Beauty advice on lunchtime surgery

Thinking about getting a quick fix? Then read this fact file before you take the plunge.

By Ateh Damachi  

Cosmetic surgery is no longer frowned upon, in fact it is a huge part of the beauty industry with stars such as Madonna, Kylie and Nicole Kidman all apparently turning to cosmetic surgery to refresh and rejuvenate their skin.

In the past having a little work done was frowned upon but this attitude has now been botoxed away and there is no longer any stigma attached to having a bit of a quick fix. Lunchtime procedures are more readily available than ever with every paper and magazine advertising a quick nip and tuck here and there. With our lives getting busier, we thought we would update you on the latest discreet procedures you can have done in your lunch hour, diet coke break or afternoon off!

Breasts: The boob jab

Macrolane is the latest buzzword and procedure in the cosmetic surgery world. Hyaluronic acid is injected into each breast, boosting the shape and size by one to one and half cup sizes.

Pros
Hyaluronic acid is recognised by the body so reactions are minimal and the effects are not permanent.

There is no scarring and downtime is very quick.

"Breasts feel very natural to the touch, unlike implants, and can be massaged into a shape you like," explains Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi, facial plastic and laser surgeon (lmaclinic.com).

Cons
Macrolane is less effective on those with severe breast sagging and on cup sizes larger than a B.

The procedure is primarily for women looking to reshape breasts, for example, following childbirth when breasts can look a bit deflated, especially after breast feeding.

Many doctors are against the boob jab. Mr Barry M Jones, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, says, "I am against injecting the breasts with hyaluronic acid, as there have been no reputable published papers on the long term safety and efficacy of the procedure."

Dr Nick Lowe, consultant dermatologist and dermatology surgeon, says, "Causing trauma to the breast area can result in nodules forming in the breast, which could confuse any future breast cancer examination. I don't think it's worth the risk."

Downtime
The procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The breasts will feel tender and doctors recommend you take a day off to rest afterwards, so perhaps book this treatment on a Friday.

Cost
Expect to pay £2,200 for the boob jab. The results last from one year to 18 months.

Lips and laughter lines: Dermal fillers

A dental anaesthetic is used to numb the lips and then on average about four injections of dermal filler is placed into the lips to plump and reshape them. Most doctors have stopped using collagen because of the risk of reaction and the infamous ‘trout pout' effect. These days hyaluronic acid (which occurs naturally in the body and consists of sugars) is injected into the lips and nasal/labial folds to plump the skin from the inside out. Several companies manufacture hyaluronic acid, the most popular brand being Restylane.

Pros
The gel is safe, the lips look full and lustrous and the results last six months on average. "Hyaluronic acid is found in our tears and joints, is sterile, anti-inflammatory and therefore has very low risk of a reaction," explains Dr Al-Ayoubi.

Cons
Be aware that there is a big difference between temporary, semi permanent and permanent fillers.

Temporary dermal fillers are made up of hylauronic acid and very rarely have reactions or problems. The semi-permanent and permanent fillers can be problematic and be lumpy and bumpy. Mr Barry M Jones, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon says, "Many of the permanent dermal fillers are made from materials based on acrylic and I have seen women with lips which look lumpy, as if they have rows of peas in their lips. This can't be corrected fully even with surgical removal. Dr Nick Lowe also warns, "I have seen patients who have mixed different brands of fillers when they change doctors, which has lead to reactions. Make a note of the brands of fillers you are using in your lips."

Downtime
Minimal, you may have some slight swelling but can be back at your desk after your lunch break .

Cost
Expect to pay anything from £200-£400 each time.

Eyes and cheeks: Fat transfer

When lines and wrinkles start to creep in around the eyes and the volume or fat in the face goes leaving hollow areas, the face can begin to look tired and older. The latest procedure to plump these areas is called fat transfer. After a local anaesthetic, fat is harvested from the thighs, tummy or jowl and chin, then injected back into the face. You can use the fat to plump the lower eyelids, cheeks, lips and even breasts. Once the fat is transferred into the skin 30-40 per cent stays while the remainder is absorbed.

Pros
The results are instant and it's a long-term solution because the fat stays in the skin permanently. Mr Davood Fallahdar, consultant plastic surgeon, recommends fat transfer because, "The body accepts the fat with no risk of rejection as the fat comes from your own body. You are also not using an expensive synthetic filler which does have a risk of a reaction."

Cons
The procedure is invasive through the use of needles and local anaesthetic.

Downtime
You can be back at your desk after lunch with minimal swelling.

Cost
£1,000 per area. The cost rises depending on the number of areas treated.

Thighs and Stomach: Body Resculpting treatment

Lipo Smooth is a non-invasion cellulite and fat reduction procedure. Ultrasound waves are used to break down fat and boost circulation. This process is followed by a draining lymphatic massage, which is a vacuum massage that helps drain away fatty acids and in turn reduce cellulite. After the session, underlying muscle tissue is then stimulated using a pulse current to help tone the muscle and produce long-lasting results.

Pros
The procedure is non-invasive and you can lose up to 30cm around the thighs and up to five inches from the waist.

You can see results after one session with improved smoothness and tone.

"There are no easy options, but with good nutrition and a stable diet you can see real and results using Lipo Smooth," says Dr Michael Prager (drmichaelprager.com, 0207 323 3660).

Cons
It's expensive as six sessions are needed for a dramatic result.

Thighs are more difficult than the stomach to get a good result.

"There is no magic out there and if something is too good to be true it probably isn't," says Mr Barry M Jones.

Downtime
None. You'll be done in an hour.

Cost
£200 per session - six sessions are recommended. It's also possible to do two sessions in one day

Finally: What you should know and questions you should be asking

• Do your homework. Having cosmetic surgery is not like getting a colour and cut, it's a serious medical procedure, which is not risk free.

• Find a good doctor. Word of mouth is good but also ask to see your doctor's credentials. A good doctor will be registered with the General Medical Council, British Association Of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, The Royal College Of Surgeons, The Royal Society Of Medicine.

• Be safe and see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is a head and neck specialist or breast specialist, for example.

• Make sure the doctor conducting the consultation will be the one to do your procedure rather than a salesperson who may not have your best interests at heart.

• Make sure you are in a medical environment. If you have a reaction, faint or something goes wrong you want to be a proper facility and not a in the basement of a salon.

• Stop smoking if you are serious about having a procedure done as smoking slows down healing. When it comes to fillers there is a chance of getting skin ulcers as well as premature aging associated with smoking.

• Find out about after care, if you do have a reaction or are not 100 per cent happy with the result, make sure to ask if you need to pay extra for after care. A good surgeon will automatically take care of any after care needs.

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