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  • The Harley Medical Groups' A - Z of cosmetic surgery


    An Extensive Guide of All You Need To Know
    Cosmetic surgery is booming despite the credit crunch, now the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, The Harley Medical Group celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. During this time, the industry has seen a huge rise in demand, so in order to help patients keep track of the changes in cosmetic surgery, doctors and nurses across The Harley Medical Group’s 22 clinics nationwide have put together an A-Z guide of cosmetic surgery. For more information visit www.harleymedical.co.uk.

    A is for Aesthera PPx
    Aesthera PPx is a highly effective and safe procedure treating a wide range of skin conditions from acne to sun spots and from facial thread veins and freckles to hair removal. This vacuum and light based treatment is compatible with all skin types and the procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Aesthera PPx is the latest development in light based technology also known as Photopneumatic Therapy and is the first treatment on the market that alters the optics of the skin. The efficient use of light energy in the procedure means the treatment is virtually pain free and can be performed far quicker than any other available treatment. Aesthera PPx is the perfect treatment for a speedy lunch time cosmetic fix. Effects last for several months.

    B is for Botox and Breast Augmentation
    Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure conducted at The Harley Medical Group, making up 32% of all procedures undertaken in 2007 across the group’s 19 clinics.

    Breast Augmentation was first performed in 1895 and is today the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure for women. 32% of all cosmetic surgery operations performed at The Harley Medical Group are Breast Augmentations and in 2007 the Group reported a 39% year on year increase in this treatment. During the procedure an incision is made in the crease of the underside of the breast and the implant is inserted into a pocket created by the surgeon. The result is fuller and more evenly shaped breasts. The treatment takes around one hour to perform and a general anaesthetic will be administered to the patient.

    Botox is the second most popular procedure for both men and women after Laser Hair Removal at The Harley Medical Group. The procedure saw a 51% increase in popularity amongst patients in 2007. Botox was first introduced to the UK in the 1980s and over the past 20 years the treatment has grown exponentially. The treatment consists of an injection of Botox or Vitable muscle relaxant directly into the muscle causing the wrinkle, paralysing it resulting in smoother, tighter and more youthful looking skin.

    C is for Consultation
    Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, patients should make sure they receive a consultation from their cosmetic surgery provider. It is standard procedure at The Harley Medical Group for all patients to undergo an in-depth consultation with a fully qualified nurse counsellor. The nurse counsellor will explain each stage of the chosen procedure from the consultation with the surgeon through to the post-operative, follow-up and recovery period. The nurse will discuss in detail the clinical aspects of the procedure, answering any questions and concerns that a patient may have and ensure their decision has been properly considered.

    D is for Detox
    In order to achieve the best results from a cosmetic procedure, it is advisable to prepare the body thoroughly before surgery. Angie Best, Celebrity Trainer and Nutritionist to the stars, has created a pre and post surgery diet and exercise plan exclusively for The Harley Medical Group. The plan provides dietary and nutritional advice for patients to ensure that their body is in an optimum state for the surgery e.g. recommending a special detox diet and stopping smoking a week before surgery to boost the immune system. Regular exercise is also recommended and nutrients with healing properties are included in the post surgery diet to aid recovery.

    E is for Eye Bag Removal
    Eye Bag Removal or Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure which reshapes the upper and lower eyelids. The upper and lower lids may be operated on together or separately. To correct lower eye bags, a fine incision is made just below the eyelash line and the excess fat and skin is removed. Upper eyelids are corrected by the removal of a strip of skin in the natural crease of the eyelid. The medical term Blepharoplasty originates from a technique which was developed in 1818 to remove deformities on the eyelids. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular growing by 23% in 2007 compared with the year before and is the third most popular surgical procedure in male patients at The Harley Medical Group.

    F is for Face Lift and Fillers
    The first face lift or Rhytidectomy was administered in Berlin in 1901 and over a hundred years later in 2007 the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that face lifts were the seventh most popular aesthetic surgery. At The Harley Medical Group, 91% of all face lift surgery is performed on women.

