Great News For July and August 2015

Hi Everyone !

Great news and offerings coming your way! A lot has happened recently. I have been asked to join the EXCO of the South African Association of Cosmetic Doctors. I recently had my first lecture ( Which Fillers where ? : Contouring, liftng and volumizing) at their first scientific meeting of the year. I also had the honour of speaking at this year's AMCSA (Aesthetic Medicine Conference of South Africa) on the Art of a Beautiful Smile. I have also been asked to speak at this year's Cosmedica Conference on the complications of Botox as well as demonstrating lip and peri-oral fillers. Quite busy and exciting.

I have been trying to keep abreast of new developments in the filler market and have recently been on numerous trainings. Besides my Restylane offering I also now offer Belotero, Perfectha and Volift that compliment the restyalne range of HA fillers. Recently I attended a train the trainer workshop with German Dermatologist Dr Sabine Zenker and am also now a trainer for the Perfectha range of fillers (in addition to being an independent trainer for Restylane). To celebrate all this I have some great specials on offer!

Get Ready for Summer !
​

FILLER SPECIALS

•  10 % off on any vial of filler including Restylane  Sub-Q
•  Cheek Sculpting with Perlane - R5400 (usually  R6000)
•  Luscious Lip plump and Sculpt - R2200 (usually  R2700)
• 10% off Restylane Skinboosters! 

MIRACU PDO THREAD LIFTS AND EMBEDDING THREADS

•     8 thread eyebrow lift - R1200 ( normal cost R2400)
•    8 thread jowl and fold lift - R4000 ( normal cost             R6800)
•    8 Thread 4D thread lift for jowls/jawline - R5800             (normal cost R7200)
•    Neck treatment - R6000 (10 threads)
•    Tummy Full Pack 3D/4D threads R7000
•    6 thread undereye treatment ( R950)
•    10% on all single threads
•    Customized  packages also created

    OBAGI

    Full Obagi range available ! 

     With every purchase of the Obagi Nuderm System 

     Two Free Peels ! ( A huge R1000 saving)

     The cost of the Nuderm System is an 18 Week Skin           care system to optimize your skin.

     R3800  For a cleanser , toner , sunscreen ,          moisturiser and one day skin lightening cream , daily  exfoliater as well as one night lightening cream !

Dermaceutic

5 % off all products

All Specials valid until 18 August ! Don't Miss Out!

Peri-oral wrinkles : A challenging area to treat

So many people have this problem of barcode lines (sometimes called Smoker’s lines)
Smoker's lines or lip wrinkles need combination treatment because the cause is a combination of factors - loss of volume, muscle hyperactivity, smoking and habits such as lip biting . Multiple treatments over a long period may be necessary before achieving the desired result.- this is especially true in severe cases
Despite what many people believe, smoker's lines or vertical lines above the upper lip are quite common regardless of whether or not someone smokes. This muscle is quite strong and constricts the lips - appearence of tightly pursed lips. I usually recommend a treatment plan that combines more than one modality. Using small doses of Botox will help relax one aspect of the underlying problem--an overactive muscle
Using cosmetic dermal fillers is a nice option with or without Botox and offers more longevity. An excellent filler to use is the iconic Restylane Vital Pen Injector. The technique for fillers above the vermillion border is important to provide a natural, appealing appearance. Chemical Peels as well as Medical micro needling is also an excellent treatment to improve the texture of the skin. This area benefits from combination treatment.


Also it is important to restore volume to the actual lip and peri-oral area using dermal fillers such as Restylane and Perlane

The Miraculous Micro-Cannula

Readers of this blog have probably realised that I love Restylane and I love using the product - with good reason too! This über- filler is the only Dermal Filler that I use on my patients. 

Restylane® has been tried, tested and trusted since its introduction in 1996.  Since it revolutionized the aesthetic market by being the first non-animal hyaluronic acid filler introduced for facial tissue augmentation, it has been used in over 11 million treatments in more than 70 countries worldwide (this was the numbers in 2010 , in addition to this it is the most clinically studied HA filler globally).

