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.

Facial Fetish

So as you may have noticed I love going to spas and getting pampered. My spa adventures would mainly include pampering massages and pedi's/manis. I wouldn't really have regular "pampering" facials.  I'd go in for regular peels or do peels for myself. Lately , since having a Decleor Facial here, I've been getting my facial fix on a regular basis. Tomorrow I'm going to Jackie's for my well-deserved Decleor Facial (yey!) and I've also booked a facial for next Friday (the public holiday) a "Heavenly Journey Six Facial" at La Ti Da Beauty (the link takes you to the Facebook Page) owned by Ashleigh Kelly. I've been there before for some Incoco Wraps. Ashleigh is an incredible therapist that is very caring and is truly passionate about what she does. I used to go to her 'way back when" for her super hot stone massages and Dermalogica facials so I know she does a great facial.

I couldn't resist this crazy special Ashleigh is running -

Book the Heavenly journey "six" facial which includes:
Deep Cleanse
Exfoliation and enzyme peel
Hydrating mask
... Your choice of a 10 minute back massage, indian head massage or hand massage
AND
receive a classic manicure FREE!

All for R220.00 (this is only valid for April). She'll be open on the public holiday.

Contact: Ashleigh 0729100486

Six Skin Care comes from the same people who have brought us those delicious Spalicious products so I'm quite keen to try the facial. Will let you guys know how it went but I know I'm in good hands!

Loss of Volume as we age - What to do about it

The above picture illustrates how the face does not age in a uniform pattern.

 Oh dear – as we age we lose the youthful angles of our face. Many of us are concerned with those deep lines that run from the nose to mouth (naso-labial lines) . This is caused by the descent of the malar fat pad (the fat that sits over cheek area). To restore volume in the cheek area using dermal fillers such as Restylane Perlane is extremely effective as you can see here.

Chasing individual wrinkles is not the answer but addressing the problem in a “global” or “holistic” way by restoring volume (Perlane) along with restoring the skin's hydrobalance  (Restylane Vital ) .The treatments are non-invasive and safe with minimal downtime.

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

Blogger Dream Spot -Tioman Island Malaysia

If you've seen my other Blogger Dreamspot posts you'll know that I am a sucker for clear, tropical blue water and beautiful beaches (as well as waterfalls). Have a look at this gem.

 Tioman Island (Malay language: Pulau Tioman) is a small, tear-drop shaped island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status.

Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 12,383 hectares, in Tioman is a strictly enforced nature reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse deer, Brush-tailed Porcupine, and Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks

According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess. Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travelers.It is blessed with miles of soft white sandy beaches. The warm azure sea water around the islands is filled with abundance of colourful coral reefs which are already 6000 years old. It is also home to a vast variety of marine creatures including various tropical reef fishes, rare turtle species, sharks as well as giant clam and sometimes even schools of dolphins. With its crystal clear water and good visibility, it is one of the best dive sites in the world.

You can have a look at my other Blogger Dreamspots by typing " Blogger Dreamspots " in the Search Bar on the right .

Oh Dear - I've read both !

Change is as good as a holiday?

In 1999, Masumi Kobayashi created “Seed Letters” (using bean sprouts) which helped her explore the idea of change.

What an amazing original idea about growth and change (a metaphor for personal growth and development perhaps?)

Lovely Result in Restoring Youthful Contours using Restylane Perlane and the Pix'l Micro-cannula

Patient (60s) before Perlane treatment but after Restylane Lip Treatment

This patient has already had one of my Luscious Lotus Lip Augmentations With Restylane (3 weeks before this procedure) and some Botox around the eyes (so called Crow's Feet) and also the frown lines (those infamous 11 lines between the brows).
Perlane was used to augment cheeks - to restore the youthful contours of the face and to restore the Golden Triangle. Next treatment on the list is a Restylane Vital course for this patient and some perlane in the temple region as well as in the tear troughs.

Comedy Adventures : Notorious with Russel Peters

Recently A whole bunch of us went to check out Russel Peters for his Notorious at Carnival City . Have a look here  and here to learn a little more about him. We laugh non-stop since he started talking. As they say -I guess you had to be there. I've shared two of his videos on the blog so you can see what he is all about , he does a lot of improv and observational comedy. We have one of his DVDs at home and have watched it loads of times. Other Comedians we like are Trevor Noah (his new Crazy Normal DVD is great) , Nic Rabinowitz, Riaad Moosa, Loyiso Gola.

A South African comedian that is doing quite well , especially now, is Riaad Moosa (he is also a medical doctor). he recently realeased a movie Material , that did really well at the SA Box Office. My husband and I really enjoyed it. I met one person who was disappointed by it but she referred to Joey Rasdien as Mark Lottering (credibility shot down).She is also from Durban which is a bit different from Fordsburg so maybe that could have been it? She said it was boring and she couldn't identify with it. Well we thought it was funny and we really identified with it and it reminded me of my dad's "shop" when I was younger.

Cappuccino Chronicles - Bean There Coffee Cupping Experience

So the hubby (he of  the affairs of the tart ) and I went to our much anticipated Coffee Cupping at Bean There at the 44 Stanley in Milpark. We used to drive past the one in Wale Street in CT when we went for the Camps Bay Holiday and say "woooooo Bean There , we're going next week" and other similar silly things.

