Share this page on these sites
Cosmetic surgery
Blepharoplasty| | Facelift| | Forehead lift| | Botox| | Liposuction| | Dermabrasion| | Dermal fillers| | Thread vein treatment| | Rhinoplasty| | Abdominoplasty| | Breast enlargement| | Breast uplift| | Breast reduction| | Ear correction| | Contact us|
Most cosmetic surgery takes place in the private sector, but here at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals it is based on the techniques and procedures experienced and practised in difficult reconstructive cases.
A whole range of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures are performed by our surgeons. We are so confident of their abilities we offer a satisfaction guarantee on our comprehensive 'fixed price packages'.
Please remember, there are risks involved in undergoing any surgery, and these are explained in full by the consultant in charge of the procedure.
Contact us
A blepharoplasty can be both a functional and cosmetic surgical procedure intended to reshape the upper or lower eyelid by the removal or repositioning of excess tissue, as well as by reinforcement of surrounding muscles and tendons. It is performed to improve peripheral vision or appearance. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is almost always done to improve puffy lower eyelid 'bags' and reduce wrinkles.
Blepharoplasty is performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or from the inside surface of the lower eyelid. Initial swelling and bruising take one to two weeks to resolve but at least several months are needed until the final result becomes stable. Depending upon the scope of the procedure, the operation takes one to three hours to complete.
A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy (literally, surgical removal of wrinkles), is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful appearance. It usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the redraping of the skin on the patient's face and neck.
A facelift requires skin incisions; however, the incisions in front of and behind the ear are usually inconspicuous. Hair loss in the portions of the incision within the hair-bearing scalp can occur rarely. Facelifts are effectively combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and other facial procedures and are typically performed under general anesthesia.
The most common complication can be bleeding which usually requires a return to the operating theatre. Less common, but potentially serious, complications may include damage to the facial nerves and necrosis of the skin flaps, or infection.
A mid-forehead lift is intended for patients older than 65 who have heavy sagging eyebrows and the deepest forehead wrinkles. To bring about a more youthful look, the surgeon makes incisions within the deep forehead wrinkles and removes the excess skin, fat and muscle. Incisions are made within the deep wrinkles so that the resulting scars are hidden and not very noticeable after healing.
A coronal forehead lift is performed by making an ear to ear incision across the forehead and elevating the entire forehead and brow.
Injection with minute quantities of botulinum toxin type-A (Botox) is a common cosmetic operation for treating lines and wrinkles caused by smiling, laughing and frowning. It prevents the muscle contractions that cause furrows and fine lines when the face is moving. Our experienced cosmetic surgeons use Botox to give our patients a relaxed and more youthful appearance. Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating.
Botox treatment is virtually painless and results are effective within three to seven days, lasting for three to four months.
Botox may also be used alongside other non-surgical treatments such as peels and microdermabrasion. The use of Botox can also enhance the effects and duration of cosmetic surgery.
Possible side effects include:
-
paralysis of the wrong muscle group (this will normally wear off in around 6 weeks
-
allergic reaction
-
headaches
-
focal facial paralysis
-
muscle weakness
-
dysphagia
-
flu-like symptoms
-
bruising at the site of injection (a side effect of the injection process).
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty ('fat modeling'), liposculpture suction lipectomy or simply lipo ('suction-assisted fat removal') is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks to the neck and backs of the arms.
Liposuction is not a low-effort alternative to exercise and diet. It is a form of body contouring and is not a weight loss method. The amount of fat removed varies by doctor, method, and patient, but is typically less than 10 pounds (5 kg).
There are several factors that limit the amount of fat that can be safely removed in one session. The procedure may be performed under general or local anaesthesia. The safety of the technique relates not only to the amount of tissue removed, but to the choice of anesthetic and the patient's overall health.
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure in which the surface of the epidermis of the skin (the stratum corneum) is removed by abrasion (sanding). It is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure can be painful and usually requires anaesthesia. Afterwards, the skin is very red and raw-looking, and it takes several months for the skin to re-grow and heal. Dermabrasion is useful for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.
As the skin ages it loses some of its collagen and fat: it can sag and show lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet.
Dermal fillers help to restore the skin to its youthful appearance by replacing some of this 'padding'. The effect depends on the amount of filler used, but also on the patient’s skin type, facial structure, age and lifestyle.
Fillers can be either 'temporary' or 'permanent'. The effect of a 'permanent' filler cannot be changed after the procedure, so 'semi-permanent' fillers have now been developed to allow patients more choice.
In the United Kingdom you do not need a prescription for a dermal filler, but it is recommended that only medically qualified cosmetic surgeons use them, rather than beauticians.
For some fillers the patient will need a skin test before treatment to ensure that they will not have an allergic reaction. The filler is then applied with a number of small injections, and the area of skin is gently massaged. A local anaesthetic is given if necessary, and the procedure should take no more than an hour. Afterwards the area may be slightly swollen and tender for a day or two.
