We all have areas of our body that we’re less than happy with, even if we’re committed to a healthy and fit lifestyle. Body contouring or body sculpting aims to reshape the body and remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

We’re all born with a finite number of fat cells that expand and contract depending on how carefully we watch what we eat or how hard we work out. However, genetics and the ageing process can also determine if we have a particular body concern, such as a double chin, muffin top, stomach pouch, bingo wings, or saddlebags.

Now, there are many options for tackling these problem areas, so if you’re considering body contouring, here are some of the questions you should ask.

Which body contouring procedure is right for me?

The best body contouring procedure depends on your current body shape and type and what you hope to achieve. During your consultation with body sculpting expert Mr Michael Mouzakis, you will have a physical assessment and a clear discussion of your concerns and goals so he can advise you on the appropriate body contouring procedure.

If you have small pockets of fat and good skin elasticity, then MicroLipo may be the answer. Larger volumes of fat may respond better to Vaser, which also induces a degree of skin tightening. For slim and toned patients wanting to reveal a more defined physique, Vaser Hi-Def can sculpt around the underlying musculature.

However, if you have very poor skin elasticity or stretched abdominal muscles, a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck will be the best option, as excess skin can be removed and the abdominal muscles tightened.

Am I a good candidate for body contouring?

The ideal candidate has positive, realistic goals and is fit and well. It is essential to realise that body contouring is not a weight loss procedure, and they should ideally also be within 15 and 20% of their goal weight to get the best results.

Smoking can delay healing and contributes to poor skin elasticity, so the ideal body contouring patient is a non-smoker.

Am I ready to commit to looking after my results?

Although the fat cells removed during your body contouring procedure cannot grow back, it is possible to undermine your results by putting on weight. This means putting more weight on elsewhere or further expanding the remaining fat cells in the treatment area.

Committing to a healthy diet and exercise routine before your body contouring procedure means you are in the best possible shape for surgery. Still, it also means you are more likely to maintain your results post-procedure. Vaser Hi-Def requires strict adherence to weight maintenance.

When will I see the results of my body contouring procedure?

You can expect to see an immediate difference in your body shape, but some swelling can last up to six months before it fully subsides, and you can appreciate your final result.

Are there risks involved?

Vaser lipo and MicroLipo are typically safe and well-tolerated procedures, but there are also potential risks that you should be aware of before deciding to proceed.

These include bruising, pain, infection, skin discolouration, bleeding and asymmetry. Scars are typically minimal and are usually positioned where they will not be visible when healed.

More questions on body contouring? Call 02033 256 533 or email info@drmooz.com to book a consultation with Mr Michael Mouzakis.

Excess fat under the chin is a common cause for concern and many patients ask us what treatments get rid of a double chin.

What causes double chin fullness?

For most of us, a double chin is the result of fat accumulating under the chin, known as submental fat. This excess fat is typically very resistant to diet and exercise and many slim and toned men and women feel that they look overweight as there is a lack of definition in the lower face and neck. Patients often say that they feel it makes them look older also. Genetic factors can play a role in where fat accumulates.

Skin laxity can also contribute to this lack of definition. As we age, collagen and elasticity production slow down which causes skin to sag and folds to form. As the lower face loses elasticity, this can often give the appearance of a double chin. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet and sun exposure can all accelerate this skin ageing.

Even your smartphone addiction could be contributing to double chin fullness. US scientists recently revealed that tipping your head forward at a 45-degree angle for hours and hours a day put an extreme amount of pressure on your neck, resulting in muscle stiffness, joint inflammation, pinched nerves, arthritis, herniated discs, as well as the increased likelihood of necklace lines and a double chin as a result of poor posture.

How to lose double chin fat?

There are many non-surgical treatments that claim to eradicate double chin fat. Different techniques are used to kill the fat cells before they are eliminated from the body through the lymphatic system. These treatments include fat dissolving injections, such as Kybella which is composed of a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. This is a bile acid which naturally destroys fat cells.

