Do’s and Don’ts Before & After Dermal Fillers
Fillers in Dubai | 8 March 2020
Although no one likes the thought of aging, we can be thankful that we are living in this modern age when there are more facial cosmetic procedures than ever before to aid in the battle against time. Injectable fillers are not only effective, they are a completely safe method of rejuvenating the face. Even in the past 10 years, there have been advancements in the science of fillers, and my clinic offers several different approved brands. The most popular are Juvéderm, Profhilo, Restylane, Radiesse, Teosyal and Neauvia. The area of the face that requires filling determines the type of filler that he chooses. Some fillers have a thicker consistency than others and are more suited to areas where more substance is needed to achieve the desired lift. It is possible to fill nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth), cheekbones, noses, chins, tear troughs, jowls, and lips.
When injected by an experienced professional, fillers also have the ability to contour and refine features. Lips can be augmented to reduce the lines that appear with aging, and small noses can be enlarged so that they balance nicely with other facial features. A flat chin can be injected with filler to provide a symmetrical profile. Fillers can provide a straighter nose for people who have a hump in the middle. Cheek bones can be injected to provide a natural-looking lift to the face. Although amazing results can be achieved with injectable fillers, it is the artist in control of the needle who determines the final outcome. It takes artistry, not just a licence, to sculpt the face in perfect harmony and proportions. Not only can fillers be injected in a short period of time, but there is also little discomfort for the patient. Local anaesthetic is administered prior to the injections, and some brands even have the anaesthetic combined with the filler. Slight swelling or redness at the injection site may be experienced, but this is minimal, eliminating the need to take a few days off of work to heal. Another major benefit of injectable fillers is that they are affordable. Great results can be accomplished without breaking your pocket book.
Whether you are considering getting dermal fillers to smooth out wrinkles or enhance facial contours, a quick look at some criteria and facts will help you know you have come to the right place for your treatment. Dermal fillers should be injected only by an experienced and qualified medical doctor. This procedure requires qualifications, experience, and an artistic edge, because 90% of the success of cosmetic procedures depends on who is doing them. For example, a bad haircut would indicate the level of experience of the stylist, not the scissors that were used. This is why it is extremely important to inquire about the credentials of your practitioner and ask to see before and after pictures. Getting a consultation first is advisable, as you would get a chance to see my facility and raise your questions or concerns with me.
Bringing a picture of your younger self to your appointment is helpful. However, bringing a picture of your favorite celebrity is not conducive. While you may see one aspect or feature of your face, it is important to know that a face has to be analysed in whole and not in part. The aim of the injectable procedure is to look naturally enhanced. It is also important to understand that each face has its own asymmetry. A good doctor can help bring more symmetry while keeping the overall aesthetics of the face visually pleasing. So make the most of your consultation by being open to recommendations. Your doctor sees in three dimensions, and you would benefit from exploring all your options.
There are many types of dermal fillers on the market. But the most common of them are hyaluronic acid (HA) products. They have proven to produce natural and lasting results while maintaining fluidity to move with facial expressions. This line of dermal fillers also incorporates antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to deliver further treatment benefits while filling and contouring the face.
Hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers also naturally occurs in the body and therefore gets metabolized eventually. Depending on the dermal filler chosen and whether or not this is the first time you are having a filler injected, you can expect results to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the results, which is very rare, HA fillers are also dissolvable at your request by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
It is always best to schedule your injectable appointments a couple of days to a week prior to any major event. With dermal filler injections, you will also need to take bruising and swelling into account. You can reduce this likelihood by stopping any supplements that can act like blood thinners such as fish oil and also some pain killers such as Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, etc., 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
After your dermal fillers treatment, follow the post-care instructions given, which include applying cold compresses, avoiding extremely cold or hot drinks, sun exposure, extreme temperatures, excess facial mimicry, and vigorous exercises. Being gentle is key.
Unhappy about prominent ears? What surgery is available and what techniques are involved?
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 3 March 2020
Most cases of prominent ears become a problem in early childhood, often relating to teasing at school. Most surgeons advise that surgery for prominent ears is not undertaken until the child is old enough to understand what the surgery involves. At this stage the child is more likely to be cooperative and happy with the outcome. In addition one must consider that not all adults with prominent ears wish them to be corrected. Therefore if one operates on children prior to the acquisition of understanding a proportion will have been subjected to unnecessary surgery. For this reason, and because ear cartilage is often soft in the early years, operations for prominent ears are rarely performed on children under the age of five.
