Can Cosmetic Surgery Help You Land a Better Job?

Studies show we make snap judgements about people based on their facial features – but cosmetic procedures can change the way we’re perceived

Do you keep getting passed up for promotion? Do you ace interviews but never win the job? It might not be because you’re under qualified; it could simply be the case that your face doesn’t fit.

According to a study conducted by psychology researchers at the University of York in England, first impressions are based on a person’s facial features – and once those ideas are fixed, it can be hard to change them.

For example, an employer might make assumptions about your competence and ability based on your face alone. These pre-conceived ideas could hold you back from climbing the career ladder even when you demonstrate good work.

How do we judge faces? 

When we perceive an individual’s face we make a variety of relatively objective assessments, including the person’s age, sex, and often their emotional state - this process is called facial profiling. However, inferences are also made about social traits; for example, certain people may appear more trustworthy than others.

Although there are many different character judgements we can make, they can be boiled down to three main categories – approachability, youthful-attractiveness and dominance. 

Approachability and dominance help us decide if someone is a friend or a foe and where we stand in the pecking order next to that individual. Youthful-attractiveness, meanwhile, helps us decide if someone is a good romantic partner or, perhaps, a rival.

These traits can be ‘read’ from a glimpse as brief as 100 milliseconds or less, and brain activity appears to track social traits, such as trustworthiness, even when no explicit evaluation is required, indicating that it is likely outside of conscious control.

What features do we look at?

According to the researchers, there are 65 separate factors that can influence our assessment of social traits. These include the size and shape of the face as a whole, individual facial features (e.g. bottom lip curvature), their spatial arrangement (e.g. mouth-to-chin distance), the presence/absence of glasses and facial hair, and information about the texture and colour of specified regions.

This conclusion was drawn after participants were asked to score 1,000 face photos for 16 different social traits, like trustworthiness or intelligence. The researchers then measured the physical attributes of all 1,000 faces and put them together with those scores, in order to build a mathematical model of how the dimensions of a face produce different impressions.

They found, for example, that the five features most strongly positively correlated with approachability are all linked to the mouth and mouth shape. So, if you have a large, wide mouth, with an upward curving bottom lip you are likely to be regarded as friendly and approachable. 

They believed the model could accurately predict first impressions and, to put it to the test, produced a set of computer-generated faces and asked more participants to rate them.

The ratings matched i.e. a computer-generated ‘unapproachable’ face was indeed rated as unapproachable by the human participants.

Can we change the first impression our face creates?

While it might seem unfair that our facial features can cause people to make assumptions about our character, making small changes to our appearance can change the way we’re perceived.

This was proven by a study conducted by researchers at Georgetown University, Washington, USA, which examined changes in personality perception following facial rejuvenation surgery.

To do this, they took before and after photographs of 30 women who had undergone cosmetic treatments including facelifts, upper and lower eye bag surgery, eyebrow lifts, neck lifts and chin implants.

Groups of ‘raters’, unknown to the women, were asked to rate each photograph for six personality traits - aggressiveness, extroversion, likeability, trustworthiness, risk seeking, and social skills - as well as for attractiveness and femininity. 

Results showed that all of the women were rated higher postoperatively for four of the eight traits – likeability, social skills, attractiveness and femininity. 

Interestingly, it didn’t make a difference what procedure the patient had undergone. Regardless of whether they’d had a neck lift, an eye lift or a chin augmentation, they were all deemed to have better personalities, being viewed as more sociable and more likeable.

It appears that improving our appearance in general can make a better impression on strangers. However, cosmetic surgery can also tackle specific features that might be holding us back. Take for example, a downward sagging mouth that makes you appear surly, or droopy eyes, which cause you to look less intelligent or even untrustworthy.

Making a small change to your face can completely change the way you look, and subsequently the way people behave towards you. If you want to advance in your career, altering a detrimental facial feature could make employers look at you differently.

