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A
Abdominoplasty
(Commonly referred to as a tummy tuck) a surgical procedure performed to minimise the abdominal area by removing extra fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.
Acne
A skin condition characterised by the excess production of oil from sebaceous glands in which the hair follicles become inflamed. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.
Acne Scar
Scars caused by severe acne which range from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance.
Aesthera PPX
Aesthera PPx is a highly effective and safe procedure treating a wide range of skin condition from acne to sun spots and from facial thread veins and freckles to hair removal. This vaccum and light based treatment is compatible with all skin types and the procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Aesthera PPx is the latest development in light based technology also known as Photopneumatic Therapy and is the first treatment on the market that alters the optic of the skin. The efficient use of light energy in the procedure means the treatment is virtually pain free and can be performed far quicker than any other available treatment. Effects last for several months.
Anaesthesia
A type of medication used to relieve pain or feeling during surgery; usual forms of anaesthesia are either general or local.
Antioxidant
A chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidation
B
Blepharoplasty
(Commonly referred to as eye-lift) cosmetic eyelid surgery performed to counteract the effects of aging upon eyelid tissues (bags and bulges). The removal of excess skin, muscle, and underlying fatty tissue is used to raise upper eyelids and reduce bagginess from lower eyelids redefining the shape of the eye. Wrinkles can also be reduced through blepharoplasty.
Botox
A substance derived from botulinum toxin that works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing the muscle to relax.
Botox® is a purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum bacteria which induces long-term relaxation of contracted muscles. It was originally used to treat eye spasms and central nervous system disorders.
Botox® has been used for Cosmetic Treatments since the late 1980's, revolutionizing the cosmetic industry due to its remarkable results combined with very few risks and no recovery time.
Brow lift
A surgical procedure in which the skin of the forehead and eyebrows is tightened to eliminate sagging eyebrows or correct frown lines in the forehead
Buttock Lift
Reduction of excess fat and loose skin in the buttock region by performing a buttock lift in combination with liposuction
C
Calf Augmentation
A procedure designed to help one achieve the appearance of muscular calves by using implants made of hard silicone which are inserted from behind the knee and moved into position underneath the calf muscle.
Cannula
A soft plastic tube attached to a high-vacuum device and inserted in a cavity to remove fat through liposuction.
Cheek / Chin Augmentation
Surgery where implants are placed in the cheeks or chin to improve bone structure and support sagging, soft tissues.
Chemical peel
A process which removes the superficial layers of skin with a chemical agent to remove dead skins cells, wrinkles and age spots and stimulate the re-growth of new skin cells
Collagen
A structural protein that is the main support of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue.
Consultant
A specialist on the GMC register holding a consultant post in the NHS.
Consultation
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, patients should make sure they receive a consultation from their cosmetic surgery provider. It is standard procedure at The Harley Medical Group for all patients to undergo an in-depth consultation with a fully qualified nurse counsellor. The nurse counsellor will explain each stage of the chosen procedure from the consultation with the surgeon through to the post-operative, follow-up and recovery period. The nurse will discuss in detail the clinical aspects of the procedure, answering any questions and concerns that a patient may have and ensure their decision has been properly considered.
Cosmetic surgery
(Also known as plastic surgery) an elective procedure which has the purpose of reshaping normal structures in the body in order to improve appearance
Crows Feet
The fine lines found around the eyes. They are often caused by sun exposure; however, smoking also contributes to their formation
D
Dermabrasion
A procedure which removes the top layer of the skin to improve its texture. A power-driven sander or dermatome is used to reduce or remove pitting cause by acne and wrinkles and spots caused by aging and sun. This procedure is less likely to cause extreme changes in skin colour than a chemical peel.
Detox
In order to achieve the best results from a cosmetic procedure, it is advisable to prepare the body thoroughly before surgery. Angie Best, Celebrity Trainer and Nutritionist to the stars, has created a pre and post surgery diet and exercise plan exclusively for The Harley Medical Group. The plan provides dietary and nutritional advice for patients to ensure that their body is in an optimum state for the surgery e.g. recommending a special detox diet and stopping smoking a week before surgery to boost the immune system. Regular exercise is also recommended and nutrients with healing properties are included in the post surgery diet to aid recovery.
E
Eye bag Removal
Eye Bag Removal or Blephoroplasty is a cosmetic procedure which reshapes the upper and lower eyelids. The upper and lower lids may be operated on together or separately. To correct lower eye bags, a fine incision is made just below the eyelash line and the excess fat and skin is removed. Upper eyelids are corrected by the removal of a strip of skin in the natural crease of the eyelid. The medical term Blephoroplasty originates from a technique which was developed in 1818 to remove deformities on the eyelids. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular growing by 23% in 2007 compared with the year before and is the third most popular surgical procedure in male patients at The Harley Medical Group.
F
Face Lift and Fillers
The first face lift or Rhytidectomy was administered in Berlin in 1901 and over a hundred years later in 2007 the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that face lifts were the seventh most popular aesthetic surgery. At The Harley Medical Group, 91% of all face lift surgery is performed on women.
