Should I get a Brazilian Butt Lift?

 If you’re interested in buttock augmentation and wondering if you are the right candidate for a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), we approach all the questions surrounding this increasingly popular surgery... 

The more voluptuous look is more in demand now than ever, with butt lifts, fat transfers and implants being high on the surgical agenda. The Brazilian Butt Lift is the most famous and well-known version, here we focus on FAQs surrounding the ‘BBL’ to help relieve any misconceptions about the procedure. 

DO I HAVE TO HAVE IMPLANTS IN MY BUTTOCKS?  

While implants can be used, Brazilian butt lifts are more commonly carried out using only a patient’s own fat. Using liposuction, fat is removed from elsewhere on the body; usually the abdomen, love handles, back, or from the outer and inner thighs. The fat is transplanted into the buttocks in order to give them a fuller shape. Meanwhile, removing fat from around the outside of the buttocks, and from the waist, sculpts the body to give a more accentuated backside. This way achieves great results with no need for implants. 

AM I TOO THIN FOR A BBL? 

Because Brazilian butt lifts are primarily carried out with fat, you might think lean women would be unable to have this surgery. However, in these cases, silicone implants can be used to supplement the lack of available fat. Even in thinner individuals, donor fat can be used to smooth over the implant and add shape. Furthermore, simply sculpting with liposuction around the buttocks can make your bottom appear bigger and give a more desirable figure. 

WILL A BUTT LIFT JUST MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG? 

Butt lift surgery is about so much more than simply gaining a bigger bottom. BBL aims to resculpt your entire silhouette, this includes your waist, hips and thighs, to achieve that classic hourglass figure. The changes should be visible from both the front and back. In addition to gaining volume in your buttocks, they will be reshaped to achieve the look you desire - whether that’s a curvier, peachier bum or one that appears to have a higher profile from the side. Issues with asymmetry can also be addressed.

On the plastic surgery review site realself.com, most people rate their buttock augmentation surgeries very highly. In fact, 88% of people give their butt augmentation surgeries a “worth it” rating.

IS THE BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT A HIGH RISK SURGERY? 

You have probably seen negative stories in the press about Brazilian butt lift surgery. It can indeed be risky when carried out by inexperienced surgeons. This is because the fat must be very carefully transplanted to ensure no veins are affected (fat in the veins could potentially lead to a fat embolism - fat entering the heart and lungs, which could result in death). If a surgeon is not properly trained there is a risk they could inject the fat too deeply, consequently it is essential to choose a surgeon with a high level of skill in fat grafting. If carried out properly, the risk of complications is low. Ocean Clinic’s Head Surgeon Dr. Kai Kaye has performed many buttock augmentations, is a specialist in fat transfer, and lectures on the topic to peers around the world. 

WILL I BE IN PAIN AND UNABLE TO SIT DOWN AFTER A BBL? 

A BBL carried out with fat alone is in fact categorised as a minimally invasive procedure, since it can be performed with very tiny incisions. At Ocean Clinic Marbella, we use water jet-assisted liposuction which is extremely gentle and reduces swelling and bruising. Pain and recovery time is minimal and you will be able to sit using the special pillow we provide (although long periods of sitting are to be avoided). You are likely to feel fatigued for a few days but after that you will be able to return to work (unless you have a very physical job). Buttock augmentation with implants is more invasive and has a longer recovery time, requiring at least two weeks off work.

IF MY WEIGHT CHANGES WILL THE BBL RESULTS BE RUINED? 

Some people are deterred from getting a Brazilian butt lift because they feel the results will be temporary and will be easily lost should you gain or lose weight. Actually, once additional fat cells have been transplanted to your bottom, that’s where they will stay! These fat cells can increase or decrease in size according to your diet and exercise but they won’t disappear. One of the great things about a butt lift, with fat transfer, is that the fat in your backside behaves normally. It means that your buttocks will grow or decrease consistent with changes in your overall body weight, keeping you in proportion. 

IF I HAVE LIPOSUCTION WILL I HAVE SAGGY SKIN AFTER? 

