Metro News, 27th October 2009

Hardly anyone is 100% happy with their appearances. Many of us try hard to change what they don’t like. There are, however, things that dieting and exercising alone can’t improve.

Stubborn fat in the tummy, tights and hips is a serious problem, especially for women.

An anonymous lady from Halifax had liposuction in 2006. Even though she’s never been big, she wasn’t happy with her tights and hips. She was in great physical shape, had a healthy diet and was exercising regularly but still couldn’t achieve her goals. It was a challenge to find the right clothes that would fit her slim torso and larger bottom.

Then, eventually she decided that liposuction is her last resort. She took a week off from work for the operation and recovery. Then, she had to wear support clothes for six weeks. Three years afterwards, though, she feels like it never happened. “Nobody knows about the surgery, but nobody asked,� she says. “It seemed like a big deal to me, but to others it just looked like I lost some weight.�

Dr. Richard Bendor-Samuel, the plastic surgeon says it’s very important to eat healthily and exercise both before and after the surgery. He admits that patients who maintain healthy lifestyle, get excellent results.

Best Syndication, 22 March 2009

It is not easy to lose weight. There is no facile way, they all require lots of good will, self-abnegation and patience. The result is well worth it, though. Being slimmer means better health, easier moving, higher self-esteem, not to mention great look.

People who lost a lot of weight might find it difficult to deal with it afterwards. Extended skin is the major problem. It is too loose after having lost serous weight. Also fat deposits are visible in some places.

Losing weight, no matter if through exercising, diet or cosmetic surgery, is only the first part of all the changes.

Unfortunately there are no exercises which would bring loose skin back to its “normal� state. Cosmetic surgery brings hope, though. It can give you the body you’re desperate to have.

There is a selection of possibilities to remove loose skin and fat deposits, tighten muscles and give the good-looking body contours. It is the final step in the weight-loss procedure.

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a procedure that tightens the skin and supporting tummy muscles; it also removes fat deposits.

Buttock fit refines the shape of the buttock area in order to eliminate fat.

Tight lift is usually performed on the inner tights. This is where stubborn fat tends to sit.

Liposuction is a procedure where a small stainless tube is used to collect fat that sits under the skin.

Breast lift is needed when lots of weight has been lost and then the breasts look unattractive. The procedure can bring them to the correct position. Also men can undergo this operation if they’ve got extended and saggy skin in the breast area.

Body contouring can be a combination of the above procedures. Cosmetic surgeon will analyse the body to see what’s needed.

EarthTimes, 08 October 2008

The latest studies show that injecting fat in breasts after the augmentation surgery can be safe and shows great effects. The study is controversial and will be discussed in further details by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The MD of the ASPS, Gregory Scott, says that the appearance of the breasts after fat injection would be much improved and make the patients really happy with the results. “The initial implant reconstruction sometimes leaves them with contour deformities or wrinkling, but fat injections can correct these problems and give their breasts a smoother, softer, more natural appearance,” he said.

21 patients took part in the research. They underwent 42 transfers for contour deformities and wrinkling. They had fat injected about 9 months after the breast surgery. The fat was taken from their tights or abdomen. The study after the injection showed that breast shape improved, implant wrinkling was corrected and the reconstruction was safe for the patient.

Despite those benefits, this procedure is controversial. “Should We Inject Fat IntoThe Breast� is a title of 2008 discussion for the plastic surgeons where medical and legal risks as well as other aspects will be considered.

“At this point, there are no good scientific studies about cosmetic use of fat in the breast – this is an evolving issue without any scientific data,” said William P. Adams, Jr., member of the ASPS Emerging Trends Committee. “We need to have good, sound, scientific studies to determine the usefulness and safety of this methodology before we offer it to our patients.”

Two main reasons for the controversy are that fat in the breasts can obscure mammograms and be mistaken for fibrous cancer growths and surgeons do not know how much fat is needed to enlarge the breasts, how much of it will the body absorb and how much time it will take.

