Mr Umar Khan of the Belvedere Clinic talks us through his surgical approach to breast augmentation and, in particular, his muscle-splitting technique in implant placement aimed at getting the most natural result

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed on women. The size and firmness of the breast is very important for one’s self-confidence. This procedure is ideal for those who have not developed their desired breast size and for those who have perhaps lost breast tissue after breast feeding or weight loss.

The usual practice is to increase the breast to the desired size by inserting an implant either behind or in front of the pectoris muscle in the chest and different surgeons have different surgical approaches. I have developed a technique, published in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal in the USA, which places the implant both above and below the muscle in the breast.

The breast is uniquely shaped – it is flatter on the top and rounded at the bottom. If you put the implant totally behind the muscle this will affect the shape you can achieve because the muscle is completely flat. So it will pump out the breast rather than fill out the rounded bottom part of the breast. By putting the implant behind the muscle it is in a separate compartment that is not directly communicating with the breast tissue compartment.

The half and half technique means that in the top part of the breast where the muscle is merging with the flesh you can create lift by placing the implant behind the muscle and in the lower part the implant is placed in front of the muscle and then fills out the breast tissue directly for a more natural shape. An optimal natural shape is achieved in the lower part of the breast because you are not restricted by the shape given by the flat pectoralis muscle.

The muscle is composed of long fibres from the centre of the breast to the arm and I split it along the direction of the fibres. This is how the implant can remain behind the muscle in the upper part of the breast and at the same time sit in front of the muscle in the lower rounded part of the breast, directly behind the breast tissue.

This technique also has the capacity to adapt to normal breast changes that take place in everyone. Routine body weight, body fat and breast changes – especially seen after pregnancy – are tolerated better to give the breasts a natural shape for a longer period of time. I do all my breast augmentation procedures using this technique where the implant is placed through the breast crease and is partly covered by the muscle.

The recovery time is also much quicker because I’m going through the fleshy part of the muscle. A straight implant under the muscle means that you have to remove the muscle from the ribs which results in more bleeding and the need for drains. It is also much more painful doing it this way and movement is restricted for four to six weeks. By not detaching the muscle from the ribs most of the patients are able to perform routine activities within a week and exercises and jobs that involve heavy work or lifting are left just a little longer.

No rippling, lateral displacement, double-bubble deformity, or muscle contraction-associated deformities have been seen with this new procedure. The prosthesis is also adequately covered by the upper part of the pectoralis muscle so you are not left with an obvious implant which sometime occurs when the implant is placed above the muscle.

The results will be permanent, but further surgery may be needed if problems arise. It is important to remember that all breast implant surgery will leave some scarring.

SurgeryLondon.com trading name for The Belvedere Private Clinic based in London/kent has just opened a brand new clinic in Ilford, Essex.

The Belvedere who first opened their doors to cosmetic surgery back in 1985, have expanded there services to people who live in Essex. Using the latest technology with brand new cosmetic procedures.

The belvedere in Ilford can offer Cosmetic Dentistry, along with general dentistry. Offering Procedures for Tooth Whitening, Dental Bonding, Porcelain Veneers, Orthodontic Treatments, Enamel Shaping, Gingivoplasty -Gum Lift, Dental Implants, Tooth-Coloured Fillings, Micro-abrasion and Crowns.

In these modern times people are much more aware of straight healthy looking teeth and because you cant get half of these procedures on the NHS, Cosmetic dentistry is very popular and now available to anyone who is wanting to improve on their smile.

The Belvedere Ilford are also embarking on a revolutionary new treatment for Hair loss  “Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation” This brand new procedure relocates hair naturally.

Natural hair transplantation results come from copying nature, hair for hair.

The belvedere’s team of skilled and meticulous technicians working closely with

the hair transplant physician will relocate carefully prepared bold-resistant follicular units from the back and sides of the scalp and recreate a natural pattern of hair in the balding areas, this process works for a lifetime because the hair follicles taken from the back of the head are genetically resistant to baldness, regardless of where they are relocated to.

A typical session of between 1,500 to 3,000 grafts normally involves a full day of surgery on an out patient basis. Most patients feel fine within a day or two following surgery, although some numbness and mild soreness can be expected for several days. It will take between three to five months before the transplanted hair follicles begin to grow new hair.

The Belvedere Ilford have also purchased a state of the art laser machine for various new non-surgical procedures, very popular for people that don’t want to go under the knife but still get the same results. The good thing about lasers is that it has the ability to smooth acne scars, fine lines and seemingly miraculously vaporise birthmarks, facial hairs, moles, tattoos, sun spots and spider veins. Patients can expect a 50 to 80 percent improvement but should allow 18 months for complete results.

Belvedere’s brand new laser procedures are Smart Liposuction and face lifts (facial skin tightening).

Laser-assisted liposuction works on small, localised areas of fat  on the face and body. Areas that can be treated with laser-assisted liposuction include the face, neck, jowls, arms, back, gynecomastia (or male breasts) and loose skin.

The energy from the laser doesn’t just destroy fat cells — it also triggers the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its strength and keeps it looking firm. This extra collagen tightens the treated area, which is why laser-assisted liposuction works better than conventional liposuction for people who have loose skin.

