insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 86

HEALTH+WELLNESS

Turning Back the Clock
With so much in the press about plastic surgery, it is hard to decide what is credible from what is
media hype. We asked Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Marc Pacifico MD FRCS(Plast) to explain
some of the terms that are banded about with regard to facial rejuvenation.

Before and after Botox - The patient's muscles have been
weakened to reduce lines and soften her expression

Before and after upper eyelid lift - This has not only brightened the eyes, but also improved symmetry
between the upper lids

Before and after lower eyebag removal - Notice the crepey skin on the lower lids and tired appearance
of the eyes has been relieved

Anti-wrinkle treatment
There are a variety of preparations of muscle
relaxing injections made from botulinum toxin.
These injections are given in small concentrated
doses directly into the desired areas to stop or
reduce the muscles working. This then means
fewer wrinkles in the area. The injections last for
around 3-4 months and can then be repeated.
Fillers
Most modern fillers are temporary and are made
of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance naturally
occurring in the body. They come as a gel in a
syringe and are injected into areas to fill out lines
or wrinkles, re-shape lips and can even be used
to alter the shape of the jawline or nose in certain
circumstances. These are injected while you are
awake, and whilst there may be some possible
redness and swelling for a day their results are
immediate.
Facial peel
Facial chemical peels have come a long way over
the last few years. Instead of the more aggressive
skin treatments that left people needing several
weeks to recover, nowadays, peels target specific
layers of the skin more accurately and result in
very subtle peeling. To achieve the best results
one would usually require a course of four peels
around a week apart. These are wonderful for
rejuvenating the skin, by stimulating new collagen
production and improving the complexion.
Facelift
A facelift remains the gold standard of the facial
rejuvenation procedure. This will leave you looking
fresher and brighter. A modern facelift is not a
skin tightening operation (you will not look ‘pulled’),
but a more complex treatment that involves the
repositioning and lifting of the underlying deeper
facial tissue (the “SMAS”). This procedure will lift

Before and after lower face and neck lift - Notice the heaviness to the neck,
the jowls and the cheeks has disappeared

and tighten the neck, jowls and the nose-mouth
folds (nasolabial folds).
Mini-facelift
This is more of a marketing term that tends to
refer to a smaller, less invasive type of facelift
that may be performed under either a local or
general anaesthetic. It will help lift the jowls and
nasolabial folds, but tends not to tighten the
neck. This is suitable for people without a
significant amount of excess neck skin.
1-stitch facelift
This term is very much in-vogue at the moment
and refers to a variety of procedures all of which
can be performed under a local anaesthetic.
Subtle incisions are made behind the earlobe or
within the hairline. Particular types of stitches are
used internally to lift and tighten the jawline. It is
best for people without heavy jowls or heavy
necks.
Neck lift
This is a procedure similar to a facelift, and is
actually most commonly done in conjunction with
a facelift. A neck lift on its own leaves a scar
under the chin as well as behind the ears. It may
involve a combination of liposuction to remove
any excess fat from under the chin, as well as
internal tightening of the platysma muscle that
has slackened off, giving that unwanted ‘turkey
neck’.
Upper eyelid lift
An excellent procedure which removes the
redundant upper eyelid skin, that invariably
develops as we age. This procedure will brighten
and freshen the whole face. It can usually be
done under local anaesthetic, and may involve
the removal or redistribution of fat around the
eye. Stitches are in for a week and most bruising
should have settled within two weeks.

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Eye bag removal
This refers to lower eyelid surgery (lower
blepharoplasty). Lower lids may sag and develop
excess skin and bags. These are actually bulges
of fat from around the eye. Nowadays, rather
than removing the fat, it is actually re-positioned
so as not to create a hollowed out appearance
in future years. This is more complex surgery
than an upper eyelid lift, and is usually performed
under a general anaesthetic.
Brow lift
A brow lift aims to open up the eyes. A brow
may be lifted just at the outer edges (a lateral
brow lift) or the whole brow may be lifted (usually
using a camera and telescope via small incisions
in the hairline). This procedure is often combined
with an upper eyelid lift.
Overall a treatment plan should be made
according the individual requirements of the
patient, after a thorough consultation with a fully
accredited plastic surgeon.
Mr Pacifico
consults at The
Nuffield Hospital,
Tunbridge Wells.
For further
information
please or to
arrange an
appointment call
01892 882688 or
visit nuffieldhealth.com/tunbridgewells
www.marcpacifico.co.uk

‘Get the Nuffield Treatment’