Anti Aging Blog

It is inevitable. You will age and your husband’s eyes may wander. As in the case of Jack Neo.

Looking at the old pictures of him and his wife, Irene. I must say that Irene is quite the catch for him with her pretty Eurasian looks. Unfortunately, time has taken its toll with her and she does not quite look as fetching now. Is that the reason for him hitting on young (very young!) women? I can’t say but it is a common fact that men do like sweet young things as they get older.

Thankfully, there are now many non-invasive aesthetic treatments that can help maintain your good looks without resorting to going under the knife. 

Here’s some advice from Dr David Loh:

Go for subtle changes that will gradually improve over time. Enhance your inner beauty and confidence without changing your looks too dramatically. Less is indeed more! Choose treatments, like the Ulthera, that makes you look and feel good without any curiosity or suspicious attention from people around you.  Imagine a painless instant facelift that leaves absolutely no swelling, redness or marks. That is the Ulthera Non-surgical Facelift.

Here’s more information about the Ulthera Non-surgical Facelift:
http://www.reviewantiaging.com/non-surgical-face-lift-special.html 

According to Dr David Loh, each treatment offered by his clinic is not there by chance. “They are all beyond doubt the gentlest within its class of treatments. For example Ulthera Non-surgical Facelift, as a skin tightening procedure, leaves absolutely no redness or visible marks. It is such an elegant procedure that patients feel confident enough return to work the same day. This is unlike many popular laser treatments offered today where there is some redness (or a feeling of rawness) that may take several days to go away.”
 
VASER is another example where less is more. Less pain and recovery time, but more fats are removed. It is indisputably the gentlest among office-based liposuction procedures. The sound waves that destroy the fat cells do no harm to the blood vessels, nerves or muscles. This process is called Vaser Lipo-Selection. Bruising and discomfort is reduced to a fraction that compared with conventional liposuction.

 

Vibroliposculpture

Skin Lab Medspa

Name of treatment: Vibroliposculpture

What is it for: Fat reduction

Treatment process: This is a fairly new procedure using power assisted machine to remove fats. It is under the category of power assisted liposuction where you still need to make 4mm incision to assess fats under the skin for removal. But the downtime and safety margin is much better than traditional liposuction. It reduces fats significantly and can be done for large areas of fats. You also need to do it only once usually.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Cost: $5000 onwards

eMax Triniti

ClearSK Aesthetic Centres

Name of treatment: eMax Triniti®

What is it for: A favourite among Hollywood Stars, the eMax Triniti® is the complete aesthetic treatment combining 3 techonologies of the triniti series- feature combined bi-polar radio frequency and light energies which precisely heat tissue within the targeted treatment area to stimulate improvement within the skin. To achieve tight and firm skin appearance, safely treat tiny spider vessels and red and brown spots and also smooth deeper lines around the nose and mouth. A comfortable treatment with minimal down-time, a lunch-time procedure that you can try anytime.

Treatment process: Treatment begins with cleansing and application of numbing cream.

1. Colour correction treats spider weins, age spots, uneven skin tone and sun-damaged skin.

2. Refirme Skin Tightening targets telltale signs of aging, including: jowl and neck laxity, sagginess under the eyes, saggy brow lines, and nasolabial folds.

3. Matrix IR Fractional Wrinkle Treatment resolves wrinkles, and skin texture becomes smoother and more elastic.

Treatment ends with a soothing masque.

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: From $350

Thermage CPT handpiece

Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic

Name if treatment: Thermage CPT which stands for Comfort Pulse Technology

What is it for: This is great for non-surgical face lifting or skin-tightening and was just launched two weeks ago in Singapore. Calvin Chan is the first clinic to offer this treatment. Treatment process: A vibrating hand piece coupled with pulsed radiofrequency energy is used on treatment area. The treatment is also painless.

Duration: The treatment takes one hour and results last for two years.

Cost: $6000 for full face and neck.

Hairloss

 Divine Medspa

Name of treatment: XL Hair What is it for: Stimulating hair growth.

Treatment process: Serum is infused into scalp with jet of cmpressed air. This contains 47 active ingredients to stimulate hair growth. The jet also increases microcirculation. This treatment is repeated weekly for 8 sessions. A home care spray used 3x a week helps to enhance & maintain the results. Absolutely no pain or downtime. Can see results within a month.

Duration: 20 minutes x 8 weeks

Cost: $150/session, $1000/8 sessions. Home spray $130. All before GST.

