Melbourne Plastic Surgery Blog

It’s almost Christmas! Where has the year gone? As we inch closer to the end of another year we thought we would take this opportunity to recap on the year that was.  2016 has been a really positive year for Mr Mutimer and the team at Brighton Plastic Surgery.

Mr Mutimer was recently appointed President of Interplast Australia & New Zealand.  Interplast is a charity that Keith has been involved with since 1984 so he was honoured to take the position and continue his work with this remarkable organisation into 2017.

In August Mr Mutimer was made an honorary member of the Sri Lankan College of Surgeons (CSSL). He received this fellowship in recognition of his distinguished services in the field of surgery.  Through his extensive work with Interplast and in conjunction with the Sri Lankan College of Surgeons, he has played an integral part in setting up the CSSL plastic surgery training program.

Dr Ramin Shayan was in the spotlight this year for his pioneering work in treating lipoedema and lymphoedema patients. In June he was featured in a story on Lipoedema on Channel 10’s The Project and he continues to see an ever increasing number of patients seeking treatment for these debilitating conditions.

Our day surgery maintained its full accreditation this year. This means that all the standards that are set by ISO (international Standards Organisation) and the NSQHSS (National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards) were met with no findings or follow up required in any of the 300 plus areas examined, a pretty impressive outcome for a relatively small practice.

Which leads us to finish with our face lift! Not the kind you are automatically thinking of but a new “front” to Brighton Plastic Surgery.  We will be closed from midday 23^rd December and will be re-opening 16^th Jan.  During this time the majority of work to our “new face” will take place so when you next pop in to see us, things may look a little fresher ;)

Finally we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy festive season. We look forward to seeing you in 2017.

In August this year Mr Mutimer travelled to Sri Lanka, where he was extremely honoured and humbled to receive an Honorary Fellowship of The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka (CSSL).  CSSL was formed over four decades ago.  Mr Mutimer received the fellowship in recognition of his distinguished services in the field of surgery.  Through his extensive work with Interplast, and in conjunction with  CSSL Mr Mutimer has played an integral part in setting up the CSSL plastic surgery training program.  When Interplast first commenced their work with Sri Lanka there were 2 plastic surgeons, 1 of whom retired the day they arrived.  Now they have the capacity to train their own plastic surgeons, a legacy Mr Mutimer and all involved are very proud of.

Interplast is the preferred charity of Brighton Plastic Surgery.

We are very excited to announce that our aesthetic clinic, The Skin Institute, has recently moved into a new premises at 124a Martin St, Brighton. 

The well-appointed new space has been beautifully fitted out and includes 7 treatment rooms.  The move also coincides with the launch of an expanded range of medical skin care.With privacy and comfort paramount, The Skin Institute continues to focus on offering clientele anti-ageing treatments in a safe, serene and luxurious environment.   

We invite you to drop by to view the new space or to find out more or make a booking call the new number 03 9596 8666.

Let’s face it, when was the last time you heard “I want bad skin”.  The skin is the largest organ in the human body, outward facing and the first to show signs of ageing. At Brighton Plastic Surgery we like to say that we treat the “inside”, the underlying facial structures whilst The Skin Institute (our aesthetic clinic) treats the “outside” – the skin. Optimal results are achieved when the two operate in harmony. Good skin can be, in part, genetic but there are many factors that affect the quality of your skin and how you age:

1) Use sunscreen:

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Applying sunscreen should be a part of your morning routine, even on cloudy days.  Want some extra protection? Apply sunscreen followed by a foundation infused with sunscreen or a mineral powder containing titanium or zinc oxide, both natural barriers to UV rays.

2) Don’t smoke:

Most will agree that it is easy to tell a smoker (or a reformed smoker). Beyond its known links to cancer, lung and heart disease, smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This then deprives the skin of oxygen and important nutrients. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin. There are many reasons to quit, your organs (including your skin) will thank you for it!

3) Make H2o your friend:

We have already touched on your skin being an organ and like any other organ, it is made up of cells.  And all cells are made up of water. Not drinking enough water and the associated lack of cell hydration will often result in dry, flaky skin.  Dry skin is less resilient and more prone to wrinkles.

4) Invest in a good skin care routine:

Invest in a good skin care routine, using products that are suitable for your skin type. Whilst starting young is preferred, it is never too late. Seek specialist assistance to have your skin assessed, and ensure you are using products suitable to your skin type and the results you wish to achieve. 

5) Take a chill pill:

We don’t need to tell you that stress impacts all parts of the body negatively. Stress releases many hormones, one in particular called cortisol which can trigger break outs and other skin problems.   

6) Sleep – as if you need any more reasons:

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. When you sleep the skin’s repair mechanisms swing into action. Make getting 7-8 hours of good quality sleep your priority. Your skin depends on it.

To find out more about skin health or to speak with a skin specialist visit www.theskininstitute.com.au

As a man you are not exempt from wanting to achieve a more youthful face and body.  We have seen a substantial increase in recent years of men requesting plastic surgery.

The requested male plastic surgery procedures are varied and undertaken for a multitude of reasons.  Whether you are a baby boomer who has taken good care of yourself and want the outside to reflect how good you feel on the inside, someone you know has had surgery – loves the results and has encouraged you to explore your options or you are concerned about an aspect of your physical appearance and would like to improve it, Mr Mutimer has considerable experience in plastic surgery for men.

Whether you seek to reduce the signs of ageing, want to sculpt/shape your body, resize your nose or improve skin tone and texture, Mr Mutimer will be able to customise a procedure specific to your particular circumstances and discuss what can be realistically achieved.  Some of the most popular male plastic surgery procedures requested by men visiting Brighton Plastic Surgery include:

Rhinoplasty:

Did you know that male noses tend to have a more prominent straighter bridge and greater width to the middle of the nose?  Male rhinoplasty is a procedure that restructures the nose in order to improve its appearance and function.  The key to performing this procedure on men is to provide and improve shape without feminising the appearance of the nose. Your nose is one of the most defining characteristics of your face and for that reason, even the smallest change can have a positive impact. 

Face Lift:

It is common knowledge that, whether you are a man or woman, the first signs of ageing typically appear on the face. A facelift will tighten skin around your face, jawline and neck, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.  It isn’t a one size fits all procedure and there are different considerations that need to be given to a male face lift candidate over a female.  Mr Mutimer will discuss the best approach for you given your specific requirements and expected outcomes. He is an advocate of natural looking facelift surgery.

Blepharoplasty:

Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) is a popular surgery undertaken by men.  The procedure refreshes the eyelids, removes excess fat from under the eye and helps reduce the signs of ageing, which often are quite prominent around the eyes.  Eyelid surgery is also performed to correct vision impairment as a result of sagging upper eyelids.  Your surgeon may recommend upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or in some cases, a combination of both.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia):

Men can develop enlarged breast tissue – known as gynaecomastia (or in more plain speak ‘man boobs’).   The condition refers to enlargement of glandular tissue, not fat tissue. It can happen to males of any weight or age and can sometimes be an inherited condition.  Obese men can look like they have man boobs due to increased fat tissue all over the body however this is not true gynaecomastia.  Mr Mutimer can discuss a number of treatment options available to improve the appearance of the chest area and the best treatment plan given your individual circumstances.

To find out more about male plastic surgery or to book a consultation phone 03 9592 0522 or submit a confidential enquiry via our website.

You can stretch the truth as much as you can get away with when talking about your age, but the skin doesn’t lie – wrinkles are a natural part of ageing and can prematurely age a person well beyond their years.

We all want to make the most of what we've got.  Whether you've just started noticing a few fine lines or have been fighting a battle with pesky wrinkles for years, there are many things you can do to prevent, remove or decrease wrinkles. Whilst lifestyle factors may help keep wrinkles at bay (you have heard it all before - good nutrition, always wear sunscreen, don't smoke etc) there are also other approaches available in wrinkle reduction by way of plastic and cosmetic procedures.

