Dermal fillers and lip fillers – What you need to know
Fillers in Dubai | 5 November 2020
Dermal Fillers and Lip Fillers are made of Hyaluronic acid, which is grown in a laboratory. This is naturally occurring in our skin and serves a variety of purposes. Youthful skin retains its turgor, resilience and pliability, among others, due to its high content of water. Daily external injury, in addition to the normal process of aging, causes loss of moisture. The key molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid that has unique capacity in retaining water.
I am able to use dermal filler treatments to replicate bone, subcutaneous fat, to add more volume creating contours and symmetry to the face, to rejuvenate the ageing face, or to give overall hydration to improve skin texture. There are a variety of dermal fillers and lip fillers available on the market. I only use industry gold standard products to ensure we deliver you procedures with the evidence behind them. Dermal fillers and lip fillers come in a range of viscosities and are selected specifically for areas and the volume required.
Teosyal and Juvederm are traditional dermal fillers, dependent on the particle size and where they are placed, last from 6-12 months. The Teosyal RHA range lasts longer due to the elastic nature of the product. This helps to prolong breakdown by moving harmoniously with the skin and gives a more natural appearance. These dermal fillers typically last from 9-22 months.
1mL of dermal filler equates to 1/5th of a teaspoon which can give good improvement to younger patients and older, however if there is a significant ageing or volume required you may require more than 1mL.
Areas which can be treated with dermal fillers include volumising young or ageing lips; smoker’s lines; chin & jawline contouring; cheeks; temples; forehead rejuvenation; nose; under eye hollowing; back of hands; full facial rejuvenation with skin beauty boosters; décolletage rejuvenation.
I believe in the natural look and will never make you look ‘done’. My aim is to have your friends, family and colleagues admiring your freshness rather than thinking you have had assistance with aesthetic procedures.
Patients often ask if the procedures hurt. I strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible, using numbing creams and techniques to minimise discomfort. If you are anxious and would like a dental block for lip or peri-oral treatments I can accommodate this.
It is very important that you make an informed choice when it comes to dermal filler procedures. This is a medical procedure and Iwill thoroughly discuss potential side effects as well as treatment outcomes at your consultation.
Botulinum Toxin: A Brief Guide to Botox Treatments
Fillers in Dubai | 3 November 2020
Botulinum Toxin (Botox ®) when injected into a muscle temporarily relaxes the muscle by blocking nerve impulses. As the nerve impulses are blocked the muscle is temporarily unable to contract so that dynamic wrinkles are not formed. This gives the overlying facial skin a softer, smoother and more youthful appearance.
What are Wrinkle Relaxing (Botox®) Injections?
Wrinkle relaxing injections are more commonly referred to as Botox®, short for Botulinum Toxin. Botox® itself is a registered trademark and brand name by the market leader, but other Botulinum Toxin products are available.
Whatever you call it and regardless of brand, Botox® when injected acts as a nerve block. So what really happens is your brain sends the message to the muscle to move, however the nerve can no longer respond as the Botox® has blocked the message being sent, resulting in a reduction in the movement of the muscle. This helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as these are caused by repetitive contractions of the muscle. It’s also used to relax tight muscles, which is more common in the lower face.
The thing to remember here is that this is only a temporary effect, eventually the Botox® wears off and the muscle starts moving as it did previously.
Is Botox® safe?
Botox® has been used in cosmetic procedures for at least the past 50 years – yes that’s right, it’s been around that long! Once reserved for the rich and famous due to its cost, it is now used widely mainly due to the reduction in the cost of treatments over the past 20 years. It is extremely rare for individuals to be allergic to Botox® or have anaphylactic reactions to it post injection.
What is Botox® used for?
More and more studies are carried out on Botox® every year and the list of the conditions it can treat almost seem endless, it is now known to significantly reduce facial scarring after trauma and also reduce psoriasis skin plaques; it really is a wonder drug. I use Botox® on both men and women to smooth out lines and wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead and the glabella (between the eyebrows). I also use it to relax muscles around the lower jaw and smooth out the neck, this procedure is called the Nefertiti Lift.
