ANTIAGING TREATMENT

Popular procedures & their cost

When we talk about anti-aging treatments, nonsurgical anti-aging procedures are the latest in trend. Also known as office based procedures, these are conducted using the most recent technology which allows for maximum results without the least amount of invasiveness. When a patient walks in for cosmetic procedure, we as doctors give the patient an individualised treatment plan based on his or her skin and body. Our recommendations for each patient are usually as per the problem he or she wants to resolve and there are several methods available to help them. For facial anti-aging, placenta based cosmetic products are being widely used as they treat everything, starting from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to loss of skin elasticity and skin tone. Dermal fillers are also being extensively used specially to correct deep lines and wrinkles on the face. It is also used to give a fuller lips and volume for hollow cheeks and eyes. Instead of smoothening and tightening the skin, they actually change the facial contouring to a more youthful one. Although collagen used to be a standard dermal filler, hyaluronic acid is now more commonly used for the same purpose. Brands like Restylane and Juvederm have become popular. The hyaluronic acid lasts for about six months to one year and the average cost ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 per session. Another injectable that we commonly use is Botulimum toxin and brand names like Botox are more familiar among users. What it does is temporarily paralysing muscle when injected preventing the skin form creasing and causing wrinkles. It works on expression lines such as frown lines on the forehead. The average cost of Botox ranges from about Rs 10,000 and above. Chemical peels such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid also have an anti-aging effect when it is done regularly as the peeling causes collagen production which is stimulated in response to wounding. It can help reduce fine lines, small scars, discolorisation and sun damaged skin, thereby giving a more youthful look. It can be done for the face, neck and hands as well. Chemical peeling has to be done on regular interval until the desired results are achieved. Another procedure that is widely used is derma roller or micro-needling therapy. It involves rolling a cylinder covered in multiple tiny needles over the skin. The damage caused by the needle stimulates collagen production and has been successfully used for treating scars, especially acne scars, fine line and wrinkles. It can be combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy or radiofrequency (RF) for a greater effect. Micro-needling RF is the latest in trend where radiofrequency along with microneedling is used for skin resurfacing, skin tightening, pore reduction and also for treating fine lines and wrinkles. Lasers are being widely used for various indications in cosmetology, ranging from hair reduction to body contouring, scar reduction, skin resurfacing and anti-other aging treatments. Many nonsurgical skin tightening procedures work using heat to create controlled injury in the epidermis and dermal layers of the skin inducing the body to respond by producing more collagen in the treated area. The increased collagen plumps thicken the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring and stretch marks.Laser are used for moderate skin lines and wrinkles, to improve skin tone, texture and tightness of the skin. Everyone dreams of youthful skin and hair despite growing age numbers. With the advent of latest technology and breakthroughs in cosmetology, these antiaging treatments go a long way in helping people maintain their youthful glow. There has been a remarkable increase in demands for anti-aging treatments based on their effectiveness to tackle aging.

Dr Ashiq Mohamed Consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at Westminster Healthcare, Chennai.

PRP Therapy Platelet Rich Plasm (PRP) therapy, a kind of stem cell therapy is used for a variety of purpose.Apart from being used for hair restoration and reduce fine line, wrinkle and scars, it is also used to give glow to the skin. It is a process by which patient’s own cells and platelets are used. Prior to the session, 10 to 20 ml of blood is withdrawn from the patient. The different components of blood are separated using a centrifuge and only the platelet rich fluid is used. Once the fluid is collected, a derma roller, mesogun or insulin syringe is used to create micro holes on the skin. These controlled micro injuries to the skin triggers the skin’s repair process by stimulating collagen and elastin. These micro channels also aid in quick absorption of the platelets on to the skin.