Patients often worry that removing fat from one part of their body to transfer to their buttocks will leave them with sagging skin. However, the amount of fat taken from any one location is not usually enough to leave loose skin. Fat will often be taken from multiple sites across the body via tiny incisions, so the fat loss is very even. The skin in these areas will snap back into place during the recovery process, over the following few weeks. If you have lost a fair amount of elasticity in a certain area, such as your tummy following pregnancy, your surgeon will advise not to have liposuction there. Alternatively, you might want to consider combining your BBL with another procedure like a tummy tuck. 

DOES THE BBL LOOK FAKE? 

Surgeons work with their patients to achieve the result they desire; some women want a natural look, while others favour a more extreme contrast. A very authentic appearance can be achieved by solely using a patient’s own fat, since it behaves with a natural jiggle. Furthermore, it will not only look real, it will feel real. However, to obtain the best looking results, it remains important to select a skilful surgeon in order to avoid unwanted side effects such as lumps and bumps or an asymmetrical result. 

DO REGULAR PEOPLE REALLY HAVE BUTT LIFTS? 

While BBL is a favourite with A-listers and celebrities, the procedure’s popularity goes way beyond the rich and famous. Last year in the USA alone, over 26,000 people underwent a buttock augmentation procedure. These figures show that buttock augmentation is now more mainstream than ever before. 

IS A BBL TOO EXPENSIVE?

Due to the celebrity association, people often think Brazilian butt lifts must be bank-breakingly expensive, however, the surgery actually costs around the same as a breast augmentation. The exact cost will depend on the scope and complexity of your procedure as well as the skill and experience of your chosen surgeon. It goes without saying that you should get the best you can afford and don’t be tempted to go for cut price surgery abroad where clinical standards may be lower. Do your research, read the reviews and be sure to consult the best available to you. 

For more information on Buttock Augmentation at Ocean Clinic, contact our team today. 

 

LIP FLIP OR LIP LIFT? The latest choice in Lip Augmentation...

FOR FILLER-FREE, FULLER LIPS WOULD YOU RATHER LIFT OR FLIP?

With Valentine’s day knocking on the door, what better time to perfect your pout? If the question on your lips is whether you should go for the latest lift or flip techniques, then you’ve come to the right place. If you prefer the idea of avoiding fillers, the lip lift or lip flip procedures could be your ideal solution. 

But which one to choose? Let’s weigh up the options…

WHAT IS A LIP LIFT?

A lip lift involves a simple, in-office procedure which serves to elevate, or ‘lift’, the upper lip. Candidates for a lift often have a longer distance between the nose and lip than most; a lip lift reduces this space. The surgery can also increase the level of ‘red show’ (how much lip is visible) for those with a naturally thin upper lip. 

LIP LIFT PROCEDURE - WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? 

The lip lift procedure is a simple surgical one which, if carried out alone will only require a local anaesthetic. Markings are places on the upper lip according to the plan made between you and your surgeon. Once the anaesthetic is administered and the area is numbed, the line of skin just below the nose is removed; the incision is then sealed using lots of hair-thin sutures to keep the scarring to a minimum. These sutures are removed within a week or so. The lip is naturally pulled up and outwards as the length of the skin is shortened. 

WHAT IS A LIP LIFT RECOVERY LIKE? 

There will be some swelling and soreness which varies from person to person in severity. The swelling can worsen for the first few days and can be quite painful and uncomfortable. This is not uncommon and will pass fairly quickly, it is nothing to be concerned about unless the pain becomes unmanageable with regular pain relief. 

The stitches and incision are kept clean using an antibacterial ointment and stitches are removed around 1 week post-op. Physical exertion, and therefore exercise is not advised for around two weeks, depending on the patient. Healing takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks and real results are noticed up to three months later, with scarring reducing over time. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIP FILLERS AND A LIP LIFT?

A lip lift does not use injectable fillers - where hyaluronic acid injections are added to the lip to achieve a bigger volume. A lip lift uses the existing lip size and shape but, with a small surgical procedure, enhances the ‘vermillon border’ - the lip line, bringing it closer to the nose. 

HOW DOES A LIP LIFT LOOK?

