PERFECTSTHETICS

Aesthetic plastic surgeon

A series of small injections of a purified neurotoxin that temporarily blocks nerve impulses to muscles or other tissues, causing the muscles to relax.  When muscles relax, the overlying skin moves less, effectively reducing wrinkles.  Botulinum toxin injections can be strategically placed for various other indications, including rejuvenation of the upper and lower face, reducing sweating, and medical conditions such as migraine. The effects usually wear off after a few months.

Botulinum toxin injections

The most commonly used fillers today are non-permanent and consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule found in skin, joints and in the eyes.  Several brands of hyaluronic acid filler are available.  They all comprise a clear, soft, sterile gel that is injected into the skin or beneath the skin to soften lines, contour facial features, or add volume.  Fillers may be injected under local anaesthesia, and results can last about 6-18 months.

Fillers

The brows are lifted using keyhole surgery.  Small incisions, usually 4-5,  are made behind the hairline and instruments with cameras and lights are used to guide the surgery.  During the endoscopic brow lift procedure the tissues near the brow are released under the skin so the brows can be elevated to the desired position.  The tissues may then be anchored to the bone to maintain the brow lift.

Endoscopic brow lift

The brow is lifted by placing an incision at the brow hair itself.  This incision may be placed in an existing line or wrinkle to hide it as much as possible.  Some skin is removed and the incision is closed with stitches, lifting the brow to an elevated position.

Direct brow lift

The brow may be lifted or elevated using threads to make the eyes appear more youthful or to improve the aesthetics of the eyebrow shape. The most commonly used threads are filaments made of a dissolvable material, such as PDO, which are inserted into or under the skin under local anaesthesia. Some threads have cogs or cones to grasp the tissue, and they may be anchored to the deeper layers higher at or behind the hairline.

Brow lift with threads

This surgical procedure helps make the eyes appear more youthful by removing excess skin, muscle and fat between the eyelids and brows. A small incision is made in the crease of the eyelid either under local or general anaesthesia. Fine stitches are used to close the incision and these are usually removed 5-7 days after surgery. Upper blepharoplasty rectifies the hooding that occurs with aging in some people.

Upper blepharoplasty

This procedure helps improve under-eye bulges or bags as well as loose skin. The incision used is either just under the eyelashes in the skin (transcutaneous) or on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival). Variations in lower blepharoplasty include trimming away excess bulging fat, repositioning this fat to reduce under-eye hollows, and supporting the outer lower eyelid with fine stitches to prevent it from sagging and improve the shape of the lower eyelid.

Lower blepharoplasty

Fat is taken from one part of the body, such as the inner knee or lower tummy, using a mini-liposuction procedure, and injected into the face to add volume, contour, or define certain features.  The procedure requires careful technique to ensure as much of the fat as possible survives. The fat cells are injected using special blunt instruments called cannulas.  Fat grafting can provide a lasting effect in facial rejuvenation either performed on its own or in conjunction with other procedures.

Fat grafting

These soft, flexible implants consist of medical-grade biocompatible silicone that can be implanted into human tissues.  Implants come in various shapes and sizes to enhance or augment features including the chin, cheeks, and lips.  An incision is made and the implant is placed using sterile technique. Silicone implants are permanent and do not dissolve, but can be removed or replaced.

Silicone implant

A surgical procedure using an incision at or behind the hairline to lift the soft tissues of the forehead. A forehead lift can improve deep forehead wrinkles and lift the brows. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and requires some dissection under the skin to effectively lift the forehead and hold it in place.

Forehead lift

Surgical correction or reshaping of the nose performed as an open or closed procedure, depending on the aims of surgery. Open rhinoplasty requires more extensive incisions to display the structures under the skin. Sometimes cartilage grafts are used to reshape the nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed to make the nose straighter, more defined, reshape the tip, reduce nostril size and refine other nasal features. Rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty are also performed to improve breathing.

