In the News

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 30 September 2019

Aging is a natural, complex process; the cumulative effect of genetics, environmental impacts, and normal wear and tear on our bodies eventually take their toll in a myriad of different ways. It is this consequence of living your life that can simply bring unavoidable health problems.

Over time, the cells of the body become progressively damaged and die. Dead cells are replaced too slowly to compensate for this loss. The signs of aging begin to appear along with health issues like impaired hearing and vision; loss of muscle strength and bone mass; decreased immunity and cognition, and inefficient metabolism.

Aging cells contribute to disease. If aging in cells can be prevented, slowed down, or even reversed, many diseases could be controlled or cured. Stem cell research and related regenerative medicine therapies are being looked at for providing solutions to many of life’s problems.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are the essential building blocks of our bodies. They are unique in that they have the ability to change, evolve, duplicate, and adapt into other types of cells – the essence of body regeneration. Stem cells have the potential to develop into many cell types in the body.

They lie dormant in bone marrow and fat stores. Once damage occurs, cytokines (proteins in our immune system), send signals that trigger them. Stem cells scout out damaged areas and then differentiate into the specific form of cell required to help heal.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a particular type of adult stem cell that are easy to extract and are not as controversial as embryonic stem cells. MSCs are currently seen as a useful treatment for dozens of pathological conditions and disorders, from cancer to heart disease. These stem cells are a core factor in skin, muscle, cartilage, and bone regeneration.

Anti-Aging Stem Cell Treatment

Stem cell therapies are the ultimate anti-aging treatment. They are unique because they use a patient’s own stem cells and can be transplanted where they are needed. Treatments replenish the body with a fresh supply of concentrated stem cells to allow the repair and rejuvenation process in all organs, including skin. This is where the most obvious effects can be seen.

Unlike plastic surgery that addresses surface looks alone and not the cause, stem cells replace, regrow, repair and rejuvenate on a cellular level that goes far beyond appearances. They restore more youthful levels of energy and resolve age-related damage to face, body, and organs.

Anti-aging therapy improves the overall health, strength, and function of organs and cells, making them younger, stronger, and robust. They allow you to be more active and feel youthful again.

Impressive results have been seen in all age groups, regardless of gender and ethnicity.

The Procedure

The adipose tissue is harvested and put through centrifugation to separate the MSCs and make them highly concentrated. The serum is injected back into the patient immediately after processing. In some cases where precision placement is needed, an ultrasound-guided injection can be utilized. This outpatient treatment takes only a few hours with no downtime. Mild to moderate discomfort may be felt at the site of harvesting and re-injection. Pain medication is rarely required. Patients can resume normal activities immediately.

Most patients do very well with a single infusion. Others may require two or three more in the span of a year.

Results of Anti-aging Stem Cell Treatment

Stem cell anti-aging therapy is the most advanced and modern approach available for slowing, and even reversing, the aging process in humans. Moreover, anti-aging stem cell therapy helps strengthen the remaining cells so they last longer, encouraging new healthy cell growth.

Both male and female adults who have undergone stem cell infusion report:

Youthful appearance with even skin tone, reduced age spots, fewer lines and wrinkles

Reduced fatigue and tiredness

Improved energy, stamina, and vitality

Relief from aches, pains, and stiffness in joints

A boost in libido, sexual prowess, and activity

Healthy weight maintenance

Greater muscle strength, reduced flabbiness

Motivation to be active, exercise and work

Improved mood, happier and healthier outlook

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 28 September 2019

Breast enlargement has remained one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures across the globe for years. Not only has it become more widely accepted and relatively easily available, but plastic surgeons have also made great strides in the way they are able to lift and shape the breasts.

While the decision to get breast implants is highly personal and can be extremely rewarding, patients should always perform their due diligence in determining whether or not this procedure is a good fit for them and whether they can make for good candidates.

Who is a good candidate for breast enlargement?

