There is no denying that the VASER Hi-Def technique was one of the most influential body contouring procedures in the last decade. However, even earthshakers have their flaws. And as Dr. Hoyos worked more and more with Hi-Def, he realized the multiple flaws the procedure presented.

That is why he went back to the drawing board, re-imagined his creation, and has now released 4D Sculpt™.

The differences between 4D Sculpt™ and Hi-Def may be subtle, but when applied in the operating room, the nuances are distinctly profound. 4D Sculpt™ means the difference between clunky sculpture and natural human beauty.

Here is an in-depth explanation of the differences between VASER Hi-Def and Dr. Hoyos’ highly improved 4D Sculpt™.

1. VASER Hi-Def Ignores the Body in Motion.

Coined by Dr. Hoyos as the “Pinocchio problem,” VASER Hi-Def results often do not show the muscles in motion. It does not incorporate the natural progression of the body in motion.

How 4D Sculpt™ Fixes It:

4D Sculpt™ uses a customized combination of anatomical landmarks to prevent deformities. This ensures the newly defined muscles do what muscles are supposed to do: move! That is why 4D Sculpt™ is called 4 dimensional liposculpture. It uses height, width, depth, and dynamic motion. 4D Sculpt™ makes the natural progression of the body apparent according to muscle activity.

2. VASER Hi-Def is a “One Size Fits All” Procedure.

Aesthetic surgeons probably know better than anyone that every body is unique. Trying to fit a 300lb man and a 125lb woman is ineffective and produces exactly what it looks like, a “one size fits all” result. This attitude of VASER Hi-Def toward the patient causes the surgeon to be biased toward each patient, as though every body type were the same, and every individual patient just like the last.

How 4D Sculpt™ Fixes It:

4D Sculpt™ is a completely customizable procedure that takes every variable into account. A woman hoping to reverse the signs of pregnancy will be viewed much differently than a man with an excess of intraabdominal fat. An example of variables include: age, gender, body type, muscular motion, predicted weight loss, post-pregnancy markers, and so on. Every individual has their own set of different anatomical landmarks that must be taken into consideration for the final result to look like the patient’s natural body.

3. VASER Hi-Def is Not Dynamic Definition.

VASER Hi-Def results often appear stiff and do not move fluidly with the rest of the body. This is partially because of both the reasons stated in #1 and #2, because VASER Hi-Def does not plan according to each body type or according to where the muscles will move in the future. Dynamic definition encompasses the ideals of 4D Sculpt™, in that once the muscles are defined, they do not appear as though they’ve been carved out of plastic.

How 4D Sculpt™ Fixes It:

4D Sculpt™ fixes a “plastic” appearance that not only incorporates motion, but flows with it. It does this by integrating a second set of pre-surgical markings, drawn according to the patient’s muscles in a static position and in dynamic motion.

Article by Dr Alfredo Hoyos

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr Ravi Jain or Dr Alfredo Hoyos at Riverbanks Clinic, please call 01582 762877 or email info@riverbanksclinic.co.uk

Male Breast Reduction with Vaser Liposelection

Gynaecomastia is a medical term which describes oversized breasts in men. It is an extremely common condition, with some studies reporting it to be present in up to 60% of men. It is thought that the incidence is increasing due to changes in environmental conditions in our diet over the last few decades.

There are two forms of gynaecomastia.

True gynaecomastia

This is when a breast gland has developed in response to a hormonal sensitivity, usually around puberty. It is often associated with extra fatty tissue in the breast which further increases the size of the breast. True gynecomastia may be diagnosed clinically during your examination with your surgeon or via an ultrasound scan. It needs to be treated surgically with excision of the gland. Liposuction or VASER may be used in addition, to remove any excess fat. A half circle incision is necessary around the outline of your nipple and the gland is removed through this. The procedure can be carried out ‘twilight’ or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the planned surgery. It can usually be performed as a day case, with no overnight stay required.

Pseudogynaecomastia

This is much more common that true gynaecomastia and this is when the enlarged breast is due to excess fatty tissue. The tissue is usually a mixture of fatty and breast tissue but hardly any breast gland. Excessive diets, alcohol and hormonal sensitivity are the most frequent causes. Pseudogynaecomastia can be treated very successfully with VASER Liposelection, usually through a couple of 4 mm incisions in your nipple zone, under ‘twilight’ anaesthesia for a completely pain free experience. Results last for many years and are often permanent as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained.

