Whether or not you’re a tweakment aficionado, it’s always intriguing to see the weird and wondrous offerings of the cosmetics industry. This year, we’ve seen the rise of injectable skincare with a new treatment called Profhilo, that has impressed with its skin-plumping abilities, as well as strategic Botox for a totally natural and undetectable look and even “Blowtox”, the injectable treatment that will make your blow dry last longer.
Like it or loathe it, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are becoming commonplace and are now so sophisticated, they are able to address a wider range of concerns, often providing an alternative to traditional surgery. With new treatments launching all the time, we couldn’t wait to find out what 2019 had in store for us, so The Plastic Surgery Magazine called upon two top cosmetic doctors for their predictions…
4D Mapping
“This year we saw the rise in virtual reality 3D imaging to help improve decision-making around cosmetic procedures,” says Professor Marcos Sforza, Expert Aesthetic Surgeon and Scientific Director, MyAesthetics. “2019 will now see advances in 4D technology being introduced across UK clinics, taking the benefits of 3D consultations to the next level.”
What this means is you can see accurate results of your cosmetic procedure, whether a few fillers or full-on surgery, before going anywhere near a needle.
“It’s a big step forward for surgeries like breast augmentation and reconstruction, because it will enable patients to select implants to fit their anatomy, as well as helping them see how their breasts would appear lifted, reduced or reconstructed,” says Professor Sforza.
Botox 2.0
According to award-winning cosmetic doctor Dr Esho, Botox is going to be ‘blown apart’ thanks to a new E-type 2 toxin. “You’ll need less of it and the results last longer, which is good for practitioners as it means you save more in terms of dosage and good for patients as the longevity means less treatments,” he says. An exact launch date is still TBC, but you heard it here first…
Ultrasonic Nose Jobs
We’ve all heard the horror stories of how a traditional nose job works, but according to Professor Sforza, there’s promise of a new, less traumatic alternative just around the corner. “Ultrasonic rhino-sculpture is becoming increasingly popular, promising faster recoveries and more precise results,” he says. “Other techniques chisel and file at the nasal bone, which can cause tissue trauma. However, by using a probe-like device that emits ultrasonic energy, surgeons accurately shape the nose minimising the damage to the cartilage or soft tissue.”
The high-tech procedure is best for eliminating bumps, narrowing the nasal bridge and correcting a deviated septum, with bruising and swelling subsiding after around two weeks.
Lip lifts
Fed up of filler? The thing is, when it comes to achieving enhanced lips, fillers have been the best way to achieve the desired effect. Until now that is; “The lip lift is a permanent procedure – typically done under local anaesthesia in less than an hour,” explains Professor Sforza. “This operation shortens the space between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lips (aka the philtrum) by carving out a bullhorn-shaped strip of skin just below the nostrils. It helps to raise the lips’ edges and creates a more natural, plumper appearance as well as adding definition to the Cupid’s bow.”