Otoplasty is the term used to describe the surgical correction of prominent ears. Most surgeons recommend that this operation in not carried out until a child’s ears are fully grown, which is usually around the age of eight. Some doctors will argue that the child should be left to decide for themselves. There is no right or wrong answer to this issue each child should be treated individually.
The surgery involves a general anaesthetic for children, although adults may be operated on under local anaesthetic only. During the operation, a cut is made behind the ear close to the groove between the ear and the side of the head. This incision exposes the cartilage, the ear maybe set back by scoring the front surface to weaken the cartilage, removing a small piece of the cartilage bowl (concha) or by inserting some stitches at the back of the ear to reshape or to rotate it closer to the head. Once this is done, the skin is closed with a stitch and a protective bandage or head garment is usually applied.
Getting vitamins and minerals through IV infusion
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 1 March 2020
Receiving vitamins and minerals through IV infusion has become increasingly popular, but what exactly is it and how do they help you? You might typically think of intravenous therapy as being a common part of hospital treatment, where an IV bag is placed beside a hospital bed with a needle attached for purposes of rehydration. Certain IV infusions that contain high amounts of glutathione, vitamin C, and magnesium have become increasingly sought after because of their positive effects on skin and hangover recovery. In addition, shifting your diet to become more whole and balanced is always recommended. Intravenously injecting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals allow for the bypassing of the complex and multifaceted digestive process and goes straight into your bloodstream making them more bioavailable. You may also feel the effects faster than you would be taking them in supplement form.
Some important ingredients found in IV drips include:
Magnesium – plays an important role in glucose metabolism, protein synthesis, cardiac and smooth muscle contractibility, and nerve function
Vitamin C – assists in collagen production, plays a role in neurotransmitter and hormone balance, serves as an antioxidant – protecting our cells from free radical damage, prevents aging, and boosts immune system
Glutathione – found in every cell in the human body, this powerful antioxidant helps to protect our cells from and alleviates oxidative stress that leads to cellular damage and premature aging
Vitamin B12 – regulates red blood cell function; deficiency in b12 includes a type of anemia that will result in weakness and fatigue
Proline – an amino acid that serves as a collagen building block and helps to repair damaged skin. It’s also important for supporting gut health and healing leaky gut
Taurine – the most abundant amino acid, taurine plays an important role in regulating hydration, supporting central nervous system function, and serves as an antioxidant
IV drips are highly sought-after because of their ability to restore hydration within our cells, prevent cellular aging and enhance digestion, among the many other benefits. They are surely making their way out of hospital settings and into the world of preventative medicine and wellness.
Excessive Sweating Treatment
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 29 February 2020
Overactive sweat glands especially underarms, hands, feet or even on the forehead, nose and upper lips can be a cause of much embarrassment and affect self-confidence. Sweating which is troublesome, can be controlled without the use of topical anti-perspirants, using the most up to date dermal solution – Botox. This clinic treatment provides long term control of sweating at any site, so you can avoid or significantly reduce the use of deodorants / anti-perspirants. Reducing the amount of sweating can profoundly improve your quality of life with a simple, safe, effective and long lasting treatment.
What is Botox Treatment to reduce Sweating?
Attempts to control sweating have traditionally been by use of topical drying agents – anti-perspirants / deodorants or surgery to remove the sweat glands such by sub-dermal excision, Liposuction or nerve division. These treatments have limited use and require daily application or painful injections or surgery. The Jet technology uses the innovative supersonic jet of saline to deliver Botulinum toxin into the skin and sweat glands without needles.
How does the treatment with Botulinum Toxin reduce sweating?
The delivery of Botulinum toxin to the sweat glands blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to sweat glands which can be used to control sweating. Botulinum toxin is therefore effective in the treatment of sweating or Hyperhidrosis of the underarms (axilla), face, hands and feet. Because the receptors that are blocked by Botulinum toxin are continually begin replaced, the effect of Botulinum toxin is never permanent but typically lasts 6 – 12 months in sweat glands.
Am I suitable for Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
If you are troubled by sweating which may or may not be controlled by topical antiperspirants and would like a long term treatment, then Botox treatment may be suitable for you. Sweating or Hyperhidrosis can take a terrible social toll on the individual, making them feel embarrassed and self-conscious because of wet patches on their clothing and the odour which develops from sweat. Botox Treatment can control sweating and have a profoundly beneficial effect on your quality of life. Botulinum toxin treatment should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding.
How is the treatment performed?