The space between the nose and the lip line is surgically reduced and the lip appears to be fuller, more pronounced, and lifted; more ‘red show’ is apparent. See the before and after shots for a closer look. 

This lip lift, performed by Dr. Kai Kaye at Ocean Clinic Marbella, shows the patient one-month post surgery. She received local anaesthetic, and the surgery took just under one hour.

Recovery time was one week and pain was considered 2/10.

You can see the difference in her lip size as well as the shorter distance between the lip and nose. The upper lip is more pronounced and has more 'red show' than before. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LIP LIFT? 

The benefits of a lip lift are a rejuvenated appearance, a fuller, better-proportioned upper lip shape and space between the nose and upper lip. Lip lines and wrinkles are reduced as the skin has been tightened to create the new lip line. 

IS A LIP LIFT FOR ME?

If you feel that the space between your nose and upper lip is too long, if fillers did not work for you perhaps leaving the lip too heavy and long rather than plump, or you feel that your upper lip is too thin or out of proportion with the lower lip, then this could be for you.  All such examples represent a good candidate for lip lift surgery. 

IS A LIP LIFT SAFE?

The procedure is a relatively simple one, done in-house with a local anaesthetic (unless being carried out within a combination of procedures which require deeper anaesthetic). The surgery takes only an hour (approx.) and recovery time is minimal. Scarring is also minimal and should be barely visible over time (within a year the results should be complete). 

DOES A LIP LIFT LAST FOREVER? 

Yes! A lip lift is for life. The procedure will produce a permanent result, however, one must be aware that the ageing process will continue as normal in the surrounding areas. 

Now let us consider the same questions for the Lip Flip to help decide which option may work for you…

WHAT IS A LIP FLIP?

The lip flip is a relatively new option in lip augmentation and, similarly to using fillers, involves injectables being placed into the lip to create a fuller appearance.

LIP LIFT PROCEDURE - WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? 

The lip flip is a quick, non-surgical procedure simply consisting of injections being placed into the muscles above the upper lip. No anaesthetic is required for the procedure and it takes minutes to achieve.  The injectables placed into the orbicularis oris muscles causes them to relax, the lip then naturally ‘flips’ slightly outwards to create a fuller effect using only the existing lip itself. The effects are noticeable very quickly - it takes only 5-7 days to see the full effects of the lip flip procedure and they last for around 3-4 months (metabolism depending). 

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE FOR A LIP LIFT?

Great news! There isn’t any recovery time. The only possible thing that may take a little getting used to is sipping through a straw or other reasons to tightly pucker the lips, but this won’t take long to rectify itself. You may experience very mild swelling or bruising which will also pass rapidly. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIP FILLERS AND A LIP LIFT?

Lip fillers add volume to the lip whereas the lip lift simply uses the existing volume by pushing it forward to create a fuller effect. The natural size of your lip does not change with a lip lift, it is just shifted to make it look more plump and pronounced.  Both procedures last for around the same amount of time. 

HOW DOES A LIP FLIP LOOK?

As mentioned above the lip lift uses an injection to relax the muscles in the upper lip, which then causes the lip itself to flip forwards. This creates a subtle, fuller looking lip and a more pronounced profile as it protrudes forward slightly more than before. Obviously all people will get a different result depending on their existing lip.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LIP FLIP? 

With the lip flip there’s no recovery time, no anaesthetic, no drastic alteration, minimal swelling or side effects, the result is rapid, and it is affordable.  If you aren’t happy with the outcome - within 3-4 months you can choose to do it differently, or not at all! 

IS A LIP FLIP FOR ME?

If you have a ‘gummy’ smile, are unhappy with ageing lip lines (barcode lines), want a subtle (yet obvious to you) change, want a fuller lip but would rather not have surgery, or prefer not to have fillers alter the size of your lips, then yes this could be the option for you. 

IS A LIP FLIP SAFE?

Yes, a lip flip is safe, it is just the same as any similar injection. There is a very slight risk that the smile could become asymmetric - however, this is minimal. Ensure that you choose a board-certified, experienced practitioner to carry out the procedure. 

You may experience very minimal bruising just at the site where the injection was placed, this should heal within 1-2 days. 

