male breast reduction

How best to prepare for male breast reduction

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Men sometimes develop a condition called gynaecomastia which is essentially the development of male breasts. This results from an imbalance of hormones or sometimes can occur if a large amount of weight has been gained. The hormone imbalance or the weight gain can result in higher levels of oestrogen than should naturally occur which can encourage the growth of breast tissue.

Cosmetic surgeons in the UK can perform surgery to remove the excess breast tissue from men suffering with gynecomastia and there are a number of things that men can do in order to prepare themselves for early for this kind of operation.

Consult an expert

If you believe that you are a suitable candidate to undergo male breast reduction surgery than a cosmetic surgeon is likely to ask you to seek a medical evaluation from a GP or gynaecomastia specialist. They will assess your hormone levels and evaluate other reasons why you may be experiencing larger than normal amounts of oestrogen (and the resulting breast tissue) and establish whether or not surgery is the right step for you.

Make sure nothing else is causing gynaecomastia

A full medical assessment will also be required to establish whether you are taking over the counter medicines or herbal remedies that may impact on your ability to heal from the operation. Tablets such as aspirin, for example, thin the blood and are not advised because it can hinder your body’s ability to clot properly following an operation. Additionally, some anti-inflammatory drugs are not advised and some herbal supplements should also be avoided because they can increase the likelihood of developing a bleed after or during the operation.

It is important that other medications are adjusted before the surgical route is explored to ensure that the presence of breast tissue is not being made worse by the other medications.

Stop smoking – or at least try and cut down

As with all forms of cosmetic surgery you will be advised to stop smoking ahead of your operation. This is because smoking can affect how fast the body heals and it is widely recommended that you should stop smoking before undertaking an invasive procedure from which your body will need to heal. If it is not possible to stop smoking altogether it is always more beneficial to try and cut down rather than to continue smoking.

If you are interested in a male breast reduction procedure, then call 01926 436341 to arrange a consultation with Mr Alan Park; he will talk you through your suitability for a male breast reduction and establish what are the best next steps for you.

exercise after a breast enhancement

When can I exercise after a breast enhancement?

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If you have invested financially and emotionally in a breast enhancement, then it is natural that you would want to do everything you can to ensure that the results remain as good as possible for as long as possible. Many patients ask us how soon they can get back into regular exercising following a breast augmentation, so this helpful guide aims to help give a steer for what is achievable and how soon after.

The first few days after a breast enhancement

In the first week, it is recommended that you take things very gently. You may wish to do some very gentle walks as it’s also a good idea to get moving, but the key to week one is to keep it low intensity. Do not be tempted to do any core or upper body exercises and refrain from high impact training as well.

In the second week following surgery, you can build on what you have begun to do in week one by adding some gentle leg exercises such as extending and stretching the legs. It is still very early days in terms of recovery, so it is still important to refrain from core and upper body exercises and it is still too early for high-intensity training.

Everybody heals at a different rate but at some point between the third and fourth week following surgery you should be able to add some lunges or slightly more vigorous leg stretches to your routine. You may also feel comfortable using light or small weights to reintroduce exercise to your arms shoulders and upper body area, but it is still very important not to overdo it and to refrain from exercising the core muscles.

Over a month post operatively…

Somewhere between five to eight weeks after the operation you may feel ready to do a gentle jog or incorporate some exercises such as squats or lunges. You may feel ready for some slightly more enthusiastic arm exercises as well. If you are exercising at a gym or with a class, it is advisable to speak to a trainer to ensure that you are not pushing yourself too far too soon. Even at this stage, it is important to refrain from any work that targets the chest muscles and do not be tempted to try more intensive upper body exercises such as pull-ups.

Around about the nine to ten-week mark, many people will have healed sufficiently that they can begin to weave in some high-intensity exercises such as sprinting, using a skipping rope and more vigorous workout techniques. The most important thing at this stage is to listen to your body. If you feel that it is too soon then be patient and wait until you feel physically ready.

Any form of regular exercise is good for you, however gentle it feels.  If in doubt about the suitability of your chosen exercises, it is best to opt for something on the gentler side rather than risk pushing yourself too far too soon at this important phase of the healing process.

After any cosmetic surgery procedure, Mr Alan Park will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions and his team can always be contacted if you have any concerns in the post-surgery period. Call 01926 436341 for more cosmetic surgery aftercare advice.

Advice for looking after yourself following cosmetic breast surgery

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In the days and weeks following any surgical procedure, it is important to look after yourself and follow your aftercare instructions carefully. We have compiled a list of handy hints and tips on how to look after yourself once you have undergone cosmetic breast surgery.