Rhinoplasty

In some cases, fillers are injected into the soft tissues to reshape the nose and make it appear straighter or more defined.  The most commonly used fillers for this purpose are non-permanent fillers like hyaluronic acid, a clear, sterile, biocompatible gel substance.  Other non-surgical rhinoplasty techniques use botulinum toxin injections to elevate the tip of the nose.  Some doctors use threads to modify the appearance of the nose.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty

An incision is made immediately under the nose to hide the scar, and a variable amount of skin is removed. When the incision is closed with stitches, the lip elevates, resulting in a more youthful or rejuvenated appearance. The surgical lip lift can also evert the upper lip, making it appear fuller. Stitches are removed after approximately one week. Variations in the shape of the incision are designed to lift the lip in different ways, such as defining the cupid’s bow.

Surgical Lip lift

This fat gives fullness to the lower face, between the jowls and the cheeks.  Partial removal of the buccal fat is performed to reduce a full lower face, or “chipmunk cheeks”.  Buccal fat removal is usually done through a small incision on the inside of the mouth where the fat is gently retrieved.  It may be performed under local anaesthesia or as part of other surgical procedures.

Buccal fat removal / Bichectomy

A lift of the middle part of the face including the cheeks, nose-to-mouth folds and mouth corners. This may be performed through incisions placed behind the hairline near the temple, in the lower eyelid, and in the mouth. Special stitches may be used to lift and suspend the tissues of the midface to improve the shape of the face, reduce sagging, and lift the cheeks.

Midface lift

This surgical procedure has been used for many years to improve sagging of the face due to aging. A traditional facelift incision is usually made in front of the ear, along the hairline, and inside the hairline. There are various types of facelift procedures. Drains and bandages may be placed to ensure optimum recovery after surgery. A neck lift is frequently performed at the same time.

Face lift

A short scar facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts the face through an incision that may be shorter than a traditional face lift incision.  The incision is usually placed in front of the ear.  Different techniques can describe a short scar facelift.

Short scar facelift

The Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS) lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the face through an incision along the hairline and in front of the ear.  The tissues under the skin are lifted using stitches that are anchored.  Some skin is removed near the hairline. The MACS lift may be considered less invasive than some forms of traditional facelift.

MACS lift

A deep plane facelift is a surgical facelift procedure involving techniques that pass deeper into the face, underneath the muscular layers.  This differs from facelifts that lift and stitch skin and underlying layers that lie close to the skin.

Deep plane facelift

A surgical neck lift usually involves tightening the muscles to remove the sagging and improve the angle under the chin, as well as lifting and trimming excess skin. This is commonly performed together with a face lift. The incisions and scars vary, but can be behind the ear and into the hairline and a smaller incision under the chin to access the muscles. A neck lift is a definitive surgical rejuvenation that requires healing and recovery.

Neck lift

Various threads are used to lift different parts of the face, or even body. These can be dissolvable or permanent materials, and have different appearances. Some are smooth, some have tiny hooks or barbs, others have cones. A thread lift is usually performed under local anaesthesia as a minimally invasive treatment. The threads may be anchored or ‘free-floating’. Some thread lifts require small incisions whereas others are inserted through punctures without making incisions.

Thread lift

Liposuction is used to contour the body by removing fat that lies under the skin through special suction tubes called cannulas. Liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. Almost all parts of the body can be treated with liposuction. Various forms of liposuction exist, including those that use suction alone, or those that use energy to assist the procedure, such as laser, ultrasound, or vibration.

Liposuction

Surgical facial contouring sometimestages may include bone resection: removing part of a bone with special tools to change its shape.  Bones that can be shaped or resected during aesthetic procedures include the nose, mandible, and chin.  Bone resection is usually used when modifying the soft tissues over the bones is either not appropriate or effective enough to make the desired change.

Bone resection

An invasive surgical procedure that can be used to create sharper definition of the jawline.  Usually part of the submandibular salivary gland is removed through an incision under the chin during a face and neck lift procedure. The gland can create a bulge in the neck under the jawline on both sides; submandibular gland resection is designed to reduce this bulge and provide more thorough contouring.

