In Pursuit of Youth

Source: Manila Standard Today

By Dinna Chan Vasquez

The beauty business is a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide because nearly every woman is in search of the magic potion that would stop aging. Sadly, aging is an inevitable reality.

Once a woman is in her middle 20s, collagen production slows and the dermal elastin becomes less elastic. Collagen gives skin its plumpness while elastic provides elasticity.

Bad habits like unprotected sun exposure, repetitive facial expressions, smoking, late nights and many others can result in skin going from balat sibuyas to balat kalabaw.

The sad results of skin aging are fine wrinkling, thin and uneven skin tone, loss of underlying fat leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets and loss of firmness on the hands and neck.

Fernando Lucero, one of the country’s most renowned plastic surgeons, says there is no way anyone can prevent aging, pointing to the picture of a wrinkled and stooped old woman.

“We will all end up like that, if we live long enough,” he says.

Lucero, who broke ground in stem cell therapy in the country, is an advocate of ActiStem dermal, a solution derived from sheep placenta that was created to stimulate the body’s stem cells.

Stem cells serve as a sort of repair system for the body. They can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Lucero explains that ActiStem dermal is a natural ingredient that, when administered to the skin’s dermal layer, activates stem cells to regenerate faster and more efficiently. The result, he adds, is a marked increase in the production of collagen and elastic and an improvement in the skin’s overall youthfulness. What ActiStem contains are a variety of peptide growth factors such as EGF, FGF, HGF, PDGF among others. Once administered into the dermis, there will be a significant increase in the skin’s collagen and elastin content.

ActiStem dermal promises to deliver in terms of lifting and tightening of the skin, delivering improved radiance or glow and a marked reduction in fine wrinkles.

Clinical tests conducted on 30 patients have confirmed ActiStem dermal’s efficacy as a minimally invasive way to increase collagen and elastin.

Each patient in the trial received one vial of ActiStem dermal administered via mesotherapy. After six weeks, all patients reported moderate or marked improvement of fine lines, with 20 percent giving an excellent rating and 80 percent a moderate rating. For radiance and glow, 16.67 percent gave a marked improvement rating and 83.33 percent gave a moderate improvement rating.

Francesca Roa, the dermatologist who conducted the clinical tests for the product, says there was “slight to moderate improvement” in the skin’s fine lines, firmness and radiance in the test subjects.

Based on a biopsy of the subjects’ skin, 80 percent showed increased collagen production and 40 percent increased their elastin.

Roa says the subjects reported minimal itchiness and irritation immediately after the procedure but these disappeared after a few minutes.

Former beauty queen Peachy Veneracion tried ActiStem and says she started to notice a change in her face after only one week.

“My face became more radiant. After two weeks, my skin became less haggard. I also noticed that since I had the treatment, I have not had a single pimple on my face and my pores have become smaller,” says the Mutya ng Pilipinas 1977 titlist.

Lucero says what makes ActiStem dermal more ground-breaking, aside from the fact that it is minimally invasive, is that the procedure requires 20 minutes of the person’s time and produces no swelling or irritation.

With no recovery time necessary, patients can go back to their normal activities immediately after the treatment,” he adds.

Lucero’s wife Tinette also used ActiStem dermal and she says her skin is more supple, healthy-looking and youthful as a result.

“I have tried many anti-aging creams and even some rejuvenation machines. But with ActiStem, my skin got a little lift and my skin looked tighter. My fine lines and age spots lessened and my skin became smoother since the pores became smaller. My skin has that youthful glow,” she adds.

Acne Scar Reduction: Moving Beyond Dermaroller Therapy

We have treated dozens of people with acne scars of varying types and depths over the last year. The results have been gratifying, as we inevitably see improvement over the course of the treatment. The majority of our patients call it a day after completing their package of 3 sessions. A few have agreed to continuing treatment and adding other modes of therapy to enhance the results.

Over the last few months, we have added a variety of treatments to speed up and enhance the results. Peeling was our first adjunct and the results have been dramatic. We now have two other adjuncts which have a part to play in acne scar therapy.