G
Gynecomastia
A condition in which the male's breast tissue enlarges as a result of excessive development of the male mammary gland. This increase in tissue usually occurs at times when the male is having hormonal changes, such as during infancy, adolescence, and old age; sometimes it can just be a case of extra fat.
H
Haematoma
Blood that collects under the skin or in an organ which results in a solid swelling
Healthcare Commission
The Healthcare Commission is the independent watchdog for healthcare in England set up to promote and drive improvement in the quality of healthcare and public health. The Healthcare Commission promotes continuous improvement in the cosmetic services provided by the NHS and independent healthcare organisations by being an authoritative and trusted source of information and ensuring this information is used to drive improvement. All of The Harley Medical Group clinics are registered with the Healthcare Commission.
I
Implants
Implants are used in breast augmentation, chin lift and face lift cosmetic procedures. There are two types of implants, silicon and saline. Silicone implants were first developed in 1961 by two plastic surgeons in Houston, Texas and the first implant was used in 1962. Silicone implants are more widely used as they give a more natural shape and feel. For chin lifts, the implant is positioned beneath the skin through an incision made from inside the mouth or below the chin and fixed with dissolvable sutures.
Incision
A surgical procedure where a cut is made in the body with a sharp instrument during an operation.
Inflammation
Response of body tissues to injury or irritation resulting in redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area
J
Jaw Line
Chin implants help those with a receding jaw line achieve a stronger angular profile. A chin lift procedure involves an implant being positioned beneath the skin through an incision made from the mouth or below the chin. They are administered under general aesthetic by a cosmetic surgeon and help to give better proportioned and more balanced features. The Harley Medical Group reported a 44% increase in chin lift procedures in 2007 compared with 2006.
K
Keratin
Keratin is the dominant protein in the skin, hair and nails and contributes to the rigidity of the skin. The level of keratin in the skin decreases with age causing wrinkles. The Harley Medical Group offers a number of rejuvenating procedures that can help reserve this effect.
L
Laser hair removal
Laser Hair Removal is administered by a qualified nurse and is a clinically proven way to permanently remove unwanted body hair from almost all parts of the body. The most common areas for Men are their chest and backs. In the treatment a laser beam is targeted at the melanin found in the hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin destroying the follicle and preventing further growth.
Liposuction
(Also known as Lipoplasty) Liposuction is the removal of excess fatty tissue used to reshape the abdomen, thighs, arms, chin, buttocks and breasts. In 1982 the French surgeon Dr Yves-Gerard Illouz introduced Liposuction to the forefront of plastic surgery, it is now the second most popular procedure after Breast Augumentation and Reduction at The Harley Medical Group consisting of 12% of all cosmetic surgery procedures.
In their initial consultation, patients undertaking a Liposuction procedure will have their BMI (body mass index) assessed by a nurse. This is a measurement of the patient's total body's volume and gives a base line which the cosmetic surgeon uses to determine the patient's suitability. There are physiological limits as to the quantity of fat that can be removed at any one time. For this reason very overweight people do not benefit for this procedure and are therefore not appropriate candidates for liposuction.
M
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a gentle non-surgical treatment which helps to balance skin problems like acne, sun damaged skin, superficial age spots or wrinkles. This treatment refreshes the top layer of the skin by exfoliating it and improving facial tone and texture. With instant results and no recovery time it is the perfect party preparation and is suitable for all skin types. A course of four to six treatments with top-up treatments on an ongoing basis every one to two months is usually recommended. This treatment can be used across all ages and skin types.
Mini tummy tuck
The removal of excess skin and fat; this procedure is ideal for individuals who have fat deposits limited to the area below the navel.
N
Nose Job or Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed amongst men (25% of all operations) at The Harley Medical Group. It is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure overall forming 10% of procedures conducted in 2007.
Patients undergo a nose job for one or more of the following reasons; to reduce the size of the nose, to change the share of the tip or bridge, or to narrow the span of the nostrils, to change the angle between the nose and the upper lip and/or to correct a birth defect or injury or help relieve breathing problems.
At the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's expectations, evaluate the structure of their nose and face, and discuss the options available to them. Factors that can influence the procedure include the structure the nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of the face, the thickness of the skin, the patient's age and expectations.
Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. As most surgery is carried out internally there are rarely any visible scars following a nose reshaping procedure. A small plaster dressing (splint) is required for about seven to ten days after the operation, which helps to stabilise the new nose shape and also protect it from any accidental knocks or bumps.
O
Otoplasty
(Also known as Pinnaplasty) a surgical procedure aimed at setting prominent ears closer to the head, or reducing or correct misshaped or protruding ears. Otoplasty or ear reshaping is one of the most established cosmetic procedures on the market. The procedure has is equally popular for male and female patients. The cosmetic procedure involves removing skin and reshaping the cartilage from behind the ears. The ears are then stitched into the new position with the incision marks concealed in the natural crease behind the ear. This procedure is administered under general anaesthetic by a cosmetic surgeon.