Ocean Clinic Marbella can help you make the best first impression, and get the job you deserve. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Fat Grafting – The Most Important Development in Cosmetic Surgery in a Decade?

Pictured: Facelift with fat grafting performed by Dr. Kaye of Ocean Clinic Marbella

During his time as a plastic surgeon, Ocean Clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Kaye has seen many new treatments come and go, however there is one new technique he says is revolutionising the industry.

That technique is fat grating. Fat grafting – also called fat transfer – allows the patient’s own fat to be used in place of dermal fillers. The uses are myriad; restore volume to a hollow face, enlarge thin lips, plump up wrinkled skin, smooth over eye bags - women can even have fat transplanted in their breasts for a natural breast enlargement!

We caught up with Dr. Kaye of Ocean Clinic Marbella to find out why this procedure is so exciting…

Why is fat grafting better than using fillers?

 

“The main benefit of this technique is that it uses ‘like for like’ – replacing lost fat with fat from another part of the body, rather than using a synthetic substance. 

“The fat contains living stem cells, which can form new connections with blood vessels once transplanted. The results are superior because the living stem cells not only fill and plump, they actually have a genuine rejuvenating effect. The results are more natural looking and they’re longer lasting.”

How much longer do the results last?

 

“Some people think fat transfer is only temporary, but it is not. MRI studies have shown that, with appropriate technique, grafted fat persists long-term as living, vascularized tissue in the recipient site.

“We do have a certain reabsorption in the first three weeks. These are living stem cells and they have to find connections with blood vessels. Some will die, but those that connect live as a living fat cell.

“The percentage of fat transferred that survives varies from about 40% to 60%, however the fat that is there after 6 months should be with patients for the rest of their lives.”

Where do you harvest the fat from and how is it done?

“Fat is most commonly harvested from the stomach, waist, thighs and flanks – most people tend to have it here in abundance! Additionally, fat in these areas tends to persist, even with weight loss. It is hoped that when the fat is transferred to its new site, it will behave the same way.

“The fat is extracted with a liposuction cannula, which might be very fine and needle-like for removal of small amounts of fat, or larger if the patient is combining fat grafting with a liposculpting procedure (or a larger volume of fat is required).

“If this is the case, a ‘trap’ is hooked up to the tubing connected to the cannula. The fat can be removed from this sterile trap and used. It is important to note that fat cannot be harvested when Ultrasonic and Smart Lipo (laser-assisted) liposuction techniques have been used because the destructive energy destroys the cells.”

How is the fat then grafted into place elsewhere?

“The fat is prepared for reintroduction to the body and transferred to a small syringe that allows for meticulous and more accurate injection. A special cannula for injecting fat is attached to the syringe and the tip inserted into the recipient site.

“Tiny droplets of fat are injected – it is a high precision procedure. If large deposits are introduced they become hardened and calcified. Additionally, highly skilled technique ensures more cells will gain a blood supply and become permanent tissue. No scar should be left on the injection site.”

How long is the recovery process from fat grafting?

“The recovery is around 7 to 14 days, typically with swelling and some bruising, particularly if the eye area is being treating. The donor site will also be bruised for up to 21 days and will be left with a very small scar.

“Facial swelling can create a somewhat distorted look, but it usually subsides within two weeks, so it is generally advisable to take this length of time off work. Thankfully, actual discomfort from fat grafting is minimal.”

Are there any side effects from fat grafting?

“As with any surgery, there are potential risks and/or side effects. These can include: infection, bleeding, fat resorption, fat calcification and fat necrosis. Risk can be mitigated by choosing a highly qualified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in fat transfer.”

How does fat grafting compare on cost with synthetic fillers?

“Fillers are expensive; if you need 5-6mls for the face, it will cost around €2,000, every eight months. However, if you have fat, you can have 20/30mls, or however much you need, and the price is the same. For fat transfer in the face it costs around €1,200.”

What applications does fat grafting have?

