In the News

Fillers in Dubai | 12 January 2020

Some of the signs of ageing skin include:

fine lines and wrinkles

skin laxity

age spots

hyperpigmentation

dark under eye circles

sun damage.

Treatments for ageing skin include:

anti-wrinkle injections

carboxytherapy

dermal fillers

hyperpigmentation laser treatment

laser resurfacing

Clinical facials

lip enhancement

medical-grade skincare

mesotherapy

micro-needling

Near Infrared skin tightening

PDO threads

Skin peels

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy

PlexR skin tightening

radiofrequency skin tightening.

If you are looking to get a glowing skin with few session, ask about the new signature treatments. Designed by Dr. Matteo Vigo and targeting different aspect of the skin, these procedures have been divided by age group in order to satisfy all the patients.

A combination of PRP, hyaluronic acid and different types of skin booster can transform your skin and let it regain its old appearance.

The treatments are performed after application of a numbing cream and are followed by a cold mask of collagen to hydrate the skin and at the same time reduce the redness due to the treatment.

Fillers in Dubai | 10 January 2020

Over time the face loses fat, causing the cheeks to become flat and saggy, giving way to a sunken-in look. Although some are born with naturally high cheekbones, achieving the look of sculpted cheeks can be accomplished through both non-surgical and surgical treatments that focus on restoring plumpness, volume and definition.

To restore volume to the midface and recreate youthful contours, we can use dermal fillers. Thick cross-linked hyaluronic acid injections can be placed directly above the cheekbones and moulded to define natural cheekbone structure. They can also lift areas lower down such as the nasolabial folds. Satisfaction among this procedure tends to be very high, and the fillers can last as long as 18 months.

The onset of ageing can be unkind. As we gradually lose so many vital components such as bone mass, tissue, fat, elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid from our faces as we grow older, detrimental effects such as skin sagging, dehydration and loss of volume can occur. One of the key areas that can suffer with age is the cheeks and lower face. As the skin begins to sag, the face can change shape and jowls can appear. Where in your youth you may have had a heart shaped face, you may find that your face takes on more of a square appearance as the years go by and this is synonymous with ageing. The lines from the nose to the mouth can become deeper set and create an overall heavy appearance to the lower face.

Am I suitable for dermal fillers for the cheeks?

Before you undergo any non-surgical treatment, Dr. Vigo will ask you to attend a no obligation consultation to assess your unique concerns, expected results and to ensure you are medically and emotionally fit and well for treatment. He will then decide whether dermal fillers for the cheeks would be an appropriate treatment for you.

Do cheek fillers hurt?

As dermal fillers contain Lidocaine, you should not feel any pain during this treatment. If Dr. Vigo uses a cannula you may experience a little tugging and pulling which is completely normal. You may also feel a sensation of pressure as the product is injected in to the skin. These sensations can be a little strange but not uncomfortable. If you are extremely sensitive, Dr. Vigo may decide to inject an anaesthetic prior to the treatment so that you are completely comfortable.

What happens after my cheek filler treatment?

Following your dermal filler treatment, you may experience some light swelling and bruising which is normal and can be expected. Using some ice and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and hot baths, saunas or steam rooms can help to minimise any bruising and aid a faster recovery. You’ll be able to cover the area with medical or mineral makeup. As there is no general anaesthetic or sublimation (surface damage) of the skin with this treatment, you will be able to return to your daily activities immediately afterwards.

When will I see the results of dermal fillers for the cheek area?

Results can be seen both immediately and improve over time. As dermal fillers are contained in a gel matrix, this acts as a plumping cushion which supports the facial tissues and creates a lifting effect. As HA holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water it acts as a superb hydrator and you’ll experience an improved tone, texture and appearance to your skin in the weeks that follow.

How long will my results last?

As with any non-surgical treatment, everyone is unique and longevity of results depends on your individual response as well as your lifestyle choices. If you are an avid sun worshipper who does not protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays, an excessive gym goer or a smoker, your skin may not be as healthy as someone who uses SPF, obtains from over-exercising and doesn’t smoke. You can typically expect the results to last from 4 months to a year. Dr. Vigo will explain your expected results and length of results in your pre-treatment consultation.