Submandibular gland resection

A peeling treatment that uses lasers, such as carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, to remove the outer skin layers precisely. The type of laser and settings used determine how the skin peels and heals. Laser skin resurfacing is used to reduce sun damage, pigmentation, and fine wrinkles. The treatment usually requires some form of anaesthesia and special skin care during the healing period after the treatment.

Laser skin resurfacing

A skin resurfacing or peeling treatment that uses chemicals, usually special acids, to remove the top layer of skin. A chemical peel is indicated to treat pigmentation, sun damage, acne, or fine wrinkles. The depth of peel, results, and recovery period depend on which chemical is used during the peel. Chemical peels can be superficial, medium depth, or deep peels. Peeling agents include salicylic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Chemical peel

Lasers are powerful devices that emit light at certain wavelengths in order to have an effect on tissues in the skin or body. Ablative lasers vaporise or peel skin. Non-ablative lasers usually heat skin without peeling. Lasers can heat collagen effectively, causing improvement in texture, tightness and pores. Lasers can be used to rejuvenate by treating blood vessels, removing hair, stimulating biological processes or peeling the outer, unwanted layers of skin or tissue.

Laser rejuvenation

Microneedling is a treatment where numerous tiny needles penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen, resulting in tighter skin with fewer lines and improved texture. The needles are small, usually up to three millimetres in length, and arranged on a device such as a stamping tool, pen, or roller. Local anaesthesia may be used to numb the skin before microneedling is performed. The skin can appear pink after the treatment, which may be repeated several times for best results.

Microneedling

This treatment uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin and deliver heat at the same time.  Radiofrequency energy passes through the needles in order to provide heat, either through the whole needle or just the tip. Radiofrequency needling is designed to stimulate collagen and tighten tissues more than needling alone.  The treatment is usually performed using local anaesthesia.

Radiofequency needling

A non-ablative laser is a laser that does not peel away the outer layers of skin during treatment. The wavelength of non-ablative lasers does its job by heating specific targets in the skin or tissues, such as collagen, blood vessels, or hair follicles,  without vaporising the skins surface to any significant degree.  Non-ablative lasers usually do not have the recovery and downtime associated with ablative lasers.

Non-ablative laser

Light emitting diode (LED) devices produce light wavelengths that correspond to light in the visible spectrum, such as red and blue. LEDs may be placed over the face, shielded using eye goggles, to treat acne, wrinkles, redness and other conditions.  Blue light is purported to treat acne, whereas red light may be used for collagen stimulation or hair growth.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used to have an effect on cells in tissues without heating them.  Light at a certain wavelength is delivered to the tissues using the device at a low energy.  This may be used to reduce fat or weight non-invasively.

Low-level laser therapy

Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing, is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that uses cooling of subcutaneous tissues to cause the fat cells to die. This results in localised reduction of fatty areas in the body. A device is placed on the tissues for a period of time during the treatment. Specific areas only can be treated depending on the applicator used.

Fat freezing

A treatment used to tighten and lift areas of the face or neck non-invasively using a device that delivers sound waves through the skin.  The sound waves focus precisely, generating heat in tiny zones at different depths.  The heat creates tiny injuries that result in collagen stimulation, providing a tissue tightening effect.  There is usually minimal or no downtime and a single treatment is used to produce results that improve during the months following treatment.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

Vascular lasers can treat variety of conditions including dilated or unsightly blood vessels. The lasers employ a specific wavelength of light the targets the blood in blood vessels, heating the vessels and effectively destroying them. Vascular lasers include pulsed-dye lasers and NdYAG lasers.  They can be used for conditions such as leg telangiectasias or “broken veins”.  A number of treatments may be required for optimum results.   

Vascular laser

Definitive removal of something from the body through an incision and dissection, either under local or general anaesthesia. 

Surgical removal

This is used to remove unwanted skin cells by freezing them. The area is sprayed until temperatures are so low that the skin lesion freezes. More than one treatment may be necessary to remove the unwanted cells. Cryotherapy, or therapy that induces very low temperatures in tissues, may also be used to treat unwanted fat. This is called crylipolysis or “fat freezing”.