At both Brighton Plastic Surgery and next door at The Skin Institute (a part of Mr Mutimer’s practice that offers a full range of non-surgical procedures), wrinkle reduction treatments are frequently requested.  Our most highly recommended treatments/procedures include:

Skin Care

You may have heard the saying ‘Invest in your skin, it is going to represent you for a very long time.’ Skin care can play a significant role in how your skin ages.  Damage to our skin is mainly caused by UV exposure – with protection being the first line of defence against ageing skin and wrinkles.  Using reputable skin care products may increase skin/cell regeneration, improve elasticity and smoothness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But beware! Not all skin care products are created equal.

Wrinkle Reduction Injections/Fillers

Some degree of wrinkles and fine lines in the skin are inevitable as we get older.  Wrinkle reduction injections and facial fillers are a common way to help reduce lines and give a person a more youthful and refreshed appearance.  Whilst there are many businesses and practitioners in Melbourne who can administer these injections and fillers, patients requesting this treatment at Brighton Plastic Surgery generally prefer the peace of mind that comes with having a specialist plastic surgeon both consult on, and administer, their treatment. 

Laser Resurfacing

Wrinkle reduction can also be achieved using a variety of laser resurfacing techniques, with certain characteristics making you a better candidate for one technique over another.  It is recommended to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon so that a full assessment can be made of your skin, and an appropriate course of treatment recommended.

Surgery

Many patients will have tried one (or all) of the above before progressing to plastic surgery to reduce wrinkles.  Often the aforementioned treatments will go hand in hand with any recommended surgical procedure.  If you have tried a number of treatments to help reduce your wrinkles and are still unhappy with your appearance, a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon can explore what other surgical options may be available. 

For more information on any of the above, feel free to visit the Procedures section of our website, call us on 03 9592 0522 or submit a confidential enquiry via our website.

Rugby is well and truly underway for another year with the season kicking off Feb 16^th.  Keith is again volunteering his time as a Plastic Surgeon to the Melbourne Rebels, attending all home games at AAMI Park.  He joins a multi-disciplinary team comprising a Match Day Doctor, Team Doctor, Dentist and Plastic Surgeon.  Keith is also a back up to the Match and Team Doctors when it comes to concussions and dislocations and usually treats 1-3 players a game for facial and scalp lacerations. 

Joining Keith is one of our practice nurses who goes with him to assist, ensuring a fast turnaround so players can get back on the field doing what they do best.  Keith’s passion for the sport ensures treating players in his down time is never an imposition  and he has often said how much he enjoys watching the game and talking to the players, some of whom are required to visit Brighton Plastic Surgery for follow up care.  

Following on from his recent trip to Bergamo, Italy Mr Mutimer this week heads to Las Vegas to ‘The Aesthetic Meeting’ – where he is an invited lecturer in advanced facial anatomy.  Along with other Australian surgeons, Mr Mutimer will be teaching Masterclasses in facial anatomy.  These classes  are highly sought after by international surgeons with a keen interest in facial surgery.

The Aesthetic Meeting is a global gathering of innovators and aesthetic experts and highlights ground breaking new advances in aesthetics, great new products and showcases a range of great speakers. The conference runs from 2-7 April.

Mr Mutimer recently headed to Bergamo, Italy to attend the high end Bergamo Open Rhinoplasty Conference (15-19 March).  This conference has progressively grown in format and reputation to become an established major symposium widely recognised worldwide.  It is aimed towards physicians performing nasal surgery from multiple specialities, and gathers a multi-disciplinary faculty to provide the best possible teachings.

The conference spanned 5 days, covering all things Rhinoplasty and included live surgery, master classes, panels, presentations and workshops and was attended by a variety of specialist surgeons from over 50 countries.  Mr Mutimer credits the faculty of internationally acknowledged speakers as the reason this conference is a must attend.  The team at Brighton Plastic Surgery think the fact that it was also in Italy also did not go unnoticed! ;)