Shonagh Walker explores the non-invasive cosmetic treatments that can have you looking and feeling better in almost under an hour.
ZOOM Teeth Whitening
What is it? A state of the art in-clinic whitening process that can lighten teeth up to 13 shades.
‘Teeth and gums are checked for cavities and general health, and the teeth are ideally cleaned by a dentist or hygienist,’ explains Dr Gamer Verdian from Dental Lounge in Sydney. ‘A mould is taken of the teeth and a mouth guard is made for at-home whitening maintenance following the actual treatment. We recommend this in combination with the clinical treatment to ensure ideal long-term results. ‘
‘During the actual procedure, which typically happens on a second appointment, a pH-balanced hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied to all teeth. This is activated for 15 minutes using a special UV light, which gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep stains and discolouration.
‘The patient undergoes approximately three to five 15-minute sessions in this one appointment. A five-minute fluoride treatment competes the procedure, which in total takes approximately one and a half hours.’
Is it painful? ‘Approximately 25 percent of our patients experience sensitivity and zaps in their teeth for 24-48 hours after the procedure, but we can manage with mild sedation and pain relief,’ says Dr Verdian. ‘The teeth and gums may experience some sensitivity post-treatment, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.’
What results can I expect? Teeth appear between eight to 14 shades whiter immediately. Further whitening is achieved by using the at-home gel and mould, which should be worn either once a month or once every three months for one hour at a time, depending on lifestyle (ie, smokers
or red wine drinkers will require more frequent maintenance).
How many treatments do I need? This depends on the level of staining on your teeth. Some people may only require one treatment, whereas others may need to have a series of up to three sessions.
The Peach Lift Loop
What is it? Threads made from polypropylene are cleverly injected beneath the dermis and anchored to create an elevated and rejuvenated appearance to the face.
The threads are placed at a certain point in the face and worked upwards to be anchored to the muscle on a higher point of the face.
‘I use the technique of South African plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes,’ explains Dr John Mahony from Peach Cosmetic Medicine in Paddington, Sydney. ‘These ‘Fernandes loops’ are technically more demanding to put in, but because they rely on a firm knotted loop to achieve a lift, they promise better duration.’
Does it hurt? It shouldn’t. Topical anaesthetic is administered to the injection site and the threads themselves are infused with anaesthetic. ‘Most of my patients say that the most painful part is the injection of the anaesthetic,’ reveals Dr Mahony.
What results can I expect? This treatment helps alleviate sagging and jowling in the lower face, or in the brow area, elevating and smoothing the brow and helping to ease hooding of the eyelids.
How long does it last? The lifting effect of the threads is long lasting, with results lasting up to two to three years.
How many treatments do I need? ‘These lifts really last,’ explains Dr. Mahony, ‘however, we can put more loops in should the patient require further lift after the first or second treatment. We prefer to work in a way that achieves gradual and natural-looking results, rather than deliver a very dramatic and unnatural-looking result in one treatment.’
Dissolving A Double Chin
What is it? A TGA and FDA-approved chemical solution, which is similar to bile salts, is injected into the neck to dissolve fat.
‘The medication is injected and in much the same way that the fat is broken down in the gall bladder, it digests the fat, which is then metabolised and eliminated through the body’s natural functions,’ explains Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Anoop Rastogi. ‘The neck is red immediately after and swollen. The redness will subside within 24 hours and the swelling will ease after approximately two to five days.’
Does it hurt? There is mild stinging at the injection site during the procedure, and you may experience tenderness for up to a week following treatment. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
What results can I expect? For the right candidate, the neck is slimmed down considerably. Results start to become noticeable within around one week.
How many treatments? Between one and five treatments are required for best results.
Nefertiti Neck Lift
What is it? Wrinkle relaxing solution is injected into the neck to help alleviate sagging and horizontal lines.
‘We administer the injections in two parts,’ explains Dr Anoop Rastogi. ‘Firstly, we address the two vertical lines that run from the chin down the neck. Those lines are caused by the leading edge of the platysma muscle, so the treatment of this is to inject every few centimetres along the length of the muscle edge to relax it and make it less conspicuous.