Initial consultation will determine the goals of your treatment, make note of any medical conditions and plan the optimum treatment to achieve the ideal result in each patient. Treatment is carried out in an out-patient setting and takes 20 – 30 minutes. The treatment is painless, with a comfortable, even soothing jet of saline onto the skin.
Will the treatment be painful or cause bruising?
The Botox Treatment is a painless, no needle treatment. The skin feels cool during and after the treatment. There are rarely any side effects of the treatment. Tiny bruises may occur in areas of delicate skin.
What are the risks of Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
Firstly, the treatment with Botulinum Toxin is a very safe with minimal side effects or risks provided the treatment is performed by a qualified and trained practitioner. Allergic reactions to Botulinum Toxin are rare. A small number of patients develop natural antibodies to some forms of Botulinum Toxin and therefore made not have a good response following treatment. Usually, switching to an alternative form of Botulinum Toxin enables effective treatment.
The Benefits of a Brow Lift
Cosmetic Surgery Dubai | 27 February 2020
Drooping of the forehead or eyebrows with deep lines on the forehead can be very ageing and cause concern for many patients. Brow Lift Surgery will correct drooping of eyebrows, loose skin with some improvement in facial lines. Botulinum toxin treatment to relax the muscles of the forehead and eyebrow is recommended 2 weeks prior to surgery for a more effective healing. Dermal Filler or Fat injections may also be recommended to achieve the best results. Any existing facial asymmetry will be pointed out and treatment planned to correct this.
What is Brow Lift Surgery?
Brow Lift, also known as Endoscopic Brow Lift, Brow Reshaping, is a Cosmetic Surgery Procedure to correct drooping of the eyebrows and improvement of forehead creases and lines to achieve a natural youthful appearance.
What are the benefits of a Brow Lift?
Since the introduction of Botulinum toxin injections to rebalance the muscles of the upper face, many patients are able to achieve good rejuvenation of the upper face without surgery. A Brow Lift is necessary when the drooping of the forehead, eyebrows cannot be improved by Botulinum toxin injections. The procedure will elevate the drooping forehead and eyebrows to give a natural youthful fresh appearance.
What about the results of Brow Lift Surgery?
The results are first and foremost natural. The goals of Brow Lift Surgery are to restore an aesthetically pleasing upper face which is in balance with your facial features – i.e. looks natural and does not appear abnormal or over stretched. Remember that it can take up to 3 – 6 months before the full healing and final appearance is achieved.
What are the risks of Brow Lift Surgery?
Common to all surgical procedures there are always risks associated with surgery. However, complications are uncommon. The most frequent is bruising following surgery and may take 2 weeks to resolve, while major bleeding is rare. Infection is infrequent (less than 0.5%) and will require a course of appropriate antibiotics. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring in the scalp is also rare but will require specific treatments to reduce the scarring. Reduced sensation over the scalp is expected and commonly returns within 3 – 6 months. Weakness of the forehead muscle (frontalis) is uncommon and usually temporary with recovery expected in 6 – 8 weeks.
Am I the ideal patient for a Brow Lift?
The ideal patient for a Brow Lift has drooping of the forehead and eyebrows which is not corrected by effective Botulinum toxin injections. Patients should have normal hairline and forehead height not exceeding approximately 7cm. Receding hairline or high forehead may benefit from Hairline Lowering Foreheadplasty with advancement of the hairline to a normal position in combination with Brow Lift Surgery.
Facelift Surgery – Face and neck rejuvenation
Cosmetic Surgery Dubai | 24 February 2020
A Face Lift, also known as Rhytidectomy, is a meticulous procedure to restore the normal and anatomical vectors of facial tissue layers (skin & underlying muscles). The procedure is carried out with hidden small incisions / endoscopically to rectify the wrinkled and saggy skin. In this way jowls (hanging jaw skin), chin folds, and neck folds are corrected leading to a much younger look.
Why have Face Lift Plastic Surgery?
Face Lift Cosmetic Surgery is performed to regain a more youthful fresh look by lifting sagging jowls and cheeks. Face Lift Plastic Surgery is used to enhance the facial features to gain a rejuvenated appearance. The surgery is carried out to correct displaced tissues, skin, fat and muscles of the face. As we age several things happen to our face. The skin loses elasticity and becomes lax, fat decreases and becomes displaced by gravity producing the typical jowls, flat cheek and lower Eye Bag. Muscles also lose their size and strength and with loss of bone especially around the upper and lower jaws, the face takes on the typical features of aging.
