According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the plastic surgery industry is continuing to show significant growth, with 13.8 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures (both surgical and minimally invasive) being performed in the US in 2011, which is an increase of 5% since 2010. The top five surgical procedures were breast augmentation, nose reshaping, liposuction, eyelid surgery and facelifts. Interestingly, chin augmentation, which is a procedure popular with men, saw a rise of nearly 71%. Here at London Bridge Plastic Surgery we have also noticed a rise not only in the number of procedures, but also that men are becoming an increasing percentage of our patient base, demonstrating an increased awareness and acceptability for men to undergo procedures.

We have also noticed a boom in non-surgical procedures, with skin treatments, fillers, peels and Botox injections topping the list. This is in agreement with the findings of the ASPS which show that the overall growth in cosmetic procedures is mainly being driven by a rise in minimally invasive procedures. At London Bridge Plastic Surgery we can boast the very best and latest in technology for minimally invasive skin and body techniques and treatments, reflecting the growing demand for treatments with no downtime but excellent and visible results.

For more information on non-surgical procedures please have a look at http://lbps.co.uk/non-surgical-treatments/ or contact us on 0207 487 0900

Me and my team spend a great deal of time in keeping up with the latest research and technologies to make sure that we provide our patients with the very best techniques to maximise results with the minimum of downtime and discomfort. Dr Netzer is our expert in the pain free removal of varicose veins, a procedure that until recent years has involved the painful stripping of the veins with a long recovery time and a great deal of discomfort. Now he, having researched and refined his techniques over several years, uses new minimally invasive techniques including endovenous treatment of varicose veins using radio frequency ablation (RFA) with VNUS ClosureFAST, a procedure that gives effective results without the disadvantages of previous procedures such as bruising, scarring and prolonged incapacitation.

Further research in the US has also demonstrated that the techniques of endovenous treatment of varicose veins will reduce venous ulcer size and improve healing of venous ulcers, as well as reduce their recurrence, when compared to traditional compression treatments. It is exciting that patients now have the option to have their painful and unsightly veins removed without suffering weeks of painful recovery time, scars and bruising.

To learn more about Dr Netzer and to book a consultation, please call 0207 487 0900 or visit his profile page.

On 10th February we hosted the SkinCeuticals Phloretin Gel launch here at our clinic on Wimpole Street – the clinic looked fantastic!

The Phloretin CF Gel incorporates phloretin (2%), Vitamin C (10%) and ferulic acid (0.5%). This ideal combination optimises the pH of the skin to deliver the antioxidant combination that protects the skin from the range of reactive molecules that cause DNA mutations and damage to cells. It also increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen synthesis to plump up skin and leave it looking firmer and brighter. Phloretin is found in apple skins to protect the flesh from going brown and works in a similar way on the skin with an antioxidant effect to conquer damage.

The gel is great because it allows a deeper and controlled penetration of the active molecules into the skin, but in a gentle way making it ideal for sensitive skins, ethnic skin types, men and those who do not like layering products.

We have incorporated the new gel into our LBPS Skin Firming Treatment – a new treatment that incorporates the Jet Peel to hydrate and cleanse the skin, 3DEEP Radio Frequency to safely heat the collagen in the skin causing contraction of the collagen and new collagen formation, followed by the SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Firming Masque and the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF gel to provide a long lasting antioxidant effect. The treatment also uses the AOX Eye Gel to treat the delicate skin around the eyes. As with all our treatments and care here, we tailor the treatment around you and your skin so that you get the best results possible.

If you would like to book the LBPS Skin Firming Treatment, then please call 0207 4870 900.

I was thrilled to be involved in the IMCAS 2012 Conference held in Paris last weekend. I spoke on two exciting non-invasive treatments that are in use in the clinic – Aquamid and Non Invasive fat cell destruction with Ultrashape. Aquamid is a pure volume-based filler with a long lasting effect, negating the need for re-injections. Aquamid has complete integration and biocompatibility meaning that there is no tissue hardening. It is revolutionary in letting us reshape facial features and other body parts with excellent results in buttock reshaping and hand rejuvenation.

