In today’s episode of Dr Nora, I take a look at an emerging technology in the cosmetic field - Microcurrent Facials, from what they are to how they work and who is using them.
Foreo’s latest handheld device is the Bear which releases T Sonic (or transdermal) electrical currents through the skin at 100pulses per second with a duration of 0.34seconds. It does this through the two electrodes at the top of the device.
When the skin is stimulated by microcurrents - ATP is released, which is energy for cells. This helps to reduce fluid, improve circulation and blood flow and reduce inflammation. The net result of this is to help reconstitute elastin and collagen. Whilst there are not many human clinical studies with this technology, there have been studies conducted on mice.
WHO CAN USE IT
As with any technological device, it is vital to read the manual that comes with it. For this particular device, it is not suitable for those who are pregnant, those with implantable devices, those with cancers or blood disorders and should not be used over moles or skin cancers. If you have any concern whether this device is right for you, be sure to consult with your medical health professional prior to use.
Foreo recommend using a facial cleanser prior to application of the serum. The cleanser contains vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that can help nourish your skin and protect it from damage caused by free radicals.
The Serum Serum Serum which is advised to use prior to the application of the Bear device has two important ingredients within it - Hylauronic acid and Squalene.
Are you considering cosmetic injectables? In today’s episode I talk through some vital pointers to consider before letting the needle touch your skin.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Why
2:30 Goals
4:23 Budget
7:52 Timing
10:58 Research
13:16 Choosing Your Injector
17:20 Conclusion
Tip 1 - Why
When you consider cosmetic injectables, it’s important to know your motivations. Are you thinking of having a surgical procedure and you want to test the waters? Are you following a trend on social media? Is it peer pressure from colleagues at work? Or is it something deeper than that, perhaps you’re unhappy about something and by changing you’ll get a confidence boost.
By establishing your ‘why’ it’ll help you to better understand your motivations and whether it really is the right thing for you.
Tip 2 - What is your goal
Before embarking on any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to think thoroughly about what you want to achieve. Are you thinking of a dramatic change or a subtle change? It makes it easier for your injector if you bring in a photo of something that you would desire to have. This way both you and the injector can be on board and establish whether the goals are realistic.
Tip 3 - Budget
Whilst cosmetic injectables are cheaper than permanent surgical procedures, they still add up and can be quite pricey. Some clinics will advertise cheap injectables but this should always make you think twice as sometimes they are cheap for a reason, and very often the cheapest ends up being the most expensive. It’s important to speak with your practitioner about your budget so that a degree of forward planning can be made.
Tip 4 - Timing
This is a vital aspect to consider. You should know that cosmetic procedures take time to settle. Anti-wrinkle injections take up to 2 weeks to settle and sometimes there may be complications, for example, if the product migrates this can lead to drooping eyelids or brows, this alone can take a few weeks to settle after the treatment. We always advise if you are having injectables - whether dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle, to at east wait please wait 6-8 weeks prior to an event.
Not only is it important to plan ahead for events, but it is also important to think about timing in your life. If you are about to undergo a weight loss journey, dermal fillers may not be the most effective use of your money. It could be worthwhile waiting to complete your weight loss journey and then consider dermal fillers thereafter. With regards to anti-wrinkle treatments, these can be done during your weight loss journey, but be aware that your metabolism may be changing and so the longevity may be altered. Be sure to always seek the advice from your cosmetic practitioner for an individual treatment plan.
Tip 5 - Research
Cosmetic injectables may seem straightforward but they are not without their own risks. Your cosmetic practitioner should discuss these with you fully prior to consenting to the procedure. On a simplistic level, as a needle is used, it may cause bruising, bleeding and inflammation. More serious complications can occur, for dermal fillers, there may be granulomas or nodule formations, or even more seriously skin cell death and possible blindness. For anti-wrinkle injections, this may include product migration. For these reasons, it is essential to have full knowledge of what is involved in the procedure before commencing.
Tip 6 - Who is your practitioner
In Australia, Doctors, Dentists or Nurses can be cosmetic practitioners. It is important to find someone that has a wealth of knowledge in facial anatomy so that they know where to inject safely and what to do should there be a complication. Similarly it is important to choose someone who has experience, you may wish to use word of mouth or social media. Though do be careful as pictures can be doctored to appear better than real life.
My final tip is to consider, after all of the above, are cosmetic injectables for you. If the answer is yes, then I wish you the best of luck and please seek a second opinion from an adequately qualified health professional. If you choose that it is not for you then I am glad that this video has helped in your decision making.
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below or pop by and see me in clinic.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora 💉
Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
If you’ve been putting off a skin check, forgot to get your prescription, want to chat about birth control or even fancy a freshen up with some cosmetic injectables, be sure to book in today.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend and looking forward to seeing you in clinic next week. 🎉
In today’s episode I inject 1ml of dermal filler using a multitude of techniques, including the Russian technique, to help Mary on her lip filling journey to plumper, more defined and hydrated lips.
Our beautiful patient today is no stranger to lip fillers and having increased the volume of her lips over a period of time, it was now time to crank up the definition to both the upper and lower lip as well as the cupid’s bow.
To help achieve this 1ml of Hyaluronic Acid based non-permanent filler was used, typically this can last 6-9 months.
After using a strong, specifically compounded doctor prescribed topical anaesthetic cream, a number of lip filler techniques were used:
- Russian Technique, this is the use of vertical tenting along the border of the lips to help give the lips a wider more defined look without loosing the projection of the body. It is best employed in those without previous lip fillers, however, it worked beautifully on our gorgeous model.
- Linear threading within the body of the lips to achieve volume and projection.
- The fanning technique was used with linear threads to minimise the number of injection sites into the lips.
- Finally, structural support to the oral commissures was given to help lift up the corners of the mouth.
To ensure patient satisfaction and symmetry, the lips are assessed regularly. At the end of the treatment, the lips are cleansed with antiseptic cream and moulded into shape.
The patient was shown the before and after pictures instantly using Treatment Pad, an application that can be downloaded on the iOS store.
The outcome is fantastic, the lips look immediately plumper, more defined and hydrated. Needless to say, she was very pleased with the outcome. Be sure to check out the final outcome once her lips are settled over on instagram @drnoracosmetics.
You can view more video demonstrations or arrange to drop by at my website: https://drnora.com
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below or pop by and see me in clinic.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora 💉
The information provided in this video is not a substitute for getting appropriately trained by an accredited healthcare professional.
This video was taken with the patient’s consent.
Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Did you know the most common non-invasive procedure of 2019 was anti-wrinkle treatment?
Earlier this week I was invited to Venus Concept’s WOW event. I met some great people including award winning cosmetic dermatologist @drdavinlim and the lead clinical educator for Venus @rhiaesthetics, as well as some of my fellow very talented cosmetic injectors from the Sunshine Coast.
Watch the video on youtube.com/drnora for all the interviews and a closer look at Venus Concept’s new non-invasive fat reduction device - Venus Bliss.