Velashape

What is it for: Weight loss and cellulite

Treatment process: Using a combination of Bi-Polar radiofrequency, Infrared Light energy, Vacuum and Mechanical Massager, Velashape works on both the upper and deeper layers of the skin matrix, raising the metabolism of stored energy. It also aids lymphatic drainage and shrinks fat cells.

Duration: 10 minutes per section.

Upper and lower abdomen – (2 section /1 area)

Left and right flangs – (2 section / 1 area)

Each thigh (1 area)

Both arms (1 area)

Neck  (1 area).

Cost: Price is $250 per area/session.

Here’s what’s new in the anti aging and beauty market.

Rose 2

Name: Rose-2™ Clinical Skin Care System developed by Dr SM Yuen

What is it for: Rose-2™ helps users combat signs of aging, dull blotchy skin, wrinkled skin, uneven skin tone and age spots. Dr Yuen collaborated with a Korean skincare product specialist to develop Rose-2™ to use in combination with his in-clinic treatments. They’ve combined scientifically proven medical grade active ingredients with the nourishing and gentle benefits of botanical ingredients to ensure that in their Rose-2™, over enthusiastic skin stimulation is avoided while allowing sufficient potency so that users can experience optimal results.

Active ingredients: Alpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Perfluorodecalin (PFC). Botanical extracts: Willow Bark Extract, Trehalose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

8 products available:
Splash Away – Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Hydra Intenz – Advanced Renewal Moisturizer
Hydra Relief – Skin Perfecting Moisturizer
Derma Refine – Double Action ExfoliantMasque
Time Off – Recovery Booster Cream
UV Shield – SPF 30 PA +++
Total Clear – Skin Tone Brightener
Hydra Brite – Brightening Eye Complex  

Price range: $47.00 – $151.80
 
More details in their website: Under Rose-2 tab http://www.atlasmedicalclinic.com/

Infuzion

INFUZION™ gold liquid masques are a modern facial indulgence, based on ancient proven traditions. Finely crafted by extracting active key ingredients through a pure, gold lined infusion process, each INFUZION masque is made with a time-released formula that is rich in important minerals, essential vitamins and active extracts.

The refreshing ingredients promote immediate moisture to the surface of the skin to help combat signs of fatigued skin while promoting a healthy, beautiful look. (Can’t wait to try this!)

Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Plant Collagen Powder
- Cucumber Extract
- Plant Collagen Protein
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B5
- Glycerin

Nectifirm

Nectifirm is the only product available that addresses all the changes that occur as the skin on the neck ages. It contains power ingredients formulated to rejuvenate your neck area by treating it differently from the skin on your face.
Backed by years of intensive research, Nectifirm is the most complete treatment for firming, smoothing and hydrating the neck and decolletage, making them able to withstand gravity’s daily pull.

*96% of patients experienced a firmer neck with Nectifirm! (Will pass this to Mom to try…)

All products above are available at David Loh Surgery.

Ulthera - latest anti aging breakthrough!

Ulthera is a revolution in the field of skin tightening treatments. It is the first ever aesthetic treatment that incorporates ultrasound imaging for the visualisation of tissue beneath the skin’s surface. Guided by the ultrasound scan of the skin’s different layers, doctors can, for the first time ever in the history of aesthetic treatments, deliver focused energy at prescribed depths within the skin. The energy enables a significant lifting of skin tissue while leaving superficial layers completely intact.

The energy triggers a healing response which makes skin more elastic and more radiant. Skin forms new and improved collagen, which gradually tightens and lifts the skin from within. Collagen and elastin fibers are the main supportive structures within the skin against gravitational effects. Forget two weeks downtime, this procedure involves absolutely no recovery time as there is no breakage of skin. 

Ulthera is suitable for everyone – no matter what race and age. With over 1000 patients treated worldwide, Ultherapy (skin-tightening with Ulthera) has been shown to produce significant lifting of lax skin. In the pivotal trial, noticeable improvement occurred in nearly 9 out of 10 patients (89 percent) resulting in less hooding or skin laxity on the upper eyelid and a more open, refreshed appearance overall. Study patients noted lifting, tightening and firming in other areas of the face and neck as well, such as the cheeks and along the jawline. Results developed gradually over a 90-day period following treatment and results can last up to four years!

Find out how you can win this revolutionary treatment here:

http://www.facebook.com/aestheticmakeovers

Donatella Versace

This is the latest photo of Donatella Versace. Doesn’t she look scary? Like a living corpse…and she is still sun-tanning!

