Tried And Tested....... Part 4 ........

Its been a quiet Ramadhan month. Personally, I have found the idea iftar at home is more inviting. Probably all the caloric restriction diets I've been on throughout the pass year has reduced my crave for food as much as I did before. The only thing driving me nuts now is the lack of caffeine.

Recently, I was visited by a new patient who turned out to be a follower of my blog. I felt really honoured that she enjoyed the contents and was really looking forward to my posts. So Killah, this one is for you.

I was quiet for a bit due to a very hectic schedule. However, in the huff buzz, I managed to try out a few products for this review.

1. Neostrata Skin Active Line Lift

     This is the newest product from Neostrata Skin Active range. As the name suggests, it helps to reduce appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. After 5 years of research, Neostrata labs discovered a technology they patented as Aminophil that acts by stimulating the skin's own hyaluronic acid and collagen creating volume to replace the loss areas. It is a regarded as a topical filler and results can be seen after a few minutes of application. However, you need to be religious in applying the product, since it relies on your own cells for the lasting effect. There are 2 products in this range - Step 1 Aminophil Activator is applied first. This compound has the ability to pump up skin 4 times more than inactive substance. It penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production thus improving the appearance of deep lines instantly. It is also a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals responsible for premature aging skin. The Step 1 is applied with a roller ball to allow light massage and precision thus making it convenient for areas like under the eyes. Step 2 is the Finishing Complex that complements the action of Step 1. It contains NeoCitritate and NeoGlucosamine ingredients which enhances the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. It also contains optic blurring agents that improves the appearance of deep lines. I find this product a tad too oily for me but Step 1 was nice.

         I tried out this product via the samples they gave me and managed to apply religiously for a week (and then I got busy so sort of gave up). There is an instant line reduction of at least 30% after 5 minutes of application. After a week, I notice that there was up to 75% improvement after application. However, later during the day, I did notice a return of the lines, and when compared to baseline, It looked almost similar. According to the research papers and recommendations, they ask you to use for at least 4-6 weeks for lasting effect. I guess this is a good solution for people scared of needles or not keen for filler injections. However, you need to apply constantly twice a day in order to keep the desired effect. Practically, for busy people like me, I think fillers would be a better solution so that I do not have to worry about it if I forget to apply. It would also be cool to use prior to functions, for that pumped up look since it does last for a couple of hours in a day. You will need to have both Step 1 and Step 2 in order to have the desired results. Each tube is sold at RM 135/= retail.

2. Strath tablets - Herbal Yeast Food Supplements

During the haze period, I developed very bad sinusitis until I lost my voice for 3 days and had sinus headaches up to 2 weeks with altered voice for a month. It was during this time, my medical colleagues suggested that I try out this particular supplement. He mailed it to me and insisted that I try it out to help reduce my sinus symptoms. 

     So what is Strath? This is a natural herbal and yeast preparation that is available in both liquid and tablet form. The one I was given was tablet form - 100 tablets per box. It naturally contains 11 vitamins, 19 minerals, 20 amino acids, 2 nucleic acids and other stuff such as s lecithin, choline, L-carnitine

and co-enzyme Q10, as well as glucan and mannan. There were not much research papers on this product and I have yet to find any literature that explains scientifically how it works. How they actually prepared this supplement is by introducing herbs and supplements to the yeast over a 2 month period and subsequently plasmolyising (getting rid of the yeast membrane) the yeast and the solution inside is used as the supplement. In a way, the nutrients are incubated inside the yeast and perhaps with some component of the yeast helps with the body's immune system and metabolism thus gives the beneficial outcome. There was a paper on mice that showed a significant increase in lifespan of mice that took the plasmolyzed yeast supplement after injected with Staph. Aureus bacteria in comparison to the placebo group.

I have to admit, I was pretty skeptic when I received the supplements but I decided to give it a go. I initially took 2 tablets 3 times a day as recommended by my friend. After a few days, I noticed an improvement in my sinus flu-like symptoms. However, I felt pretty lethargic the first week with some giddiness. I didn't think much of it as I was also on antibiotics short course, but looking in retrospec, I recovered much faster that I normally did. I continued taking the tablets twice daily due to hectic schedule, occasionally only once daily. After finishing the whole box in a month (Supposedly 17 days) - I did noticed relief of my allergy symptoms. I usually have a stuffed nose in the morning but for the past 2 months, my nose hasn't dripped as much. Despite my office manager having a really bad flu, I stayed fine although we were always in close contact. Generally, I felt healthier and less lethargic. The beauty of this product is that it is not that expensive to try. The retail price is RM 162 for 100 tablets or the liquid form. There is also a preparation with alcohol that costs RM 180. Another cool thing is that there is an animal preparation for your pets called Animastrath that helps improve your pets well-being and possibly help reduce harm from animal flu.

