Know Your Injector........

Fillers and BTA (botox/dysport) are still perhaps the bread and butter of medical aesthetics despite the emergence of new technologies and machines. It is a simple technique requiring injection of products into the skin layers/muscle to create a more appealing youthful look almost instantly. It is a very lucrative business too. Because of this, a lot of people try to learn to inject. Even if they have no medical background. Hence you will see that in certain places, beauticians or aestheticians as they call themselves injecting fillers and products into customers and so-called 'cheaper' price than doctors. (Really?)

What most people do not realize is that hypodermic needles and syringes are only licensed to be used by doctors in this country (and also most other countries as well). Even nurses or MAs are not licensed to use needles unless under the supervision of a doctor or in Emergency cases. I remembered this so well because during my practice in the government sectors, the nurses at that particular hospital refused to do any blood taking and kept quoting this rule in the nurse/MA handbook. Funnily, when you move to the private sector the nurses are all so willing to do injections, especially fillers and BTA.

The thing a lot of people do not get about doing injections to your face, although you can get really good results with minimal downtime, you can also have very bad results that would last you quite a bit and for some cases of those using semi permanent or permanent fillers it can be life long and would require surgery. A lot of people know this, but why do they still risk going to beauticians or other unqualified injectors to do their face? The most common reason is peer pressure, second would be cost and third would be some bad experience with an untrained doctor somewhere that made them lose confidence with professionals. Between fillers and BTA, fillers are worst because usually the beauticians use illegal products that lasts too long and has no reversal.

So for those who wish to indulge in injection rejuvenation, I will give you a few tips:

1. Know your injector - Are they a qualified injector i.e. a real doctor? (A lot of fake ones parading in my country). Are they really trained to do the injections? Not all doctors are trained to do aesthetic injections so they maybe a licensed doctor but may not have the skill. Going for 1 workshop does not quite cut it as being trained. Are you comfortable with the doctor? Has he/she answered all your queries and doubts? Will he/she be following you up? Will he/she be responsible for the work done if any problem arises? 

2. Know your product. What is it that the person is injecting into your face. Is it hyaluronic acid filler? Is it Radiesse or Aquamid? Is it collagen - if it is collagen - purely collagen/bovine/marine or porcine? A lot of the collagen fillers from beauticians are mixed with liquid silicons hence why it just does not disappear. Is the product safe? Just because the person says so, doesn't mean its safe. Ask for safety profile. Are you sure its the product claimed by the injector or did they take out another product from a different box for the injection. Google information about the brand.

3. Are the products sterile? The last thing you want is getting an infection under the skin from using products already contaminated. In my clinic, I open a new syringe in front of the patient to show its sterile. Infections due to contaminated fillers are a nightmare and may take weeks to heal. It would require high end antibiotics, dilution of filler or even excision. In some cases, we would be giving steroids to stop inflammation from the infection. It can cause you to have a mark or a scar from a so-called suppose to be very safe procedure.

4. Is the premise you are receiving an injection a proper medical facility with license? Beauty salons are not licensed to do injections, nor are hotel rooms, cars nor boutiques nor spas. So if it is not a clinic, better think twice because likely the hygiene of the place is not up to par and you cannot sue the person if anything went wrong since it is not in the right premise. You'll just be bombarded by the defense lawyer, stating that you agreed to be injected in the premise when you know its illegal.

5. Check the current market price for services before deciding on having it done to give you a rough idea of what is the normal range. Usually for promotions, the price of the service would not be discounted more than 30% in view the cost to acquire original products is expensive. If the clinic or center is giving too cheap a promotion, you should bear in mind a few things. Its either the product is expiring (already expired) or they've reduced the amount of filler/bta given but charged at a cheaper price. The end result would be unsatisfactory results or treatment not lasting what it should. And this would not only cause disappointment but also reduce confidence towards the treatment altogether.