There are several criteria that patients should meet in order for a plastic surgeon to classify you as a good candidate for breast enlargement. In general, you should be in good physical health. This means no active infections, untreated cancer or serious illnesses. If you have medical issues, it’s important to discuss them with your surgeon so that he or she can help you decide whether or not breast implant surgery is suitable for you.

If your breasts are sagging, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical or lacking adequate cleavage or volume, there is a good chance that you’re an excellent candidate for this surgery.

Most surgeons prefer that you do not smoke or consume significant amounts of alcohol.

Because this surgery can permanently alter your appearance, it’s important for you to be in a healthy frame of mind when you decide on this surgery.

While this is a surgery that will change how you look, it’s important to remember that it cannot fix body image issues or give you a wildly different appearance. You should maintain realistic expectations and listen to your surgeon’s honest assessment of your goals.

The best candidate for breast augmentation understands the risks as well as the rewards. The surgery is generally considered safe, and implants are approved, but with any surgery, there are some risks.

You understand that breast enhancement should be done strictly for yourself and because you believe it will increase your own happiness or confidence. You should never get cosmetic work done because someone else wants you to.

You should have the ability to properly rest and recover post-surgery. You will not be able to perform certain tasks or do any heavy lifting, so it’s important for you to have help in place.

Who is NOT a candidate for breast enlargement?

Generally speaking, anyone who is in reasonably good mental and physical health can be candidates for breast implants. However, you are likely not a good candidate for this surgery if:

You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

You have breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram.

You’re ill or battling an infection.

You have unrealistic expectations for post-surgery results.

Though most women can qualify for breast implants, it’s vitally important that you are open and honest with your surgeon during your consultation. Even if breast implants are not right for you, he or she may be able to recommend an alternative course of action to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 25 September 2019

There are many reasons to seek facial cosmetic surgery including dissatisfaction with naturally-given features, congenital problems, the wish to camouflage scars, or a desire to reverse the changes that have occurred due to ageing or life events. I provide the full range of facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, fat transfer, eyelid and ear surgeries. Due to my expertise, as well as our specialised technologies and instruments, I have been able to refine treatments for all areas of the face. Approaching the face as a whole – underlying topography, soft tissues and skin – we often find that more can be achieved with a lighter application of several complementary surgical treatments in combination, rather than a single ‘all-out’ procedure. Furthermore, we perform facial surgeries that respect the balance of proportions and concentration of character within an individual’s face – the aim is to rejuvenate and refine, not to exaggerate. Fundamentally, our skill lies in the provision of understated solutions that refresh and restore.

An overview of facial rejuvenative procedures:

Eyelid surgery

The eyes are the most important aesthetic component of the face – for this reason eyelid procedures are among the most efficient ways to obtain significant aesthetic improvement to the face with relatively light surgery. Whether the goal is to remove excess tissue or enhance shape and volume, I use advanced methods that conserve muscle and respect eyelid function.

Face and neck lift

A face and neck lift is the most efficient method for reversing the effects of gravity and ageing in the mid and lower portions of the face. This procedure will elevate the soft tissues in the cheek and mid-face, reduce jowls and provide a cleaner and more defined jawline. I provide highly specialised facelifts, repositioning the deeper layers to achieve a long-lasting rejuvenation and three-dimensional contouring – without stretching the skin.

Brow lift

The brow lift is used for rejuvenation of the forehead and areas adjacent to the eyes, reversing the effects of sagging, asymmetry and heavy creasing. It provides a graded and precisely adjusted lift, yet is gentle to the forehead and leaves only minor scarring that is hidden behind the hairline. As the brow lift has a pronounced rejuvenating effect to the forehead and eyelids, the procedure is often used to complement facelift surgeries in order to get a balanced result across the full face.

Treatment for facial and eyelid hollowness

Fat transfer, or surgical grafting, is used alongside the repositioning of soft tissues to re-volumise hollowed areas and restore structural integrity to the face. Using one’s own fat cells, this technique has a wide application and may be effectively combined with other procedures, such as face lift and eyelid surgery. It is used effectively to counteract gravity by offering a light lift, and deliver smooth and youthful contours.

Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 22 September 2019

Dermal fillers have grown in popularity over the last few years due to their ability as both volume enhancers and wrinkle fillers. They’re usually used on the lips, cheeks and under the eyes, often with amazing, age-defying results. At around the age of 25, the body stops producing collagen and elastin. These two proteins work together to keep tissue firm and skin elastic. Without them, the body isn’t able to keep tissue strong and skin supple. It’s this that causes the typical signs of aging to start appearing, including lines and wrinkles, sunken cheeks and a loss of elasticity in the skin.

Dermal fillers are injectable gels that are usually made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that attracts and binds water in the skin. A treatment will fill in wrinkles and provide volume to the soft tissues, helping to give your skin a more full and youthful appearance well after your body stops producing collagen.

How do Dermal Fillers work?

Generally, injecting dermal fillers into the skin causes plumping of that area which helps smooth wrinkles, enhance definition and volumise the face. However, different types of filler can be used for different results and in different areas.

When it comes to treating facial volume loss (like sagging cheeks), a professional will typically use a thicker dermal filler that can provide effective support for the cheeks. Plumping or removing lines from lips, on the other hand, requires a much thinner dermal filler as the skin around that area is thinner.

While dermal fillers are often used alongside treatments like Botox, they actually work quite differently. Botox prevents movement of the small muscles that contribute to wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, create additional plumping beneath the wrinkle, smoothing it out and restoring its youthful appearance. The combination of using Botox alongside Dermal fillers can result in amazing looking results which is why they are frequently used together.

Where are Dermal Fillers usually used?

Dermal fillers can be used to achieve a variety of results in different areas of the face. They are usually used in three main areas to achieve the following:

Around the Eyes:

• Reduce under eye bags and dark circles
• Soften fine lines and crow’s feet

Mid Face Area:

• Smooth accordion lines (the fine lines that creep up the sides of the face towards the cheekbones) and folds
• Add volume to the cheek area affected by gravity and age

Lower Face Area:

• Smooth a “gummy smile” above the lips
• Reduce the appearance of vertical lines above the lip
• Add volume to the nasolabial folds around the mouth
• Correct the downturned corners of the mouth
• Stop the jawline from sagging
• Plump and reduce chin creases

How long do Dermal Fillers last?

Depending on the type of hyaluronic acid used, Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6 to 18 months. This may also vary from person to person depending on how well it’s suited to the purpose and individual. There are many different brands of hyaluronic acid on the market, some of which you might recognise, including Juvederm®, Belotero® and Restylane®. It can be difficult to know which dermal filler is right for you so be sure to ask your practitioner for advice on the right choice for you.

Things to know before your Dermal Fillers treatment

Dermal fillers are incredibly safe, and allergic reactions are extremely rare, so long as your treatment is carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional. Before getting dermal filler treatment there are a few simple steps you can carry out to ensure your treatment is as successful as possible.

• Try and avoid any product containing aspirin, vitamin E, St John’s Wort and any dietary supplements that include ginko, garlic, primrose oil and ginseng for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Avoid ibuprofen, Aleve, fish oil, alcohol and any product that can thin your blood for 2 days prior to your treatment.
• Remove all makeup and wash your face before the treatment to avoid skin irritation.

Are there any side effects of dermal fillers?

After having dermal filler treatment, you may notice some common side effects in and around the treated area. These can include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain and discomfort

Using a trained and experienced practitioner can help to minimise these side effects. Taking the right kind of supplements may also help but you should check with your practitioner before taking anything. Here are a list of suggested do’s and don’ts to help minimise any negative after effects of your treatment.

