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Ask the Knife Coach
Wendy Lewis shares her knowledge of cosmetic surgery procedures with five Saga readers
Did Botox cause my costochondritis?
Q: Ten months ago I had Botox around my eyes. I suffered some flu-like symptoms for about five days afterwards, then a month later, I had a severe attach of costochondritis which has persisted until now. Although I have very few severe attacks now, I am always in discomfort and cannot wear a bra for long. I take diclomax anti-inflammatories every day to control the pain to this level. Can you tell me if the costochondritis has anything to do with the Botox and can I have it again?
A: It sounds very dubious as to whether the condition would be related to your Botox treatment. You should return to the doctor who did the original injection and ask him directly. Alternatively, you could visit www.thenaturallook.co.uk, to find out more about Botox and the potential side effects, although this seems to be unrelated as your symptoms occurred long after the treatment, and in a different area of your body. You could ask your GP too.
Droopy eyelids
Q: I am developing a droopy eyelid which is affecting my vision - what do you recommend? If surgery, do you advise that both eyes are dealt with to give an even appearance?
A: If your droopy eyelids are truly interfering with your vision, you may be a candidate to have upper eyelid surgery to correct this deformity. This problem often runs in families. If the muscle is weakened and the lid is drooping, surgery may offer the only relief. This is really not a cosmetic problem but more of a functional issue. I suggest that you ask your GP for a referral to an ophthalmologist for an eye check up, or to an eye surgeon. You may also go privately to see one of the members of the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society, www.bopss.org
What's the difference between fillers and volumisers?
Q: I want to look younger, but don't want to have anything too drastic, such as plastic surgery. I'm looking for something more subtle, more of a natural look; having my face frozen with Botox would be my worst nightmare. My face seems to have lost quite a lot of volume over the last few years and is generally creeping south. I don't understand the difference between 'fillers' and 'volumisers' - are they dangerous? Can you recommend anything in particular or even someone I could go and talk to?
A: Fillers and volumisers are similar but different. Fillers can fill lines and plump creases and folds, lips and wrinkles. Volumisers are thicker fillers or fillers that are injected deeply to enhance volume or restore the fullness lost due to age, weight loss, and illness. You should consult a cosmetic doctor to find out which fillers may be best for you. One of the most popular volumisers in the UK would be Sculptra which is generally done in a series of three or more treatments to stimulate collagen regeneration and improve skin quality. Find out more at www.sculptra.co.uk. Other options include: www.restylane.co.uk, www.evolence.com, www.radiesse.co.uk. All of these would be done in a clinic or doctors' rooms, and require very little if any recovery time.
Lumpy upper arms
Q: I’m 63 and my upper arms are lumpy and bumpy and badly affected by what looks like cellulite. I can no longer wear any clothes that don't have sleeves at least to the elbow. I live in a hot climate six months of the year and it is very restricting (not to mention hot!) wearing such clothes. Do you have any suggestions as how to improve the appearance of my arms?
A: In your 60s, the best option would be surgery to reduce the excess sagging skin of the upper arms. This is called an arm lift or brachioplasty, and will leave a long scar from the elbow to the armpit. If that sounds too extreme for you, the possible alternatives would include skin-tightening lasers such as thermage (www.thermage.com) that work to shrink the skin. The results won’t be amazing, but you may see some minor improvement. Your best bet may be to invest in shrugs, little light sweaters, and gauzy blouses - as upper arms are most women’s nemesis. I am sorry not to have better solutions, but I assure you this is a very common problem all women can relate to!
Visible vein near eye
Q: I have a thin but raised and very visible vein underneath the outside corner of my right eye and it's almost impossible to hide. It's very visible and I'd love to be rid of it. Please tell me if this is possible surgically, or by laser. It's close to my eye so I worry about the laser option. I am 57.
A: It is very risky to have veins removed or treated so close to the eye, and you would be well advised to be very careful about who you allow to do it. The options are surgery which would be very invasive and might not be advised, or injections to make the vein collapse, or laser therapy to reduce the vein. You can see a vascular surgeon, eye surgeon, or a dermatologist who specialises in lasers to ask what treatments might work best for you. The Lister hospital might be worth a visit, as they have an excellent laser department, or ask your GP for a referral. If the vein is not painful or bothering you, it would be a cosmetic problem and thus not covered on the NHS so you would have to go private.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
