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1. Who will I see at my consultation? This is important as some consultations with other surgeons are carried out by the treatment coordinator only and you meet the surgeon on the day of surgery. Dr De Silva completes all consultations himself, as he wants to ensure that any procedure is the right one for you, not everyone needs surgery and some people are advised against having surgery. Dr De Silva offers a personalised service of care for all his patients, you will meet him at all your appointments. 2. What are the surgeon’s qualifications? Some patients do their full research and some do not and ask us in the consultation room. It is important for patients to know who will treat them – Sometimes it’s a nurse treating for non surgical patients think they are coming to see the Dr. It is important to know if you doctor specialises in this area, if they are predominately a body plastic surgeon they may only complete few facial procedures a week. Or there can be a situation where you meet one Dr at your consultation and another training Dr completing the operation, under the same umbrella. More importantly with facial cosmetic procedures you want to ensure the surgeon is full trained and specialized in the field of procedures he provides. Needless to say Dr De Silva completes all consultations and procedures himself. 3. Is the Surgeon and The Centre fully insured in case anything goes wrong? Why do you put this as no3 in terms of importance This is extremely important – to ensure you are not seeing a cowboy Dr who just rents rooms and provides surgery.What has happened in some clinics, you only see the surgeon on the day of surgery and if anything was to go wrong you cannot locate him especially when they are from abroad. Needless to say Dr De Silva completes all consultations and procedures himself. 4. What is your experience in performing my procedure? Ideally you need to see a surgeon who has 10, 000 hours of experience, this was defined as an expert in their field in Gladwell’s book Outliers. In terms of surgery this translates to nearly 8years depending on time spent in the operating theatre. Dr De Silva qualified in 1999 and has working in purely facial aesthetic and plastic surgery for more than 10years. 5. Can I see before and after photos? Many on website… we also show specific photos to patients in consults. Yes, many 100s of photos on our website of past patients. We also have video diaries and testimonials of patients, who talk about anaesthesia and recovery from surgery.Video diaries can be particularly helpful for nervous patients as each day patients talk about their experience and recovery. www.londonfacialplasticsurgery.co.uk/surgery-video-diaries 6. Do you feel I can give you the result I am looking for? I always state that Dr De Silva has a care of duty towards you post surgery and his focus is always to ensure patients are happy and have realistic expectations. In cases where’s scars have not settled he does everything in his power to revise the scars etc. everyone heals differently. Some patients we advise against surgery if we feel that we are not able to achieve the expectations from surgery or the potential downsides or risks outweigh the benefits. 7. Where will I have my procedure? Some patients attend consultations in a fancy clinic in Harley Street, London Hotel, The Shard… and then their surgery is in another completely different place, a hospital outside London or sometimes overseas in Eastern Europe. This should ring alarm bells… Dr De Silva all his appointments and surgery in central London at a custom built facility in the World Class Medical area of Marylebone, 23 Harley Street W1G 9QN. 8. What will my recovery be like? Need to allow time for swelling, sometimes bruising, depending on the procedure most patients we recommend to have 2-3 weeks free of social and professional commitments. 9. How will any surgical complications be handled? What do you tell patients In terms of complications we may have patients that need revision surgery especially for “turkey neck cases” – usually that is included in the initial cost so patients do not feel disheartened. Sometimes asymmetry is difficult to treat – we can improve the area but not provide perfection. These complications and potential issues that may arise we discuss in great details with patients.The nature of all medical procedures there are always some risks, key is these are discussed and managed appropriately, Dr De Silva provides personalised care and will always be there for you during your recovery. 10. What procedures would you recommend to me to help achieve my concerns? All procedures should be tailored to individual needs. This is determined by your expectations, clinical signs and other factors e.g. previous surgery (Scarring present and change in natural anatomy). Another important factor is mental health, and it is important not to have a facial procedure if you are major life event or heightened emotional state.