• Using a calming agent like chamomile or taking Bromelain and Turmeric together can help to reduce the skin redness, swelling, tenderness, and/or itchiness that are common after dermal filler treatment. If your symptoms last longer than 3 days be sure to speak to your practitioner.
• Bruising is also fairly common, although this should go away within a few days. To help speed up the process you can use Arnica to help reduce bruising and swelling.
• Do not massage the treated areas as this can cause the filler to move, resulting in an uneven look and feel.
• Avoid applying heat to the treated area until any bruising or swelling has gone away. You should also try and avoid any activities that might cause you to blush or get red faced. Exercising, consuming alcohol, going in the sauna or using a sun bed should all be avoided. No skiing or mountain climbing in very cold temperatures either.
• Regular washing and showering is fine as long as you’re using gentle cleansers and moisturisers. Makeup and sunscreen should also be fine to use as long as they are applied gently.

Are dermal fillers right for you?

The most important thing to do before going ahead with a dermal filler treatment is to do your research. Firstly, think about what you want to achieve from the treatment. This will help you and your practitioner to narrow down the type of filler you’ll want to use and ensure your treatment resolves your primary concerns.

Secondly, set a strict budget for your treatment. Many treatments are only fully effective with multiple treatments or a combination of dermal fillers and botox. It’s important to be aware of this so that you aren’t left disappointed by a half effective course of treatment. You should also be wary of practitioners offering a cheap service. These treatments, when carried out by an experienced, qualified practitioner, should not be cheap. If someone is offering you a treatment for a lot less than other practitioners it may reflect the quality of the practitioner, product or clinic. With Dermal fillers, you get what you pay for. So if you’re looking for a high quality treatment with minimal side effects, you’ll need to pay for it.

Finally, once you think you’ve found the treatment and practitioner to suit you, make sure you meet them, ask questions and feel comfortable having them treat you. There should be no pressure put on you to get a treatment done right away or use any products that you haven’t specifically requested. Dermal fillers are safe and effective as long as you select a provider who will make every effort to minimise risk, work with you to address your concerns and follow up to ensure that you are well and satisfied, so make sure you know who you’re dealing with.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 21 September 2019

Which dermal filler lasts the longest?

Longevity of the dermal fillers depends on factors such as:

Density of the filler

Injection area

Patient’s metabolism

What is the difference between Restylane and Juvederm?

Juvederm and Restylane are both FDA-approved dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid gels. Juvederm comes as a smooth gel while Restylane is slightly granular. These differences can impact on where I decide to use the fillers. Restylane typically lasts from between 6 to 9 months, while Juvederm is labelled as lasting from 9 to 12 months.

Does Juvederm stimulate collagen?

Although Juvederm and other dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to fill out wrinkles, several studies suggest that these fillers also induce the formation of collagen. The result of this stimulation is that skin looks fresher and more rested for longer.

Are dermal fillers long lasting?

All the dermal fillers I use are semi-long lasting and made from hyaluronic acid, which breaks down and is absorbed into the skin after around 6 to 18 months.

Can dermal fillers be removed?

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, can be quickly dissolved using an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. This acts to disperse hyaluronic acid, speeding up the natural breakdown of the dermal filler. The use of hyaluronidase to remove fillers is off-license, so I will only go ahead if it is “in the best interest of the patient on the basis of available evidence”.

How long do fillers last in the cheeks?

The length of time a treatment lasts relies on a number of factors, including treatment area, skin elasticity, injection technique, the type of filler used and the patient’s metabolism. As everyone’s body is different and results will vary from person to person, I will be able to advise on the best course of action following a consultation. Juvederm and Restylane generally last between 6 months and 1 year.

What can dermal fillers be used for?

They can be used most effectively and naturally to restore areas of lost volume in the face that occurs as we age, which often contributes to the sag and jowling. Strategic and skilful placement of filler can lift and support the face naturally with no need for a surgical procedure.

Dermal fillers can smooth fine lines on the forehead and the lower face. Moderate lines occurring in the mouth to chin area and the nose to lip corners can be softened. Cheeks and chins can be remodelled and given more definition. Scars can be minimised, while lips can be defined or enhanced, subtly and naturally. Skinboosters can be used to increase hydration to the skin, particularly the face, neck, hands and décolletage.

