Author: Margit Rüdiger

CultureAndCream Author from Munich To travel during my profession as a beauty journalist was never enough for my. Also my six month on a world trip didn't do it. It always attracts me to other cities, foreign countries, on roadtrips and places I don't know yet. But I am not only interested in "culture" and "cream", I am also fascinated by people who have stories to tell .  Such unique experiences I want to share with you.

View the Outcome of Breast Augmentation Prior to the Operation

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A modern 3D simulation makes this possible Every woman who plans to have her breasts enlarged is curious to know what they will look like after the operation. Uncertainties often arise when choosing the implant size. Exactly what is the difference between 300 ml and 400 ml? Which implant shape suits me and will the result really look natural? With the Crisalix 3D simulation, these questions can now be answered visually even before the procedure takes place. Dr. Leonard Nenad Josipovic, breast augmentation and breast reduction/ breast lift expert at the Rosenpark Klinik in Darmstadt demonstrates how this works: “The 3D simulation consists of a 3D camera mounted on a tablet which is equipped with a corresponding App. I scan the patient with the camera and the App creates a 3D image. It takes only a few seconds; the simulation makes it possible to select different implant sizes and shapes and to see the individual result”. The outcome of the surgery can be seen in advance “The result can be seen immediately, even in the mirror. This allows the patient to get a feel for what her breasts will look like after the operation and which size and shape is right for her. The 3D image can be forwarded by email so that the patient can consult with her partner, friends or family. This also helps enormously with the decision-making.” Seven facts you should know about breast augmentation: 1. The goal: The aim of augmentation (breast enhancement) is a naturally enlarged breast without recognizable implants or an artificial appearance. The incision should be barely noticeable, and the new, enhanced breasts should have a tactile sensation similar to that of a natural breast. 2. Indication: Those suitable for breast augmentation are healthy, emotionally stable patients who have a realistic expectation regarding what can be achieved with a proper and precisely planned operation. Possible indications for breast augmentation are a) the aesthetic desire for larger breasts, b) breasts that are too small in relation to body size and weight, c) breasts of disproportionate sizes which can only be disguised by using bra inserts, and d) disorders such as the tubular breast that causes the breasts to have a “tubular” appearance. 3. The procedure: every patient’s body measurements, weight, breast and skin/soft tissue ratio are individual. Each operation, therefore, is a unique interaction of different components: the chosen surgical approach, the selected implant and, possibly, an accompanying measure such as an additional breast lift or nipple correction.… weiterlesen

All Eyes on the Mouth

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Lip augmentations are now more popular than ever The mouth is not only our most beautiful tool for speaking and kissing. Our lips convey emotions. They express what we’re thinking and feeling right at this moment. They influence how our environment perceives us. With a radiant smile we appear more friendly while drooping corners of the mouth make us look sad and ill-tempered. Whether it be in conversations with friends or with the boss, on a date or in the duckface pose for the next Selfie. The ideal lip shape But what does the most attractive lip shape actually look like? First of all: It is definitely not the ubiquitous pout, seen every day on numerous Instagram feeds. In a US study published by researchers on the Jama Facial Plastic Surgery platform, 428 people were presented with 100 portraits of women. The outcome was that the ideal is not the full, evenly-shaped lip. Which shape then? Optimally, the lower lip should be twice the size of the upper lip and occupy about 10 percent of the lower third of the face. At first glance, this may sound rather disproportionate. But in actual fact, it’s not. The pleasing, natural lip shape of model Miranda Kerr comes quite close to the ideal. But not everyone is lucky enough to have this and some would like a little help. Lip enlargement with hyaluronic acid “Lip augmentation is a frequently desired treatment to enlarge inherently narrow lips, especially with our younger patients. But it also plays an important role with older age groups in order to optically rejuvenate the area around the mouth. The aim here is to rebuild lost volume,” says Dr. Sonja Sattler from the Bellari Institute in Frankfurt and Hamburg. The most important aspect of lip fillers is the use of high-quality hyaluronic acid products. Cheap suppliers often use non-crosslinked hyaluronic acids, which only have a short-term effect. “Products which claim ‘lasting’ results are strongly discouraged, as they can lead to inflammatory nodules and asymmetry, even years later,” says Dr. Sattler. And: Since small injury points are caused by the needles being repeatedly placed on and under the red of the lips during an injection, frequent injections can lead to minor scarring here. The product should not contain any additives but should consist of pure hyaluronan. Dr. Sonja Sattler: “Unfortunately, we frequently see patients who come to us in desperation after suffering serious permanent consequences (bumps, etc.)… weiterlesen

