venus Viva

Venus Viva offers effective skin resurfacing without the need for lasers and the associated downtime. The device uses nanofractional radiofrequency to heat the cells below the surface of the skin and stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.

With just a few treatments you can see a visible reduction in acne scars, age spots, enlarged pores and other blemishes, as well as significant improvement in the redness and lumps associated with rosacea.

Used with the DiamondPolar applicator, Venus Viva can target lines and wrinkles and smaller areas, such as around the eyes and along the jowls. The treatment is highly customisable and can be tailored to each patient’s individual needs. In trials, patients have given this treatment a rating of 97% for overall improvement to the skin.

Venus Legacy

Venus Legacy is designed to tighten the skin of the face and neck, providing an uplifted and contoured effect. The treatment combines multi-polar radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate the tissue deep down.

It works by heating the tissue to trigger both the tightening of existing collagen and production of new collagen, while encouraging lymphatic drainage and releasing trapped fluid. This helps to reduce under-eye bags.

Just a few treatments with Venus Legacy can significantly tighten lax skin around the cheeks, jowls and neck to give patients a firmer, more youthful appearance. It also helps minimises the appearance of lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead.

Dermapen

Dermapen is the world’s first microneedling pen. Equipped with 12 tiny needles to create micro injuries to the inner and outer layers of facial skin, it triggers the body’s healing process. This leads to natural rejuvenation of the skin.

Dermapen can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, burns, scars and sun damage. By encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin, this treatment improves the skin tone and texture, and gives you plumper and smoother skin.

Best results are seen over a period of four to six treatments. Skin continues to benefit following treatment thanks to the micro-skin channels that the Dermapen creates. These can carry up to 80% more topical nutrients deep into the skin, meaning facial serums become much more effective.

Ready to put your best face forward? Contact Ocean Clinic Marbella today to request an appointment.

The Real Reason You're Looking Older

Not all signs of ageing are obvious ones, like lines and wrinkles. If you look in the mirror and feel you’re looking older but can’t put your finger on the reason why, it’s because the change is happening on the inside, not the outside.

The culprit is facial fat. Facial fat is a good indicator of someone’s age as it’s something we gradually lose over our lifetimes. It’s easy to identify a baby or toddler by their chubby cheeks, but as a child grows their face slims down and the “puppy fat” is eventually lost.

Unfortunately this process does not stop after puberty; we continue to lose facial volume. The results of this usually start to be seen in the mid to late 30s. There are subtle changes to the face shape, which might make you feel less youthful.   

How facial volume changes as we age

A youthful face has a smooth covering of fat, giving an overall rounded appearance. The cheeks have a round projection, the lips are full and the forehead and jawline display clean arcs. As soft tissue fullness declines, the skin begins to sag downwards. Starting from the forehead, this leads to a “heavier” brow, droopier skin around the eyes and hollowing of the eyes and cheeks as the fat moves southwards.

The extra weight in the lower half of the face results in the appearance of nasolabial folds (marionette lines) and jowls, which disrupt the smooth line of the jaw. In contrast to the fat loss seen in certain parts of the face, fat cells in other places increase in size. This can result in a double chin, bulging lower cheeks and under eye bags (the appearance of protruding fat around the eyes is exacerbated by the loss of volume from the cheeks beneath).

The impact of facial bone loss

It’s not just fat that diminishes as we age; we lose bone too. Throughout our lives bone is constantly being made and reabsorbed, but ageing slows the process causing more bone to be absorbed than is created. This means facial bones decrease in density and start to recede. The bones of the eye socket gradually widen, the brow bone shrinks back and the jawbone becomes less defined.

In women, changes to the facial skeleton can be seen between 41 and 64, while the most pronounced bone loss happens for men when they are 65 and older. Facial bones are like scaffolding for the tissue and skin, so a reduction in bone volume is another factor responsible for facial sagging.

The widening of the eye sockets causes the skin above the eyes to droop, as it has less to cling onto (sagging is exacerbated by fat loss around the brow). Likewise, a reduction in the angle of the lower jaw contributes to a less well-defined jawline.

Why skin tightening alone won’t make you look younger

In the old days plastic surgeons used to tackle facial ageing by lifting the skin; pulling it taught, removing the excess and reattaching. Now we understand that skin tightening is only one part of facial rejuvenation. Skin tightening alone won’t ever be able to restore a person’s youthful looks, since the loss of facial volume will still be evident.

To achieve true rejuvenation, it’s vital to “make good” the underlying structures - otherwise it’s like trying to paper over unplastered bricks. Volume can be restored using transplanted fat, dermal fillers or, in more advanced cases, facial implants.

Dr. Kai Kaye, Head Surgeon at Ocean Clinic Marbella, combines fat transfer with all his facelift procedures. Fat is taken from a donor site elsewhere on the body and grafted to key areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips and jawline. The extra volume not only restores youthful contours, it helps to plump out the skin, smoothing away wrinkles and improving skin tone.

What if I’m not ready for a facelift?  

Facial fat loss contributes to the earliest signs of ageing - the subtle differences you start to notices in your 30s, like a decrease in skin tone. Of course, this is far too early for facelift surgery, but you can start fighting volume loss.

Fat transfer to the apples of the cheeks, the lips and hollows of the eyes can have a dramatic effect in rejuvenating the appearance. Meanwhile, grafted fat can also be used to smooth out lines, such as those starting to appear around the mouth.

Fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure, requiring only local anesthetic for both the removal of the donor fat and the re-injecting. The two procedures can be carried out on the same day.

As living tissue, transferred fat can provide permanent results, unlike dermal fillers that will need to be topped up every 12-18 months. This method also has the benefit of offering a plentiful supply of filler - most of us have pockets of fat on our abdomens or thighs that can provide more than enough for plumping out the face.

On the other hand, hyaluronic acid filler (such as Restylane) must be purchased by 1ml syringe, however, if you have a smaller budget it offers a more affordable way to get started. A single syringe to the lips provides a noticeable difference, while 1ml can also successfully be used to fill in marionette lines around the mouth.

How do I know what areas of my face need treating?

Because of the knock on effect that fat loss can have, it can often be hard for people to understand exactly what treatment it is they need to restore youthfulness to their face. You might actually believe you need a facelift, when in fact you simply require a bit of extra volume here and there. An experienced surgeon, who is familiar with the anatomy of the face, can look at a patient and quickly see where small tweaks could be made to improve the appearance.  

To book an assessment for fat transfer or dermal fillers contact Ocean Clinic Marbella on 951 775 518 or contact us via our website.