The Restylane® family of products has continued to expand and provide the aesthetic industry with novel, proven and superior products based on the patented NASHA™ technology such as the Restylane Vital™ series for skin rejuvenation and the inclusion of 0,3% of Lidocaine in a selection of the Restylane® product range.

The company behind Restylane®, Q-Med AB (recently bought by Galderma), has simultaneously brought innovative complementary tools such as the Restylane® Injector (many of my patients call it “that clicky pen”), the Thin Wall Needle and now the patented Pix’L® range of flexible and rigid micro-cannulas to the market to enhance the overall effect and offer of the Restylane® products range.

The Pix’L micro-cannulas were developed especially for use with the Restylane® Product Range.  The advantages of the Pix’L micro-cannulas are obvious:

Thanks to the blunt tip no damage is caused to the surrounding tissues, nerves or vessels which results in a virtually painless procedure without bruises. At first I was a bit nervous to use the cannulae

Through a single entry point the cannula can reach a wide area of the skin since it can be moved in different directions without any discomfort for the patient.  This is truly amazing that from one entry point one can augment the cheekbones, soften naso-labials , plump lips and the surrounding supporting structures as well as soften marionette lines SAFELY.

Less entry points + no damage to surrounding tissues = a virtually painless experience.

1. Reduced pain

The Pix’L™ micro cannula does not simply puncture the tissue like a sharp needle, but glides gently along the natural tissue connections.  The blunt tip displaces blood vessels without injuring them; therefore there is hardly any pain or swelling.  Pain management in the form of infiltration anaesthesia is only recommended with the use of SUB Q  in restoring the contours that are lost with the descent of subcutaneous fat tissue in the cheek bone or cheek region. No anaesthetic is required for the building up of the upper subcutaneous fat layer (Perlane) thanks to the Pix’L™ needle.

2. Almost no tissue trauma

The inside and outside of the cannulas are smooth, without notches and the blunt tip makes injuries very unlikely. The cannula is made from high-tech, surgical stainless steel and offers high flexibility and resistance for an extremely comfortable injection treatment.

3. No downtime

The preparation of individual treatment plans and the extremely gentle technology allows patients to resume their daily routine again on the same day. Any downtime is therefore reduced to an absolute minimum in comparison to the result of this treatment.

Traditionally Dermal Fillers were injected with needles only and now we have one more tool! At first it seemed a bit daunting but the cannulae are amazing. I really love using them now. The patient feels no discomfort or pain ( topical and local anaesthetic is needed less now) , the product is placed evenly and safely.

 Dark circles, flattened eyebrows, tear troughs and deep eye shadows can now be effectively treated – without visible side effects such as swelling and bruising

The "Soft Restoration"

Have a look here at Cannula Technique. Spot the teeny entry point.

Love your skin with Restylane

Love your skin with Restylane

Ilze , my fabulous rep from Conquest Surgical gave me some samples of the new Restylane Skin Care to try out. I've tried teeny samples before but you can't tell from that if the product actually works or not. So far I've been using the products for a week (and only Restylane products) and abandoned my usual skin care routine. Wow!Wow! and Wow! (yes , terrible grammer I know). I've been using their day cream with and SPF 15, the Facial Cleanser(which my husband has nicked) and the Night Cream. What an amazing difference in how moisturized,luminous and supple my skin is. It's actually glowing. What really blew me over was the disappearence of two fine lines across my forehead. To me , they were glaring imperfections - the bane of my life (okay , that is a bit dramatic admittedly) . I was reluctant to inject Botox in the area because of my teeny forehead and the potential for my brows to drop. I'm quite impressed with the results and I am going to continue using the products in conjunction with my Lamelle Products ( I can't help it -as you know I'm a Serum/Cream/Chemical Peel junkie) next week.

The creams and facial cleanser are light weight have this amazing, fresh smell (aloe? sweet melon? I don't know but it is invigorating!) . Refreshingly simple but efficient and effective - that's what this skin care range is about.

I trust in Restylane as I only use their FDA-approved range of fillers and injectable skinboosters on my patients.