“Popular areas for fat transplantation include cheeks, lips, temples, eyes, nasolabial folds (marionette lines), breasts, buttocks and the back of the hands.

“We can use it on areas that were very hard to treat before, like under the eyes and it can also be used in reconstructive surgery. For example, as a means to treat liposuction deformities, stimulate the repair of chronic, non-healing wounds or address facial fat atrophy following overly aggressive 'non-invasive' procedures such as laser wrinkle treatments.

“I actually combine fat grafting with all of my facelift procedures because it offers both a pleasing and permanent improvement in facial soft tissue volume, as well as an improvement in the quality and vitality of facial skin.”

Would you like to lose excess fat from one area and gain volume in another? Call us to make an appointment and find out how we can make you look fresher and younger using a safe and natural substance.

Dr. Kaye Heads to Africa to Perform Live Facelift Surgery

Ocean Clinic’s Head Surgeon Dr. Kaye will perform a facelift live in front of doctors from the Kenyan Society of Plastic Surgeons next week.

He will travel to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, to present his signature PAVE-Lift (peeling-assisted volume enhancing lift) concept. The technique includes both facial peeling and fat grafting, blending surgical expertise with innovative anti-aging technology to maximise the aesthetic outcome.

Dr. Kaye has presented the PAVE-Lift concept at surgical meetings around the world to great acclaim.

“I’m honoured to be invited to present my technique in Nairobi,” he says. “Since publishing the PAVE-Lift concept there has been a lot of interest and I’m delighted to be able to share my ideas with my peers. I’m very interested in science and I enjoy teaching, I like to be able to combine it with my work.”

Also performing live surgery at the workshop will be Dr. Stasch, of Nairobi’s Valentis Clinic (pictured far left). It will be the second time the pair have collaborated this month - Dr. Stasch, a colleague of Dr. Kaye’s from Germany, visited Ocean Clinic last week to exchange skills and ideas.

The visit was filmed by a German TV crew who have been following Dr. Kaye for a week, shooting a documentary that will be aired in September.

As well as a taste of fame, staff at the clinic have enjoyed a trip to Tallinn in Estonia for Ocean Clinic’s Annual Congress. Every year, Dr. Kaye takes his team of 10 staff away for a few days of education and enjoyment. Previous destinations have included Marrakech in Morocco and Bilbao in Northern Spain.

“It’s to say thank you for all their hard work and to unwind away from the fast-paced environment of the clinic,” says Dr. Kaye.

He adds: “We had a wonderful time, visiting the museum of modern art and many beautiful medieval buildings. The food was really good, too, so we also ate a lot!”

To keep up to date with all of Ocean Clinic’s news you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or sign up for our recently launched newsletter – there’s no need to worry about us clogging up your inbox; the Ocean Clinic newsletter is only produced every two months. Happy reading!

How Facial Feminisation Surgery Helps Transgender Patients Show Their True Face

The high profile gender transition of Caitlyn Jenner (formerly known as Bruce) has sparked an increased interest in facial feminisation surgery (FFS) – one of our areas of expertise here at Ocean Clinic Marbella.

Former Olympic gold-medal-winning male track star, Jenner hit the headlines in June when she débuted her new look on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine. She was rumoured to have undergone a number of facial feminisation surgeries. 

What is facial feminisation surgery?

FFS (also called gender reaffirmation surgery) is a set of reconstructive surgical procedures that alter typically male facial features to bring them closer in shape and size to typical female facial features. While most FFS patients are transsexual women, feminisation surgery is also carried out on women who feel that their faces are too masculine.

What parts of the face are changed during FFS?

FFS focuses on the characteristics that typically make male and female faces readily distinguishable. Studies show that we determine a person’s sex within a millisecond of seeing their face.

Features that help us make this assessment include the chin - which is more pointed in females - the jawbone, and the nose, which are both generally less prominent and less angular in women.