How will I know which dermal filler is right for me?

Different fillers achieve different outcomes. At your initial consultation, we’ll discuss a personalised treatment plan that’s tailored to you. It could be that you need one or more of these options:

Increase hydration to your face, neck, hands and décolletage

Smooth fine lines on your forehead and the lower face

Soften moderate lines in your mouth to chin area and from your nose to lip corners

Remodel your cheeks and chin, and give more definition

Minimise scars

Define or enhance lips, subtly and naturally

Restore lost facial volume

How soon will I notice results?

You should be able to spot the difference immediately as a non-surgical lift. Your skin will look dewy and revitalised in a totally natural way.

I’m interested in having dermal fillers but will the injections hurt?

Many people find their procedure more comfortable than expected, and most dermal fillers contain a local anaesthetic. I am highly skilled and precise; you should merely feel a light sting on your skin during the injection procedure.

What’s the difference between a dermal filler and botulinum toxin?

Both treatments involve injections, but botulinum toxin relaxes muscle movement that results in wrinkles while dermal fillers simply plump out and smooth wrinkles. Sometimes, these treatments are more effective when combined.

Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 19 September 2019

Today more people are turning to gentler new ways to get a younger look, with incredible results. Fresh, smooth, glowing skin – it’s on every woman’s wish list. And those in the know are finding clever new ways to achieve a brighter. more youthful look, without the kind of bashing and bruising so often associated with a face-lift. Face-lifts are reportedly falling out of favour even in the U.S, and off the list of the top five requested treatments. Instead, women are increasingly seeking out gentler, non-invasive and less expensive treatments which, while perhaps not as dramatic or permanent in their results, can still help us to present a fresh, radiant new face to the world.

Dermal Fillers Treatment

Prior to any filler treatment, I always invite my clients in for a consultation to ensure we find the best treatment to achieve results suitable for you. Dermal Fillers, made from Hyaluronic Acid, are the most popular volume enhancing treatments and are often used to reduce facial lines and to restore plumpness and volume to the lips and cheeks, defining the shape of your face. Producing safe, long-lasting and natural looking results, dermal fillers are a safe and effective cosmetic treatment when administered by a qualified practitioner. There are many dermal fillers on the market that are substandard in terms of ingredients and quality. I use only the highest quality brand of temporary fillers renowned for their superior standards.

Lip Augmentation Fillers

For those who are unhappy with the shape or size of their lips, temporary Dermal Fillers can provide an effective volume enhancing solution that keeps them feeling soft and natural. A common complaint by many of my patients is that they dislike how thin their lips look. Instead of lining the lips and creating a distorted result, we enhance your lips’ natural pattern to give them an overall pleasing and full appearance.

Tear Trough Fillers

By injecting Dermal Fillers into the tear trough – which extends from your eye to divide your cheek from your lower eyelid – the area can be made to look less hollow while subtly easing dark circles under the eyes. Tear Trough procedures treatments are very specialised and require an experienced hand to perform them, especially since the treatment may not be suitable for everyone. The area under the eyes is assessed before treatment and I will advise you on whether this is an effective treatment for your case. Those who are eligible will benefit from a fuller and brighter expression that will leave your face looking fresh and rejuvenated.

Cheek Fillers (achieve a fuller cheek bone, higher cheek done look or to lift the sagging face)

Dermal Fillers can be injected along the contour of the cheek bone to help achieve a more defined appearance to the cheek bone. Volume is often lost from the cheeks due to ageing or weight loss and can cause sagging, restoring these areas are a great way to rejuvenate your face.

Nose to Mouth Lines (Nasolabial folds)

As we talk, smile, smoke or kiss it can cause the muscles around our mouth to crease and over a long period of time these lines may become more prominent and permanent. The ageing process also causes our production of natural collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin to reduce causing lines and wrinkles to appear. Dermal Filler can be used to plump up and fill out the lines and folds that have been created in the Nasolabial folds as well as the mouth folds, marionette lines and drooping mouth corners to achieve a more rejuvenated and fresher face look.

