3 effective, non-invasive ways to tackle skin ageing

Thanks to efficacious skincare and innovative treatments available, signs of skin ageing like sagging and wrinkles are no longer an unavoidable hallmark of age. If you are conscientious and consistent in taking care of your skin, you can keep it looking youthful and radiant. And no, you won’t have to go under the knife for it.

If you’re looking beyond at-home skincare and are considering non-invasive treatments, one aesthetic clinic to consider is Kowayo Aesthetic Clinic. This clinic believes in enhancing beauty, restoring youth, and maintaining natural beauty. Its founding doctor, Dr Wong Kee Seng was inspired by the Korean beauty ideals, which is why he named his clinic ‘Kowayo’, which means ‘to be pretty’ in Korean.

Dr Wong and his team of experienced therapists aim to understand each patient’s unique needs and provide the best care and most effective treatment options possible. What’s more, the clinic places great emphasis on safety, comfort, effectiveness and affordability, so you know you will be in good, safe hands while achieving your beauty goals.

Understanding & Treating Skin Laxity

As skin ages, it loses its firmness as its support structures like collagen and elastin degenerate. Think of a tent without some of its pegs and poles.

This loss of support and the pull of gravity causes skin sagging and wrinkles, and contributes to a sunken, tired appearance of the face.

To prevent and even reverse this loss of volume, opt for treatments that will boost collagen production. There are two types of treatments you can choose from:  injectables such as Ellanse fillers and non-injectables such as energy-based Ultherapy and Thermage FLX. Read on to find out more about these three age-preventing treatments.

Ellanse

What is it:  Ellanse is an injectable dermal filler that not only plumps up lines, wrinkles and hollow areas of the face. It also stimulates collagen production from within, resulting in longer-lasting and more natural-looking effects.

How it works: Ellanse differs from traditional fillers in that it contains bio-engineered microspheres to boost skin’s natural collagen through biostimulation. Ellanse contains 70 per cent carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel and 30 per cent polycaprolactone (PCL). The CMC gel acts as a dermal filler, plumping the skin and sculpting the facial contours while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. The PCL works in tandem with the CMC to stimulate collagen production. It offers ongoing skin revitalisation and firming through natural collagen stimulation with results that can last two to three years.

Treatment info: First, a consultation and facial assessment will be performed by doctor. Following which your skin will be prepared by cleansing and numbing cream will be applied. As with any dermal filler procedure, mild redness and swelling can be expected after the treatment but these symptoms typically subside within one to two days.

Who is it for: Ellanse is suitable for those who are looking for immediate and long-lasting results. It is great for filling in laugh lines, lifting sunken cheeks and firming up the temples and sides of the face. In addition, it can also be used to keep your hands looking young. Since it lasts for up to three years without touch-ups, it’s a cost-effective anti-ageing option.

Ultherapy

What is it:  Ultherapy is an ultrasound-based treatment that can lift, tighten and rejuvenate the skin without surgery. You’ve probably heard of HIFU face lifting treatments and Ultherapy is the one of the leading forms of HIFU-based treatments available. It is FDA approved to lift sagging skin as well as improve the look of lines and wrinkles.

How it works:  Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to focus at precise skin depths of up to 4.5mm to stimulate new collagen production at the deep, foundational SMAS layer of skin. Ultherapy is a great alternative for those looking to achieve the results of a facelift, without going under the knife. Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology, which is very safe since it is even used on checking foetus in pregnant women.

Treatment info: After consultation with doctor, numbing cream is applied on the area for 30-45 minutes before the treatment. A cooling gel is then applied right before the Ulthera applicator comes into contact with your skin. The Ulthera machine then delivers ultrasound energy into the skin and you will feel a slight heating sensation. You may also experience mild aching for the next couple of days. Results will be most visible one to three months (after the treatment) when new collagen forms. These results can last up to 18 months.

Who is it for:

Ultherapy is recommended for those who are looking to minimise the appearance of sagging cheeks, laugh lines, heavy jowls, double chin and turkey neck. It is also great for those who want to achieve that coveted v-shaped face as Ultherapy not only lifts the face but also helps in the reduction of facial fat.

Thermage FLX

What it is: Thermage was the first skin tightening device to be launched in the US in 2002, and it was also the first to be approved by FDA. It harnesses radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layers of skin to tighten saggy skin, smooth wrinkles and stimulate new collagen production.

How it works: The heating of skin layers causes immediate skin tissue contraction for a tightening effect. And because the heat also causes controlled damage in the dermis, there is also a secondary reaction which activates collagen remodelling and new collagen formation to promote skin healing. This collagen stimulation process happens over several months after the treatment and the effects of Thermage can last for up to 18 months after one treatment.

Treatment info: Following a skin analysis by doctor, numbing cream will be applied 30-45 minutes before the treatment. A soothing gel is then applied on the treatment area and the Thermage applicators will then be used to deliver heat to the skin. You will feel warm sensation from the radiofrequency energy that stimulates collagen remodelling. Initial tightening results may be noticed right after treatment and progressive results can be observed in the weeks to follow, lasting up to 18 months.

Who is it for: Consider Thermage if you’re looking to minimise the signs of ageing such as facial sagging, droopy eyelids, wrinkles and fine lines, without using injectables like botox or fillers. This treatment is great for those with less facial fat and thinner skin because it boosts collagen in skin without eliminating fat.

KOWAYO AESTHETIC CLINIC, tel: 6884-4280; WhatsApp: 9728-2087 or email: clinic@kowayo.com. Website: www.kowayo.com