The New Art of Body Shaping…

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…but it doesn’t always have to mean surgery The days of Size Zero are over – looking healthy and fit is considered sexy today and a lot can be achieved with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Nevertheless, there are parts of the body that even these can’t influence. Sometimes even the strictest diet and the most strenuous workout can’t help, especially in cases of genetically misplaced fat deposits or sagging skin after weight loss. Nature takes its toll as well and during the aging process, metabolic processes slow down, altering the hormone balance. The ratio of fat to muscle mass changes: Men suddenly develop breasts or so-called “love handles” in the hip area. With women it is often around the abdomen including the back, the “riding breeches” or the inner thighs. Liposuction is no substitute for a diet Every year the Rosenpark Klinik treats over 2000 patients in the field of body shaping. Of these, alone more than 1000 of them undergo liposuction which permanently reduces the excess amount of fat cells in the affected areas and the balances the silhouette. Those who believe that liposuction is a means to reduce weight are mistaken. “The sole purpose here is the harmonization of the body form and the removal of problem zones”, says Dr. Gerhard Sattler, head of the Rosenpark Klinik. The problem frequently addressed is that of the “riding breeches”. Regardless of whether they are slim or somewhat sturdier, countless women suffer from this unattractive deformation of the thighs which stems from an overabundance of fat cells. Liposuction is a proven method of reduction in this case and even if the patient gains weight over time, these disproportionate bulges will not develop again at the same place. “As an experienced practitioner, however, I always have to take the overall picture into consideration,” says Sattler. “The removal of a problem zone alone does not by any means ensure a beautiful body shape. In most cases, it therefore makes sense to treat further areas in order to create a harmonious silhouette”. The Vibration Cannula technique and Tumescent Local Anesthesia For over 19 years, several liposuction procedures have been performed daily at the Rosenpark Klinik. The vibration cannula technique is used in tumescent local anesthesia to remove excess fatty tissue painlessly and sustainably. Tumescent local anesthesia is a mixture of saline solution and local anesthetics. It not only numbs the tissue but softens the fat cells as well.… weiterlesen

What you always Wanted to Know…

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Questions and answers about Botulinum ” Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison” (Paracelsus, 1538) The term Botox has become so established in aesthetic language that everyone knows what it means. In actual fact, Botox is the name for one product alone – that of the US manufacturer Allergan: “The physician distinguishes between products for aesthetic treatment, such as Vistabel (Allergan), Bocouture (Merz), Azzalure (Galderma), and those for medical treatment such as Botox (Allergan), Xeomin (Merz), Dysport (Galderma),” explains Dr. Irina Izmaylova, Bellari team Dermatologist in Hamburg. Although everyone has heard or read quite a lot about this substance, which can do much more than just smooth wrinkles, it is still approached with uncertainty and reserve. Dr. Izmaylova answers the most important questions: Is botulinum really a poison? The substance, which is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is toxic in its untreated form and dosage. Under no circumstances does it come from snakes, as is often claimed. As a medicinal product, botulinum is used exclusively in its refined and strongly diluted form, rendering it a safe but effective medicine. It would probably take more than 3,000 vials to poison someone. What long-term experiences are there? Botulinum’s success story began in the fields of Ophthalmology and Neurology. It has been approved as a drug since 1989 and since then, has established itself in the treatment of severe neurological movement disorders. In January 2006, after lengthy clinical testing and reliable studies regarding safety and efficacy, the active ingredient was approved in Germany for the treatment of wrinkles. How does botulinum work exactly? Botulinum causes muscle relaxation and not paralysis, as is often claimed. It works more like a kind of brake to the muscles. For around about four to six months it inhibits the release of so-called messenger substances with which the nerves instruct the muscles to contract. It is precisely this muscle contraction that causes frown or worry lines for example. Once the active ingredient has broken down, the treated muscle strand regains its mobility to the same extent as before. Can organs be damaged in the process? Botulinum only works where it is injected. During wrinkle treatment, it does not enter the bloodstream so organs such as the liver cannot be damaged. The complex protein is completely broken down in a specific way. Histological research has not shown any tissue changes in the body, even after prolonged use.… weiterlesen