Other treatments use extreme temperatures to kill off the fat cells, such as cryolipolysis. Scientists discovered that fat cells were destroyed when frozen with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

However, for a permanent and immediate removal of stubborn fat deposits on the face and body, double chin lipo is the most effective method. Mr Michael Mouzakis offers both MicroLipo and Vaser Liposuction for treating submental fat.

During a MicroLipo procedure, a solution of saline, adrenaline and local anaesthetic is injected into the treatment area to minimise discomfort and make removal of the fat cells easier. Small incisions are made and a microcannula is inserted to gently remove the fatty tissue. A more refined contour to the neck, jaw and chin instantly emerges although it can take a few weeks and months before all swelling subsides.

Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, and it uses ultrasound waves to liquefy the fat cells which makes them easier to extract. This makes it very gentle and minimally invasive so suitable for double chin lipo. The ultrasound energy also induces a small amount of skin retraction which can further improve the results.

To find out which treatment for double chin fullness you are best suited for, call 02033 256 533 to arrange a consultation with body sculpting expert Mr Michael Mouzakis.

Distressed that your lower body is out of proportion to your upper body? Frustrated that however carefully you eat or how much you exercise, it never seems to make a difference to the size of your thighs or calves? Experiencing heavy, aching or even painful legs that are sensitive to the touch or easily bruise?

You are likely to be suffering from lipoedema, or lipedema in the US, which is a very common condition afflicting mainly women, although most sufferers are misdiagnosed or told to just lose weight. Sadly, this disorder of the adipose or fatty tissue, is resistant to diet or exercise.

This leaves many women embarrassed by the aesthetic appearance of their legs and experiencing pain and a lack of mobility that affects quality of life and prevents them enjoying many normal activities.

What stage lipoedema do I have?

Lipoedema almost exclusively affects women and typically presents during periods of hormonal fluctuation such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. It is a progressive condition so it will typically worsen over time.

The European Lymphology Society (ELS) has categorised 5 types of lipoedema, based the distribution of abnormal fat and, as a progressive condition, patients often find it typically worsens over time.

  • Type I: an abnormal increase in fatty tissue on the buttocks and hips, often described as saddle bags.
  • Type II: the lipoedema extends as far down as the knees and there is usually a formation of folds of fat around the inner side of the knee.
  • Type III: patients find abnormal fat deposits extend all the way from the hips to the ankles.
  • Type IV: both the arms and legs are affected.
  • Type V: patients suffers from Lipo-lymphedema which is when the excess fat tissue puts too much pressure on the lymphatic system and this means an excess of congested fluid in the afflicted limbs.

However, research indicates that early intervention can halt the progression of this condition.

Which lipoedema liposuction treatment is most effective?

Non-surgical therapies are not able to reduce the bulk of the affected limbs but can manage the associated symptoms. They are also not likely to slow down the progression of lipoedema. They include compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) that gently stimulates lymphatic flow and thereby relieving any swelling or discomfort.

The only treatment that is able to reduce volume in the lower body or arms is liposuction. Dr Mooz uses Vaser and MicroLipo over traditional liposuction to treat lipoedema with highly effective results and less damage to the surrounding tissue.

First, a tumescent solution, composed of saline, local anaesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the target area which helps to dislodge the fat cells. During a MicroLipo procedure, Dr Mooz will use a specially designed microcannula to emulsify the fatty tissue before it is suctioned out. This means that although smaller amounts of fat can be addressed in one session, Dr Mooz will be able to remove the fat in a slower, more precise approach that results in a smoother finish and a quicker recover.

Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance and uses ultrasound waves to break up and liquefy the fat cells, so they are even easier to remove. Larger amounts of fatty tissue can be removed than through MicroLipo. Both procedures can be repeated safely.

For more advice on which type of liposuction is best for treating lipoedema, call 02033 256 533 to arrange a consultation with Dr Mooz.