Non Surgical Rhinoplasty

I also offer a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty treatment which is achieved with the use of fillers.

Dermal Fillers Results

Lines and wrinkles are smoothed out and the skin appears plumper and younger. Areas lacking in volume and shape now have more definition, with a fuller appearance.

Downtime

None. You can go back to work immediately after your treatment and you can apply make-up over the treated area.

Aesthetic Medicine Dubai

Tummy Tuck Dubai | 17 September 2019

After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke.

ANATOMY OF THE ABDOMEN

The abdominal wall consists of skin, fat, and muscle. The rectus abdominis muscles, which form the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen, are covered by a firm sheath called the rectus fascia. This fascial layer frequently weakens and stretches out with pregnancy and weight gain. As a result, once a patient loses weight or has her children, she may be left with laxity of the abdominal wall. During surgery, the fascial layer over the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed.

SURGERY STEPS

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior C-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel through a second incision. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques.

ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

Liposuction is sometimes performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery to contour the flanks. Some patients wish to undergo simultaneous breast surgery to lift, add volume, or both. The combination of tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation or lift surgery is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” procedure.

Additional procedures incur additional operating time, anesthesia, and surgical risks.

SURGERY AND ANESTHESIA

The surgery lasts 2 – 2.5 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery. Prior to surgery you will be required to obtain medical photographs, routine bloodwork, and in some cases preoperative clearance. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will need to have a responsible adult available to escort you home after surgery.

RECOVERY

Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery area. Once you are fully alert, you will be transported to the stepdown area where you will be given something to drink and the to eat. You will have two drains and a surgical garment placed at the conclusion of the procedure. The nurses in the recovery area will demonstrate how to empty and record the output from your drains. A responsible adult will need to be available to escort you home.

Patients are seen in the office 3 or 4 days following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be replaced into your surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own. The surgical garment should be worn for the following 4 weeks

Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until four weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery, although it will never completely disappear.

WHAT A TUMMY TUCK CANNOT DO

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. If you have ongoing weight loss, or are planning to become pregnant, you should delay your surgery. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, but it will remove the skin beneath the umbilicus. Stretch marks above this level some- times appear lighter after surgery, but they will not disappear.

Tummy Tuck Dubai

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 15 September 2019

The areas of treatment are important when selecting the right type of filler product. Single treatment areas like the lips, eyes, or cheeks allow for the election of area-specific products. Teosyal by Teoxane offers an extensive range of products like Teosyal Kiss, which is specifically formulated for the delicate lip area. Teosyal also has Redensity l or ll for the eye area. The Teosyal product range is a preferred choice of dermal fillers because Teosyal dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid compounds that are specifically formulated for exclusive areas on the face.

SKIN CONDITION

The condition of the skin prior to injection will regulate the amount of dermal filler that will be required along with the injection techniques that will be exercised.. The depth of wrinkles along with the patient’s age and lifestyle are determining factors in selecting the appropriate filler product for patients. Other factors include sun damage, irregularities like pigmentation, discoloration, moles, scars, and other visible signs of skin damage. These all play a role in which treatments should be used.

FREQUENCY

Dermal fillers are an ongoing anti-ageing regimen. Patients who regularly maintain their filler injections in a timely manner consequently end up with natural results with long-lasting effects. One of the most important elements in maintaining consistent dermal filler results is to have the treated area re-injected prior to the product being fully absorbed by the body. Typically, 4 weeks prior to the “lasting” period is ideal for the re-injection of pre-existing sites. For example, if your lip filler product lasts 6 months, then it is advisable to schedule a follow up appointment to get re-injected at about 5 months after the initial injection. People who regularly receive dermal fillers will require less product overtime because the body will become accustomed to the increased production of collagen and will continue to produce extra collagen to support the areas that have been injected with dermal fillers.