Micro-Punctures Bring Great Results

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With Microneedling you simply roll away the signs of age Although our skin is capable of self-renewal well into old age, the cells become somewhat sluggish over time and require some stimulus to boost their natural potential for regeneration. Microneedling helps the tissues to renew themselves from the inside. Ultra-fine needles attached to a roller or a treatment head are used to treat the skin surface precisely and gently and without causing stress. The resulting micro-injuries stimulate cell growth and strengthen resilience. In this way, acne scars and small wrinkles can be alleviated, pores reduced and the first signs of skin aging gently smoothed away. The result is a rosy, fine-pored and softer complexion. “Although there are different forms of microneedling, they all pursue the same goal: regeneration and refinement of the skin,” says Winona Kallenbach, beautician and store manager at the Bellari Institute in Hamburg. With or without anesthesia? After thorough cleansing and disinfection of the skin, an anaesthetic cream can be applied locally for more sensitive customers. As a rule, however, the treatment can be carried out without anaesthesia. Following application of the cream, the skin must be disinfected again after which the selected areas are treated with either a Dermaroller or the Skin-Needler. There is no bleeding when the needling is carried out by a beautician, since the needles do not penetrate as deeply as they would when the treatment is performed by a doctor. Vitamin C increases the effect Kallenbach: “In order to take full advantage of the needling effect, a pre-treatment with care products containing Vitamin A and C is recommended”. These support the regeneration mechanisms of the skin in the formation of new collagen. If a vitamin C serum is applied directly after needling, it can penetrate the skin surface to a deeper level and develop its effect more efficiently. Depending on skin type, skin condition and requirement, a cooling mask, e.g. with hyaluronic acid, is then applied. If the irritation is more severe, a skin-soothing mask is used. The Importance of After Care For an optimal result, six sessions at intervals of one week are recommended. Normally no downtime is necessary following needling therapy by a beautician. There is only a temporary redness and a perceptible, if not visible skin exfoliation during the first few days. Sensitive patients in particular may possibly also develop small but harmless pustules. Increased protection of the skin against light should be observed for four weeks prior to and after micro-needling.… weiterlesen

The All-Rounder Hyaluronic Acid

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Does more than just smooth wrinkles Dermatologist Dr. Birgit Buxmeyer has been a member of the Rosenpark Klinik team since 1999. In addition to specializing in surgical procedures such as liposuction and eyelid lifting, she has gained an additional qualification in Anti-Aging. At Bellari she is responsible for treatments with botulinum, hyaluronic acid, laser and ultherapy. In this C&C interview, Dr. Buxmeyer explains why hyaluronic acid is today’s material of choice in the treatment of wrinkles as well as facial skin and contour optimization: What can one do with hyaluronic acid? These days, quite a lot! The material has become extremely versatile and the range of products is extensive. Finer lines can be smoothed, and medium-depth wrinkles lifted, or the volume augmented for better moisture penetration of the skin and contour improvement. Hyaluronic acid is degradable in the tissues and, since it is now exclusively synthetically-produced, is very well tolerated. In the past, it was commonly extracted from cockscomb. What are the uses of hyaluronic acid? Thin hyaluronic acid, i.e. hyaluronic acid with little or no cross-linking, is suitable for skin surfaces in order to improve moisture penetration. It practically melts in the tissues and is a moisture booster. The thick variant provides volume, for example to hollow areas of the face. The effect is almost as good as when own fat is used. If the patient is very slim with no body fat at all, hyaluronic acid is the best alternative. Nowadays, it can even be used to treat the thin skin of the lower eyelid (Volbella by Allergan), which was not possible before. Which corrections do women ask for most frequently? The patients are not yet as advanced as the practitioners. Many still want to have the nasolabial folds injected. This is an antiquated method, dating back to over 15 years ago. Today the areas adjacent and corresponding to the nasolabial fold are treated. If one repeatedly injects the crease itself, over time, a sort of monkey’s nose is the result. This is because, due to age, the surrounding areas become more sunken. This must first be explained to the patients. Young women often have their tear ducts treated because they look tired. In somewhat older patients it is the cheek and temple region. This is due to the fact that not only the fatty tissue shrinks and shifts with age – the bone structure recedes as well. Often something is missing at the jaw angle, which causes the so-called marionette or Merkel wrinkles.… weiterlesen