Courtesy of http://www.plasticcelebritysurgery.com/2011/09/worst-celebrity-plastic-surgery-before.html

For more info you can email us at info@faceworks-clinic.com / faceworksclinic@gmail.com. For appointments, please call us at 03-21440080 or text 014-2233268.

F1 Fever...... Sepang International Circuit 2013

Its F1 weekend following Spring Collection Fashion Week Launch. Usually I am not really a fan of F1 racing because I personally do not like crowded areas. But this year, I was given a seat at the Grand Stand, so hopefully it will not be as bad. Despite my lack of lustre, I do find myself pretty excited. I guess the F1 fever has started to infect my brain.

The Sepang International Circuit was designed by a German designer, Herman Tike and was officiated by our 4rth Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on 7 March 1999. It held its first Motor GP in April 1999, and the first Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in October 1999. So far the best lap was done by Williams-BMW team, JuanPablo Montoya in 2004 with a lap time of 1:34.223. 

This year, the top drivers are Kimi Raikonnen, Fernando Alfonso, Sebastian Vettel, Fellipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Weber and a few new names. During practice runs Vettel showed best time but Kimi is still int he lead with 25 points. 

It would be a really interesting race to see who finally grabs the title for F1 this year. My only concern now is how tanned I'll be sitting in the middle of Sepang Circuit (Despite the grandstand podium mall and such). Having a Fitzpatrick's type 4 skin makes it easier to tan even with protection. Personally I like being tan but not too tan. As it is now, my arms are 3 shades darker from my hidden areas because I have been out a lot. On top of gluthatione supplements and high doses of vitamin C, sun protective agents are my number one friends.

Oh yes, I have the full range Heliocare in my bag for this outing. Heliocare is so far to me the best sunblock for this weather. It is oil free gel based lotions with a slight tint give you ample protection, but does not appear white on the skin as some other sunblocks do. It is less greasy and it has a nice citrusy smell (although not everybody would like it).  The sunblock has both UVA and UVB protection, and comes in 3 strength - 30, 50 and 90. I prefer 50 SPF due to its consistency and non-stick properties. SPF 90 is thicker and has some antibacterial properties but it is a tad greasier and sometimes it does clog up my pores a bit more. There is also a Compact oil-free Heliocare foundation powder for those who prefer compact powder form. It does give a good coverage as a foundation, but after awhile, you may need to top up a bit. Indoors, the compact would stay for at least 4 hours. The new product launched last year was the oral capsules. The oral capsules are a very strong anti-oxidant that helps to reduce UVA / UVB absorption by the skin. It is purely from vegetal source, and has been shown to help reduce severity of burns from sun or other light sources. It does not cause lightening of the skin, but rather helps maintain your tone. However, if you will be out in the sun like me today, you will still require topical sunblock protection. It is recommended that if you are indoors to reapply sunblock on your skin every 4 hours and if outdoors, every 2 hours.

All these products can be found in my clinic. The price ranges from RM 120 - RM 190(oral sunblock 6 tablets) which I feel is pretty affordable for clinical grade sunblock. Okie peeps, its another 2 hours till the start of the first race, time to get ready. See you at the race track.... :)

For more information about the products, feel free to call/text Faceworks Clinic at 03-21440080/014-2233268 or email to info@faceworks-clinic.com / faceworksclinic@gmail.com.

Interesting gifts to help your loved ones.......

Today I've decided to write on something less serious and more entertaining. Having a lot of friends, family and meeting a lot of people, you tend to come across many personalities that sometimes does not appeal to your own positive self. There are just some people who are forever negative, and regardless of how you try to lighten things up, they seem to be able to dampen your spirits. 

Funnily, medical aesthetics does have a lot to do with psychology and maybe a bit of psychiatry. Apparently 60% of the world population are concerned on how they look and what other people perceive onto them. Especially since nowadays, looks play a very importance role in career and confidence. Which is why the cosmetic and beauty industry is one of the most fast growing industries in the world with a 16% increase revenue per annum despite recession. 

So, what can you suggest to your loved ones to make your life happier:

1. Glabella BTA 

In simpler tense, botox / dysport into your muscles that makes the nice 11 on your forehead (frown lines). This is extremely good for those depressing, whining, or stressed out relatives and friends who makes your sunny days go cloudy with their negativity. Apparently, studies have shown that people who are depressed / upset feel less upset when we freeze their glabellar muscles due to lack of frowning feedback from the forehead to the brain - hence the brain registers it as less stressed/depressed/upset thus equates to being happier. Its a simple 5 minute procedure which will cost roughly RM 600 / session (some cheaper services uses BTA from China/Korea) and will last the person between 3-6 months. It may be temporary but at least they stop complaining much for this period of time. How about that for price of peace?

2. Marrionette lines

Have you ever seen a puppet or a marrionette? Puppet shows were made popular in the UK before the invention of television. They would cut out a stage and create puppets or marrionettes on strings and move them around telling a story. One of the most popular puppet shows till today is the comedy Punch and Judy. Marrionette lines refer to lines extending from the edge of the lip to the border of the jaw, just like a puppet. Some people have these lines even when they are not frowning and it makes them look sad all the time. Depending on the severity of the line, it can be fixed with just using BTA to the Depressor Anguli Oris muscles to reduce the pull (only 2 injections at each side ~ RM 200/procedure) or in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for a more complete fix. The good thing with fillers is that it lasts between 9-12 months or even longer, so your frowning buddy would look happier for at least a year. Although it may wrack up your wallet a bit (filler prices start as low as RM 1K - 2K for HA). This procedure only takes 15 minutes or less, so you can even drag your friend in during lunch time.

3. Lethargic looking and no luster skin.

Its one of those people who look tired all the time, no matter how much caffeine you pump into their body. Not to worry, perhaps all they need is a chemical peel to get rid of all the dead skin accumulated on their face. A lot of us do not realize but if you look tired most of the time and your skin lacks luster or shine, it could be because of the dead skin accumulation. When the horny layer of the epidermis has too much dead skin and is not exfoliated, it causes the surface to be bumpy, thus when light hits the skin, it does not reflect well and hence looks dull. A simple solution is to try out our Clear & Bright Facial which not only peels off all the dead skin but we also infuse vitamins to your skin to give it a nice radiant glow. The facial takes approximately 20 minutes with no downtime, so you would need not worry about hiding your face for a day. Sunblock is advised due to the peeling process that happens in clinic. Usually this facial would set you back by RM 500/session, but do call our clinic for any special promotions going on.

4. Panda Eyes

Some people look so tired and lethargic because of their panda eye look. Some panda eyes look so bad, you start wondering whether they are on drugs or why they are not sleeping. There are many causes of panda eyes, some being hereditary pigmentation, some being vein congestion. A quick and simple fix that we can do for you is doing a chemical peel and then infusing some bleaching agents at the area, to reduce the pigmented look. Subsequently, we would recommend eye creams/ ampules to help strengthen the skin to reduce the appearance more. As us today about this new treatment.

5. Sagging Sad Face

Some people have sagging skin that makes them look worn out and sad most of the time. A simple Relax-F facial will be tightening up skin in no time. Even after the first session, there is a mark improvement and after a few more, the skin will appear tighter than ever. The best part about this facial is that it is painless, takes approximately 30 minutes and no downtime, and results can last up to a month even with 1 session. For a more lasting and faster effect, you can combine this with our liposome face-neck-low neck ampules. With DMAE as a powerful skin tightener, the sagging face will be no more in no time. Hence, gone is the need for facelift or threads which are more invasive.

Here are but a few gift ideas for your loved ones. Email us for more solutions to day to day problems.

For more info please call 03-21440080 / 014-2233268 or email to info@faceworks-clinic.com