The technology behind Restylane

The addition of stabilized hyaluronic acid, using the NASHA™ technology, enhances the long-lasting moisturizing effect of the cream and the crystal-shaped NASHA particles make the skin glow and fill out minimal lines. Unlike the plethora of lotions and potions out there with unstabilized hyaluronic acid (HA) (half-life of 48hours) the hyaluronic acid was developed from the same amazing technology that Restylane dermal fillers possess. What is so fabulous about HA - it can absorb a 1000 times it's own weight in water. That is a lot of plumping power!

Restylane® Day Cream is a soft moisturiser suitable for all skin types. Due to its similarity to the structure of your own skin, Restylane Day Cream can help build up the protective skin barrier, shielding it from pollution and stress.

Restylane Day Cream contains active ingredients that improve the skin’s own detoxifying ability, resulting in soft and healthy skin.

Active ingredients:

Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid, DMS, Niacinamide, Creatine, Acetyl Carnitine, Piperine and Ceramide 3.

Protect and revitalize

As the cream base is very similar to the skin it helps build up your own protective skin barrier, shielding your skin from pollution and stress. Regular use will increase the hydration, smoothness and beauty of your skin whilst protecting it from UV-radiation.

Restore your skin’s natural health

Restylane Night Cream contains active ingredients that help counteract the skin’s ageing process whilst protecting the natural balance and beauty of your skin. As the cream is very similar to the skin it helps build up your own protective skin barrier and allows your skin to breathe and recover at night.

Beautiful skin in 4 weeks

Restylane Night Cream enhances your skin’s natural functions in as little as four weeks resulting in a beautiful and soft complexion

Restylane® Night Cream is a rich moisturiser suitable for all skin types. Due to its similarity to the structure of your own skin, Restylane Night Cream can help build up the protective skin barrier and allows your skin to breathe and recover at night.

Restylane Night Cream contains active ingredients that help counteract the skin’s ageing process whilst protecting the natural balance and beauty of your skin.

Active ingredients:

Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid, DMS, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, and Ceramide 3.

Suggested usage:

Apply to thoroughly cleansed skin in the evening. Restylane Night Cream improves your skin's natural functions in as little as four weeks resulting in a beautiful, soft complexion*.

*Study: Report on a pilot study of a cream containing the active substances glycyrrhetinic acid and avenanthramides together with skin mimicking vehicle (DMS) treating patients with atopic dermatitis. Improvement in SASSAD score, indicating anti-irritating and calming effect.

Restylane Facial Cleanser cleanses the skin gently and efficiently, leaving your skin soft and radiant.

Gentle skincare with Restylane Facial Cleanser

Each time you cleanse your face you risk stripping your skin of essential lipids, antioxidants and water-binding substances. Therefore cleansing procedures must be as mild and gentle as possible to preserve the health and natural balance of your skin.

Organic oils and ceramides

Restylane Facial Cleanser cleanser uses organic oils and ceramides that protect your skin from loosing its own protective oils and antioxidants

Each time you cleanse your face you risk stripping your skin of essential lipids, anti-oxidants and water-binding substances. Therefore cleansing procedures must be as mild and gentle as possible to preserve the health and natural balance of your skin.

Restylane Facial Cleanser has been enriched with organic oils and ceramides to make your skin soft and supple. Restylane Facial Cleanser cleanses skin and removes make-up gently and efficiently without upsetting the skin's natural protective barrier.

Ingredients:

Protective formula with organic oils and ceramide 3. PH-neutral

Suggested usage:

Rinse face with water, place a tiny amount of the cleanser in the palm of your hand, add water and work into a rich foam. Massage onto face and neck then rinse with water. Repeat this process for the best result. The cleanser can also be used as a cleansing milk, using cotton pads and less water.

Next I'd like to try their Night Serum with a staggering 0,5% of Retinol (excellent for improving the epidermis).


If you would like to see the full range of Restylane's skin care products check out http://www.restylane.co.nz/index.php/restylane-skincare.html

Love , love , love Restylane !

UPDATE: 2 weeks into using the Restylane Skin care and getting loads of compliments.

