In your 20s, skin is generally free of the signs of aging. Start a medically supervised treatment plan now to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun and environment.
Proper cleansing, moisturizing, and use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily will help ward off early wrinkles and enlarged pores. Mild peels and topical treatments may help control acne. Botox® injections can prevent lines and filler agents such as Restylane®, Radiesse®,and Juvéderm™ can be used to fill out smile lines and augment lips.
For unfavorable size and shape of body features, surgery may be in order. Breast augmentation, breast reduction and other aesthetic procedures can often be performed. Liposculpture and body contouring may also be an option.
Decreased firmness and skin elasticity are a natural part of aging. Introducing anti-oxidants into your skincare routine can help prevent sun damage that leads to lines and age spots. Also, alpha hydroxy acids in conjunction with retinoids and topical antioxidants can restore a youthful appearance to the skin.
Non-invasive laser procedures may improve fine lines, brown spots, and broken blood vessels. Botox® injections can diminish laugh lines and create a smoother forehead. Fillers like Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Juvéderm™ can be used to fill smile lines and augment lips.
Many women find that the rigors of motherhood have an undesired effect on their appearance and confidence. For this group, tummy tucks, breast lifts, and breast augmentation are popular procedures.
For those in their 40s, damage caused by sun exposure become apparent. More aggressive skincare can help combat the visible signs of aging. A combination of topical solutions like tretinoin (Retin-A), AHAs, and BHAs, along with microdermabrasion brings the best results.
There are many procedures available to smooth and tighten skin. Photofacials, chemical peels, and topical treatments are effective in decreasing the signs of aging as well as minimizing pore size. Fillers like Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Juvéderm™ can help restore volume in the mid-face and fill smile lines. For upper face and forehead lines, Botox® injections may be in order.
For those who choose the surgical route, face, brow, eye and neck lifts are very popular procedures.
By age fifty, regular skin examinations by a certified aesthetician or plastic surgeon are essential.
Maintaining natural moisture is more difficult. Peels and light therapy in combination with ultra-hydrating home care can help maintain the balance. Laser resurfacing combined with fillers to restore volume can provide an impressive rejuvenation.
In all likelihood, more extensive facial rejuvenation and resurfacing procedures will be necessary at this stage. Depending on your appearance goals, comprehensive surgery can reverse signs of aging in the face, brow, mid-face, and neck areas. A facelift or brow lift in conjunction with laser resurfacing can yield dramatic results. The payoff for more invasive surgery is a natural, more supple look that is virtually undetectable.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty (also know as a Tummy Tuck) is a popular form of cosmetic surgery for people wishing to regain a flatter abdomen.
Abdominoplasty is designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is an excellent procedure to correct excess abdominal skin and repair muscle laxity following childbirth, prior surgery, or as a result of significant fluctuations in weight.
How is Abdominoplasty performed?
Dr. Dickie performs a full abdominoplasty under a general anaesthetic. The procedure takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the individual patient. A mini-abdominoplasty can be performed under a local anaesthetic (with sedation). An abdominoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient; however, individual circumstances and extent of surgery may require an overnight stay in our private surgical facility at the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Dickie will make a horizontal incision in the area immediately above the pubic bone. The length and shape of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Excess skin is removed and the weakened abdominal muscles are sutured together resulting in a smooth, tight abdominal wall. If necessary, liposuction may be used to achieve the desired correction. A small incision around the navel will be necessary to re-position the belly button.
Who is a good candidate for an Abdominoplasty?
You may be considered a good candidate for an abdominoplasty if you are physically healthy and your weight is stable. Patients considering abdominoplasty should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their surgery.
Recovery
After your surgery, Dr. Dickie will apply dressings to your incision. You will wear a removable compression garment in order to minimize swelling while supporting your abdomen as you recover for two weeks. Dr. Dickie may also place a temporary drain tube under the skin to drain any excess fluids that would otherwise collect around your incision. Typically patients can return to work after about two weeks. However, strenuous activity must be avoided for four to six weeks. After this time, you should be standing tall and confident with your new slimmer profile. Your scars will take approximately three to twelve months to fade and flatten.
Consultation
Contact the Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery for more information on abdominoplasty and other possible cosmetic enhancements that you might be considering and to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Dickie. Let us help you achieve your desired look. We are committed to helping you look and feel great.