‘There are also horizontal neck lines, which we occasionally treat with wrinkle-relaxing injections. The aim is to reduce the extent to which the lines are pinned to the underlying muscle, thus reducing the appearance of any horizontal lines along the neck.’
Does it hurt? There may be some slight stinging at the site of injection, but this only lasts a few seconds and is quite mild.
What results can I expect? ‘This is what one would call a variable procedure, in that it works very well in some people and not at all well in others,’ says Dr. Rastogi. ‘It is determined by patient selection – some people’s skin and muscle responds, however some patient’s skin is not conducive to achieving good results. When it does work, patient satisfaction is high.’
How many treatments do I need? Again, this depends on the patient. Some may respond and show fantastic results after one treatment, while others may need a series of treatments for best results.
Eyebrow Misting
What is it? This is a modern brow tattoo technique also known as ‘air brushing’.
‘It’s a very natural form of brow tattooing that is a popular alternative to feather touch tattooing,’ explains globally-renowned brow artist Amy Jean-Linnehan, who has rooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, London and Singapore.
‘We choose this for our clients depending on their type of eyebrow growth, brow colour and skin type. We use an airbrushing technique along the line of the brow to deliver a series of fine pigment dots into the skin. This creates a ‘mist’ of colour in the skin beneath the brow hairline.
Does it hurt? At times it may feel a little uncomfortable, but for the most part, it is relatively painless.
What results can I expect? ‘Clients can discuss their options with their artist. We can build more intense colour for the entire brow, or just fill in sparse areas such as the arch and tail for an ‘ombre’ effect,’ says Linnehan. ‘The healed result will minimise the use of eyebrow products as we have created background shading where you need it most. We can also use to help camouflage old and faded tattooing.’
How many treatments do I need? Usually only one treatment, with one follow-up visit, is required to achieve desired results.
Invisible Eyeliner
What is it? ‘Also known as Lash Enhancement, this technique creates undetectable definition for eyes,’ says Amy-Jean Linnehan. ‘Unlike traditional eyeliner tattooing, where ink is embedded above the lash line and frequently winged out, Invisible Eyeliner uses small needles to dot and fill within and around the lash bed.’
Does it hurt? Not particularly, although some clients may experience mild sensitivity if they are sensitive in the eye area to begin with. Anaesthetic balm is applied pre-treatment and the device used is a non-invasive tattoo machine that has very light, quiet vibrations. The eyes are closed throughout the procedure.
What results can I expect? Very finely etched lines are nestled tightly within the roots of the lashes and just slightly above it for a tidy finish that makes the eyes appear more defined and brighter and lashes fuller. Results last between three and 10 years.
How many treatments do I need? ‘Typically one treatment with a follow-up a few weeks later is enough to maintain great results for quite a few years.’
IV Therapy
What is it? IV (intravenous therapy) is when a liquid substance is administered directly into the vein through a thin tube called a cannula in order to deliver a therapeutic medication or treatment, explains Dr Jeremy Cumpston, who offers IV treatments at his Ageless Clinics in Sydney, Bondi Junction, Goulburn, Young and Bateman’s Bay.
Fluids are delivered via an IV cannula, which is inserted into the vein, often right in the middle of the arm. An IV solution will then be attached to it and hung up above the patient so it can run into the patient’s arm.
‘At our clinics, we tend to use Glutathione [an important antioxidant], Vitamin B12 and NAD+ [a potent anti-inflammatory co-enzyme] in our treatments,’ explains Dr Cumpston. ‘To support healthy immune function, Vitamin C is also a good option. The infusions we offer support healthy gut and brain function and provide significant assistance in increasing mental clarity and energy levels, mostly attributable to the NAD+ component of the IV treatment.’
Does it hurt? No. There might be some discomfort as the cannula is inserted, but the treatment is well tolerated, if not relaxing.
How long do results last? This depends on the individual and their lifestyle, but nutrient levels can remain elevated for between two to three weeks after each treatment.
Chemical Brow Lift
What is it? Wrinkle-relaxing solution is injected precisely into the brow to rebalance the muscles and overcome the effects of gravity.