To avoid looking like her, avoid the sun and if you must, make sure you apply lots of sunblock (I normally do that as well as cover my head with a towel if I’m at the pool).

You’ll need more than sun avoidance to maintain your looks today - what with the amount of chemicals we consume, hectic lifestyles we lead and stronger UV rays thanks to global warming . Being a guinea pig for my anti aging website, I am lucky to be able to try all the latest anti aging aesthetic treatments and here’s my top picks to keep you looking youthful from head to toe:

For radiant and poreless skin:

Erbium Laser Treatment

If money was no object:

Ulthera Face Lifting Treatment

Having whiter teeth will make you look younger and more attractive:

BriteSmile Teeth Whitening Treatment

Get rid of dark eye rings for an instant, refreshed look:

Underye Fillers

Not into lasers, but want clearer and brighter skin, try this:

Ferulic Acid Chemical Peel

Want to get fit and remove cellulite at the same time? This treatment will help:

Power Plate Weight Loss and Cellulite Treatment

For a luxurious facial that will give you an instant glow:

Fil Anti Aging Stem Celluar Treatment

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know who Dr Georgia Lee is. She is Singapore’s undisputed anti aging queen and celebrities flock to her in droves to maintain their looks. The first doctor to break news about the latest face-lifting machine, Ulthera (on my anti aging website, ReviewAntiAging.com) as well as purchase the $250,000 dream machine, patients of this doyenne can count on her to always be on the forefront of anti aging treatments.

Besides work, Dr Lee is also a doctor who sure knows how to have a good time! Whether it is attending the most stylish party in town or hosting her own shindig, you can count on her to show up looking spectacular. Not one to shy from fashion trends, be it D&G pyjamas or Balenciaga’s Bladerunner-esque tights, she wears them all with panache.

Ok, my mind is blank this week, hence this mundane post…

With money tighter than ever, you would expect aesthetic treatments to be the last thing on everyone’s mind. However, with the current job market, there is more pressure than ever to look young and attractive, which is sending people in droves to the doctor for minimally invasive procedures. These procedures have short to no recovery time, but can make you look younger and instill confidence on your job search.

Here’s an interesting article I found in Channel News Asia reporting about the trend:

More people are going for aesthetic treatments despite the recession, and what is interesting is that increasing numbers of them are men.

To look their best this festive season, some are pulling out all the stops.

Aesthetic service providers said business has increased some 30 per cent despite the recession.

Many go for botox and laser treatments to reduce ageing signs, while others opt to go under the knife to sharpen their image.

But if you think these only involve women, think again. Men now make up 15 per cent of clients.

Dr Gerard Tan, medical director, Neuglow, said: “Men also realise the importance of actually looking good. A lot of all these procedures are non-invasive and do not need much time.

“All they have to do is to come in for a simple procedure, may it be a botox injection or filling up a void in their face – just basically simple procedures. This has made them want to come in, more actually.”

Observers said people are more willing to invest in aesthetic treatments to get an edge in the job market – especially during an economic downturn.

Some have even gone to the point of getting non-scientifically proven treatments. These include cellular therapy and placenta injections which are supposed to regenerate youthful looks.

Currently, doctors need to seek approval from the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee before offering such procedures. This is because they are not considered well-established practices in the aesthetic treatment field.

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile,” says American writer, Martin Charnin.

It’s true. Your smile is the centerpiece of your facial expression and it conveys warmth, love and sincerity. No wonder 96% of people agree that having a great smile makes you more appealing to the opposite sex.

So what makes a good smile and what can we do to achieve that?

Hollywood Smile Makeover workshop at Orchard Scotts Dental

That’s the theme for the Hollywood Smile Makeover workshop I attended at Orchard Scotts Dental today. According to presenter, Dr Ronnie Yap, a perfect smile comprises of:

 - Straight, evenly spaced teeth

- Healthy white teeth

- Top teeth should show without too much gums

- Top teeth should meet lower teeth smoothly

Treatments available for the perfect smile include:

 - Teeth whitening where you can opt to have it done at the clinic (called the in-office whitening) or do it yourself with a take home whitening kit.

- Onlays where you replace your old mercury fillings with porcelain ones that are the same colour as your teeth. Mercury fillings may leak into your body and be toxic.

- Veneers which can whiten and lengthen damaged teeth.