UPDATE : My patients that have started on the Restylane skincare absolutely love it! I also use the Recover Creamfrom the range after all my Botox and Filler treatments and it really is a little miracle in minimizing bruising. I also love the travel pack - it's really convenient when on holiday

The skin care range is relatively affordable and because of the airless pump you can be assured that there is no contamination and no waste - every last drop is pumped out . No crazy promises - just real results.

Check out Bailey Schneider's blog on Restylane Skincare
http://baileyschneidersblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/ravishing-restylane.html as  well as Hasmita's awesome blog on the Restylane Skincare

Don't let your hands give it away

 Our hands receive so much abuse (sun exposure, constant hand washing, detergents) , it is one of the first places to start showing the visible signs of aging.  The more common visible signs of aging include darkened spots (a.k.a. the infamous “age spots”) as well as precancerous growths. A loss of fatty tissue also occurs and this loss of youthful volume makes our hands look bony and unattractive. Hand rejuvenation treatments can help restore the hands to a more youthful appearance. Various treatment options are available, so one treatment or a combination can be used to help achieve a look that you desire.

What a difference! Just with the use of a dermal filler.

Kirsty Alley at 60

Her hand! Oh dear! Needs Restylane

Paris at 30 with a sinewy, veiny hand - not great.

Sometimes we focus so much on anti-aging treatments for the face that we forget about a  part of the body that is potentially a dead giveaway to our age - the hands. Much abused and neglected even though they are often the first point of contact. There is hope though!Whether you have wrinkles, age spots, dry and rough skin or transparent thin skin with bulging veins - these can all be corrected through the appropriate treatment.

An effective way of improving the appearance your hands is by using dermal fillers. Restylane fillers offer a quick, minimally invasive way of rejuvenating the hands by replacing lost volume as well as improving the quality of the skin.

Below are some pictures of my mother's (age 70) hands immediately after treatment using only Restylane Vital (a skin booster - not a volumizer)  done painlessly with the Pix'l micro-cannula . The left hand is untreated and the right is. The treatment was simple with placement of the clear Vital gel in a linear fashion over the veins. The treatment was done in May 2011 and still shows (January 2012) a fantastic difference in appearance. All this from a simple Vital treament!

Right hand treated - Left hand untreated

 Can you see the difference?



Just with Vital!

Untreated hand

 Replacing lost volume is best done with the more viscous fillers from the Restylane range - Perlane or preferably  Sub-Q. 

Sclerotherapy offers another avenue for improving the appearance of the aging hand by tackling the problem of prominent veins on the dorsum of the hand. In the above picture shows a vein being injected by a sclerosing solution. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and “spider veins”. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally sodium chloride) directly into the varicose vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. This process is called sclerosis and hence the term sclerotherapy.

Chemical peels are also effective in improving the appearance (pigmentation and dyschromia) and texture of the skin of the hands.

With a combination of these methods as well as at-home care hands can be rejuvenated and refreshed!

Gotta love Restylane :The Lip Smoothie by Dr Stefanie Williams

With age, our lips become thinner; less rounded and develop fine vertical lines on and around them (peri-oral lines). So for a truly holistic facial rejuvenation process, we need to address this lip 'deflation'.

Before



Nice and natural after. Amazing hey?

Since many people are not keen on the idea of a lip augmentation because of the prevalence of the treacherous “Trout Pout” Dr Stefanie Williams, a UK Restylane expert, has developed the ‘Feather Lip Smoothie'.

This treatment rejuvenates the lips by boosting hydration and adding a sensual, subtle roundness that is natural. A 'Feather Lip Smoothie' is done by injecting the bio-revitalization product Restylane Vital or Vital Light (the Restylane Skin Boosters) with the innovative PixL micro-cannula. The PixL is flexible and is specially designed to “inject” filler in an atraumatic way.

It revives older lips, prevents lipstick bleed and also can give younger lips a sexy, subtle pout. After using the Restylane Vital Range on my own patients I know what an amazing and significant difference it can make.

Super New Stuff Alert! Restylane Refresh. Bye Bye Trout Pout!