Unsightly thread veins can be unflattering and can affect the face, arms and legs. They show as thin lines which vary in colour from red and blue to purple.
There are two main procedures to assist in the removal of thread veins, both of which aim to cause the vein walls to fuse together and prevent blood flow. The body will simply dissolve and absorb the vein.
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment involving the injection of the vein with a solution. The alternative is to undergo laser treatment that will heat the walls of the vein until they disintegrate.
The treatment is relatively short, but may need to be repeated to achieve the best results. It will take a few weeks following the procedure for the absorption of the vein to occur and the full effects of the treatment to be optimal.
Side effects can include swelling, tenderness and discolouring. Normal routine can be resumed more or less immediately, although patients will be advised to follow certain procedures such as moisturising and avoiding sunlight.
A rhinoplasty (also commonly called a 'nose reshaping' or 'nose job') is a surgical procedure performed to improve the function and/or the appearance of a nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed for reconstructive purposes to correct trauma, birth defects or breathing problems. It can also be combined with other surgical procedures, such as chin augmentation, to enhance appearance.
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is usually sought by patients with loose tissues after pregnancy or individuals with sagging after major weight-loss.
A wide variety of types, shapes and sizes of breast implants are available. Breast implants are inserted behind the breast tissue and are usually made from silicone and filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water). Different implants provide different results. The incision is usually along the natural crease underneath the breast, although it can be made under the armpit, or on the areola, the area around the nipple. A small amount of scarring is expected with all surgery, but this will be hidden and fades with time.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and patients will normally stay in the hospital for one or two nights. Patients are recommended to have up to a week off work to allow time to rest and recover, but the consultant may advise more time off. There is normally some pain and initial discomfort following the operation, but prescribed painkillers will ease this.
Weight reduction, pregnancy or simply the ageing process can leave some women feeling that their breasts lose their firmness or shape. This can be corrected with a breast uplift.
During surgery the consultant surgeon will make small incisions and remove excess skin and tissue as well as tightening the surrounding skin. The breasts are then re-shaped and the nipple repositioned to a natural level. There is normally minimal scarring and this fades with time. The operation may be combined with breast augmentation for optimal results.
A general anaesthetic is required, along with an overnight stay in hospital. Patients normally have a week off work to allow time to rest and recover. Strenuous work or activity should be avoided for two to three weeks. It is normal for patients to feel tenderness and taut skin or numbness after the operation. This is temporary.
Mammoplasty is a surgical procedure which involves the reduction in the size of breasts by excising fat, skin and glandular tissue; it may also involve a procedure to counteract drooping of the breasts. As with breast augmentation, this procedure is typically performed on women, but may also be performed on men afflicted by gynecomastia (the development of abnormally large mammary glands in males).
Breast reduction surgery is oriented toward women with large, pendulous breasts, since the weight of their breasts may cause chronic pain of the head, neck, back and shoulders, plus circulation and breathing problems. The weight may also cause discomfort as a result of bra straps abrading or irritating the skin. It is also performed for cosmetic reasons.
For males, excess tissue may simply be removed through a tiny incision in each breast. This leaves minimal scarring.
Reduction mammoplasty affords the recipient smaller, lighter and firmer breasts. The surgeon may also reduce the size of, and change the shape of, the areola or nipples.
Large or protruding ears can be corrected with an otoplasty, or pinnaplasty, cosmetic surgery procedures. The objective of this ear surgery is to set the ears closer to the head as well as reshape and, if necessary, remove cartilage.
Otoplasty or pinnaplasty is best performed on children between 5 and 14 years of age, as the ear cartilage is still soft and can be reshaped more easily than in adults.
The cosmetic ear operation
The operation takes about an hour. Children usually have a general anaesthetic, but adults can choose to have the procedure with local anaesthetic and sedation. There should be no visible scarring.
After surgery patients normally wear a head bandage for at least a week. Early on, the ears may sometimes feel that they are being pulled tight, but this feeling will disappear once the wounds are fully healed.
In the first days after the operation it is best to sleep with the head in a raised position and take care not to accidentally bend the ears until the healing process is complete. Sport and physical activity should be avoided for at least six weeks until the permanent stitches are fully settled. This is naturally difficult for children, so surgery is best performed just before a period of time when they are away from the rough and tumble of the school playground.
The natural elasticity of cartilage can cause the ears to 'spring back' a little away from the head after the bandage is removed, but this is normal and will not undermine the permanent improvement in appearance.
Rare complications include:
-
infection
-
bleeding underneath the skin
-
numbness
-
slight asymmetry.
As with all cosmetic surgery, it is essential to follow the advice of your surgeon in order to ensure the optimum outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
Ear surgery of this nature should only be performed by fully trained and qualified plastic or cosmetic surgeons and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist surgeons that are registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Also available
-
Laser resurfacing for wrinkles and acne scarring.
For further information contact: