Medical aesthetics procedures such as lasers, dermal fillers and skin lifting have become increasingly popular in recent years. Technology advancements have made non-invasive treatments safer, faster, and more effective. These treatments do not require lengthy recovery times or expensive operating rooms and surgeon.
Additionally, the reduced risk associated with non-invasive treatments means that more people can safely benefit from medical aesthetics procedures. As a result, patients can now achieve their desired results without having to spend a significant amount of money, making aesthetic procedures more accessible to a wider range of people, beyond just celebrities and the ultra-rich.
However, while these treatments are no longer as stigmatized as they once were, there are still instances where the results can appear overdone, resulting in an unnatural or even “weird” appearance. So as the industry continues to grow in popularity, misconceptions surrounding medical aesthetics are also becoming more common. In this article, our doctors at Clique Clinic address these misconceptions, particularly the concept of the “look done.” In addition to discussing the potential risks and drawbacks of overdone treatments, our team shares the top sought- after treatments in 2022.
5 HOTTEST CONCERNS ABOUT AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
1. I don’t want my face to “look done“
“Look done” is often used to describe a person who has had too many procedures or has undergone treatments that are not performed in a balanced and subtle way hence the end result may appear “overdone” and give the impression of an exaggerated, unnatural, or “fake” appearance.
“When you look done or overdone, it is a sign that a procedure or several procedures have gone wrong,” stated Dr. Lim matter-of-factly.
“A “done face” is not because of the product. It is likely products being used for the wrong reasons, in the wrong dosage and at the wrong timing.
That is a lot of “wrongs” in one sentence, but it is the truth,” Dr Lim laughs.
Fillers done correctly can provide a lot of positive changes. At Clique Clinic, our doctors emphasise on “Less is More, Natural is Key”.
However, in recent years, doctors tend to “overfill” as they believe that ‘more fillers yield maximum results’. But excessive use can create an exaggerated or disproportionate effect. Overuse of fillers can also cause other complications such as the formation of lumps or nodules under the skin, which may require additional treatment to correct. The skin may also become thinner or more fragile over time, leading to increased visibility of veins or other underlying structures.
In rare cases, overuse of fillers can form blood vessel blockages or other serious complications, which may require immediate medical attention.
If you are considering dermal fillers, conduct thorough research and review the before and after pictures of previous patients. By carefully examining the results achieved by the doctor, you can determine whether their previous work aligns with your desired outcome and if the doctor can deliver the natural-looking results you desire.
5 HOTTEST CONCERNS ABOUT AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
2. Pigmentation woes: “I need Pico for pigmentation “
A large percentage of our patients are those with moderate to severe pigmentation issues.
Individuals who have facial pigmentation often experience a high level of self-consciousness due to the presence of dark spots on their skin. These spots can give the appearance of blemishes, which many consider unattractive.
“However, Pico laser is not a one-laser-fix-all pigmentation solution. It is only a temporary fix,” Dr Lim said.
WHY DOES PIGMENTATION HAPPEN?
Pigmentation is a natural defense mechanism of our skin against harmful UV radiation from the sun. Our skin contains a pigment called melanin, which gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, the body produces more melanin to protect itself from the damage caused by these rays.
Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are located in the basal layer of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin). Melanocytes produce melanin in response to various stimuli, including UV radiation, hormonal changes, and skin injuries. The melanin is then transferred to the surrounding skin cells, providing protection against UV rays.
“Since it is the skin’s natural defence mechanism, you can expect melanocytes to continue producing melanin whenever it is triggered. Instead of using Pico Laser to clear melanin that was produced, it would be more helpful to fix the root cause of pigmentation, which is to repair and restore the skin from within, so the pigments will not be agitated to produce melanin,” Dr Lim explained.
Actual procedure will vary depending on skin condition and individual problems, but Sylfirm X with a skin healer like Plinest work wonders.
The strength of Sylfirm X lies in its ability to stimulate and repair basement membranes. This skin basement membrane sits between the epidermis and the dermis. It acts as an anchor, a barrier, and plays an important role in tissue development, homeostasis and repair of skin tissues. When we have troubled skin, it is due to the deterioration of our skin health which may be due to aging, over-exposed to UV radiation, repeated injuries, irritations, and inflammation.
Sylfirm X treats the skin by rejuvenating the basement membrane of the skin. This reduces abnormal blood vessels, triggers fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, soften the scar tissues, promote tissue recovery and reduce oil glands activities.
Meanwhile, Plinest rebuilds skin health from within by stimulating collagen and regenerating fibroblast (a type of cell that contributes to skin healing), allowing your cells to naturally recover and restore.
Last but not least, it’s important for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and follow a balanced diet to prevent skin damage. Using a good quality sunscreen is also highly recommended.
5 HOTTEST CONCERNS ABOUT AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
3. “Can you make me look less tired?”
“A tired skin or face will look dull, dehydrated, and lacking in radiance. Fine lines and wrinkles may be more prominent, and the skin may appear saggy or droopy. Dark circles or puffiness around the eyes can also contribute to a tired or fatigued appearance,” Dr Lim explained.
There are various reasons why a face appears tired, including the natural aging process, hormonal changes, and stress. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and firmness, which can result in a tired or droopy appearance. Hormonal changes and stress can also impact skin quality, leading to dullness, dryness, and fine lines or wrinkles.
“In order to restore skin radiance, it’s important to prioritize improving the overall quality of the skin,” Dr Lim said.
BUT WHAT IS GOOD SKIN QUALITY?
According to Dr Lim and a panel of 10 world-recognised and experienced dermatologists/aesthetic physicians (source to citation below), skin quality can be described in 4 main categories – skin tone evenness, skin surface evenness, skin firmness, and skin glow.
