What to Expect from a Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

Buccal fat removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure which aims to contour your face by removing a portion of the fat mass located in the middle of your cheeks. Buccal fat pads are lentil-shaped structures that are responsible for giving your face a round, chubby, and fuller appearance. They vary greatly in size and largely determine the shape of one’s lower and middle face owing to their significant location.

Buccal fat removal in Dubai resizes these fat pads to give you a slimmer, smarter, and more chiseled look. This blog explains what to expect from this surgical procedure.

Expected Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Buccal fat removal surgery, also known as buccal lipectomy, is known to provide the following benefits to the patients:

• Less bulky facial profile: The surgery helps you achieve a slimmer and younger face which is characterized by an inverted-triangle outline. 
• V-shaped face: Buccal fat removal surgery redefines the contours to give you a much coveted heart-shaped face.
• Prominent cheekbones: As the fat lying in the hollowed portions of the cheeks is removed, one’s cheeks become naturally angular and highlighted.
• Scar-less results: Since the incisions are placed inside the mouth, you don’t have to worry about the visible surgical scars.
• Permanent removal of fat: It is not easy to get rid of the unwanted buccal fat with exercise or diet. However, this surgery helps you reduce its size permanently in one go.
• Life-long results: The removed buccal fat does not regenerate. Hence, the outcomes of the surgery are long-lasting.
• Little downtime: Only small incisions are made during the surgery, which means recovery happens fast and you do not have to take a long downtime.

Procedure

Buccal fat pad removal surgery is an outpatient procedure and includes the following steps:

• Consultation: During the initial consultation, your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon evaluates your condition in detail, establishes your suitability for the surgery, and assesses your medical history. They also explain the procedure in detail and discuss your expectations and preferences.
• Anesthesia: To begin the surgery, local anesthesia with sedation is given to numb the cheeks and protect the patient against the pain.
• Incisions: Next, a 1 to 2 centimeters long incision is made inside the mouth – near upper molars – to access a lobe of the buccal fat pad.
• Fat Removal: Plastic Surgeons then carefully excise a portion of the fat to give your face a defined shape.
• Closing of wounds: Finally, incisions are closed with the help of internal sutures or glue.

Post-operative Recovery

It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort after the surgery. Patients are advised to take the painkillers prescribed by their Plastic Surgeons to relieve the pain. Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling and discomfort.

It is wise to keep your head in an elevated position as this protects the face against unnecessary pressure and assists fluid drainage. Patients should also avoid doing strenuous exercises during the healing period. Typically, it takes about 7 to 10 days for the treated sites to recover properly following the surgery. Patients are advised to take liquid or semi-liquid diet during this period. Once substantial healing has taken place, patients can resume their daily routines.

Need Help?

If you are interested in seeking advice or knowing more about Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in Dubai, feel free to contact the Al Shunnar patient care team. Our coordinators will readily schedule a personal consultation session for you with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.

Neck Lift: Minimally Invasive & Non-Surgical Options

Our jawlines and neck area affect our facial appearance more than we may think. This is especially significant when the signs of aging start being visible around the neck area. Additionally having a double chin also affects your facial proportions and aesthetics. Neck aesthetics are a vital component of beauty and getting rid of loose skin around the neck and under the chin would require a surgical procedure. However, individuals seeking to improve the appearance of their neck contour and chin area but are not ready to go under the knife may want to consider a nonsurgical neck lift.

A minimally invasive neck lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to reshape and rejuvenate the jawline and neck area without surgical intervention.

Benefits of a Nonsurgical Neck Lift

Although surgical neck lift is the gold standard for removing excess skin, tightening the loose skin, and reducing the appearance of bands on the neck area, the number of individuals seeking to change the appearance of their skin without invasive procedures is on the rise.

The results of minimally invasive or nonsurgical procedures are not as dramatic as surgical procedures. However, they can help improve skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of neck folds and wrinkles, and give the neck contour a more youthful look.