#1 Read your aftercare information – and stick to it

The information from your surgeon about how you should approach your recovery should not be filed and forgotten. Follow your aftercare instructions carefully, and make sure you are clear on which painkillers you are able to take. It is important to eat and drink healthily too so that your body is given the best possible tools to work with while it is busy recovering from the operation.

#2 Exercise if you wish – but with caution

If you’re keen to get active again this is fine, but this will require some patience. Gentle exercise like walking won’t cause you any problems, but strenuous activity and high impact sports should be avoided until further on in the healing process. If you’re unsure whether a particular activity is appropriate, contact your surgical team and ask for advice. Whatever you choose to do in terms of exercise, listen to your body and if it feels like you have pushed yourself too far, rein it back in for a bit and take it a bit slower.

#3 Don’t be tempted to reach for the cigarettes

If you’re a smoker, you will have been advised to stop (or at least cut back on) smoking in the run-up to your operation, and the advice remains the same while you are healing. Smoking has a detrimental effect on how quickly the body can heal, so don’t risk slowing the recovery process down after a breast augmentation or breast uplift.

#4 Sleep on your back

This may feel strange if you’re a tummy sleeper or a side sleeper, but you can train your body to adopt a new routine, and this is definitely sensible as it avoids pitting excess pressure on your breasts while they are healing. There’s no need to panic if you wake up and find you’ve rolled onto your side or front; but be aware of it and position yourself on your back when you drift off again.

#5 And, finally, get plenty of rest

Resting is your body’s natural way of recharging and allowing cells to regenerate. This happens naturally overnight when we are sleeping but periods of rest throughout the day give your body time to help boost this process. When your body has been put under the stress of an operation, resting is imperative to give it chance to heal properly. Although you may be feeling fine and will be tempted to push yourself, there is plenty of time for that and the importance of resting properly should not be underestimated.

Latest statistics reveal male cosmetic surgery trends

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male cosmetic surgery trendsThe British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) is the professional association that regulates the cosmetic surgery industry in the UK. It is a not-for-profit organisation, with responsibility for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit and has more than 300-member surgeons. As such, it has access to data that illustrates the latest trends in the nation’s cosmetic surgery wish list. The figures are in for 2017, and it’s an interesting read, with data showing that the overall number of people in the UK opting for cosmetic surgery in 2917 dropped compared with 2016 – by 7.9%.

What’s hot and what’s not

Breast augmentation still tops the list as the most popular procedure in the UK, and this bucks the overall trend, with a 6% growth in uptake compared with the previous year. Breast reductions also remain popular, also seeing a 6% rise in uptake. Conversely, eyelid surgery, brow lifts, liposuction and face/neck lifts all saw significant declines year-on-year.

Interestingly, the reason for the decline in men and women opting for surgery in the UK last year is thought to be because of the rise in effective, non-surgical procedures.

Shifting priorities for men

BAAPS’ latest cosmetic surgery data shows a clear trend towards men, in particular, deciding against surgical procedures, with the widely accepted ‘dad bod’ label reassuring more and more men that it is perfectly acceptable to have a less than perfect physique.

Former BAAPS President Rajiv Grover, who works as a consultant plastic surgeon and contributes to BAAPS’ annual report, comments: “For men, the media’s adoption and celebration of the more natural looking ‘dad bod’ is possibly a driver in this interesting trend, shifting the focus to the face rather than the body, in contrast to recent years – a shift that has lessened the pressure to sport a sculpted figure and instead, accept a bit of roundness or softness. Society, unfortunately, has a history of being more forgiving towards men’s physiques than women’s.”

It is widely suggested that the media is also a little more understanding of men showing off a softer ‘dad bod’ compared with the women’s equivalent, which no doubt gives men greater confidence that they will not necessarily be placed under the same scrutiny as women. Regardless of this, the love that we have of sharing our lives on social media, it is inevitable that nips, tucks, tweaks (and flattering camera angles) will remain of interest to men and women in the UK for the foreseeable future.

Everything in moderation including cosmetic surgery

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Most of us have heard the phrase ‘everything should be done in moderation’ and it’s generally a good mantra to live by. It’s fine to dabble in things that have the potential to change our lives or the way we live them, but this is essentially saying, don’t push it too far. This sensible approach is true for many things in life, including cosmetic surgery – a little bit here and there is absolutely fine, but some people can become inclined to push it too far, and this is where we need to be mindful of warning signs.

There is now a much more comprehensive understanding that “repeated surgeries can put enormous pressure on the bodies of patients; so a problem that begins in the mirror can end in real physical trauma”. It’s all about getting the balance right, between wanting to look and feel better, and putting your body under unnecessary pressures.

Responsibility of the medical experts

cosmetic surgeon choiceIt is our firm belief that in assessing the needs and wants of a patient, it is the responsibility of the medical experts to ensure that patients are making choices for the right reasons and within sensible parameters.

