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The field of aesthetic surgery is a very dynamic one indeed. Even outside of strictly professional circles, one easily finds information about new techniques, materials, applications, in this fascinating profession driven by the never-ending human quest for beauty and well-being. Every news item deserves close scrutiny, however, in this day and age, and it is important for potential patients and visitors to have access to accurate information, especially where life-altering procedures may be involved. It is one of the reasons for this news section and indeed, for this entire website.

The following items aim to provide a wide range of information, from the latest collaborations between Dr. Knutti and his fellow professionals as he travels around the world, to articles and summaries written by Dr. Knutti himself, aiming to clarify certain questions that some of you may have. More general items from various news feeds and networks may also turn up from time to time, to give a broader picture of the field of aesthetic surgery and its related disciplines.


Visiting Dr. Gohla in Karlsruhe

Dr. Jan Enzler MD visited our Biel Aesthetic Surgery Clinic colleague Dr. Thomas Gohla MD at his clinic in Karlsruhe (Germany), to observe and discuss a number of procedures frequently performed there. The programme included intimate surgery, breast augmentation, as well as surgical and non-surgical procedures on the face. These procedures rank among the most popular in modern aesthetic surgery, and are also part of the full range provided by surgeons Daniel Knutti, Jan Enzler and Thomas Gohla at the Biel Aesthetic Surgery Clinic in Switzerland.

Apart from aesthetic surgery and professional talk, Dr. Enzler also did a little sightseeing, to get to know Karlsruhe, a famous tourist destination, and enjoy relaxed conversation with the much-esteemed Dr. Gohla, who recently also joined the Biel clinic team.


Our Team is expanding

The Clinic for Aesthetic Surgery Biel is pleased to announce the arrival of two specialist surgeons to complete the team of Dr. Daniel Knutti. Jan Enzler and Thomas Gohla have joined the clinic with their respective specialities, in support or as a complement to the various techniques already offered, allowing each surgeon to focus on his preferred sector, or to work in collaboration with his two colleagues. A dynamic and open approach, in this clinic well known in its region, which will continue to offer comprehensive services focused on the needs and wishes of each patient, as always. We look forward to welcoming you soon, for an aesthetic consultation, a long-dreamed-of procedure, or just simple beauty advice. Our growing team is, as always, at your service.

Within the surgical team, Dr. Knutti will focus on facelift operations, rhinoplasty and breast surgery. Dr. Enzler will focus on surgical and non-surgical work on the face, chest, tummy or buttocks. Dr. Gohla will bring his experience in intimate surgery, female or male, aesthetic and regenerative medicine, and facial or breast surgery.


Some basics about the positioning of breast implants

As you might know, breast implants are sometimes placed in front of the pectoral muscle layer in some patients, and behind this muscle layer in others. The decision has much to do with a particular patient's constitution and the desire to keep the final result as natural-looking as possible.

In women with a feminine or fairly curvaceous physique, the implant is often positioned between the mammary gland and the pectoral muscle — just behind the muscle, to be exact. This is where the breast naturally belongs and any potential visibility of the contours of the breast implant is eliminated by the generous natural tissue covering it.

In women who are mostly on the slim side, however, it is now common practice to place the breast implant behind the pectoral muscle, which provides an additional layer of visual smoothing and ensures that the contours of the implant remain invisible, especially in the décolleté area, to both sight and touch.

Other factors are sometimes taken into consideration and the ultimate decision should be taken in consultation with your aesthetic surgeon.

Potential patients often wonder about the different routes used to put the implants in place, and whether scarring is an unavoidable part of the procedure. Although a small scar might remain after the operation, a talented, reputable surgeon is an important part of the equation. Another factor is the access route, with three common ones currently in use. Insertion can be made through:

1. an incision in the natural crease under the breast

2. an incision in the armpit (axillary method)

3. a semi-circular incision at the lower edge of the nipple

The first method is the most frequently used, with the surgeon safely sliding the implant above or below the pectoral muscle through a small opening under the breast. This technique carries the added advantage that all subsequent procedures and changes can also be done through the same nearly invisible scar.