The use of dermal fillers in the cheek area is one of the most popular ways to create an overall lifting effect to the lower face and is proving extremely popular for those wishing to improve their appearance without surgical intervention. Dr. Vigo is a leading authority on facial aesthetics and offers effective and long lasting results that you will love.

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 9 January 2020

Undergoing breast augmentation surgery can be both thrilling and intimidating. Although the operation has many great benefits, many people are often unaware as to what exactly goes into getting the procedure. Typically, the surgery will encompass three phases: consultation, operation, and recovery. Each step of the process requires its own level of consideration. By taking the time to learn about each phase, you can ensure that you get the results you want. Before beginning the process, however, you have to decide if the procedure is for you.

Before setting up a consultation, patients should take the time to consider if the procedure is right for them. The process requires time, money, and enduring some physical discomfort. Since the procedure involves an initial investment, you should take the time to think about your desired outcome and what you would consider a good value for your money. Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you can then meet with a surgeon to get their opinion on how to best achieve these results.

The consultation – Although many patients have their first consultation with some idea of how they would like to appear after the operation, you can also ask surgeons for recommendations. A breast augmentation specialist will have performed many surgeries by the time you enter their clinic, so surgeons have a working knowledge of what people prefer when it comes to breast augmentation. Doctors can use computer-assisted visualization tools to determine the best size and implant type for your body.

During the consultation, the doctor will explain the entire process of the breast augmentation. Beyond size, you will have to choose the kind of implant material you would like. The two main choices are silicone or saline, which will determine firmness and shape. Depending on your choice, you will have to select a shape, which can be round or teardrop, among other choices. Depending on what you choose, the doctor will then recommend either to place the implant below or above the muscle.

The procedure – Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, though some can elect to stay overnight. The surgery will last between one and two hours, and you will likely receive general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will make cuts under the breast, under the arms, or around the nipples. After they insert the implants, the surgeon will close the incision with a suture.

Recovery – Although breast augmentation surgery once required a significant amount of recovery time, patients are often able to return to work shortly after the operation. To reduce swelling and pain, you should sleep upright, such as in a recliner, for the first 48 hours after the operation. You should expect to reduce any strenuous activity for two or three weeks after surgery, including limiting the amount of times you raise their hands above your head, which will help reduce swelling. This reduction in activity includes exercising and lifting heavy objects. Generally, after eight weeks, most people will be able to return to normal levels of activity.

Tips for healing – To make things easier on yourself after the operation, you should set aside clothes for the week and perform any necessary housework prior to the surgery. The week after the operation will be the most difficult, so you are encouraged to do the legwork beforehand so you can rest that week. Ice packs and loose-fitting clothing will go a long way in helping to alleviate discomfort from the breast augmentation surgery. Lastly, drink lots of water to stay hydrated during the process.

Make sure that you are well informed about all the aspects of breast augmentation before making the final decision to undergo the procedure. If you’re confident that you can handle each step of the procedure, you’re much more likely to have an easy recovery and be thrilled with your final results.

Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 8 January 2020

Botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. When used appropriately, botulinum toxin is a great solution for reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the face. In particular, it is highly effective in the lip, forehead and eye areas. I always undertake a detailed medical consultation to assess your general health and requirements. After which, if it is deemed safe and appropriate then I can offer botulinum toxin anti-wrinkle injections as a treatment.

Procedure Preparation

In preparation for botulinum toxin treatment, or any injectable procedure, bruising can be minimized by discontinuing aspirin and any medication or dietary supplement that has anticoagulant effects two weeks before treatment.

Aftercare

Patients are advised to avoid lying supine following treatment for four hours. They are also advised to avoid massaging or applying heat to the treatment area, and to avoid activities that cause flushing (such as exercising heavily, consuming alcohol, and hot tub use) on the day of treatment.

Results and Follow-Up

Partial reduction in function of the targeted glabellar complex muscles is seen by the third day after botulinum toxin injection, with maximal reduction visible two weeks after injection. Return of muscle function is gradual, typically three to four months after treatment. Subsequent treatment is advised when muscle contraction is visible in the treatment area before facial lines return to their pretreatment appearance. After multiple treatments, botulinum toxin effects may be prolonged and, for some patients, treatment intervals can be extended beyond three to four months.

What are botulinum toxin injections used for?

