Revolutionising Cosmetic Surgery

The demand for advanced skin rejuvenation techniques has given a fresh facelift to dermatological healthcare

Dr Mukta Sachdev

As cosmetic dermatologists, we are constantly bombarded with new products and technological devices with claims of greatness. It is important to evaluate each of these products individually, including scientific studies if available, with clinical trial results before incorporating them into ones practice. In recent years, many new treatments have revolutionised the practice of dermatology. Following are the top three trends which in my opinion have made a huge impact in dermatological healthcare.

Laser Hair Removal

The use of lasers and light sources for long-term hair reduction is one of the most popular technologies that has impacted cosmetic dermatological practice today. The two most popular technologies currently in use are the long pulsed Nd: YAG laser and the Diode.

I personally have been using the long pulsed Nd: YAG laser for several years now and have achieved excellent results with careful counseling and patient selection to ensure a high level of patient satisfaction. A key factor in using any of these technologies is to demonstrate the safety profile in the darker skin types. Skin coloris are more prone to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and this factor needs to be emphasised when working with any laser of light technology.

However, in this treatment, there is no effective treatment available for the fine hair and grey hair and as soon as a newer technology that works on the grey hair is available, it will again be a new revolution technology in this arena.

Non Ablative Laser Rejuvenation

This newer equipment has now been introduced for non- ablative skin tightening. These deep heating light and laser sources have been shown to produce skin tightening with collagen remodeling and rejuvenation.

The machines provide an alternative to cold steel plastic surgery and can also be used as an adjunctive or maintenance therapy following a surgical face lift.

The advantages of these techniques include the ease of the treatment as an 'office lunchtime' procedure with little or no downtime. This makes this an extremely popular treatment amongst patients.

Several technologies for this procedure are now available and it is important to choose the right technology with a high safety profile.

Newer Rejuvenating Techniques

Botulinum toxin injections, dermal filler injections and chemical peels—these three treatments have made a huge impact in the cosmetic dermatological scenario.

Botulinum toxin injections: The use of these injections for muscle relaxation has made a huge impact in recent times. These tiny injections which need to be administered once in three to six months have an impressive reproducible effect which is an easy to administer outpatient cosmetic procedure. The use of these injections for frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines and wrinkles around the mouth and droopy lips can provide a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

When performed by trained physicians, the risks are minimised and a natural impressive appearance can be achieved.

Dermal filler injections: These injections are also gaining popularity as a rejuvenating technique and changing dermatological practice. There are numerous fillers on the market and I am working with the temporary fillers which have been demonstrated to have a high safety profile. The hyaluronic acid fillers have a high safety profile and when injected by a trained physician gives an impressive natural appearance. These injections can last anywhere between 6-12 months.

Chemical peels: These treatments are an effective adjunctive therapy for acne scars, pigmentations and rejuvenation. The regular use of peels can improve the texture, fine wrinkling and help fade out superficial marks and scars. There are numerous acids and types of peels available in the market now and many aesthetic physicians are performing these treatments.

The superficial and medium depth peels are the most effective in darker skin types and restriction to this depth of peels reduces the risks of post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.

The most effective regimen consists of an individualised combination of a skin care treatment programme, rejuvenating techniques and patient education with a skilled physician for the best outcome with a high level of both patient and physician satisfaction.

The writer is Consultant Cosmetic Dermatologist Manipal Hospital Bangalore
E-mail: mukta.sachdev@gmail.com