EXPRESS YOURSELF WHY THE MINI IS BACK IN FASHION

In need of a lift? Thanks to advances in surgery techniques the new mini tuck is the latest way to turn back time faster and with less downtime.

 

From facelifts to flabby tums, eye bags to boob jobs all can be lifted, tightened and rejuvenated using a variation of traditional surgical procedures but with much shorter incisions and speedier recovery times.

 

These new mini lifts, also called micro tucks, are a step up from non invasive treatments and are ideal for patients in their 40s to 60s who are starting to see age related chances but don’t want the downtime and recovery associated with full blown surgery or for younger patients who are taking an earlier approach to correcting the signs of ageing

 

The demand for mini procedures goes hand in hand with the trend for looking natural. Nowadays, it is less about turning back the clock but more about pressing the hold button on ageing with patients wanting to natural and fresh for the age you are rather than asking ‘What have you had done.’

 

Micro- tox, a subtle version of Botox, is also growing in popularity as more women move away from the frozen look preferring a natural relaxed look which still lets them show expression and to be able to move their faces

 

Breast augmentation, too, is under the spotlight with stars such as Taylor Swift and Miranda Kerr rumoured to have followed the rising trend for the mini boob job using new  ‘low profile’ and subtle implants, which can increase breasts by a single cup size giving a natural looking boost and leaving everyone guessing  ‘has she or ‘hasn’t she’?  

 

The benefits of most surgical mini tucks include using local anaesthetic or light sedation, shorter incisions and a permanent correction with subtle improvement Best results are most often seen on those with little sagging and good skin and muscle tone and who combine the mini lifts with a course of laser resurfacing or radio frequency treatments to address skin tone.

 

But do remember while recovery is faster and these smaller surgical techniques have their place they are not suitable for everyone so realistic expectations are important. They are modified version of surgical procedures and there will still be a recovery period, which is individual, and there will still be the risks associated with any surgical incision. Bear in mind too that if there is considerable sagging they may not give the same result as more extensive or invasive options so do your research and discuss with your surgeon the results you can expect. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular mini lifts though surgeons may vary the procedure according to the individual requirements. And remember, we always encourage patients to do as much research as they can when considering any cosmetic surgery   

 

MINI BOOB JOB

 

The trend for over inflated Pamela Anderson style breasts has fallen out of fashion and most celebrities nowadays are opting for mini boob jobs using smaller implants that them up a cup size or teardrop shaped ones which make their breasts a little fuller and rounder but won’t t protrude so much.  The procedure is ideal for those with a small frame, a very flat chest or older women whose breasts are a little droopy. Most surgeons will insert implants under the muscle and because there is less surgical dissection and the implant is smaller, the impact on surrounding tissues is lessened which speeds up the recovery process.  The incisions are usually placed so that they are hidden in the natural crease underneath the breasts, but may also be placed within the armpit, or in the nipple area. Downtime is around 7 -10 days and unfortunately, although the implant is smaller, the procedure costs the same as breast augmentation so expect to pay from £4,000

 

 

MICRO TUMMY TUCK

 

A full tummy tuck – abdominoplasty - refines and contour the stomach fat bulges and loose skin, but is a major procedure and can take up to 3 months to recover from and cost up to £10,000. The micro or mini tummy tuck is ideal for those of normal weight but with a smaller amount of excess skin or who want to repair stomach muscles and achieve a tighter flatter tummy area.

 

The micro tummy tuck involves tightening lower abdominal muscles just below the belly button   though a much smaller incision than a full tummy tuck. Depending on the patient, best results are often achieved if combined with contouring liposculpture at the same time. The procedure takes around two hours and there is often an overnight stay. Downtime will be up to ten days – expect to pay from £4,000

 

 

MINI FACELIFT

 

A traditional facelift, can cost from £7,500, leaves scars and can take up to six months to settle. The Mini Lift, sometimes referred to as a short-scar facelift can refresh the face, and is particular good   for the lower face, addressing saggy jowls and loose skin on the upper neck.   Results are subtle and you shouldn’t see that ‘pulled look’ or a wind-tunnel effect, as scars are shorter and hidden in the hairline or the natural crease of the ear.   The procedure is best suited for younger patients with the beginnings of   saggy skin but still have good muscle tone or those who have already undergone a traditional facelift and need a little tightening or refreshing. . A mini lift will not, however, correct considerable drooping, overly loose skin or heavy wrinkles and grooves. As incisions are smaller less work can be done under the skin or to address laxity of the underlying tissues, tighten muscles   so the effects of a mini lift are much less dramatic than a full-face lift.  Local anaesthetic is used and the procedure takes around one hour. Results should last around five to ten years depending on lifestyle. Cost from £3,000   www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/surgical-face-lift/

 

MINI EYELID LIFT

 

Belpharoplasty is a surgical procedure to tighten muscles, remove excess skin and fat from under the eyes through an incision below the lower lashes and in the crease of the upper eye. . It takes a couple of weeks to recover and costs from  £4,000. The mini eyelid lift, sometimes called a pinch lift, only addresses smaller amounts of loose skin on the lid and under the eye but will not touch the muscles so often bags and hollows will not be improved and, in some, the procedure of just removing and tightening excess skin can alter the shape of the eyes making them look too round. Best results are seen when combined with laser procedures to resurface and tighten the skin and soften fine lines.  www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/surgical-blepharoplasty/

 

 

FAKE IT AND NEVER MISS A SPOT!

 

 

With the sun due to make an appearance next week, remember the only safe way to get a golden glow is from a bottle but the big problem is always how to do your back when it’s a DIY job. Not any more with the new PHD Never Miss A Spot range which includes a revolutionary magic want technology to ensure even coverage to all those hard to reach areas. To use simply unfold the wand attached to the bottle to the best position and press the nozzle for a one touch continuous spray.