Access through the armpit is considered a particularly elegant method, as it leaves no visible scars in the breast area. It is technically more demanding and requires more experience on the part of the surgeon than the first method, which is why many plastic surgeons prefer not to offer this technique. On the other hand, the absolutely outstanding aesthetic result and the clever concealment of visible scars is highly valued by patients, and the reason why one third of breast augmentation operations at our clinic use this skilful approach. Its only disadvantage is that any subsequent treatments or changes cannot be handled through the same axillary access, but such procedures are necessary only in the rarest of cases anyway.

Access via the nipple (periareolar) involves placing the implant in a prepared pocket through a crescent-shaped incision at the base of the areola. That method has not been used at our clinic for more than ten years — ever since the latest-generation, more reliable, cohesive silicone-gel implants became the top standard in our profession. Previous-generation implant pads were inserted empty inside the breast then filled with saline solution, all through the relatively small areolar incision, but such implants are no longer in use in Switzerland today. Their reliability was not optimal, with leakage and loss of volume reported as fairly common problems.


A word of caution

PLEASE NOTE: Vaccination against COVID-19 may cause swelling, redness and/or pain in patients who have had filler injections with hyaluronic acid as wrinkle treatments!

Studies have shown that after facial aesthetic treatments with hyaluronic acid or other materials, it is not uncommon for patients to have inflammatory reactions at the site of the injections after being vaccinated against COVID-19. These inflammatory reactions can also occur if hyaluronic acid was/is used several months before or after the vaccination. The reaction occurs for the following reason: The vaccination activates the body's immune system; this in turn causes the inflammatory reaction because the immune system recognises that the filler material (hyaluronic acid) is a substance not naturally found in the body.

Thankfully, these unpleasant inflammatory reactions can be easily eliminated with steroids and antihistamines, in the majority of cases. Should you, dear patients, experience such inflammatory reactions in connection with COVID-19 vaccination and wrinkle injections, please contact our clinic (T 032 322 77 83).


Dr. Knutti appointed Honorary Member of Swiss Plastic Surgery

Dr. Knutti was appointed honorary member on 11.9.2020 at the Palais Beaulieu in Lausanne on the occasion of the 58th Annual Congress of the Swiss Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Dr Knutti has been a member of the SGPRAC board for more than 10 years and president for 2 years in the 1990s. His merit was to provide good liability insurance solutions for the members and to better promote aesthetic surgery. During this time, Dr Knutti was the first in Switzerland to perform breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue.  He is also one of the co-developers of modern facelift surgery.  Dr Knutti has published several times on this field, his favourite, and has given lectures internationally. In 2012 he was co-founder and first president of the Swiss Society for Aesthetic Surgery.  This society deals exclusively with aesthetic surgery and medicine in order to offer the best quality, honest and safe cosmetic surgery and non-surgical beauty medicine. With this honorary membership, the Society honours Dr Knutti's versatile and selfless commitment over the last 30 years.

MP4 Video clip


Near-Fatal Attraction

"Some folks have all the luck," we sometimes hear.

This plastic-surgery case study by the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, published in SAGE Journals recently, certainly underlines this popular saying. In the report, a 30-year-old female patient saw her life saved by her silicone breast implants, which deflected what likely would have been a fatal trajectory by a 10mm bullet. In a moment of real-life drama that would have been fit for a story by Agatha Christie or James Bond, beauty and crime found each other once again, but with a very lucky outcome.

If you read French, April 22, 2020 article in LeMatin:
https://www.lematin.ch/faits-divers/faux-seins-sauvent-tir-portant/story/10906537

If you enjoy scientific journals, the SAGE Journal story from April 15, 2020:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2513826X19898821

(Parody images from pexels.com)


ICAPS - South Africa March 2020

This year's ICAPS Congress was held in Cape Town (South Africa) from 15 to 18 March 2020 with members from 11 countries participating. Main topics included: the natural rejuvenation of the face, latest techniques for optimal body contouring, breast surgery as well as various novelties. As only two doctors from any given country are allowed to be members in this exclusive society, it is relatively small and tightly managed.  The exchange of professional experience is always very intense and enriching.