You can also use Botox® to treat Hyperhidrosis,also known as excessive sweating. Although you can have the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet treated, the most common area tends to be the armpits. It’s a highly successful treatment that can significantly reduce the amount of sweat produced under the arm and for real sufferers of excessive sweating, this treatment can be a real lifesaver, especially during the summer months.
People also use Botox® to help alleviate the symptoms of migraines, unlike other headaches migraines are transmitted across the nerve endings of the forehead, by having Botox® in this area and blocking the nerve endings the migraine isn’t able to travel and for many people it will stop it altogether.
Are there any side effects to Botox®?
The most common side effects are slight swelling at the injection site, this is normal and shows that the Botox® has got into the muscle; these little bumps will go down within approximately 40 minutes. You may also have some redness around the injection site and you may get some bruising. If you do get bruising it is likely to be small pin prick marks which will may take up to 7 days to completely disappear. Some people do suffer with headaches post treatment, if you do just take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as you would do normally.
One side-effect of Botox® that concerns people is something called a ptosis, these are related to injections of Botox® in the forehead when post treatment the brow drops and feels very heavy. Full ptosis is extremely rare, however what is more common is something called a partial ptosis, if you get a partial ptosis it is unlikely that anyone else will notice and it will resolve within about 4-6 weeks.
How quickly will I see results from a Botox® treatment?
You will start to see results about 4 days post treatment, however it could take 10-14 days for the full results to be seen. We expect to see a significant reduction in the size and the depth of the lines and wrinkles 14 days post treatment.
How long do the results last?
Typically results can last between 3-6 months, generally you start to see some muscle movement around 3 months post treatment, however it takes about 5-6 months for full muscle movement to return. Most people tend to have Botox® treatment every 4 months, the more you have it done, the longer the results tend to last.
Will Botox® make me feel numb?
No, everything will feel just as it did before, you will not have any reduced sensation in the area you’ve had treated. Some people have reported that their forehead feels “tight” and occasionally the brow may feel a little heavy, but these feelings are likely to reduce over the first 4-6 weeks following treatment.
How should I prepare for a Botox® treatment?
If you are concerned about bruising, or you tend to bruise easily avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Vitamins for 3 days before treatment.
Breast Enlargement & Augmentation in Dubai
Breast Enlargement Dubai | 1 November 2020
Breast enlargement can give women a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned appearance. Breast enlargement can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned appearance through the placement of implants. Women may chose to undergo breast enlargement for many different medical and aesthetic motivations, including balancing breast size and compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy, surgery or weight loss. There are a number of procedures available with regard to positioning of the implant (above or below the pectoralis muscle) and the types of incisions used (axillary approach, infra-mammary or through the areola). Furthermore, implants vary widely in shape, size and firmness. The choice of implant and procedure is best reached in consultation so that individual circumstances may be taken into account.
Anatomical breast implants – In most cases, anatomical implants will provide the best results for women seeking natural-looking breast enhancement, as they can be used to customise breast shape as well as volume. The extensive number of shapes and sizes manufactured offers opportunities for individualisation to an extent that is beyond what can be obtained with traditional round implants.
Breast enlargement consultation – I believe that any breast enlargement patient undeniably deserves the best treatment possible by being shown what their new body could look like before they go for surgery. My newly introduced Crisalix simulator offers patients 3D images of superior accuracy by integrating the latest advancements in 3D technology, similarly to what is used for box office motion picture animations as well as sophisticated 3D architectural visualizations and video games. The new simulator introduces state-of-the-art scientific algorithms which go to a level of detail and depth of perception never achieved till now. The shape of the implant in the body can be reproduced with exceptional precision, thereby enabling patients to clearly express their desires and expectations and communicate more effectively with me.
The First Signs of Aging: Your Neck
Plastic Surgery Dubai | 18 October 2020
The first signs of ageing often show in the neck, as the skin and muscles lose their elasticity – leading to the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Losing a lot of weight can also have the same effect, but whatever the cause the neck is an often overlooked indicator of age. This procedure is designed to help improve the appearance of your neck. A neck lift is a form of cosmetic surgery which aims to reshape the skin around the neck and jaw, reducing the appearance of sagging and other visible signs of ageing. A neck lift can improve the appearance of the skin, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed look. A neck lift is generally made up of these procedures:
Loose skin that bunches around your throat – sometimes called ‘turkey wattle’ – is usually addressed through surgery to tighten skin and muscles.