A few weeks ago, we happened to come across a forum discussing autologous collagen to fill up rolling acne scars. We had a volunteer willing to try this treatment. We harvested the collagen from his love handles and injected the substance into the deeper scars. He came back for review today, and was extremely pleased with the outcome. Many deep scars had filled up. Even the scars in his temple area were more shallow.

The next stage of his treatment will involve our latest treatment. We are now able to stimulate collagen production more precisely within each scar, and ablate the sharp edges. Some downtime is associated with this, but it doesn't last long.

There is no single perfect treatment for acne scars. However, each treatment in our range of options has a part to play for optimal results.

Face Slimming Gel

We have been using the eCO2 Gel mask after Dermaroller treatments as this mask has potent skin soothing properties.

I have just found out from Dr Claudine Roura that this mask can be used for facial slimming too!

This is a brief description of the product's properties:

Face Slimming, Deep Moisturization, Antiaging Care : eCO2GEL If you have ever tried our eCO2GEL packing agent, you must have been amazed by its skin texture refining, whitening, brightening, and lift-up effects. Our newest technology aims to strengthen the superior performance of eCO2GEL with deep moisturization and face slimming effects Deep Moisturization As it is well known, a typical skin care regimen includes the basic step of supplying water and retaining moisture in the skin. Supplying moisture to skin is absolutely essential. In addition, retaining the moisture in the stratum corneum is indispensable, especially in dry seasons like autumn and winter in Japan or for people who tend to have dry skin conditions. Our eCO2GEL.EX incorporates oil, which plays the function of retaining the excellent skin moisture and oil balance after CO2 packing. Furthermore, when skin is dry or skin metabolism is slowed, aging signs such as wrinkles, rough skin etc. appear. On top of our eCO2GEL technology, eCO2GEL.EX technology delivers and supplies essential oil to skin effectively, and helps retain the healthy conditions of skin after CO2 packing. Therefore, it prevents aging sign formation. Face Slimming Effect One of the main components of skin is phospholipid, which forms bi-layers. When skin is treated with eCO2GEL.EX, polyalcohols in the gel base is expected to enter the phospholipid bi-layer by CO2 DDS, and the bi-layer structure may become more organized and compacted. Therefore a face slimming effect can be observed. In the case of eCO2GEL.EX, both polyalcohols and oils in the gel base is expected to enter the phospholipid bi-layer, an even more organized and compacted structure is formed. Therefore, a stronger face slimming effect is expected. This is a true and fast slimming method without going through the painful process of weight loss.

How interesting! I must find out more about this, particularly the protocol. Watch this space!

Latest Developments with DermaRF

The DermaRF radiofrequency machine is possibly the most hard working machine at Simply Aesthetic. It's going to be flogged even harder soon!

I had the opportunity of meeting up with Dr Chanchai this afternoon, and getting a sneak peek into the new developments that allow us to use Derma RF for even more aesthetic treatments. He has developed a number of new handpieces for skin resurfacing. The non-ablative hand piece packs a stronger punch than our current rejuvenation hand piece. The ablative handpiece produces results equivalent to laser, but with some downtime.

The most exciting developments are associated with acne scar treatment. He has a fractional head and a multi-polar head. Each type of acne scar has its specific treatment. The results can be dramatic and impressive.

Although we have had good results with reducing acne scar depth with the dermaroller, we have always found it difficult to reduce the defined edges of acne scars. He has taught me how, and I have the right attachments to provide this treatment. In fact, he treated a few of my scars. One's quite a large chicken pox scar. It will be fascinating to watch how the appearance changes over the next few days.

Water-Assisted Liposuction: My Personal Experience

Being a major proponent for Water-Jet Liposuction, it was inevitable that I should get my excess fat sucked out sooner or later. The day occurred 10 days ago. The area for treatment was not decided till pretty much the last minute. I wanted all over slimming! But common sense prevailed ultimately, and my arms and abdomen were nominated for treatment.

