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REASONS TO CONSIDER INVESTING IN BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY
Many women struggle day to day because they have naturally large breasts which can cause all sorts of problems in life; however, breast reduction surgery will leave you with smaller, lighter breasts meaning you can lead a more comfortable and happier life. Here at Safer Cosmetic Surgery, we aim to offer you all of the advice and guidance you should need about a range of cosmetic procedures.
We understand that it’s a big decision to undertake any cosmetic procedure and if you are feeling slightly uneasy, we urge you to take a look through our website. You can learn about your chosen procedure, ask questions from experts and do comprehensive research into surgeons, meaning you will be able to make an informed decision about your surgery.
Aches and Pains
This is often the biggest reason why women invest in breast reduction surgery. Women that are born with naturally large breasts have to carry them around on a daily basis and this can put strain onto their backs or shoulders. It can also be a contributing factor towards other health problems such as breathing difficulties, because of the strain it puts on your heart and lungs. The process involved in breast reduction surgery is to remove fat and excess glandular tissue which will leave them smaller and more importantly, lighter.
Social Discomfort
Unfortunately, we are not all born in complete proportion and perfect sizes. For some women, their breasts will not be in proportion with the rest of their body, for example a relatively petite woman may have naturally large breasts. These women can often be subject to teasing, especially in their teenage years, and more often than not they will struggle to find clothes that fit them correctly.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, whatever the reason, contact us here at Safer Cosmetic Surgery to learn about the processes involved and ask any questions that you may have regarding the procedure. For more information visit our website and see some of the services we can offer you or call one of our team on 0800 622 6262 to discuss your worries. |
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CLEAR NEW GUIDANCE ON PIP BREAST IMPLANTS ISSUED FOR PATIENTS AND DOCTORS
Joint statement regarding PIP implants from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS):
Authoritative new professional and patient guidance for all women who have received a PIP breast implant has been released today (Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012) by the professional bodies representing surgeons. The new guidance provides patients with practical advice on what to expect and their rights, indicates to GPs where to refer different groups of patient and advises surgeons on treatment.
The guidance goes beyond current government advice aimed at patients with symptoms to give additional practical advice for the majority of patients who do not. Key points include:
- All patients should be able to have an assessment by a surgeon regardless of whether they have symptoms.
- If a patient requests removal - they should expect to get this, regardless of the presence of any symptoms. If a patient wants time to make up their minds this should be respected - surgery to remove implants must not be a time-limited "take it or leave it" offer.
- Scans should only be used as a tool to assist patients make a decision and only take place after the patient has had a consultation with a surgeon. Scanning alone is not a reliable enough tool for detecting failure rates in breast implants.
- Reaffirms the surgical association's view that all clinics have an ethical and moral duty of care to offer these patients treatment without charge.
- Advice to GPs on where to refer patients with different symptoms to ensure they get most appropriate treatment.
The document, Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP) Breast Implants: Joint surgical statement on Clinical Guidance for Patients, GPs and Surgeons has been jointly endorsed by the Association of Breast Surgery, British Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons, British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Federation of Surgical Speciality Associations and the Royal College of Surgeons.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Tim Goodacre, Head of Professional Standards at the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) said: "It has been a distressing time for all the women caught up in the PIP breast implant issue. We hope that this comprehensive guidance, for both patients and healthcare professionals, will ensure we can conclude this effectively and with compassion. We must now look at how cosmetic products and interventions are regulated in the UK more broadly so that we can avoid a repeat of this scenario. BAPRAS continues to be driven by patient safety and professional standards and we look forward to the next meeting of the Expert Group so we can discuss these points in more detail."
According to consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President Fazel Fatah: "We are delighted to jointly provide clear surgical guidance that removes any ambiguity about the right course of action, not just for women who have PIP breast implants, but to all those who become involved in their care and treatment - including GPs and surgeons. Our message also reinforces the importance of commitment to duty of care for anyone providing private health services to the public. The BAAPS remains steadfast in our recommendation for precautionary removal of these defective implants."