Botulinum toxin injections are most commonly used for:

– Frown Lines

– Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)

– Horizontal forehead lines

– Nasal scrunch or squint lines

– Lines on neck

Botulinum toxin is also used in small amounts in a number of other areas on the face depending on the way your muscles of facial expression work. It can raise the outer part of the eyebrow if it is sagging, lift the corners of the mouth, and help to smooth out dimpled or cobblestoned chins. Generally it is not used in the lines around the mouth, usually because it might be difficult to speak and eat.

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is an injected liquid used to treat frown lines, squint and smile lines, nasal crunch lines, and horizontal forehead wrinkles. By relaxing the underlying muscles, these lines become less deep.

Botulinum toxin has been used to treat thousands of patients medically and cosmetically over 20 years. Botulinum toxin is produced in a lab by a bacterium called “Clostridium botulinum”. It has been purified under very strict controlled conditions. The Botox brand of botulinum toxin is made by Allergan, a company with a twenty-year history of making this product safely.

When injected into a small facial muscle, it doesn’t travel anywhere else in the body. It gradually wears off naturally over a 3-6 month period. There are other forms of botulinum toxin now being produced by other companies.

How long do the effects of botulinum toxin last?

Most patients find that the effects of botulinum toxin injections last approximately 3-6 month . Most of my patients come 3-4 times the first year and then 2-3 times a year after that. After the muscles have been relaxed for a while, it takes less to maintain that relaxation. But every patient is an individual, and there is no knowing exactly how you will respond.

How long does botulinum toxin take to work?

The effects are may be first noticed in 72 hours but it may take up to 7 days to maximize the effect. You may be asked to return after the first treatment so that I can assess your response. The first set of botulinum toxin injections may only give a partial response. This is common and complete relaxation may be noticed after the second or third treatment.

Do botulinum toxin injections hurt?

Botulinum toxin is injected with a very small needle (like an acupuncture needle), so it causes very little pain upon injection. Botulinum toxin does not cause irritation or inflammation. Occasionally, patients have noticed that there is a mild stinging sensation.

Are there any people who should not receive botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin injections should not be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers, or patients with neuromuscular diseases like myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), or motor neuropathy should not use botulinum toxin. Patients who are allergic to human albumin (different than an egg allergy) should not use botulinum toxin. It is not recommended in pregnancy or nursing because it has not been tested.

Are there any medical side effects?

Side effects include bruising, eyebrow or eyelid droops, and a temporary headache, and rare flu-like symptoms have been reported. Many of the side effects that are listed for botulinum toxin are seen when large amounts are injected for medical purposes as opposed to the small amounts used for cosmetic purposes. Very rare allergic reactions have been reported.

Cosmetic side effects of botulinum toxin?

We’ve all seen these – and with celebrities too frequently. Basically, these problems are due to either a inexpert injector or a patient who insists on this look despite all evidence that it looks bad! With an expert, experienced doctor or nurse injecting, these potential problems should be rare or nonexistent.

Does Botox interact with other drugs?

Very rarely. It is always important to let me know if you are taking other drugs.

Plastic Surgery Dubai | 7 January 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.

Aesthetic Medicine Dubai | 5 January 2020

These are all very common areas of concern for both men and women. Under eye circles are dark patches that are visible under the eye. Depending on cause and skin tone, these can look like shadows or discolouration that’s red, blue or green in hue. Under eye bags on the other hand, are swollen pockets or patches under the eye. Both under eye circles and bags can either occur separately or alone. They may also be caused by or exasperated by the presence of a tear trough (this is a loss of fat tissue leading to hollowness under the eye). The most common complaints people tend to have with under eye circles, bags or tear trough deformities is that they give the appearance of tiredness.

There are a number of genetic and environmental causes that give rise to under eye circles, bags and tear trough deformities. Some people are more predisposed to developing these and whether they affect other members of your family is a good indicator of your risk. Your skin tone may also play a role. Paler skin tones tend to show up blood vessels more readily and thus give the impression of bluish discolouration under the eyes. Darker skin tones may exhibit increased pigmentation in the under eye area which gives the appearance of shadowing. Aside from genetics, other common causes include:

Ageing: as we get older, the skin under the eyes loses its thickness and elasticity. This thinner and more fragile skin is more likely to show underlying muscles and blood vessels which also gives the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Sun damage can also cause dark pigmentation under the eyes as well as accelerate skin ageing. Fat loss and reduced skin laxity can also cause under eye bags to appear more prominent. Loss of fat under the skin and skin ageing can also give rise to tear trough deformities.