P
Photo-aging
The changes that occur to the skin due to exposure to the sun. This includes wrinkles and age spots
Pre-existing condition
Any illness, injury or disease for which:
- You have received advice, treatment or medication; or
- You have experienced symptoms,
whether the condition was diagnosed or not before the start of your procedure.
Psychiatric condition
A mental or addictive condition, including alcoholism, drug addition or eating disorders. The Phychiatirc condition Body Dysmorphia can result in patient having an unrealistic expectation of a Cosmetic Procedure.
Ptosis
The drooping of a body part, especially the eyelids or the breasts.
Q
Qualified nurse
All non-surgical procedures are administered by specially qualified nurses (Botox is an exception and is always administered by a doctor). The Harley Medical Group's fully qualified cosmetic surgery nurses are selected for their expertise and approachability. All nurses have undergone a minimum of three years general nurse training and have also received extensive specialist training in nursing cosmetic surgery patients and associated cosmetic treatments.
R
Reconstructive plastic surgery
Surgical procedure to that is performed to restore, construct or reconstruct the shape and appearance of the body and facial structures which are missing, deformed, damaged or misshapen. This type of surgery is usually performed to improve function, but may also be performed to approximate a normal appearance.
Regulation
The focus on cosmetic surgery regulation has increased over the years. Chairman of The Harley Medical Group, Mel Braham, became a member of the Health Department's Steering Committee to oversee the introduction of new regulations covering the entire cosmetic surgery sector. Mel Braham has been lobbying the Government to improve regulation in this sector since 1999. He comments, "The Harley Medical Group is registered with the Healthcare Commission but not all providers are. Many beauty and cosmetic treatment salons are not registered and are currently permitted to use high level Class A lasers and other medical equipment for example that can be extremely dangerous if not used by fully trained specialist medical staff."
Rhinoplasty
(Commonly known as a nose job or nose correction) a cosmetic procedure used to enhance or reshape the appearance of the nose.
Rhytidectomy
(Commonly known as a facelift) this surgical procedure is done to eliminate the signs of aging in the form of sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck
S
Scar
The body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin which is usually composed of fibrous tissue such as collagen. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy, also known as thread vein removal, is a treatment administered mostly to the face and legs. To remove thread veins a very fine needle injects a solution into the vein which causes it to perish, and, over a course of treatments, disappear completely. A treatment session takes around an hour to complete and a course of between one and three is recommended (dependent on the number of veins to be treated).
Septoplasty
A surgical procedure done to improve the flow of air to your nose by repairing malformed cartilage and/or the bony portion.
Septorhinoplasty
A form of Rhinoplasty that is performed to reconstruct the nasal passage or to relieve obstructions inside the nose to correct breathing problems
Skin Peels
Skin peels are non surgical cosmetic treatments which achieve the effect of smoother, younger, tighter and healthier looking skin. Glycolic acid peels are ideal for treating and reducing skin damage, fine lines, dull skin tone, enlarged pores and hyper-pigmentation including age spots. Many skin problems are associated with an excessive build up of dead skin cells which makes the skin feel thick, look dull and cause the clogging of pores. A glycolic acid peel helps to loosen and remove this layer of dead and lifeless skin and promote even pigmentation and deeper skin-firming effects.
Spider vein
A widened vein that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
Subcutaneous
A term referring to below the skin
Suture
The stitches used to hold tissue together or to close a wound.
T
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can be performed to tighten sagging muscles and remove excess skin in the thigh area.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck or Abdomoplasty is a procedure popular amongst patients who have lost a large amount of weight and who find their abdominal muscles are weak and the area has become loose. During the procedure the muscles can be tightened and excess skin removed, leaving a firmer flatter abdomen. All loose excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision which extends across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip and the damaged abdominal muscles are repaired resulting in a firmer, flatter abdomen. Tummy tucks have experienced a 42% growth in 2007 compared with the previous year at The Harley Medical Group.
V
Varicose vein
Enlarged, twisted veins found near the surface of the skin
Visia
Visia is a free procedure which takes a series of photographs of the face and then microscopically examines key areas of the skin. The photographs highlight pore size, spots, lines and pigmentation. The Skin Analysis Computer gives a score for each of the key factors relating to the skin's condition and appearance taking into consideration the age of the patient and lifestyle. This is a non-invasive procedure and takes about 10 minutes to perform. The procedure then enables the nurse to see which non-surgical treatments would be most effective for that given patient's skin.
W
Water
It is essential to keep the body rehydrated before, throughout and after surgery. As part of her pre and post surgery diet and exercise plan, Nutritionist Angie Best recommends a glass of room temperature water flavoured with half a lemon at the start of the day to help cleanse the liver and flush the kidneys of toxins followed by two litres of water sipped throughout the rest of the day.
X
X-rays
An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation and was first generated in 1891 by Fernando Sanford a professor of physics at Stanford University. The use of X-rays for medical purposes was first introduced by Major John Hall-Edwards in Birmingham In 1908. An X-rays is required before cosmetic procedures like Rhinoplasty and chin lifts to give the surgeon a map of the patient's bone structure.