The shape of the forehead, too, is quite different in males from females. To give a more feminine appearance we are able to contour the bones of these features.

Another distinct male characteristic - the Adam’s apple – can be reduced with a tracheal shave.

FSS also includes soft tissue procedures such as brow lift, neck lift, canthoplasty (eye reshaping), cheek implants and lip augmentation, as well as non-surgical treatments like cosmetic facial injections (muscle relaxants), fillers and skin resurfacing.

Not all of the above procedures will typically be carried out. The surgeon will help the patient to select a bespoke suite of treatments tailored to their individual requirements.

What procedures has Caitlyn Jenner undergone?

It is not a matter of public record, however, surgeons have speculated that Caitlyn has had a brow lift, cheek implants, Adam's apple shave and cosmetic facial injections, amongst other  rejuvenation treatments.

Can any cosmetic surgeon carry out FFS?

Facial feminisation surgeries that include reconstruction of the hard tissues of the head, face and jaws (i.e. bone) are a surgical specialty.

This type of surgery is known as Oral & Maxillofacial surgery (OMS). Ocean Clinic Marbella is one of the few cosmetic surgery clinics on the Costa del Sol to have an Oral & Maxillofacial Unit and attracts FFS patients from around the globe.

The unit is headed up by Dr. Luis Capitán, who is an acclaimed specialist in facial sculpting and facial feminisation surgery, having performed hundreds of procedures.

Dr Capitán has specialised in this field since receiving his degree in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 2006. His extensive experience has been gained at the Maxillofacial and Implantology Institute of the Teknon Clinic in Barcelona, the Craniofacial and Dental Facial Deformities Unit at Morriston University Hospital of Wales and the Oral and Maxillofacial Department at the USP Hospital Marbella.

He is also a director and founder of Facial Team Europe, a surgical group of specialists in facial feminisation based in Spain and Brazil. The team is responsible for pioneering new concepts and advancement in FFS and is regarded as a world leader.

Generally, how satisfied are patients with the results of FFS?

A 2010 study amongst 247 trans women, found that those who had undergone FFS reported having a higher mental health-related quality of life than those who had not.

The results achieved will differ from patient to patient depending on their individual facial structure, however today’s FFS techniques are the most effective approach for transitioning a male face into a convincing, natural-looking, female one.

Combined with make-up, hairpieces, hormone therapy and voice training, FSS can help create the complete picture of femininity for transgender patients.

See the results for yourself here, and view more before and after photos of facial feminisation surgeries carried out by Dr Capitán as part of Facial Team Europe.

No matter where you are on your journey to becoming a trans women, Ocean Clinic Marbella can help you be the person you want to be. Contacts us for a consultation.

Eyes Wide Open – Say Adios to Hooded Eyes with Upper Eyelid Surgery

In our last blog we talked about lower eyelid blepharoplasty, or eye bag removal. This week we’ll take a closer look at the upper eyelids and what can be done about the hooded appearance eyes often acquire with age.

‘Droopy’ eyelids, known medically as ptosis, can be caused either by an excess of eyelid skin or by weakening of the levator muscles - the muscles that allow the eyelids to lift. This most commonly occurs with age, however, some people may be born with weaker-than-normal levator muscles, thereby developing ptosis at a young age.

Whichever type you have, upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or levator surgery can correct the issue, making you look younger and fresher. Read on to find out more or call us for a consultation.

Why have I developed droopy eyelids?

Throughout one’s lifetime, the muscles responsible for eyelid closure tighten and relax millions of times – every time we blink.

Over the years, this use can stretch the delicate skin and result in an excess collecting on the upper eyelid. This skin laxity causes the eyelid to droop down and allows fat deposits to protrude forward, giving a pouchy appearance (sometimes called upper eye bags). 

However, it's not only older people who suffer from excess eyelid skin; unfortunately, some people are genetically predisposed to developing this condition earlier in life.

