A
Abdominoplasty
(Commonly referred to as a tummy tuck) a surgical procedure performed to minimise the abdominal area by removing extra fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.
Acne
A skin condition characterised by the excess production of oil from sebaceous glands in which the hair follicles become inflamed. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.
Acne scar
Scars caused by severe acne which range from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance.
Aesthera PPx
Aesthera PPx is a highly effective and safe procedure treating a wide range of skin condition from acne to sun spots and from facial thread veins and freckles to hair removal. This vaccum and light based treatment is compatible with all skin types and the procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Aesthera PPx is the latest development in light based technology also known as Photopneumatic Therapy and is the first treatment on the market that alters the optic of the skin. The efficient use of light energy in the procedure means the treatment is virtually pain free and can be performed far quicker than any other available treatment. Effects last for several months.
Anaesthesia
A type of medication used to relieve pain or feeling during surgery; usual forms of anaesthesia are either general or local.
Antioxidant
A chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidation
B
Blepharoplasty
(Commonly referred to as eye-lift) cosmetic eyelid surgery performed to counteract the effects of aging upon eyelid tissues (bags and bulges). The removal of excess skin, muscle, and underlying fatty tissue is used to raise upper eyelids and reduce bagginess from lower eyelids redefining the shape of the eye. Wrinkles can also be reduced through blepharoplasty.
Botox
A substance derived from botulinum toxin that works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing the muscle to relax.
Botox® is a purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum bacteria which induces long-term relaxation of contracted muscles. It was originally used to treat eye spasms and central nervous system disorders.
Botox® has been used for Cosmetic Treatments since the late 1980's, revolutionizing the cosmetic industry due to its remarkable results combined with very few risks and no recovery time.
Breast augmentation
(Commonly referred to as breast enlargement) a surgical procedure which involves the use of a prosthetic implant to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts.
Breast Augmentation was first performed in 1895 and is today the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure for women. 32% of all cosmetic surgery operations performed at The Harley Medical Group are Breast Augumentations and in 2007 the Group reported a 39% year on year increase in this treatment. During the procedure an incision is made in the crease of the underside of the breast and the implant is inserted into a pocket created by the surgeon. The result is fuller and more evenly shaped breasts. The treatment takes around one hour to perform and a general anaesthetic will be administered to the patient.
Brow lift
A surgical procedure in which the skin of the forehead and eyebrows is tightened to eliminate sagging eyebrows or correct frown lines in the forehead
Buttock Lift
Reduction of excess fat and loose skin in the buttock region by performing a buttock lift in combination with liposuction.
C
Calf Augmentation
A procedure designed to help one achieve the appearance of muscular calves by using implants made of hard silicone which are inserted from behind the knee and moved into position underneath the calf muscle.
Cannula
A soft plastic tube attached to a high-vacuum device and inserted in a cavity to remove fat through liposuction.
Cheek / Chin Augmentation
Surgery where implants are placed in the cheeks or chin to improve bone structure and support sagging, soft tissues.
Chemical peel
A process which removes the superficial layers of skin with a chemical agent to remove dead skins cells, wrinkles and age spots and stimulate the re-growth of new skin cells
Collagen
A structural protein that is the main support of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue.
Consultant
A specialist on the GMC register holding a consultant post in the NHS.
Consultation
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, patients should make sure they receive a consultation from their cosmetic surgery provider. It is a standard procedure at The Harley Medical Group for all patients to undergo an in-depth consultation with a fully qualified nurse consellor. The nurse consellor will explain each stage of the chosen procedure from the consultation with the surgeon through to the post-operative, follow-up and recovery period. The nurse will discuss in details the clinical aspects of the procedure, answering any questions and concerns that a patient may have and ensure their decision has been properly considered.
Cosmetic surgery
(Also known as plastic surgery) an elective procedure which has the purpose of reshaping normal structures in the body in order to improve appearance
Crows Feet
The fine lines found around the eyes. They are often caused by sun exposure; however, smoking also contributes to their formation.
D
Dermabrasion
A procedure which removes the top layer of the skin to improve its texture. A power-driven sander or dermatome is used to reduce or remove pitting cause by acne and wrinkles and spots caused by aging and sun. This procedure is less likely to cause extreme changes in skin colour than a chemical peel.
Detox
In order to acheive the best results from a cosmetic procedure, it is advisable to prepare the body thoroughly before surgery. Angie Best, Celebrity Trainer and Nutritionist to the stars, has created a pre and post surgery diet and exercise plan exclusively for The Harley Medical Group. The plan provides dietary and and nutritional advice for patients to ensure that their body is in an optimum state for the surgery e.g. recommending a special Detox diet and stopping smoking a week before surgery to boost the immune system. Regular exercise is also recommended and nutrients with healing properties are included in the post surgery diet to aid recovery.
