Dr Nic performing treatment
Children and teenagers are eager to grow up and celebrate their birthdays with gusto. As adults we lose that enthusiasm for turning, and looking, another year older…
While we can’t turn back time, we certainly can shave off a few years by smoothing out those fine lines and wrinkles; Abu Dhabi’s doctors explain how:
According to Dr Marian from Kaya Skin Clinic there are four methods to treat fine lines – glycolic peels, fractional laser, dermaroller and hyaluronic acid fillers, while deeper lines are treated with Botox and fillers.
“Glycolic peels use an alpha hydroxy acid obtained from sugarcane which causes a mild peeling of the superficial layers of the skin. As the skin peels the new underlying skin is rejuvenated.
“Fractional laser is administered with an erbium glass or a carbon dioxide laser. It involves fractions of laser light being injected into the deep layers of the skin. This causes a heating of the skin, which in turn causes a remodeling of the collagen fibres. This helps reduce the fine lines and open pores.
Dr Marian
“A dermaroller is a device made up of small needles on a roller, and comes in various sizes – 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2mm. The device is rolled over the skin for 15 to 20 minutes in horizontal, vertical and diagonal motions. This process is also called micro-needling; it causes an increase in the blood supply to the skin and a subsequent boost in collagen.
“Hyaluronic acid fillers plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The effect lasts for four to six months.
“Botulinum toxins or Botox works by relaxing the muscles which are used for expression lines like the forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. Fillers contain hyaluronic acid or other materials like calcium hydroxylapatite which help in facial augmentation,” said Dr Marian.
Similar treatments are available at the American Surgecenter as outlined by
Dr Nic Isse.
“There are three general methods to remove lines and wrinkles – electromagnetic energy using lasers and radio frequency; chemicals means such as peels, fillers and Botox; physical means like dermabrasion and dermarollers.”
“Our most popular method is the ‘30-minute lunch break,’ a non-surgical facelift. It works on rebuilding the natural collagen of the body to help strengthen the structure of the skin and bring back natural elasticity, firmness and smoothness. The patient will continue to see improved results as the days pass,” Dr Isse said.
He advises that you choose your doctor carefully before undergoing any procedure.
“Make sure you go to a certified plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon is different
from a cosmetic surgeon in that he or she has undergone a rigorous four years of general surgery training, followed by another three years in plastic surgery, then years of practise. Being trained to perform surgery on the body allows the surgeon to create artistic changes and transformations that fit the face and body as a whole,” Dr Isse added.
Harley Street Medical Centre offers a variety of treatments for improving the appearance of ageing skin, one of which is ultherapy.
“Ultherapy is a new type of non-surgical, non-invasive procedure for the face, neck
and chest that uses ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process to lift, tone,
and tighten loose skin,” said Dr Ruba Bahhady.
“Ultrasound stimulates the deep structural support layers of the skin – including those typically addressed in a surgical facelift – without disturbing the surface of the skin. While ultrasound does not duplicate the results of surgery it is an inviting alternative for those who are not yet ready for surgery,” Dr Bahhady added.
Whatever method you choose, the bottom line is – growing older doesn’t necessarily have to mean looking older.
Dr Ali
The root of the problem?
According to Dr Ali Samanian, dental surgery doctor at HealthPlus Family Health Center, your teeth may actually be the cause of unhappiness with your appearance.
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that improves the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, bite or smile.
“Patients who have had years of excessive wear to their teeth due to grinding, dental erosion, attrition, excessive tooth loss or collapse of occlusion can alter their facial vertical dimension,” said Dr Samanian.
“We offer the non-invasive dental facelift; this gives people a closed or shorter look to their face and smile. By opening up their bite, a qualified professional can reclaim their vertical dimension and sometimes even remove unwanted wrinkles aswell.
“The potential drawback to this procedure is high cost of full mouth restoration,” Dr Samanian added.