What type of results can I expect from my gynaecomastia surgery?

At Riverbanks Clinic, we strive to achieve results which meet your expectations. During your consultation, it will have been explained to you that you should only proceed with VASER surgery if you will be a happy with 50% reduction in the pinch thickness of your breasts. You will have been shown several examples of previous Riverbanks patients  with varying degrees of success. During the surgery, the pinch thickness will be about 1 cm, however during your recovery, your skin layers will partially reform and the tissue thickness will increase slightly. We have a 90% satisfaction rate with our treatments and many men’s lives have been transformed following treatments. It is quite common for our patients to wish they had done this years ago.

What sort of recovery can I expect?

You will feel like you have done too many bench presses, or that you had been punched in the chest. In other words, your chest will feel tight and sore. It is not usually painful enough to require more than 1-2 days off work, but each individual’s response varies. After 2 days, you can take off your compression vest and remove your padding. Your scars should have healed up and you can have a quick cool shower. Continue with your antibiotics and wear your compression garment for 3 weeks 24/7 and then 3 weeks 12 hours a day. This is important to minimise any bleeding, inflammation and swellings and to maximise skin retraction.  You will be reviewed a week after surgery, when any stitches will be removed if they have been necessary. Occasionally at 6 weeks there will be some swelling present. This will usually resolve over the next 6 and will be reviewed at tour 6 month check-up with your surgeon.

When can I return to exercise?

Wait for 2 weeks after surgery before starting exercise. Be mindful that your chest may be tight with stretching movements. Because the surgery does not involve treating any muscles, your recovery will be relatively quick.

What can go wrong?

It is unusual for something to go wrong during VASER liposelection surgery. Common symptoms following surgery include pain and numbness and changes in nipple sensitivity. Increased or decreased sensitivity can last up to 6 months and in rare cases can be permanent. Chronic pain is not common.

What happens if I am not happy with my surgery?

In the unlikely event that you are not happy with your surgery, please discuss this with your surgeon. If there is no visible improvement or less than a 50% reduction in pinch thickness in either of your breasts, then your surgery will be revised at no extra cost to you. If there is a 50% reduction in pinch thickness but you would like further improvement, then further surgery may be booked at full price, if your surgeon feels that further surgery is indicated.

How much will my surgery cost?

The fee for male breast reduction surgery at Riverbanks starts from £3100. This includes surgeon, anaesthetist, nursing, hospital fees, blood tests and your post-op check ups at 1 day, 1 week and 6 months. You will have to pay for your private prescriptions at your local pharmacist.

How can I book my surgery?

• Complete your consent forms & let us know your chest size.
• Send the forms to the clinic via email/fax/post
• Call 01582 762 877 to book your surgery date
• If you require a nurse to assist you at home, please let us know so we can arrange that for you
• Book your time off work!

Its true! Its now possible to get results close to liposuction without having to go through the trials of surgery! New Vaser Shape from the makers of Vaser Liposelection offers patients a true alternative to liposuction, in a painless, relaxing 1 hour long treatment at Riverbanks Clinic, just outside of Harpenden.

What is VASER® Shape? How does it differ from other non-invasive treatments?

VASER Shape is a non-invasive ultrasound and massage therapy treatment that smoothes, firms and shapes the body. VASER Shape temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite, and increases local blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The treatment uses ultrasound waves to warm the targeted problem area and treat the underlying fatty tissue. It then uses zonal lymphatic massage to drain away excess toxins and lipids for removal from the body. Unlike other non-invasive body shaping procedures, VASER Shape is a comfortable massage-like treatment that only requires three to five sessions for noticeable results.

What does non-invasive mean?

Non-invasive means no cuts, no incisions, and no surgery. VASER Shape is a non-invasive, nonsurgical technique. Non-invasive treatments typically have little-to-no recovery period and few side-effects. Results with non-invasive treatments are typically less dramatic than that achieved with minimally invasive techniques, like VASER Lipo®.

How does VASER Shape work?

VASER Shape uses high-frequency sound waves for local heat therapy and zonal massage to drain away excess toxins and fats. Heat therapy warms the treatment area and creates a “micromassage” effect on the fat cells. Zonal massage works with the lymphatic system to drain away excess toxins and fats, and increase local blood circulation.

