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FACIAL VOLUME

Conveniently located on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF AGING ON FACIAL VOLUME: COLLAGEN, FAT REDISTRIBUTION, AND BONE RESORPTION

Aging leads to significant changes in facial volume. This is because of various age-related changes such as a decline in collagen and elastin production, fat redistribution, and bone resorption (the process where bone tissue is broken down and absorbed into the body). Over time, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness because collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin strength and elasticity, decrease. Simultaneously, facial fat, which gives the face its youthful plumpness, tends to diminish in some areas and accumulate in others, leading to loss of facial volume, sagging facial skin, and wrinkle and fold formation. In addition, the facial bones undergo resorption, which further contributes to facial volume loss and changes in the contours of the face such as sunken cheeks, thinner lips, and jowls (sagging skin and flesh beneath the jawline).

 

OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT FACIAL VOLUME

Aside from aging, the following factors can also cause changes to the facial volume:

 

  • Genetics
  • Lifestyle choices
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Hormonal changes
  • Medical conditions (autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and chronic illnesses)
  • Medications (corticosteroids and certain acne treatments)
  • Facial trauma or injury
  • Environmental factors (pollution, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and oxidative stress)

 

Women laying down with a towel wrapped around her head in a spa like environment Doctors office with a mid 20 years old with the doctor in the background

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN FACIAL VOLUME

Facial volume changes due to aging are primarily caused by the loss of collagen, elastin, and fat in the skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and hollowing. Nurse Kelly offers the following treatments to target these age-related changes:

Fillers

Fillers are typically composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps maintain skin hydration and volume. Just like collagen and elastin, hyaluronic acid production declines with age, which in turn leads to volume loss. Filler injections replenish lost volume by adding immediate volume to specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, and temples. They can also be used to fill in wrinkles and fine lines.

 

The filler is injected directly into the targeted areas to restore volume and provide a more youthful appearance. Depending on the type of filler and the patient’s adherence to post-treatment instructions, the results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a type of injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) that stimulates collagen production in the skin. Unlike fillers, which provide immediate results, Sculptra works gradually over several months to restore facial volume and improve skin texture and elasticity. Nurse Kelly exclusively utilizes Sculptra, a trusted and FDA-approved brand known for its efficacy in addressing volume loss and skin aging. By focusing on this specific brand, our patients receive the highest quality treatment with a product recognized for its safety and effectiveness.

 

When injected into the target area, Sculptra stimulates the body’s natural collagen production process, gradually replacing lost volume and improving skin quality. It’s commonly used to address volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and jawline. While the results are not immediate, they can last up to 2 years or more, as the collagen-building effects continue even after the initial injections.

Skin Boosters

Skin boosters are injectable treatments that typically consist of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike traditional fillers, which add volume directly to the targeted areas, skin boosters improve skin hydration, texture, and overall quality by boosting collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation.

 

When injected into the skin, it helps improve hydration, elasticity, firmness, and smoothness – these effects help address facial volume loss, sagging facial skin, and wrinkle and fold formation. Skin boosters provide gradual improvements and can be used as maintenance treatments to keep the skin looking youthful and refreshed.

PERSONALIZED MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS AND TREATMENT PLANS

To create personalized medical assessments and treatment plans for facial volume loss related to aging, Nurse Kelly typically follows a structured approach that involves a thorough assessment, patient consultation, and tailored treatment recommendations.

 

Nurse Kelly will begin by conducting a comprehensive initial assessment of the patient’s facial volume loss. This may include reviewing the patient’s medical history, including any previous cosmetic procedures, allergies, medications, and medical conditions. Next, she will perform a physical examination of the face to evaluate areas of volume loss, skin quality, and overall facial symmetry. She will also discuss the patient’s aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations regarding treatment outcomes.

 

Based on the assessment findings and the patient’s preferences, Nurse Kelly will discuss the available treatment options for facial volume loss such as fillers, Sculptra, or skin boosters. She will then create a customized treatment plan based on the specific needs of the patient while taking into consideration factors such as the patient’s age, skin type, facial structure, and lifestyle habits.

 

FILLER

FILLER

Filler is injected under the skin to mimic collagen, and treat volume loss in areas of the face due to aging.

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SCULPTRA

SCULPTRA

Sculptra is used to restore facial volume lost due to aging or illness.

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SKIN BOOSTERS

SKIN BOOSTERS

Skin boosters are advanced cosmetic treatments that involve the injection of hydrating substances.

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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ACNE & BLEMISHES

CHEMICAL PEELS

They are a chemical solution applied to the skin which causes controlled damage to the top skin layers. Chemical peels, such as ZO Peel, stimulate the body’s natural healing process – new skin cells form in the treated area and the old and dead skin cells slough off. This prompts the skin to exfoliate and peel off. Depending on the skin condition, the chemical solution to be used can vary –  alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These acids can help address acne as well as blemishes by stimulating collagen production, unclogging skin pores, reducing inflammation, and dissolving dead skin cells in the treated area.

GENESIS SKIN TREATMENT

Genesis skin,  treatment utilizes non-invasive laser technology, specifically the Nd:YAG laser. With this state-of-the-art treatment, it can target the deeper skin layers without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The laser energy heats different skin layers in a controlled manner, which in turn stimulates collagen production. With increased collagen, enlarged pores shrink and skin inflammation is reduced. Moreover, the laser energy may also target blood vessels to reduce redness associated with acne.

MESOTHERAPY

Mesotherapy treatment with Pluryal,  involves the injection of a customized cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other therapeutic ingredients directly into the middle layer of the skin known as the mesoderm. These ingredients stimulate collagen production and promote skin healing. Over time, the appearance and health of the skin is improved.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion with Dermasweep,  makes use of a handheld device with a diamond-tipped or crystal-tipped abrasive surface to gently exfoliate the skin. During the treatment, the device is moved across the target area. This process helps to unclog pores and promote cell turnover (formation of new skin cells). As a result, the appearance of visible skin concerns are reduced. In addition, the treatment can also enhance the penetration of skincare products – this means better absorption of substances or ingredients which leads to increased efficacy.

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling treatment uses Dermapen, a device with fine needles, to create controlled micro-injuries (very tiny wounds) on the skin’s surface. As a result, the body responds by activating the natural wound healing process (skin regeneration and remodeling). In addition, collagen production is increased and new, healthy skin cells form in the treated area. This process significantly reduces acne and blemishes and improves overall skin health.

ZO FACIAL TREATMENTS

ZO facial treatments,  utilize a combination of advanced skincare techniques and medical-grade products. These treatments typically involve a series of steps, including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction (if necessary), and application of targeted serums or masks. This combination unclogs skin pores, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin renewal (new, healthy skin cells form in the treated area).

Fast Facts

Who’s it for?

Coolsculpting is indicated for patients with stubborn fat, cellulite, and double chin.

 

Similar products:

CoolTech, Clatuu.

 

Celebs who swear by it:

Jennifer Aniston, Kris Jenner, Mariah Carey and Kim Kardashian

Question & Answer

Are there discomforts associated with Coolsculpting?

During the procedure, you may feel sensations of deep pulling, tugging, and pinching as the applicator passes over the treated area. You may also experience cramping, stinging, or tingling sensations. As the freezing applicator delivers controlled cooling, the treated area will temporarily become numb, thus reducing any discomfort.

Will the fat come back after Coolsculpting?

The treatment permanently eliminates the fat cells in the treated area. However, you will still need to maintain a healthy weight after the treatment because significant weight gain can compromise your results.

How long does it take to see Coolsculpting results?

You may begin to notice the results 1 to 3 months after the treatment. However, you will need to wait 4 months to see the final results.

How many Coolsculpting treatments will I need?

The treatment permanently destroys approximately 25% of the exposed fat cells in the treated area but this is enough to produce significant body contouring improvement. While you may benefit from one treatment, you may need two treatment sessions to achieve the best results. The number of treatments you will need will depend on the amount of fat in the target area.

Are there any side effects associated with Coolsculpting?

After the treatment, you may experience mild discomforts such as redness, bruising, numbness, or swelling. You may apply ice packs to the treated area to minimize any discomfort. After 1 to 2 weeks, these discomforts should resolve completely.

Will I lose weight with Coolsculpting?

It is important to keep in mind that the treatment is not a weight loss solution. While Coolsculpting contours the treated area by delivering controlled and precise cooling to the fat cells, you will still need to commit to a healthy lifestyle after the treatment because significant weight gain can compromise your results.

Who are the ideal candidates for Coolsculpting?

The treatment is compatible with all skin types and tones. As long as you are in good overall physical and mental health, the treatment is right for you. However, you are not an ideal candidate for the treatment if you have the following:

  • A significant amount of fat in a body area
  • Cold agglutinin disease (a red blood cell disorder)
  • Cryoglobulinemia (the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood)
  • Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria (a rare blood disorder that attacks red blood cells)
  • Unrealistic expectations
How much does Coolsculpting cost?

The total cost will depend on the following factors:

  • The practitioner’s fee
  • The fee of the clinic or medical facility
  • The number of treatment sessions required
  • The body area needing treatment

The treatment is cosmetic in nature. This means that the cost of the treatment may not be covered by your insurance. Before the procedure, it is best to consult with your health insurance provider for more information.

References

  1. Oh, C. H., Shim, J. S., Bae, K. I., & Chang, J. H. (2020). Clinical application of cryolipolysis in Asian patients for subcutaneous fat reduction and body contouring. Archives of plastic surgery, 47(1), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2019.01305. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6976754/.
  2. McKeown, D. J., & Payne, J. (2021). Significant improvement in body contour with multiple cycles of CoolSculpting: Results of a prospective study. Dermatologic therapy, 34(2), e14850. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14850. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8047906/.
  3. Lim, T., Ding, S. W., Chua, C. H., & Moey, H. X. (2021). Enhancing the Appearance of the “Six-Pack” Muscles Using Cryolipolysis: A Safe and Effective Method. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 148(4), 775–779. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008320. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34550933/.
  4. Putra, I. B., Jusuf, N. K., & Dewi, N. K. (2019). Utilisation of Cryolipolysis among Asians: A Review on Efficacy and Safety. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 7(9), 1548–1554. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542401/.
  5. Few, J., Saltz, R., Beaty, M., Kelly, M., Movassaghi, K., Marcus, K. A., Sieber, D., Burns, A. J., & Sangha, S. (2020). Cryolipolysis: Clinical Best Practices and Other Nonclinical Considerations. Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum, 2(2), ojaa010. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojaa010. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7671251/.
  6. Naeimi, M. et al. (2019) Treatment by cryolipolysis with radio-frequency and ultrasound cavitation combination is no more effective in improving indices of adiposity than radio-frequency and ultrasound cavitation alone, Translational Metabolic Syndrome Research. Elsevier. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588930318300136.
  7. Suh, D. H., Park, J. H., Jung, H. K., Lee, S. J., Kim, H. J., & Ryu, H. J. (2018). Cryolipolysis for submental fat reduction in Asians. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology, 20(1), 24–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1368564. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28850270/.
  8. Rodopoulou, S., Gavala, M. I., & Keramidas, E. (2020). Three-dimensional Cryolipolysis for Submental and Lateral Neck Fat Reduction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 8(4), e2789. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002789. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32440449/.
  9. de Gusmão, P. R., Canella, C., de Gusmão, B. R., Filippo, A. A., & Filippo, G. R. (2020). Cryolipolysis for local fat reduction in adults from Brazil: A single-arm intervention study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(11), 2898–2905. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13389. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32281283/.