The operation took about 5 hours. Sedation was minimal, but the amnesic effect was incredible! I hardly remember anything about the operation. It was very comfortable (and I'm known for a non-existent pain threshold). My phone rang halfway through, and I had a totally rational conversation which I kinda remember.

I was mentally prepared for pain (especially in the arms) and soiled clothes and sheets. Neither were very bad. The arms (and abs) hardly hurt at all! Seepage was just from 2 points overnight, and pretty much dried up within 24 hours. The only thing that caught me by surprise was how painful it was when water entered the incision points during showers. But that only lasted a minute.

I took painkillers the first night, just in case it was really painful when the local anaesthetic wore off. This was unnecessary. The pain never kicked in. Sleeping tablets did help for the first few nights. The initial pressure on lying down was a little sore, but just for seconds.

Overall, the discomfort is comparable to mesotherapy. The swelling and tenderness is possibly even less than meso. It certainly has only been painful when I've been whacked in the treated areas. Suddenly, everyone seems to like patting me HARD on the arm! Arghhhhh!

Bruising has been minimal from the start and pretty much gone now. Much less than mesotherapy.

The results have been very gratifying. The tummy area is flat again, and my arms are slim for the first time ever!

I'm looking forward to getting my legs done eventually. Not sure when yet, but my guess is it should be pretty soon. I need to be totally pain-free for a few weeks before I'd contemplate anything else. Having two rounds of extreme makeover within 9 days has been rather trying. Time to be sensible and take a rest!

Stem Cell Stimulation with ActiStem Dermal

This little bottle appeared in my fridge when I was on holiday at the end of last year. It took me a few weeks to figure out where it came from and what it was for. Finally, I discovered that this ActiStem was a new product that contains proteins which stimulate our own stem cells to re-activate. Made from sheep placental extract, the fluid is applied via dermarolling, and produces quite remarkable results in just one session.

Armed with that info, I volunteered to be guinea pig number one (as usual!).

Results? Astonishing! My complexion became much more radiant over the following few days. Yes, DAYS! My pores were smaller, there was quite significant lifting, especially in my brow area. The effects were as significant as if I had done the Botox Dermalift! I would say that is is probably the best my skin has ever been.

I did this treatment about a month ago, and have been desperately waiting for the stock to come in. I have a number of clients asking for this (as the improvement in my skin has been so dramatic). The delay was because my suppliers were planning to not bring it in at all! But after much persuasion, they are finally releasing a box of this precious fluid to me next week.

The effects of this premium treatment can last for months. Repeating it every 6 months or so is adequate to rejuvenate the skin.

How Comfortable is Water Jet Plus Liposuction?

Many of our potential clients are terrified by the thought of having liposuction without general anaesthesia. The fear of pain is naturally a great concern to most. I was recently told about a clinic in the US posting the video of someone talking on their mobile phone during the operation. She was most impressed that this could be possible.

A mere two days later, we had a WAL-veteran (second op) requesting refreshments during the operation. She had rushed to finish her work before coming for the procedure and was starving from skipping lunch. So coffee in hand, she chats with us through most of the procedure!

Certain parts of the body are more sensitive to pain, but WAL is generally a pretty comfortable procedure. And the procedure is certainly safer and easier to perform under mild sedation.

Extreme Makeover Part One

The opportunity finally arose for me to have my eyelids revised. I had a badly done stitch blepharoplasty by one of the local Plastic Surgeons a few years ago. The recovery was long & difficult & I could not trust any any of the local surgeons to improve the appearance. Most are terrified of repercussions from the original surgeon...

So I took the opportunity of my holiday to Manila to make it a Beauty Holiday. Medical tourism is interesting. Especially trying to board an aeroplane with a swollen face! The original plan was for my friend Claudine Roura to revise my eyelids and VASER my arms (since Dr Ueberreiter refused to do Water Lipo on me last November). However, having seen the true potential of Waterjet Plus during my trip to Korea last month, I decided that I should really have WAL instead. And the Manila doctors are all obsessed about my nose for some reason! The doctors from Ospital Ng Maynila were planning on making me a demo patient for the next MIFAS! But, that hospital is a bit scary, and I'm not too keen on being breathed on by 20 doctors! So I asked Claudine to do the necessary first and save me!!!

