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AESTHETICS
101
Jun-Jul15
Problem #2:
Loss of Facial Volume
Solution: Fillers
Human DNA has not caught up with the truism
that 40 is the new 30, and 50 the new 40. As
we age, we naturally lose facial volume as
collagen production slows, elasticity is lost
and youthfully plump cheeks migrate south to
form ageing jowls.
Ageing, together with exposure to the sun and
other damaging elements, causes the naturally
present hyaluronic acid (HA) in our skin to
diminish. As a result, the skin loses structure and
volume, and lines and wrinkles form.
How it works:
Dermal fillers such as Juvederm Voluma,
Restylane SubQ and Radiesse are injected
to lift and contour facial features in a gentle,
natural way that also reduces lines and
wrinkles and improves the appearance of
eye-bags. It takes between 30 and 60 minutes,
depending on the amount of filler required.
As dermal fillers are composed of HA, they
restore the skin’s youthfulness and elasticity by
replacing what the skin has lost. What’s more,
aside from smoothing out lines and creating
a lift, fillers can also be used as a nonsurgical
way to remodel the nose or augment the chin.
Recovery:
The effect is instantaneous, and there’s no
real downtime – you can go straight back to
your normal activities. Expect some short-term
swelling, and perhaps slight bruising that
makeup will cover.
Problem #3:
Fat Arms
Solution: Tumescent Liposuction
America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, has put sexy, shapely arms firmly
in the spotlight, showing off her own to good effect in sleeveless tops and
dresses. We all want arms like that – especially in warmer weather, where
there’s no way and nowhere to hide unsightly flab.
To effectively remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant even to
rigorous exercise and strict dieting, tumescent liposuction is a good option.
Apart from the upper arms, it’s good for the abdomen, waist, upper back,
hips, thighs and calves. It’s also ideal for men who want to have unattractive
fat removed from their chests.
How it works:
First of all, large volumes of very dilute anaesthetic (such as lidocaine)
containing a capillary constrictor (such as ephedrine) are injected into the
fat, causing the targeted area to become tumescent, or firm and swollen.
Then, a stainless steel micro-cannula is inserted into the target area through
a small incision to draw out the fat. Because the micro-cannula is so small –
just three millimetres – it gives a smoother result than ordinary liposuction
with a standard cannula. Best of all, it leaves no scars.
Recovery:
Bed rest is recommendedon theday of surgery, andpainkillerswill beprescribed
to alleviate any discomfort. You can shower the next day and go back to your
normal activities by the third day, but you’ll need to avoid swimming or any
other immersion in water for a week or two to allow the small wound to recover.
And remember – always wear sunscreen!
What the letters mean:
UVA (Ultraviolet A) rays have longer
wavelengths than UVB rays and penetrate deeper into the skin,
accelerating skin ageing, wrinkling and initiating and exacerbating the
development of skin cancers. UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays have shorter
wavelengths than UVA rays; they penetrate the superficial layers of the
skin and are responsible for sunburns. SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
refers to the amount of UVB protection a sunscreen offers. Note: SPF
does not refer to UVA protection.
Tips for buying sunscreen:
• Choose a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30. If your skin
burns in 10 minutes without any sun protection, then a sunscreen
with an SPF of 30 will provide protection for up to 300 minutes (30
x 10 minutes) before sunburn occurs. A higher SPF level may offer
more protection but the increment in protection tapers sharply at
higher levels.
• Look for a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with both UVA and UVB
protection.
• Those with sensitive skin should avoid sunscreen that contains
alcohol, fragrances and chemicals like PABA (para-aminobenzoic
acid and benzophenones), which can irritate the skin.
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