1. What procedures would you recommend? Dr De Silva recommends that every procedure must be tailored to your needs, there is no cooky cutter approach to facial surgery, what every person needs is determined by their individual characteristics. Broadly speaking there are three groups of patients I Patients who really notice one specific area: For example some patients may find their nose has always bothered them e.g. hump, or they have noticed bags in their lower eyelids or loose skin, or felt their jaw line is sagging with lose skin, or always been self-conscious about a small chin or large lip II Some patients feel they are looking more tired and they just want to be generally refreshed, look like themselves just younger and less tired. Often there are 3 aspects 1. gravity 2. Volume replacement e.g fat transfer or fillers 3. Skin enhancement, fine lines, pores lose skin, may need laser resurfacing, PRP, radiofrequency or removal of loose skin III Beautification or refinement. Patients who look good, they want to look ever better 1. Use principles of Golden ratio, Symmetry and Gender considerations (male jaw line and chin, women ogee curve, V-shaped jaw line 2. Facial Balance and symmetry 3. Enhancement of facial characteristics 2. How often do you perform these procedures? Only complete facial procedures Blepharoplasty aka eyelid surgery, nose job surgery aka Rhinoplasty & facelift and neck lift surgery and non-surgical facial treatments. I perform these procedures every day for my patients. i.e. Specialise only in face. Intricacy and fine detail in your face, for example a medical conference on rhinoplasty can be 5 days long, yes 5 whole days talking about nose jobs only! 3. Are there any before and after photos available? Yes, many 100s of photos on our website of past patients. We also have video diaries and testimonials of patients, who talk about anaesthesia and recovery from surgery. Video diaries can be particularly helpful for nervous patients as each day patients talk about their experience and recovery. Facelift Before & After PhotosVideo Diaries 4. Can I speak to previous patients who have had this surgery? Some patients ask us can we speak to previous patients. Yes, we can help patients organise this. You can also watch some of our patients talk about their experiences in the form of video diaries on our website. Video DiariesPatient Video Testimonials 5. How many pre-op appointments will I need? Most patients have 2 preops, first appointment we discuss exactly what are you looking to achieve, realistic expectations, what is involved, what is the recovery, what are the relative risks, what can be done to speed up recovery. 2nd preoperative appointment, we recap the surgery, talk in more detail, answer any questions, complete gold standard tests before surgery, we complete everything you need in house (e.g. blood tests, heart tracing)Some patients may require an additional appointment. Patient who are travelling from overseas or long distances we try and combine appointment to reduce inconvenience. 6. What location will the procedure be performed? The Centre, 23 Harley Street, we have a custom-built facility for facial cosmetic & plastic surgery. Harley Street has long been considered the medical area of excellence in London and has patients visit from all over the world seeking expert medial care. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment that is continually updated. For example we have 3 working PRP regenerative medicine machines, 2x state of the art lasers for resurfacing. 7. Will my procedure require general anaesthesia or twilight sedation? What does this mean, talk about general and sedation anaesthesia? More than ten years ago Dr De Silva completed more procedure under general anaesthesia, however now almost all procedures can be completed under sedation anaesthesia. Sedation also known as Twilight sedation allows all patients are able to go home same day usually less than one hour after surgery, avoiding the issues and longer recovery associated with general anaesthesia. We believe twilight sedation is the future, less recovery time, less swelling or bruising, better patient experience, reduced risks such as DVT, clot in leg associated with general anaesthesia. For more information please see: 8. What is the downtime associated with this procedure? Depends on the procedure, most facial surgery we recommend have 2 weeks. Most swelling and bruising goes in 2 weeks. If you have a wedding or very important event we recommend having 6weeks just in case. For facelift surgery 3-weeks is recommended as some patients can have more swelling. If you have more swelling there are things we can do to help recovery including, lymphatic drainage, medicines and oxygen therapy. If you work with high definition film or cameras, actor or model more time is recommended as these do not hide even small amounts of swelling. 9. Is there a medical professional on call to answer any pre-op or post-op questions? Yes, Dr De Silva provides a personal service, we appreciate having facial surgery is a big decision for our patients. We will support you on this journey, this is what we do every day for our patients. 10. How many follow up appointments will be required? Most patients we see two or three times after surgery, 1 week, sometimes at 2weeks and 6weeks, and then some patients require additional follow up. However, for many patients we provide ongoing long term care, having surgery is a substantial decision for many patients and we provide ongoing are maintains the results of surgery long-term. Trust is the key element of undergoing surgery and we provide our patients with long-term maintenance after surgery as long as patients are happy to travel to see us! Many of our patients come back for additional facial procedures for years after surgery. Welcome to our family! 11. How long will it be before I see results? Most patients see some results even one week after surgery, however expectations are key. Swelling and sometimes bruising isa normal aspect of healing and with facial surgery most details comes down to millimetres. With any surgical procedure although most swelling usually has resolved by 6weeks, final results are often as long as one year after surgery. Patience is key! More and more patients come to see us for refinement surgery, often with minor amendments results are not initially visible as minor swelling can hide subtle refinements. Sometimes we can use additional techniques including anti-inflammatories or regenerative medicine to enhance healing.

Your nasal valve area is crucial to breathing, so a collapsed one can cause breathing difficulties. Nasal valve collapse causes the nose to become narrower. It usually occurs along with sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. It can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose and other symptoms such as postnasal drip, loss of smell, and difficulty. Thankfully, nasal valve collapse can be treated with nasal valve surgery. But how exactly does this work? In this article, I will talk about nasal surgery, the causes of internal nasal valve collapse, and its symptoms. I will also talk about nasal surgery preparation and recovery. How Do You Fix a Collapsed Nasal Valve? You can fix a collapsed nasal valve with surgery. The same treatment applies if your nasal airway gets compromised because of nasal obstruction. The procedure is performed by a rhinoplasty surgeon like me, Dr. Julian De Silva. First, I will make an incision in your nose and lift the skin to expose the cartilage underneath. I will then trim away any excess cartilage or bone to create more space for your nostrils. This will help prevent the collapse from reoccurring over time by allowing them to open more easily when you breathe through your nose. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to have additional procedures done at the same time as repairing a collapsed nasal valve. For example, if your septum is crooked or asymmetrical due to having been broken before, this issue should also be addressed during surgery so that both problems are fixed at once instead of having them exist separately during recovery periods. Moreover, nasal surgery can be done along with other procedures such as eyebrow lift, deep plane facelift, ear cartilage graft, facial plastic surgery, and blepharoplasty. What Causes a Nasal Valve Collapse? Peer reviewed studies state that many factors can cause collapsed valves. If the valve is unable to close properly, you will experience a loss of airflow through your nostrils. Infections, surgical damage, or trauma to the nose can also lead to collapsed valves. Additionally, certain diseases, including sinusitis or facial trauma, can cause the opposite problem: an over-opened nasal valve that allows too much air into your sinuses and lungs. Surgery can also help if you have an over-opened nasal valve because of age-related degeneration. Some people opt for surgery when they want cosmetic and medical improvement (e.g. fixing the nasal airway). This type of surgery does carry risks, so please make sure you discuss these carefully with your surgeon before deciding whether it is right for you. How Do You Know if Your Nasal Valve Collapsed? Here’s what usually occurs if your nasal valve collapsed: Snoring If you snore loudly and often, your nasal valve might have collapsed. The soft tissue in the back of the nose can also become swollen and block airflow through it during sleep. Sleep Apnea This condition occurs when breathing stops for short periods during sleep—and this can cause serious health problems down the line as well as poor quality of sleep. Difficulty Breathing If you have a collapsed nasal valve, you will find it hard to breathe. Headaches The symptoms of headaches include pain or pressure inside the head (including temples), sensitivity to light or sound, blurred vision, and nausea/vomiting with head movement. It’s possible that these headaches are linked to a collapsed nasal valve because they may be caused by increased cranial pressure. This happens because of insufficient airflow through an obstructed nasal passage and nasal airflow. Can Nasal Valve Collapse Heal on Its Own? Only a proper nasal septum surgery can treat the collapsed valve area. No, nasal valve collapse can’t heal on its own. Only proper treatment can heal internal nasal valve collapse and external nasal valve collapse. If you are having trouble breathing through your nose or if your symptoms worsen over time, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Remember, only a specialist can diagnose nasal valve collapse. Nasal Valve Collapse and Treatment The nasal valve is the narrow space at the top of your nose where mucus exits from your nostrils to drain into your throat. When you breathe in through your mouth, this sphincter opens to allow air to pass into the lower portion of your nasal cavity. When you exhale, it closes again to keep air from escaping through the nose. When deviated septa cause obstruction and block airflow through one or both nostrils, bleeding or swelling inside the nose occurs. As a result, many people who have undergone corrective surgery for deviated septum experience some degree of postoperative swelling for several weeks after their procedure. However, a collapsed nasal valve is different because it occurs when one or more muscles that support either side of that sphincter become weakened or damaged due to injury. This allows mucus buildup within certain areas of your sinuses instead of allowing natural drainage through normal pathways. Hence, it’s important to get it treated not only because its effects on the nasal valve area are unpleasant but also potentially dangerous. Infections caused by resulting inflammation can lead to worse downstream conditions such as further external nasal valve damage and blood clots forming under artery walls and upper lateral cartilage. Causes and Treatment of Nasal Valve Collapse Trauma, a botched surgery, and deviated septa cause a collapsed valve area. Here are the common causes of the nasal collapse and their corresponding treatment: Nasal Valve Collapse Caused by Trauma Injuries are one of the most common causes of the collapse of the nasal valve. As a result of this, the central columella, which is the cartilage that forms in the nose’s center, will be pushed to one side. This also causes the airway to become narrower, which makes it difficult to breathe. Nasal Valve Collapse Caused by Nose Surgery When you breathe in, your external valves may get constricted if you have weak cartilage at the tip of your nose or if they are oriented in an upward direction. If you’ve had a rhinoplasty in the past, it’s possible that the lower lateral cartilages were partially removed during the procedure, which will also make the exterior valves less strong. An expansion of the skin and cartilage in the space between your nostril can lead to a narrow external valve. Nasal Valve Collapse Caused by Deviated Septum If the upper lateral cartilages of the internal valves are weak or very narrow, this can cause the valves to collapse when inward breathing is performed. Any deviation of the septum in the region of the internal valve that occurs toward the valve itself will also result in a constriction of the valve. Nasal valve collapse due to deviated septum can be treated through surgery. Signs of Nasal Valve Collapse? Difficulty breathing Runny nose Nasal congestion Snoring Sleep apnea Headaches, including migraines What Does Valve Collapse Look Like? A doctor can prescribe pain medication to manage the same symptoms as above. If you can’t breathe properly through your nose and/or have a stuffy nose that does not respond to a nasal valve dilator or over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays, you may have nasal valve collapse. External valve collapse becomes apparent when you breathe in and the nostril on either or both side closes on itself. Internal valve collapse, on the other hand, is less apparent on the outside. However, the upper middle portion of the nose on either side looks narrow as you breathe in. Preparation for Nasal Valve Surgery Before getting the treatment, you must know what to expect and how to prepare for your procedure. As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything for six hours before surgery. If you are taking any medications that thin the blood, you should stop taking them at least three days beforehand. You should also stop taking antihistamines at least 24 hours before the nose surgery because they can increase swelling in your nose. Finally, if you have a cold or allergy symptoms such as congestion or a stuffy nose, it’s best not to have surgery until they have gone away. This will help ensure that there is plenty of room inside your nasal passages during recovery from surgery on the nasal valve area. Are There Additional Ways to Fix the Valves? If your nasal valve collapse is causing you problems, there are a few other treatments that you can try. These include: Use steroid sprays and creams. Steroid sprays, creams, and pills are often used to help the nose heal from injury or surgery. These treatments help reduce inflammation in your nasal tissue and may help your nasal valve return to its normal position. Try a nasal valve dilator. A nasal valve dilator is used to decrease nasal airflow resistance. By reducing nasal resistance, it lowers the work of breathing. As a result, the oxygen supply to the body increases. Get nasal surgery. If other treatment options haven’t worked for you, then plastic surgery may be an option for restoring the structure of your nose so that it functions properly again. Surgery is also the only permanent solution to nasal valve collapse. After Surgery and Recovery After surgery, you can expect a recovery period of four to six weeks. You will be unable to exercise or play contact sports. You should also avoid alcohol and smoking. Additionally, you should avoid caffeinated drinks and spicy foods during recovery as well. If your condition worsens after surgery, you must follow up with your doctor immediately. If left untreated or ignored for too long, nasal valve collapse may lead to serious health problems such as infections and sleep apnea. Visit Dr. Julian de Silva – Rhinoplasty, London If you are experiencing nasal valve collapse, then seek out a specialist who understands individual nasal anatomy including your nasal valves. You should also choose someone who understands nasal breathing and conceals scar tissue well. If you want to work with a board-certified doctor who specialises in sinus surgery, contact me to book a consultation now!