Liposuction consistently remains in the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women as it’s often the only solution to fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance and is a form of ultrasound-assisted liposuction that liquefies the fat cells before they are removed. It has emerged in recent years as a technologically advanced improvement on traditional liposuction and in our latest post we review the Vaser liposuction pros and cons.

Pro: Less invasive

Liposuction is an umbrella term and varies depending on the technique or device used to remove fat. Alongside ultrasound-assisted liposuction, is tumescent liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL).

Traditional liposuction relies on the back-and-forth motion of the cannula to dislodge the fat cells before they are removed with suction and can cause significant trauma to the body.

Con: You may need lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling

After Vaser, the body responds by producing a cushion of fluid to protect the treated area. Dr Mooz will advise you to wear a compression garment after your procedure to reduce this swelling, but if the lymphatic system becomes overwhelmed with the excess swelling, you may be advised to undergo lymphatic drainage to prevent hard pockets developing.

Pros: Shorter downtime

During a Vaser procedure, probes are inserted that resonate at a high ultrasound frequency. This process ‘shakes’ loose the fat cells before it is removed by suction. As there is less damage to the surrounding tissues, there is usually a shorter recovery process than after traditional liposuction. Most patients are able to return home immediately after and experience less pain, bleeding and bruising.

Pro: Can be performed under local anaesthetic

Some patients are reluctant to undergo a general anaesthetic and it is possible to perform Vaser under local anaesthetic combined with sedation.

Con: Can’t remove as much fat as traditional liposuction

For patients with significant amounts of fat to remove, traditional liposuction might be better as you can typically remove more fat cells in one session than with Vaser.

Pro: Vaser equals better body sculpting

As the fat cells are dislodged before they are gently removed, it’s possible for Vaser surgeons to work more closely around targeted muscle groups, meaning more muscle definition. Vaser is also clinically proven to offer 53% more skin retraction than conventional liposuction, making it the ideal body contouring procedure.

To ask more questions about Vaser liposction, call 0203 3256 533 to arrange a consultation with body sculpting expert Dr Mooz.

Bothered about a double chin or unhappy with lack of thigh gap? Most of us have at least one area of the body that we’re less that satisfied with, however careful we are about what we eat or how much we work out.

Liposuction is one of the UK’s most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women as it is a highly effective method of eliminating unwanted fat and enhancing the physique. MicroLipo is an advanced liposuction technique performed by London body sculpting expert Mr Michael Mouzakis.

Benefits of MicroLipo:

#1 Less damage, less downtime

 Micro-cannula liposuction or MicroLipo gets its name from the size of the cannulas that are used to emulsify and remove the fat. In traditional liposuction, the cannulas are usually larger than 6 millimetres whereas in MicroLipo the cannula ranges from the smallest of which is just 0.9mm wide and the largest of which is 3mm. As a result, there is less damage to the surrounding tissue, so less bruising and swelling. 

#2 Minimal or no blood loss

 Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a solution of saline mixed with local anaesthetic and adrenaline which shrinks the blood vessels. There is minimal risk of excessive bleeding after MicroLipo.

#3 Performed under local anaesthetic

MicroLipo is performed under local anaesthetic so the risks and recovery associated with a general anaesthetic are eliminated.

#4 Can be repeated

Up to 3.5 litres of fat can be removed in one session and multiple areas can be treated at the same time. However, it is very safe to have a repeat session if further body sculpting is required.

#5 Smooth contours

MicroLipo’s tiny cannula means Mr Michael Mouzakis has full control over the procedure and there is minimal chance of too much fat being removed which can result in a rippling effect. The slow, controlled MicroLipo technique produces a smoother result.

#6 Suitable for small body areas

MicroLipo is particularly effective for targeting smaller body areas such as under the chin, along the neck, the back of the arms and the knees.

#7 Fantastic treatment for Lipoedema

One of the key benefits of MicroLipo is that it is particularly effective at treating Lipoedma as the size of the cannula means it cause less damage to the lymphatic drainage system.

To discover more of the benefits of MicroLipo, call 02033 256 533 or email info@drmooz.com to arrange a consultation with Mr Michael Mouzakis.