Diet: deficiencies in Vitamins C and K as well as iron are thought to present with discolouration under the eyes. Diets high in salt can also increase fluid retention which can increase the prominence of under eye bags.

Sleeping: or rather lack of, can result in worsening of under eye circles and bags.

Dehydration: reduced water intake, excess caffeine and alcohol can all cause volume depletion in the skin and lack of laxity.

Sun damage and smoking: this can cause increased pigmentation and skin ageing both of which give rise to dark under eye circles and bags.

Inflammation and allergies: this can cause puffiness, bags and under eye circles over time.

Treatment Options For Under Eye Circles, Bags & Tear Troughs?

Luckily, there are a wide range of treatment options if you suffer from under eye circles or bags. The first thing is to ensure that you have a good skincare routine which includes using an under eye cream that contains ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K and ferulic acid which help with under eye circles. Another important skincare tip is to ensure that the under eye skin is kept moisturised so having hyaluronic acid in your under eye cream would help immensely.

If the problem is purely due to thin skin or pigmentation issues, then advanced skin treatments like chemical peels and collagen induction therapy can help brighten and firm up the under eye skin. For tear trough deformities and under eye bags, hyaluronic acid tear trough fillers can treat the hollowness under the eyes and rejuvenate the eye area. For more defined tear trough deformities, cheek fillers can help provide support for the tear trough fillers.

Breast Augmentation Dubai| 3 January 2020

If breast augmentation (enlargement) surgery is in your future, putting some thought into your post-surgical care is an important step to ensuring your recovery is as stress free as possible.

Sleeping after breast augmentation – Good sleep is important at the best of times, but it is essential after surgery and there are few operations where the way you sleep is more important than breast augmentation. Sleep is key to a healthy immune system which will give you a better and speedier recovery. It has also been shown to reduce pain.

Sleep on your back – It is often recommended to sleep on your back and slightly sat up for a while. It reduces swelling, enhances circulation and keeps the breasts in the most natural position as they heal even when wearing a bra. Learning to sleep soundly in a new position doesn’t happen overnight. Practice sleeping on your back. Like all things practice makes for better results and it is possible to train yourself to sleep on your back. It will allow you to identify what you might need such as extra pillows or a bed wedge. It may even identify problems such as lower back discomfort which could be addressed beforehand or helped by a support under the knees.

Prepare spare sheets – Make sure that you have spare sheets. You are going be lying in bed a little longer than normal and won’t be inclined to be doing lots of extra washing.

Cut back on sleep inhibitors – Avoid known sleep disruptors like caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and limit screen time in the hour before sleep. But remember, although rest is important, activity is too. Walk around regularly throughout the day; this helps with circulation and reduces the risk of developing blood clots. It also helps keep you from getting stiff and achy from too much immobility.

Eat little and often – One important piece of advice is to eat smaller and perhaps more frequently. Large meals require energy to digest. If you can, eat smaller portions or have light meals to allow your body energy to recover. You’ll want to avoid eating a larger meal right before bed. Having a lot of food sitting in your stomach can feel worse when lying your back, increasing heartburn and indigestion.

Reducing exertion after breast surgery – Stretching and bending can be difficult to start with. Reduce the need to exert yourself in this way by moving things up high down to waist level and things at ground level (for instance phone chargers or remote controls) easily reachable on a table. A good exercise in making your home ‘post-op ready’ is to walk around the house, carrying out your usual routine but without reaching or bending. It will help you see what tasks are difficult to perform so you can make changes before going in to hospital.

Clothes – Many post-op patients recommend seamless sports bras as they are more comfortable and attractive. Whatever it is make sure that it is not worn over your head and that it is supportive. That rules out boob tubes. Make sure you have loose fitting clothing ready to wear when you’re home, when your scars are still tender it will be easier to slip in and out of loose fitting clothes and they should offer you some extra comfort when you need it. Remember that these clothes should be within easy reach so maybe leave a selection on a chair in the bedroom so you’re not having to search through drawers or on clothes lines.

Breast Augmentation Dubai | 2 January 2020

Am I too old for the surgery?

