Dermal fillers and Botox
Welcome to the world of true non-surgical facial rejuvenation. With the advent of dermal (skin) fillers and Botox injections, you can now achieve a more youthful look in under 30 minutes without any surgery or downtime. Everyone has heard of Collagen injections, but a whole raft of newer, high tech fillers has arrived since then, with less side effects and longer duration. All that's required is a little local anaesthetic and a few tiny injections - which can all be done during a lunch break.
By now everyone has heard of Botox. But did you know that Botox can be used to soften a square jaw, reduce armpit sweating, or even lift and reshape your eyebrows? This amazing medication was first developed as a treatment for muscle spasticity, but it's in the field of cosmetic medicine that Botox really shines. It is simple to administer, and its remarkably low incidence of side effects has now made it the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world.
Thread lifting
Not exactly a new procedure - the first thread lifts were done in Russia over a decade ago - thread lifting has moved forward very rapidly in the last two years, owing to the introduction of improved materials and new techniques such as the X-LIFT™, devised by Bioscor's own Dr Tony Prochazka. Many other techniques can be used, involving short or long threads, anchored or floating threads, smooth or "cogged" threads. The procedure should not be confused with "gold threads", which have recently been banned in China.
The new X-LIFT solves many of the problems associated with previous techniques. Due to the better load distribution achieved by the X-VECTOR thread configuration, X-LIFT is associated with a reduced incidence of skin puckering and leaves no bulky "knots" under the skin. Despite this, the anchoring is very secure and thus a significant and very secure lift can be achieved with this new technique.
The planning of each X-LIFT procedure requires a careful analysis of facial structure, to identify the "lifting vectors" which will produce the best result for the individual client. Very small incisions are made and the threads are introduced via long hollow needles. The result should be an effective face lift with minimal invasion of tissues, which will last for several years and look very natural.
Laser lipolysis
Everyone wants a better body shape. Whether your problem is a "spare tyre", thick thighs or a bulging bottom, liposculpture can reshape your body into better proportions, making it one of the most popular surgeries today. However, anyone who has watched "Extreme Makeover" knows that liposuction can be quite a vigorous, almost brutal procedure. Enter "Smartlipo", an ingenious new laser technology from Italy which has swept the world in the past year and is now available for the first time in China, exclusively at Bioscor Shanghai Clinic.
Laser lipolysis is a technique where a laser beam is brought into direct contact with body fat through a fibreoptic cannula. Instead of tearing and sucking the fat mechanically, the laser beam simply breaks the fat-cell membranes and releases the free fats within. The body then reabsorbs and clears the liberated fat over a period of several weeks.
The results are similar to traditional liposuction but with greatly reduced tissue trauma, meaning less swelling, bruising and pain. The procedure is so gentle that it can be performed under light sedation, meaning no hospital stay and a shorter recovery time.
©2006 Dr Tony Prochazka
Unauthorised reproduction prohibited
Dr. Tony Prochazka can be reached at dr.tony@bioscor.com.cn. He practice in both Sydney, Australia and Shanghai, China. To make an appointment, call Bioscor Shanghai Clinic at (021) 6431 8899
If you've been thinking of having your face or body rejuvenated, but have been scared off by the thought of major surgery, then maybe it's time to think again. A wealth of new techniques and technologies have transformed the field of cosmetic treatment. The common feature of all these new treatments is "minimally invasive" - that is: less cutting, less open surgery, less risk and less downtime. Not only that - the cost is often far lower.