Restylane Lip Refresh restores hydrobalance and rejuvenates the lips. This promises to put an end to the trout pout look or as Dr Bob Khanna puts it "species re-assignment".  So I tried some on someone yesterday and I'm impressed with the soft result. It will launch in the UK in March and it will only launch here officially in June at the Aesthetic conference but I do have some available.


This new Restylane skinbooster product is developed specifically for the lip. It  will give you that refreshed look with improved glow, definition and structure of the lips without the need for a great change in volume.

Treatment areas

Find out more about how Restylane skinboosters can enhance your appearance and the different areas that can be treated.

Restylane skinboosters is a product range for skin rejuvenation that works by restoring hydrobalance and improving skin elasticity and skin structure.

Inevitably, our skin quality deteriorates over time. Our ways, our habits, our genes and even the weather are all factors that influence the state of our skin. For some the impact is major, for others it’s less so, but for all of us the change is (or will be) apparent. Restylane skinboosters, consisting of Restylane Vital products, are a way of naturally rejuvenating the skin, making you look the age you feel.

Increase skin elasticity and enhance skin structure

Restylane skinboosters create a glowing complexion by gently and naturally smoothing the skin from within. By replenishing hyaluronic acid under the skin, Restylane skinboosters restore hydrobalance and improve the structure and elasticity of the skin. Restylane skinboosters are scientifically proven to improve skin quality and can be used to rejuvenate the face, neck, décolletage and hands.

Treatment program

For skin rejuvenation with Restylane skinboosters, a typical treatment program is made up of three treatment sessions with 2 to 4 weeks apart and then repeat treatments every 4 to 6 months.

Recommended treatment areas:

• Face
• Lips 
• Décolletage and neck 
• Hands
• Acne scars

While many beauty products and treatments pamper your skin on the surface to treat these very symptoms, Restylane skinboosters restore from within.

Over time, the quality of your skin changes – collagen and elastic fibers disintegrate, and the spread and function of the body’s own hyaluronic acid* change, making your skin drier, rougher and less elastic.

Restoring hydrobalance from within

Restylane skinbooster treatments create luminous skin in a natural way by gently and naturally smoothening the skin from the inside. By adding hyaluronic acid through injections right under the skin surface, Restylane skinboosters restore the hydrobalance and improve the structure, firmness and elasticity of the skin, giving it new energy.

Treatment areas

Restylane skinboosters can be used to not only improve the general skin quality of your face but also to improve exposed and sensitive areas such as your neck, décolletage and hands as well as areas with acne-scarred skin. Restylane skinboosters can also be used proactively which makes them a suitable beauty treatment even for those not yet experiencing the full effects of ageing skin.

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* Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding substance that gives hydration to the skin to make it soft and elastic

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Tried this stuff  yesterday on someone! Impressive so far!
A bit of plumping but really intense moisturization.

Earlobe Rejuvenation using the Restylane Range

The earlobes frame the face, and while having your face rejuvenated can bring a great improvement, if you leave the earlobes out, you're leaving behind a telltale aging sign. Just like the hands should match the face should match the chest - the earlobes should be taken into consideration as well. After years of wearing heavy earrings and sun exposure, the earlobes can wrinkle and sag too.
 
A quick and effective way of restoring volume to the earlobe is by injecting a small volume of Restylane or Restylane Perlane. To restore the hydro-balance the Restylane Vital Pen Injector can be used ( at the same time that it being using for full face hydro-balance restoration).

70 year old patient.Large, stretched ear piercing. The lobe
is thin and has lost volume. Patient complains of not being able to wear
"dainty"earrings.

Even though the size of the pierced earring "hole" is relatively the
same, volume is restored to the earlobe giving added support if
patient wants to wear earrings. If a purely surgical intervention is used - the hole may be smaller but earrings will not be able to be used.

Earring twisted in angular position to demonstrate the support
given by restoring the volume of the earlobe with Restylane Perlane.

The dainty earring fully supported .

Other Areas that Restylane can Restore and Enhance

Update : This treatment was done two years ago (early 2010), and the patient is having another treatment this week to maintain the effect. Restylane rocks!