Other benefits of a nonsurgical neck lift include:

• Minimal risks
• Quicker recovery time
• Shorter procedure
• Immediate or almost immediate visible improvement in appearance
• Natural-looking results

Types of Nonsurgical Neck Lifts

The following is a list of nonsurgical neck lift procedures that are often used to improve the contour of the neck area:

• Botox. This is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The injections are used off-label along the neck and vertical neck bands to quiet movement along the neck and relax the downward pulling of the neck muscle. It is a quick painless procedure that does not require any downtime. The results last about 3-4 months and maintenance treatments are required.
• Dermal fillers. These can help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and restore lost volume to the skin around the neck. They can also be used to rebuild jawline definition. The treatment results on the neck can last anywhere between 6-12 months.
• Kybella. Individuals who have accumulated a mild amount of fat under the chin and in the upper neck can opt for kybella to improve their necks contour. It metabolizes fat deposits. The results start being visible in 4-6 weeks and repeat procedures may be needed to achieve the desired results.
• Radiofrequency-based devices. Combining radiofrequency with microneedling helps to naturally reproduce elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid which improves the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin. Microneedling resurfaces the superficial layer of the skin and enhances the tightening effects of radiofrequency energy.
• Ultherapy. This treatment stimulates collagen production and creates more youthful-looking skin on the chin and neck area. It uses ultrasound energy with focused imaging to bypass the surface of the skin. This allows the skin esthetician to target the right amount, depths, and temperature to lift and support deeper skin layers. There is no downtime associated with Ultherapy and the results appear gradually over the next 2-3 months as the new collagen works to lift skin on the chin and neck areas.

To Know More

Would you like to understand what options are available for Neck Lift in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction is a procedure that is done to correct overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men. It involves removing excess glandular tissue and fat to restore a firmer, flatter, and more masculine chest contour.

Gynecomastia is a condition of enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be caused by heredity, hormonal changes, obesity, and the use of certain drugs. This condition can impair a man’s confidence and cause emotional discomfort. 

Characteristics of gynecomastia include:

• Excess glandular tissue development
• Excess localized fat
• Excess breast skin
• It can be present in one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (both breasts)

Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction

The ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery is a man:

• Whose breast development has stabilized
• Who is bothered by the feeling that his breasts are too large
• Whose condition cannot be corrected by other forms of medical treatments
• Who is mentally and physically healthy
• Is relatively at a stable weight
• Is a nonsmoker
• Has realistic expectations
• Has specific goals in mind and a positive outlook regarding the results of the procedure

Teenagers can also benefit from gynecomastia surgery, although a secondary procedure is usually needed in the future as the breasts are not yet fully developed.

Gynecomastia Procedure

Gynecomastia surgery is done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

This procedure can be done using the liposuction technique, excision technique or both techniques can be combined to achieve the optimum results.

Liposuction Technique

The liposuction technique is primarily used when gynecomastia is a result of excess fatty tissue alone. It involves making small incisions on the treatment area and inserting a cannula through them. The cannula is moved in a back and forth motion to dislodge and break down the fat which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.

Different liposuction techniques can be used and your Plastic Surgeon will determine the right one for you.

Excision technique

In cases where gynecomastia is a result of excess skin and glandular breast tissue, excision techniques can be used to correct the condition. Excision is also recommended whereby the areola needs to be reduced or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour.

Combination of liposuction and excision techniques

Sometimes gynecomastia can be characterized by excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. In such cases then the Plastic Surgeon can opt to use both liposuction and excision techniques.

Recovery and Results

After the gynecomastia surgery, you may feel pain and soreness for a few days but painkillers are usually prescribed for the discomfort. You will wear a compression garment for the first few days after surgery to help minimize the swelling and offer support as the tissue is healing. Most men return to work after a few days but strenuous activities should be avoided for about three weeks. You will be given individualized instructions to follow during your recovery.

The results of gynecomastia surgery are immediate but are obscured by post-surgical swelling. The final results can take between 3-6 months to be visible. Although the results of male breast reduction are permanent, it is important to avoid what caused the gynecomastia such as being overweight or use of certain medications to maintain the results.

To Know More

Would you like to understand what options are available for Gynecomastia Surgery in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.