As skin loses elasticity it can begin to sag, resulting in the appearance of vertical bands, lines and wrinkles. We can remove the excess skin to tighten neck muscles or use liposuction to remove excess fat or anti-wrinkle injection to get rid of the ‘banding’.
A neck lift is also sometimes performed in conjunction with a facelift. Neck lift surgery, rather than a full facelift, may be sufficient to achieve the results you desire.
The procedure – If you’re having the full neck lift procedure you will be given the option of going under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. Dr. Vigo will make a series of incisions under your chin and behind your ears to access a neck muscle called the platysma. He will use small surgical instruments to make adjustments to the muscle before tightening the skin across the whole neck area. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat. The whole procedure usually takes around three to four hours.
If you’re just having liposuction Dr. Vigo will make a small cut beneath your chin to remove any excess fat. This will usually take around an hour. Anti-wrinkle injections – which can relax the parts of the platysma that are responsible for banding – can be given in 15 minutes and will be done on an outpatient basis. Afterwards your neck will be wrapped in compression bandages that you will need to wear for about a week.
Cellulite: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Plastic Surgery Dubai | 16 October 2020
There’s no substitute for a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, especially if you’re trying to lose weight or keep in shape.
But despite all your best efforts, you may find you just can’t get rid of fat or cellulite quickly enough from some areas of your body.
Particular problem areas are under the arms or chin, around the neck or waist, and on the abdomen or thighs. Or bingo wings, love handles, beer bellies and muffin tops as they’re otherwise known!
And even if excess fat or cellulite isn’t a major problem, it may seem harder to keep up your youthful appearance, as ageing skin loses its elasticity and firmness and starts to sag.
Liposuction, commonly known as liposculpture, involves removing unwanted subcutaneous fat while simultaneously re-contouring to create a more aesthetically appealing body.
While not a treatment for obesity, liposuction- liposculpture selectively removes persistent and unwanted subcutaneous fat.
Bothersome fatty deposits are found in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as the face, neck, breast, abdomen, upper arm, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles. Liposuction-liposculpture can be performed on multiple areas at one time – your surgeon will follow accepted guidelines regarding safe volumes which may be removed in one session.
While goals include size improvement, this procedure is not for weight loss. Final results may not be evident for 6 months following your procedure. During this time your body balances fluids and the skin and remodels underlying tissues. Final results also depend on proper nutrition, exercise and decreasing your caloric intake.
Small incisions are made in hair bearing areas or natural skin folds. A special tumescent solution is next placed within the fatty areas to be removed. This solution provides anesthesia to the areas, while limiting the usual blood loss. Fat is then carefully removed from the areas of concern to the patient using a surgical instrument called a cannula, which is attached with tubing to a suction machine.
The time for completion of the procedure depends upon the total amount of fatty tissue removed. At the end of the procedure, the skin openings may be sutured or left open to heal, depending on the size of the openings. The patient may be placed in a compression garment that is worn for certain amount of time afterwards.
While recovery is easy, you should expect some initial drainage along with swelling, bruising and discomfort. Your compression garment will minimize the swelling, bruising, discomfort and assist in the retraction of any loose skin.
While some results are noted immediately, your final shape and form will continue to improve as your swelling subsides. You will be encouraged to be up and about the night of your surgery and progressively increase your activities. Usually light work duties may be resumed within three to five days and vigorous exercise within two to four weeks.
Lip Filler, Augmentation & Injections
Fillers in Dubai | 12 October 2020
Treatments that enhance the lips – increasing volume, and filling and smoothing lines around the mouth – have become more popular in recent years. This is mainly due to celebrity trends and patients being more educated and informed about the various treatments available.
Lip enhancement treatment uses dermal fillers to enhance and beautify the lips and perioral area (around the mouth).
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are an injectable substance in a hydro-gel that contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar within the body responsible for plump and hydrated skin. The filler is injected into the outside of the lip (the vermilion border) and into the body of the lips, to create a better shape and more voluminous ‘pout’.