We arrived and greeted by Sarah , who is the co-founder along with her brother Jonathan. Sarah is amazingly passionate about Bean There's vision. They don't compromise on their standards and beliefs . They are really committed to making exceptional coffee and these coffee cupping sessions are an amzing oppotunity to learn about what they do as well as learn about coffee (we're not talking Jacobs here people, these people are stratospheres beyond that). They only use and source the top 2 % of coffee on the world. They are especially commited to "African" coffee. They are also all about adventure - going to and experiencing all the countries they source coffee beans from. Gosh , Sarah was saying so much , I was trying to remember it all for the blog . (bad job here) Anyway it was #amazeballs and I would love to do it again. What is fantastic about Bean There , they are always striving to be better , make better coffee, do it in a better way, make things better. It seems as if they relish adventures and challenges.

With a love for coffee and a passion for the African adventure, Bean There Coffee Company acquires, through direct fair trade, the world’s finest single origin coffee, which is roasted in small batches to produce an exclusive optimal roast.Bean There is committed to providing unblended, single origin coffee from one carefully selected country and region, their  goal is to allow the coffee drinker the opportunity to know a country through its coffee.

Direct fair trade means producers receive a fair payment for their coffee through equal engagement, regardless of market fluctuations, which ensures community development, empowerment, and sustainability. Bean There enhances their trading relationships through practicing DIRECT FAIR TRADE which involves travelling to the country of origin, personally selecting the coffee, meeting the coffee farmers and their community, and partnering with already established programs or initiating new programs. Regardless of certification, Bean There operates according to direct fair trade principles and we believe in not discriminating against amazing coffee which lacks “certification” but rather building a healthy and sustainable trade relationship with the producers

 Bean There provides single origin, unblended coffee beans from one country and region. All coffee beans have an optimal roast: a point within the roasting process where the key coffee elements of aroma, body, acidity and flavour meet perfectly, resulting in a most desirable, optimal roast. Bean There has directly sourced the world’s most exclusive coffee which it traditionally hand-roasts in small batches. The coffee taste and experience emanates class, distinction, extravagance, and passion. Every cup of Bean There coffee creates an adventure able to transport the taster to the jungles of risk, the farms of intrigue, the plains of mystery, and the taste of Africa’s coffee heritage.

The Coffees

Great Ambience

We luuuuuuurve cheese spreads and the figs were #amazeballs.

Their Probat Roaster

Sarah in the back and Thenkiso (their Master Roaster) doing a quiz. Here we learnt some interesting things
and the hubby won a prize (freshly ground coffee from Burundi - freshly ground as in ground that day! #amazeballs).
We learnt about the most expensive coffee in the world

Kopi luwak or civet coffee, is one of the world's most expensive and low-production varieties of coffee. It is made from the beans of coffee berries which have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet – a sort of Lemur (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and other related civets, then passed through its digestive tract.A civet eats the berries for their fleshy pulp. In its stomach, proteolytic enzymes seep into the beans, making shorter peptides and more free amino acids. Passing through a civet's intestines the beans are then defecated, keeping their shape. After gathering, thorough washing, sun drying, light roasting and brewing, these beans yield an aromatic coffee with much less bitterness apparently .This coffee was widely noted as the most expensive coffee in the world with prices reaching $600 per pound

Kopi luwak is produced mainly on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi in the Indonesian Archipelago. It is also produced in the Philippines (where the product is called motit coffee in the Cordillera, kape alamid in Tagalog areas) and also produced in East Timur (where it is called kafé-laku). Weasel coffee is a loose English translation of its Vietnamese name cà phê Chồn, where popular, chemically simulated versions are also produced. However, Vietnam has 2 farms with 300 wild civets in Dak Lak. The farmers collect the coffee seeds and produce only 300 kg of authentic Vietnamese chon coffee.

 

When I first started sniffing I sniffed so hard it shot in my eye. Lol. It's amazing how the different coffees smelled - leather, hazelnut, toast, blueberries. The lady that sat on our table smelled a bit of cigarettes and Barbie (don't ask!)

Starting to brew the coffee

The Coffee brewing, after this , we remove the crust and taste it.

The Hubby tasting

Love the decor

A foamer

Head of Research and Development - this is serious business

The best Flat White in the whole wide world (so far) . No sweetner required! Wow wow and woooooooow! You can correct me on this but a flat white is a coffee beverage originating from Australia. It is prepared by pouring microfoam (steamed milk from the bottom of a pitcher) over a single or double shot of espresso. It is similar to the latte and the café au lait. Like other espresso-based beverages, it can be interpreted in various ways.The beverage is typically served in a small, 150–160 millilitre, ceramic cup. Microfoam is used, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. A flat white may incorporate latte art.

A cappuccino is similar, but has a head of dry foam rather than microfoam. The Spanish Cafe con Leche is similar to a flat white but uses scalded milk. In a flat white, the milk is steamed to 60–70 °C (typically 150–170 °F). Steaming the milk to a lower temperature retains the fats and proteins in the milk which retain a sweet flavour, lost when milk is steamed to scalding temperatures.A Cafe con Leche also lacks the head of microfoam.

Love the figs

Have a look at the website :Check it out here. It was a lot of fun , we met some interesting people , had some great coffee and learnt a lot. We'll both be returning to Bean There