Cryotherapy

Lasers use a specific wavelength of light to exhibit their effects. The wavelength determines the target for that specific laser. Most lasers are designed to heat and destroy a specific target and leave surrounding tissue untouched and undamaged. Lasers can peel skin, remove hair, rejuvenate skin, treat vascular conditions and remove pigmentation and tattoos. Various safety protocols are required when lasers are used, such as eye protection with goggles or eye shields.

Laser

The pigment in skin tattoos is destroyed using a powerful laser.  Only lasers with very short pulse durations, such as picosecond lasers, are able to break down the ink particles in tattoos effectively during these treatments.  Usually several sessions are required to clear the tattoo as much as possible.

Laser tattoo removal

This is a blood product that is prepared by spinning a whole blood sample in a centrifuge in a special syringe. The blood separates into different components, including plasma rich in platelets, cell fragments that release growth factors. The gold-coloured platelet-rich plasma is used to rejuvenate tissues such as skin or hair, usually by injecting it in small droplets.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

The device is used to remove the outer layer of skin using plasma. Plasma is a form of matter generated when atoms in gas molecules, such as nitrogen, lose their electrons and become positive ions. Although a plasma device is not a laser, it can have similar applications, such as tightening skin or removing fine lines. Plasma devices may remove the top layer of skin, resulting in a some downtime during healing.

Plasma skin rejuvenation

Skin tightening that occurs when collagen is stimulated due to heating of the tissues from radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy. Usually a solution is applied to the skin and a probe passes over the surface, gently heating the tissues to the desired temperature. External RF is a non-invasive treatment. A number of treatments may be recommended.

Radiofrequency external skin tightening

Skin tightening that occurs when the undersurface of skin is heated to a certain temperature using probes that emit radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy.  This treatment is usually performed using anaesthesia, allowing a small incision so the internal probe can be passed into the layers beneath the skin.  The internal probes heat and stimulate collagen, resulting in a tightening effect over time.

Radiofrequency internal skin tightening

The delivery of ultrasound waves through the skin to the underlying fat in order to reduce or destroy fat cells.  Most devices used to reduce fat non-invasively use focused ultrasound:  sound waves that focus at a particular point under the skin to burst fat cells.  Localised areas are treated, such as lower tummy or love handles, and more than one session is normally advised.

Non-invasive ultrasound fat reduction

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical method to flatten the tummy and reduce loose skin by tightening tummy muscles and trimming away excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. The incision and scar usually runs from one hip to the other hip, allowing the overhang or sagging skin to be removed. Usually the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. You may have drains after surgery and a compression garment to wear for a few weeks.

Tummy tuck

Removing excess skin and fat in the lower tummy and using an incision that is shorter than a traditional tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. The scar after a mini tummy tuck does not run all the way from one hip to the other.  The tummy muscles may or may not be tightened during a mini tummy tuck.  You may have drains after surgery and a compression garment to wear for a few weeks.

Mini tummy tuck

Increasing the size of the breasts with surgery, usually using silicone or saline implants.  Various implant sizes and shapes can be chosen depending on the desired effect.  Common techniques for placing the implants include an incision in or near the breast crease below the breasts, or around the nipples. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. An assessment before breast augmentation is used to decide which implant should be chosen and where exactly it should be placed.

Breast augmentation

Fat is taken (harvested) from different parts of the body, such as the thighs or tummy, using liposuction and injected into the breast area. Breast fat grafting is used to add volume to the breasts, correct symmetry, or during breast reconstruction. Once fat is collected, it is usually treated to clean and purify it. The fat is prepared in syringes and injected carefully above and below the breast gland using a special technique in order to help the fat cells survive in their new position.

Breast fat grafting

A surgical procedure that improves the appearance of sagging breasts by elevating them to a higher position. Although different techniques exist, a common method involves an incision around the nipple area, downwards, and underneath the breast. Sometimes the incision is restricted to around the nipple in less extensive lifts. A breast lift can be performed as part of breast augmentation or breast reduction. Breast lift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

Breast lift

Surgery to reduce the volume and size of the breasts.  Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and requires incisions and the removal of tissue.  It may be performed for aesthetic or functional reasons.  During breast reduction surgery, a lift is frequently performed, so the volume and position of the breasts improves.  Drains may be placed following breast reduction for a few days.

