The exciting field of Aesthetic Medicine is a new trend in modern medicine. Patients not only want to be in good health, they also want to enjoy life to the fullest, be fit and minimize the effects of normal aging. Indeed, patients are now requesting quick, non-invasive procedures with minor downtime and very little risk. As a general rule, the needle is increasingly replacing the scalpel.
DERMAL FILLERS:
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. More than 1 million men and women annually have choose this popular facial rejuvenation treatment, which can be a cost-effective way to look younger without surgery or downtime.
What are fillers made with?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
FDA approved HA fillers include:
- Juvéderm products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLBELLA, ULTRA PLUS
- Prollenium: Versa 1.2 ml
- Belotero Balance
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance, found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically last longer as well, about 12 months for most patients. Calcium hydroxylapatite is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production, and it is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles.
FDA approved CaHA fillers include:
- Radiesse®.
WRINKLE RELAXERS:
Botox: Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows cause skin to furrow and fold, gradually resulting in the formation of facial lines. BOTOX® Cosmetic works beneath the surface and temporarily reduces the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines in adults – to help them look visibly smoother.
Jeuveau: Jeuveau® stops your nerves from telling your facial muscles to flex, temporarily smoothing moderate to severe lines between the brows. This product is known as “ModernTOX or NEWTOX” as its the latest product approved with the FDA. XEOMIN
Xeomin: Xeomin® is made through a unique precision manufacturing process that isolates the therapeutic component of the molecule and removes the accessory proteins that don't play an active role in treatment. Xeomin® is a highly purified neurotoxin. Studies have not been performed to determine whether the presence or absence of accessory proteins has a longterm effect on safety or efficacy
WHAT IS A BOTOX INJECTION? Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable neurotoxin, better known under brand names such as Botox Cosmetic®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin®. Neurotoxin treatments are the most popular single cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and are mainly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, smiling, and other expressions we tend to make day after day. Treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, your expressions soften and the dynamic wrinkles are greatly reduced.
WHERE CAN THEY BE USED? The most commonly treated areas are those where muscle activity influences facial features, such as the following: • Glabellar lines (a.k.a. “elevens” or frown lines) • Wrinkles around the eyes, such as crow’s feet • Forehead creases • A “cobblestoned” appearance to the chin • “Bunny lines” when you scrunch your nose
OTHER AESTHETIC TREATMENTS:
- Chemical peels: improves the skin's appearance. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it "blister" and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
THE PERFECT DERMA PEEL: Founded by Nafeh Sebai, Bella Medical Products is dedicated to formulating innovative, result oriented skin solutions for the aesthetic medical industry. Ranked as one of the Top 3 New Anti Aging Products by ABC News, The Perfect Derma™ Peel delivers on that promise. The Perfect Derma™ Peel provides healthy, ageless skin for all skin types and ethnicities. While exact peel formulas are proprietary, The Perfect Derma™ Peel debuts a new era in skin health. It’s the only medical grade chemical peel that features Glutathione. Glutathione is the ultimate antioxidant with powerful skin lightening and anti-aging benefits.
- Micro Needling: Micro needling causes controlled micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process, while minimizing cellular damage. The result is effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.
There are three phases to the wound-repair process:
- Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
- Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
- Phase III: Remodeling. The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.
Benefits of Micro-Needling:
- Enhances texture of skin
- Stimulates collagen production
- Can help reduce scars and hyperpigmentation
- Can reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Micro needling + Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): may improve healing and decrease the duration of redness and swelling seen after micro-needling.