What's Up, Doc?

By: Ruth Donnelly
Created on 26th October 2010

We take a closer look at some of the newest phenomena in the world of cosmetic surgery...

Acoustic Wave Therapy

What is it? A brand new cellulite treatment that uses high frequency acoustic sound waves to accelerate lymphatic flow, enhance metabolic activity and stimulate fat breakdown. Rumour has it that her Madgesty the Queen of Pop has her very own machine at home, and now you can get in on the action at your local clinic, as it's recently hit UK shores.

What do the experts say? Julie French, owner of Equalibrium Clinic in Kent, was one of the first UK practitioners to offer AWT to her clients: "What first attracted me to the machine was that Dr David Jones, who introduced me to it, was so confident of its efficacy that he let me trial it first, which after having previously spent thousands on systems that didn't work, was very reassuring!

"The results I am seeing on my clients are exactly what they say on the brochure, my machine is busy all year round, as clients always recommend their friends. It's a must-have for any clinic."

Where can I get it? Equalibrium Clinic, Beckingham, Kent; 020 8663 2989 / www.demilec.co.uk

The Advanced Mini Facelift 

What is it? One step up from a mini-facelift. Typically, a mini-facelift repositions the skin of the face, tightening sagging jowls and neck. The advanced mini-facelift takes this a stage further by tightening and lifting the tissues underneath the skin. This approach gives more dramatic and longer lasting results. In fact, the results are closer to a full facelift than a mini-facelift.

What do the experts say? Mr Philip Guest is a consultant cosmetic surgeon at ME Cosmetic Medicine, the first and only clinic in the UK to offer the procedure: "Many patients want a subtle improvement to the features of aging in the face. The Advanced Mini FaceLift has the advantage of manipulation of the underlying tissues rather than a skin only lift. 

"A shorter downtime and the fact that the procedure can be done under local anaesthesia make this a popular choice for the appropriate patient"

Where can I get it? ME Cosmetic Medicine, Clifton, Bristol; 0117 325 0325

TLC non-surgical breast enhancement

What is it? A laser treatment that promises to increase your bust by up to two cup sizes, without surgery! The system uses a specific wavelength to activate the sympathetic nerve and increase the pressure of the capillary system in the breast, which in turn accelerates microcirculation, thickens the connective tissue, consolidates the ligaments and reactivates the breast cells.

What do the experts say? Dr Daniel Sister is the first person in the UK to offer this treatment: "One of my staff here has only recently emigrated from Australia and she had the treatment done over there two years ago. She was very impressed - it worked not only to increase the size of her breasts, but also to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

"Basically, it does the same thing to a woman as puberty or breastfeeding - it stimulates the blood flow, the glands, the nerve endings. It is a very effective alternative to breast surgery."

Where can I get it? Beauty Works West, Notting Hill, London; 020 7221 2248

Zeltiq CoolScupting 

What is it? A brand new, non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses cold instead of heat to rid you of your love handles. Zeltiq utilises a cooling technology called 'cryolipolysis' to selectively target and eliminate fat cells without harming the surrounding tissues. Already a hit in the States, this procedure can significantly reduce stubborn pockets of fat in one simple treatment.

What do the experts say? Joanne Such is director of Beyond MediSpa, the first UK clinic to offer Zeltiq: "The Zeltiq procedure shouldn't be confused with a weight loss treatment; the ideal patient is someone who, no matter how much they exercise or diet, still seems to have stubborn lumps or bulges they just can't shift. 

"FDA approved,  Zeltiq will give an average of 20 per cent fat reduction in the treated area, from just one treatment, with no downtime required and no lasting side effects."

Where can I get it? Beyond MediSpa, Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge; 020 7201 8595

The Snap-on Smile

What is it? Like false eyelashes for your teeth, this is a removable smile solution that requires no prepping or adhesives, it simply snaps on to your teeth! Produced by the company behind Lumineers, the Snap-on Smile is made of very thin but extremely strong specialised resin. So you can have a Hollywood smile for a special occasion, and go back to your normal teeth the next day!

What do the experts say? Dr Jagmail Basrai has performed more Snap-On Smile procedures than any other UK dentist: "The Snap-on Smile is great for those people who want a Hollywood smile but can't afford veneers - with this, you can have a whole new set of teeth for the price of just one or two veneers, and you can pick and choose when you wear it.

"It's a great entry-level treatment, while you're saving up to pay for veneers, but it also stands alone as a great quick fix for special occasions - you can even eat with it on!"

Where can I get it? Chafford 100 Dental Care, Grays, Essex; 01375 48 1000/ www.snaponsmile.co.uk