Mid facelifts are procedures that put your cheek tissues back to their natural position. A cheek lift surgery is also known as a mid face lift. This procedure addresses one of the earliest signs of ageing, which is sagging cheeks. It also deals with the sagging found around the cheeks. But how exactly is a cheek lift surgery performed? In this article, I will discuss how much the lift usually costs and how it is usually performed. I will also answer commonly asked questions about the treatment. How much does a cheek lift cost? The cost of this surgical treatment for the cheek area depends on many factors. Depending on the location and the cosmetic surgeon in the UK, a cheek lift can cost £5,000 to £10,000. However, this is just a range. The actual cost depends on a lot of factors including your needs, goals, and the assessment of your doctor. It also depends on the type of facility used and post-care medications that you may need. To know the exact cost of the cheek lift, consult a facial plastic surgeon first. You may book a consultation with Dr. Julian De Silva here. You also have to take note that a cheek lift is a cosmetic treatment, so it’s not usually covered by insurance. This means that you have to pay out of your pocket. On the bright side, this procedure helps gain your confidence and improve your performance especially if you are in the entertainment business. Hence, a cheek lift it’s an investment that will give you a lot of benefits in the long run. How long does cheek lift last? The treatment can lift soft tissue for a decade or more. How long a cheek lift lasts depends on many factors. For one, it depends on how you maintain the results after the surgery. It also depends on your lifestyle and other health habits. For instance, if you are a generally healthy person and have a great skincare routine, the results of a cheek lift might last longer. In general, the results of a cheek lift can last for 10 years or more. In many of my patients, cheek lift results can last for over 10 years. Some of them enjoy the results for up to a lifetime, specifically those who had cheek lift surgery later in life. If you want the results to last longer, there are some things you can do. For one, you have to take care of your health. People who are healthy inside usually have healthy skin. Second, you need to have a proper skincare routine. You have to use the right products that will help you maintain the results of the cheek lift. Lastly, you need to sleep well and avoid stress. Stress can show up in your skin and this might affect the longevity of your cheek lift results. What is a cheek lift? This outpatient procedure deals with mid face sagging and restores your youthful contour. For most patients, a traditional face lift cannot totally treat the upper cheek of the face, which frequently flattens, sags, and lengthens with age. This is where a mid facelift comes in. By elevating the fat pads in the cheeks (also known as the malar fat pads), cheek lift surgery provides fullness to your cheeks and eyes. This results in a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. Moreover, the results of a mid facelift are more permanent than the results of non-surgical treatments such as cheek fillers. In particular, a cheek lift reduces sagging on your cheeks. It also smoothens your nasolabial folds (also known as smile lines) on the sides of your mouth by removing excess skin. Adjusting the soft tissue of your cheeks to a higher position can also help fight the hollowing below your lower eyelid, which is another sign of the ageing process. A cheek lift is frequently done with other facial cosmetic surgical procedures, such as blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, a neck lift, a brow and forehead lift, or rhinoplasty. When done all together, these cosmetic procedures offer full facial rejuvenation. As a result, you will look more refreshed and younger. You can also enjoy the results of this full facial rejuvenation for a decade or more. Because fat loss contributes a lot to midface ageing, an endotine midface lift is also frequently combined with cheek augmentation (via cheek fillers or cheek implants) or fat transfer to add volume. Another benefit of an endotine midface lift or cheek lift is that you can recover faster from the procedure compared to a traditional facelift. As you may well know, a checklist or midface lift is a surgical procedure. Hence, you should make sure that you consult reputable and experienced plastic surgeons like me, Dr. Julian De Silva. Doing so minimises the risk associated with the cosmetic procedure and ensures that you get the results you want. Doing so minimises the risk associated with the cosmetic procedure and ensures that you achieve the results you want. Can you get your cheeks lifted via a midface lift? This procedure is different from a traditional face lift. Yes, you can get your cheeks lifted. You can do this via midface lift surgery. During the side procedure, the cosmetic surgeon raises your cheek tissues back up where they’re supposed to be. By doing this, the tissues stay in place. The process makes your skin smoother and gives you a more refreshed appearance. When combined with a lower eyelid lift, the cosmetic surgeon removes the loose skin in the lower eyelid first and the bulging fat. Then, the procedure raises your cheek tissues higher using the same incision used for the eyelid lift. Moreover, during a cheek lift, fat it’s not removed that much. Instead, your cheek tissues are repositioned. By doing this, the line between your cheek and your lower eyelid decreases or goes away. A checklist procedure is usually an outpatient one. At last for approximately three hours. However, the duration will go longer if a cheek lift is done with other cosmetic procedures. Cheek Lift Surgery: What You Need to Know This treatment can be done with other procedures like eyelid surgery. If you see your cheeks are beginning to sag slightly, you can consider getting a cheek lift. This facial cosmetic treatment enhances the look of your saggy cheeks and the areas below your lower eyelids. As time passes by, the structure of your face depletes. Its once youthful shape sags and changes position. This leads to a tired and old appearance. This is where a mid facelift comes in. The procedure is designed to restore your face’s original shape by restoring volume to your cheeks and decreasing the appearance of smile lines. Since this procedure is a surgical