    A facelift typically requires a two night stay in hospital. It is performed by a cosmetic surgeon and the patient will be given a general anesthetic whilst undergoing treatment. The surgeon will make a surgical cut right around the hairline, past the front of the ears. Cuts may also be made under the chin if the patient wants to lift a sagging jawline. The skin is then carefully separated from the underlying facial muscles. Excess fat is removed and the muscles are tightened. The skin is lifted up, pulled back and any excess removed. The skin is then stitched back to the line where the cut was initially made. All scars are hidden either behind the patient’s ears or in the hairline and usually fade over time. This procedure is. Effects last between seven and ten years

    G is for Gynaeccomastia
    The word Gynaeccomastia comes from the Greek words gyne meaning woman and mastos meaning breast and refers to both the condition and the cosmetic procedure used to reverse it, more commonly known as Male Breast Reduction. The procedure involves the removal of excess fat in the chest via a small incision around the lower half of the nipple area. Liposuction is then carried out to flatten the chest. Gynaeccomastia can have any one or more of the following causes such as body-building drugs, liver or kidney diseases, cancer and obesity. The Harley Medical Group has seen a 47% year on year increase* in men undergoing the procedure Gynaeccomastia. *2007 compared with 2006.

    H is for Healthcare Commission
    The Healthcare Commission is the independent watchdog for healthcare in England set up to promote and drive improvement in the quality of healthcare and public health. The Healthcare Commission promotes continuous improvement in the cosmetic services provided by the NHS and independent healthcare organizations by being an authoritative and trusted source of information and ensuring this information is used to drive improvement. All of The Harley Medical Group clinics are registered with the Healthcare Commission.

    I is for Implants
    Implants are used in breast augmentation, chin lift and face lift cosmetic procedures. To increase the size of the breasts, implants are surgically inserted behind the natural breast tissue. There are two types of implants, silicon and saline. Silicone implants were first developed in 1961 by two plastic surgeons in Houston, Texas and the first implant was used in 1962. Silicone implants are more widely used as they give a more natural shape and feel. For chin lifts, the implant is positioned beneath the skin through an incision made from inside the mouth or below the chin and fixed with dissolvable sutures.

    J is for Jaw Line
    Chin implants help those with a receding jaw line achieve a stronger angular profile. A chin lift procedure involves an implant being positioned beneath the skin through an incision made from the mouth or below the chin. They are administered under general aesthetic by a cosmetic surgeon and help to give better proportioned and more balanced features. The Harley Medical Group reported a 44% increase in chin lift procedures in 2007 compared with 2006.

    K is for Keratin
    Keratin is the dominant protein in the skin, hair and nails and contributes to the rigidity of the skin. The level of keratin in the skin decreases with age causing wrinkles. The Harley Medical Group offers a number of rejuvenating procedures that can help reserve this effect.

    L is for Liposuction and Laser Hair Removal
    Liposuction is the removal of excess fatty tissue used to reshape the abdomen, thighs, arms, chin, buttocks and breasts. In 1982 the French surgeon Dr Yves-Gerard Illouz introduced Liposuction to the forefront of plastic surgery, it is now the second most popular procedure after Breast Augumentation and Reduction at The Harley Medical Group consisting of 12% of all cosmetic surgery procedures.

    In their initial consultation, patients undertaking a Liposuction procedure will have their BMI (body mass index) assessed by a nurse. This is a measurement of the patient’s total body’s volume and gives a base line which the cosmetic surgeon uses to determine the patient’s suitability. There are physiological limits as to the quantity of fat that can be removed at any one time. For this reason very overweight people do not benefit for this procedure and are therefore not appropriate candidates for liposuction.