Fillers in Dubai | 13 September 2019

Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, or at least some level of maturity, there is no question that newly born infants also have wrinkles. The real concern that most of us have is that certain types of wrinkling are associated with the aging process. In our current “pop” culture, people do not view aging positively. Generally, the treatment of normal skin aging that does not result in a functional abnormality is termed “cosmetic.” Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance.

Many products and procedures promise to reduce wrinkles. Some do little or nothing (like the products that claim they reduce “the appearance of fine lines,” which means that they don’t reduce the lines themselves). Others can achieve a fair amount of success.

Although all of our skin ages, sun exposure dramatically enhances the rate at which this occurs. Changes brought on by sun damage (photoaging) include dry skin (really roughness), sagginess, skin growths like keratoses, lentigos (“liver spots”), and wrinkles. Just compare the skin on the face and neck of a poorly pigmented farmer to the skin of his buttocks.

Most wrinkles associated with aging appear on the parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These sites are the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows related to muscular contraction. Some deep furrows are anatomical in nature and have little to do with aging. Generally, it is only the aging wrinkles that really bother people. There are two basic approaches to the amelioration of these signs of aging: prevention and treatment. Topical wrinkle treatments are, in general, much more effective for fine lines. Deeper creases may require more invasive techniques, such injection of fillers, local muscle paralysis, or plastic surgery. There is a special form of wrinkling called “cellulite” that produces a “cottage cheese-like” appearance to the skin. Cellulite most commonly appears in the hips and buttocks of women and is due to fat deposition in certain anatomical areas in the dermis.

What are risk factors and causes of wrinkles?

Smoking

Degree of natural skin pigmentation (more is better)

Sun and ultraviolet exposure

Heredity (some families wrinkle more)

The loss of subcutaneous fat on a person’s body (people with more subcutaneous fat have fewer wrinkles)

Some of these factors are beyond our control. The main preventive measures we can take are to minimize sun exposure and not smoke. These measures can, at best, delay wrinkles.

Sun protection factor SPF numbers on sunscreen labels refer to protection against UVB radiation (the “sunburn rays”). Higher SPF numbers (50) are better at protecting the skin than lower numbers. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against UVB and UVA radiation (longer-wave ultraviolet light). UVA rays are abundant in sunlight and produced by tanning salon light bulbs; they may not cause immediate sunburn but do produce aging and an increase skin cancer risk over time. (Sorry, but there is no such thing as a “safe tan.”) Sunscreens that block UVA indicate this on the label and contain ingredients such as Parsol, Mexoryl, and benzophenones.

Procedural options

Glycolic acid peels: These superficial peels can make a very slight difference in the intensity of fine wrinkles.

Deeper peels: These peels use ingredients like salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid and penetrate somewhat deeper into the skin. Deeper peels do a better job of smoothing fine lines. The deeper the peel, however, the greater the risk of side effects such as long-lasting pigment changes (changes in the color of the skin) and scarring. Such peels may require anesthesia. Mild sedation helps ease short-term but intense discomfort.

Microdermabrasion: This refers to “sanding the skin” with a machine containing silica or aluminum crystals; many estheticians offer this service, usually in “packages” of six or seven sessions. Microdermabrasion does not change skin anatomy, though it may make the face feel smoother. Cosmetic products marketed as “home microdermabrasion” are just mild exfoliants — harmless but not likely to produce any meaningful change in wrinkles.

Dermabrasion: This is a true surgical procedure, often performed under general anesthesia. The treating physician uses a rotating instrument to sand the skin down. Depending a great deal on the skill and experience of the operator, dermabrasion can result in excellent improvement but can also produce significant side effects, including scarring and permanent changes in skin color.

Laser resurfacing: Using instruments such as the carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, physicians can achieve results similar to those of dermabrasion with greater reliability and precision. A medical professionals passes the laser several times over the area to be treated until the damage reaches the middle of the dermis, the skin’s second layer. This helps stimulate the body’s natural collagen synthesis (production), which plumps up sagging skin and wrinkles. Some dermatologists perform laser resurfacing under “conscious sedation,” in which the patient remains awake and receives intravenous medications to calm and ease pain. Doctors combine this sedation with the application of topical anesthetic creams such as EMLA, as well as injections of local anesthetics like lidocaine. Patients may need to repeat procedures to maximize improvement. Skin takes a long time to heal (weeks to months) after resurfacing. In addition, this procedure, like dermabrasion, can cause permanent pigment changes and scarring.

