FACE TREATMENTS
Our facial appearance is constantly on display and integral to the way we express ourselves. The skin and structure of the face, eyes, nose and ears can be rejuvenated by non surgical methods (botox and fillers) as well as surgery. After assessment, recommendations will be made about possible treatments, their advantages and limitations.
NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS
BOTOX
What is botox?
Botox is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium (Botox). A tiny amount is injected into selected muscles, temporarily reducing the contractions that cause wrinkles.
How does it work?
It temporarily stops some of the facial the muscles from working. If your wrinkles are there even when you are not frowning, then they will not completely disappear with botox. I prefer to use small doses to give a natural and balanced appearance, rather than a ‘frozen’ look.
How long does botox treatment take?
20 – 30 minutes
Will I need any Anaesthetic?
No, the needles used to inject botox are very small and there is hardly any discomfort.
How long does it take to recover?
Most people recover immediately and have no after effects. Occasionally a small bruise develops, which resolves over the next few days.
Will I see the results straight away?
No, the effects usually develop over 3 – 7 days.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You should avoid blood thinners (aspirin) for the first 24 hours and avoid massaging your face vigorously after the procedure. Normal activities are not restricted
How long will the effects last?
The effects last for 3 – 6 months. The results of such treatment are not permanent; it is usual to repeat the treatment every three to four months to maintain and build upon the original results.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
Review at any time if you have any concerns.
How much does it cost?
A general guide on fees is available here »
http://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures/botulinum-toxin-injections\
FILLERS
What are fillers?
Fillers can be used to augment the face to reduce hollows and smooth wrinkles. They can be made from a variety of substances and can be temporary or permanent.
Which type of fillers are available?
Fillers made from hyaluronic acid, which exists naturally in the body, are used. They are hypoallergenic and attract water, thereby plumping the tissues.
Which areas are treated with fillers?
Any area where the volume is reduced can be treated.
How long does the treatment take?
About 20 – 30 minutes
Will I need any anaesthetic?
Usually filler injections are very well tolerated although anaesthetic creams and injections are available if required.
Will I see the results straight away?
Yes, some improvement will be seen straight away.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You should avoid blood thinners (aspirin) for the first 24 hours and avoid massaging your face vigorously after the procedure. Normal activities are not restricted
How long will the effects last?
The effects last for 3 – 12 months, depending on which filler is used. The results of such treatment are not permanent; it is usual to repeat if required.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
Review at any time if you have any concerns.
How much does it cost?
A general guide on fees is available here »
FACELIFT
How long will the operation take?
About 3 - 6 hours
Will I need a General Anaesthetic?
Yes, you are asleep for the operation
How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?
You need to stay in hospital for 1 night after the surgery.
Will it be painful afterwards and how long do I have to have off work?
Swelling, bruising and some pain are usual for the first 2-3 days afterwards and gradually improve over the next 10 days. You will also have some temporary numbness and skin irregularity. You will need one to four weeks off work.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You can walk straight after the surgery and do gentle exercise after 4 weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks after surgery.
What are the risks of the operation?
Any operation carries some risks. Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and temporarily skin irregularity are common. Infection, bad scarring, asymmetry, bleeding, permanent numbness, permanent nerve damage affecting the facial movement and slow healing are uncommon.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
Review at any time if you have any concerns. Routinely at 1 and 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Scars continue to settle for 18-24 months.
How much will it cost?
A general guide on fees is available here »
For more information: http://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures/facelifts
BROW LIFT
How long will the operation take?
About one hour
Will I need a General Anaesthetic?
Yes, you are asleep for the operation
How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?
You need to stay in hospital for one night after the surgery.
Will it be painful afterwards and how long do I have to have off work?
Swelling, bruising and some pain are usual for the first 2-3 days afterwards and gradually improve over the next 10 days. You may also have some temporary numbness and skin irregularity. You will need one to two weeks off work.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You can walk straight after the surgery and do gentle exercise after 4 weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks after surgery.
What are the risks of the operation?
Any operation carries some risks. Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and temporarily skin irregularity are common. Infection, bad scarring, asymmetry, bleeding, permanent numbness and permanent nerve damage are uncommon.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
Review at any time if you have any concerns. Routinely at 1 and 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Scars continue to settle for 18-24 months.
How much does it cost?
A general guide on fees is available here »
EYELID REDUCTION / REMOVAL EYEBAGS / BLEPHAROPLASTY
How long will the operation take?
1 - 2 hours depending on the extent of surgery.
Will I need a General Anaesthetic?
Yes, you are asleep for the operation, although upper eyelids alone can be corrected with local anaesthesia
How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?
Day case or one night depending on the extent of surgery and your recovery.
Will it be painful afterwards and how long do I have to have off work?
Swelling, bruising and some pain are usual for the first 2-3 days afterwards and gradually improve over the next 10 days. You may also have some temporary numbness and skin irregularity. You will need one to two weeks off work.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You can walk straight after the surgery and do gentle exercise after 4 weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks after surgery.
What are the risks of the operation?
Any operation carries some risks. Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, asymmetry, bleeding and double vision are common. Eyelid malposition, ectropion, Infection, bad scarring, permanent numbness, permanent blurred vision, blindness, cysts, watery eyes and photosensitivity are uncommon.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
Review at any time if you have any concerns. Routinely at 1 and 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Scars continue to settle for 18-24 months.
How much does it cost?
A general guide on fees is available here »
For more information: http://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures/eyelid-surgery
LIP ENHANCEMENT
How long will the operation take?
About 30 - 60 minutes
Will I need a General Anaesthetic?
No. Local anaesthetic is used to prevent pain.
Will it be painful afterwards and how long do I have to have off work?
Swelling, bruising and some pain are usual for the first day.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You can go back to normal activities the following day.
What are the risks of the operation?
Any operation carries some risks. Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, asymmetry are common. Infection, bad scarring, permanent numbness are uncommon.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
Review at any time if you have any concerns.
How much does it cost?
A general guide on fees is available here »