Male pattern baldness is a progressive condition, so the amount of hair loss will only increase with age. By age 30, it’s thought that 25% of men will experience noticeable hair loss. By 50, this has increased to 50% and by age 60, over two-thirds of men will be experiencing thinning and loss of density often combined with a receding hairline or growing bald patch.

As androgenetic alopecia is linked to your age as well as genetics, it’s no surprise that most men who are experiencing noticeable hair loss have also seen a proliferation of grey or white hairs as 50% of the population has about 50% of grey hair by age 50, according to dermatologists.

So, can you have a FUE hair transplant when your hair has started to go grey or white?

Hair transplant on white hair White Hair Transplant

One misconception about grey or white hair is that it’s no longer ‘healthy’. The principles of FUE hair transplantation is you’re taking healthy, viable hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them to an area where they are able to graft successfully and start producing new hairs.

We get our hair colour – along with our skin, nail, lip, and eye colour – from specialised cells called melanocytes which produce a pigment known as melanin. It’s thought that follicular melanocytes are far more susceptible to oxidative stress and therefore stop producing melanin at a much quicker rate than melanocytes situated in the iris for example.

When this melanin production slows down, our hair begins to lose its colour, becoming grey or white when there is complete absence of pigmentation in the hair. However, this lack of pigment does not affect the viability of this hair follicles and they can be successfully grafted.

Careful planning is essential when performing a grey or white hair transplant and Mr Michael Mouzakis not only takes into account your hair growth patterns to ensure the grafted follicular units match in terms of angle and placement, but he will also factor in the colour pattern of greying hair when transplanting follicular units.

Call 0207 411 9858 to book a consultation with Mr Michael Mouzakis and find out if you’re suitable for a hair transplant.

Today is World Hair Transplant Repair Day, led by International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the world’s leading authority on hair loss and hair restoration. They have launched this annual awareness day to raise consumer awareness about the risks to patients that undergo hair restoration procedures carried out illegally by unlicensed technicians which has become a growing concern.

IHSRS members such as Dr Mooz have seen a worrying increase in recent years in patients seeking hair transplant repair. This can be very challenging, as he often must correct poor results, severe infections, poor donor area planning and over-harvesting and visible scarring.

Do I need hair transplant repair?

Severe infections and visible scarring are often seen as the worst-case scenarios with a botched hair transplant. But, often, Dr Mooz sees patients that have been left with a less than pleasing aesthetic result that is the mark of an unskilled or inexperienced practitioner.

Typical aesthetic problems can include an unnatural hairline or not enough density. Planning is key to a successful hair transplant and Dr Mooz will carefully assess the donor area, the area of hair loss and your existing hair pattern to ensure that a truly natural result is procedure. He will take into consideration the texture, size, direction, and angle of each hair graft when they are transplanted.

What makes a hairline look unnatural?

Your hairline is the frame of your face and highly visible so it’s essential that your hair restoration surgeon gets it right. An unnatural hairline is very straight and has none of the typical irregularities that a normal hairline has. If it’s placed too high, it can make the forehead look too large. Dr Mooz will take new follicles to reshape the hairline and any poorly placed follicles can be carefully removed.

What is lack of density?

Lack of density is when not enough hair follicles have been implanted during the initial procedure. This can be compounded if there has been poor follicle handling or implantation that crushes the hair follicles or places them too close together to ensure sufficient blood supply. A secondary procedure can be performed to implant more hair follicles, but a skilled practitioner is a must to ensure none of the existing or previously implanted hair follicles are damaged.

HAIR TRANSPLANT REPAIR CASE STUDY:

Dr Mooz recently performed hair transplant repair on a young woman who’d gone to Turkey for her initial procedure. She was deeply unhappy with her frontal hairline which looked very fake and Barbie doll-like. Watch the video to see how Dr Mooz corrected her hairline to produce a much more natural appearance.

Steve Ashworth is a Patient Coordinator at The Private Clinic in Birmingham and aged 33 he decided to have a FUE Hair Transplant procedure with Dr Mooz.

