Doctor warns against cosmetic surgery 'fashion fads'
Cosmetic surgery should not be viewed as a quick pick me up like a new pair of shoes or handbag, even if it is non-invasive warns a leading cosmetic surgeon concerned at the steep rise in corrective procedures he is asked to carry out.
"I have noticed an increasing number of patients coming in and asking what's new in cosmetic surgery as if it is just a fad or fashion, particularly with non-invasive procedures which have really mushroomed over the last five years. But even non-invasive procedures should be approached with caution as they can have disastrous and irreversible effects," says Dr Philip Connell a consultant plastic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
"Latest figures show that non-invasive treatments have overtaken surgical procedures by 219% but there has also been an explosion of people undertaking these procedures with no knowledge of facial anatomy and no artistic skill. 90% of my new patients have had a bad experience with invasive or non-invasive treatments being administered incorrectly by inexperienced practitioners," says Dr Connell citing lumpiness in the skin or an overfilled 'pillow face' as a result of being injected incorrectly as the two most common complaints.
"Beware of the term "practitioner" as it is a vague term implying that the user is medically qualified. However if you see a doctor, they will say they are a doctor. Some treatments which go wrong may be related to the product but all too often problems are related to them being administered badly," says Dr Connell.
With advances in technology constantly evolving and a focus on natural beauty becoming more prevalent, Dr. Connell has seen a significant shift towards non-invasive treatments that work on a preventative level; with patients wishing to turn the clock back but not stop it altogether. One such treatment is Thermage. The gold standard for non-invasive aesthetic enhancement, it is clinically proven to tighten and contour skin naturally by stimulating new collagen formation through external radiofrequency.
A specialist in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, Dr. Connell reports an increase in requests for Thermage at his practice in Harley Street in the last year alone and it is estimated that more than 400,000 people globally have had Thermage treatments.
"Invasive treatments such as face lifts are like removing a section from an old pair of jeans which have become loose with wear and re-sewing the material together to make them tighter. The fabric will be stretched and the shape of the jeans distorted. Thermage is like putting that pair of jeans on a hot wash instead. It will not damage or alter the jeans but will make them tighter," comments Dr. Connell.
Dubbed the 'non-surgical facelift,' the Thermage is FDA approved and has a 99.8% safety record. It can be used to treat problem areas on the body such as stomach, thighs and arms and unlike lasers, can be used on all skin colours and types. The procedure uses a unique capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology, sending pulses of energy, each lasting a second, through all three layers of skin. A brief deep heating sensation is experienced by the patient, indicating that the collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The surface of the skin is cooled before, during and after each application of CRF to ensure treatment is comfortable for the patient.
Only one session is needed, lasting between twenty minutes and two hours depending on the area that is being treated and there is little or no downtime. Patients benefit from healthier smoother skin and a more contoured, defined appearance.
"The production of more collagen that is stimulated by Thermage continues for around six months after the procedure has taken place, so patients continue to look better and better as time goes on. It is a fantastic non-invasive procedure which delivers impressive, natural results without patients having to go under the knife," continues Connell.
For further information on Thermage visit: thethermagecentre.com