Many women in their 40s and 50s have undergone breast augmentation dubai surgery with good results. The most common patient for this surgery is a woman in her 30s with two children who has been considering this operation for many years. Whatever your stage in life, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to find the best path toward your cosmetic goals.

Will breast augmentation increase my risk of breast cancer?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by women considering this surgery. Many studies have shown that women who get implants are not at an increased risk for getting breast cancer. In addition, implants do not delay the detection of breast cancer. Finally, breast implant patients who do get breast cancer have the same chance of obtaining remission, or being free of cancer for 5 years, as women without implants.

Should I wait until I am done having children to have breast augmentation dubai?

Pregnancy will change the size and shape of a woman’s breasts whether she has implants or not. These changes may adversely affect the cosmetic appearance of any augmented breast. It is usually recommended that pregnancy be postponed until 6 months after the surgery. Breast-feeding with implants is still possible and has been shown to be safe for the baby and the mother.

Will breast augmentation dubai work for me if I feel my breasts are sagging?

Women with sagging breasts, which is called “ptosis”, can also receive breast implants. Depending on how much the breast sags, an additional surgery may also be necessary. For breasts with nipples that droop below the lower crease of the breast, a breast lift surgery, or mastoplexy, is often required as well. This surgery will also add scars all the way around the nipple-areola unlike most breast augmentation surgeries. Without this additional surgery to remove excess skin, placement of the implant may not adequately correct the sagging.

How do I choose my new size?

This is often one of the most difficult decisions, and for many reasons, has the most potential for disappointment. During your consultation, I will work with you to identify what size of breast you desire from augmentation. “Breast size” as measured by bra-size is variable and is often not a good way to measure final size. As a general rule, every 125-150cc of implant volume equals an increase in a single cup size. However, every patient’s body is different, you can set obtainable and healthy expectations together. It is helpful for you to bring in a bra the size you would like to be to help in finding the right sized implant for you.

Will my nipple sensation or feeling change?

Most women will have loss of some feeling or sensation following breast augmentation dubai surgery. For most of them, this lasts 6-12 months before returning to normal. 15% of women, however, have permanent alterations in nipple sensation.

How long until I can exercise?

It is recommended that patients begin walking immediately after surgery. However, women should not perform any intense physical exercise for six weeks following the operation. Physical exercise including weight lifting, biking, jogging, and other forms of intense activities may cause implants to shift position or cause wound healing problems that may alter the appearance of the breasts after surgery.

How much pain can I expect?

The pain from breast augmentation dubai surgery is usually in the moderate range and generally can be well controlled with medication in the first 1-2 weeks following the surgery. It is important to note that severe or untreatable pain following surgery can mean infection or another complication.

When can I drive?

Women may start driving a car one week after surgery as long as they are not taking any pain medications.

Will the new implants affect my physical functioning, can I lift heavy objects?

It is unlikely that you will experience long term changes in physical functioning. Depending on the size of the implant, most women find no trouble performing most physical activities following the surgery. Weight lifting or lifting heavy objects will not affect the implant once the area has properly healed.

Can I breast feed after augmentation?

Yes. Placement of the implant below the breast tissue, as in subglandular placement, does not affect the ability of the breast to produce milk. Similarly, submuscular placement, or implant placement below one of the chest muscles preserves proper breast functioning. With the peri-areolar incision, an increased risk of breast-feeding problems may exist. In one study, 7/8 patients reported problems with breast-feeding following peri-areolar breast augmentation surgery. For women who choose the infra-mammary or trans-axillary incision, (incisions under the breast and through the armpit), breastfeeding is usually not a problem. Be sure to discuss your breast feeding needs with your surgeon during your consultation.

Will I need additional surgeries?

Sometimes additional surgeries may be required for breast augmentation dubai patients. To reach optimal symmetry, you may desire follow up breast lifts or other supporting procedures. Additional surgeries may be needed if you face any complications during your augmentation, like implant rupture or capsular contracture. In addition, implanted breasts will age just like any other body part and in the future some woman choose to have additional operations to correct the results of gravity and aging. During your consultation, you and your surgeon should discuss the possibility of additional procedures after breast augmentation.

Fillers in Dubai | 31 December 2019

Botox treatment is administered through a series of precise and formulated injection points. The product is introduced to the face via ultra-fine microneedles. They are specially-designed to reduce the pain of the injection and to make your treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We do, however, provide numbing cream for patients, if requested.

