Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment used for varicose and spider veins, particularly in the legs. The procedure involves injecting a mild sclerosing solution directly into the affected veins. This solution irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing the vein walls to stick together and shrink. Over time, the treated vein collapses, is reabsorbed into the body, and eventually disappears, improving the appearance of the skin.

Key Points of Sclerotherapy:
Treatment for Varicose and Spider Veins: Sclerotherapy is highly effective for treating smaller veins such as spider veins.
Sclerosing Solution: The solution used, typically a salt-based or detergent agent, irritates the vessel walls, which leads to the gradual breakdown of the vein.
Process of Absorption: After the vein collapses, the body naturally absorbs the damaged tissue over the course of weeks or months, making the treated area appear smoother and clearer.
Minimally Invasive: Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that can be done in a medical office with little to no downtime.

Aesthetic Medicine – Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, Nuceiva, and Xeomin are widely used in aesthetic medicine to relax overactive muscles. By doing so, they smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, creating a more harmonious and youthful appearance. These treatments work by temporarily blocking the signals between nerves and muscles, preventing muscle contractions that cause dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow’s feet.

Key Uses in Aesthetic Medicine:
Relaxing Muscles: Neurotoxins target specific facial muscles responsible for expression lines, helping to soften their appearance.
Smoothing Skin: By relaxing muscles, neurotoxins create smoother, more even skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Facial Harmony: By carefully selecting which muscles to treat, practitioners can create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance in the face. For example, treating asymmetry in a smile or raising a drooping brow can be achieved with neurotoxin injections.
Correlation Between Neurotoxins and Depression:
There have been studies suggesting a possible link between neurotoxin use (such as Botox) and improvements in mood, particularly in individuals with depression. The theory, often called the “facial feedback hypothesis,” suggests that by paralyzing certain facial muscles, such as those responsible for frowning, neurotoxins may reduce negative emotional feedback to the brain. This could lead to a decrease in depressive symptoms. Some studies have found that individuals treated with neurotoxins in the glabellar (frown line) region reported improvements in mood and reduced symptoms of depression.

Deoxycholic Acid Treatment

Deoxycholic acid treatments, commonly known by the brand name Kybella, are effective for reducing submental (under-chin) fat. This non-surgical treatment involves injecting a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that helps break down dietary fat.

Key Aspects of Deoxycholic Acid Treatments:
Targeting Submandibular Fat: These injections are used primarily to reduce fat under the chin, often referred to as a “double chin.” The treatment helps contour the jawline and create a more defined appearance.
Mapping for Safety: Before the treatment, careful mapping of the injection sites is performed to ensure precise placement and avoid important structures like nerves and blood vessels. This mapping is critical to achieving safe and effective results.
Injection Process: A small amount of deoxycholic acid is injected in multiple areas under the chin. The acid works by breaking down and destroying fat cells, which are then naturally removed by the body.
Permanent Results: Once the fat cells are destroyed, they can no longer store fat, making the treatment permanent. However, maintaining a stable weight is important to prevent fat accumulation in other areas.

Dermal Filler – Hyaluronic Acid

Dermal fillers, most commonly made of hyaluronic acid (HA), are versatile tools for addressing various aesthetic concerns, including facial asymmetry. Here’s how they function:

Hyaluronic Acid: HA is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, making it ideal for adding volume and hydration in a safe, biocompatible way. It helps restore structure while maintaining a natural look and feel.
Treating Asymmetry: Dermal fillers are effective in addressing asymmetry by adding volume to areas that may lack balance or definition, whether due to genetics, aging, or previous trauma.
Replacing Fat Pads: As we age, facial fat pads lose volume, which can lead to a hollowed or sunken appearance. Fillers can mimic the lost fat, restoring youthful fullness and providing subtle, natural-looking contour.
Providing Support: In addition to volume, fillers can provide structural support in areas that need more definition or lift, such as the cheeks, jawline, and lips. Stiffer fillers offer more robust support for contouring, while softer fillers provide subtle volume.
Versatile Use: Fillers can be used in many areas of the face, including the cheeks, lips, chin, under-eye area, and nasolabial folds. Their flexibility allows for tailored treatments based on individual needs, whether it’s enhancing volume, correcting asymmetry, or improving skin texture.

Microblading

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure designed to enhance and shape the eyebrows. It involves creating small, hair-like slits in the brow area and filling them with pigment to mimic the look of natural eyebrow hairs.

Key Aspects of Microblading:
Small Slits with Pigment: A fine, handheld tool with tiny needles is used to create small, precise cuts in the skin. Pigment is then deposited into these slits, resulting in a fuller, natural-looking eyebrow.
Long-Lasting Results: The results typically last around 2 to 3 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and how well the brows are cared for post-procedure. Over time, the pigment fades, and touch-up sessions may be needed to maintain the look.
No Downtime: One of the major benefits of microblading is that there is little to no downtime. Some minor redness or swelling may occur, but most people can resume their normal activities right after the procedure.
Natural Appearance: Microblading is ideal for those seeking to fill in sparse areas, create a fuller look, or reshape their brows while maintaining a natural appearance.

Eyelash Extensions

Classic eyelash extensions are a popular method for enhancing the natural beauty of the eyes by adding length and volume to the lashes. They are ideal for those who want a subtle, natural-looking enhancement.

Key Aspects of Classic Eyelash Extensions:
Natural Look: Unlike more dramatic styles like volume or hybrid extensions, classic lash extensions involve applying a single extension to each natural lash. This creates a more understated, natural appearance that enhances the eyes without looking overly bold.
Fill-Ins Every 2-3 Weeks: Since natural lashes fall out as part of their growth cycle, regular fill-ins are recommended every 2-3 weeks to maintain the look. During a fill session, the technician will replace any extensions that have shed with the natural lashes.
No Downtime: The procedure requires no recovery time, so you can resume daily activities immediately after getting your lashes done.
Minimal Care: Classic extensions are relatively low maintenance. It’s essential to avoid oil-based products around the eyes, as these can break down the adhesive. Gentle cleaning with a lash-safe cleanser and avoiding excessive rubbing or pulling is usually sufficient to keep them looking fresh.