Popular Options for Male Body Contouring

As we age, our skin and tissues on the face and body stretch, losing their elasticity in the process. As the skin loses its elasticity so does the body lose its contour. For men, this tends to show on the abdomen, chest, and neck/jaw juncture.

Today’s men and women are living a healthier lifestyle more than ever and are looking for non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures to be the last mile in their fitness and aesthetic goals. However, male and female body contouring procedures follow a different approach. Performing body contouring procedures for men requires a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in the male anatomy and male body contouring procedures.

Here are the top options for Male body contouring.

Liposuction

When it comes to body contouring procedures, liposuction in Dubai tops the list. It is considered the gold standard for stubborn fat reduction. Liposuction removes fat via suction through a thin tube known as a cannula which is attached to a vacuum. One of the most common areas of stubborn fat that men often fail to tone at the gym or through exercises is the flanks. Liposuction not only removes the fat but tightens the skin (men’s skin tends to have better elasticity than women’s) with very minimal to virtually no scarring or downtime. Most of the time, only one treatment is needed to achieve the desired results.

CoolSculpting and SculptSure

A lot of men desire to have a taut, flat abdomen probably with visible abdominal muscles or a six-pack. With age, men can develop the gut even if they frequent the gym because fat tends to naturally be disposed around the abdomen. The two most popular non-surgical fat reduction techniques are CoolSculpting and SculptSure.

Both of these treatments work by destroying fat either through cold or heat. The destroyed fat cells are eliminated from the body through the lymphatic and metabolic systems. They, however, require multiple treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart to achieve the optimal results. Each treatment reduces the targeted amount of fat by about 20%.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast tissue which is most commonly caused by the male estrogen levels being too high or out of balance with the testosterone levels in the body. This can easily lower the self-esteem of the man and lead him to avoid doing certain activities. Male breast reduction can be performed through liposuction, a surgical procedure involving removing the excess fat and skin, or both of the procedures depending on the underlying course and the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed. This results in a more masculine chest appearance.

Aesthetic procedures for a youthful-looking jawline

A crisp jawline projects a youthful-looking jawline. Unfortunately, the male jawline tends to lose this definition with age, or some men are simply born without it. The chin/neck area is a prime spot for excess fat in men. Kybella is an injectable that was specifically designed to treat the submental fat around the chin area. CoolSculpting and SculptSure devices can also be used to decrease the amount of excess fat in this area. For men with excess amounts of fat, liposuction is probably the best option.

Men who have lax skin or are older may need to combine the fat reduction techniques with skin tightening modalities such as Radio Frequency skin tightening. This will not only result in a crisp jawline but also in smoother, tighter, and more lifted skin.

Book Your Appointment for a Consultation

Would you like to understand what options are available for Male Body Contouring in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.

5 Things You Should Know About Dermal Fillers

5 Things You Should Know About Dermal Fillers

Not everyone is lucky enough to have naturally plump lips, smooth skin, or beautiful cheeks. But with a little help from dermal fillers, you can achieve your facial symmetry goals. Facial fillers are natural-looking and long-lasting for anyone who wants to add a bit of volume to their facial physical appearance. Here, we will discuss the things you need to know about dermal fillers, whether you are considering giving them a try or you’re already using.

What are Dermal fillers made of?

Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm use hyaluronic acid to enhance a person’s appearance. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally forms in our skin.

Hyaluronic acid has the ability to restore moisture and can give the skin a plumper, more hydrated appearance. Although the acid can be topically applied to the skin for moisturization, only injectable hyaluronic acid can restore volume. It can also stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid, which tends to diminish with age.

How long do Dermal fillers last?

This depends on the type of dermal filler and their reaction towards the skin. Some dermal fillers can last between 4-10 months, while others can last even up to years.

It has been observed that an injection of dermal filler can provide immediate results, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can stimulate collagen production in the body that leads to fresher looking skin.

