www.womanthismonth.com 45 January 2013 | Skin Tight BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL If you’ve been contemplating getting a ‘little work’ done you can now roll back the years with one of the most effective and non-invasive laser treatments the country has to offer. Going under the knife is no longer the only way to look younger. A new technology called Thermage has been proven to tighten and lift the skin without the need for surgery. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to create a uniform heating effect in the deep dermis. This gentle heating tightens existing collagen and stimulates the production of new collagen. It reduces wrinkles and achieves lifting of the brow, cheek and jaw line. “The skin tissue tightens due to the immediate collagen contraction followed by gradual tightening,” explains Dr Hala Al-Abetah, dermatologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. “The result is a more youthful appearance and it can be used on the face, eyelids, back of the hands as well as the chest and neck.” Treatment results can last as long as two years; studies have also indicated that the beneficial changes to skin collagen can still be noticed even after the given time period. However, as with virtually all skin restorative techniques, including surgical facelifts, the original ageing symptoms may slowly return as you grow older and the effect of the sun damage your skin. With no downtime, a patient can return to their day-to-day activities immediately after the procedure. “You can apply makeup immediately after the treatment session. Minimal redness is seen in some patients, but it generally disappears within hours,” continues the doctor. “Bruising and discomfort are rare and occasionally mild swelling is noticed after the procedure, but disappears in two or three days.” For someone who is between 30 and 50 years old, one session can be enough. Those over 50 would need to plan two treatments six months apart for optimal results with maintenance sessions every one to two years. Another plus is that Thermage is very compatible with fillers, with some reservations of course. If you have permanent fillers like silicone or Artecoll, the doctor recommends using Thermage over or near the filler. “Unlike plastic surgery, there is no bruising,” she adds. “There is no need to interrupt any medications or to do any fasting the day before treatment and it is safe. Radiofrequency energy has been used in operating rooms all over the country for more than 25 years.” The Thermage device has been cleared by the FDA for cosmetic indications with studies having shown a very small incidence of minor and temporary side effects. Call 17 812-000. Dr Hala Al-Abetah
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==