In some more rare cases the tendon-like tissue that helps the levator muscles to lift the eyelid can atrophy and lengthen leading to a true eyelid ptosis. Although both eyes are usually affected by ptosis, drooping may be worse in one eye. In severe cases, it can also interfere with vision.

It’s worth noting that sudden onset of ptosis, especially only on one side, can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as muscle disease or nerve damage caused by stroke, tumours or diabetes, so it’s advisable to see your GP in the first instance.

What can be done to correct upper eye bags?

Sadly, weakened levator muscles – even in the young - cannot be targeted through facial exercises or medications. The only effective treatment for ptosis is surgical levator muscle repair. Likewise, the appearance of sagging, crêpey excess skin on the upper eyelids will not be significantly improved with topical creams.

Fortunately, both issues can be corrected with an eyelift. An eyelift is a simple surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fatty tissue and skin.

If the underlying cause of the droopiness is a weakness of the levator muscles, additionally a repair/shortening of the levator tendon maybe necessary.

If you are also suffering with a drooping and wrinkled brow, you may benefit from a brow lift. This will restore your eyebrows to their youthful position and can be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery.

How is upper eyelid surgery performed?

Blepharoplasty is generally performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.  The eyelids and surrounding areas will be numb and you will be relaxed, but not asleep.

The surgeon first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. An incision is made in the upper eyelid and a pre-determined amount of excess skin is carefully removed.

Next a small amount of orbicularis muscle is removed and an incision is made in the orbital septum. This allows the surgeon access to the orbital fat, which can be conservatively removed to reduce a puffy appearance.

In a case of levator muscle repair the surgeon will identify and prepare the even deeper lying levator muscle and its tendon and surgically shorten it.

Finally, fine sutures are used to close the incisions and small bandages are applied to protect the stitches.

The entire procedure takes no more than 2 hours and you will be able to go home afterwards, although you will need to arrange for another person to drive you. You should also have someone stay with you the night of the procedure.

How long is the recovery process?

After eyelid surgery, you will have stitches that will remain in for around 7 days. It is not an especially painful treatment and you can use pain medication to control any discomfort.

You may have trouble opening and closing your eye immediately after surgery, but as you recover, this function will return.

You will likely have some swelling and bruising, but you can speed up the recovery process by sleeping with your head elevated for the first few days after surgery and applying cold compresses.

If you go out, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind and to help you avoid squinting in the sunlight.

Your eyelids should look more or less normal within a week or two; however, you will not see the full results for 1-2 months.

It is advisable to book at least a week off work and avoid using a computer during this time, as it can dry the eyes. You should also avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes (bending, lifting, crying and exercise).

After one week it is safe to wear makeup and contact lenses, while glasses can be worn immediately. That said, the skin is still very delicate, so one must be very gentle when applying or removing makeup, or touching the eye area.

Are there any possible side effects from upper eyelid surgery?

Complications and unwanted results from an eyelift are rare, but sometimes they do occur. These can include bleeding and infection, the inability to close the upper lid and dry eye syndrome. If patients currently have dry eyes, blepharoplasty surgery can make the eyes drier.

Will I be pleased with the results and how long will they last?

It is said that our eyes are the windows to our souls. They can say so much about our health, wellbeing and mood. Because they are such an important feature, a well-performed eyelift can produce a dramatic rejuvenating effect, literally taking years off of a person's appearance.

Even more importantly, in cases where ptosis is obstructing vision, an eyelid lift can usually restore normal sight.

The eyelids heal remarkably quickly and, because the incisions are made in the natural creases of the eye, scars are usually quite inconspicuous.

Upper eyelid surgery is generally long lasting – 7 to 10 years can be reasonably expected, although as many as 15 years is not uncommon. If it’s performed correctly, you are unlikely to require another upper eyelid blepharoplasty for many years. When your eyelids do start to sag again after that time the procedure can be easily repeated or maybe you will require a forehead lift/lateral brow lift.