Dick Rainsbury, President of the Association of Breast Surgery, said: "ABS welcomes the clear guidance provided for patients and their surgeons through this document."
The guidance is available from the RCS website here. |
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REVEALED: PRIVATE COSMETIC CLINICS EMPLOYED ‘UNQUALIFIED’ SURGEONS
The Guardian revealed on Sunday 15th January 2012, private cosmetic surgery clinics are employing surgeons who would not be sufficiently qualified to work as consultants on the NHS. The surgeons are performing procedures such as breast enlargement and nose reshaping surgery with what’s considered a ‘basic’ level of qualification in the UK. In order for surgeons to be considered for a consultant position on the NHS there are mandatory levels of training and qualifications including acceptance onto the General Medical Council’s specialist register for plastic surgery.
Following the recent scare over faulty breast implants, regulations for the cosmetic surgery clinics are finally being looked into by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. Experts working with the health secretary have shared concerns about the level of training and qualification required of surgeons working solely in the private clinics.
The private clinics feel it doesn’t matter, because their surgeons are performing the same procedures day in day out which makes them as good as any NHS surgeon. The private clinics also point out that all meet the standards of the Care Quality Commission, which regulates both the NHS and private sector.
Is this enough? NO!
In comparison to those private clinics offering a service full of sales orientated advisors, SaferCosmeticSurgery consultants are ALL members of BAAPS and/ or BAPRAS and on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery. Not only do they have busy private practices in their local community, they each have at least 15 years’ surgical experience since medical school and hold NHS consultant posts allowing you easy access to research their experience in the plastic and reconstructive surgery field.
The recent concerns over PIP implants has highlighted the reason SaferCosmeticSurgery consultants came together to inform patients considering cosmetic surgery of how to choose a surgeon who has your best interests in mind and will offer you lifetime aftercare following your surgery.
If you are looking into cosmetic surgery and you’re not sure where to start, our experienced surgeons are happy to guide you in the right direction - please send your questions to:
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or call us on 0800 622 6262 for advice. |
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FINALLY - COSMETIC SURGERY REGULATIONS ARE TO BE REVIEWED
Health secretary Andrew Lansley has announced that an expert review into the regulations of cosmetic surgery will be lead by NHS medical director Sir Bruce Keogh. The review follows the recent concerns over defective French manufactured breast implants Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) which has left an estimated 40,000 UK women anxious over the effects of their faulty breast implants.
The government’s investigation will look into:
- how the cosmetic sector can improve the quality and safety of care through better governance based on better quality data collection and improved professional development;
- whether cosmetic products and interventions are appropriately regulated; and if not
- how regulation of the sector in the UK and in Europe can be improved.
The Care Quality Commission will also be reviewing private providers of cosmetic surgery, to determine whether or not they “meet essential levels of safety and quality” and provide adequate levels of support to their patients. Mr Lansley said the Commission “has a wide range of enforcement powers that it can use to protect the safety of patients”.
In the UK general practitioners can legally perform breast augmentation and liposuction procedures without significant training. Similarly, beauticians can legally perform non-surgical treatments in their high street and mobile salons such as anti-wrinkle and filler injections.
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, said: “The vast majority of practitioners in the cosmetic industry are professional and well skilled – but I’m concerned that the sector as a whole does not have the systems for monitoring the results for patients and alerting us to possible problems. I will work with the industry to improve regulation and governance and increase consumer confidence." |
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HOW DOES FACE LIFT COSMETIC SURGERY WORK?
If looking in the mirror is beginning to leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance, you may be looking for an effective solution which can help to subtly reverse the ageing process and give your confidence a much needed boost. A face lift can help to rejuvenate your face to give you a younger, fresher appearance, and when completed correctly will offer natural looking results which you can be proud of.
Here at Safer Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to using our expertise to advise people about the realities of embarking on cosmetic surgery. By knowing how your face lift will work, you can have realistic expectations of the results you can hope to see, and minimise the chances of being disappointed by your surgery.
A face lift is a popular procedure, and can help to smooth and redefine the contours of your neck and jaw to give you a more youthful appearance. After finding a fully-qualified and accredited cosmetic surgeon, and undergoing a thorough consultation to discuss your requirements and medical history, you will be ready for the procedure.
