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See how ideals of beauty around the world have evolved over the centuries in this kaleidoscope of images that changes throughout the site. |
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Ten people, 10 days
and the challenge to
the best experts in
the field: make these willing guinea pigs look 10 Years Younger. |
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Check this page regularly to find out what's making the headlines – be it health scares or new advances – in the world of cosmetic treatments. |
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Skin loses its elasticity and grows thinner with age. Around the eyes, this shows up as drooping, hooded eyelids and bags under the eyes. In severe cases, drooping upper lids can interfere with vision. This operation (blepharoplasty) removes sagging skin and muscle and excess fat from the upper eyelids and beneath the eye.
This surgery makes eyes look younger by smoothing and firming up the lids, reducing the hooded appearance and removing under-eye pouches. |
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The operation doesn't alter the colour of dark rings under the eyes, nor does it affect fine lines and crows' feet, or raise drooping eyebrows. Other treatments, like chemical peel, botox or brow lift, can enhance the overall effect of the operation. |
As with any cosmetic treatment, you should consult a qualified practitioner before deciding to go ahead.
The operation is usually performed under local anaesthetic. For upper lid surgery, an incision is made in the natural crease, and drooping skin, muscle and fat are removed before the cut is stitched. For the lower lid, the incision is made immediately below the lower lashes, and fat, skin and slack muscle are removed.
Most patients can go home on the same day as the operation. Any pain should ease after a couple of days, but the eyes will be swollen for up to a fortnight, and most people wear dark glasses to hide their eyes for 7-10 days. You may also have temporary problems with closing the eyelids properly, and have blurred vision, dry eyes or over-production of tears. All these side-effects should pass as the eyelids heal. Sleeping with your head propped up helps reduce swelling, and you should avoid strenuous activity for one month after surgery.
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This is usually a problem-free operation, which can make a very noticeable improvement for people with big bags under the eyes. Full effects don't show until swelling has completely subsided, which may take several weeks. |
If too much fat is taken from under the eyes, they can be left looking hollow and sunken. Occasionally wounds become infected, nerves are damaged or the eyelids don't appear symmetrical. The more serious complication of bleeding behind the eye is very rare. It's important to consult a doctor immediately if you have any unusual pain in the eye following eyelid surgery. Patients who already have glaucoma, or suffer from excessively dry eyes should not have this operation.
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Eyelid surgery should be performed only by properly qualified surgeons. |
Expect to pay £1,500-£2,500 for upper lid treatment, £2,000-£3,000 for lower lid, and £3,000-£4,500 for both lids. |
Help prevent the problem by getting enough sleep and fresh air and cutting down on drinking and smoking. Creams and other skin preparations are available which claim to improve the appearance of dark rings and reduce puffy lids. You can also cover dark rings with light-reflective make up.
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Channel 4 Television takes no responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.
Organisation
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
c/o The Royal College of Surgeons of England
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3PE
Advice Line: 020 7405 2234
E-mail: info@baaps.org.uk
Website: www.baaps.org.uk
Offers information about aesthetic plastic surgery; its website features a search facility for accredited surgeons.
Links
The Consulting Room
www.consultingroom.org
Good UK site that provides a wide range of impartial and independent cosmetic and medical information and demystifies the world of cosmetic treatments.
Quick Fix for Under Eye Bags
www.care2.com/channels/solutions/self/929
This website promotes the modest potato as an antidote to under eye bagginess. |
Books
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The New Facercise: Give yourself a natural facelift by Carole Maggio (Pan Macmillan, 2002)
Offers a programme of facial exercises and claims that, if done on a daily basis, they should make you look 10 Years Younger.
Get this book from Amazon
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Plastic Fantastic: A complete guide to safe cosmetic surgery by Dai Davies FRCS and Judy Sadgrove (Metro Publishing, 2002)
Discusses different types of cosmetic surgery and considers both the desired outcome, and the risks involved, in undergoing the various operations. It also features interviews with people who have undergone surgery.
Get this book from Amazon
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