Fractional resurfacing: Newer lasers work through a modification of traditional laser resurfacing. Treatments affect not the whole skin but instead only evenly spaced spots surrounded by undamaged skin. Healing is much faster than traditional resurfacing, with less “downtime” afterward. Patients may need several treatments to achieve full benefit.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing: Newer lasers attempt to stimulate collagen synthesis under the skin without damaging the epidermis. Studies and clinical experience suggest that such procedures can improve fine wrinkles, though not as much as laser resurfacing. Several treatments may be necessary. These procedures are almost painless and there is little or no redness, peeling, or downtime afterward.

Heat and radiofrequency: Another variation of noninvasive facial rejuvenation is to heat tissue using radiofrequency devices and infrared light sources. Techniques are still in development, but results to date suggest that such treatments are safe and can produce visible and lasting improvement, though not as much as surgical techniques like facelifts (rhytidectomy).

Cosmetic surgery: Surgical facelifts, brow lifts, and similar operations can be very helpful for selected patients.

Thread lift: In this procedure, a barbed, medical professionals insert a stiff thread into facial skin in the appropriate direction and the tissue is pulled to catch on the barbs, producing a lifted appearance. Whether or not the effect is sustained is controversial, but there is no doubt that in the short term there can be a modest cosmetic benefit using only a local anesthetic associated with minimal downtime.

Botox: Injection of botulinum toxin, the muscle poison, can paralyze facial muscles that produce the “frown lines” on the forehead, fine lines around the eyes, and other wrinkles. Improvement lasts several months, and patients must have repeated injections to sustain improvement.

Dermal Fillers: Medical professionals inject fillers into the skin to increase volume and flatten wrinkles and folds. In the past, the most popular filler was collagen. More recently, health care professionals use new filler substances such as hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), lactic acid (Sculptra), and autologous fat transplants because their effects can last six to nine months or even longer.

Anyone considering any of the cosmetic procedures should be sure to consult doctors who have experience in one or several of these techniques. Patients should fully inform themselves about the risks and potential benefits of the procedure they are considering before going forward.

Fillers in Dubai | 9 September 2019

They seem similar, but in reality they’re two very different things. The line between Botox vs fillers can sometimes seem a bit blurred, so if you’re just starting to look into injectables, it might feel confusing working out which is best for you.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is the short name for botulinum toxin, a group of molecules produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. It is called a ‘toxin’ because in very high quantities it can act as a ‘neurotoxin’ in the body, blocking the action of certain nerve types. In medicine, this toxin has been refined and tiny doses of the original toxin can be injected into areas where it is desirable to block the action of some nerves, for example in the tiny muscles of the eye, for squints, or in the bladder for hyperactive muscle. In aesthetics, it can be injected directly into the tiny muscles of facial expression to relax the muscle tension on the skin, where they create lines with age; this then relaxes the lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to relax muscles that pull down on the face, for example in the neck muscles, to give a lifting effect. Likewise, it can also be used to block sweat glands, so can be used for treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Migraines can also be treated effectively with Botox injected into several points in the scalp. Effects can last between 3-6 months, depending on the individual.

What are dermal fillers and how do they work?

Dermal fillers are a group of injectable medical products designed to add volume to tissues. There are many different types of fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers (the most common type) and collagen-stimulating fillers (such as sculptra). Fat transfer might also be considered a ‘filler’. Generally speaking, fillers can be injected into areas to replace lost volume and revitalise the skin. There are many different consistencies and forms of fillers, for use in different areas, and the technology is improving rapidly. Results usually last for 18 months, but can be reversed before that time.