one, recovery usually takes between two and three weeks. However, patients can resume their regular activities after a week or so. During recovery, you must avoid any vigorous or strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks. You should also take all of the medication and follow the aftercare guidelines that I will give. Cheek and Midface Lift This treatment enhances drooping cheeks and restores cheek volume. Contrary to popular belief, a cheek and midface lift are not different from each other. The terms are used anonymously in the cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery industry. So, if someone says that they want to get a midface lift, it means that they are considering having a cheek lift. What are the pros and cons of a cheek lift procedure? A cheek lift is a minimally invasive option to combat the ageing process. Here are the pros and cons of a midface lift: Pros of a Mid Facelift Procedure 1.Minimal Downtime The treatment helps restore your youthful appearance with minimal downtime, which is shorter than recovering from a traditional facelift. 2.Long-Lasting Results The results last for 10 years or more. 3.Easy and Convenient A cheek lift is one of the fastest facial surgeries. It’s also one of the easiest to perform. 4.Fast Results Most patients can see results a week after the said plastic surgery. 5.Longer than Fillers The results of the said plastic surgery last longer than dermal fillers which usually last for a year. 6.Safe and Effective When performed by a qualified and licensed cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Julian De Silva, a cheek lift is safe and effective. 7.Fights Ageing The procedure combats one of the first signs of ageing, which is sagging cheeks. 8.Gives You Confidence A cheek lift gives you the confidence and self-esteem that you need. 9.Helps With Your Work The procedure helps with your career, especially if you are working in the entertainment industry. Cons of a Mid Facelift Procedure 1.Surgical Treatment The treatment requires you to go under the knife, which some patients don’t like. 2.Risks Involved As with other cosmetic surgical procedures, the treatment involves risks such as numbness, swelling, bruising, and temporary hair loss. 3.Quack Doctors Many affordable plastic surgeons offer cheek lifts because of the procedure’s popularity. However, treatments as such are usually not safe and ineffective. Tense, you must only work with an experienced and board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Visit Julian de Silva – Facelift, London Are you looking for a reputable, experienced, and board-certified cosmetic surgeon to perform your cheek lift? Look no more. I, Dr. Julian De Silva can help you. Contact me now to start your journey to a more youthful appearance. As an alternative, you may visit my clinic at Harley Street, London.

Knowing how to reduce swelling on face helps you manage it. Swelling in the face is a common side effect of any facial surgery. Facial swelling usually increases for the first 48 hours following surgery, then begins to subside after about a week. Given this, there must be a way to reduce facial swelling symptoms. Well, you’re in luck. In this article, I will talk about how to reduce facial swelling. I will also answer the most common questions about facial swelling after cosmetic surgery. How to Reduce Facial Swelling After Surgery You can take medically reviewed steps to manage your swollen face after jaw surgery. Here’s how you can reduce facial swelling after a surgical cosmetic procedure such as rhinoplasty, facelift, and neck lift: 1. Use ice or cold pack. We don’t see athletes on the sidelines with ice packs on their injuries by chance. Lowering pain and inflammation will help kickstart the healing process. Since your body has been harmed by incisions after plastic surgery, you need to start its recovery. For the first three days after surgery, you should apply ice packs to the affected areas for at least 10 minutes. Place a piece of cloth with ice or cold pack on the inflamed area rather than placing the ice straight on your skin. 2. Avoid hot showers. You should avoid taking hot showers for the first three days following surgery. It’s because heat can cause facial swelling. In addition, if a powerful stream of water comes into touch with the operation site, healing might be impeded. 3. Keep your head elevated. Even when you’re sleeping, keep your head raised once you’ve returned home from surgery. Use a few pillows in your bed to prop yourself up. As an alternative, you can sleep in a reclining chair if possible. If you choose to lie on the couch, prop yourself up using the couch’s arms or couch cushions. Remember, facial swelling is produced by an excess of blood and fluids accumulating in and around the surgical site. Keeping your head raised will allow those fluids to flow away from the affected area. Doing so should help prevent or lessen facial swelling. 4. Do not eat or drink hot items. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot for the first 24-48 hours after your surgery (e.g., coffee, hot chocolate, soup). The heat in your meals and beverages may actually increase the amount of swelling in your mouth. 5. Avoid smoking and drinking. Stop smoking eight weeks before a cosmetic surgery to avoid difficulties. At the very least, stop smoking and drinking alcohol after your surgery. Don’t start again until you’ve recovered. Too much alcohol and tobacco might decrease your body’s ability to heal and raise your risk of infection and allergic reaction. Smoking reduces the quantity of oxygen in your blood, making it more difficult to avoid or recover from a bacterial infection. Meanwhile, alcohol impairs the function of your heart and immune system, which can lead to difficulties following surgery. 6. Use a warm compress after 48 hours have passed. You can go from cold water ice and cold packs to warm compresses once the first 48 to 72 hours have passed since your operation. You can also do this whenever you observe the swelling has started to reduce. This depends on your doctor’s instructions, but in general, you can do this four times a day, for 30 minutes at a time. Applying a warm compress or heating pad (on a low setting) to the swollen area of your head or face can help. The warmth will aid to stimulate blood flow to the area. Doing so can reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. 