Dr. Vigo focuses on a subtle and natural look. No one will know you have had treatment, but the change they will see is your smoother skin and rejuvenated lip area.
How do I know this treatment is right for me?
Before your treatment, Dr. Vigo will examine the areas of concern and go through a full medical consultation. Firstly, he will need to confirm that you are fit and well for the treatment. Secondly, he needs to ascertain which procedures would be most the beneficial for you. In the consultation he may agree that you only need one of the treatments, or that a combination will give you the best results.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment with dermal fillers usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes. If you have a topical anaesthetic before the treatment, it may need up to 30 minutes to take effect.
Does it hurt?
Some dermal fillers contain an anaesthetic to make the treatment less painful. You may also have some topical anaesthetic before treatment, so should not feel any pain. As this is an injection treatment, you may feel a slight sensation as the needle or cannula is inserted, but this should not be painful. After the treatment, some people may also experience slight bruising.
How long does the treatment last?
With dermal fillers, the results can last between 6 and 12 months, depending on the individual patient and the product used.
What are the benefits of liposuction?
Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 10 October 2020
The primary benefit of liposuction is the elimination of stubborn, unwanted fat in the flanks. It is a safe and effective procedure that can improve contours for a slimmer figure. Because the incisions needed for liposuction are so small, they are nearly invisible, so you can feel confident about your skin. By eliminating love handles or a “muffin-top”, you may experience heightened self-confidence and greater comfort with the clothing you wear. Stubborn, excess fat can lead to discouragement, which can lead to patients giving up on their healthy lifestyles. By removing the unwanted excess fat, many patients feel greater motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle of nutritional diet and regular exercise.
Botox Maintenance: How Often Should You Get Botox?
Botox Dubai | 8 October 2020
You’re probably wondering how long Botox lasts. Most people see effects for three to four months, but several factors may shorten or lengthen that period:
Your age. Older people with less muscle tone may see results diminish sooner than those with younger, firmer facial muscles.
Your facial structure and expressions.
Whether you smoke.
Your diet.
Whether you take good care of your skin; use facials, microdermabrasion or other resurfacing methods.
How much sun you get and how much sun damage your skin already has.
Whether you use Botox repeatedly or not. However, this seems to differ from one person to another. Some obtain a longer-lasting effect with repeated use, while others seem to develop a resistance to the drug and need more frequent treatments.
Doctors disagree on which of the above factors are the most important so it’s a good question to ask your practitioner. In any case, it is not recommended to have injections in the same injection site (such as for crow’s feet) more frequently than every three months.
As with the injection of any medication, your body’s immune system can develop antibodies to the medication, which render the drug less effective or possibly cause development of an allergy to the drug. The more frequently the drug is injected or the more quantity that is injected, the higher the risk for these antibodies to be formed against the drug.
Dermal filler aftercare: What to do after you’ve had dermal filler
Fillers in Dubai | 6 October 2020
WHAT TO EXPECT DIRECTLY AFTER YOUR DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT
Post treatment there may be some tenderness, redness and swelling to the site, this is very normal and will subside, usually within a few days.
No recovery time is required after facial filler treatments and you can return to day to day activities straight away.
Occasional bruising can occur; it is usually short term and lasts a few days.
AFTER TREATMENT ADVICE
Avoid wearing make-up for 12 hours after your wrinkle filler treatment
Avoid extreme temperatures until redness and swelling subsides – no saunas, steam rooms, sun beds or sun exposure
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours post treatment
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours minimum post treatment
Avoid manipulation of the treated area
Facial filler treatments are normally recommended every 6-12 months.
Cosmetic procedures – Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck Dubai | 4 October 2020
The most common form of tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision near the pubic hairline, so swimwear or undergarments can hide the resulting scar. If there is excess skin above the navel, an incision around the navel may be required. Sometimes, the surgery involves liposuction to remove pockets of excess fat from specific areas of the body. Diastasis is a term used to describe the separation of the two-paired abdominal muscles that make up the front of the abdomen, which is often caused by multiple pregnancies. Sutures are used to tighten up the abdominal wall, resulting in a flatter stomach. Stronger, tighter abdomen muscles may also help reduce lower back pain.