Dr. Knutti took away many new ideas with him, which are sure to find their way into his clinical and operative activities at his clinic in Biel.

Photo 1: Dr. Jan Poell Schweiz, Dr Harry Scott Singapore, Dr Leslie Kuek  Singapore, Dr. Daniel Knutti Schweiz, Dr. Hans Leo Natrath Deutschland, Dr. Russell Walton Südafrika, Karmen Walton, Michael Badin

Photo 2: Dr. Jan Poell Schweiz, Dr. Daniel Knutti Schweiz, Dr. Hans Leo Natrath Deutschland, Dr. Stephen Gilbert Neuseeland

Photo 3: Jacqueline Knutti, Dr. Ana Badin Brasilien, Dr. Daniel Knutti Schweiz, Dr. Catherine Bercheret Galey France,  Michael Badin Brasilien


Dr. Knutti in "Premium Clinics & Practices"

A recent article about Dr. Knutti and the Biel Esthetic Surgery Clinic has just been released, in the 2020 issue of "Premium Clinics & Practices" magazine. The bilingual publication, available in both German and English, gives a clear overview of the full-spectrum aesthetic services available at Dr. Knutti's clinic, from simple skin treatments to full in-house surgery, in this top-of-the-line modern clinic. Operations include breast reconstruction, rhinoplasty, corrective outer-ear operations, liposuction, as well as Brazilian-style buttock-lift operations.

Article in PDF format (vertical layout)

Article in PDF format (horizontal layout)


ICAPS Congress in Naples 2019

The International Confederation of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ICAPS) held its annual congress in Naples this year, from 28 May to 2 June 2019. This highly-specialized association selects a maximum of two surgeons for membership from each country, in accordance with strict criteria. This permits the society to have wide representation from different regions, while also allowing it to remain small and dynamic. This year, Australia, England, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA were present, each with two members in attendance. The ICAPS congress, which provides excellent opportunities to exchange new ideas, share innovations and discuss difficult cases with renowned international plastic surgeons, is one of the most important ones in Dr. Knutti's calendar. It allows his clinic to offer the latest scientific developments and technics. As the pictures show, the congress is also a great moment among friends, driven by the same passion.


Golf Leader article on Dr. Knutti

Golf Leader magazine, a leading German-language publication on the sport, likes to include top professionals from a variety of other fields, from time to time. Their summer issue features an article (in German) on Dr. Knutti and his full-service aesthetic surgery clinic in Biel, Switzerland. In the article, he speaks candidly about his passion for the surgical profession as well as, of course, two or three things about golf, another one of his passions.

Link to the magazine article (PDF, in German)


Aesthetics World Congress in Sunshine State

From October 31 to November 4 2018, the World Congress of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery was held at the new Convention Center in Miami Beach. It was the largest congress in this field ever held, anywhere, and over 3000 specialists in aesthetic surgery from nearly 100 countries took part. It is hard to imagine just how much knowledge, expertise and creativity concentrate into a single location, at such an event. There is no better opportunity for a doctor from anywhere in the world, to bring themselves up to date with the latest knowledge.

Dr. Knutti, a former long-time board member of this international society, was a guest speaker at this Miami event. He gave a lecture on the combination of the facelift and peeling techniques, to rejuvenate the entire face as a whole. This technique not only corrects the sagging parts of the face but also smooths the small wrinkles around the mouth, nose and eyes, and gives excellent results. Dr. Knutti also moderated a facelift presentation group with 10 international speakers, from China, USA, Turkey and Europe. Active participation in international congresses helps Dr. Knutti to offer the very best and latest techniques to his patients, even if his time abroad sometimes makes the waiting time for an appointment slightly longer, something for which he apologizes. The aim is to bring you the best possible care.

Besides the scientific part, the congress also offered the opportunity to meet professional colleagues and friends from all over the world.


The BBL: A professional perspective

The BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) is an increasingly popular method to add fullness or a more round shape to a person’s buttocks. It involves the injection of autologous (one’s own) fat in certain areas of the buttocks. In certain cases, or without the right approach or training, the procedure can be dangerous, especially if the autologous fat is injected too deeply into the gluteus muscle, as it can damage major veins and potentially cause a lethal fat embolism.

