Dermal Fillers, Botox, & Facelifts

The term "FDA" is usually associated with the US regulatory Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers (also known as injectable implants), soft tissue fillers, or wrinkle fillers are classified as medical device implants by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in helping to create a smoother or fuller appearance in the face, including nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lips, and for increasing the volume of the back of the hands. The majority of such fillers are classified as temporary as they are biodegradable and biocompatible, with hyaluronic acid being the most common type.

I presume that you have some volume loss on your face that makes you look tired and more aged. The usual areas for volume loss concerns are the under eye areas, Temples, anterior cheeks and lower lateral cheek extension. The cause for this volume loss is usually attributed to aging causing fat loss and or migration. Fillers especially the hyaluronic acid fillers are a good option to replace this volume loss and create a lifting effect. There is technique developed by Restylane called True Lift which is able to create a lifting effect by targeting the true retaining ligaments of the face.

Hi The recent increased awareness and incidence that blindness is a possible complication following filler injections to the nose has led to many doctors as well as filler companies to revise their indications for this procedure. Therefore long lasting fillers are not recommended usually. Having said that it is still okay to have the procedure done but seek out an experienced doctor. My advise is to stick to Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for this indication, as there is a chance of reversal if complications occur.

Hi, As the name implies smile lines are actually a natural part of our facial features and exist even in the young. It is natural for them to be more pronounced when we smile but if it appears deep even at rest then it makes one look aged. The deepening of the lines is usually associated with development of a thickened nasolabial fold. The causes of this is usually twofold. A gravitational descent due to loss of skin elasticity and a volume displacement or loss of facial cheek fat. Treatment options would be but not limited to the following: 1.

HiYou are right in that facial structure/ bone, chubby cheeks ,hypertrophied jaw muscle, a weak Chin as well as Aging changes due to gravitational descent and volumetric changes in the facial fat Compartments can lead to a wider or broader lower face . Depending on the assessment the following are possible 1. Neurotoxin like Botox or Xeomin to the masseter to reduce the bulk causing the face to slim down. 2. Chin augmentation with fillers to created a more pointed look and when combined with the above can create a V shaped effect in the lower face. 3.

With men nowadays putting more emphasis on their appearance, the male aesthetics and anti Aging segment sees a huge potential in growth. However it is important to realise that the male patient has certain characteristics that differs from the female. Firstly the male patient is more likely to approve of non invasive treatments that offers gradual improvements with little or no downtime and minimal adverse effects. Secondly most males are more likely to request a procedure that is less painful and does not require that many visits to the clinic.

The occurrence of a receded chin can either be genetic ( from birth ) or due to aging changes. From your description it would seem like it is due to aging changes. The chin can recede with age due to bone loss / resorption and soft tissue volume loss . The treatment options will either be surgical or non- surgical. Surgical options would include a chin implant or genioplasty. It is not within my expertise to discuss these options in detail as they are better explained by a plastic surgeon.

Hi, That is a really interesting question. There has been much talk in the medical circles as well in social media about this issue. This has led to the creation of the term “the overfilled facial syndrome" or “the pillow face". It is not that uncommon nowadays to see such faces gracing the covers of magazines and high society events . So what are the tell-tale signs of this syndrome? 1. The face expression looks unnatural and there is loss of the normal facial topography.

I can understand your concern regarding the pain and discomfort especially if the injections are done manually using the sharp needle. To minimise the discomfort of the Rejuran procedure, I prefer to use an injector gun which can be calibrated to deliver a precise amount at a precise depth. The needles used are also superfine 31G. To make it more comfortable most doctors will also mix it with a very small amount of lidocaine. This is unlikely to affect the efficacy of the product. Hope this helps.

It would seem from the photo provided that you have what is referred to as solar lentigine or sun spot which is due to UV damage. There are several options in terms of treatment 1. Topical creams/ serums — the commonly used ones include Vitamin C 10/ 15 % , hydroquinone 4% or in a triple formulation that also includes retin A and a steriod, various combinations of whitening agents like Kojic acid , azelaic acid and the lastest product called cysteamine. However the use of topical agents do have some limitations and sometimes there may not result in complete clearance of the spot. 2.