Breast reduction

The size of the nipples or pink part around the nipples (areolae) is reduced with nippled reduction surgery. A sizer is often used to measure the target circumference of the nipple areola complex (NAC). Then the excess, unwanted areola is removed using an incision. Fine stitches are used to close the skin so the scar heals well and becomes difficult to notice over time.

Nipple reduction

Improving the appearance of obvious dimples, usually in the buttocks and thighs, by placing a small cutting device under the dimple.  This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia.  After the areas are marked and the numbing is applied, a small needle or special cutting blade is inserted under the skin to release the dimple that is being pulled down by fibres under the surface.  A compression bandage or garment may be advised after the treatment.

Cellulite dimple release

Various technologies and devices are available on the market designed to help improve cellulite.  Non-invasive cellulite therapies include physical massage with rollers, shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and radiofrequency.  Most of these devices heat the tissues under the skin or manipulate the tissues physically in order to improve blood flow, release growth factors, and stimulate lymphatic drainage. The result is a smoother appearance. Regular treatments are usually advised.

Non-invasive cellulite therapy

Minimally invasive treatment to improve the appearance of cellulite, often performed under local anaesthesia, using energy such as laser or ultrasound. This may require small incisions and the insertion of probes under the skin.  Laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency heats the skins undersurface, stimulating a smoothing and tightening effect. These technologies may also reduce fat in the treated areas.

Internal cellulite energy-based treatment

Surgical removal of excess, sagging skin in the upper arm. Usually, an incision is made from the armpit area, along the inside of the arm, to the inner elbow. An arm lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia and requires a compression garment to be worn afterwards for a number of weeks. The scar is placed on the inside of the arm so it is less noticeable. An arm lift is sometimes required if skin tightening treatments or liposuction are not considered appropriate due to excessive skin laxity.

Arm lift / brachiaplasty

Surgery to reduce sagging skin and laxity in the inner thighs. Typically performed under general anaesthesia, a thigh lift provides a definitive tightening in the upper and inner thigh areas, particularly in cases where non-surgical options would not be effective enough. Incisions may be made in the groin area and along the inner thigh. A compression garment may be recommended for a period of time during the recovery.

Thigh lift

Tightening and removing excess skin that occurs in the upper tummy rather than the lower tummy.  Surgery involves making an incision along the upper tummy and under both breasts. The muscles along the tummy may be tightened at the same time. Drains and a compression garment may be used during the recovery after surgery.

Reverse tummy tuck

Surgical reconstruction of the belly button to make it appear more beautiful. It may be performed on its own or as part of a tummy tuck. The position, shape, or depth of the belly button may be modified during an umbilicoplasty.

Umbilicoplasty

Surgery to remove a previously placed implant, such as a silicone implant.  This may occur in order to change the size, or simply to remove the implant out of choice or for medical reasons. An implant may be removed if there is an infection, it is not in the correct position, or if an abnormally thickened capsule forms around the implant causing hardening, distortion or pain.

Implant removal

Surgically improving the appearance of a pre-existing scar using various techniques. The existing scar is often removed using a separate, new incision. The edges of the new wound are brought together in a way that reduces tension on the healing incision, so that the scar becomes less obvious.

Scar revision

Increasing the volume and enhancing the shape and contours of the buttocks using your own fat. Fat is collected (harvested) using liposuction from areas such as the tummy, back, or thighs. The fat is usually prepared in order to purify or clean it, before injecting it carefully into the buttock area using special techniques and instruments called cannulas.

Buttock fat grafting

Follicles are taken, usually from the back of the head, individually using a special instrument and transplanted one by one to the recipient area under local anaesthesia.  During the follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure thousands of follicles can be transplanted in this way during a delicate procedure that includes designing the recipient area or hairline, preparing the grafts under a microscope, and placing the grafts into their new home in a certain density and direction.