At our clinic, fat is only ever injected in superficial tissue and never into the muscle itself, so there is no danger of a fatal embolism. In cases where more volume is desired, larger than is achievable through fat injections, we use specially-made intramuscular silicone implants. The operation is slightly more involved but gives excellent and very durable results. This technic is regularly carried out at our clinic, one of very few clinics in Switzerland with experience in this procedure.


Arion Laboratories visit in Côte d'Azur

In June, staff members from the Biel Aesthetic Surgery Clinic travelled to Sophia Antipolis, France's own "Silicon Valley" between Cannes and Nice, to visit Arion Laboratories, producers of high-quality breast implants. The group included Léonie Schwab (Patient Reception Coordinator), Mirjam Vonarburg (Operating Room Manager), Dr. Eva Knajbl (Anaesthesiologist), Dr. Irina Phillot (Aesthetic Medecine) and Dr. Daniel Knutti (FMH Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, as well as accomplished pilot).

The group landed early in the day at Cannes Airport and travelled the short distance to the Arion facility, just 20 minutes away, where Mr. Josef Zedong, Director of International Sales, greeted them. He then gave them a short presentation on company history and development over the past 50 years, leading to how modern implants are produced today. The clinic staff was then shown the actual process used in manufacturing, and the precision, care and state-of-the-art equipment were very impressive. After their visit, the team enjoyed lunch in the garden of a fine restaurant nearby, in fabulous sunny weather so typical of the South of France. They then made their way back to Cannes Airport for a quick (less than an hour) trip back to the Grenchen airfield, near Biel. The trip was a highly educational and interesting experience, and will provide our patients with the most up-to-date advice possible, next time they visit our clinic!


International Congresses in Charleston and New York (USA)

Dr. Knutti attended two international congresses in the USA during the second half of April 2018. The first congress, the International Consortium of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ICAPS) took place in Charleston, South Carolina. The second congress was the annual convention of the American Society for Aesthetic Surgery, in New York City. Dr. Knutti lectured on difficult cases of mid-area facelifts in combination with lower eyelid surgery, complex corrective nose surgery/rhinoplasty using costal cartilage, and about breast reconstruction.

Thanks to regular contact and exchange with the world's leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Knutti remains one of the best-trained and most experienced plastic-aesthetic surgeons in Switzerland.

Photos

1. (left to right) A few of the main speakers at the ICAPS Congress in Charleston: Dr. Rafic Kuzbari (Austria),  Dr. Lucian Ion (England), Dr. Joe Hunstad (USA), Dr. Daniel Knutti (Switzerland),  Dr. Stephen Gilbert (New Zealand)

2. (left to right) Plastic/Esthetic Surgeons and partners: Jacqueline Knutti (Switzerland), Sherry Hunstad (USA), Joe Hunstad (USA), Alfonso Barrera (USA), Christie Barrera (USA), Clayton Moliver (USA), Jacqueline Hagius (Switzerland), Daniel Knutti (Switzerland), Rafic Kuzbari (Austria), Rim Kuzbari (Austria)


ICAPS Event in Amsterdam

This year's ICAPS (International Confederation of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) congress was held in Amsterdam, last June 18 to 23. ICAPS is an international society of experienced plastic surgeons where membership is only possible by invitation, and only two surgeons are admitted, by country.

Various novelties were presented and discussed at the Amsterdam event. A key moment was a special course at one of the world's most-renowned anatomical laboratories, at the University of Rotterdam, where Dr. Knutti demonstrated his latest facelift technique in front of the other specialists.

From left to right, group shot below: Abel de la Pena (Mexico), Gaston Maillard (Switzerland), Darryl Hodgkinson (Australia), Russel Walton (South Africa), Assistant, Richard Scott (South Africa), Antonio de la Fuente (Spain), Daniel Knutti (Switzerland), Steven Gilbert (New Zealand), Aldo Miro (Brazil), Maarten Fechner (Holland)

Dr. Knutti also gave two presentations on the topical subjects of cryolipolysis and new techniques of anesthesia in minor facial surgery procedures.