About 350.000 breasts enlargement surgeries took place in 2007. Surgeons agree that the fat injection issue has to be studied to see how useful and safe they are for the patients in order to start the procedure.

Best Syndication 18 September, 2008

Liposuction as a quick way of loosing fat, is a very common cosmetic surgery these days. Thanks to the procedure the flat tummy and slim lights are possible to achieve.

The surgery is safer than other weight-loss operations but patients need to be aware of the potential risks.

The benefits of the liposuction are numerous. The surgery can be seen as a body sculpture as the doctor shapes the chosen parts. One of the differences between liposuction and other weight-loss surgeries is that here the last effect depends more on patients.

Patients are very active in the whole procedure as they tell the surgeon not only which parts of their body they want to be changed but also how these parts they want to look. Another great thing is that the results of this operation are quick. After only a few hours a new flat and smooth body can be seen.

Liposuction is a very good solution for all those who have tried diets and exercising with no results. Such patients will be amazed to see they can fit into their clothes or even wear the ones they could never wear before.

Unfortunately this surgery also carries risks. Whereas some of them might be quite serious, the others are not too much of a problem.

After the surgery the patients are given antibiotics to prevent the infection. One of the major problems is that some patients still get them even being given antibiotics. The infections can be quite serious and may require hospitalization.

Another potential issue is heart problems. These problems might appear if, in order to keep patients hydrated, too many liquids are injected. If it’s the case, the heart cannot cope with that causing problems.
Patients preparing for liposuction need to prepare themselves for the pain. In some patients it can last longer than in the others.

There is also a risk that the surgery removes the fat unequally if the skin is not elastic enough to snap back into place after the fat being removed. This would cause the need of another surgery to mend the effect.

As all surgeries, also liposuction has both benefits and risks. Potential patients should do a detailed research on which one is the best for them. The best way is to make an appointment with a surgeon who will present the options.

Aug 29 2008 by Lisa Jones, South Wales Echo

‘I feel as if I’m stuck inside a horrible shell’

A YOUNG dad has told how he has become a recluse after being refused an operation to remove four stone of excess skin from his body.

Alistair Preston, 28, was morbidly obese and told he would be dead within a year if he did not shed weight from his 37-stone frame.

The father of one, from Pengam Green, Cardiff, lost 20 stone after he underwent a £10,000 gastric sleeve operation in 2006, paid for by his mother, who re-mortgaged her house. COSMETIC BLISS NOTE: A SLEEVE OPERATION WITH US WILL COST ONLY £4,990.00

He now needs another operation to remove the curtains of excess skin left behind. But Health Commission Wales, which pays for specialised health services, says he is still too overweight and must lose another three-and-a-half stone.

They say his body mass index, a way of determining if someone is a healthy weight for their height, is still too high. Alistair is 5ft 11in tall and now weighs under 17 stone.

Alistair, who has a three-year-old daughter, says he has sunk into a deep depression and admits he spends most of his time in his flat.

He said: “They promised to help me and now they’ve changed their minds. I feel like a slim person stuck in a horrible shell. I want a normal life. The skin is not just on my belly, it’s all down my legs and arms.

“The BMI index is out of date. They are setting me a target I can’t reach. It’s impossible for me to reach that weight because I would be ill.�

Alistair turned to food for comfort at 17 after nursing his father Alan until his death.

He added: “I had the operation so I could be around for my daughter. When my dad died, I didn’t know what to do.�

Health Commission Wales conducted an internal review panel but it decided to uphold the original decision to refuse surgery despite support from Alistair’s GP.