Achieve natural-looking results

Unskilled providers can leave a person with unnatural looking features such as overdone lips or uneven cheeks. The goal of dermal fillers is to provide you natural results as if you were born with it. Good dermal fillers that are injected by a licensed practitioner subtly enhance an individual’s natural features without attempting to change the appearance. This results in a beautiful, refreshed, and youthful look.

Dermal fillers have evolved

A Hyaluronic acid filler is a revolutionary dermal filler, as;

• It is safe for all skin types
• Gives natural-looking results
• It can last up to a year
• It requires a few minutes and, the patient can resume their daily activity right after the treatment
• The results are visible immediately

There are times that you shouldn’t get fillers injected

Fillers are considered safe but there are times that they shouldn’t be used. These include:

• When you are battling a sinus infection
• During pregnancy
• When breastfeeding

When you are under any of the above circumstances, it is better to hold off for a while. If you are battling a sinus infection, it can spread to the injection site and it could become a problem Another thing is not to get fillers right before teeth cleaning. This is because the teeth cleaning procedure requires pressure and stretching of the face and this could potentially misplace fillers. Waiting a few days or a week after the teeth cleaning is ideal.

Book your appointment for your consultation

Would you like to understand what options are available for Dermal fillers in Dubai? Meet one of the experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery in Dubai for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. You may contact the clinic or book an appointment at +971 4 395 3033 and a patient coordinator will identify the most suitable expert for you.

Top 5 Reasons to have Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Augmentation in Dubai

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammaplasty, is deemed to be one of the top cosmetic surgeries worldwide and is the most widely performed cosmetic surgery in the US in 2018*. Thousands of women undergo this popular procedure each year and the number keeps on rising. There are various reasons for women to undergo this procedure but each case is unique as no two people are the same.

Breast Augmentation in Dubai

No matter what your reasons are for getting breast implants it is important to remember that the decision is personal. You should not do it for somebody else but rather for your own benefit. It is not something that should be done on a whim but it rather requires careful consideration. Although the reasons for undergoing a breast augmentation in Dubai may be many (depending on the individual), these are the top 5 reasons why women continue to move forward with this procedure.

5. Micromastia

This is a medical condition in which a woman’s breast does not develop or not develop fully after puberty. There is no legitimate diagnosis for this but it is indicated by comparing average breast sizes and the woman’s own perception. Such women feel that their breasts are inadequately sized although breast sizes vary widely. Breast implants often provide the women with a more feminine figure and an increase in self-confidence.

4. Improve Asymmetrical Breasts and Breast Shape

Asymmetrical breasts is something that a lot of women have as a result of genetics, breastfeeding, or previous surgery. Having either asymmetrical breasts or droopy breasts caused mostly by breastfeeding, or weight loss is not uncommon.  These two issues can have a big impact on a woman’s figure and self-esteem as they can cause the breasts to lose their firm shape. Choosing to undergo breast augmentation in Dubai can make your appearance more even and boost your self-esteem.

3. Restore the breasts after a Mastectomy

Going through a traumatic experience such as cancer, some women need to have a mastectomy as part of their treatment, which involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts. For women who want to regain their figure after a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is usually performed immediatiately after the mastectomy or sometimes delayed. Breast augmentation is similar to breast reconstruction in as far as implants may need to be used to replace the fullness of the breasts, along with skin/muscle flaps and even nipple reconstruction at times.

2. To look Younger

As we age, gravity has been known to take a toll on us especially on women’s breasts, causing them to shrink and sag. Breast augmentation, along with breast lift can restore back your breasts to a more youthful state.

1. Self-esteem Boost

The number one reason that women turn to breast augmentation surgery is to boost their self-esteem. Increase in your self-esteem can go a long way in both your private and public life, making you go for opportunities that you would normally bypass. That is why having a breast augmentation should be a personal decision and not something that you would do to make someone else happy.

You may be wanting to undergo a breast augmentation surgery for reasons other than the above but if you have  made up your mind about undergoing a breast augmentation in Dubai then call us at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery and we will be happy to schedule a consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeons. For more details on breast augmentation, also consult our website at https://alshunnarplasticsurgery.ae/breast-augmentation/

*Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons