Couple of years ago (I’d say a good 3-4 years), I woke up one day with a brown spot a few centre meters above my right eyebrow. It was annoying and at that time deep down inside I knew it was a sun spot one that has been building under my skin for years (mostly from my lack of sun protection back in the days) and decided to creep up one day.
To be honest I didn’t think much of it and it became darker and darker to the point where I found it ANNOYING because no amount of foundation or concealer was able to cover it. Needless to say I experimented with countless beauty products that claims to fade spots, reduce pigmentation, whitening, brightening, you name it I’ve tried it.
I was so bothered by it mostly due to the inability to cover it up with make up and having to constantly smudge it off in my pictures ala photoshop style and I even developed a technique to take pictures right below my spot hence effectively cropping out my forehead, yeap you can check my instagram for prove, just look at my DP!
Long story short, I knew it was time to succumb to the wonders of technology. After an initial consultation with Marie from Erase Clinic in Malvern, I decided to give IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment a go on my spots and dots.
With IPL, many are familiar with the capability to remove hair but IPL in a different wave length target various chromophores in the skin works wonder as photorejuvenation. This treatment is mainly recommended for those who want to treat different forms of pigmentations. This ranges from sun damage (freckles, age spots, sun spots), melasma (hormonal) and hyperpigmentation.
I have done a course of IPL some 7 or 8 years ago and loved how effective it was to take out acne scarring and discolouration, so I am no stranger to the treatment. No topical anaesthetic was required, just a quick cleanse and jump straight to the treatment. It is often recommended as a full face treatment but I opted for a spot treatment as I only had 2-3 spots to cover. In less than 10 minutes I was done!
To be honest, it didn’t hurt, it was more of a shock with a zapping hitting the skin much like your zap in IPL hair removal, doesn’t really hurt on skin minus the hair/root burning sensation.
These pictures were not retouched apart from cropping and were taken with no make up on.
Top pic being my brown spot in its full glory, pre treatment.
Middle pic was taken right after the treatment, the spot turned bright red immediately.
Bottom pic was taken the day after when the redness subsided but the spot is in a dark brown shade waiting to be peeled off on its own.
In terms of post care just like any laser/light treatment; be extra diligent with sun protection and to avoid sun exposure prior and after treatment. I could go back to my normal skincare routine immediately without suffering from any down time and could apply make up too. All I had to avoid was scrubbing the spots I had IPL to avoid over scrubbing.
Spot the difference of the cursed brown spot!
Left: Before – This picture was taken with full face make up + concealer on the spot + good lighting and the spot is still visible! No filter was applied to this picture.
Right: After – This picture was taken without any foundation or concealer! No filter was applied to this picture.
All in all, it took one week for the dark brown spot to peel off on its on and OH MY GOD, it’s GONE just like that! The annoying spot that has bothered me for years took less than 5 seconds to zap and one week to peel off.
I cannot recommend IPL enough for those who have pigmentation issue and is bothering them. My brown spot is 97% gone and if you were to really nit pick there’s a very faint speck of spot where the brown spot used to be and is not visible to the eye unless you look at it an inch away from the mirror.
RRP AUD$295 full face single treatment
Special package: AUD$649 for 3 x full face treatments
$50 per spot and IPL is also available for body area
Call Erase for consultation 03 9576 2177
Four weeks ago, I was invited back to Erase clinic to trial out their latest laser treatment – the Clear + Brilliant Permea. Many of you might have read about my previous raving reviews of Clear and Brilliant laser treatment.
The clever little machine (Clear + Brilliant) delivers what a time poor woman in her mid to late 20s needs – rid of dullness, tiredness of the skin appearance and to boost/plump collagen under skin for the overall appearance to appear lifted too. What Clear + Brilliant Permea does is to go the extra step by enhancing skin permeability to absorb the benefits of topical skin care products immediately after treatment and to target the superficial layer of skin.
Meaning, Clear + Brilliant focuses on collagen boosting and Clear + Brilliant Permea delivers in efficiently getting rid of pigmentations (eg: age spots, sun spots, acne scarring, etc).
Cleansed skin, photo was not edited apart from the cropping
My main concern was obviously this annoying brown spot above my right brow that refuses to go away despite using all types of expensive serums that claim to remove pigments. This brown spot (I believe is a sun spot) came out of no way and grew over night couple of years ago and pretty much got darker by the years despite my diligent use of sunscreen.
It actually got to the point where even foundation and concealer is unable to conceal, how annoying!
Very similar to the Clear + Brilliant treatment, my Clear + Brilliant Permea treatment started off with a quick cleanse to the skin and aesthetic gel is applied all over my face for a good 10 – 15 minutes for it to penetrate and to take effect.
Do you see the red rash on the side of my face? This is the random rash that has developed out of no where in the past year or so. It flares up from time to time and feels drier and rougher than the rest of my face. Said rash flared up from the antistatic gel applied over it.
I have a feeling the rash was developed due to my overuse of antibiotic in the course of 12 months (I have been ill on a monthly basis and has been taking various types of antibiotics including some pretty strong ones that could potentially have adverse effect to the skin.)
Back to the treatment, I won’t lie – the forehead bit is the most unbearable bit and is made somewhat bearable by having conversation to take the focus off the numb pain. The sensation is like someone dragging their nails onto your skin rather forcefully and for some reason the forehead always feels more sensitive.
Half done, spot the skin colour difference
Almost done
Clear + Brilliant Permea took around 15 minutes for a full face treatment. It seriously doesn’t feel long at all and once it moved past the forehead area, all the other area are pretty bearable. Throughout the treatment, a pipe is angled towards the face and cool air is constantly blasted onto the area to help make the entire treatment more comfortable. How thoughtful!
This is my face immediately after the treatment, in a bright tomato shade! It felt like I had a sunburn and I could feel the heat on my skin. I did however request for a longer boost of cool air all over my face (I think around 5 minutes) and cold water was applied onto my skin to bring down the temperature.
A quick cleanse and skincare applied later, I was ready to walk out the door and the redness has reduced dramatically.
Huge difference yea?
Taken one week later, post cleansing with no skincare; notice the brown spot?
Post Clear + Brilliant Permea Treatment
Within hours post laser, my skin felt like sandpaper-ish and really dry. I was constantly dousing my skin with moisturising lotion/essence and piling on heavy layers of moisturiser and cream. You can read all about my skincare routine post in the link below.
As compare with Clear + Brilliant, personally I felt that I had more downtime with Clear + Brilliant Permea. Downtime being having red face for a longer period of time and heaps more dry skin to slough post treatment. Post laser treatment I was unable to scrub my skin to encourage the dead skin cell to peel off so I had to wait painfully for the dead skin cells (which at one point has turned into dark brown patches) to come off on its own. No amount of make up would look okay over a patch of dead skin (mainly around the forehead).
Having said that, the down time was SO WORTH IT because one week later, my brand new – soft, radiant, baby smooth, fresh, clear, skin emerged! Notice how the brown spot was reduced to a very faint spot? I could also visibly see the slight tightening effect of pores around my nose area (not sure if this is temporary though).
Having said that, I am confident with regular Clear + Brilliant Permea treatments (once every 2 months for me), I can rid of all the pigmentation on my skin and have a consistently healthy, glowy skin that helps to keep appearances look younger for years to come.
Definitely recommending this treatment to anyone who has pigmentation concerns or just need a general boost to look radiant and “awake”.
Notes:
Always be sure to locate a licensed skincare professional to provide all types of laser treatments.
To read all about my post Clear + Brilliant Permea skincare routine, read here.
Read about my other treatment review at Erase Clinic.
RRP AUD$350 per treatment
My treatment was sponsored by Erase Clinic
Three weeks ago, I was invited to Aurora Spa Retreat at The Prince Hotel (2 Acland St, St Kilda) to experience one of their popular treatment on the menu - Kerstin Florian Signature Active AHA Results Facial. For those of you who haven’t been to Aurora Spa, it is a luxury boutique day spa in Melbourne and iss one of the go-to places for facials and massages for locals.
One of their unique offering is massages and facials for pregnant women, complete with adjustable treatment bed/chair so you can have your skin catered to whilst being pregnant, thoughtful huh? Now you know what to buy for all your pregnant friend’s baby shower gift. Ticked.
Back to my experience, upon arriving a therapist ushered me to a waiting area where she told me to pour myself a cup of tea or water. Yes, I wrote it correctly, it was self serviced. I was a little taken aback there because this is an absolute first for me and coming from a luxury spa I would have expected someone WOULD pour me a cup of tea while I sit and fill in a form. Imagine me holding my bag, holding a form folder and being told to go pour myself a cup of tea. Really?
After filing in my form for details (which is standard procedure), I went to the ladies to tie up my hair and I must say the set up and interior of the toilet/shower area is pretty impressive. Clean, spacious, full of beauty amenities and smells good. Then, I was back at the waiting area waiting for 20 minutes until my treatment commenced. 20 minutes whilst an occasional therapist would walk past and ask if I wanted to pour myself a cup of tea/water, at this point I wanted to flip the nearest desk to the floor.
At about 25 minutes wait in, a therapist by the name of Madeleine came by to usher me to a room shortly after and I told her I was in a rush to get out by 10am since my appointment was booked for 8:30am and for a 60 mins treatment with some time to spare I should be done by 10am. Unfortunately, there was some mixed up with my appointment time they had me down at 9am instead of 8:30am hence the long wait at the beginning. Just my luck!
Thankfully, that was the end of my bad luck. The moment I got changed and hopped onto the treatment bed it was pure bliss. Madeleine’s fingers were magical (this coming from someone who has experienced countless treatments), her pressure was firm and she was very thorough, the sort that you can tell when someone is being 100% careful and paying attention to detail. Highly recommend her if you can book her and her skin is flawless too.
The Kerstin Florian Signature Active AHA Results Facial deeply cleanses skin and a 30% multi-acid peel (I believe it is a mix of lactic and glycolic acid) is applied to skin with a brush constantly massaging the skin to ensure the peel penetrates the skin. Then a mask is applied to balance and nourish skin to prevent any redness. While the mask is happening, I was also treated to a scalp massage and a hand massage which all comes standard with the facial.
Personally, I have done enough peels and laser treatments that I am beginning to feel that my skin is taking on peels and lasers better than before. They feel less tingling, less stinging and definitely less redness. I would rate the Kerstin Florian Signature Active AHA Results Facial to be mild in provoking any reaction to my skin and yet delivered in instantly brightening my overall skin look and visibly reduced the appearance of my acne scarring and brown spots.
Despite the initial stuff up of my appointment time, I left a happy, relaxed (thanks to the scalp and hand massage) and best of all they sent me off with sunscreen applied to my delicate, freshly peeled skin.
This picture (unedited just cropped and yes I need to fix my eyebags) was taken in the car right after the appointment, I only had minimal redness around the nose area as I was having a cold. My skin remained soft, brighten, and even for weeks after the peel.
RRP AUD $185 per treatment
Available at Aurora Spa Retreat
Two weeks ago, I visited Dr. Tass Cosmetic Enhancement at Crown Spa for a consultation re Liposonix treatment. To give you a bit of an idea what Liposonix (an exciting new treatment in Australia!) I thought it would be best to break down Liposonix treatment review and treatment results into two posts.
What is Liposonix?
From the same makers (Solta Medical) of amazing aesthetics devices like Thermage, Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant; Liposonix is the latest ground breaking fat reduction treatment that was developed over a period of 10 years by leading scientists and ultrasound experts. This technology has been released in USA for a year or so now and has just entered the Australian market last October. Dr.Tass’ clinic (at Crown Spa) is the first in Victoria that offers this treatment and has already been the talk of town.
Liposonix is clinically proven as a non-invasive waistline fat reduction treatment that is safe and advertised as 1 treatment, 1 hour and 1 size smaller. Big call and I can’t wait to report back with my progress on this.
How does it work?
Technology wise, Liposonix uses advanced high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to slim down waistline without any downtime like surgery does.
Liposonix permanently destroys the fat cells found beneath the skin without harming the skin’s surface. The body then naturally processes and removes the fat tissue over a period of 8 to 12 weeks, leaving behind a slimmer and more contoured waistline (music to my ears!).
Clinical studies have demonstrated an average waist circumference reduction of approximately 2.6cm (1 inch) after a single Liposonix treatment. This of course varies between individuals as well, some have reported to loose more than others.
Is it suitable for everyone? Who is the best candidate for it?
You know how liposuction isn’t designed for everyone? The same applies for Liposonix hence a thorough consultation is needed to see if one qualifies.
Lucky for me, I fit the bill as someone who has a relatively healthy diet and exercise (my exercise extends to only catching PT – tram +train and walking up the stairs to work…) and still can’t get rid of that last inch or two around the waist. If you can pinch an inch of fat, then you’re the right candidate for it.
Liposonix is also great for mum who are back to their post pregnancy weight and want to rid of the excess stubborn fat around the waist line – the abdomen and love handles.
Just to be clear, Liposonix is not suitable for people who are overweight, obese and is not a weight lost treatment.
How long does it take?
As advertised, it only took me one hour for the treatment to complete and another 30 mins for prep, measurement, photo taking and so on. I felt that the whole treatment just went by so quickly.
What should I do to prepare and post treatment care?
It is best to shave the designated treatment area prior to treatment to ensure you have a smooth surface for treatment. Additionally, since you will be required to strip down to your undies, perhaps wear something you won’t be embarrassed about to take pictures in.
Additionally, it is best not to do any laser treatment in the treated area for at least 2 weeks post treatment.
Does Liposonix treatment hurt?
The maximum pass is 60 and my treatment was conducted in 30, a very comfortable and bearable limit for me. Some would say it feels like contraction (but since I have not given birth before I can’t vote on that). The closest I can describe is this prickling and tingling sensation that’s coming from within of my skin. It also feels a little warm at times. When my pass was brought up to 50 so I can feel how it is like; I could feel a very uncomfortable and almost unbearable painful sensation.
Hence having the treatment at a bearable pass and consistently go over the same area a couple of times is recommended rather than a high pass at a painful level. Do note that lowering the pass does not make the treatment any less effective.
Post treatment, treated area felt a little bloated and tender to touch for a week. I also had mild bruising at the area where 50 pass was treated. Apart from that, I could go ahead with my daily go about as usual.
How much does it cost?
This varies for each individual. My treatment of abdomen and love handles was quoted to be AUD$2,500 – AUD$3,000. Do bear in mind that my cost will be different to each individuals’ costing.
When will I see results?
Due to the treatment requires 8 – 12 weeks to best see results, I will be blogging a second post along with before and after results.
Side note: I completed my Liposonix treatment on the 13th February and will report back with new updates. Stay tuned.
Back in December 2012, Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care (MAHC) invited me to their clinic for a Signature Luminescence Treatment with Dermal Therapist, James Vivian. Yes, the very same who has won awards for pioneering the mobile aesthetic health care business The Travelling Peelsman.
The Signature Luminescence Treatment lasted approximately 90 minutes. Firstly, my face was thoroughly cleansed and prepared for the laser treatment. Once the laser is done, a customised peel was applied all over my face and finished off with a treatment mask catring to my skin’s condition.
I also love how there were SPF applied all over my face post treatment as my skin is at its most vulnerable at this stage.
What makes this treatment really unique is that even though this is a laser treatment there is no down time, my face didn’t turn all red as it usually do post laser treatments and I was able to fit all the treatments in one go – laser, peels, masks!
The laser that was used for my treatment is the Laser Genesis – a non invasive laser that don’t require topical anesthetics or gel and it wasn’t painful. I’ll say it’s mildly uncomfortable as you will feel a moderate heat over the skin area. This laser is designed to discreetly and effectively treat fine-line wrinkles, reduce redness on skin, minimise large pores, uneven skin texture and scars.
It is recommended an approximate of 5 – 6 consistent treatments to see the most effective results.
Overall, I recommend the Signature Luminescence Treatment. The place is easy to get to with PT or driving, the staffs were friendly and efficient, the environment was comfortable, clean and cosy. Most of all the treatment doesn’t have any downtime, highly recommend this prior to a big event, be it birthdays, engagements, wedding, etc.
Side note: It is no secret that if you have congested skin and adult acne, a combination of peel + laser in a few consistent course is the best way to combat this when skincare fails to deliver the results you want.
RRP AUD$250 per treatment
My treatment was sponsored by MAHC.
Three weeks ago, I paid Bedroom Eyes in Fitzroy, Melbourne a visit to trial out their eyelash extensions services . For some reason, eyelash extensions is currently quite the “in” thing to get done as a couple of girls at work have just gotten it done around the same time that I did. I am guessing the warmer months and events piling up have something to do with everyone wanting to look effortlessly pretty with natural looking lash extensions.
I won’t go into details about eyelash extensions as many of you must be quite familiar with what it does and what it entails. However I like to talk about my experience at Bedroom Eyes. Personally I love the ambience at Bedroom Eyes; it is dimly lit to offer a relaxing environment and pleasant soothing music was playing at the background throughout my procedure. I also love the pinkish deco that you can see throughout the room and the candles burning at the background.