    Laser Hair Removal is administered by a qualified nurse and is a clinically proven way to permanently remove unwanted body hair from almost all parts of the body. The most common areas in women are the face, neck, bikini line, underarms, tummy line, arms and legs. Men opt to use the treatment on their chest and backs. In the treatment a laser beam is targeted at the melanin found in the hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin destroying the follicle and preventing further growth.

    The Harley Medical Group has performed over 100,000 treatments to date, a number which increased by 36% in 2007.

    M is for Medical Microdermabrasion
    Microdermabrasion is a gentle non-surgical treatment which helps to balance skin problems like acne, sun damaged skin, superficial age spots or wrinkles. This treatment refreshes the top layer of the skin by exfoliating it and improving facial tone and texture. With instant results and no recovery time it is the perfect party preparation and is suitable for all skin types. A course of four to six treatments with top-up treatments on an ongoing basis every one to two months is usually recommended. This treatment can be used across all ages and skin types.

    N is for Nose Job or Rhinoplasty
    Rhinoplasty is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed amongst men (25% of all operations) at The Harley Medical Group. It is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure overall forming 10% of procedures conducted in 2007.

    Patients undergo a nose job for one or more of the following reasons; to reduce the size of the nose, to change the shape of the tip or bridge, or to narrow the span of the nostrils, to change the angle between the nose and the upper lip and/or to correct a birth defect or injury or help relieve breathing problems.

    At the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient’s expectations, evaluate the structure of their nose and face, and discuss the options available to them. Factors that can influence the procedure include the structure of the nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of the face, the thickness of the skin, the patient’s age and expectations.

    Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. As most surgery is carried out internally there are rarely any visible scars following a nose reshaping procedure. A small plaster dressing (splint) is required for about seven to ten days after the operation, which helps to stabilise the new nose shape and also protect it from any accidental knocks or bumps.

    O is for Otoplasty
    Otoplasty or ear reshaping is one of the most established cosmetic procedures on the market. The procedure is equally popular for male and female patients. The cosmetic procedure involves removing skin and reshaping the cartilage from behind the ears. The ears are then stitched into the new position with the incision marks concealed in the natural crease behind the ear. This procedure is administered under general anaesthetic by a cosmetic surgeon.

    P is for Preparation
    All patients who are considering cosmetic surgery will undergo an intensive consultation with the nurse counsellor before they are referred to a doctor for any surgical treatments. Patients often research and plan for their cosmetic surgery two to three years before undergoing their procedure. Cosmetic surgery is not something that can be rushed into.

    Q is for Qualified Nurse Counsellor
    All non-surgical procedures are administered by specially qualified nurses (Botox is an exception and is always administered by a doctor). The Harley Medical Group’s fully qualified cosmetic surgery nurses are selected for their expertise and approachability. All nurses have undergone a minimum of three years general nurse training and have also received extensive specialist training in nursing cosmetic surgery patients and associated cosmetic treatments.

    R is for Reshaping and Tightening of the Female Genitalia
    Age and childbirth can cause the labia and surrounding area to change in shape, size and tone causing unhappiness and discomfort for women. The Harley Medical Group offers a selection of treatments to help including the reshaping and tightening of the female genitalia.

    Women who have a long or unequal Labia minora length can have this adjusted through surgery. Some patients wish for a more youthful looking vagina which can be achieved by reshaping the inner or outer Labia. Vaginal tightening is a procedure performed to enhance sexual pleasure for the patient, which may have been lost through following overstretching after childbirth. This is accomplished through a reconstruction process of vital vaginal areas. Treatment is performed under general anaesthetic and recovery takes between one and two weeks.

    R is for Regulation
    The focus on cosmetic surgery regulation has increased over the years. Chairman of The Harley Medical Group, Mel Braham, became a member of the Department of Health’s Steering Committee to oversee the introduction of new regulations covering the entire cosmetic surgery sector. Mel Braham has been lobbying the Government to improve regulation in this sector since 1999. He comments, “The Harley Medical Group is registered with the Healthcare Commission but not all providers are. Many beauty and cosmetic treatment salons are not registered and are currently permitted to use high level Class A lasers and other medical equipment for example that can be extremely dangerous if not used by fully trained specialist medical staff.”