Bio-Strath is 100% natural and free from preservatives, colourings and any artificially produced substances.

• For fatigue (school fatigue, spring fatigue).
• For nervous tension, stress.
• To strengthen immune defence.
• To increase physical and mental efficiency.
• To promote vitality.
• To help during convalescence (recovery phase after illness).
• During pregnancy and lactation period.
• To help concentration, development and calmness in children
• To help recovery in sports

This is a pre-order item, so it is not readily available in the clinic.

3. Lash Booster - Eye Lash Conditioner

This is a cool product that I love especially since there are times I need to wear mascara and excessive eye make-up and sometimes I notice I am losing some of my lashes (especially after wearing fake ones). It is not really a new item in the market, however, due to certain FDA regulations, the formulation has been changed a couple of time. The latest formulation has FDA approval and works just as good as the previous one or perhaps a little better? I tried this product continuously for a week and the significant change was the volume of my lashes and brows (yes, I even applied on my brows) appeared more and even friends noticed that my brows and lashes look thicker. In terms of length, I didn't see much difference but perhaps, it would take 3 weeks to actually see length difference. It comes in a small mascara like tube, and you apply the solution at the roots of your lashes and your brows. This product comes from USA, and is a sister product of Revitalash. Perhaps the only downside is that you need to consistently apply the product in order to achieve the desired results although its once daily application at night. Another problem that may arise is sensitivity to the chemicals used in this formulation that may cause some eye irritation or redness despite the company claiming that it is even suitable for the most sensitive eyes. The key is to avoid as much as applying the solution into the eyes. Regardless, it is still a cool product for lash growth and conditioning. This is not really the first time I am trying out this product - I started prior when it first launched and I feel that the formulation has definitely improved. Time to start applying daily for beautiful lashes for Hari Raya. If you are concern about irritation, you can come over to the clinic and try out our sample. This Product is sold at RM 280 per tube and it can last approximately 1 1/2 - 2 months if applied daily. For a limited time only, we are selling this product at an intro price of RM 250 (Save RM 30 till 15th August). Get yours today.

For more information concerning the products kindly call us at 03-21440080 / 0142233268 or email to faceworksclinic@gmail.com .

PRP Updates - The Vampire Facial?

Recently, there is a lot of hype about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) facial since our beloved Kim Kardashian decided to get hers done and post the video on Youtube. There were multitude of responses from complete horror to complete awe. And whilst the whole population was amazed to see the procedure, it is not really a new thing.

(Sourced from www.tagroom.com)

However, the in the medical world - more and more doctors are realising the potential benefits of PRP to treat their patients. As for myself,  PRP is like a lifeline to medical aesthetics alternatives of treatment to patients. We have multiple studies conducted on rejuvenation of the skin and most seem promising. My own patients have also shown great improvements in terms of texture, hydration, pigmentation and scars. The most rewarding was one patient with recalcitrant melasma who improved so much after a few treatments - despite previously tried with IPL, peels and Fraxel. We also had patients doing breast rejuvenation where most are satisfied with the tightening effect and skin rejuvenation effect of using PRP. In terms of volume, only time could tell, since the cases are pretty new. Most PRP facial patients are satisfied with the results and are looking forward for the next one.

So what is new to our Vampire Facial regime?

(sourced from ieeet.com)

After attending so many lectures, hands-on, friendly exchange of ideas with colleagues and literature study, nowadays I do my PRP facials differently than before. Prior to this, I only take 10cc of blood per session, but now I prefer to take between 60-120 mls of blood depending on area needed and indication. For face, usually 60cc of blood is suffice. The centrifuge process is also different where I start with a soft spin, extraction then a second faster spin. From the 6 bottles, I would usually obtain 12 cc of concentrated PRP - and roughly 12 cc of PPP. So what's the difference again?

The Platelet Rich Plasma is the layer between the red blood cells and the upper clearer serum part. The serum part is also called PPP (Platelet Poor Plasma). The platelet rich plasma is where all the growth factors and cytokines are available. The upper portion although has some platelets have minimal benefits, thus sometimes we just give it to the patient as a home mask. Some studies say the white cell are detrimental to healing but others say they have no role or helps with healing. The red cells play no significant role nor does it causes any reduction in effect. And thus, we have an autologous (coming from oneself) cells stimulator.

Luckily with Dermaqueen technique, PRP can be delivered evenly throughout the face without much downtime. Last weekend, I asked my nurse to help inject using the Dermaqueen vacuum assisted needle device onto my face with minimal anaesthesia. (I am still a baby when it comes to pain). There were only minimal needle marks at the thinner skin areas but there was still a remarkable difference. My face was brighter, and some of the pigmentation disappeared. Its been 2 days only and my skin still glows. The tear trough injected manually appear to still keep the volume injected which is good, thus making me look less tired. For a PRP facial, the best results would only be seen after 3-4 weeks although immediately after you would have a refreshed look and brightening of the skin. The best part is that we do observe continuous healing even up to 3 months after the initial procedure. Average results lasting period for a single treatment is between 6-9 months. However, most literature suggest a minimum of 3 sessions per year.