The skin looses collagen and hyaluronic acid, sun-damage and pollution occurs (Can also be worsened by smoking), pigmentation is common (age spots), fine blood vessels and wrinkles appear. These all contribute to the ‘ageing’ of the face.
The Face Lift Cosmetic Surgery procedure will help reposition displaced skin, fat and muscles to achieve a natural subtle youthful appearance. Remember Face lift Plastic Surgery will not change you and solve any life crises, but should boost your self-confidence and enjoyment of life.
Can Face Lift surgery be performed in conjunction with other treatments?
Several other non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments or procedures may be suitable to achieve the optimum rejuvenation of the face. Dr. Vigo can provide a full treatment plan that covers not only surgery but aftercare, non-surgical treatments and more.
Rejuvenation treatments or procedures may include non-surgical Photo-rejuvenation, BOTOX, Dermal Fillers – Restylane (FDA Approved), Evolence, and Browlift, cheek or chin implants or a Cheek / Midface lift. What is right for you will clearly depend on your goals. Thus, at the time of your Consultation a thorough discussion of these non surgical and Surgical procedures and the options is essential to providing you with the highest standard of care.
What are the benefits of breast lift surgery
Cosmetic Surgery Dubai | 21 February 2020
Breast Uplift, Mastopexy or Breast Reshaping is a Plastic Surgery operation performed to lift and reshape the drooping or sagging breasts to achieve a more youthful, pert appearance. Mastopexy is carried out to improve the shape and firmness of the breast after weight loss or breast feeding. The desire to improve your breast size and or shape is something you share with nearly 60% of women. Mastopexy is used to reshape the breasts and equalize differently shaped breast to improve symmetry.
What are the benefits of Breast Uplift, Breast Reshaping?
Breast Uplift, Mastopexy is a plastic surgery procedure to reshape the breast in a woman who feels that her breasts have drooped or sagged as a result of natural aging changes or following pregnancy and breast feeding. The operation is commonly performed to restore a more youthful breast shape and fullness. Breast Uplift can be carried out to improve symmetry and shape where there is a difference in breast size and or shape. The improvement in Breast fullness and shape can boost your self confidence and enable you to wear the clothes you wish.
What about the scars following Breast Uplift surgery?
Unfortunately, it is necessary to have a scar as a result of Breast Uplift, but every effort is made to minimize the scars and ensure that these are as inconspicuous as possible. The goal is to achieve scars which are as short as possible for the safe performance of the surgery, and which, once fully healed are barely visible. The scars are placed around the nipple – periareolar scars, with additional scars down from the nipple to the crease under the breast – Vertical Scar, with or without a scar in the crease – Inverted T Scar. The optimum scars for you will depend on your size, breast shape / drooping, skin elasticity and desired cup size /shape following your Breast Uplift. If you need or desire an increase in volume, Breast Enhancement with Uplift, commonly a periareolar scar only may be required or a Vertical scar technique.
Hand Rejuvenation Treatments
Fillers in Dubai | 18 February 2020
The skin of young hands is clear, has an even even tone, is ‘plump’ and elastic. Veins are only just visible as are the tendons over the back of the hands and fingers. With aging and sun damage, the skin becomes dry with loss of elasticity and volume. Pigmentation appears (age spots) as well as scaly lesions such as actinic keratoses being possible precursors of skin cancer. Loss of fat in the hand and atrophy or wasting of the muscles leads to thinning of the fingers, prominence of the knuckles, veins and tendons.
With Dr. Vigo, the goals of hand rejuvenation are to restore a more youthful appearance of your hands, by restoring the loss of volume and reducing the appearance of prominent veins on the backs of the hands.
Hand rejuvenation treatments can include fat transfer or fillers to restore volume, such as Ellanse; Laser 360 treatments for skin rejuvenation and skin tightening; steam vein removal to remove unsightly veins. We can also offer the removal of unsightly hand veins
Dr. Vigo is very aware that your results must be first and foremost natural. The goal is to restore a more youthful appearance of your hands to compliment your face. Using a combination of state-of-the-art aesthetic treatments and procedures ensure that you achieve natural hand rejuvenation. The results of your hand program will last from 6 to 12 months. Maintenance treatments are recommended at 3 to 6 monthly intervals.
Botox: Anti Wrinkle Treatments
Fillers in Dubai | 12 February 2020
Overactive facial muscles, especially between the eyebrows, forehead and around the eyes can often contribute to the formation of active facial lines and wrinkles. With the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin with aging, or as a result of sun damage, these lines become increasingly apparent and permanent. The use of a Botulinum toxin (BOTOX or Xeomin) to relax the underlying muscles is an effective method to improve these lines and wrinkles. In some individuals, the use of dermal filler injections in combination with botulinum toxin treatments will be necessary to achieve the optimum rejuvenation. Skin rejuvenation programmes using products and lasers are also available enhance overall improvements.