 


New! Ultra-light breast implant!

Our clinic now also offers the new B-Lite ultra-light breast implants, as an alternative to the standard, well-known 100% silicone gel implants. Using a mixture of silicone gel and fine borosilicate beads as filler, the new implants give a weight reduction up to 25% from standard implants. The filler is highly durable and can provide a more comfortable experience, especially in larger volumes.

On your next appointment, don't hesitate to ask us about B-Lite ultra-light breast implants!

Flyer B-Lite auf Deutsch (PDF)

Flyer B-Lite in English (PDF)

 


Cooltech - Localized fat elimination through cold!

The adipolysis treatment is painless and non-invasive. It uses the localized application of extreme cold directly on fat cells, which are then eliminated through the body's natural elimination processes.

The first results begin to show about 15 days after treatment, with the final result usually visible after 2-3 months. One to five treatments are recommended per body area, every 4-8 weeks.

An end to accumulated body fat, which simply melts away!

 


Kyoto 2016 ISAPS Congress

The 23rd Congress of the International Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery (the largest of its field with over 3000 members) was held in Kyoto (Japan) in October 2016.

Dr. Knutti had the honour of being invited as a speaker, where he gave a talk on his technique of minimally-invasive face lifting and its highly convincing results. During the official opening ceremony, the gathering had the opportunity to hear a conference by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, Nobel Laureate for Medicine in 2012, speaking about his latest discoveries. Dr. Yamanaka's presence at the event was decidedly a highlight of the Kyoto congress.

With its roughly 2,000 temples -- many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as its palaces, gardens and architectural wonders, Kyoto is considered an important cultural centre of Japan.

 


Dr. Knutti in "WellnessLive" Magazine

Dr. Knutti in "WellnessLive" Magazine (auf Deutsch) PDF


PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Needling - Mesotherapy

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Needling is a specialized form of mesotherapy. A small amount of the patient's own blood is centrifuged to enhance its platelet content, and the resultant enriched plasma is reintroduced into the skin, using a multi-needle speciality medical device. The PRP Needling technic, used mostly on the face and décolleté areas, is relatively painless and leaves no scars.

After just 24 hours, the skin begins to show new freshness and tone. Complete treatment stimulates a patient's own synthesis of collagen and brings about a finer, smoother, tighter skin surface.

 


Annual meeting focused on facelift technics

The annual meeting of the Swiss Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery was held on Sep. 9-10, 2016 in Lausanne. One of the main topics this year was the evolution of current facelift procedures.

Dr. Knutti reported on the current state of this speciality, with a particular focus on "light" and durable facelift technics.

Photo:

Facelift conference speakers at the annual meeting of the Swiss Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, in Lausanne.

From l. to r., Dr. Quinodoz (Geneva), Dr. Belhaouari (Toulouse), Dr. Knutti (Biel), Dr. Hodgkinson (Sydney, AU) and Dr. Toth (San Francisco, USA)

 


International perspective at Cali (Colombia) congress

Dr. Daniel Knutti, appointed Professor six years ago by the International Society of Aesthetic Surgery, was a guest speaker at an international conference in Cali (Colombia) organised by Dr. Lina Triana, current President of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Knutti gave a lecture on state-of-the-art breast augmentation technics, followed by another lecture on the art of gentle and natural-looking facelifts. Foreign guest speakers included specialists from the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Switzerland. The broad exchange of ideas and experience is very important for the advancement of aesthetic surgery in general, and is intensely supported by Dr. Knutti.

 


Radical circular liposuction with full tummy tuck

In early May, Dr. Knutti visited his long-time friend Dr. Joe Hunstad, in North Carolina (USA). Dr. Hunstad is known internationally for various new developments and techniques in aesthetic surgery.

Together, Dr. Knutti and Dr. Hunstad operated on a female patient, using a radical new technique. A circular, all-round liposuction was performed on the patient's back, around her waist and her stomach, followed by a complete tummy tuck. This new method achieves excellent results in bringing back a person's former figure. It is especially interesting for persons in middle age, or after childbirth.

Ask us about this new technique of radical, circular liposuction combined with full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)!

 

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