From my observation of doing my patients, I do have a few recommendations for patients planning to try this out. As PRP is from the patient, the patient him/herself has to be optimum to achieve the best results. You should keep yourself well-hydrated and well-nourished before going for a procedure. Smoking and drinking alcohol excessively seems to reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You should be fit with no underlying infection going on as it will affect the outcome too. Patients with underlying blood or metabolic disease should consult the doctor thoroughly as some conditions are contraindicated for PRP. Use of health supplements that promote healing and cell growth may have some beneficial effects, although a proper study to compare the results is warranted to conclude. Vitamin C and other antioxidant supplementation may also benefit but is still subjected to further proper research.

Personally, I love this treatment as it offers a less aggressive treatment modality for skin rejuvenation as compared to energy devices. At the moment, we are studying the effects of PRP on stretch marks. Can't wait to report the finding.

For more information or to book an appointment with us contact the clinic at 03-21440080 / 014-2233268 or email to faceworksclinic@gmail.com

Ramadhan Mubarak

Its Fasting month again, and Muslims from all around the world are fasting during the day to fulfil their religion obligations and more prayers are done, more reciting of the Holy Book. We are quite fortunate this year because the weather has been merciful with occasional rain to counter the previous heatstroke and haze episodes we had previously.

I have been quiet from the blogging scene settling things in real life with new great things coming soon for my beloved patients and friends. I am also testing out a few new products which I will feature in the upcoming entry. Yes, I have been busy with my experiments and evidence collecting as usual, as well as with keeping up with my crazy hectic lifestyle. Well you only live once, don't you? I believe in living to the fullest.

Fasting month is a month of peace for a lot of Muslims as they restrain from food and drink during the day, as well as a lot of negative emotions such as anger, gluttony, etc etc. It is a month where they are encourage to pray more, and give more to the poor. There are a few restrictions to what they can and cannot do. 

Scientifically, fasting has shown to have benefits to the body and no major side effects that even some non-Muslims join the bandwagon of fasting. The abstaining of food for 10-12 hours rests the gut well and although initially give a slight stress response but after awhile reduces cortisol levels. Studies done on mice fasted 10-12 hours a day showed a longer lifespan to those that were not fasted. A collective data study shows that people who fast for the month of Ramadhan shows reduced overall weight by 1-2 lbs a year. Some may argue lack of nutrition but since fasting is voluntary, there is no significant nutrient loss that interferes with pituitary functions reported in all studies. It has also shown to help people achieve inner peace as they are to abstain from negative feelings and behaviour. Despite the benefits, caution and care should be exercised to those with underlying medical conditions related to metabolism such as diabetes and others as there is a change in the body's glycemic levels and bilirubin production.

So for the information of my Muslim friends and patients, here is a list of medical related procedures that does not interfere with fasting:

Excerpt from Circular given out from 1 of the major hospital in town.

Translation:

Things that do not cause fasting to be broken:

1. Eye drops and ear drops usage.

2. GTN placed sublingual as long as not swallowed.

3. Insertion of vaginal pessary, ovulus, vaginal douching or insertion of speculum / digital examination 

    by physician.

4. Urethescope insertion into ureter or urinary bladder irigation.

5. Dental works such as drilling, extraction, polishing, washing, scaling of teeth as ong as nothing is 

    swallowed.

6. Intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intra-articular injections unless its 

    nutritional.

7. Donating or receiving blood.

8. Receiving oxygen or general anaesthesia.

9. Usage of drugs / products through skin such as creams, ointments, gels, etc.

10. Withdrawing of blood for investigation.

11. Insertion of tubes / catheter for investigation.

12. Washing the mouth, gargling as long as it is not swallowed.

13. Hysteroscopy or intrauterine device insertion.

14. Oral or rectal endoscopy for investigation or treatment (ERCP/Colonoscopy etc)

15. Biopsy from organs such as liver, skin etc.

16. Usage of nose drops, sprays and inhalers (asthma)

17. Rectal injection, digital examination or colonoscopy.

18. Surgery requiring full general anaesthesia, if the patient wishes to fast.

19. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

(Reference from IOMS(Islamic Organization of Medical Sciences), The Academy of Fiqh in Jeddah and WHO, Fiqh As-sunnah (Sayyid as-Sabiq) and fatwa from Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi together with European Fatwa Committee).

Happy fasting Peeps..... :)