DOES A LIP FLIP LAST FOREVER?

No, the lip flip will only last as long as the injectable stays in your system. The body will naturally ‘outgrow’, or reject, it over time. Most people see results for up to 3-4 months, but it varies from person to person depending on their individual metabolic rate. 

COMPARING THE LIP LIFT WITH THE LIP FLIP (that’s quite a mouthful!)

• The lip flip is a far less invasive method of creating a fuller lip than the lip lift.

• A lip lift is for life and is not for everyone, it causes the lip to change shape and height and therefore alters the face and proportions permanently. This is something that must be deeply considered when toying with the idea of any surgical procedure. Finding the right surgeon who can work with your given anatomy to provide you with the perfect look for you is essential. The lip flip is instant and lasts only 3-4 months. 

• A lip lift means not having to return to the doctors for ‘refills’, but, at the same time permanence cannot be altered without further surgery. The lip flip will require a top up every 3-4 months. 

This should help clear up a lot of questions you may have had about lip flip or lifts, if you would like any more information or require a consultation please contact Ocean Clinic today. 

CoolSculpting - Does it work and is it safe?

Why choose fat freezing? 

Struggling to lose that last bit of fat in a problem area? You've done the diets, tried all sorts of exercise regimes, and that stubborn excess fat just won't seem to shift... this is when people are turning to 'fat freezing' (also known as CoolSculpting due to the brand that launched the technology). 

So much so, that it has become one of the hottest trends in non-invasive body sculpting (despite the ice cold temperatures!). Its popularity has surged due to it being noninvasive, relatively pain-free, affordable, quick and there's no recovery time needed. 

How does fat freezing work?  

Fat freezing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure which uses machinery to destroy fat cells at freezing temperatures. 

The treatment works using a technique called cryolipolysis (literally meaning cold (cryo) fat (lipo) destruction (lysis)); once fat cells are subjected to freezing temperatures they are destroyed. The body then works naturally to absorb and remove the damaged cells, thus reducing the fat in that area.  

Target areas for fat freezing

The most common areas treatable with fat freezing are those which, despite having dieted or exercised, still have those stubborn deposits of subcutaneous fat that just never seem to go away. As we age it becomes progressively more difficult for us to reduce this type of fat, hence the tendency to turn to cosmetic procedures for a little body contouring help. 

The most popular areas for fat freezing by cryolipolysis are: 

• Thighs
• Belly
• Upper Arms
• Back and sides 
• Under the chin and jawline
• Bra line
• Under the buttocks
• 
  

The Fat Freezing Procedure

During this non-surgical procedure, the allocated area is placed in a clamp or between paddles (depending on the equipment) and cooled. The machinery remains in place for between 30 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes depending on the area and fat density. During this time around 25% of the fat cells in the targeted area are destroyed. Multiple applications may be required depending on the size of the area being treated - the belly for example may take between 3-5 applications to achieve full, even fat removal. 

The CoolSculpting system is a portable thermoelectric device that applies controlled cooling to the treatment site. 

How long does fat freezing take to show results? 

As your immune system begins the process of clearing out the dead fat cells you will begin to notice the difference - this can take a few months to complete to you may not see a drastic alteration right away but results can be noted as soon as three weeks post-treatment. 

With one round of treatment the average fat reduction is between 10%-25%, it is possible that a further round may be desired after the initial treatment has concluded if further removal is required. 

What are the Side Effects of Fat Freezing?

Being a non-surgical procedure the side effects are generally minimal. Common post-application symptoms include redness, tingling, swelling and numbness. Occasionally a darkening of the skin in the targeted area may be present immediately after the treatment. There may be mild post-procedure pain but it is not often that medication is needed. 

All side effects should wear off as the body begins to remove the dead cells.  

A very rare side effect (less than 1% of all recorded treatments) is that of paradoxical fat hyperplasia - an increase, rather than decrease, in fat within the treated area. 

Is fat freezing for me? 

If your main goal is weight loss, then fat freezing is not for you. If there is a targeted region that you would like to remove an area of fat from, then this could be the help you need to remove it.