E
Eye Bag removal
Eye Bag Removal or Blephoroplaty is a cosmetic procedure which reshapes the upper and lower eyelids. The upper and lower lids may be operated on together or separately. To correct lower eye bags, a fine incision is made just below the eyelash line and the excess fat and skin is removed. Upper eyelids are corrected by the removal of a strip of skin in the natural crease of the eyelid. The medical term Blephoroplasty originates from a technique which was developed in 1818 to remove deformities on the eyelids. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular growing by 23% in 2007 compared with the year before and is the third most popular procedure in male patients at The Harley Medical Group.
F
Face Lift and Fillers
The first Face Lift or Rhytidectomy was administered in Berlin in 1901 and over a hundred years later in 2007 the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that Face Lifts were the seventh most popular aesthetic surgery. At The Harley Medical Group, 91% of all Face Lift surgery is performed on women.
A Facelift typically requires a two night stay in hospital. It is performed by a cosmetic surgeon and the patient will be given a general anesthetic whilst undergoimg treatment. The surgeon will make a surgical cut right around the hairline, past the front of the ears. Cuts may also be made under the chin if the patient wants to lift a sagging jawline. The skin is then carefully separated from the underlying facial muscles. Excess fat is removed and the muscles are tightened. The skin is lifted up, pulled back and any excess removed. The skin is then stitched back to the line where the cut was initially made. All scars are hidden either behind the patient's ears or in the hairline and usually fade over time. The effects of the procedure last between seven and ten years.
G
Gynecomastia
A condition in which the male's breast tissue enlarges as a result of excessive development of the male mammary gland. This increase in tissue usually occurs at times when the male is having hormonal changes, such as during infancy, adolescence, and old age; sometimes it can just be a case of extra fat.
H
Haematoma
Blood that collects under the skin or in an organ which results in a solid swelling
I
Implants
Implants are used in breast augmentation and chin lift cosmetic procedures. To increase the size of the breasts, implants are surgically inserted behind the natural breast tissue. There are two types of implants, silicon and saline. Silicone implants were first developed in 1961 by two plastic surgeons in Houston, Texas and the first implant was used 1962. Silicone implants are more widely used as they give a more natural shape and feel. For chin lifts, the implant is positioned beneath the skin through an incision made from the inside of the mouth or below the chin and fixed with dissolvable sutures.
Incision
A surgical procedure where a cut is made in the body with a sharp instrument during an operation.
Inflammation
Response of body tissues to injury or irritation resulting in redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area
J
Jaw Line
Chin Implants help those with a receding jaw line achieve a stronger angular profile. A chin lift procedure involves an implant being positioned beneath the skin through an incision made from the mouth or below the chin. They are administered under general aesthetic by a cosmetic surgeon and help to give better proportioned and more balanced features.
K
Keratin
This dominant protein is your skin's main material, as well as in hair and nails. The level of Keratin in the skin decreases with age causing wrinkles. The Harley Medical Group offers a number of rejuvenating procedures that can help reserve this effect.
L
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is administered by a qualified nurse and is a clinically proven way to permanently remove unwanted body hair from almost all parts of the body. The most common areas in women are face, neck, bikini line, underarms, tummy line, arms and legs. In the treatment a laser beam is targeted at the melanin found in the hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin destroying the follicle and preventing further growth.
Lines and Wrinkles
Line and wrinkle treatments are commonly used to treat for areas in the upper part of the face, these treatments can combat both fine lines and also deep wrinkles.
Lines and wrinkles can be minimised by using a purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum bacteria which induces long-term relaxation of contracted muscles. This product was originally used to treat eye spasms and central nervous system disorders.
Line & wrinkle treatments have been used as Cosmetic Treatments since the late 1980's, revolutionising the cosmetic industry due to its remarkable results combined with very few risks and no recovery time. Wrinkle Relaxing injections have been used to treat millions of patients worldwide and is the world's most popular Non Surgical treatment.
Liposuction
(Also known as Lipoplasty) a cosmetic procedure in which a special instrument called a cannula is used to break up and remove localised areas of body fat from the contours of the body with the use of suction-pump device.
M
Mastectomy
The surgical removal of part or the entire breast.