    S is for Skin Peels and Sclerotherapy
    Skin peels are non surgical cosmetic treatments which achieve the effect of smoother, younger, tighter and healthier looking skin. Glycolic acid peels are ideal for treating and reducing skin damage, fine lines, dull skin tone, enlarged pores and hyper-pigmentation including age spots. Many skin problems are associated with an excessive build up of dead skin cells which makes the skin feel thick, look dull and cause the clogging of pores. A glycolic acid peel helps to loosen and remove this layer of dead and lifeless skin and promote even pigmentation and deeper skin-firming effects.

    Sclerotherapy, also known as thread vein removal, is a treatment administered mostly to the face and legs. To remove thread veins a very fine needle injects a solution into the vein which causes it to perish, and, over a course of treatments, disappear completely. A treatment session takes around an hour to complete and a course of between one and three is recommended (dependent on the number of veins to be treated).

    S is for Saving for Surgery
    33% of patients at The Harley Medical Group said they had saved up for their cosmetic surgery procedures. Typically they save for one to two years to fund a surgical procedure. Their savings strategies include sacrificing nights out, new clothes, new home furnishings and holidays to help their cosmetic surgery savings schemes.

    T is for Tummy Tuck
    A tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty is a procedure popular amongst patients who have lost a large amount of weight or after pregnancy and who find their abdominal muscles are weak and the area has become loose. During the procedure the muscles can be tightened and excess skin removed, leaving a firmer flatter abdomen. All loose excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision which extends across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip (across the bikini area) and the damaged abdominal muscles are repaired resulting in a firmer, flatter abdomen. Tummy tucks have experienced a 42% growth in 2007 compared with the previous year at The Harley Medical Group.

    U is for Understanding
    It is essential that every patient has a full understanding about the treatment before they undergo any surgical cosmetic procedures. Surgeons at The Harley Medical Group encourage patients to think about undertaking surgery for at least six months.

    V is for Visia, a Computerised Photo Imaging Skin Analysis
    Visia is a free procedure which takes a series of photographs of the face and then microscopically examines key areas of the skin. The photographs highlight pore size, spots, lines and pigmentation. The Skin Analysis Computer gives a score for each of the key factors relating to the skin’s condition and appearance taking into consideration the age of the patient and lifestyle. This is a non-invasive procedure and takes about 10 minutes to perform. The procedure then enables the nurse to see which non-surgical treatments would be most effective for that given patient’s skin.

    W is for Water
    It is essential to keep the body rehydrated before, throughout and after surgery. As part of her pre and post surgery diet and exercise plan, Nutritionist Angie Best recommends a glass of room temperature water flavoured with half a lemon at the start of the day to help cleanse the liver and flush the kidneys of toxins followed by two litres of water sipped throughout the rest of the day.

    X is for X-rays
    An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation and was first generated in 1891 by Fernando Sanford a professor of physics at Stanford University. The use of X-rays for medical purposes was first introduced by Major John Hall-Edwards in Birmingham In 1908. An X-rays is required before cosmetic procedures like Rhinoplasty and chin lifts to give the surgeon a map of the patient’s bone structure.

    Y is for Youthful
    Maintaining youthful looking skin is one of the main reasons why patients undergo cosmetic treatments. The age for treatment is becoming less and less, reducing from the average age of 45. According to Botox doctor, Dr Julian Northcoat at The Harley Medical Group, many women are seeking Botox treatments for preventative measures. As a Botox treatment doesn’t permit deep frowns from being formed, the creation of lines across the forehead and between the eyes are prevented.

    Z is for Zits
    Non-surgical solutions, Aesthera PPx and Medical Mircodermabrasion, can help to treat acne to leave skin look radiant and clear.


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