So last Saturday morning, the shopping was put on hold and I checked into the Las Pinas Doctor's Hospital instead. Over the next few hours, my eyes and nose were completely re-sculpted. Excess skin was removed from my upper eyelids to create a new, deep crease. The inner corners of my eyes were re-fashioned to open them more widely. A silicon graft was inserted to straighted the bridge of my nose. The sides of my nose were trimmed and sewn in to create triangular nostrils. The work of art was completed with steri-strips around my nose to support the graft during the first few days of the healing process. And off I returned to society.

The swelling has been impressive, but less dramatic than with previous eye procedures (meso eyebags is far worse!!!). And I'm back at work, scaring anyone who comes in to see me! Our old clients are bemused that I would subject myself to this at all. And I wonder sometimes, but I'm sure it's all worth it. Even through the swelling, the new form is starting to be visible, and it looks pretty awesome already.

And this is just part one. Part two is a mere week away. Finally, I get to have all the fat sucked out of me! I can't wait!

Definition of Beauty in Korea

Not being a fan of Korean drama serials, I was not fully aware of the obsession of that Nation with Aesthetic treatments, and their definition of perfection. Having spent a few days there, I am truly impressed with how innovative the Aesthetic doctors are in making dreams come true.

One thing that is glaringly clear after that trip is that the Singaporean ideal of perfect beauty is actually very similar to our Korean counterpart's. With the TV influence, I guess that's not surprising. What is nice to see, is that Water-Jet liposuction is really helping the Koreans attain their ideal body shape with little downtime. Many have undergone multiple sessions and gradually sculpted their bodies from arms to abs to thighs to calves. Their ideal is skinny but contoured. Anything to look good in skinny jeans! So circumferential liposuction is the norm, many operating on a different area within 2 weeks of the previous operation! Wow!

Surprisingly, the Korean men are quite proud of their tummies! The ladies are the ones who demand very slim bodies. They have a tendency to thick waists and fat deposition in the armpits and just above the breasts. With Water-Jet Plus, they end up with breasts well defined on a thin chest, and an hour-glass figure.

We've pretty much switched across totally to Water-Jet Plus now. The procedure is much easier and results more satisfying.

Water-Jet Plus: 5th Generation Liposuction

Having recently spent a few days in Korea, I have now seen the true advantage of the Water-Jet Liposuction system. The Korean doctors have embraced this new technology and brought it to the next level. Hence it is Water-Jet Plus there, and not just WAL.

I had the great privilege of training with Dr Cho Young Shin, the founder and Chief Doctor of Young Clinic. She was the first to purchase the machine a year and 7 months ago. She has since performed 500 cases with the Water-Jet system. She is one of the Water-Jet Trainers in Korea. She is kept very busy in this role as the machine has been purchased by over a hundred Korean doctors.

Coming from Singapore, where VASER is King, it was refreshing to be in a country where Aesthetic surgery is common place, and no one has even heard of VASER! Many have moved from the Lipomatic (a mechanical liposuction device) straight to Water-Jet Plus.

So what is this Water-Jet Plus that is so impressive? From my brief time there, the difference seemed to be the use of huge volumes of water, so the fat gets flushed out easily with little trauma. It seemed more systematic and there was definitely a more effective fluid extraction technique than I was practising. They also had lots of experience with circumferential and large volume liposuctions.

Armed with this knowledge and a few more gems to make the operation more efficient, we have embarked on bringing Water-Jet Plus to Simply Aesthetic.

We did our first circumferential thigh liposuction this weekend. It took hours, but the results are most pleasing. We were able to balance the entire thigh fat distribution, as opposed to desperately trying to just eliminate the bits that jutted out. No more thunder thighs after surgery! And the more efficient aspiration technique meant less post-op oozing. The contour was definitely visible immediately after surgery.

The Korean technique certainly creates more work and uses up more consumables than standard Water-Jet Liposuction. But I think the results are certainly superior.