Mastopexy
(Commonly known as a breast lift) this procedure relocated the nipple and areola and removes excess skin from the lower part of the breast in order to lift up and reshape sagging or drooping breasts.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a gentle non-surgical treatment which helps to balance the skin problem like acne, sun damaged skin, superficial age spots or wrinkles. This treatment refreshes the top layer of the skin by exfoliating it and improving facial tone and texture. With instant results and no recovery time it is the perfect party preparation and is suitable for all skin types. A course of four to six treatments with top-up treatments on an ongoing basis every one to two months is usually recommended. This treatment can be used across all ages and skin types.
Mini tummy tuck
The removal of excess skin and fat; this procedure is ideal for individuals who have fat deposits limited to the area below the navel.
N
Nose Job or Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed at The Harley Medical Group. Patients undergo a nose job for one or more of the following reasons: To reduce the size of their nose, to change the tip or bridge, or to narrow the span of the nostrils, to change the angle between the nose and the upper lip and/or to correct a birth defect or injury or help relieve breathing problems.
Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty) usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. As most surgery is carried out internally there are rarely any visible scars following a nose reshaping procedure. A small plaster dressing (splint) is required for about seven to ten days after the operation, which helps to stabilise the new nose shape and also protect it from any accidental knocks or bumps.
O
Obagi Blue Skin Peel
We now offer the latest skin peel treatment - Obagi Blue Peel. This leading skin peel treatment helps get rid of blemishes, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage.
The effective non surgical procedure improves the appearance and health of your skin. Using a low concentration of chemical trichlororoacetic acid (TCA) mixed with a special blue base the Obagi Blue Peel allows the Doctor to regulate the depth of the peel and remove surface layers of aged and damaged skin. These dead cells are replaced by healthier ones, allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface. The procedure is performed by a Doctor, who has specialised training and experience with this highly effective peel.
The Obagi Blue Skin Peel can be applied to the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs and is FDA approved (Food and Drug Administration) to dramatically improve your complexion
Otoplasty
(Also known as Pinnaplasty) a surgical procedure aimed at setting prominent ears closer to the head, or reducing or correct misshaped or protruding ears. Otoplasty is one of the most established cosmetic procedure on the market. The procedure is equally popular for male and female patients. The cosmetic procedure involves removing skin and reshaping the cartilage from behind the ears. The ears are then stitched into the new position with the incision marks concealed in the natural crease behind the ear. This procedure is administered under general anaesthetic by a cosmetic surgeon.
P
Peels
The Harley Medical Group offers a number of different skin peels to rejuvenate your skin. Many skin problems are associated with an excessive build up of dead skin cells, which make the skin thick and dull, usually clogging the pores. Skin peels can offer a revolutionary way to effectively treat ageing skin, acne, reduce sun damage and hyper pigmentation. This procedure can also help the skin to appear smoother, healthier, plumper and tighter. Most people combine their skin peels with Medical Microdermabrasion to achieve greater results.
We now offer the latest skin peel treatment - Obagi Blue Peel. This leading skin peel treatment helps get rid of blemishes, acne scars, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and sun damage.
Photo Skin Analysis
Our Computerised Photo Imaging Skin Analysis works by taking a series of photographs of your face and then microscopically examines key areas of your skin. Taking into consideration your age and lifestyle, the Skin Analysis Computer gives you a score for each of the key factors relating to your skin's condition and appearance.
Photo-aging
The changes that occur to the skin due to exposure to the sun. This includes wrinkles and age spots
Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery is concerned with the restoration, reconstruction, correction or improvement in the shape and appearance of body structures that are defective, damaged or misshapen by injury, disease or anomalous growth and development.
Th Harley Medical Group have been providing Plastic Surgery excellence for over 26 years. Specialists in breast enlargement, breast uplift, breast reduction, liposuction and facial surgery.
Pre-existing condition
Any illness, injury or disease for which:
- You have received advice, treatment or medication; or
- You have experienced symptoms,
whether the condition was diagnosed or not before the start of your procedure.
Psychiatric condition
A mental or addictive condition, including alcoholism, drug addition or eating disorders. The Phychiatirc condition Body Dysmorphia can result in patient having an unrealistic expectation of a Cosmetic Procedure.
Ptosis
The drooping of a body part, especially the eyelids or the breasts.
Q
Qualified nurse
All non-surgical procedures are administered by specially qualified nurses (Botox is an exception and is always administered by a doctor). The Harley Medical Group's fully qualified cosmetic surgery nurses are selected for their expertise and appoachability. All nurses have undergone a minimum of three years general nurse training and have also received extensive specialist training in nursing cosmetic surgery patients and associated cosmetic treatments.
R
Reconstructive plastic surgery
Surgical procedure to that is performed to restore, construct or reconstruct the shape and appearance of the body and facial structures which are missing, deformed, damaged or misshapen. This type of surgery is usually performed to improve function, but may also be performed to approximate a normal appearance.