If you are close to your desired body weight and suffer with a stubborn, 'grab-able' area of fat that exercise and diet are not shifting, then yes, the fat freezing procedure could be right for you; the CoolSculpting treatment is designed for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less.  

Who shouldn't opt for fat freezing? 

As mentioned previously, this type of procedure is not for those seeking weight loss, if you are not close to your ideal body weight then fat freezing is not appropriate. It is for isolated, designated pockets of fat that have proven difficult to remove naturally. 

If you suffer from any of the following then your doctor may advise against the fat freezing procedure. 

• Cryoglobulinemia: abnormal proteins in the blood which thicken in cold temperatures. 
• Cold Urticaria: a reactive skin disorder triggered by cold. 
• Paroxysmal cold Hemoglobinuria: is a rare type of anaemia characterised by the premature destruction of healthy red blood cells by autoantibodies.

What are the alternatives to fat freezing?

Other ways to remove stubborn fat include:

Liposuction: a surgical procedure which removes fat cells through suction.

Laser Surgery: a procedure whereby heat lasers are used to remove deposits of fat. 

Deoxycholic Acid Injection: this procedure is only used for the chin area and involves an injection which deposits the acid into the region to break down fat cells. 

Fat Freezing - CoolSculpting at Ocean Clinic: To find out more about the procedure, and what we offer, please contact us any time to discuss. 

Why Smaller Breasts are Getting Bigger!

Trends in breast implants show that small(er) is the new big…

As the stigma surrounding plastic surgery diminishes and with around 35 million people in the world having breast implants, it is not surprising that trends in the industry occur; the latest shows smaller sizes being more popular than ever. 

Extreme change in breast size has now become less in demand as more and more women are opting for smaller implants, or reductions in the size of existing ones. 

The popularity of breast augmentation shows no signs of slowing as it is remains top of the cosmetic surgery procedure charts year after year. Surgical techniques improve, general interest in the industry increases, and the health, wellness and beauty market continues to surge.

As augmentation procedures evolve there are far more options available to those seeking the surgery than in previous years; type of implant, placement, incision location, shape, etc. and 2022 is set to see far more women going for the most natural look, feel and composition on the market. 

Small is the new big…

A dramatic aesthetic is no longer in vogue according to recent figures; bold and buxom are SO last season and are being moved aside for a more demure look. Women are leaning more towards complimenting their natural physique - having their new breasts look like they naturally belong to their body. 

The augmentation in this sense represents more of a perfecting technique rather than a drastic shift in appearance. 

In keeping with the trend, surgeries worldwide have seen a huge surge in women requesting a reduction in the size of existing implants or complete removal. 

Keeping it real…

Thanks to ever evolving technology the range of breast implants now available is a far cry from the now historical ‘one-size-fits-all’ situation. Shape, material, projection, width, and size are all variables that can be adapted to suit an individual’s figure and requirements. The more natural looking size is being complimented with a more natural looking shape (and feel) in accordance with each person’s physique. 

For this reason the anatomical implant, known to most as the ‘teardrop’ shape, is becoming more in demand than ever. The shape; fuller at the bottom than at the top, is more similar to a natural breast than rounder versions.

Silicon, is currently the reigning choice over saline due to its more natural feel and response to movement. 

Another more ‘natural’ option is the fat transfer technique - this involves no implants at all but rather your own fat (that has been harvested from elsewhere via liposuction) being injected directly into the breasts. 

Celebrity trends…

The recent surge in celebrities having their implants completely removed has become quite a buzz in the cosmetic cosmos. Stars including Victoria Beckham, Tori Spelling, Chrissy Tiegen and Yolanda Hadid have all opted to remove their implants in recent years as have many more, so why this new trend? In keeping with the blog title, small is the new big, some celebrities are preferring to remain at their original dress size feeling that it suits their size and shape better to be implant-free. Others have switched for uplifts as this was the true reason for the original implants, having had children and wanting to reconstruct their pre-baby body - this was not being such a mainstream option at the time of their surgery. And other famous folk are trying to get a message across, to both themselves and the masses, that you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are!

Lift me up...