Invisalign

- Invisalign, the new invisible braces that can straighten your teeth in nine to 15 months. The braces look like retainers, are very thin and you have to change them every two weeks till you achieve your desired result. Usually 18 to 30 sets are used and costs range from $6500 to $9000. Over one million cases have been done worldwide.

- Gum reshaping where lasers are used to even out gums.

Patient before and after smile rejuvenation

- Full mouth rejuvenation, also called life-changing dentistry, and from the before and after photos of patients. The results were indeed amazing – all of them looked younger, fresher and happier!

Dr Yap is a dentist who is extremely well-versed in teeth aesthetics as well as holistic dentistry. The latter is where he treats body ailments like headaches, ear problems and neckaches by working on your teeth. According to Dr Yap, the way you bite or clench your teeth can result in these problems. Several treatments are available depending on your condition and what you prefer.

Today’s workshop started off with two participants selected to do a temporary smile makeover. First, molds of their teeth were taken, then these molds were used to create the temporary teeth veneers that were like dentures, placed over the real teeth. The result was astounding as you can see.

Jenny before and after her temporary smile makeover

Jenny, the selected candidate looked immediately more radiant with her new smile and even her eyes were bigger as she did not have to strain so much to show her top teeth now!

The friendly team at Orchard Scotts Dental with their model today

There is so much more to teeth than just tools for mastication and Orchard Scotts Dental, with its team of friendly and highly knowledgeable doctors and staff, is the perfect place to go to get your perfect smile!

Most of us don’t realize is that age affects more than just our skin. To look young, it is not only important to have a great complexion, it is also as important to understand the other aspects can easily give away the fact that you are turning old. One such aspect is your teeth.

Now you may ask how can teeth possibly reflect your age, or make you look older. It has been proved that as one turns older, teeth tends to turn yellow and look damaged. These factors depend a lot on how we maintain our teeth. Though, one thing is for sure, the more you ignore your teeth, the worse they will look, especially during your old age.

To look younger, teeth aesthetics (eg, teeth whitening, Invisialign) is a treatment everybody should opt for. Remember, it is always better to start with subtle yet noticeable aspects on your face before attempting any major anti aging treatments. A person with a dazzling smile displaying straight, white teeth looks fresh and smart. He or she looks more confident and full of vigor than someone with yellow, damaged teeth which can make them look dull and unkempt. Bright and shiny teeth brighten up your entire face each time you smile.

It is important for one to understand that looks is not just about the most prominent features looking good, looks is about the combined impact of all features on one’s face, whether it is sharply noticeable or not. One faulty feature can ruin the entire beauty of the face and can make one look much older.

Keen to find out how you can have a beautiful smile like Angelina Jolie? Look out for my review of Hollywood Smile Makeover workshop organized by Orchard Scotts Dental next week!

Read my teeth whitening review here: http://www.reviewantiaging.com/britesmile-teeth-whitening.html

CEO Franklin Heng who died from liposuction recently

The recent case of Franklin Heng, CEO of YTL Plastic Star could be the first case of someone in Singapore dying from Liposuction.

So is liposuction safe?

This depends upon many factors. I mean, yes – it is safe if the below factors are in your favor and the guidelines followed.

Success and safety depends largely on these factors:

- If you disclose your complete medical history, conditions, medications, and anything else which is pertinent to helping a surgeon assess if you are a good candidate

- The ability of a surgeon to determine if you are a true candidate for the procedure

- The surgical skill and training of the surgeon

- The skill and training of the anesthesiologist (if applicable) and surgical staff

- Your willingness to follow post-operative protocol obediently

Here are some key factors to increase your chances of a safe and satisfying surgery. You must realize things DO happen but you can do your best to prevent them.

Before embarking on liposuction:

- Research, research, research! This means finding out about the procedure, the risks, the recovery and what to expect, most importantly, YOUR SURGEON

- Search for a properly trained and extremely experienced surgeon to perform your liposuction. Make sure they are certified to give you the results you desire – safely

- Go on consistent results and word of mouth. But it is YOUR decision, don’t let your friends sway your decision

- Inquire regarding the skill and training of the surgical and recovery staff

- Be sure to convey your exact expectations, and make sure they are realistic. You can’t turn into Megan Fox overnight with a little liposuction

- Prepare your mind before your procedure and don’t have overly high expectations – this is important to avoid disappointment

- Follow post-operative protocol as instructed

- Attend your post-operative appointments