7. Change your bandages and clean your incision as directed. You may have stitches and/or bandages over an incision on your face as a result of your surgery. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for how often you should change your bandages and how you should clean the wound. In addition, closely follow your doctor’s recommendations for keeping the area dry. Keep an eye out for any infections as well. If you see any signs of infection, call your doctor and get immediate medical attention. 8. Make sure you get enough nutrients. Keep up a healthy diet that includes a reduction in the amount of salt you take in. Salt is harmful to the management of facial swelling and should be avoided while you are recovering from your injury. Vitamin K, which is a fantastic component to reduce facial swelling, may be found in abundance in greens, eggs, and yogurt, all of which are excellent sources of vitamin K. Consuming a sufficient amount of water is also essential to achieving optimal health and ensuring that your body continues to perform at its best. This is crucial during the period following surgical intervention. The body will be able to mend properly and will have less bruising and facial swelling after surgery if you keep your water level at a healthy level. How to Reduce Bruising After Surgery You can take medically reviewed steps to bruising on your swollen face after facial or jaw surgery. Here’s how to reduce bruising after surgery: 1. Apply some heat. Heat can be used to improve circulation and blood flow. This will aid in the removal of trapped blood once the bruise has formed. Heat can also be used to relax tense muscles and reduce discomfort. A heating pad or a hot water bottle can be used. As an alternative, you can enjoy a hot bath. 2. Elevate yourself. You must also raise the wounded area above your chest. This aids in the relief of pain and the drainage of fluid from the injured area. Pressure and compression can also both be reduced by elevating the body. This provides you with the opportunity to rest and relax, which can aid in the healing process. 3. Compress. Put a stretchy bandage around the hurt area. This squeezes the area and stops blood from spreading out. This pressure can make a bruise less severe and also reduce pain and puffiness. 4. Try arnica. Arnica is a homeopathic herb that is used to heal bruising. It is supposed to reduce inflammation and swelling. Topical arnica ointment effectively decreased laser-induced bruising. Apply arnica ointment or gel to the bruise many times a day. 5. Use vitamin K cream. Vitamin K helps blood clot. Studies show that vitamin K cream can make bruises from treatments like lasers less severe. For best effect, put vitamin K cream on the bruise two times a day. 6. Try aloe vera. Aloe vera can help relieve pain and inflammation. Make sure to use pure, less processed aloe vera gel. Carefully read the label to see if there are additives and other harmful ingredients before applying. 7. Use vitamin C. Vitamin C can reduce swelling and help wounds get better quicker. You can find vitamin C in gels, creams, and liquid forms to put on the skin. It’s also in pill form. Plus, many fresh fruits are rich in vitamin C. 8. Have some pineapple. Bromelain is something found in pineapples. It can make a bruise less noticeable and reduce redness and swelling. You can get bromelain by eating pineapples, taking pills, or using creams with bromelain in them. 9. Herbal supplements. Dr De Silva gives all patients a herbal medicine that has been shown to reduce inflammation and enhance recovery. This includes arnica and bromelain and can be used to treat bruises. How Long Does Facial Swelling Last? Generalised facial swelling and its accompanying symptoms don’t last long when you get proper medical attention. How long facial swelling lasts varies from one patient to another. If you had cosmetic surgery, swelling will usually go down in five to seven days. Meanwhile, bruising will dissipate in 10 to 14 days. Due to these, it could be difficult to eat at first. If you have stitches, they may need to be removed around a week following surgery. You’ll also probably need a few weeks to recover from cosmetic surgery. In addition, revision surgeries, such as revision blepharoplasty may require a longer recovery period. When you can go back to work also depends on the type of surgery you have and the job you do. As a rule of thumb, you may go back to work in as fast as two weeks, if your job doesn’t require intense physical activities. How to Deal With an Allergic Reaction A reaction won’t be a medical emergency when you follow professional medical advice. In some cases, facial swelling might lead to an allergic reaction. This may show up for up to a few days after your surgery. Severe allergic reactions after surgery may happen for many reasons, including allergies to certain medications or anaesthesia. If you suffer from medical conditions that produce allergies, inform your doctor immediately after your first consultation. Since allergic reactions can be caused by anaesthesia, make sure that your doctor is using sedation anaesthesia, since it’s safer than general anaesthesia. My clinic at Harley Street, London uses sedation, so you are in safe hands. When to See a Doctor If you’ve been experiencing facial swelling or trouble breathing, see a doctor. A post-operative appointment with the plastic surgeon will take place within the first two weeks after you have undergone surgery. At this appointment, your doctor will remove the majority of the stitches and/or staples that are currently on your face. The physician will also check to see if the wounds have a healthy appearance and are healing properly. You need to contact the doctor immediately if you encounter any issues before your scheduled appointment. This includes difficulty breathing, bleeding, a severely puffy face, and severe pain. Visit Julian de Silva – Facelift, London Facial swelling is a common, medically reviewed side effect of facial surgery. However, you must work with a medically reviewed clinic to make sure that you’re being taken care of after the surgery. This will help you manage the side effects and reduce swelling in the face. Want to know more about facelifts? Check out our Patient’s Guide to Facelift Surgery to learn more about the facelift surgery process. Do you want to have your cosmetic surgery done by an experienced and highly qualified surgeon in London? Contact us to book a consultation with me, Dr. Julian De Silva now!