Together, these two processes:

• Smooth and shape the body by temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite

• Improve local blood circulation, and

• Reduce pain and swelling that can occur after liposuction.

What body areas can be treated with VASER Shape?

VASER Shape can be used to treat the following areas:

• Abdomen

• Back

• Hips

• Thighs

• Arms

• Love handles

• Buttocks

What kinds of results can I expect?

You can expect a temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Areas treated with VASER Shape appear more smooth and “natural-looking” than before the treatment.

Where is VASER Shape performed?

VASER Shape is typically performed in an office setting by a physician or other trained practitioner. VASER Shape does not require anaesthesia of any kind.

How soon will I see my results?

While you may see results after the first treatment, patients typically see the most visible results after a regimen of three to five sessions.

Is there a recovery period?

No. Following the procedure, you can resume normal activity without pain or downtime. Your skin may appear slightly pink and feel warm after the procedure due to the increased local blood circulation in the area. This should resolve itself within a few hours after the treatment.

Is VASER Shape right for me?

Although VASER Shape is recommended for a wide range of patients, you should be realistic about the kinds of results you expect from the treatment. We recommend consulting with a physician to make sure VASER Shape is right for you.

How much does the treatment cost?

VASER Shape requires special equipment and administration by a trained practitioner. The total cost of your procedure will vary depending upon the number of body areas treated and the total number of sessions required to achieve your desired results.

For more information please call Riverbanks Clinic on 01582 762 877 or request a booking

Looking for an impressive father’s day gift? Imagine gifting your father with something that would change his life. Just like women, men can suffer from serious self-esteem issues due to unhappiness with their bodies; it can affect their day-to-day life, their confidence and their future. If your father (or the father of your children) is unhappy due to his body shape then why not pay for them to have the treatment that could completely change their lives?

At Riverbanks Clinic we offer a variety of treatments to help tackle hair loss, male breasts, scarring, sun damaged skin, excessive sweating, wrinkles, rosacea and other skin issues. We would be thrilled to help your father gain a new found body confidence!

Popular treatments for Father’s Day include:

Botox – The most effective treatment for controlling and smoothing deep facial wrinkles: on the forehead, between the eye brows and around your eyes. Most people require 1 session each 4 months, so you may wish to purchase more than one treatment for your gift recipient.

Vaser Lipo – This is a non-invasive solution for ‘man boobs’. This treatment permanently reduces fat content and tightens the skin. It is relatively pain free and the recovery time is just a matter of hours (as opposed to weeks).

Vaser Sweat Therapy – This treatment uses ultrasonic energy to break up fatty tissue and sweat glands which is then removed through a gentle suction process. It helps overcome the embarrassing issue of excessive sweating which can affect the confidence of any business man.

Hair Transplant – There are various different hair transplant solutions that we can offer depending on the client’s situation. It is an excellent way to conquer hair loss which affects many men as they get older.

Give us a call to discuss how we might be able to help the man in your life or to purchase a gift voucher and allow your recipient to spend money they didn’t previously have on the treatment they need.

Image by mateoutah via Flickr

Guys, are you sick of covering up each summer? If so, there is no better time to treat yourself to some non-invasive procedures that can help you conquer your body issues and give you back the confidence of youth! As nature and a hectic lifestyle take its toll on your body, male body confidence can be just as heavily impacted as it can for women. Don’t be embarrassed to take action to deal with your imperfections. Cosmetic surgery is not for everyone, but for some it is a great way to be pro-active and give yourself the self-assurance you need to enjoy your life.

If this summer you want to head out onto the beach, topless, and feel great about yourself… we have a selection of treatments that could help you. Read on for two of the most common problem areas men face and how we can fix them:

Man Boobs

Gynecomastia (or the presence of ‘Man Boobs’) can be a frustrating and unsightly body condition which may appear rapidly and cause immediate insecurities. Whilst some men are happy to hide themselves under a baggy t-shirt others long to be able to show off their body once more. Luckily, for those who are looking for a non-invasive treatment we offer the incredible Vaser Lipo solution. It is relatively painless, much more affordable than invasive surgery and will leave you with tighter skin and less fat (permanently).

Undefined Torso

If you hitting the beach in your nothing but your speedos is not likely to happen due to your undefined torso then Vaser Lipo is an excellent solution for this too. Vaser surgery can be used to reveal muscle definition without needing to work out! It is the ultimate in body sculpting and has minimal recovery time and lower risk of complications than previous methods. You can head back to work within days!