A face lift is carried out under general anaesthetic. It will begin with an incision high in the temple, which then follows the curve in front of the top and bottom of the ear. This is sometimes complemented by a further incision into the chin. Your surgeon will then carefully remodel the fat and muscle of your face to create a more defined appearance, before completing your surgery with stitches in front of your ear and metal clips in your hair. Drainage tubes will be inserted at the end of the procedure to help minimise bruising and swelling, and by resting in the weeks following your cosmetic surgery you can help to aid the healing process.
When you are considering having a face lift, remember this expert advice from Safer Cosmetic Surgery which can help you to make an informed decision about embarking on cosmetic surgery. Knowing what to expect from the procedure can help you to feel much happier with the results, and will leave you feeling much more confident. |
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TUMMY TUCK SURGERY: HEALING AND RECOVERY INFORMATION
Your physical appearance can have a major influence on your self-confidence and wellbeing. Many people who want to feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside, choose to seek the assistance of a cosmetic surgeon. One popular option that many people seek is an Abdominoplasty (or a tummy tuck), and as a team of UK specialist accredited plastic and cosmetic surgeons, we here at Safer Cosmetics have a wealth of experience and expert knowledge to be able to answer any questions you may have ahead of seeking tummy tuck surgery.
Why have a Tummy Tuck and what can it do for you?
A Tummy Tuck is one of the most rewarding and popular procedures available. Through receiving such treatment, you can expect to benefit from a flatter stomach, a slimmer overall physique and a boost to your confidence. The procedure proves a popular option for patients who are looking for a solution to stretched abdominal skin (caused typically by weight gain followed by significant weight loss or a recent pregnancy).
The Healing Process
Because a Tummy Tuck involves making two incisions and extensive stitching, it is not uncommon for you to experience discomfort following surgery.
Upon completion of your treatment, drainage tubes will be placed under the skin in order to collect any excess fluids. This can be removed after a day or two whilst post-surgery dressing should be worn for about a week.
Where necessary, to aid the healing process your surgeon may recommend you wear a special garment for around 3 weeks.
As mentioned, after surgery it is not uncommon to experience abdominal discomforts and tightness – this can be treated with painkillers, although aspirin should be avoided as this can promote bleeding.
Any swelling and bruising will disappear after about 6 weeks. For a complete recovery, it is recommended that you take at least two weeks off work to rest.
At Safer Cosmetics we highly recommend that when finding a surgeon to carry out Tummy Tuck surgery, you ensure they are members of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and carry the relevant accreditations. If you would like to learn more about any form of cosmetic surgery, call us today on 0800 622 6262. |
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PIP IMPLANTS UNDER INVESTIGATION AGAIN
In 2009, French manufactured implants - Poly Implants Prothèses (PIPs) - were brought to the attention of the French government agency (AFSSAPS), who are responsible for the safety standards in medical equipment. AFSSAPS received a number of complaints about the cheap implants after surgeons noticed a much higher rupture rate compared to more expensive brands – 10 per cent of PIP implants ruptured within a year.
It has been estimated up to 50,000 British women – some breast cancer survivors – have the PIP implants. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in Britain- who are responsible for the safety of drugs and medical devices in the UK, have told surgeons to stop using the cheap implants whilst thorough investigations are undertaken to establish if the leaking silicone gel is potentially harmful.
Following initial tests carried out on the French manufactured implants, the MHRA reassured patients there is ‘no current evidence’ of a health risk and tests appeared to rule out any risk of cancer or poisoning.
However, the MHRA announced this month it’s feared breast implants may be linked to a patient in France who died from a rare form of cancer. The French Society of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons say the gel could have been an ‘aggravating factor’ in the cancer - although there has not been a confirmed link at present.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) urged women not to worry. President of BAAPS and consultant plastic surgeon Fazel Fatah advises UK women: “It is important to remember that the number of breast implant patients globally is considered to be higher than 10 million, yet these tumours are extremely rare. The risk of death is just 1 in 2 Million from it and cure available for 94% of sufferers, so women should continue to feel that their implants are safe. The cause is still unknown and is probably the result of a number of rare different factors, partly genetic, coming together in the afflicted women.”