A reputable cosmetic surgeon will act in the best interests of the patients, and if they are concerned that the patient is asking for too much, has unrealistic expectations or is motivated by something that is causing concern, they will not progress with the surgery/treatments until they are fully satisfied that it is the right thing to do.

Reassuringly, treatments that are available nowadays have improved significantly over the years. Both surgical and non-surgical techniques have developed and improved over time, and we now have a heightened understanding about the effect these surgeries and treatments have on the body. Part of this lies with the heightened skills and training of the practitioners, which is why it is so important to see a reputable surgeon when you are planning on undergoing cosmetic surgery.

There are two important questions to ask when considering going under the knife, and the answers will be indicative of the integrity of the surgeon:

  1. Can I have this done?
  2. Should I have this done?

The answer to the first question is easy, the answer to the second question shouldn’t be. There are many factors that influence whether or not you are suitable to undergo cosmetic surgery. Be reassured that a high calibre practitioner will wish to explore your suitability in depth before agreeing to carry out any type of surgery. A greater degree of questioning should offer the reassurance that your chosen surgeon is following diligent procedures, and not being led by the patient.

Heatwave raises awareness of keeping an eye on your skin

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mole removalFollowing the Beast from the East and all the snow earlier in the year, we have since been treated to the “hottest April days since 1949”, with sunshine across the UK and temperatures reaching the late 20s. Parks, gardens and beaches were suddenly transformed into a mecca for those hoping to enjoy the sunshine.

A scorching May Bank Holiday meant that out came the shorts, the sleeveless tops and plenty of pale areas that have not seen much sunshine since the end of last summer. This quest to get some sun on our pale arms, legs, backs and so on is a great opportunity to give your skin a good MOT. It’s an ideal chance to have a thorough check of your moles and skin patterns, and if anything doesn’t look the same as how you remember it from last year, make an appointment to get it checked out.

If you decide that you wish to act now to prevent issues with moles in the future, there are various options you can explore.

What happens if I decide to have a mole removed?

If you decide to be proactive and have mole removal, then there are several ways in which this can be done. Moles can be cut out with a surgical scalpel, shaved off or removed by lasers. All of which are relatively quick to perform and can be undertaken as outpatient operations – which means you are in and out on the same day.

Get into good habits now

Before the ‘hottest May EVER’ or ‘June temperatures hotter than the Sahara’ are announced, it’s important to start the year with good sun habits.

Remember how important it is to use sun cream, even if you’re not planning on sunbathing for very long. A high SPF will help to stop UV rays damaging the skin so will also help keep your skin free from wrinkles and sunspots.

Mr Alan Park now a Key Opinion Leader for Breast Implant Manufacturer

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Mr Alan Park has recently been asked to become a Key Opinion Leader for GC Aesthetics, a leading global manufacturer of silicone breast implants. Their two brands are French-based Eurosilicone and Nagor, the UK’s only producer of breast implants. Providing more than 1,000 products across 70 countries, GC Aesthetics has over 30 years’ experience in this industry.

Mr Park’s role involves teaching new and future consultant plastic surgeons the art of breast surgery as well as advising the company on developments and research.

His next live surgery clinic will be held on 18th June 2018.

 

Cosmetic surgery considerations

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cosmetic surgery considerationsAll big decisions in life need careful thought and consideration before you decide to take the plunge, and cosmetic surgery is no different. It is important to think through every step if the process carefully before you commit to any decision, as you need to be fully informed and fully prepared before you opt for surgery.

Here’s some of the key things our patients should consider before choosing to go ahead with any cosmetic surgery procedure with Mr Alan Park.

Think about the costs – both up front and in terms of aftercare

Most cosmetic surgery procedures are funded by the patient, so make sure you’re fully informed at the onset what costs to expect. Ask plenty of questions, especially with regards to things such as aftercare requirements. It is also important to consider whether or not you will be able to work properly in the days/weeks following your operation and putting suitable plans in place to manage this process.

Ensure you have realistic expectations

Surgical procedures can make a marked difference to areas of the body that you’re not happy with (and as a by-product, can also help improve self-confidence), but it is important to remember that this is only within achievable parameters. Looking at before and after photos of what has been achieved in the past is a great starting point to see what can be achieved by different operations and how this fits with the body shape you’re starting with and wishing to end with.

Consider who the procedure is ultimately for

Cosmetic surgery is a very personal thing and there is no doubt in our minds that when you make the decision to alter your appearance, you must be making this decision for yourself – not for someone else. Don’t bow to peer or family pressure – opt for what is best for you and your own wishes.