“I first decided that a FUE Hair Transplant was the right procedure for me compared to other hair transplant treatments because of the minimum downtime required after treatment it all seemed very straightforward and fitted into my life and routine easily”

Steve had first noticed the signs of hair loss in his late teens and this resulted in very low self-confidence over the following years.

“My confidence was extremely low for many years, I wouldn’t ever let anyone stand over me or I would never walk down stairs in front of anyone as my crown was very visible.”

After working alongside Dr Mooz convinced Steve that he was the best surgeon choice when he decided to undergo a FUE hair transplant.

“I have been working closely with Dr Mouzakis and he has won me over with his knowledge and his nice manner. The patient’s safety and comfort is at the forefront of what he does which I think is the most important thing to look for in a surgeon, as well as the fantastic results.”

Although Steve felt initially nervous on the day of his operation, Dr Mooz put him at ease during the pre-op consultation and nerves turned to excitement.

Watch Steve’s hair transplant journey in full

Steve's FUE Hair Transplant Story

“I was asleep for most of the extraction (removal of the hair follicles from the back). I felt no pain at all which I was quite surprised about. Dr Mouzakis is a very gentle surgeon and he really looked after me in theatre.”

Hair transplant before and afters
Hair transplant surgery performed by a highly experienced and qualified practitioner should mean minimal downtime and Steve had his hair transplant on the Monday and was back to work on the Wednesday.

“It was amazing how quickly I healed. Everyone has been so supportive and they can’t believe how amazing my results are 6 months in. My dad is even thinking of having a Hair Transplant and he is 67!”

“When I speak to my patients, who have never met me before, and I tell them I’ve had a Hair Transplant they can’t believe me until I show them my before pictures.”

Get in touch to book your hair transplant with Dr Mooz.

 

Liposuction is considered a relatively safe procedure, particularly Vaser lipo which uses ultrasound energy to emulsify the fat cells and is performed under a local anaesthetic. However, every cosmetic surgery procedure carries some risk of potential complications, and it is essential that you are well informed about the risks as well as the benefits before you make the decision to proceed.

What are common liposuction risks?

Side effects of liposuction are usually minor, but there are some more serious potential complications that you must be aware of.

Common side effects:

  • Bruising at the incision sites
  • Swelling of the area which can last for many months
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Fluid coming from the incisions
  • Swollen ankles (if legs or ankles are treated)
  • Temporary numbness that should disappear in six to eight weeks
  • Scarring, although the incisions are small and usually placed where they will be well hidden

Rare risks from liposuction:

  • Skin infection at the incision sites
  • Allergic reactions
  • Bleeding under the skin
  • Persistent or even permanent numbness of the treatment area
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Asymmetry or irregular contours
  • Embolism
  • Damage to internal organs

As liposuction removes underlying fat cells but the skin is not being tightened that loose, lax skin can be an issue after surgery. However, Dr Mooz will carefully assess your skin laxity during your consultation and will advise you on what you can expect.

How can I reduce the risks of liposuction?

First and foremost, it is important you choose an experienced and expert plastic surgeon that has the relevant training. Dr Mooz will also advise you to quit smoking and nicotine products prior to surgery as this can affect your circulation and slow down healing. You will also be advised to wear a compression garment during the recovery period to control swelling.

For more advice on lipo risks or about the recovery period after liposuction, call 0207 411 9858 to arrange a consultation with Dr Mooz.

Liposuction with Dr Mooz starts at £3,200 and includes three follow-up appointments. The price can vary significantly, and this depends on the areas treated and the type of anaesthesia used.

The fee will also include a pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are suitable for surgery, a patient co-ordinator who will be your point of contact, state-of-the-art hospital facilities, comprehensive aftercare and a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, anaesthetist and nursing team

At your consultation with Dr Mooz, he will be able to give you a detailed price and explain what it covers. Call 0207 411 9858 to arrange a consultation at either his London or Northampton clinic.