Laser Face Lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process that uses an infrared light source (a laser) to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface, causing the skin to contract (tighten). With many different cosmetic dermatology options available, patients often wonder how laser Face Lift compares to other procedures. More effective than chemical peels and microdermabrasion, and less invasive than surgery, laser Face Lift is a virtually pain-free procedure that produces lasting results.

The Belvedere Private Hospital, established in 1985, is set in its own extensive grounds with delightful landscaped gardens. Once inside you cannot fail to be impressed with the warmth of your welcome and the quiet efficiency of the highly professional staff, who are committed to the concept of individual patient care.

The Belvedere Private Hospital has built an enviable reputation for increasing client’s self-confidence as a direct result of improving their appearance. Everyday we see the successful results of treatments in cases where cosmetic surgery has brought our clients added fulfillment and a true sense of well being. In essence an improved quality of life.

Our continuing aim is to provide a first class service. We offer the highest level of surgical and medical proficiency, combined with the care and compassion of skilled nursing staff, dedicated to offering a personal service to ensure that a client’s stay with us is as comfortable as it is therapeutic. Mindful of our responsibilities to the community the clinic continues to contribute to national television programs and other media productions in an effort to improve the level of public awareness.

OUR VALUES

The Hospital is part of the Belvedere Medical Group which has been providing private medical care for nearly twenty years. In 1984, The Belvedere Private Hospital moved to a 300 year old country house at Knee Hill, South London, where it still is today. It nestles in three acres of beautiful countryside, yet it is within easy reach of central London.
The existing property has been tastefully modernised and there are plans to add a fifty bedroom wing and a further two operating theatres to meet the changing needs of cosmetic surgery in the years ahead.

• We are proud of the standard of our operating procedures and patient care.
• The Hospital probably has one of the largest customer lists in private medical care today.
• The Hospital is renowned for it’s work in cosmetic plastic surgery.
• Our policy is to continue to invest with the emphasis on improving facilities and patient care

May we take this opportunity to thank you for taking this moment to familiarise yourself with the services this clinic has designed for you, and the procedures available to you in this field. We look forward to receiving your valued enquiries and being of service to you in the future.

The Belvedere

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery in London then the most important thing to consider is who will take care of your life changing decision. You want to know that you will be taken care of, reassured, feel comfortable before AND after your surgery and above all be dealing with professionals. And at surgerylondon.com (Belvedere Clinic) that is exactly what you get.

We are constantly pushing the boundaries of patient care and offer an enviable after care service. At Surgery London .com we know that by treating our patients in this way they leave us not only cosmetically enhanced but with greater confidence that will benefit them in all areas of life.

Based in the suburbs of London, on the borders of kent, we are very accesssible for potential cosmetic surgery customers living in Greater London, Kent, Essex, Maidstone, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and even Isle Of White.

WE ARE ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING COSMETIC SURGERY CLINIC’S IN LONDON & KENT

Plastic Surgery Procedures undertaken at surgerylondon.com Our unrivalled experience has been gained by concentrating our efforts solely on cosmetic surgery procedures. This allows you to have complete confidence in every aspect of our care, which is regulated by the Healthcare Commission. Our Pre & post operation care is second to none which is why our client’s comments are always complimentary.

Facial Surgery

Nose reshaping or Rhinoplasty procedures are available to alter the size and shape of your nose for cosmetic purposes or repair from an injury. We also offer eyelid surgery, eye bag removal, brow lift, ear correction, cheek implants, face and neck lift and lip implants.

Breast Surgery For women

The Belvedere Clinic is the One of the UK’s leading provider of breast surgery for women. We offer a variety of breast related surgical procedures including; breast enlargement, breast reduction, breast uplift, and nipple correction. For further information book a free consultation with one of our surgeons.

Other Surgical Procedures For women

Our other surgical procedures for women include; vaginal correction and hymen repair both procedures undertaken at the Belvedere Clinic by our expert surgeons.

Breast Surgery For Men

The Belvedere Clinic currently offer 2 procedures for enhancement of the male breast which are male breast reduction for natural or steroid related Gynaecomastia, often spelt Gynecomastia and pectoral implants to enhance the size and appearance of the breast.

New for 2010 is the revolutionary new treatment for Hair Loss, Hair Restoration / Transplant.

Fat reduction/ Liposuction/Tummy Tuck Surgery.

Liposuction is currently one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. The Belvedere Clinic offers a variety of fat removal procedures including tummy tuck, arm lifts and thigh and buttock lifts. Brand new surgery for Obesity, we now offer the procedure for gastric banding.

Non Surgical and Anti-Wrinkle Treatments

Our anti-ageing techniques help to enhance the beauty of your skin by eliminating lines and wrinkles making your skin look younger and healthier. Our treatments include: dermal fillers, line and wrinkle treatments and skin peels, laser dermabrasion, hair removal and vein and mole removal. Brand new state of the art laser machine for our Ilford Clinic, offering the latest non-surgical treatments for face lifts (skin tightening) and smart Liposuction.

New for 2009 is the treatment for excessive sweating, a long term solution for hyperhidrossis of the arm pits.

NEW FOR 2010, AT OUR BRAND NEW ILFORD CLINIC COSMETIC DENTISTRY & HAIR TRANSPLANT

Our Brand new clinic at Ilford are now offering cosmetic dentsitry, with the latest treatments for tooth whitening, Dental Bonding, Veneers, Orthodontist, Enamel shaping, Gingivoplasty, Implants, Micro-abrasion and Crowns.