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Cosmetic Surgery at The Guildford Clinic

Introduction

Cosmetic surgery is a sub-speciality within Plastic Surgery, also known as Aesthetic Surgery. It is about the enhancement of the face and body for women and men. It is not simply about vanity or wishing to remain youthful. Some people have a feature that looks out of proportion to their other features such as the nose, or the ageing process may interfere with function as with droopy eyelids causing visual impairment. Small breasts on a woman may cause social embarrassment for that person, altering the person’s perception of themselves and lowering self-esteem. A breast augmentation for that woman can be liberating. However, it is true that for many it is about the enhancement or improvement of already existing features. Cosmetic surgery can be life changing, occasionally radical and should never be undertaken lightly. Viridian Medical has only made professional associations with UK trained surgeons who are British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) registered (see Charles Nduka under Staff - Professional associates). The surgeon will always have your best interest in mind as most procedures are generally irreversible. Prices are not quoted here and must be discussed on an individual basis as no two patients’ needs are the same.

The Consultation

The consultation with your surgeon is most important. Firstly, you must not only be physically suitable but mentally prepared to take that step. Your surgeon will advise you on the procedure itself and its predicted outcome, bearing in mind no two people have the same final results. If you are not suitable or there are concerns that may compromise your outcome this will be discussed frankly from the start. It is your opportunity to ask detailed questions of your surgeon and see some before and after pictures. No procedures take place on that day and it is in your interest for you to think and reflect upon what has been discussed.

Cosmetic surgery and Cosmetic medicine. A match made in heaven.

A combination of procedures starting or finishing with a non-surgical treatment can really add value to a full surgical operation. For example, a thin gaunt face that then has a face lift can look angular. The addition of Sculptra™, dermal fillers and medical skin peeling can put back volume, improve skin texture and give a softer more natural finish. The two techniques of surgical and non-surgical approach can optimize one another and should be planned together where appropriate.

The Cosmetic Surgery procedures

Most procedures require a general anaesthetic which will be undertaken by a Consultant anaesthetist who is on the UK specialist register for Anaesthetics. Some procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic but there is variability on this depending on the extent of the surgery e.g. blephroplasty. However your suitability for an operation under local anaesthetic can only be decided at consultation.

The FACE

Procedure	Medical Term	Brief Description
Eyelid Surgery	Blepharoplasty	Surgery to remove loose skin of the upper and lower lids – or both – for functional purposes or for Cosmetic improvement.
Nose Reshaping	Rhinoplasty	To reduce a high bridge, slim down contours, reduce a long nose.
Face Lift		Remove excessive skin from the mid or lower face and thereby restoring a more youthful appearance.
Brow Lift		Raise low brows to a higher position to “open up” the eye area.
Ear Correction	Pinnaplasty	Reshape the ear, pin back “bat ears”.
Neck Lift		Lift the neck by removing excess skin usually as a result of the ageing process.

The Body - for Women

Procedure	Medical Term	Brief Description
Breast enhancement		Increase the cup size and improve the shape of a small breast.
Breast shape alteration	Mastopexy	Lift the breast, perhaps reduce its volume or remove excess skin through surgery. Usually needs repositioning of the nipple.
Breast reduction		Changing the shape and size of the breast by reducing the fat around the breast tissue. Usually needs reposition of the nipple to give a natural looking result.
Breast augmentation		Using implants to increase the size of the breast.
Breast reconstruction		Usually enhancing the size of the breast, as a result of breast disease. Using a specialised “flap” and implant.
Tummy tuck	Abdominoplasty	To reduce redundant skin and fatty tissue usually as a result of weight loss or pregnancy.
Liposuction		Various forms of body contouring to the abdomen, legs, flanks, hips by reducing fatty deposits and improving the silhouette and line.

Face Body Surgery for men

As above with the exception of breast surgery.

Some men have problems with gynaecomastia, a medical condition where the breast tissue overgrows and forms a breast shape. This can be dealt with surgically.