Jersey – Chock full of Surprises

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The green Channel Island with a wealth of history What can I see flying into Jersey? Today – absulutely nothing! Thick grey fog shrouds the cabin windows. Late autumn is probably not the best of times to travel to the Channel Islands and it is obvious now why the Air Dolomiti plane has no more than 30 passengers besides me. Shortly before landing, the green landscape appears outside the windows. Lots of green. And wind. And a rough landing! Bad weather and a giant Dino The lady at passport control promises better weather tomorrow. Google predicts storms. A life-sized plastic Chasmosaurus in a high-voltage (25,000VDC) cage bares its yellow teeth non-stop in the airport terminal. Piles of golf luggage. Unperturbed golfers in short-sleeved shirts at temperatures of 14° C look around nonchalantly as if this is just the weather they’d hoped for. Long queues at the taxi stand. An unpleasant rain lashes into the waiting shelter. Then finally it’s my turn and a black London taxi drops me at my destination in about 10 minutes. My „feel good“ hotel The warm welcome at the Atlantic Hotel makes up for everything. Cosy, as the English would say. Homey and stylish at the same time. An enchanting small luxury hotel with 50 opulent rooms, garden studios and two suites. Indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, mini-gym and a golf course which begins directly behind the house. The Atlantic has been in the family for 48 years, host Patrick Burke tells me as I enjoy a delicious dinner of freshly caught fish in his restaurant “Ocean”. Star class. New Chef Will Holland was named “UK Restaurant Chef of the Year“ in 2016. At 10 p.m. Jersey time I fall into bed – lulled to sleep by the steady thundering of the Atlantic waves. Outside of my window, the palm trees are still being whipped about by the wind. The first glimpse of the ocean The next morning I awaken to bright sunshine and 14 degrees. From my balcony I take in the breathtaking view of St. Ouen Bay, a nature reserve of extraordinary natural beauty. In the middle of the sea stands the 18th century fortress La Rocco Tower, which I‘ll explore more closely later on. Miles of white sandy beaches, “Les Blanches Banques”. The wind has subsided and will stay that way for the next few days. My Jersey adventure can begin. This visit I‘ve decided not to rent a car, preferring to explore as much as possible on foot and by public transport.… weiterlesen

The Art of Aesthetic Breast Surgery

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Dr. Leonard Nenad Josipovic on enlargements, reductions and his passion In addition to the female breast’s biological task of nursing infants it is, from an aesthetic point of view, seen as the pure symbol of femininity as well. With this background it is easy for me to understand why women undergo breast surgery to meet their own personal aesthetic standards, especially in cases where there is breast malformation. Symmetry disorders due to different shapes and sizes of the breasts can be pronounced enough to cause a high level of suffering, not only of a psychological nature, but often with physical consequences as well. Breasts which have different sizes or those that are, in general, too large can result in considerable impairment in spinal column mobility. Over the course of the years, signs of wear and tear become more pronounced. Silicone implants of the 4th generation In addition to new minimally invasive methods for breast lifting and reduction such as liposuction or the transfer of autologous (own) fat for breast shaping, the use of silicone implants remains the gold standard for breast enlargement. The implants of the so-called 4th generation consist of a silicone gel that cannot leak. They are also equipped with a memory function which means that no matter how strongly they may be twisted, they always return to their original position. Some women still fear that implants could burst if they are subjected to too much pressure, such as a fall directly on the chest. However, tests have been carried out in which the weight of a truck was rolled over the implants without them bursting. The trend towards naturalness The era in which obviously operated breasts à la Pamela Anderson were in demand is fortunately over. Today’s patient usually wants a completely normal and natural-looking result. While in the past much larger implants were used, the trend is now towards a more normal size. Whereas the volume used to be around 800ml, the choice now usually falls on 250 ml to 300 ml per side. In general, women in Germany want the breasts to look natural. It shouldn’t be obvious at first glance that they have undergone surgery. Breast corrections after pregnancy Most women come to us at the Rosenpark Klinik for a make-over after childbirth when breast volume has been lost due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. In such cases, a normal implant enlargement is often not enough, and the desired result can only be achieved by additional tightening of the breast.… weiterlesen

