Longevity – Dr. Nedic aked to comment on aesthetic solutions for your eyes…
Dr Sly Nedic, 8th Sense, Sandton:
PROBLEM
Crow’s feet/hyperkinetic wrinkles are the result of photo-aging and hyperactivity of the orbicularis muscle. They worsen during menopause, with the loss of collagen and elastin.
Treatment: Neuromodulator
What to expect: There is high patient satisfaction after two weeks of treatment as hyperkinetic wrinkles disappear.
How long it lasts: Three to four months
What it costs: R800 – R1 300
PROBLEM
Droopy eyelids and sagging eyebrows refer to upper eyelid loss of collagen and subsequent increase in laxity.
Treatment:
- First line: Radiofrequency-like Thermage for long-lasting results, as it stimulates collagen production
- Neuromodulator and fillers: For 3D eye lift and artistic eyebrow shaping; used for mild cases and in combination with Thermage
- Blepharoplasty: An invasive treatment for advanced cases
What to expect: Thermage: Non-invasive treatment, expecting long-lasting results after a month, and progressive improvement 3D eye lift with injectables: Immediate results, better in younger patients and in patients with mild to moderate sagging
How long it lasts: Years for Thermage, months for neuromodulators, one-and-a-half years for fillers
What it costs: Thermage from R8 000, 3D eye lift from R3 000
PROBLEM
Dark circles are a complex condition resulting from a combination of factors: a) thinning of the periorbital skin, which becomes translucent, showing the structure beneath; b) haemoglobin staining deep dermal tissue, from long-lasting stasis in this area (usually seen in darker skin); c) pigmentation due to sun damage; d) loss of supportive tissue, enhancing darkness. These are all localised problems, but they can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as insomnia, chronic fatigue or allergies.
Treatment: Multimodality approach with superficial chemical peels, laser resurfacing, topical treatment for hyperpigmentation, continuous prevention of photo-aging with sunblock and good cosmeceutical anti-aging eye cream
What to expect: Results are generally good, providing patients understand the importance of prevention. More refractory cases are darker skin types (Fitzpatrick V and VI), where there is a hereditary condition caused by haemoglobin staining; the use of topical vitamin K can diminish the problem to a certain degree. How long it lasts: Depends on the underlying condition
What it costs: Chemical peel from R500, resurfacing laser from R2 000