Location wise, this is in Victoria Street, Fitzroy just off Johnston St. Perfect for ladies residing at the North, not so much for me who is in the South. The actual procedure took close to two hours for me and I was very grateful that Gabriella who did my extensions was very professional and accommodating (because I was sick and still nursing a horrible cough). As this can be quite a lengthy procedure you need someone who is very professional and chatty to make the whole process go past quicker without feeling like you’re dreading it. Oh and don’t forget to arrive with no eye makeup so you can save time from eye make up removing etc.
This is my short lashes before the lash extensions
I got to choose and discuss with Gabriella about what lashes and results I wanted and went for a natural curly finish. One of the frequently asked questions about lash extensions is how long will lash extensions last? Honestly, this depends on each individual and how you take care of them. Generally speaking, you will expect it to last about 3-4 weeks before you head back for refills every 2-3 weeks.
Another question that I get asked quite a bit is if I could wear mascara after lash extension. To be honest, you are allowed to wear non waterproof mascara but why would you? When lash extensions done right, you shouldn’t need to wear mascara as they are usually thicker and darker than your own lashes so naturally your lash extension would give the impression that you have mascara on 24/7.
This is right after the eyelash extensions
Overall, I love how lash extensions saves me time every morning from putting on eye makeup, curling my lashes and coating them with layers of mascara to look half decent. I guess having lash line tattoo helped too. Do bear in mind there’s an ongoing cost to factor in if this is something you up keep with, the time/effort to get them refilled and after care.
I didn’t think there was too much of an issue for me to upkeep since I brush my lash extensions 2-3 times a day, don’t really rub my eyes and haven’t worn any upper lid eye make up for weeks so I could gently wipe my lids with a cleanser like Bioderma to keep it clean. I feel so liberated not having to put on eye makeup daily.
Highly recommend to get lash extensions done if you want to save time daily, look dashing for an event, for the Spring races, for the party season and for a very simple reason – to look good from the moment you wake up until you go to bed.
You can check out the price list here and call 0425 743 205 to make an appointment with Gabriella
WARNING: This post may contain graphic images that some viewers may find disturbing.
Previously, I have blogged about getting fillers in my nose to correct its flatness. You can read all about my first dermal filler experience and my subsequent filler experience posts.
Just to lay it upfront, I won’t go on about my insecurities and how I feel about my looks; after all, how we see and feel about ourselves can be very different to how others perceive us. I have come to realisation that people around me often say things like “you don’t need it”, “you’re pretty”, “you have nothing to worry about” whenever I mention insecurities about my looks.
However, the bigger message in all of this is that “people simply do not relate to other’s demons and insecurities because we are all too busy worrying and battling our own demons”. This is of course my own thinking and you don’t have to agree with me on this.
The way I see this is if I can enhance the way I look with make up, contact lenses, skin care, clothes and accessories so why not injectables that aren’t permanent? This time around I returned to Erase Clinic in Malvern and surrendered myself to the very capable hands of Dr.Simone.
Dr.Simone is a Cosmetic Physician and is one of the national trainer for Q-Med (particularly Restylane Lip refresh and lip volume), which is why I felt complete at ease to have her jabbing needles into me more so than anyone else. In additional, she is a woman and she gets that not everyone wants OTT results looking like an extra cast for The Shire.
The Procedure:
Make up removed and areas of concern highlighted
After our consultation regarding my real concerns (concerns that has been nagging me for years instead of superficial concerns), Dr Simone proceed to draw all over my face while explaining how we might focus on one point of the face too much but often neglect to look at the face as a bigger picture.
Don’t ask me why I was staring into the camera. Anaesthetic was being administered.
Next it was the usual drill of anaesthetic injections (this was no doubt the most painful part for the entire procedure). This procedure helps to prick my skin to prep them for the bigger needles aka accommodating the fillers.
In a scale of 1 to 10, I’ll say the prick and sting was around 7, the relieving part was that it only lasted around 10 seconds. Yeap, Dr Simone is quick and professional like that.
Then, it was time for cheek fillers injecting one cheek at a time and then going back and forth to achieve the best possible perfect balance (I say this because it is close to impossible to achieve perfect asymmetry) after all my face wasn’t in perfect asymmetry to begin with.
So please bear this in mind so you won’t get disappointed when you stare at your swollen self in the mirror straight after. Dr.Simone then proceeds to massage the injected area to ensure the hyaluronic acid based filler were distributed evenly under my skin.
I won’t deny that despite the anaesthetic, the filler needles didn’t hurt but the process of liquid filling under my skin, making my skin pull tight and the massaging was rather uncomfortable and quite painful to bear. I think in the process I was gripping onto the ice packet given to ice my face and at some point crushed ice in my palm.
Botox being injected into my chin
Then we move on to my chin area and proceeded to smooth out the area by injecting some fillers and botox in this area. In case you’re wondering, yes you can inject filler and botox in the same area as both needles are different and they work on different things under the skin. To my knowledge, botox works by shrinking my muscles/wrinkles in my chin and the filler fills up above my muscle and below my skin to build volume.
Chin filler as you can see post filler it is only slightly red
There was the same familiar yet uncomfortable dull pain when my chin was getting done. At this point I almost bailed on the lips having read reviews the lip fillers can be quite dauntingly painful. Surprise, surprise by the time I got my lips done, they were pretty much a walk in the park.
To wrap it up, Dr.Simone injected Restylane® Lip Volume onto my upper lips to balance out my top lip and to complement my bottom lip so they look similar in volume. Surprise, surprise by the time I got my lips done, they were pretty much a walk in the park.
Overall, the whole procedure went through really quickly and I seriously have Dr.Simone to thank for being so professional, so efficient (without dragging out the pain any necessarily) and knowledgeable in answering all my questions and comforting all the wild thoughts that was running in my head.
This is me, right after the fillers just a little swollen and pinkish and you can barely tell.
Afterthoughts:
- I was able to apply make up over the injection wounds that same night to attend an event. I did not have any bruising despite this was expected from a lot of the patients and only had some swelling and mild tenderness.
- I had no issues with full face make up application straight after the procedures and the day after, I recommend using a mineral makeup like this one to easily buff and offer required coverage without putting too much pressure on the skin.
- I did however go to dinner at Sichuan Hot Pot the day after and woke up with bruising on my lips. While bruising in lips was not due to my food consumption, it is recommended that spicy food and alcohol to be avoided for a couple of days post fillers. That, swimming, intense exercises and sleeping on your face should be avoided.
- All in all, the swelling disappeared by day 3-5 with the lips being the most obviously one. Yes I had ducky lips for 5 days. One thing that surprised me is that my usually dark pigmented top lips looks pinkish post filler, definitely no complains there.
- I could feel my cheeks, chin and lips feeling quite tender for approximately 7-10 days, during which I had carefully trained myself to sleep on my back to avoid any pressure put on my face while I sleep.
- By day 14, there was completely no swelling and no tenderness at all. I could touch, poke and massage my face with no wincing. I do however take care to not over massage to avoid the efforts I took for the injectables.
- I am very pleased with the results it is subtle and no one could really tell what I did until I told them what I did. Definitely love how there was no downtime and I could go to work immediately the next day.
Left: Before, look at my chin whenever I close my mouth it gives the impression that I am squeezing my chin.
Right: After, you can see how my chin is relaxed and my upper lip is fuller too.
Pricing:
I am well aware that this was the number one question people asked me when they discovered my trip to the clinic. To be honest there are no set cost as this varies with different individuals which makes this hard for people to factor in budgets for procedures like this.
The recommended way is to book a free consultation and get a quote from there. Dr. Simone used 4ml Sub Q, 0.5 Restylane Lip Volume & 5 units of botox on me.
Rough guide to pricing at Erase Clinic:
Sub Q – 2ml $1200
Restylane – 0.5 ml around $440
Restylane – 1ml $600 approx
Botox ranges from $16-$25 per unit depending on who injects it
Sometimes specials available eg Natural Lift Combination pack: $1800 for 2x2ml Sub Q + 1ml Restylane- Great value + is bargain!
Notes:
Restylane fillers are a range of products designed to effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles, to contour and to create volume. Restylane fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, similar to that of the body.
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring acid in the skin, and is responsible for attracting and retaining moisture within the epidermis. It is Hyaluronic Acid that is responsible for a baby’s plump and voluminous skin. Over the course of a lifetime, levels of hyaluronic acid are depleted, leading to a reduction in the skin volume and elasticity, and the development of lines and wrinkles.
Q-MED, a Galderma division, are the world leaders in the dermal filler category and have been responsible for over 15 million treatments worldwide, and offer clinically proven products for facial and body aesthetic improvement.
Restylane Lip Volume and Restylane Lip Refresh treatments provided by a qualified practitioner start at $500 but may vary on individual needs.