The Art of Slowing Down in South Tyrol

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The Hotel Seehof and its wintry “Moments of Calm” South Tyrol (Italian: Alto Adige) stands for Mediterranean joie de vivre, good wine, spectacular scenery and romantic mountain flair. Let’s just forget for a moment that there is really no love lost between the Italians of the North and South. Rather than Italian, the preferred language In South Tyrol is German, combined with the charming Tyrolean dialect of the region. To be more precise, there are over 40 different dialect variations here. German is the mother tongue of over 62 percent of the population, Italian of about 23 percent and four percent, mainly in the Dolomite region, speak Ladin. The perfect timeout location Since May 2017, the Alto Adige has a new jewel in its crown – the 4-star Hotel Seehof Nature Retreat in Natz near Brixen. Spouses Tamaris and Andreas Auer, who grew up in the hotelier business, have given it the motto “Moments of Calm”. The hotel, which they inherited from Andreas’ parents, has undergone a complete renovation and blossomed into a true gem. Alpine down-to-earthness and the lightness of the Mediterranean go hand in hand here. The modern building blends perfectly into the landscape and as soon as you enter the Nature Retreat it’s like being transported to another dimension where the stress and hectic pace of everyday life just falls away. The experience is particularly magical during Advent, Christmas and New Year, when snowflake after snowflake drifts from the sky outside. It’s a time to pause. A time to just enjoy. The design: compactness and clarity Stefan Rier and Lukas Rungger, students of star architect Matteo Thun, one of the region’s most renowned sons, designed the house with their Bolzano architecture firm “Noa” . Its bright, airy rooms, some with open-plan bathrooms, reflect Thun’s clear, minimalist style. Muted earth and stone colours, accentuated with a hint of lavender and copper tones, can be found throughout the buildings. The latter are in remembrance of the owners’ grandfather who, in 1958, pioneered the laying of water pipes to supply the high plateau with running water for the first time. The constant presence of nature The Yang of architecture nestles into the Yin of the landscape. Directly in front of the spacious terrace with its cosy lounge sofas, the hotel’s natural lake spreads out like a private lake stage. In winter, the sight of the mists drifting over the lake is spectacular.… weiterlesen

Threads plus Ultrasound = Tighter Skin

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The new equation of aesthetic medicine It works! The combination of two modern procedures, Silhouette threads  and Ultherapy ultrasound tightens and repositions the tissue. Dr. Negin Pakravesh is an expert in aesthetic dermatology and skin surgery. Since her primary focus is on anti-aging treatments, she is just the right person to answer all of our questions about this innovative treatment. What is the benefit of the combination of Ultherapy treatment and thread insertion, the latest anti-aging method offered by Bellari? We work at different levels so that the procedures are synergistic and complement each other optimally. The more skin layers that are stimulated, the better the result and the greater the lifting effect. Ultherapy works through micro-focused ultrasound energy at a depth of up to 4.5 millimeters and triggers a stimulation of the body’s own collagen formation. Thread lifting, by means of Silhouette threads, offers us a repositioning of the tissue and the Poly-L-Lactic Acid in the thread composition provides additional stimulation of the collagen. Ultherapy boosts the body’s own tissue production allowing the thread to consolidate better in the tissue thereby achieving an optimal reduction effect. How should one imagine the course of treatment? Ultherapy first or threads first? First of all, the patient’s wishes are discussed in an in-depth consultation and a treatment plan determined accordingly. Before the actual treatment begins, a local anesthetic is used to numb the skin. Patients who are more sensitive to pain are also given an analgesic (ibuprofen 600) at the Bellari. The combined treatment always starts with Ultherapy which lasts between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated. The second step is thread lifting, before which the entry and exit points of the thread are marked and anaesthetized. After completion of this minimally invasive procedure, the patient applies cooling packs for about an hour to reduce any swelling. The packs can be used repeatedly over the course of the next few days if necessary. How painful are the two procedures? Experience has shown that sensitivity to pain is subjective and every patient is different. Both procedures may be undergone without the use of intravenous anesthesia and can be well tolerated with a local anesthetic using a cream and injection. As mentioned, a supplementary pain-killing tablet can also help. For which patients is this combination suitable? For all those who want a reduction and tightening of the tissues.… weiterlesen

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