Did you ever do a double take in the mirror and notice that your skin was no longer the way it used to be? All those late nights, sun exposure, and other factors are starting to take a toll. Premature aging and skin damage are indeed slowly creeping up on you, although they are preventable.
Most of you might relate to this dilemma since most questions we receive are about skin aging or skin tightening. So, we’ve deemed it necessary to address the common questions here.
What are the options for non-surgical skin tightening, especially around the eye area?
Eyebags or undereye puffiness is a structural problem that is caused by orbital fat herniation or outpouching below the skin of the eyelids. Dermal fillersare suitable non-surgical solutions to help camouflage the problem. These are minimally invasive injectables that can add volume to smooth out indentations.
Since the skin in the area is delicate, is it important that you trust a doctor who is skilled and experienced. Some may have bruising for up to a week or so. However, this is generally better downtime compared to that of surgery – and it is certainly less risky, too.
Is non-surgical eyebag removal effective in removing my eyebags?
There are several non-surgical eyebag removal procedures available today. At our clinic, we customize our approach to each patient. So, we consider every factor that contributes to your eyebags and undereye darkening for us to create a treatment plan that will properly address these specific problems.
For instance, if a patient in her early thirties comes in, we must first assess the reasons why she has developed eyebags or darkening of the skin around the eye area. We just don’t easily assume that she came in for skin-aging, because her problem could be caused by fluid accumulation, skin changes, changes of the cheek and surrounding structures, or genetics.
Some patients may easily take the radical route of surgery, but this doesn’t have to be so. Younger patients can be treated by adding a little bit of volume. We can use dermal fillers to hide the problem and improve any darkening caused by shadows. Any irregular pigmentation or red capillaries around the eyelid can be removed by an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or laser to achieve an overall enhanced appearance.
Surgery is an option especially if you have excess fat which causes substantial bulging. To ensure that you are properly advised, always consult an experienced physician to evaluate your eyelids and determine the changes that need to be addressedto achieve your goals.
How can non-surgical skin tightening treatments address problems like saggy skin, wrinkles, and forehead lines?
Non-surgical skin tightening treatments can provide a certain level of improvement. Compared to surgery, these services offer subtle but impressive improvements.
There is a range of treatments that fall under the umbrella of non-surgical skin tightening solutions. Some can help add volume, minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging, while others help stimulate collagen and elastin renewal. To know how these treatments work and how they benefit you requires an in-depth discussion with your provider. Each clinic has their own treatments and packages, and there are practitioners who are proponents of certain services. A personal consultation would be necessary to be well informed of what your options are, and how these can improve your case.
What are my non-surgical options to diminish the lines on my neck?
The skin on the neck has several issues to consider. These include:
- Excess, sagging skin
- Turkey gobblers (a result of the neck muscles sagging and separating in the midline)
- Too much neck fat or too little, if it was over-treated with liposuction
We must start with proper evaluation to ensure that you get the right treatment for skin aging concerns on your neck. You must understand that the extent of aging or sagging of the neck will determine the kind of treatment that is most appropriate.
For patients who prefer not to go the surgical route, our clinic has non-surgical treatments to correct the problem. We can address it using dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injectables. These treatments can soften the appearance of wrinkles, tighten the area, and even add more volume. Certain dermal fillers can stimulate collagen production to restore youthful-looking skin.
Another option that provides long-lasting results is a thread lift. It may not be a substitute for a facelift, but on the correct patient, the results can be impressive. Some of the threads available today have the capacity to stimulate neocollagenesis which causes further skin tightening and firming. This treatment can also be combined with fillers and anti-wrinkle injections for an optimal outcome.
The BTL Exilis Elite™ provides monopolar radiofrequency energy which has been proven by studies to promote skin collagen remodeling. Its focused technology provides a combination of heating and cooling at different depths thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines. It also improves the skin texture of the neckand other common areas of concern.
How much is a session of BTL Exilis Elite™?
The cost of the treatment will vary for every clinic and the areas you prefer to address. We recommend around 4 to 6 sessions spaced 7-10 days apart to achieve optimal results. It is only after a comprehensive consultation that you will be able to get an idea of the exact cost of the entire course of treatment. Therefore, we recommend that you come in for a personal evaluation, so that we can better advise you accordingly.
How many sessions are needed for BTL Exilis Elite™?
Each treatment patients receive at our clinic is customized to appropriately address their individual concerns. Most patients see a measurable difference after 2-4 visits and significant improvement with 5-6 sessions.
Is BTL Exilis Elite™ suitable for those who are 60 years old and above?
The suitable candidates for this treatment are men and women between the ages of 25-70+. They should have realistic expectations and understand that this is no miracle cure that will zap your imperfections in one sitting. This treatment is for those who are looking for subtle improvements instead of dramatic transformations, as one would expect in cosmetic surgery.
Which is more effective, BTL Exilis Elite™ or the New Thermage?
For us at The Aesthetics Centre, we use BTL Exilis Elite™ because we find it more effective and efficient than Thermage. Several practitioners hail the Exilisas an outstanding skin tightening treatment because it combines radiofrequency, which is found in Thermage, and ultrasound – a feature in Ultherapy. This means you get the best of both worlds.
Probably the biggest advantage that BTL Exilis Elite™ has over Thermage when it comes to skin tightening is the ability of the system to measure temperature increases in the skin. The practitioner can control the treatment better from a technical perspective instead of simply relying on a patient’s feedback. The Exilis device comes with a screen that informs the practitioner of the heat levels that are reached and whether effective levels are achieved during the process. Any heat-based procedure that is designed to tighten the skin must create enough heat to stimulate collagen remodeling. This built-in temperature measurement system is something Thermage has not had.
The BTL Exilis Elite™ system also has another fail-safe feature by automatically adjusting energy levels that senses tissue density and depth changes. This allows more energy to be automatically applied on areas where there are more tissues, and less around any bony structures to prevent any incidents of overheating. This feature is very important because it allows practitioners to achieve optimal levels of heat to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
BTL Exilis Elite™ is also a homerun in achieving better results than Thermage without subjecting the patient to pain.
Do you have questions that are not covered in this list? Drop us a line or book your consultation with Dr. Soosay now. We are more than happy to prepare a customized treatment for your different skin concerns.
