Aesthetic Rejuvenation 101

aesthetic clinic singapore

What You Need To Know About Aesthetic Treatments

The word ‘Rejuvenate’ has its roots in latin origins, and is defined as “to make young again, to restore to youthful vigour or appearance.” The pursuit to remain youthful has always be highly regarded throughout the centuries. From the allure of Cleopatra to the search for the Fountain of Youth in the 16th century by spanish explorers, rejuvenation appears all but a myth, but is it really?

The dynamic advances in medical sciences, coupled with a greater understanding of cellular & molecular mechanisms and a deeper appreciation of the ageing process has helped us understand how to slow and even reverse the signs of ageing.

There is now a paradigm shift in how we approach ageing. It is no longer just an injection here to relax the frown line, or a laser there to eliminate that dreaded age spot. The approach and consideration of aesthetic treatments must be holistic, taking into account the multiple levels of ageing. Ageing is not only skin, it is skin deep. It affects fat, muscle, connective tissues, bone and the interplay between such components. As an established aesthetic clinic in Singapore, we use an integrated evidence based approach that rejuvenates the multiple layers of ageing giving you better and longer lasting results.

Resurface

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. While there is very little we can do to influence the intrinsic effects of ageing, we can minimise extrinsic ones. Smoking, excessive ultraviolet light exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle can greater impact on skin pigmentation, texture and laxity. Simple measures such as sun protection, seeking help to stop smoking, increasing physical activity and maintaining a  healthy diet can improve overall skin health.

Once the signs of ageing has set it, it may be difficult to alter much of the skin colour, texture and laxity by topical off the shelf products alone. For example, in a 46-year-old Teacher with facial hyper pigmentation and mild skin laxity, we may use a Q-switched laser to break down the melanin causing the freckles, sun spots or melasma, followed by the quasi-long pulsed Nd:YAG laser to stimulate collagen and elastin. In the presence of acne scars, enlarged pores and individuals who desire a more lifted appearance in the neck, face and eye region, we may resurface the skin with either fractional ablative lasers or with the more recent fractional micro needling radio-frequency technology.

Relax

Wrinkles develop from the repetitive movements of muscle that is attached to the skin. In the early stages, your wrinkles only appear when you smile, laugh or frown. This is called dynamic wrinkles, and may progress to more severe static wrinkles that remain even when there is the face is at rest.

In the past, where botulinum toxin was overused to correct dynamic wrinkles, it also came with the undesirable frozen look. With the greater understanding of anatomy and different ethnic standards of beauty, we must modify our approach. Even within Asian countries, the individual beauty standards differ in Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea & China. The strategic use of botulinum toxin to relax the muscles must be balanced by retaining sufficient expression for daily interaction, while recognising the diversity of beauty that we see all around us. Sometimes less is more.

Another popular treatment to create a slimmer V Shape Face using botulinum toxin to the masseter muscles can help individuals contour their facial shape non-surgically. 

Refill

It is with great interest that CT scans have been used to study the ageing process. It was found that there is preferential loss of bone around the eyes, the mid cheeks and jawlines. Coupled with the weakening of connective tissues and the loss of facial fat, we can begin to understand how we get a hollowing beneath the eyes, flattening of the cheeks and sagging around the mouth.

Fillers treatment has evolved and constantly new products are being churned out each year. The ideal filler material is bio-compatible, non-allergenic, free of complications, feel and look completely natural. The filler has to biodegrade naturally overtime because a permanent filler that remains when the rest of the face changes due to aging will lead to an undesirable result.

The ideal filler would be able to stimulate collagen and provide a greater lifting effect. In addition, there  has to be an element of reversibility in case the results are not desirable, and the ability to handle filler related complications. 

Although there is no ‘ideal’ filler at present, with modern day science we are getting close. 

Restylane is a range of FDA approved hyaluronic acid based fillers that a long track record in terms of providing long lasting results safely. The Restylane range of fillers uses patented stabilised NASAH technology. It provides natural volume, contour, hydration and smoothes away fine lines and wrinkles. 

Enhance

There are several ways to enhance your features without the need for surgery.

Fillers are popular because the results are immediately noticeable soon after the procedure. Fillers to enhance your chin, create fuller and more accentuated lips, and improve the cheek profile are now possible. In the past, where collagen based fillers only lasts 4-6 months, hyaluronic acid based fillers can last up to 2 years.

Thread lifting procedure using absorbable materials  for non-surgical facelift or necklift was popularised and has spread to many parts of Asian. The material, design and delivery of threads have grown with sophistication, allowing longer lasting effects with minimal downtime. Nose threadlift is a very popular procedure to enhance the nose bridge and elevate the tip of the nose without the need to undergo a surgical rhinoplasty. Thread lifting procedures lasts 20-45 minutes in most cases, with temporary swelling and bruising being the most common post procedural effects.

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