I was interviewed by Swiss TV about the safety of Aquamid and the long term effects – it is the only long term filler in the final stages of approval by the FDA, and there is up to ten years’ worth of data looking at the safety of this product. I also spoke on Silhouette face lifts, which are ideal in today’s current economic climate when people don’t want to take too much time off work – they leave you looking refreshed, with minimal risk and minimal downtime. The Brow lift procedure, which I developed, is now recognised worldwide as one of the best options for a drooping or aging brow.

I also presented on non-invasive fat cell destruction – Ultrashape, which we use to great effect in the clinic – it is the only non- invasive, pain free fat removal treatment that has no downtime! The pulsed focus ultrasound causes fat cell disruption and breakdown. The fat is then eliminated through the liver. The destruction is immediate and permanent. With the new multiple focus application, the ultrasound can pass to multiple levels in the skin, allowing fat cell destruction at different depths. It can also deliver a higher acoustic pressure and so treats more fat volume per pulse – taking Ultrashape to a greater level and making the treatment even more effective.

To find out more about Aquamid or Ultrashape please contact us on 0207 4870 900.

Silimed manufacture silicone medical devices, including implants that are CE Marked and approved by world health bodies.

Silimed developed a rigorous production process, investing in research and technology to assure that it’s products comply with all safety and quality standards determined by health authorities of the countries in which they sell. They use only high quality raw materials, with advanced technology. The silicone used in the production is imported from United States (Applied Silicone Corporation) and is 100% medical grade and regulated by the FDA.

The London Bridge Plastic Surgery take every step possible to make sure that our patients have the highest possible standard of care and that includes researching and providing information so that each patient is armed with the most up to the minute information and knowledge that the industry has to offer, in order to make and educated and informed choice about the procedures that they wish to undergo. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at our clinic direct on 0207 487 0900 – or, alternatively, book a consultation with us here.

London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic saw a fantastic blog post yesterday here, focusing on the Department of Health-backed Treatments You can Trust register for cosmetic surgery clinics and practitioners of injectable cosmetic surgery treatments.

The most interesting point raised in the enlightening blog post, for us here at LBPS, centres around the 7 challenges discussed for cosmetic surgery regulation in this area across the UK.

Points 1 and 6 are hugely relevant – and will continue to be so during the rest of 2012, following the recent PIP breast implant story. Our position on this can be found here, too.

Point 1 clearly tackles the thorny subject of too many unregulated dermal fillers being available in the UK for cosmetic surgeons. Without rigorous testing, the dermal filler can represent a risky and unsafe treatment for a client – this seems like an obvious point. The stricter FDA approval requirements used in the USA for dermal fillers are a favourable way forward for the UK.

Point 6 is pertinent, too. The proposed tracking of dermal fillers amongst qualified and approved surgical practitioners is an excellent route forward for the industry. There needs to be better traceability of dermal fillers in the UK – there have already been many examples of patients across the country having no idea which filler has been used on them for treatments.

This is clearly an unacceptable standpoint, in the light of recent events.

We would suggest a dermal filler ‘passport’ for patients, enabling all products used on them to be recorded. This would also be the patient’s personal record, giving them peace of mind for future treatments, too.

The register is moving the industry in the right direction, and as a highly qualified, officially approved clinic in central London, we welcome it.

If you have any questions about injectable cosmetic treatment, please feel free to get in touch with us at our clinic direct on 0207 487 0900 – or, alternatively, book a consultation with us here.

London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic came across an interesting article at the end of the year here, covering the growth of ‘silver separators’ (newly-divorced people over 60) who are going under the plastic surgeon’s knife, or considering cosmetic surgery.

This isn’t radical news for us, as we’ve noticed at our central London clinic during 2011 a significant rise in the number of older clients – mainly women – looking to improve their body image following a divorce.

The trend looks set to increase this year, too, according to the statistics in the Marketing Week article produced from research carried out by BAAPS as more British women consider plastic surgery.

The most popular procedures, unsurprisingly, are those on parts of the body which are most visible – such as facelifts, breast enhancements, and rhinoplasty – proving to be increasing in demand in the UK.

