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Articles and features

Our articles and features are written by some of the UK's leading consultants, dentists and other medical professionals.

Surgeons back smaller breast reductions
Breast enlargement is the most popular kind of cosmetic surgery in the western world. During 2006, more than 6,100 women got a boob job under the British Association of Plastic Surgeons. However, since most practitioners are not members of BAAPS, the real figure is probably more like 18,000.  ...
laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery is a revolutionary technology that can partially, or totally, eliminate your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure is done on an out-patient basis (so you can go home the same day) and people normally return to work within a week. Laser eye surgery produces...
Cosmetic dentistry benefits TV show winner
Cosmetic dentistry is all about improving the aesthetics of your smile. Many people don’t feel confident about smiling in photographs, and feel wary of showing their teeth in social interactions because they’re discoloured, crooked, or have unsightly gaps. Fortunately there is a safe and...
Whippendell dental clinic - invisalign
In 2001 the branch of dentistry known as orthodontics (teeth straightening) was revolutionised by a new type of invisible brace. Made from clear plastic, Invisalign takes all the embarrassment out of having orthodontic treatment - which generally lasts for anything between 6-18 months.   This...
Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening is a very popular cosmetic dental treatment that involves bleaching your teeth to remove stains and general discolouration. It is a safe and highly effective way to lighten the natural colour of your teeth without having to remove the enamel surface. If you are conscious of having...
Cosmetic Dentistry: A Guide to Veneers
Dental veneers are a type of cosmetic dental treatment which improve the appearance of crooked, stained, or damaged teeth. A veneer is a wafer thin layer of porcelain (or other composite material) fitted very precisely over the surface of a tooth – much like a false nail fits over a real...
Cellulite treatment
Cellulite is a type of fat commonly found on the thighs, stomach, buttocks and breasts. It forms when waste fluids and toxins are trapped under the skin, causing the connective tissue to harden and giving a dimpling effect. It also appears when the skin becomes thinner – a natural effect of...
Rise in dentistry
The UK has two types of dentist schemes: private dentistry, and NHS dentists. NHS dentist prices are fixed and subsidised by the government, so treatment fees are often a lot less.   This article is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and...
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist that has completed 2-3 years of orthodontics training in addition to the standard four years of dental school. This gives the orthodontist special skills to treat misalignment of teeth and facial development with braces and other methods.   This article is...
The cost of private operations
There are many good reasons to go private. It saves potentially long delays on NHS waiting lists and can ensure a high standard of service during your treatment.   This article is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical...
How to complain about private treatment
Each year, more than a million people are treated in the UK’s private hospitals. The majority of them will be completely satisfied. However, sometimes things do go wrong and you may want to make a formal complaint about your private treatment. This may relate to the healthcare professional,...
pills
More and more people are switching to private medicine. In doing so they can receive a better standard of service and avoid the lengthy waiting lists of the NHS.   This article is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical...
Hospital consultant
Once you decide to go private you have a choice about which hospital consultant you want to see. Unlike many NHS patients, you will be seen by the same doctor throughout your consultation, investigation, and treatment. You can also expect to get an appointment much quicker as private hospital...
Is Cosmetic Surgery Worth It?
While cosmetic surgery tends to be glamorised by high profile celebrities and wealthy individuals, surgery of any kind comes with risks. So while the end result may be alluring it’s important to consider the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery and decide if it is right for you.   These...
Breast Enlargement: How Big Should You Go?
There are many psychological, and some physical, benefits to have a breast enlargement. Besides reconstruction and corrective surgery to fix abnormalities, women opt to have breast surgery for cosmetic reasons in order to improve their appearance. This in turn may boost self esteem and help a woman...
Surgeons back smaller breast reductions
Heading abroad for breast implants is becoming a popular choice for British women. In doing so, they combine a relaxing holiday away from work and other daily pressures with a stay in an overseas cosmetic surgery clinic for a breast enlargement procedure   This article is written by Jackie...
Cataract operation: pros and cons
A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and makes it difficult to see. The lens is used to focus light on the retina at the back of the eye in order to form images. Although a cataract usually takes a long time to form, if left untreated it can eventually lead to blindness. The...
Knee replacement surgery
Replacement knee surgery involves substituting an injured, worn, or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint. It is a routine operation for knee damage, particularly when arthritis is involved. The medical term for a complete knee replacement is total knee arthroplasty.   This article on...
Hernia surgery
Definition of a hernia: A hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. This causes a visible bulge in the groin area, known as an inguinal hernia . Hernias are more common in males, and may be present at birth or develop later in life while straining,...
Prostate operation: pros and cons
As men reach middle age they experience growth of the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland situated just under the bladder and is used to make seminal fluid (which is mixed with sperm to make semen).   This article is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes...