'How to treat common facial cosmetic problems'

DUBLIN - May 4, 2013 - PRLog -- Furrow between brows

Vertical lines between the eyebrows are caused by the borders of the corrugator muscles and procerus. We use these muscles and some others for frowning and communicating anger to others. Botox® or Dysport® are used to reverse or slow down the progression of these lines. For deeper lines the addition of a dermal filler such as Restylane® or Emervel ® is used.

Crows feet

These horizontal lines appear at the side of the eyes whenever we smile. They can be more prominent in some individuals. Botox® or Dysport® is used to soften these lines and usually treatments need to be repeated twice to three times per year. Deeper lines and lines under the eye are treated with a resurfacing skin laser. ActiveFx® laser is my choice of treatment.

Deep wrinkles on the forehead

Horizontal lines on the forehead are caused by the frontalis muscle. Amongst the newer licensed toxins I prefer Azzalure® and Vistabel®. Again treatments need to be repeated twice to three times per year.

Loss of volume on cheeks

Loss of volume in the cheeks is due to loss or downward displacement of the malar fat pad. This can be treated in expert hands with the use of a cross linked hyaluronic acid filler like Juvaderm Voluma®  or a more supporting filler such as Radiesse® by placing it between the muscle and the underlying facial bone. The technique developed from treating HIV patients with facial lipoatrophy.

Hollowness around the eye socket

Loss of volume in the tear trough area is due to loss or possible protrusion of the infraorbital fat pad. This can be treated in expert hands with the use of a hyaluronic acid filler like Emervel® or a more supporting filler such as Radiesse® by placing it between the muscle and the underlying facial bone.

Jowls

While VASER® or Laser assisted liposuction is generally safe in the neck area, care must be exercised when attempting this procedure in the jowl area to avoid damaging a branch of the facial nerve.The smile can be grossly distorted following this nerve injury and the deformity is usually permanent. Because of this many patients opt to have Lipodissolve® which is also ten times cheaper. It is my treatment of choice.

Uneven skin texture

Uneven skin texture is usually due to a loss of collagen or elastin in the facial skin. Treatments of choice include Dermroller®, ActiveFx® laser resurfacing. Sculptra® and PRP. Ailesbury recently won awards for a novel multiprocedural method called the DUBLIN Lift. ActiveFx® laser or Sculptra® are my treatments of choice.  

Uneven skin tone

Photoaging also causes pigment changes with development of age spots (sun-induced freckles) and uneven skin tone. These lesions can be diminished by use of lasers, IPL for most and laser resurfacing for the deeper ones. It is preferable to seek expert advice from a dermatologist as care most be taken not to treat possible cancerous lesions.

Hyper- pigmentation / age spots

Treatment of hyperpigmentation may include hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid, tretinoin (Retinol), topical glucocorticoids, and chemical peels. Deeper lesions can be treated with a variety of lasers. All treatments fail if the affected area is exposed to the sun with inadequate UVA/UVB protection.

Nasal labial folds

Lines stretching from the corner of the nose to the side of the mouth are known as the naso-labial folds. These lines are generally caused by descent of the malar fat pad and can be a feature of ageing in some individuals. The lines are very easily treated with dermal fillers such as Restylane® or Emervel ® in a 5 minute procedure. Radiesse®  may be used for a longer effect.

Creepy Décolletage

The skin on the décolletage area is more sensitive than skin on other parts of our body; it is thinner, less moisturised, has less elasticity and there is no fat tissue below. Laser resuracing, microneedling or even Botox treatments can all be used to restore a more youthful appearance to the décolletage.

Fine lines around the mouth

Perioral wrinkles are the fine or deep lines that occur around the mouth and lips. As we get older this area is often one of the first to develop wrinkles. Laser skin resurfacing offers a long-term or permanent solution following a single office procedure. Temporary treatment using Restylane® or Emervel ® is used. Botox® or Dysport® are used to reverse or slow down the progression of these lines. Note: Light chemical peels or microdermabrasion are not effective in the treatment of upper/lower lip wrinkles.

Loss of volume in lips

As we age, our lips start to get thinner and lose their definition. A more defined lip line or fuller lips can be achieved using hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers such as Restylane® or Emervel ®. HA dermal fillers are considered the safest to sue in this sometimes problematic area as they can easily be reversed.

Slack jaw line

Despite the promise of Thermage®, Titan® and other RF® (radiofrequency) devices, I find they rarely deliver what patients expect. ActiveFx® CO2 laser is my choice of laser tightening treatment. Camouflage techniques such as Radiesse® works well in hte right hands. In general the most effective to improve the jowl is with a Facelift.

Dull complexion

When one's complexion looks dull and ashen, it suggests that we're fatigued, ill or even older than we are. Staying hydrated remains one of the simplest ways to maintain skin health. A healthy diet can greatly improve your complexion. Cosmetically IPL and microneedling with Dermaheal HSR® biomimetic skin nutrients can improve skin complexion.