Hate your heavy eyelids? Don’t let sagging lids prematurely age you. See how great you could look by checking out our before and after gallery of eyelid surgeries.

Banish Eye Bags For Good With Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery

Are you sick of people asking if you’re tired or unwell when you feel rested and healthy? Eye bags can be one of the most aging facial features and detract from an otherwise attractive appearance.

If you suffer from constant puffy eye bags you will no doubt have tried various lotions and potions, eye masks, teabags and cucumbers to try and eradicate them. The reality is that none of these will cure your problem. Read on to find out why and discover the only effective treatment…

What causes eye bags?

Eye bags can be caused by lack of sleep, water retention, allergies or bad health, but more often that not – if they are consistently present – they are caused by excess fat. The herniating orbital fat results in a pouch below the skin of the eyelid. 

Eye bags of this nature are usually hereditary, so if either of your parents suffers, you’ll know where they came from!

Unfortunately, eye bags only get worse as we age. This is because, as we age, we lose facial volume, further revealing the herniated fat.

Are there any effective non-surgical treatments?

The only way to really cure the problem is to reduce the excess fat, however you may be able to improve the appearance of eye bags by using facial fillers or injectable fat to disguise them. Non-surgical eye bags treatments work by adding volume to correct under eye uneveness or smooth the transition from under eye to upper cheek. 

How does eye bag surgery work?

Eye bag surgery – also called lower blepharoplasty or lower eyelid surgery – involves the conservative removal of orbital fat through an incision on the inside of the lower lid (transconjunctival approach). The incision is invisible and does not require any stitches.

In some case (particularly with older patients), the patient also requires removal of excess under eye skin and tightening of the muscle structure. In these cases, an incision is made just below the lower lash line (subciliary approach). Located in your natural skin crease, the incision is virtually invisible and is sealed either with very fine stitches or surgical glue.

Lower blepharoplasty surgery takes between 1.5 to 2 hours and is generally performed under local anesthesia.

To see Dr. Kaye, Head Surgeon at Ocean Clinic Marbella, perform a blepharoplasty, click here to watch a video.

Are there any possible side effects?

It is important that only the right amount of fat is removed during blepharoplasty to avoid leaving eyes with a hollowed out appearance. In some cases it may be necessary to employ the use of structural fat grafting or facial fillers to fill the tear trough and smooth the eye area out.

Likewise, if skin is being removed, it is vital not to remove too much so the shape of the eye is not changed. If the skin of the lower eyelid is excessively tight and pulled down it can cause both eye irritation and damage.

Fortunately if surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon the complication rate is very low. It is always advisable to choose a surgeon who can show you a number of before and after photographs from eye surgeries they have carried out. You can view ours here.

How long is the recovery?

Although everybody heals differently, bruising should subside within a week or two. If you have had stitches, these will be removed after 5 days.

Blepharoplasty is not a particularly painful procedure to undergo and you should not experience pain afterwards – although possibly a little discomfort. You are advised to sleep propped up and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.

How long will the results last?

How long the results of your surgery last depends on your age and genetics.   Remember; nothing stops the aging process, however a well-performed blepaharoplasty will usually last 10-15 years and most patients will usually only have one blepharoplasty per lifetime.

Will people notice the difference?

A well-performed blepaharoplasty is a very subtle treatment – it should not be obvious you’ve had surgery. However, people will notice that there’s ‘something different’ about you. They will probably tell you that you look “really well and rested”. Maybe they’ll think you’ve been on holiday!

Eye bag removal is one of the most rejuvenating facial procedures and will leave you looking and feeling great.

If you’re tired of wasting money on useless eye creams, book an appointment at Ocean Clinic Marbella today and look forward to a bag-free future.

Uncover Fresh, New, Baby Soft Skin with a Chemical Peel

A chemical skin treatment lets you peel back the years without the need for invasive surgery

If your skin is starting to show signs of age, you might think your only option is a facelift. However, it’s well worth considering a deep peel before signing up for surgery.