What is Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
Botulinum toxin blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the specific treated muscle(s) and therefore induces relaxation of the muscle in a dose dependent manner. Botulinum toxin also blocks nerve impulses to sweat glands and can subsequently be used to treat excessive sweating – Hyperhidrosis of the underarms (axilla), face, hands and feet. Because receptors that are blocked by the botulinum toxin are continually being replaced, the effects are never permanent, but typically last 3–4 months in muscles and 6–12 months in sweat glands.
Am I suitable for Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
If you are particularly concerned about the appearance of facial lines or wrinkles in areas with over-active muscles, such as the frown lines or crow’s feet, then treatment with botulinum toxin to the underlying muscles will have a beneficial effect on these concerns. It should be noted that deep lines may not disappear with muscle relaxing injections alone, but may require an injectable dermal filler product, such as Belotero or Ellanse, in order to further soften these areas. Botulinum toxin treatments should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How is the treatment performed?
An initial consultation will be carried out to determine the goals for your treatment, make note of any associated asymmetries/abnormalities, and a treatment plan will be determined in order to achieve the ideal result for each individual. Photos will be taken before your treatment in order to document your concerns efficiently. The treatment is carried out in an outpatient setting, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Facial mapping will be completed, and a cold pack applied to the treatment areas. Botulinum toxin will then be injected with a fine needle into each specific treatment area, with only minor discomfort experienced.
Will the treatment be painful/cause bruising?
The use of skin cooling with a cold pack or, occasionally, a topical local anaesthetic cream will ensure minimal discomfort during the treatment. Very minimal to no bruising should occur due to the careful, experienced techniques and fine needles used; however, please be aware that any breach of the skin may result in small bruises.
Dermal Fillers – Are you contemplating dermal fillers?
Fillers in Dubai | 10 February 2020
Injectable Dermal Fillers have been used since the 1980’s to remove facial lines and wrinkles. The most popular Dermal Fillers are Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or Collagen but over a hundred different products are now available. Years of sun-damage combined with the natural aging process results in a depletion of collagen and elastin, with loss of elasticity and thinning of the skin causing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Thinning of the subcutis results in loss of volume or fullness of the facial features or hands, resulting in the typical aged appearance. This is commonly seen on the face, neck and hands.
Dermal Fillers can provide natural replenishment for your skin with a safe, effective and long term improvement of your appearance. The best choice of filler for each patient will be determined at consultation. Dermal Fillers are very effective for structural reshaping of the Nose, Cheeks and Chin.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal Fillers are used to replenish lost volume in the soft tissues or augment tissues to improve facial shape, contours or definition. Belotero and Restylane are Hyaluronic acid products which replace your body’s natural Hyaluronic acid. Belotero is made up of a unique structure of monophasic hyaluronic acid which means that there are no blue lines in the treatment area and can be used directly under the skin. It’s patented CPM (Cohesive Polydensified Matrix) means that it integrates directly with the tissue of the skin giving a smoother, more natural appearance. Radiesse is a compound product of methacrylate and hyaluronic acid used for longer lasting augmentation or enhancement. Ellanse is made of polycaprolactone microspheres in a water-based carboxymethylcellulose gel and is particularly recommended for hand rejuvenation.
Dermal fillers are highly Bio-compatible with the skin, so adverse reactions are minimal. Each dermal filler has specific advantages in different areas of the face so the most suitable product for you will be tailored to your aims.
Am I suitable for Dermal Filler treatment?
If you are concerned about the appearance of lines or wrinkles on the face, or would like to reshape your Lips, Nose, Chin, Cheeks or rejuvenate your hands, then treatment with Dermal Fillers will be suitable for you. Botulinum toxin treatment may also be beneficial to relax active facial lines. You should be aware of the limitations, side effects and risks before deciding if Dermal Filler treatment is right for you.
How is Dermal Filler treatment performed?
Initial consultation will determine the goals of treatment, make note of any associated medical conditions and plan the optimum treatment to achieve the ideal result in each patient. Treatment is carried out in the out-patient setting and takes 30 – 60 minutes. A topical local anaesthetic cream is applied to the area(s); face, nose or hands. For most areas the Magic Needle is used, which provides the most comfortable and atraumatic treatment possible which is greatly superior to a standard needle treatment.