New Filler on the Market - Stylage

A new dermal filler that fights free radicals hits Britain - Stylage by Vivacy,  the first Hyaluronic Acid filler cross linked with Mannitol, an t antioxidant found in fruits and veggies that fights the negative effects of free radicals . It claims to reduce the risk of bruises and swelling. Duration is said to be 6-12 months.

 

Laboratoire Vivacy® is a European company based in France which designs, produces and distributes sodium hyaluronate (NaHa) based products.
hyaluronic the Stylage® product range was created for the hydration and treatment of facial wrinkles and flaws in the skin. The result of advanced technology, Stylage® is a new absorbable hyaluronic acid-based single-phase product cross-linked using the IPN like technology concept.
Its design, the choice of raw materials and the exceptional and expert way it is manufactured, make Stylage® a unique product, with excellent biocompatibility.

THE TECHNOLOGY
IPN - LIKE TECHNOLOGY

Interpenetration of cross-linked networks makes it possible to:

• Optimize the density of chemical nodes within the single phase gel, generating long lasting effect.
• Preserve the independence of these networks, ensuring an easy and regular injection for more accuracy and perfect insertion into the dermis, giving an immediate smoothing effect and beautiful skin.

TOLERANCE & EFFICIENCY

Products in the Stylage® range are proven to be biocompatible in accordance with international standard ISO 10993.
Optimization of the gel’s structure using IPN- Like® technology generates a product with equivalent effectiveness for a smaller amount of cross-linking agent.
Furthermore, the presence of an antioxidant makes it possible to reduce the intensity of inflammatory post-injection reactions and ensure a long lasting effect of over 12 months.
Based on a unique manufacturing procedure that takes advantage of the latest scientific and biological advances, STYLAGE® is “the” new filling gel containing reticulated hyaluronic acid.
The IPN-Like® Technology, the presence of a natural antioxidant and the specifications for the STYLAGE® product range ensure that its use is safe and efficient.
Its tolerance, purity and efficiency make STYLAGE® the first injectable intradermal remodelling antioxidant hyaluronic acid gel.

I still prefer Restylane, the first HA dermal filler to gain FDA approval and the most widely researched filler out there. Restylane and Juvederm , are presently the the two top fillers out there with loads of clinical research to back them up

Sinzinani Open Day 2010

This was my very first open day at Sinzinani Day Spa at the absolutely gorgeous Thaba ya Batswana. It was absolutely massive with over 200 people enjoying a fun night out of pampering and cocktails.  

The winners of the Restylane and Opalescence

Millners Dental sponsored two 15% Trewhite kits as prizes and the wonderful people from Conquest surgical sponsored 5 amazing filler prizes ( total cost over R16000!) as well as all the products used for the demos. I was doing demos and answering questions from 4PM to 10Pm, it was exhausting but loads of fun. There's no sign of me in the pics - I was too busy!


The prizes and products. Besides the treatment winners
also received an awesome goodie bag with a mirror, snazzy eye mask,
make-up bag and a Hyaluronic Acid After Care Creme





The Opalescence





The Restylane prizes sponsored by Conquest Surgical



Naso Labial Folds with Restylane Lidocaine

Before

After

Naso labial fold (patient was concerned about the line near her mouth and not really the entire naso-labial fold) using Perlane Lidocaine

Before

After

The Naso-Labial folds and the Marionette lines using Perlane

Before

After

 A demo using the Restylane Vital Pen Injector on Smoker's lines
A Before

After : Lines are softened. Ideally this treatment must be repeated on a monthly basis for 3 months and thereafter every 6- 12 months

Naso-labial folds using Perlane Lidocaine

Before

After

Some of the winners that evening



Tanya Dimas and Toni Mackeral (the owners of Sinzinani Day Spa)
Giving away the Restylane Prizes



Check out their  website http://www.sinzinani.co.za/ for treatments. they have twelve therapists (don't steal mine  ; ) Ashleigh and Happiness) and Tamsyn,Bianca and Sue can help make your bookings.

Below are some pics I took last week while waiting for a patient. Just showing off the Scenic views.