Cosmetic comments

This month readers questions to Bella Vou cosmetic surgery on the subject of anti aeging procedures.*

“I have been considering various anti-aging procedures over the past few years but I have a number of reservations.”
The majority of the patients I see at Bella Vou are interested in anti-aging procedures that can provide youthful, natural looking results. Many believe that the way they feel on the inside is no longer reflected by their outward appearance, and turn to cosmetic surgery to help reverse the clock. 

There are a number of excellent options to give you your youthful appearance back, from non-surgical procedures including anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, to surgical procedures like facelifts, eye bag surgery or neck lifts. That said, cosmetic surgery is a big decision and it’s perfectly natural to have some reservations if you are considering your options. 

“Are there any potential risks of complications for surgical procedures such as face-lifts, etc.?”
While non-surgical options are generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon for aesthetic practitioner, cosmetic surgery, like all forms of surgery, does come with some risks including bleeding, scarring or infection. 

However, the risk of undergoing a surgical procedure can be reduced, not least depending on the skill, experience and technique of the surgeon. For example, at Bella Vou our Concept Facelift uses a unique minimally invasive technique performed under local anaesthetic, thereby avoiding the wider risks associated with undergoing a general anaesthetic. 

Before you decide to undergo a surgical procedure it is extremely important that you do your research. Thanks to online platforms like Real​Self​.com, you can read reviews from real people about their experience and outcomes at the clinic and the surgeons who work there. I would always recommend meeting the surgeon for an in-depth consultation to ensure that you feel comfortable with them and to check that the clinic adheres to the highest standards of care. Everything from your pre-operative consultations to final post-surgical aftercare should be included within your procedure fee, so watch out for any hidden extras.

“How frequently do you perform these procedures?”
I have personally performed hundreds of Concept Facelift procedures over the past year, as well as numerous other facial surgeries including eyelifts and necklifts. I always recommend that clients choose a surgeon who specialises in the particular procedure they desire. At Bella Vou we specialise in minimally invasive anti-aging techniques so you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe and experienced hands.

“What type of anaesthesia will I receive and who will administer it?”
The Concept Facelift is almost always performed under a local anaesthetic. A small percentage of clients prefer ​“twilight sedation” and some opt for a general anaesthetic, usually when the procedure is to be combined with other treatments that require a GA. These will always be carried out by a trained consultant anaesthetist. 

A local anesthetic is very effective; after the initial injections clients don’t feel any pain, but may experience a slight tugging or pulling sensation during surgery. For non-invasive procedures like anti-wrinkle injections or fillers you will generally be offered an anaesthetic cream which is applied to the target area. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on the type of anaesthesia you require.

“Will I receive pain relief?”
Although the Concept Facelift is minimally invasive, there may be some slight discomfort after the procedure. Luckily, the healing and recovery time from surgery is exceptionally rapid and you can expect to be fully healed within a matter of days. Any pain you do feel during the healing process can generally be managed with Ibuprofen. 

“What is my recovery time likely to be?”
This depends on the procedure, but with the Concept Facelift most clients are fully healed within a week and the results last 10 years. Due to the fact that the procedure is minimally invasive, there is very little bruising, swelling or scarring. Furthermore, unlike more traditional facelift methods, with the Concept Facelift there are no drains, staples or bandages and you won’t need to stay in hospital overnight. 

To read more questions and answers and patient stories from clients at the Bella Vou Clinic you can visit
www​.bellavou​.co​.uk/​p​a​t​i​e​n​t​s​t​ories or contact the clinic to make further enquiries. 45 – 47 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE. Phone: 01892 257357