More of us than ever are deciding it’s time to have that youthful treatment we’ve always promised ourselves

Now we’re into the new year, an ever-increasing number of people – men as well as women – will be deciding now is the time to have that treatment they’ve been promising themselves for ages. But consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons Bruce Richard and Anne Dancey say that patients should stop and have a long, hard think before making any decisions about going ‘under the knife’.

It’s important that patients need to be confident – both in the surgeon and in the actual decision they were making – before taking the next step. “Sometimes people need to discuss their options several times in order for both the patient and the surgeon to be confident that they have each understood what is wanted and how achievable the planned change is,” explained Bruce.

“Free mini-consultations give consultant and patient the chance to discuss initial thoughts then further consultations can be held to go into finer details and to ensure a real understanding is established between the surgeon and patient.”

Here we look at some of some cosmetic procedures that have shown significant increases in demand over the last few years:

Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Many people have been blessed with their ‘families nose’ but really do not like its shape. Or they have had an accident that has changed the shape and ease of breathing through their nose. A rhinoplasty can significantly change these aspects of shape and function and deliver a reinvigorated confidence in how you are presented to the world.

Face and neck lift (Platysmaplasty)

As we get older the neck can betray our age long before our face does. Neck lift surgery, as with facelifts, focuses on reducing the loose look of sagging skin around the neck and under the jaw line.

Eyelid tucks (Blepharoplasty)

The eyes tend not to lie when it comes to showing your age! However, eyelid surgery can give you a fresher, more youthful look. The procedure involves making a small incision in the natural folds of the eyelid, removing excess skin and tissue, and then applying very fine stitching to close the incision again.

Prominent Ears (Otoplasty)

A number of adults wish that they had had their ‘sticky out’ ears sorted when they were children. But with financial independence or sometimes later hair loss, which makes the ears harder to hide, they decide to have surgery. This operation can be done under local anaesthetic as a day case using a technique that means a head bandage is only necessary for the first few days after the operation.

Female breast reduction (Mammoplasty)

A breast reduction can offer relief, a new shape and reinvigorated confidence. It can also help relieve problems such as back and neck pain as well as helping correct bad posture.

The operation will be performed under a general anaesthetic and after surgery you’ll most likely need to stay in hospital for one or two nights.

Male breast reduction (Gynaecomastia)

Sometimes, excess fat on the chest is best treated by losing weight but, if you are suitable for the gynaecomastia operation, an incision will be made under the arm or around the nipple to allow excess skin and tissue to be removed. Sometimes liposuction is performed to remove excess fat.

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Life events such as pregnancy, losing a lot of weight or simply the march of time can all leave their mark on your stomach. A tummy tuck is designed to give you back a youthful, flat stomach by tightening the abdominal muscles.