Page 27 - Waterfall City Issue 8 August 2024
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of the most commonly used formulation HA injections have an immediate
of botulinum toxin on the market, which effect and last between a year and
effectively targets wrinkles by impeding 18 months. In smaller doses, they
nerve signals to the facial muscles. are generally repeated annually to
maintain their impact. Again, these
Most often used to treat wrinkles in products are not permanent, and
the upper part of the face and around although they have a longer duration
the eyes, it can also be used to treat of action, they are broken down
excessive sweating, clenching of the completely by the body over time
jaw and other non-cosmetic maladies. and leave almost no trace in the long-
Once these muscles are weakened, their term.
effect on the overlying skin is decreased,
which leads to softening and the Yet, for those seeking more profound
potential disappearance of wrinkles in transformations, surgery remains the
the treated areas. gold standard. The improvements
one can make during surgical
Botulinum toxin will start to work about procedures are more dramatic and
72 hours after the treatment and is longer lasting than non-surgical
generally repeated every four months. It techniques, if not permanent.
is important to remember that the effects
of these treatments are not permanent With surgery, we can restore what
and that discontinuing their use will have nature and time have taken away. Of
no long-lasting adverse effects. Despite course, surgery is more invasive, and
the misconception that doing so may therefore downtime and recovery
lead to premature aging, this is not the are more significant than with the
case. With only a few contra-indications use of injectables. However, the
to its use, botulinum toxin is a safe sacrifices are absolutely worth the
and proven method of alleviating the rewards. Procedures such as facelifts,
wrinkles we see on our skin. blepharoplasties, and fat injections
offer lasting results, capable of
“Fillers,” another cornerstone of cosmetic reversing the ravages of time with
enhancement, utilise compounds like surgical precision.
hyaluronic acid (HA) to restore lost
volume, rejuvenate contours, and Navigating the vast landscape
enhance skin quality. HA is ubiquitous of cosmetic interventions can be
in all body tissues and is the natural daunting, but consulting with a
chemical compound that traps water specialist plastic surgeon ensures
in the tissues. As a filler, it is used to personalised, evidence-based
reverse the loss of soft tissue volume guidance. In a world where physical
and restore youthful contours that appearance contributes significantly
have been lost. Fillers are primarily to mental well-being and overall
used in the cheeks, around the mouth health, these interventions offer
(especially the lips), around the eyes, aesthetic enhancement and a
and in other areas such as the jaw and renewed confidence to face life’s
temple area. challenges head-on.
While the fountain of youth may elude us
still, the synergy of non-surgical and surgical
interventions empowers us to age gracefully,
embracing the beauty of a life well-lived.
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