If aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery are still taboo, it is because of the stereotypes still perpetuating in popular media. These stereotypes tend to portray aesthetic treatment or cosmetic surgery patients as being vain or narcissistic, or that they cannot reconcile with their bodies (a condition called body dysmorphia syndrome). And that cannot be further than the truth!
The vast majority of patients who come forward for aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery are actually highly motivated and very driven individuals. Their underlying motivation is about taking control over their appearance and hence their destiny. Whether it is to find a life partner or to look sharp for job and business prospects, aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgeries give them a sense of empowerment over their own destiny. It is this sense of empowerment that defines the modern day patient for aesthetic treatments.
Modern day aesthetic treatments with little or no downtime fits fits right into this whole frame of mind. Where the individual takes control over his or her destiny, appearance and competitiveness.
And very often, they are so empowered they will travel the world to seek out the best treatments and best practitioners.
And these individuals usually have no qualms about admitting to having work done. So there you have it, the modern day aesthetic and cosmetic surgery patient.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Ultherapy V-Lift is a non-invasive, non-surgical method to reduce the width of the lower and face. It sculpts the face while giving it a mild facelift-type effect.
Ultherapy is FDA approved since 2009 to lift a sagging face. It does this by tightening not only the skin, but the layers under the skin which we call the SMAS. This is a tough layer comprising muscles and the fibrous tissue. This is a strong supporting layer for the face.
Sound waves are focused by Ultherapy to leave tiny shockwaves under the skin and into the SMAS. Each point of these shockwaves triggers a cascade of collagen regeneration that translates into firmer and tighter skin. The results progressively improve over a period of several months.
What most patients experience is a mild facelift type effect that gets better as the months go by. All just after one treatment of Ultherapy.
It’s safety profile is unparalleled. In over a thousand cases done at David Loh Surgery since 2009, no one has suffered any form of injury from Ultherapy. Which sometimes happens with most other RF, IPL or laser treatments. The worst that can happen with Ultherapy is a mild mosquito-bite looking type of reaction in the skin, we call wheals. These will typically settle within a few days.
Ultherapy works particularly well in the lower face and under the chin. If fired deliberately into the fat fads in the jowl areas and under the chin, it can reduce these fat pads ever so slightly. Which is great because we can achieve a gentle sculpting of the face. These effects on the lower face we have term as The Ultherapy V-Lift.
The Ultherapy V-Lift is available at David Loh Surgery at both Novena Medical Centre and Wheelock Place. Our clinic is one of the first to start using Ulthera in 2009.
Thermage is the pioneer of non-invasive skin tightening. It’s unique technology of monopolar capacitively coupled radiofrequency (RF) enables volumetric heating much deeper than lasers. It can penetrate the dermis and into subcutaneous tissues to firm up existing collagen and stimulate new growth. In addition to tightening, this deep penetration helps to slim down the silhouette, especially flab-prone areas like double chin, cheeks, tummy and arms. The top-down heating profile also addresses superficial skin problems like wrinkles and pores, improving skin texture. Unlike lasers, the superior heating technology of Thermage makes it a one-time procedure, lasting an amazing 2-3 years!
These days, there are so many skin tightening devices in the industry. I have tried many variants of bipolar radiofrequency, cavitation, infrared light… but none safely delivers the levels of energy as Thermage can. Clinical studies show up to 4 times more therapeutic heating by Thermage, compared to current technologies! In other words, Thermage still produces the most dramatic and lasting results.
The Thermage Journey
Since its launch in 1995, Thermage has withstood the test of time. Technology so often burns brightly, transiently, and then gets replaced by the next new upstart. (Just look at how I have to change a new iphone almost every year!) So what makes Thermage different?
Thermage is backed by strong research and development, continuously improving its safety and effectiveness. To be perfectly honest, I was never a huge fan of Thermage until the latest generation Thermage CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology) came along. This new platform incorporates vibration with cryogen bursts and pulses of RF, making it so much more comfortable. The tip design and software has also been upgraded to deliver more uniform heating. The new larger body tip contours almost anywhere in the body faster. All this translates into much better results, more uniform tightening, with virtually painless treatments.
Which Is Better? Thermage CPT Or Ulthera?
I get asked this very often. While both are giants in the industry, they work in different ways. Thermage treats the skin from top down using radiofrequency waves; while Ulthera rejuvenates the skin from inside out with focused ultrasound energy. Thermage CPT treats all the problems in the skin – texture, wrinkles, firmness; while Ulthera tightens even deeper layers like the SMAS to give a lift against gravity. As a matter of fact, the 2 treatments work synergistically. So do both (budget-allowing), for a 3-dimensional non-invasive facelift. At different times of course.
Thermage CPT is safe to perform alongside other energy-based devices like IPL and lasers, once the skin has settled. B*tox and Fillers are especially useful to further smoothen wrinkles and re-volumize hollowed areas, thus creating a more enhanced facelift.
When Should I Do This?
I often tell my patients not to wait until your skin has gone south before you start treatments. Anti-ageing procedures are best done preemptively, before skin loses all its collagen. That way, your youthfulness will be maintained. Once the skin sags and loses elasticity, it will be much more challenging to restore it to its former glory.
For more information on skin tightening and face lifting, contact Dr Phoon – phoonys@davidloh.sg or call us at +65 67339114