Decreased collagen production and hyaluronic acid levels cause jowls. As you become older, you tend to lose definition around your jawline. The supporting components that keep your features youthful, like elastin and collagen, begin to deplete. You might lose fat in the cheeks and temples and have excess or saggy skin. These lead to your chin and neck losing shape. On top of that, your skin becomes drier and thinner as you age. This makes it less robust and more susceptible to the forces of gravity. As a result, loose skin around your chin and jawline can form. This generates jowls that age your entire appearance. But how do you get rid of jowls? Can you permanently eliminate them? In this article, I will talk about how you can get rid of jowls and prevent future sagging skin. I will also answer the most common questions about jowls. Can You Reverse Sagging Skin and Jowls? Jowls are less pronounced in people who have thicker skin, but they become more noticeable as one age. Yes, you can reverse sagging jowls. While jowls are a natural sign of ageing, you can reverse them through many treatments. For one, injectable solutions such as dermal fillers are great for restoring your face volume. Ultrasonic treatments such as Ultherapy are also helpful for stimulating the creation of more collagen. This immediately lessens the sagging effect of jowls. Radiofrequency (RF) skin treatments can also recontour, smooth, tighten, and lift the skin on your jaw and chin areas. Each treatment has its own distinct advantages, and our professionals can assist you in selecting the best process for your specific skin needs. However, if you want a permanent fix for pronounced jowls, surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Julian De Silva, M.B.B.D, MD is the right way to go. Will Losing Weight Get Rid of Jowls and Saggy Skin? Unfortunately, weight loss isn’t the most effective way to eliminate frustrating jowls. Losing weight won’t help eliminate droopy jowls. In fact, for many, especially individuals with older skin, losing lots of weight might make the jowls stand out even more. That’s because weight loss can actually highlight them to begin with. However, according to some studies, facial exercises and exercise, in general, can help reduce the look and severity of droopy skin and jowls. They do this by improving the ability of the facial, jaw, and neck muscles to keep their form. The majority of prescribed exercises should be performed one after the other to ensure that the face muscles are exercised evenly. Each exercise should be held for 10 to 20 seconds before being released. The following are some common facial exercises that may help improve jowls: Yawning and opening the mouth as widely as possible, then gently shutting it without allowing the teeth to contact. Outward puckering of the lips This practice is most effective when performed laying down and drawing the sides of the lips downwards with the fingers. Blowing up the cheeks as far as possible. Chewing with the head slightly inclined up. Grinning as wide as possible, then tilting the head up and down gently. Tilting the head up and placing the lower lip on the top lip. Lying down flat, curving the neck in towards the chest, and pushing the tongue on the roof of the mouth. Humming while pressing the tongue on the roof of the mouth. Facial exercises are not statistically proven to treat jowls. However, all existing research on the effect of facial exercises on treating jowls is not enough to pull out statistical evidence. Hence, only a treatment plan that includes one or more procedures like jowl soft tissue reduction and plastic surgery ensures results. This should not stop you from exercising your body and facial muscles though. Exercise greatly improves various elements that contribute to your skin health. This may help lessen the age at which jowls form, as well as their severity. Any repetitive facial habits that evenly activate or stretch the face muscles without overusing them may also aid in the reduction of jowls. Jowls: Why It Happens and What You Can Do Bad lifestyle choices can cause jowls and saggy skin. Jowls are drooping or excess skin on the neck, directly below the jawline and chin. Almost everyone gets jowls as they become older, mainly because their skin loses elasticity. Several causes, including genetics, sun damage or UV rays, lifestyle factors, and lost volume can contribute to more prominent jowls. Though various variables are known to enhance the frequency and severity of jowls, age is the root reason. This is because the skin begins to lose some of the substances that help it maintain its form as it ages. These substances include fat and connective tissue proteins like elastin. The skin also becomes drier and thinner, making it more difficult to keep its shape. As the skin loses its elasticity and volume, it becomes more sensitive to gravity. Sagging skin around the lips and cheeks migrates to the chin and jawline, resulting in jowls and a sagging jawline. The following are risk factors for jowls: Sunburn history Excessive or chronic alcohol consumption Smoking Dehydration, whether chronic or severe Long-term or severe stress Diets deficient in antioxidants, good fats, and other vital elements Frowning, chewing gum, chatting on the phone, and other behaviors or expressions that use the cheek, mouth, and jaw muscles. Skin allergies A lack of skin hygiene Little to no physical activity Poor lifestyle choices How to Eliminate Jowls Fast: Treatment and Prevention A treatment plan for jowls can include more than one procedure. 1. Facelift and Neck Lift If you want to get rid of fat and tighten your face and neck, then a neck lift is for you. In most neck lifts, the incisions are made in front of and behind the ear, reaching into the hairline. In some circumstances, a complete neck lift and facelift may be necessary to enhance your look. This plastic surgery eliminates fat, makes your skin tight, enhances your cheek muscles, and repositions skin on the lower half of your face so that your neck and face look the same. While these procedures are promising, there are different type of facelift that can be tailored to your individual needs. For most patients a natural vertical lift, restoring the areas that have dropped to their original position is best (modified deep plane facelift), for some patients less is more (pony tail facelift, mini facelift). 