A spokesman for Health Commission Wales (HCW) said: “While we cannot comment on any individual case it should be noted that HCW always considers exceptional cases and will consider abdominoplasty/apronectomy for individuals suffering from severe functional problems that have a negative impact on their day-to-day life.�

Alistair’s mum, Anna Preston, of Bridgend, said: “He feels worse than he did before. If I could sell my house to pay for his operation I would but nobody is buying at the moment.�

His partner Samantha Collins, 24, said: “The longer this carries on, the more concerned I am about his mental well-being. It’s so frustrating to see how low he is. They are looking at numbers but they need to look at him as a person.�

Alistair said: “I was looking forward to leading a normal life and having the ability to go out and work but my life has come to a standstill.

“I’m getting more and more depressed and spend most of my time in my flat. It’s just me, myself and I.�

13 Feb 2008 – www.lookinggood-feelinggreat.co.uk
The perception of undergoing liposuction as an instant measure to lose weight is a “common misconception”, according to independent consumer advice portal Looking Good BuyAssociation.

Liposuction is intended for people who have unevenly distributed fat deposits on parts of the body including the stomach, thighs, buttocks and arms that diet and exercise alone cannot remove.

Felicity Quigley, editor of Looking Good BuyAssociation, said: “The thing about liposuction is that, number one, it doesn’t actually reduce cellulite… the best candidates for liposuction are people who have actually tried diet and exercise, have tried to shift pockets of fat that they can’t get rid of, and it’s about getting rid of it that way; it’s not about losing weight.”

The latest figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) show that 32,453 surgical procedures were carried out by BAAPS members in 2007 – up 12.2 per cent from 2006.

Ms Quigley revealed that a new alternative non-invasive liposuction procedure is set to launch in the UK using lasers.

However, while technological advances in cosmetic surgery are facilitating a rise in non-invasive procedures, she warned that people considering surgery must do their research first and understand the potential risks involved.

The Scotsman 04/02/08

RECORD numbers of people across the UK are going under the knife, according to new figures which show a large increase in plastic-surgery procedures.

The figures, released by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), show the stigma of “having some work done” is falling away.

Some 32,453 people chose to have cosmetic surgery last year, an increase of 12 per cent on 2006, when 28,921 procedures were carried out.

Facelifts are becoming ever more popular according to data, with 4,238 women opting for the procedure last year, a rise of 37 per cent on 2006.

Breast implants remained the most popular procedure, with 6,497 woman undergoing the operation, while 5,148 women had eye surgery, and 3,990 women had liposuction, an increase of 15 per cent.

While 91 per cent of all cosmetic surgery was carried out on women, the figures show more men than ever are open to “self-improvement”.

Last year, 98 men had tummy tucks, a rise of 61 per cent, while the number of males who had liposuction rose by 18 per cent.

Leading plastic surgeons believe factors encouraging the trend include the higher profile of surgery – driven by a rise in TV shows featuring live cosmetic work – and the availability of “softer” options such as botox, which act as an introduction to the idea of face “rejuvenation”.

Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and president of Baaps, said: “This year’s audit clearly reflects the UK’s continued acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the area of anti-ageing.

“Wide media coverage has helped educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, but it is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider.”

Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and Baaps secretary, said that the dramatic rise in surgery may be related to the increase in non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as face “fillers” and peels.

He added: “The effects of these less invasive treatments can sometimes be limited once jowling or loose skin has developed, so this could explain why more patients now feel ready for the surgical option.”

Concerns have recently been raised about the growth of the industry – predicted to be worth £1 billion by the end of 2008.

Last month, consumer body Which? revealed many clinics used hard-sell techniques to encourage people to opt for expensive or risky operations.

Undercover researchers found unqualified sales assistants made false claims that procedures would last for life, or offered two-for-one deals.

Psychologists also claimed the statistics highlighted a worrying social trend.

Dr Cynthia McVey, head of psychology at Caledonian University, said: “We judge people on youth and beauty, rather than character and behaviour.

“We are all going to get older, but a sense of attractiveness should be more than skin deep.”

She added that the increasing willingness of celebrities to admit to “having work done”, as well as the reduction in cost, had helped legitimise surgery.

Cary Cooper, professor of psychology at Lancaster University, said: “Some people have a psychological need to have their nose or their tummy or their breasts done to make themselves feel better. They are quite genuinely in psychological distress.

“But I think what we are seeing is a definite rise in the number of people that see surgery as a way of helping them get on – to get a better job or be more successful with the opposite sex.

5 October 2007 Easier.com

Almost one million (918,000) image conscious British adults are planning to borrow a whopping £1.4 billion to pay for plastic surgery, according to the research from Abbey Loans.

With all those celebrities showing off their beach bodies over the summer, most Britons appear most concerned about perfecting their curves and honing their six packs. Indeed breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic procedure sought by Brits, accounting for 27 per cent of all surgery, followed by tummy tucks with 25 per cent. Rhinoplasties, or nose jobs, were cited as the third favourite area with 17 per cent.

The major reason people want to alter their appearance is to gain more confidence in themselves according to 51 per cent, a further 32 percent claim it is for medical purposes. Two percent go plastic fantastic after being egged on by a friend, and one percent does so to stop people teasing them about a particular part of their body.

Females account for two thirds of Britons wanting plastic surgery. Three-in-five procedures are planned by those between the ages of 18-34.

The UK is still the most desirable location to undergo plastic surgery with 83 per cent opting to stay close to their home comforts. Six per cent opt for Eastern Europe where surgery is cheaper and two per cent of ‘Nip,Tuck’ Brits head to the USA – presumably taking advantage of the cheap dollar.

Paul Morrish, Head of Abbey Loans, commented: “Whether striving for visible perfection or as part of a medical treatment, plastic surgery is getting more and more popular amongst Britons. We are seeing an increase in requests to borrow for plastic surgery and with Abbey offering a competitive loan rates, starting at 7.9% APR on internet loans, we’d be more than happy to speak to anyone who is seriously considering cosmetic procedures.�

The Sunday Times October 14, 2007
These days it’s not just women who are opting for a nip or tuck. Since 2004, the number of men turning to cosmetic surgery has more than doubled to about 2,500 last year, according to figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

The most popular procedures are nose jobs (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), liposuction, ear correction (otoplasty) and face or neck lifts. Many people expect surgery to change their life, improve their job prospects or fix a relationship, but this is not necessarily the case. About half the men who have nose jobs aren’t happy with the immediate results, warns BAAPS.

more http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article2642484.ece

Channel 4 News 16/10/07
Less than one in ten women who lose weight by dieting manage to keep it off, according to a new survey.

Only 9% diet successfully while the remaining 91% put the fat back on and are doomed to a cycle of calorie counting for the rest of their lives.

Researchers found women used a range of substances – including class A drugs – to lose weight. Almost four out of 10 (37%) had tried slimming pills, laxatives (26%) and amphetamines or cocaine (15%).

Three out of 10 (31%) women admitted they had made themselves sick after eating and one in ten (10%) said they would have a gastric band fitted.

More than eight out of ten (82%) of those questioned had dieted. Almost a third (32%) counted the calories all the time, a further 20% watched what they ate every month, 11% three or four times a year, 6% twice a year and 13% once a year. Only 18% of women never tried to diet.

The survey of 2,000 people, commissioned by women’s magazine Now, revealed that only 2% of those questioned were happy with their body while the average woman would spend £11,000 for a better one.

Now editor Helen Johnston said: “Women today have a shocking relationship with food and are living a binge/purge lifestyle. Six out of 10 British women are so hooked on quick fix diets they say they no longer know how to eat normally.”

She added: “Body image is the female curse of the 21st Century. Whatever a woman’s achievements in life, her whole self image is totally bound up in her body shape.”

A third of women said they would give up sex to be slim forever and 86% said they would rather drop a dress size than sleep with David Beckham.

Just over half the women said they would have cosmetic surgery, now or in the future. The three most popular treatments were liposuction, tummy tuck and breast enhancement.