Hair transplantation FUE

A strip of hair is surgically removed from the back of the head under local anaesthesia during follicular unit transplantation (FUT)  The strip is carefully dissected under a microscope in order to prepare individual hair follicles so they can be transferred to the recipient area.  Once the recipient area is designed and tiny holes are created using a needle or special instrument, the follicles are carefully placed, allowing new hair to grow over time.

Hair transplantation FUT/strip

Using lasers designed to specifically target the pigment in hair so that the hair follicle is destroyed selectively. Laser hair removal is most effective on dark hair, particularly when the skin is fair. Darker skin types can also be treated effectively using lasers with a long pulse width. Typically, several treatments are required for permanent hair reduction. Lasers for hair removal vary in their wavelength, power, and methods for cooling the skin during treatment.

Laser hair removal

Agents such as creams, lotions, serums and ointments that contain active ingredients designed to help improve the skin or lesions on the skin.  Cosmeceuticals include vitamins, anti-oxidants, acids and retinoids that have several benefits for skin.  Many of them are home use agents, applied according to specific protocols and they exhibit their beneficial effects over time.

Cosmeceuticals and topicals

A powerful light source consisting of a range of light wavelengths depending on the chosen targets.  Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices can be used for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and the treatment of rosacea, acne, and pigmentation.  Usually a gel is applied and the IPL device is applied to the skin.  The flashes of light target the top layer of skin whilst the skin is simultaneously cooled for protection.

Intense pulsed light (IPL)

A treatment that improves the skin’s condition using gentle techniques such as massage, exfoliation, the application of topicals, and masks. Numerous types of facials are available to improve hydration, smoothness, and radiance. Some devices are used in addition to manual techniques during skin facials, with tips that provide suction, peeling, and moisturising. There is usually little or no downtime after skin facials.

Skin facial

The peeling away of the outer layer of dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost layer. Most microdermabrasion devices use tiny particles, diamond-tipped grits, or patented tips to gently blast or scrape away the epidermal cells. Microdermabrasion is designed to give an instant smoothing effect, although a course of several treatments is often recommended to give better results over time. The skin may be pink after treatment but this usually resolves quickly.

Microdermabrasion

Surgical trimming of the labia, usually the labia minora (inner lips close to the vagina).  Various techniques exist depending on the anatomy and surgeon's experience, including trimming excess tissue around the clitoris.  The labia majors (outer lips) can also be reduced if there is too much skin when filling this area is not appropriate. A labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons is designed to provide a neater appearance.  It may also be performed for functional reasons, usually to reduce discomfort.

Labiaplasty

Fat is harvested from another area using a mini-liposuction technique.  The fat is prepared in smaller syringes and injected into the labia majora (outer vaginal lips).  Fat grafting makes the labia appear more plump  and youthful.  The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia.

Labia majora fat grafting

Usually a temporary filler such as hyaluronic acid is used to instantly restore volume to the labia majora (outer vaginal lips) as an alternative to fat grafting.  Local anaesthetic maybe applied before the filler is injected under the skin using a blunt tipped instrument called a cannula.  The filler treatment is designed to make the labia majora appear more plump and youthful, particularly when skin wrinkling has occurred due to volume loss with aging.

Labia majora fillers

The internal diameter of the vagina is reduced by removing part of the vaginal wall internally using surgery.  Once an area of the vaginal canal is removed along its’ length and stitched, the vagina tightens.  This may be indicated when there is significant vaginal laxity, for example after childbirth.

Surgical vaginal tightening

To make the penis appear thicker, particularly in the flaccid state, fat is harvested from an area such as the lower tummy or inner thigh using liposuction.  The fat is transferred into small syringes and injected under the skin along the circumference and length of the penis using small blunt tubes called cannulas.  The ligament at the base of the penis near the pubic bone may also be surgically released to make the penis appear longer.

Penoplasty with fat grafting

An alternative to fat grafting that uses a biocompatible material placed under the skin of the penis along the shaft.  This procedure is designed to increase the girth of the penis.