The wrinkles injections themselves usually take a matter of minutes, but we may wish to monitor you for a brief period after your treatment, or consult you before treatment if it is your first time. This is to ensure that you get the right treatment for you, and that your safety is upheld at all times.

There are many different uses for Botox, including for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and it is also used to treat cerebral palsy within children. It is incredibly safe and has lots of clinical studies and trials behind it to back its efficacy. For cosmetic treatment, botulinum toxin is used is small doses to temporarily relax facial muscles and prevent overuse. This in time will smooth facial lines and wrinkles and give a rejuvenated result.

Some of the most popular areas to treat with Botox include:

GLABELLA

The glabella (“Elevens”) refers to the small area of the forehead between the eyebrows. As we often use this muscle to create expressions, it can mean some of our most prominent wrinkles and grooves are formed in this area. Relaxing the muscle and the tension in this area can dramatically reduce lines and soften your facial features.

FOREHEAD

Usually an area treated in combination with the glabella and the crow’s feet, the forehead is a problem area for many. As we age, the facial muscles and the fat pads in our face shift and migrate down the face, making us look older, tired and quite sad looking. A small amount of Botox to this area can help lift the brow line and reduce the weight pulling the features down.

CROW’S FEET

Formed at the corners of our eyes, crow’s feet are often a bugbear of our patients’. While in some cases we can remove these lines completely, most – at the very least – will notice a softer and younger appearance around the eyes after Botox.

Botox can also be used for:

Migraines

For those who suffer with migraines, the relentless pain, the days spent indoors with curtains shut and the disruption this causes to everyday life can start to get too much. Just a few, precise injections can alleviate the tension built up and ease the pain of your migraine.

Hyperhidrosis

Just as migraines dictate their sufferers’ lives, hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that controls many aspects of day-to-day activities. Excessive sweating is often embarrassing and inconvenient for people, but with regular Botox treatment, you can start to manage the issue and considerably reduce the amount you sweat.

Cosmetic Surgery Dubai | 26 December 2019

Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, or at least some level of maturity, there is no question that newly born infants also have wrinkles. The real concern that most of us have is that certain types of wrinkling are associated with the aging process. In our current “pop” culture, people do not view aging positively. Generally, the treatment of normal skin aging that does not result in a functional abnormality is termed “cosmetic.” Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance.

Many products and procedures promise to reduce wrinkles. Some do little or nothing (like the products that claim they reduce “the appearance of fine lines,” which means that they don’t reduce the lines themselves). Others can achieve a fair amount of success.

Although all of our skin ages, sun exposure dramatically enhances the rate at which this occurs. Changes brought on by sun damage (photoaging) include dry skin (really roughness), sagginess, skin growths like keratoses, lentigos (“liver spots”), and wrinkles. Just compare the skin on the face and neck of a poorly pigmented farmer to the skin of his buttocks.

Most wrinkles associated with aging appear on the parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These sites are the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows related to muscular contraction. Some deep furrows are anatomical in nature and have little to do with aging. Generally, it is only the aging wrinkles that really bother people. There are two basic approaches to the amelioration of these signs of aging: prevention and treatment. Topical wrinkle treatments are, in general, much more effective for fine lines. Deeper creases may require more invasive techniques, such injection of fillers, local muscle paralysis, or plastic surgery. There is a special form of wrinkling called “cellulite” that produces a “cottage cheese-like” appearance to the skin. Cellulite most commonly appears in the hips and buttocks of women and is due to fat deposition in certain anatomical areas in the dermis.

What are risk factors and causes of wrinkles?

Smoking

Degree of natural skin pigmentation (more is better)

Sun and ultraviolet exposure

Heredity (some families wrinkle more)

The loss of subcutaneous fat on a person’s body (people with more subcutaneous fat have fewer wrinkles)

Some of these factors are beyond our control. The main preventive measures we can take are to minimize sun exposure and not smoke. These measures can, at best, delay wrinkles.