Developments in peeling treatments mean even deep lines and wrinkles can be effectively treated. In addition, the appearance of skin pigmentation, scars and blemishes can all be improved.

Not only is peeling less invasive than a facelift, it’s also significantly cheaper. Book a free consultation with Ocean Clinic Marbella to find out if a chemical peel could achieve the results you’re looking for.

What is a peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing technique, which involves stripping away layers of old skin to make way for new cells. The process is similar to a snake shedding its skin to reveal a bright, new appearance.

There are different types and strengths of peels, ranging “superficial peels”, which remove only the very top layers of skin, through to “deep peels”, which penetrate deep into the skin and work on deeper winkles.

How does it work?

A chemical solution, containing alpha hydroxy acids, tricholoracetic acid (TCA) or phenol, is applied to the skin and allowed to soak in. The solution reacts with the epidermis, breaking it down in a controlled way.

Peel "depth" or the number of skin layers removed, is determined by both solution ingredients and concentration.

Skin is prepared for treatment by the application of special cream for 4-6 weeks beforehand. This is done at home, by the patient.

What areas/problems can be treated?

Peeling can be applied to the whole face or concentrated on one area. Peeling can be used to treat:

·      Sun damage

·      Wrinkles around the mouth including “smokers lines” above the upper lip

·      “Crowsfeet” wrinkling around the eyes

·      Fine wrinkling of the upper eyelids

·      Keratosis pilaris “chicken skin”

·      Acne scars

·      Age spots

·      Discolouration

·      Some pre-cancerous skin growths

The characteristics of your skin, such as its colour, thickness and texture, may influence whether you are a good candidate for a chemical peel.

Does it hurt?

For a light or medium depth peel a numbing cream will be applied to the skin, but patients may experience a mild burning sensation while the treatment is being administered.

For a deep peel a short anaesthesia or deep sedation is necessary and the patient generally stays 24 hours in the clinic.

Some discomfort may be experienced afterwards but can be controlled with painkillers.

What is the recovery time?

Facial peeling is a non-surgical, minimal-invasive treatment and is performed mostly on an out patient basis, except for full face phenol peels (deep peels).

A full-face deep chemical peel takes 1 hour to perform. A more limited procedure (such as treatment of wrinkling above the lip) will generally take less than a half-hour.

After a deep peel a powder mask is applied to protect the skin while it regenerates. This is worn for 1 week, so patients normally take this period off work.

Superficial or medium depth peels only require a daily application of creams for the period of one month, and the skin normally peels after 6-8 days.

How soon will I see results?

Although skin will look very red, results are visible immediately after the peel; skin appears smoother and unlined.

As the redness subsides over the following 6-8 weeks, it will give way to soft, blemish-free skin and a radiant glow.

Make-up can be applied immediately after the powder mask has come off (1 week), and patients can expose their skin to the sun, providing they protect themselves with factor 50 SPF sun cream at all times.

Are there any side effects?

Skin resurfacing procedures are generally safe when performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, however certain skin types may present contraindications, so a thorough consultation is essential.

Potential risks include unanticipated skin colour changes or skin blotchiness, infection, allergic reaction and scarring. In addition, chemical peeling could trigger an eruption in patients prone to herpes.

How long will the results last?

Although chemical peeling can turn back the clock, it cannot stop time. Your new skin will continue to age, but results can be maintained as long as possible through avoiding sun exposure and other skin aging activities such as smoking and drinking.

Well cared for skin can enjoy an enhanced appearance for as long as 10 years post a deep peel. At this point, you may choose to undergo another facial peel. Lighter peels will lose their efficacy more quickly, but can be repeated more frequently.

Want to turn over a new leaf and reveal healthy, young-looking skin? Take a look at these before and after photographs to see what kind of results you can hope to achieve.