Penoplasty with implant / scaffold

A material placed over the teeth to improve their appearance. A veneer is usually made of either a composite material or porcelain. A composite veneer may be placed in one visit at a dentist’s office whereas a porcelain veneer usually is fabricated in a dental laboratory and later fitted to the tooth.

Veneers

Invasive surgical realignment or manipulation of the jaw or bones of the face to improve the contours of the face or correct dentofacial deformities.  A receding maxilla and receding or protruding chin can be corrected with orthognathic surgery, dramatically changing the profile view and enhancing facial proportions.

Orthognathic surgery for maxilla and jaw

The outer layer of skin is removed by sanding it down using a rotating rough tip on a powered device called a dermabrader.  This is performed under general or local anaesthesia. Dermabrasion improves skin texture, wrinkles and scars by removing the top layers. There is redness and swelling after the treatment for a period of time.

Dermabrasion

Hyaluronic acid gel fillers can be removed by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase into the filler or area. To remove permanent fillers, it may be necessary to use surgical methods. Fillers may need to be removed if they are causing lumps, asymmetry, reactions, or more serious complications like blocking blood vessels causing damage to tissues.

Remove filler

A substance is injected through the skin into the underlying fat to destroy fat cells. Usually these injected substances reduce fat by breaking the fat cell membranes. Injection lipolysis is used to reduce small pockets of stubborn, unwanted fat like under the chin. After the treatment, the area tends to become red and swollen for a few days. Several treatments may be necessary for a full result.

Injection lipolysis

Techniques to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile including surgically cutting muscles that lift the upper lip and cutting away part of the gums that cover the upper teeth. This has the effect of making the teeth appear bigger and improves the proportion of the gums and teeth on smiling.

Gummy smile surgery

The use of surgical methods to improve a defect, asymmetry, or unwanted physical feature.  Surgical correction may require anaesthesia, either local or general.  Incisions and scars may be required, and various techniques depending on the ultimate goal.  Surgical measures tend to be invasive compare to non-surgical methods, and therefore require downtime or a certain recovery period.

Surgical correction

Surgical remodelling of the soft tissues or cartilage of the ear to improve shape, symmetry, or projection.  Various otoplasty techniques have been described to treat congenital conditions, or changes that have occurred over time or with trauma.  A head bandage is usually required after otoplasty surgery.

Ear surgery/otoplasty

This is a procedure that can be used to surgically treat excessive sweating of the underarms or palms of the hands as well as bothersome facial flushing. During ETS, branches of the sympathetic nerves that arise from the spinal cord are deliberately cut or interrupted in order to block their function. The procedure is performed using keyhole surgery under general anaesthesia.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy

The tubes (vas deferens) carrying sperm to the urethra are cut and tied so sperm cannot enter the female reproductive tract.  The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia.  It is a form of permanent male sterilisation, although surgically reversing a vasectomy may be possible.

Vasectomy

The foreskin over the penis is trimmed and removed during this surgical procedure. It may be performed if the skin around the tip of the penis is too tight (phimosis) or for religious or cultural reasons. Circumcision may be performed under local or general anaesthesia.

Circumcision

Surgery designed to make the penis appear longer, usually in the flaccid state.  These surgical techniques include cutting the suspensory ligament in the pubic area and a V-Y plasty where skin is cut in a V shape but stitched in a Y shape to lengthen the skin and make it less tight.  Liposuction of fat at the base of the penis is sometimestages performed to make the penis appear longer if it is partially buried.

Penis lengthening surgery

Sclerotherapy is used to treat varicose veins non-surgically.  Sometimestages air is mixed with the sclerosant substance to form a thicker, more potent substance.  This is referred to as foam sclerotherapy.  Ultrasound can be used to direct the needle into the varicose vein.  After the sclerosant is injected, compression bandages or garments are applied to squeeze the abnormal veins closed.

Sclerotherapy

Surgery designed to flatten and improve the contours of the male chest due to excessive tissue. There may be excessive gland and fat beneath the skin. The gland can be removed surgically through an incision around the nipples. Since gynaecomastia is often a mixed picture of fat and gland, liposuction is frequently performed to improve results. Gynaecomastia surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. A compression garment is applied after the procedure.