Get ready to listen to the experts

In the run up to your operation you may be asked (or suggestions will be made) on how to prepare your body for surgery – and this will include recommendations such as stopping smoking, as this can affect the body’s ability to heal. The same is true when you’re in the recovery period. Depending on the scale of your chosen operation(s), you’ll be advised how quickly you can begin exercising again, what you should be eating, how long to wait before undertaking any form of heavy lifting, and so on. It is important to listen to this advice as the experts know what they are talking about. Ignoring advice could result in longer healing times or damage to the operation site.

To discuss all the implications of cosmetic surgery, call 07468 418 419 to arrange a consultation with Mr Alan Park.

0ver 50’s choosing Cosmetic Surgery to improve their looks

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http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/quarter-million-brits-admit-having-10629465

0ver 50’s choosing Cosmetic Surgery to improve their looks

A recent study carried out by SunLife to determine how attitudes towards life changes when people reach 50 has had some remarkable results. The overall factor found that almost all of those questioned within the study felt an increased pressure to look good, with many opting for Cosmetic Surgery procedures to slow down the signs of ageing.
We now know that almost 250,000 British people have undergone some form of cosmetic surgery at the age of 50 or over but the good news is that those people approaching the big 5-0 admitted feeling ten years younger.
60% of the 50,000 who took part in the study said they were enjoying their life at 50 more so than when they were younger with 78% of them saying this was probably because their self-confidence had grown and they no longer cared what people thought of them.

Ian Atkinson of SunLife said: “While some over 50s are feeling the pressure to stay young, most don’t actually care what other people think and are happy just living their lives to the full. This includes making more of an effort to eat well and exercise more regularly than they did when they were younger which suggests that far from feeling ‘over the hill’, people aged 50 and over are making sure they are fitter than ever so they are free to do what they want to do. Some people still believe that turning 50 is something to worry about, that life slows down after that – but after conducting the UK’s biggest-ever study with 50,000 people over 50 we know that’s not the case at all: for many, life after 50 is the best time of their lives.”

Six out of ten of those taking part in the study said they began taking more notice of what they were eating while 46 per cent have started exercising more. One fifth said they had cut down on drinking since turning 50 and one in seven had stopped smoking.

For us within the Cosmetic Surgery industry we are not surprised by the research found. Our practice sees a whole range of ages coming through its doors but what we can say is that we recognise that as patients are approaching their 50’s they begin to take surgical steps to keep their looks youthful. Many younger people use Non surgical treatments like botox and fillers to give them the aesthetic appearance they wish however as people age and this skin becomes more lax, this becomes more increasingly difficult and sometimes surgery is the better and more permanent option.

*According to the ONS there were 23, 072,619 people aged 50 and over in the UK in 2015. One per cent of this number is 230,726.

Removal of skin tags

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Leamington skin tag removalSkin tags are small growths of skin that are very common and will affect almost everyone at some point in their lives. Some people may only ever develop one skin tag, some may develop hundreds, however they are not dangerous so should be not cause for concern.

They are formed when two layers of skin rub against one another; the resulting friction causes skin to become loosened and protrude. As a result they tend to develop in areas such as the neck, under the arms or around the groin. They also tend to be more prevalent in people who are carrying excess weight, as this leads to a greater abundance of skin folds which can rub together.

Depending on where the skin tag has developed, these can be irritating, especially if they begin to catch on clothes. If that starts to happen the skin tag may become sore and you may wish to consider having it removed. Some people also may feel embarrassed by the presence of skin tags, especially if they have formed in an area where they are clearly obvious, such as the face or neck. If skin tags are affecting your self esteem, this is another reason to consider having them taken off.

What happens during skin tag removal?

Depending on the size and shape of your skin tag, there are a number of options that can be considered by GPs or plastic surgeons to remove them. One approach is to use liquid nitrogen (the same component that you may remember from science lessons – the one that creates artificial smoke). Liquid nitrogen is kept at extremely cold temperatures, so when applied to a skin tag it quickly freezes the cells, kills them and the skin tag will fall off soon afterwards. A similar approach can be taken with acidic substances which can burn the skin tag off, using similar principles to the freezing technique.

Another approach is to use medical scissors or a small scalpel to cut them off, or restrict the blood flow to the skin tag by tying them off with something like dental floss.

No time for DIY

It is important not to try and remove a skin tag yourself unless you have spoken to a GP or a plastic surgeon and they have suggested that this is acceptable. Although it may seem tempting, you risk causing pain, haemorrhaging or an infection if you do this incorrectly. It is a very simple procedure but should usually be left to the experts.

If you have a skin tag that is bothering you and wish to speak to someone about getting it removed, contact Mr Alan Park’s team today who will be able to book you in to speak to an expert and to have this removed.