At Riverbanks we help men of all ages to feel confident about their body and see in Summer in style – contact us now for more information!

Riverbanks Clinic now offers Vascular Services

Mr Paul Hayes

We realise that although thread and varicose veins are very common, they are not necessarily at the top of the GPs priority list and with restrictions on access to vein surgery on the NHS becoming more prevalent, the days of having your veins treated at your local practice are a distant memory.  In view of what is happening and  with the increasing demand for this treatment Riverbanks Clinic aims to provide the same high levels of service you have come to expect with us.  We want to lead the way in the latest minimally invasive techniques for treating thread veins and varicose veins as well as providing information about the latest techniques in vascular surgery.

We are delighted to introduce the new monthly services of
Consultant Surgeon Mr Paul Hayes BSc MBChB MD FRCS

Mr Paul Hayes BSc MBChB MD FRCS is a consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon practising at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge and Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.  He specialises in the management of arterial and venous disease, receiving referrals from other Vascular Surgeons across the Anglia region.   As well as his busy NHS clinical work, he is also actively involved in improving healthcare through his award winning research.  He has over 100 publications including book chapters and articles in leading journals such as The Lancet.  He is also on the Editorial Board of an International Journal specialising in the management of vascular disease.  His GMC No: 4003980

He is a Current member of:

• Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland
• European Vascular Society
• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
• British Society of Endovascular Therapists

Mr Paul Hayes is proud to offer the following treatments at Riverbanks Clinic:

Thread & Varicose Vein treatments including:

• minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (vnus)
• endovenous laser treatment
• ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy
• thread vein injections
• conventional vein surgery

From Wednesday 6th July

and every month

Riverbanks Clinic
Lower Harpenden Rd
East Hyde

Call now for an appointment – 01582 762877

If you’ve recently given birth and are struggling to come to terms with unsightly new stretchmark’s, then now is the time to head for a consultation at the RiverBanks Clinic. We can help advice you on our treatment options and how they will enhance the appearance of stretch marks, reducing them dramatically or even removing them completely. This summer could be the turning point for your body confidence! Get ready to show off your skin without any insecurity. We have two treatments that work particularly well in most cases, meaning you could be ready to walk around confidently in a bikini within months.

Firstly there is Rioblush’s Carboxytherapy. This is a non-invasive treatment that needs no anaesthetic and is virtually pain free. It works by injecting carbon dioxide to the areas which need to stimulate new blood supply and in turn improve tissue growth. Usually, between 5-10 sessions are needed over a period of several weeks. Treatments can be continued until the desired effects are achieved.

Another option for removing stretch parks is through micro needling such as the Genuine Dermaroller. This technique uses fine pin pricks that stimulate new blood supply and increase tissue growth and collagen growth. Only around 3 sessions are needed (about 6 weeks apart) for impressive changes to be noticeable!

To see which method is best for your body and stretch marks ring us and a book a consultation today. In the meantime we sell a body refining gel that can also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks somewhat too. This weightless gel from VITAGE encourages that breakdown of cellulite and reduces other surface imperfections. It’s a really nice option to use if you feel surgery isn’t for you; whilst obviously not as effective, you will see improvements.

As men and women get older, the skin’s elasticity is gradually lost alongside the reduction of the plumping ingredient collagen, which therefore results in the loosening of the skin all over the face and body. Radiesse is an award winning FDA-approved dermal filler which is designed to plump up the skin, and whilst in the past it has been more associated with facial treatments, this dermal filler is now also being effectively used to plump up the hands, leaving them looking younger than ever before.

Dr Ravi Jain is the co-author of a recent study into the effects of Radiesse, and so far the long term data has proven that this treatment is very effective. Customer satisfaction is very high, with those treated with Radiesse happy with the plumping effects this dermal filler has had on their aging hands.

There are many benefits to Radiesse which is why it is a growing solution to veiny and bony hands. Not only is the treatment FDA-approved and mixed with anaesthesia so there is relatively no pain, the special formula means that it works directly with your own body and encourages natural collagen production to give long-lasting, plumped up effects. In fact, Radiesse has been proven to last longer that most other leading dermal fillers; just see what previous Riverbanks Clinic patients have to say on our website.