Regulation
The focus on cosmetic surgery regulation has increased over the years. Chairman of The Harley Medical Group, Mel Braham, became a member of the Health Department's Steering Committee to oversee the introduction of new regulations covering the entire cosmetic surgery sector. Mel Braham has been lobying the government to improve regulation in this sector since 1999. He comments, "The Harley Medical Group is registered with the Healthcare Commission but not all providers are. Many beauty and cosmetic treatment salons are not registered and are currently permitted to use high level class A lasers and other medical equipment for example that can be extremly dangerous if not uesd by fully trained specialist medical staff"
Reshaping and tightening of the female genitalia
Age and childbirth can cause the labia and surrounding area to change in shape, size and tone causing unhappiness and discomfort for women. The Harley medical Group offers a selection of treatments to help including the reshaping and tightening of the female Genitalia.
Women who have a long or unequal labia minora length can have this adjusted through surgery. Some patients wish for a more youthful looking vagina which can be achieved by reshaping the inner or outer Labia. Vaginal tightening is a procedure performed to enhance sexual pleasure for the patient, which may have been lost through following overstretching after childbirth. This is accomplished through a reconstruction process of vital vaginal areas. Treatment is performed under general anaesthetic and recovery takes between one and two weeks.
Rhinoplasty
(Commonly known as a nose job or nose correction) a cosmetic procedure used to enhance or reshape the appearance of the nose.
Rhytidectomy
(Commonly known as a facelift) this surgical procedure is done to eliminate the signs of aging in the form of sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck
S
Scar
The body's natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin which is usually composed of fibrous tissue such as collagen. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue.
Sclerotherapy
Sceloratherapy, also known as thread vein removal, is a treatment administered mostly to the face and legs. To remove thread veins a very fine needle injects a solution into the vein which causes it to perish, and, over a course a treatments, disappear completely. A treatment session takes around an hour to complete and a course of between one and three is recommended (dependant on the number of veins to be treated).
Septoplasty
A surgical procedure done to improve the flow of air to your nose by repairing malformed cartilage and/or the bony portion.
Septorhinoplasty
A form of Rhinoplasty that is performed to reconstruct the nasal passage or to relieve obstructions inside the nose to correct breathing problems
Skin peels
Skin peels are non surgical cosmetic treatments which achieve the effect of smoother, younger, tighter and healthier looking skin. Glycolic acid peels are ideal for treating and reducing skin damage, fine lines, dull skin tone, enlarged pores and hyper-pigmentaion including age spots. Many skin problems are associated wth ane excessive build up of dead skin cells which makes the skin feel thick, look dull and cause the clogging of pores. A glycolic acid peel helps to loosen and remove this layer of dead and lifeless skin and promote even pigmentation and deeper skin firming effects.
Spider vein
A widened vein that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
Subcutaneous
A term referring to below the skin
Suture
The stitches used to hold tissue together or to close a wound.
T
The Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission is the independent watchdog for healthcare in England set up to promote and drive improvement in the quality of healthcare and public health. The Care Quality Commission promotes continuous improvement in the cosmetic services provided by the NHS and independent healthcare organizations by being an authoritative and trusted source of information is used to drive improvement. All of The Harley Medical Group clinics are registered with the The Care Quality Commission.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can be performed to tighten sagging muscles and remove excess skin in the thigh area.
V
Varicose vein
Enlarged, twisted veins found near the surface of the skin
Visia
Visia is a free procedure which takes a series of photographs of the face and then microscopically examines key areas of the skin. The photographs highlight pore size, spots, lines and pigmentation. The Skin Analysis Computer gives a score for each of the key factors relating to the skin's condition and appearance taking into consideration the age of the patients and lifestyle. This is a non-invasive procedure and takes about ten minutes to perform. the procedure then enables the nurse to see which non-surgical treatments would be most effective for that given patient's skin.
W
Water
It is essential to keep the body rehydrated before, throughout and after surgery. As part of her pre and post surgery diet and exercise plan, Nutritionist Angie best recommends a glass of room temperature water flavoured with half a lemon at the start of the day to help cleanse the liver and flush the kidneys of toxin followed by two litres of water sipped throughout the rest of the day.
X
X-rays
An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation and was first generated in 1891 by Fernando Sanford a professor of physics at Stanford University. The use of X-rays for medical purposes was first introduced by Major John Hall-Edwards in Birmingham In 1908. An X-rays is required before cosmetic procedures like Rhinoplasty and chin lifts to give the surgeon a map of the patient's bone structure.