Avoiding implants altogether and going for the lift or uplift option also avoids any dramatic change in size as well as maintaining the body's original shape and look. This generally appeals to women after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, as well as those having lost significant weight; the outcome can be sagging, stretch-marked skin and a loss of shape. The breast lift is a single-step procedure that removes excess skin and reforms the breast's original shape.

Keep keeping fit…

With keeping fit being a major life-priority, the smaller breast is an easier one to manage when exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A larger breast may impede the ability to play certain sports, and for leaping around a lot, a more modest size would be the more comfortable option. This is absolutely more of a factor than ever when it comes to size and shape selection for augmentation. 

As you can see there are plenty of reasons why many women are choosing a smaller, more anatomically suited implant and why this is set to be the breast augmentation choice for 2022.

For more information on Breast Augmentation options please visit the Ocean Clinic website or contact our Marbella, Madrid or Zurich offices today.

 

 

How Can I Stay Younger Looking?

How the young people of today are using prevention techniques to maintain their youthful looks…

Anti-ageing cosmetic procedures are part of mainstream life for thousands of people, but one thing is changing; age! More and more young people are opting for keeping their looks as they are instead of trying to retrieve them once they are well into the ageing process. 

There are many ways to keep skin healthy such as hydration, hygiene, sleep, exercise and nutrition. These are imperative to our overall wellbeing as we know, so what are the youngsters doing to keep that fresh-faced, rosy cheeked, smooth, clear skin?

Read on to find out the latest in aesthetic (surgery-free) treatments to stay looking your best. 

MICRONEEDLING - a process used to rejuvenate skin by boosting collagen production, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Thin, sharp needle tips make surface-level punctures on the skin which, as the body then heals these cuts, the production of collagen is increased and the overall texture and appearance of the skin is improved.

Ocean Clinic Marbella Microneedling Treatment

Injectables - These are probably the most well-known procedures in the aesthetic department and for good reason. They work by temporarily paralysing the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles and fine lines; think frown, laughter, bunny and squinting lines. Fillers are small injections of gel (usually hyaluronic acid) which fill in the wrinkles by adding volume under the skin. Most commonly, fillers are used around the eyes, mouth, jawline, frown lines and lips to maintain a youthful appearance. As we age the less collagen we produce which leads to sagging of the skin as volume is reduced over time. Younger people are opting for injectables to maintain or increase that volume and glow.

Ocean Clinic Injectable Fillers

CHEMICAL PEEL - You can opt for a superficial or deep version of this effective clinical procedure, depending on how intense you want your treatment to be. A chemical peel uses acid to deeply exfoliate the skin removing the dead, dull outer epidermal layers. The effect is to leave your skin refreshed and can be part of your skincare regime to reduce the appearance of fine lines and even the texture and tone of the skin. Seeing as the skin is such an individual organ a customised treatment would give the best results - often more than one type of pee would be applied to different areas of the face to suit specific needs (known as a mosaic peel).

Ocean Clinic Superficial Peeling

Ocean Clinic Deep Peeling

MICROFOCUSED ULTRASOUND - This treatment uses state of the art microfocused ultrasound and is considered the best and most versatile collagen stimulating technology on the market. Delivering thermal heat energy into three layers of the skin, collagen and elastic production is stimulated throughout the different skin depths. It is an FAA approved non-surgical lifting device - the results of which should produce tightened skin, voluminous, even skin tone, and a youthful glow.

Ocean Clinic Microfocused Ultrasound

MESOTHERAPY - Boost that skin! Developed in the early 1950s by French doctor, Michel Pistor, Mesotherapy is a rejuvenation treatment using micro injections of antioxidants, vitamins, and plant extracts (hydrating agents) into the deep superficial layers of the skin. The micropunctures applied trigger cell activation leading to more dense, tighter, younger looking skin. Mesotherapy improves dull, tired looking skin immediately and can also aid in improving blood circulation as well as flush out toxins. Vitamins, growth factors, Hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants and trace elements provide the ideal environment for healthy skin that better prevents the ageing process.

Ocean Clinic Mesotherapy 

Contact Ocean Clinic today to discuss any of the aforementioned treatments.