By plumping up the hand using Radiesse dermal fillers, your hands are left looking healthier and more youthful. This procedure is carried out without invasive surgery and the customer is left scar free, making Radiesse the expert’s solution to age-affected hands.

We have all heard that a woman’s greatest give-away to her age is the hands, but with Radiesse dermal fillers, women can fool everyone and hide their real age with plumped up and younger looking hands.

Sun damage clearly visible (c) Wikipedia

It is incredible to look back over the centuries and find out how all the different attitudes that people had towards sun and tanning have changed.

At one point being tanned was only for the lower class who worked outside on the land and the more wealthy people would prefer to remain pale, as an indication of the status. This is still the case in some Far Eastern countries too.

Then we started to see the ‘healthy glow’ of a tan as a positive thing – although some people took it too far and did irreparable damage to themselves through excessive sun exposure.

It doesn’t just take lying for hours in the sunshine or visiting sunbeds regularly to cause skin damage. In fact, every single day your skin is exposed to UV (Ultra-Violet) light and causes some kind of damage – even when you can’t see the sun itself. You can’t even feel the UV rays so it is difficult to understand exactly what is happening.

Most people are aware that sun damage increases the chance of skin cancer but how many also think about:

• premature aging
• wrinkles
• sun spots, pigmentation, uneven skin tone
• skin dryness
• yellowish skin

But how does this happen?

The UV light from the sun penetrates deep into the skin. It damages the fibre called elastin which keeps your skin flexible, healthy and strong. The more it breaks down the more (and deeper) wrinkles and sagging you will see.

To protect itself from rays, the skin will also produce melanocytes which produce the brown coloured melanin – which gives the tanned effect. However, this is often produced unevenly leaving sun spots or brown marks and patches over the skin.

Collagen which is also essential for healthy skin reproduction is also damaged by exposure to the sun, again increasing the appearance and growth of wrinkles and preventing regeneration from occurring.

There is a common misconception that there is a ‘good’ UV light and a ‘bad’ UV light. You may have heard of them named as UVA and UVB rays. The truth is they are both damaging to you! There is no good UV rays at all! Any sunlight (or daylight as we call it in the UK!) is damaging your skin on a daily basis.

Your best defense against the unsightly signs of skin damage is to maintain healthy skin, keeping young and fresh and reducing your risk of skin cancer and other serious conditions is to protect yourself with a high factor SPF sun cream.

There are plenty of these available for cosmetic use (and built into foundations and other skincare products) which are not the same as your regular gloopy sun cream. If you would like any advice on protecting your skin then please get in touch. We would be happy to talk you through the importance of coverage and find the right products to suit your skin type. At the same time, if you already have been marked by the signs of sun damage, we have a range of cosmetic treatments to reduce these and help you regain your confidence.

Image via Wikipedia

Summer is coming, and with it the indecision and self confidence issues that most of us women suffer from, especially if we’re mothers and ‘of a certain age’. Baring all on the beach? Wearing less and more natural makeup? Wearing bingo wing and celulite showing tops and skirts? Eek!

Cosmetic treatments for the face and body are no longer just seen as a last resort, but as safe, effective and convenient ways to improve your confidence and self-esteem. Young mums especially often have no time to themselves, which is why many of the cosmetic treatments at Riverbanks Clinic appeal to today’s yummy mummys.

For those who want to improve the condition of their skin, then there are various treatments available at Riverbanks Clinic. With treatments available to tackle the likes of age spots, acne and sun-damaged skin, Riverbanks can help give yummy mummys healthier and younger looking skin through treatments such a microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and dermarollers; all designed to treat your skin to leave it repaired and feeling refreshed.

For those whose problem areas are on the body, then again Riverbanks Clinic can help. All women, even supermodels like Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson, experience cellulite, but a session Accent Radiofrequency Skin Tightening can help firm up and smooth loose or puckered skin around the upper legs and abdomen areas. Great in time for the bikini season this summer!

For many women, it’s their hands which give their age away, with sometimes no amount of hand cream able to slow effects of aging. One way to feel yummy again is to treat yourself to one of the hand treatments available at Riverbanks Clinic, such as Sculptra and Radiesse, which help your hands appear plumped up and therefore younger.

Whatever your problem area, see if Riverbanks Clinic can turn you into a yummy mummy this Summer.