If you are concerned about your implants, SaferCosmeticSurgery members reiterate BAAPS advice; contact your surgeon for an examination or seek advice from an experience plastic surgeon. If there is any sign of weakening of your implants or if they have ruptured and are leaking silicone, the implants should be removed.
Our experienced consultant plastic surgeons are happy to answer any of your questions about breast augmentation and breast implants. Please feel free to call us on 0800 622 6262 or send your questions to
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MALE AND FEMALE BREAST REDUCTION IN LONDON
Body image is a constant source of self-consciousness for many in today’s society, with appearance playing a large part in our personal and working success. If you experience discomfort or a lack of confidence in your appearance, then you are not alone. There are many individuals in your position, and many of them have found cosmetic surgery to be a viable option, which resolves their worries surrounding their personal appearance. Understandably, breasts are typically a key cause for concern for both men and women, which is why breast reduction surgery is available for men and women throughout the UK.
Here at Safer Cosmetic Surgery we appreciate that it can be a daunting prospect trying to make the decision of whether or not to resort to surgery, especially for men who may feel anxious about what their friends and family may think. It is precisely for this reason that if you are considering a breast reduction, you should speak to a BAPRAS and BAAPS approved surgeon.
A fully qualified surgeon will arrange for a consultation, which is designed so that you have the opportunity to talk through the various risks with this type of operation, the application of the operation itself, and the recovery period.
The recovery period varies for every individual; for a breast reduction it typically requires an overnight stay in the hospital, which allows you to enjoy the various facilities at your disposal, whether you want to relax and watch a spot of TV or sit back and read a book. However, directly following the procedure your surgeon will advise you on what you can and cannot do, and physical exercise is usually prohibited for the first two weeks.
If you are seriously considering a breast reduction then we here at Safer Cosmetic Surgery would advise that you carry out some research into the procedure itself, and assess whether you think that this is the right option for you. For more information, visit our website today or call us on 0800 622 6262. |
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GROUPON COSMETIC SURGERY DEAL BANNED
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) have banned an advert placed on the popular website - Groupon. Hotels, restaurants and beauty salons use Groupon to send promotional emails to their customers; the discounted offers are often on a time restriction and must be bought and used within a certain time frame.
Recently the ASA received a complaint about an advert on Groupon from a clinic in Manchester offering discount of over 50% on cosmetic surgery. Receivers of the email were given a deadline of midnight to pay for the cosmetic surgery voucher in order to secure their discount. Not only did the discount voucher have to be purchased before midnight but the surgery had to have taken place within 6 months.
A customer of a similar cosmetic surgery voucher posted a comment on the SoFeminine forum about her experience: “I am posting on here because I have been ripped off by Groupon when I bought a recent liposuction deal, I paid £1500 through Groupon and paid by paypal, I booked an appointment 4 weeks after the offer date but then after the consultation decided against going ahead with the surgery, now because I have already prepaid I have two options, either have the surgery or lose my money”
The Independent Healthcare Advisory Service felt the deal was irresponsible "because it encouraged recipients to hurry into a decision to purchase cosmetic surgery".
Groupon did not agree and said the deal was available to purchase for 24 hours only, a decision made in conjunction with the clinic that provided the surgery, and that the tactic of a time limit was "an indicator of their business model and was not indicative of pressure purchase tactics".
As ASA pointed out the ethical code run by the British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)which prohibits adverts that offer discounts linked to a deadline date for booking appointments "or other date-linked incentives". The practice also goes against the good practice guide of the General Medical Council.
Groupon have reviewed their process for offering such deals and extended the time limit to “at least three days” on average. A spokeswoman for Groupon confirmed: "We have moved quickly to address the ASA ruling and have already changed subsequent plastic surgery deals to extend the period they are available for".
Click here to read our previous blog about ‘Bargain basement cosmetic surgery deals’ |
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