What is involved? The solution is injected into the muscles that keep the brow low, which gives the muscles responsible for raising the brow great ability to rise.
What results can I expect? Within one week of injecting, the brows take on a more arched look, the forehead is smoother, and the eyes appear less drooped. ‘A chemical brow lift relies on the strength of the patient’s forehead muscles and therefore works better in some patients than others,’ explains Dr Rastogi. ‘Patients who don’t find success with this procedure could look at having a mechanical brow lift instead.’
Is there any Downtime? There is no downtime.
Mechanical Brow Lift
What is it? Temporary dermal fillers are injected into the brow to create subtle elevation and a sculpted effect.
What is involved? ‘We mechanically lift the brow by injecting the filler into the hair-bearing part of the brow,’ says Dr Rastogi. ‘We inject it into the brow in line with its natural arch.’
What results can I expect? The brow is lifted upwards and at the same time a more open eye effect is created, with a less droopy lid.
Is there any downtime? There is no downtime.
Lip Enhancement
Adding Volume
This is quite simply achieved by plumping the lips with the use of dermal fillers.
‘The injection is done to the pulp of the lip,’ says Dr Rastogi. ‘Usually, the top lip needs more enhancing than the bottom, but we may create a little roll over on the bottom lip by injecting the vermillion border (lip line), causing it to pout more.’
Defining the Vermillion Border
This adds definition to a lip where the border is softening, and also helps stop lipstick bleeding, which occurs with the onset of smoker’s lines.
‘We typically add a filler to enhance the border and the Cupid’s bow,’ says Dr Rastogi. ‘It can give the effect that is the equivalent of using lip liner. At the same time, we may add subtle volume to the lip.’
Highlighting Cupid’s Bow
As we age, the Cupid’s Bow (the peak above the top lip) becomes less defined and appears to slacken.
‘Enhancing it with a filler adds a classic shape to the lip and a youthful reflection,’ says Dr Rastogi. ‘We simply augment the peak with a hyaluronic acid filler and it immediately creates a younger looking appearance. Typically, this is done alongside defining the vermillion border.’
Does it hurt? A local anaesthetic is first administered to numb the lip in all three procedures.
Is there any downtime? There is slight swelling for around 24 hours.
Filling Out Lines
Softening NasoLabial Folds
Nasolabial lines run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. As we age, a deep furrow is created due to the gravitational effect that causes the cheeks to descend towards the mouth.
‘We simply inject a filler, suited to the depth of the groove, into the lines to fill out furrows,’ explains Dr Rastogi.
Occasionally wrinkle injections can be injected to the side of the nose to help soften a deep furrow.
‘There is a muscle near the side of the nose that holds the crease down. If we inject this muscle, it relaxes and releases the crease. We rarely do this, however, as it can cause the lip to fall a little bit. We would only do it if someone had a gummy smile with a deep naso-labial fold.’
Softening Marionette Lines
Marionette lines are the grooves that run from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin that can cause the face.
‘Commonly we treat these using a layered filler technique,’ says Dr Rastogi. ‘We use a sturdier filler deep within the furrow to plump it out and correct the groove, then a finer filler superficially to erase the appearance of the crease on the skin. In addition, we can inject wrinkle relaxing solution to rebalance muscles so that the smile muscles are better able to lift the corner of the mouth and oppose gravity.’
Does it hurt? A block is first administered so you’ll only feel the sting of the local anaesthetic.
Is there any downtime? With both procedures, there is little to no downtime. There may be minimal redness and swelling, which should subside within a few hours. Any bruising should subside within a few days.
Creating an Upturned Smile
Wrinkle-relaxing injections can be used to create a gorgeously upturned mouth.
‘There is a muscle called the Depressor Angularous Oris Muscle, which is responsible for keeping the mouth down-turned,’ explains Dr Rastogi. ‘We inject this, so it relaxes and the muscles responsible for smiling are better able to lift the corner of the mouth at rest. It produces what we call the ‘Cameron Diaz’ smile. Even when static, the corners of the mouth are slightly upturned. It can create a happy, soft expression at all times.’