If you have any questions about cosmetic surgery procedures, please feel free to get in touch with us at our clinic direct on 0207 487 0900 – or, alternatively, book a consultation with us here.

London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic are constantly looking at upcoming trends, advice, hints and trends in cosmetic surgery – both in the UK and the USA.

The USA tends to lead the way, and we keep a close eye on what’s happening across the Pond in the world of plastic surgery.

This really useful article caught our eye in our central London plastic surgery clinic this week – and it covers the subject of timing when planning cosmetic surgery treatments, particularly of a surgical nature.

Downtime, recovery times and organising around other important annual events – all of this needs to be carefully and professionally considered and planned when looking to undergo any kind of operation or surgical treatment.

The article clearly examines the downtime and preparation needed when considering cosmetic surgery during 2012. We thought it was very pertinent.

If you have any questions about cosmetic surgery downtime and recovery guidelines for surgical operations, please feel free to get in touch with us at our clinic direct on 0207 487 0900 – or, alternatively, book a consultation with us here.

London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic has monitored carefully the massive breaking story over the last couple of days, around concerns about PIP breast implants, and the possible implications for the cosmetic surgery industry – as well as the concerns of an estimated 50,000 British women with PIP breast implants.

The issues around PIP breast implants over the last 48 hours, focused around higher implant rupture rates and higher cancer risks, have been covered in depth by the Guardian, Telegraph, Daily Mail and BBC with a reassurance to British women that there are no associated additional cancer risks, and that in some respects the actions of the French Government have been reactive.

This is a hugely important issue, and one that LBPS has been aware of for some time.

More importantly, the cosmetic surgery industry as a whole has a duty of care to women who have had breast implant surgery in good faith and through no fault of their own are put in a horrendous medical predicament.

According to the BBC’s article, 30,000 PIP breast implants have been fitted in France with 1,000 rupturing. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) delivered a ‘do not panic’ message yesterday, suggesting that women with PIP implants check with the clinic where they had surgery provided, for monitoring or implant removal to take place if requested.

LBPS has provided clear guidance around PIP breast implants since June 2011, when initial warnings about the integrity and safety levels were raised.

We arranged with our breast implant manufacturer SILIMED through Eurosurgical, to provide implants to replace any PIP implants, with hospitals giving a 50% fee reduction, and our clinic providing surgery at a reduced fee of 50%.

In addition, our normal consultation fee of £200 will not be charged.

London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic noted a considerable amount of press coverage and debate around a fascinating TV series that screened recently.

My Transsexual Summer caused much debate, following the journey of seven trans-gender individuals.

Although not highly-publicised, due to the sensitive nature of Transgender Surgery, we are one of the leading clinics of related medical procedures in the UK.

In fact, our lead Plastic surgeon and LBPS Founder Christopher Inglefield is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Particular areas of expertise are in facial feminisation, body feminisation and gender reassignment surgery.

One recent patient, called Nicole, visited our clinic for advice and help. After an initial consultation, we were able to recommend immediate advice, including:

Facial hollowing – around the temple area of the face, which we could improve.

Nicole’s cheeks are also an area of the face which could be enhanced with a heart-shaped look, utilising surgery to give a fuller appearance.

Nicole’s lips looked too full, given that she has a wide mouth – our advice would be to feminise this part of the face.

Nicole’s breasts were unrealistic, with round implants. A better shape would be tear-drop implants under the muscle.

Nicole’s body shape overall looked very good, but silicone injections used on a long-term basis can, in some patients, block the lymph drainage, causing leg swelling and swollen genitalia similar to Elephantiasis.

We recommended that Nicole is treated with Aquamid is used, as a safe, long-lasting body contouring product for hips, thighs and buttocks.

Nicole’s hands looked hard – again, treatment with Aquamid would soften and feminise this area.

If you have any questions or queries about Transgender Surgery or Aquamid, please feel free to get in touch with us at our clinic direct on 0207 487 0900 – or, alternatively, book a consultation with us here.