Sun protection factor SPF numbers on sunscreen labels refer to protection against UVB radiation (the “sunburn rays”). Higher SPF numbers (50) are better at protecting the skin than lower numbers. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against UVB and UVA radiation (longer-wave ultraviolet light). UVA rays are abundant in sunlight and produced by tanning salon light bulbs; they may not cause immediate sunburn but do produce aging and an increase skin cancer risk over time. (Sorry, but there is no such thing as a “safe tan.”) Sunscreens that block UVA indicate this on the label and contain ingredients such as Parsol, Mexoryl, and benzophenones.

Procedural options

Glycolic acid peels: These superficial peels can make a very slight difference in the intensity of fine wrinkles.

Deeper peels: These peels use ingredients like salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid and penetrate somewhat deeper into the skin. Deeper peels do a better job of smoothing fine lines. The deeper the peel, however, the greater the risk of side effects such as long-lasting pigment changes (changes in the color of the skin) and scarring. Such peels may require anesthesia. Mild sedation helps ease short-term but intense discomfort.

Microdermabrasion: This refers to “sanding the skin” with a machine containing silica or aluminum crystals; many estheticians offer this service, usually in “packages” of six or seven sessions. Microdermabrasion does not change skin anatomy, though it may make the face feel smoother. Cosmetic products marketed as “home microdermabrasion” are just mild exfoliants — harmless but not likely to produce any meaningful change in wrinkles.

Dermabrasion: This is a true surgical procedure, often performed under general anesthesia. The treating physician uses a rotating instrument to sand the skin down. Depending a great deal on the skill and experience of the operator, dermabrasion can result in excellent improvement but can also produce significant side effects, including scarring and permanent changes in skin color.

Laser resurfacing: Using instruments such as the carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, physicians can achieve results similar to those of dermabrasion with greater reliability and precision. A medical professionals passes the laser several times over the area to be treated until the damage reaches the middle of the dermis, the skin’s second layer. This helps stimulate the body’s natural collagen synthesis (production), which plumps up sagging skin and wrinkles. Some dermatologists perform laser resurfacing under “conscious sedation,” in which the patient remains awake and receives intravenous medications to calm and ease pain. Doctors combine this sedation with the application of topical anesthetic creams such as EMLA, as well as injections of local anesthetics like lidocaine. Patients may need to repeat procedures to maximize improvement. Skin takes a long time to heal (weeks to months) after resurfacing. In addition, this procedure, like dermabrasion, can cause permanent pigment changes and scarring.

Fractional resurfacing: Newer lasers work through a modification of traditional laser resurfacing. Treatments affect not the whole skin but instead only evenly spaced spots surrounded by undamaged skin. Healing is much faster than traditional resurfacing, with less “downtime” afterward. Patients may need several treatments to achieve full benefit.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing: Newer lasers attempt to stimulate collagen synthesis under the skin without damaging the epidermis. Studies and clinical experience suggest that such procedures can improve fine wrinkles, though not as much as laser resurfacing. Several treatments may be necessary. These procedures are almost painless and there is little or no redness, peeling, or downtime afterward.

Heat and radiofrequency: Another variation of noninvasive facial rejuvenation is to heat tissue using radiofrequency devices and infrared light sources. Techniques are still in development, but results to date suggest that such treatments are safe and can produce visible and lasting improvement, though not as much as surgical techniques like facelifts (rhytidectomy).

Cosmetic surgery: Surgical facelifts, brow lifts, and similar operations can be very helpful for selected patients.

Thread lift: In this procedure, a barbed, medical professionals insert a stiff thread into facial skin in the appropriate direction and the tissue is pulled to catch on the barbs, producing a lifted appearance. Whether or not the effect is sustained is controversial, but there is no doubt that in the short term there can be a modest cosmetic benefit using only a local anesthetic associated with minimal downtime.

Botox: Injection of botulinum toxin, the muscle poison, can paralyze facial muscles that produce the “frown lines” on the forehead, fine lines around the eyes, and other wrinkles. Improvement lasts several months, and patients must have repeated injections to sustain improvement.

Dermal Fillers: Medical professionals inject fillers into the skin to increase volume and flatten wrinkles and folds. In the past, the most popular filler was collagen. More recently, health care professionals use new filler substances such as hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), lactic acid (Sculptra), and autologous fat transplants because their effects can last six to nine months or even longer.

Anyone considering any of the cosmetic procedures should be sure to consult doctors who have experience in one or several of these techniques. Patients should fully inform themselves about the risks and potential benefits of the procedure they are considering before going forward.