Does it hurt? There is little pain, aside that of the injection, although ‘happy gas’ can also be administered to relax the patient.
Is there any downtime? There is no downtime.
Enerjet
What is it? Afraid of needles? Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr Daniel Lanzer, is one of the first doctors in Australia to use this innovative new technique where hyaluronic acid is literally ‘blown’ beneath the skin.
The technique uses compressed air to force a microform of the filler under the skin, into the dermis. It breaks the skin and creates a tiny trauma, without using needles, and the HA enters via the tiny wound.
‘There are two parts to anti-ageing and treating scarring,’ explains Dr Lanzer. ‘One is to replace volume, so you lift things up in the skin, and the other is to try to stimulate the collagen to get tightening of the skin. We can accomplish both of these with Enerjet. The trauma it creates is much like mild laser treatments that are used to smooth the skin’s surface, but because we are placing filler in the skin at the same time, we achieve both results.’
Does it hurt? ‘There’s a slight discomfort, as though someone was flicking a tiny rubbing band on your skin, but it’s not enough to require numbing cream. It depends on the patient’s pain threshold and the areas treated.
Downtime? There is some downtime as the skin is broken and you might get tiny wound marks on the surface for up to five days, but these can be effectively masked with makeup.
What results can we expect? ‘It can effectively treat hollowing around the eyes, add volume to the cheeks or even be used for acne scars. We don’t use it for targeted areas, like plumping the lips, but it works well on wider areas like the face, around the mouth, the backs of the hands or the décolletage.’
The Beauty Booster
What is it? ‘Ideal for dry, crepey and thinning, finely lined skin on the face, neck and décolletage, this treatment directly delivers hyaluronic acid via hypodermic micro-injections with the Beauty Boost gun,’ explains Dr Jeremy Cumpston.
‘The Beauty Boost gun is a hand-held tool with a head that has several needles on it, so it delivers the fine filler to a global area, rather than one needle to a targeted zone.’
What results can I expect? It takes less than an hour and results are immediate and dramatic – think dewy, hydrated, firmer skin. And because the treatment can be tailored to your needs and be combined with vital nutrients and vitamins, it can also address redness, broken capillaries and pigmentation.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Facial
What is it? ‘This natural facial rejuvenation treatment helps to improve the complexion and its overall wellbeing,’ says wellness practitioner Kelli Howard from Zen Medicine Clinic. ‘It addresses underlying imbalances within the body which cause facial problems, and it directly treats problem areas on the face such as fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and discolouration or dull complexion.’
‘A typical first treatment involves a comprehensive consultation to discuss areas of concern and questions are asked regarding diet and lifestyle to enable the practitioner to deliver a personalised treatment. Makeup is removed and facial massage is given to prepare the skin for treatment.
‘The client then relaxes while receiving acupuncture on the body and then to the face. Needles are retained in the facial area for approximately 20 mins. After withdrawing needles, the patient receives a gentle facial massage with rose or arnica oil and a cool jade roller to seal the pores.’
Does it hurt? ‘The treatment is gentle, involving the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the face,’ explains Howard. ‘There may be slight discomfort briefly as the needle is inserted in certain areas, but it is minimal. When the skin is needled, it causes a micro trauma stimulating the production of collagen and elastin giving the skin a more even tone, a lifted and plumping effect and a youthful glow.
What results can I expect? ‘Following the first treatment, we expect the patient to look and feel relaxed, lifted and brighter. As the body begins to balance and blood flow is invigorated, it radiates through the face for a natural- and healthy-looking complexion.
‘The number of treatments required to see results varies from patient to patient depending on many factors, such as age, lifestyle and constitution. In general, if the patient’s concern is dry and dull skin we will see brightness, glow and pumping in three or four weeks with one session a week. For collagen loss causing fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, 10 -15 sessions are required either once or twice per week although changes can be seen after four weeks.
‘Results last depending on the patient’s lifestyle – diet, sleep and stress play a significant role in determining the timeframe. The practitioner will offer support in dietary and lifestyle guidance if this is an issue. We ultimately want to support the patient to feel energised and relaxed and at the same time look glowing and healthy.’ CBM