Analysis of a patient’s skin based on the categories above can help clinicians determine the appropriate treatment option(s) and the tissue or skin layer(s) to address.
For starters, looking tired could be due to droopy skin, which may be the result of bone absorption if the patient is in his/her mature years. As the bone frame changes, there may not be enough support for the skin from the underlying tissues and muscles. This causes sagginess and will lead to a tired appearance.
To enhance and shape the facial structure, biostimulators and dermal fillers such as Radiesse, Ellanse, and Belotero are recommended. To improve skin quality, a combination of Plinest, Sylfirm X, and Exosomes can be effective for hydration and biostimulation, resulting in a radiant complexion. Ultherapy is considered the gold standard for skin laxity, with high patient satisfaction rates and the ability to smooth age lines. Additionally, Ultherapy is safe for all skin types and does not cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
5 HOTTEST CONCERNS ABOUT AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
4. Acne prone skin
Acne can occur at any age and is caused by factors such as genetics, stress, diet, and lifestyle habits. To treat acne, it’s important to identify the underlying cause and seek the appropriate treatment, which could range from topical creams and medications to light therapy and chemical peels.
Acne prescriptions can provide temporary relief, but some individuals become dependent on them without treating the root cause. Prolonged usage may lead to further complications as certain medications may reduce inflammation or oil production in the skin, affecting oil production in the entire body. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause of acne for long-term improvement of skin health.
At Clique Clinic, our process to manage acne starts within the skin. Sylfirm X treats the skin by rejuvenating the basement membrane of the skin. This reduces abnormal blood vessels, triggers fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, soften the scar tissues, promote tissue recovery and reduce oil glands activities.
Depending on the individual, Sylfirm X will be combined with Fotona or Dual Yellow laser.
Fotona laser destroys sebaceous glands that produce excess oil and stimulates collagen production to improve acne and reduce scars. Dual Yellow laser targets melanin to reduce redness and inflammation and shrinks sebaceous glands that produce excess oil. Both lasers are effective in treating acne, but the choice depends on the individual’s skin type and acne severity.
Last but not least, patients with severe acne are advised to monitor their diet and lifestyle.
“Skin health is closely linked to overall body health, and severe and persistent acne may be a sign of underlying inflammation in the body. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with a dietitian to explore suitable dietary changes,” advised Dr. Lim.
5 HOTTEST CONCERNS ABOUT AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
5. “Make me more beautiful”
Our patients come to us with the desire to improve their appearance, whether it’s their face or body, and it’s our duty as doctors to help them achieve those goals safely and sustainably. At our clinic, we prioritize honesty and will provide our patients with realistic expectations rather than misleading promises,” stated Dr. Lim.
The 4 skin quality quadrants can serve as a helpful starting point for patients who want to achieve a more overall healthier appearance and do not have any specific skin concerns to address.
1. Skin Tone Evenness
An even skin tone is clear and free of dark spots and blemishes.
Our doctors would check for pigmentation, coloration/discoloration due to sun or disease and erythema, which is redness on skin due to increased blood flow.
Treatment for skin tone evenness:
Lifestyle adjustments such as sun protection via the use of topical creams can help. Sylfirm X has been proven effective to reduce pigmentation while Plinest injections can improve skin complexion. Dual Yellow and Fotona lasers can also be used to diffuse redness of facial skin, rosacea and facial acne.
2. Skin Surface Evenness
Skin with smooth feel and free of scars, lines and hair is considered skin with a good surface.
How we measure skin surface evenness:
1. Pores – how visible the size of pores
2. Crepiness – thin, wrinkled skin similar in appearance to crepe paper. Most common on arms, legs, neck, and under eyes.
3. Wrinkles and lines – Lines in the skin caused by mechanical pressure, skin dehydration, or continuous muscle movement.
4. Scars – usually affected by injuries. Acne scars are distinct from other scar types.
5. Hair – visible facial hair will affect skin surface evenness
6. Clarity – Clear skin without black and white heads, pimples, and spots (red or brown rough age spots)
Treatment options for improving surface evenness:
Our doctors recommend a combination of lasers and Sylfirm X for treating scars and unwanted hair. Plinest injections can improve skin clarity. Wrinkles and lines can be reduced with botulinum toxin (Xeomin) and Ultherapy helps to smoothen out age lines.
3.Skin Firmness
Firmness comprises all the properties below:
- Elasticity – The ability of the skin to return to its original position
- Tautness/Tightness – The resistance of skin against mechanical force
- Hydration – The water content of the epidermis
Treatment options for improving skin firmness:
Skin elasticity is mainly addressed with biostimulators, including Radiesse and Plinest combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Belotero. Other treatment options for improving elasticity include Ultherapy which improves skin laxity, is safe in all skin types, and does not cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
4.Skin Glow
Skin glow can be described by several synonyms, including radiance, luminosity, brightness, vibrancy, and complexion.
Treatment options for improving skin glow:
The recommended treatments to improve glow include HA fillers, bio-regenerative injectable (Plinest) and biostimulators. These can improve hydration and have biostimulatory properties which improves glow.
In conclusion, advancements in medical aesthetic treatments have made it easier for individuals to improve their appearance with non-invasive, fast and effective solutions. While there are many options available for different skin concerns, it is important to seek guidance from qualified professionals to achieve natural-looking results and avoid any potential negative consequences. Our doctors hope that this article has cleared some misconceptions about aesthetic procedures and provided an overview of the possible solutions for different skin issues. Ultimately, by understanding the fundamentals of skin rejuvenation and seeking out the right treatment and practitioner, individuals can achieve their desired results and feel more confident in their appearance.
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