The moment I hit 25 years old, everything started to hit downhill in terms of physically and mentally. From my figure, used-to-be fast metabolism, my skin recovery time, my memory, hang over recovery time, my stamina, so on and so forth.
Then, one day it hit me. No matter how many products I use or how expensive the lotions and potions were, I constantly looked tired. It wasn’t the sleep because I was getting ample of shut eye and certainly hasn’t slack with my skincare routine, after all there are only so much skincare products can do. Then, there is the dullness and lacklustre skin tone, ah the list goes on! The way I see it is that all forms of treatments and skincare products is the way to maintain our youthful look.
So before you jump the gun and plunge yourself into botox, fillers, face lift, plastic surgery and what not; there’s an alternative to rejuvenating and reversing the signs of ageing – it’s call Thermage. A concise and measured treatment (FDA cleared) to reawake skin, delivering a fresher, tighter, youthful look without having the need to go under the knife.
After one treatment of Thermage, notice the effect it has on her skin? Overall, she looks fresher and 5 years younger!
While you can do all your scientific research about Thermage but long story short, Thermage uses radio frequency to destroy saggy and ageing collagen under the epidermis layer and whips the skin into mass producing new layers of collagen which in return gives the lifted, face tightening effect.
What does Thermage involve?
A thorough consultation to evaluate if this is the right treatment for you. Then, a quick cleanse of the face and a wipe down with pure alcohol. Next, a grid is transferred to the face (much like your paper tattoo) with alcohol for shots accuracy. Each patient receives a unique Thermage device head that can only be used once and each device head contains 900 shots. This is where a skilled practitioner will work out how many shots (kinda like a maths fomula) are required to not only both sides of the face & neck but also what is needed on vector* points for that additional boost.
My individual Thermage device head
Is Thermage painful?
Yes, imagine cigarette burns to the face minus the actual burn but the pain. It didn’t hurt throughout my entire session but when they do, I was so close to swearing out loud. The only way I could get through the session was focusing on my breathing and think positively with the motto “no pain no gain”. The new generation Thermage CPT machine comes with a vibrating head to help soften the blow and I have to admit it only hurts in certain points (areas with less fat and is closer to the bone mass) not the entire face area.
I do know in Asia, doctors often put their patients to sleep for Thermage due to the discomfort of the treatment can cause to some. Here in Australia; they encourage patient to be awake so they can communicate the comfort level and pain threshold so the practitioner can custom adjust the level of radio frequency to desired comfort level. It is recommend to take some painkiller pills prior to the session.
How long does Thermage procedure last?
Best allocate 30-60 minutes for consultation and photographic evidence. Then another hour or so (depending on the area to be treated) for the actual procedure.
How much does a Thermage treatment cost?
This varies in different clinics and treatment done in different areas of the body. My treatment was done in New Ageing Clinic and it would cost AUD$2,500 for 1x treatment for both face and neck. Ask for Christiana, she is tops!
Who is suitable for Thermage?
This varies for individuals. I would say this is recommended for anyone from 30-60 who wants to look like their younger self but better. Personally I don’t fall in the age bracket but I am a couple of years away from 30 so I am doing this as a prevention. One that I intend to do once every couple of years.
What to expect from a Thermage treatment?
You won’t look like a different person or like the characters from The Shire that’s for sure. There won’t be any down time apart from mild redness (although I didn’t experience any) or warm sensation in skin (just mildly for me that dissipates within 12 hours). Just imagine how you look like and how your skin felt like 5 years ago, and this is what you can expect within 6 months of one Thermage treatment. It will be you, only fresher looking with plump skin, minimized fine lines and overall tighter skin.
Expect softened wrinkles and lines, smoother skin, fuller plump skin and overall younger look appearance.
Results should last 3 – 5 years depending on the individual. It is no secret that Hollywood celebrities uses Thermage as an annual treatment to maintain and keep their face ‘fresh’ looking. Frequent users of Thermage includes Oprah Winfrey, Linda Evangelista, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow.
Why does it take so long to see results for Thermage?
Simply because this treatment is non-invasive. What it does is to trick your skin into thinking you need heaps of collagen hence your system goes into overdrive to promote more collagen production which you will see results over the months post Thermage.
Side notes:
I have also taken photos of myself before the treatment and will post an update 6 months in to show how I have progress. Stay tune for it.
Thermage is also famous for being effective in reducing upper arm flabs, tightening the skin around the knee area and adding definition to ab muscles.
*Vectors are the muscles in our face in charge of keeping the face stay lifted.