2. Fat reduction & Chin Implant For younger patients with fullness under the neck and jaw line, another way to get rid of fuller neck is through fat reduction with or without a chin implant. During this treatment, the surgeon will use a microcannula to remove fat from your chin region. They will also restructure the skin and jawline to avoid sagging in the future. Combined with bringing the chin forward this can work well for younger patients with good skin elasticity. Fat reduction can also be done with radio frequency or laser therapy to ensure that your skin remains tight and smooth. Dr De Silva frequently tightens the neck muscle (platysma) to reduce seeing a band in the neck that commonly comes with age. Although this is a universal aspect of ageing these stitches can help hide this change. 3. Radiofrequency Jawline Tightening This technique tightens the skin around your neck and chin using heat and radiofrequency energy from a gadget. It may be repeated several times to guarantee that your skin remains tight. The recovery period is short, and the treatment may be completed in a single day. 4. Dermal Fillers Dermal fillers can help treat those stubborn jowls of yours. Dermal fillers are formed of a substance known as hyaluronic acid. In addition, dermal fillers are filler injections placed into the neck and chin to fill up jowls and make them appear less sagging. Some dermal jawline fillers also stimulate your body’s production of collagen, allowing you to keep your skin tight. Although most fillers are soft and made of a gel called hyaluronic acid. They can be mixed with a calcium filler that will give a stronger more defined and shaped jaw line. 5. Ultrasound Ultherapy is the use of ultrasonic therapy to encourage long-term collagen formation in the skin’s deep layers. It typically takes one session, and patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately following the operation. Several months following treatment, most patients report a continuous improvement in skin tightness and stiffness. This is a non-surgical treatment and often the results are relatively mild and conservative, not suitable for patients wanting marked change and the results are three to six months after receiving ultrasound therapy. 6. Radiotherapy Radiotherapy employs intense, radiating heat to promote collagen and elastin fibre bundles around 2 millimeters beneath the skin’s surface. As a result, the bundles recoil and the skin tightens. Radiotherapy also increases protein formation by deceiving the body into believing connective tissues are injured. For best outcomes, many patients need to repeat treatments a few times a year. Pelleve is the most commonly used brand name for jowl radiation. What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk? You can prevent jowls and reduce risk by avoiding smoking. Here are things you can do to reduce the risks associated with procedures involving the jowl area: Avoid smokingCigarettes and other kinds of tobacco contain toxins that can harm your skin. Limit your exposure to the sunBefore going out for the day, always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face and neck. Make it a part of your morning routine to protect your skin from UV rays. Limit your screen timeWhen using a computer or phone, try to maintain your head in a natural, comfortable position. Avoid bunching up or stretching out your neck skin. You may also safeguard your muscles by taking a 10-minute break for every hour spent on the computer. What if I Already Have Jowls? If you have jowls and a sagging chin area, know that you have many treatment options. There are various techniques for correcting drooping jowls or making them seem less saggy or droopy. Neck lifts, for example, can tighten your skin and make it appear less saggy. Non-surgical therapies such as thermage, lasers, and fillers can alter the collagen composition of your skin. To conceal empty regions around the jowls, fillers might be employed. When you go out, you can also disguise your jowls with clothes and cosmetics. What Causes Jowls? Jowls are caused by the same factors that cause wrinkles. Here are the common causes of jowls: 1. Loss of Elastin and Collagen The skin on your cheeks and the skin below your jaw loses a lot of elastin and collagen as time passes by. Collagen is a protein that builds up your body’s connective tissue. Elastin is another substance that gives your skin the ability to go back to its original form after being stretched. 2. Genetics Your genes can also influence whether you acquire jowls and how visible they become over time. For one, you are more prone to get jowls if either of your parents has them. If you have thin skin or a lack of collagen and elastin in your skin, you may develop jowls at a young age as well. Jowls can appear as early as your twenties or thirties. 3. Facial Expressions Making specific facial expressions often might stretch out your face or neck skin. 4. Sun exposure Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight might harm your skin. As a result, your skin may sag sooner. 5. Smoking Cigarette nicotine and other substances can harm your collagen and elastin levels. On top of that, smoking can cause your blood vessels to constrict. This reduces blood circulation and inhibits your skin from receiving essential nutrients such as vitamin A. 6. Using computers or phones Long durations of computer use or staring down at a smartphone can cause your neck area to lose its suppleness. The term “tech neck” refers to these jowls. What Are the Best Procedures for Jowls? The best treatment for jowls include a facelift and neck lift. The best procedures for sagging jowls are undoubtedly a neck lift and full facelift. For one, a neck lift and full facelift are permanent fixes. This means that you only have to get them once. In fact, many of my patients who get these procedures enjoy the results for a lifetime. Visit Dr. Julian de Silva – Facelift, London If you’re dissatisfied with your jowls, you have numerous alternatives for treating them. Talk to me, Dr. Julian De Silva, an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon about the best choice. Contact us to book a consultation with Dr. De Silva now! As an alternative, you may visit our Harley Street clinic, the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery.