Six Summer Super Foods You Should Indulge In

Warm weather begs for lighter meals and preparation methods, which may help slim you down and look radiant at the same time. Munching on fruits during hot weather keeps you refreshed while also being satisfying. A new ways to try fruit this summer could be to add it to the salad or spin it in a juicer with some ice, either way you keep your taste buds inspired and your skin thankfully radiant.

Berries.

No matter which type you prefer, berries are a skin super food. Excessive UV exposure can cause the skin to generate free radicals, leading to skin damage, wrinkles and premature aging. Berries, especially blueberries, are loaded with antioxidants that can help neutralize the effect of skin damaging free radicals. When I think of summer beauty foods, I can’t help but think of Strawberries. These sweet berries are one of the best sources of vitamin C out there, with 163% of the daily value per cup.

Mangos

This delicious tropical fruit is jam-packed with over 20 different vitamins and minerals. Like with carrots, beta-carotene, which gives mangos their orange hue, is converted to vitamin A in the body, helping to keep acne at bay. Mangos are also rich in alpha hydroxyl acid, which exfoliates and rejuvenates skin by speeding cell turnover rate.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and beta-carotene. Research shows that when tomatoes are cooked, they have even more lycopene. A diet rich in those nutrients may boost your skin's natural defense against sun damage and improve its appearance, according to a 2012 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C. One cup delivers almost half of the daily value.

Hibiscus Tea

This ruby red tea is full of health benefits. Research shows it's high in antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins (usually found in tea blends, like red raspberry, so look for it in the ingredient list).

Rooibos Tea

Not only is Rooibos tea high in the polyphenols that help protect the skin from premature aging, it’s also caffeine free so you don’t need to worry about the dehydrating side effects that some teas and coffee have.  Rooibos is also soothing for the stomach so try a cup of tea if you’re feeling a little sluggish.

Chia Seeds

These tiny little seeds sure pack a lot of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids! Inflammation can show up in the skin both as breakouts and premature wrinkles, so arm yourself with some ch-ch-ch-chia.

All these foods can help you guard against inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage and protect your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Of course, you should still wear sunscreen and avoid getting too much sun.

Lets Cut 7 Shaving Myths Down To Size

Women's pursuit of smooth, hairless skin has been a beauty constant for centuries. Over the years, new methods and dramatic product improvements have been progressively changing the history of hair removal. In 1880, when King Camp Gillette created the first modern day razor for men a revolution was born. Though it took another three decades before a razor specifically marketed for women was launched, but ever since then shaving has been a fashionable mode for quick hair removal among ladies. With inventions like mechanical epilators and laser hair reduction devices the women have been spoilt with choices but shaving still holds its niche among those who want a quick and safe way to get smooth hair free skin on the go especially among girls on a budget and those timorous of pain (say OUCH if you’ve tried waxing).

The custom of using shaving razors has been established as an efficient, painless and cost effective way to loose the body fuzz on the go since its inception, but it seems a lot of prickly questions have also been raised in female minds over the years about the side effects and aftermath of picking up a razor as a long term hair removal choice.

Today I am here as a woman of science and a dermatologist to help restore your confidence in shaving as safe and an up to speed mode of getting rid of unwanted body hair. Lets bust some of these rolling stone gathering a bit of moss myths and uncover the truth behind this fuzz-busting technique called —Shaving.

Myth 1: Shaving body hair makes them grow back darker, coarser & thicker.

Reality: As hair grows from the root to the surface it get tapered and refined during its journey to the surface pushing through the skin and rubbing against the clothing’s. Untouched naturally growing body hair is hence tapered and it lies flat on skin feeling soft and thin. Shaving the hair blunts its ends and makes it stand up and feel thicker. How thick or fine your hair is depends on your individual biochemistry and hormones. Heredity, genes, race, medications, physical and mental stress, and diet can influence these hormones. Only these factors can thus potentially alter the hair root, which lies few millimeters under the skin leading to modification of the nature (color, thickness and length) of the hair. Shaving razors only scrape the surface of the skin making it impossible for them to affect or alter the hair root, which lies deep under the skin.

Myth 2: Shaving causes nicks and burns

Reality: A tool is only as good or bad as the user, if you apply too much pressure the blade can cause nicks or shaving burns for sure. Using a fresh blade each time with a gentle slide and glide technique over a well lathered skin gives the best results with no nicks, cuts or shaving burns. Another tip to keep in mind while shaving is “The Ideal Shave Angle” the razor blade meeting the skin should be at 28-32 degrees to get the smoothest results. Statistics show that most shaving accidents are caused by using dull and/or dirty razor blades, insufficient preparation of the skin and hair before shaving, and using inappropriate equipment /products.

Myth 3: Shaving causes Ingrown hair and folliculitis

Reality: Research has shown that shaving with the grain is the best way to get a comfortable and close shave. Although shaving against the grain ensures that the hair is cut off very close to the skin, but it also dramatically increases the risk of razor bumps and skin irritation. Shaving scrapes hair from the surface of the skin. If your hair is slightly curly and you do a very close shave the hair can get trapped under the skin. Folliculitis only happens if you’re shaving under unhygienic conditions with an old blade harboring dead skin & bacteria.

Myth 4: Shaving causes the skin to become darker in color especially in underarm area

Reality: Shaving only scrapes the surface of the skin, if no extra pressure is applied there is no logical reason for the skin color to change. Some people apply a deodorant or anti-Perspirant immediately post shaving that might lead to irritation and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Pigmentation happens especially in darker skin type people as an aftermath of irritation of skin caused by the alcohol, perfume or Aluminum chloride in the anti-Perspirant product.

Myth 5: Shaving causes hair to grow faster

Reality: Absolutely not, natural human hair grows 0.35mm per day or 1 cm/month from the root and shaving the surface can’t change that.

Myth 6: Shaving shouldn’t be used on upper lip, face or bikini

Reality: Truth be told history shows us great beauty icons of all times —Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Cleopatra had one thing in common they all shaved their faces — upper lip included. Using a razor on your skin physically exfoliates your skin — it makes your skin more lustrous helping makeup to go on smoother, gives you a glow, and is great antiaging excercise. Why do you think men look so youthful as they age? They shave a majority of their lives!

Employed properly a razor blade can be used on any area of the body but in certain areas it does require some finesse to do it well. While shaving sensitive areas special care should be employed – wash and lather the area with shaving cream and start with a fresh sharp blade moving at an ideal angle of 28-32 degrees with short precise stokes moving with the grain of hair to avoid nicks and cuts. In bikini area regular exfoliation before and after shaving helps to avoid ingrown hair and bumps. If irritation or ingrown-hair is spotted use an antibiotic cream (Fucidin) twice daily for a quick resolution. Another word of advice keep the razor you use for your pubic area separate from the one you use on your face or armpits.

Myth 7: You can use shaving anyway you want dry or wet with same results

Reality: Not really shaving gives best results when used on wet skin with plenty of soap or shaving cream to soften the hair and make blades glide on the skin smoothly. Dry shaving can caused skin irritation with redness and skin burning along with unsmooth results.

Skin Brightening And Whitening With Royce Derma

Skin lightening and bleaching is not only trendy in Middle East but also is a normal part of most people’s skincare regimens. Men and women consider perfectly porcelain complexion in high regard as a standard of beauty and to achieve flawlessly light skin coloration they have been using an array of bleaching products on their skin including the toxic hydroquinone and bleach-mixes with corticosteroids.

Agreed - the milky Snow White skin tone is considered elegant, fashionable and desirable here, but logic dictates that skin health and safety should come first. Last few years dermatologists and the cosmecutical industry have been trying hard to give the people safe skin lightening products that not only given them the desired skin complexion, but at the same time help nourish and condition the skin.

Today I am going to introduce you to the concept to skin lightening and conditioning with a mask that will give you a Med-Spa like skin toning experience at home.

Bio-Cellulose Whitening Face & Neck Mask – Skin lightening with double Hydration

Anatomy Of Bio-Cellulose Whitening:

·      Delentigo – enzyme involved in melanin synthesis/fights skin marks and aging of the skin

·      Lemon extract – revitalizes skin and helps prevent cell degeneration. It also has stimulant and tonic properties to boost cell renewal.

·      Glycerin – moisturizes dry or sensitive skin

·      Fucogel – helps restructure skin/enhances skin softness and firmness

My Experience: 

I washed my face with AminoGenesis Really Really Clean face wash and then scrubbed it squeaky clean with ComfortZone’s Active Pureness exfoliating scrub to make sure that my skin is squeaky clean and ready to absorb the benefits of the Royce Whitening mask. According to the instructions on the box I opened the peelable mask, inside the aluminium sachet, and I found the Biocellulose mask between a nylon sheet and a blue, non-woven sheet. After successively removing those protective coverings I took the biocellulose mask between my thumb and forefinger and applied to my forehead; it needed some adjustment around eyes and mouth area. Once the mask was on properly, I gave it 20 minutes to moisturize and rejuvenate my face. The first thing I felt after applying the mask was cool calming sensation that soothed my skin for as long as I had the mask on. There was no smell (good or bad) the mask felt like a rich silk covering and my skin felt comfortable and soothed under the mask. After twenty minutes I peeled the mask off my skin without washing.

Looking In The Mirror: I saw my skin looking more radiant & supple just after one twenty minute treatment. Next morning I woke up looking radiant and since then I have a smile on my face. I’d recommend everyone to try the mask and join me in experiencing a great treat for skin and complexion.

My Conclusion: This mask is effective, natural and safe. It delivers skin brightening and lightening while conditioning and nourishing your skin too.

To achieve an even brighter skin use Royce Whitening Day Cream daily to keep your skin pigmentation tendencies under check. This cream is for people with normal, dry and sensitive skin types. People with oily or combination skin should use an oil free skin brightening serum or gel like - Iklen serum or BC Ceuticals L-Ascorbic acid 15% serum. Daily use of sun screen with UVA & B filters according to your skin type will ensure your skin stays clear, luminous and pigmentation free.

What’s New On Rosacea Front

Rosacea is a genetically determined, long-lasting skin condition that causes inflammation and redness of the face. Rosacea usually progresses through four stages.

1.    Erythema and flushing

2.    Persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead marked by telangiectasia

3.    Papular and pustular acne form eruption with increase telangiectasia

4.    Rhinophyma – Knobby bumps on nose with thickening of the skin of nose and redness and grittiness in eyes.

These skin symptoms causes much distress and social withdrawal for the people who suffer from it. According to surveys around 60% of individuals with stage 1 and 85% of those with stage 3 report an influence in social functioning – refusal of food and drinks is quite common (as these are triggers of flares).

Common triggers include hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, stress, sunlight and extreme heat or cold. These triggers increase blood flow and cause the small blood vessels in the face to dilate.

Also, being careful while selecting your daily skincare can help keep skin calm and clear.

·      Select facial cleansers and moisturizers that do not burn, sting, irritate or cause redness when you apply them.

·      Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Don’t use too hot or cold water.

·      Avoid toners, astringents, scrubs, exfoliating agents and products that contain alcohol or acetone.

·      Hydroxy acids and tretinoin (for example, Retin-A) are very helpful for other skin conditions, but can worsen rosacea.

·      Finally, use sunscreens and sun blockers regularly and liberally to protect your face.

Treatment Options: The good news is that treatments can improve the appearance of rosacea. They may even stop, or reverse, its progress. Depending on your specific symptoms, your doctor may prescribe:

Conventional treatments include topical antibiotics (metronidazole), topical azelaic acid (Finacea), oral antibiotics (cyclines) and Beta-Blockers / Alpha Antagonists to reduce flushing through their effect on blood vessels.

Laser treatments with pulse-dye and Nd-Yag lasers to reduce blood vessels on the affected skin also have proven to be useful in controlling and keeping the symptoms at bay.

Estrogen the female hormone is used when rosacea is aggravated by the hot flashes of menopause, since estrogen treatment reduces the number and severity of hot flashes.

Recent studies have introduced brimonidine tartrate, a vasoconstrictor with acts selectively action on the alpha2 adrenergic receptor. It is being used at a concentration of 0.5% applied topically once a day. Reduction of redness can be seen after 30 minutes of application and studies suggest a maximum effect somewhere between 6 and 12 hours after application.

Mesotherapy — Youth By Thousand Pricks

The origins of mesotherapy take us to the aesthetic capitol of the world  —France, where Dr. Michel Pistor laid the foundation of meso-therapeutical research until it was adopted as a specialized field of medicine in 1987. In the last decade or so mesotherapy has received more global attention and has gradually become an increasingly popular cosmetic injectable procedure.  The science behind mesotherapy focuses on delivering multiple pharmaceuticals, vitamins, plant extracts etc. directly into the different layers of skin to target different needs — in aesthetic medicine we use it to promote healthy shiny youthful skin, tackling hair fall/loss, and to combat cellulite or fat reduction.

Today we are going to focus on mesotherapy for face, as I have received tons of queries and questions demanding an elaborate feature on MesoFace — How is it done, what entails, who is a good candidate, what are the side effects, and what are the results?

MesoFace — All You Need To Soak Up

MesoFace sessions are aim specifically at skin rejuvenation, brightening and hydration as well as on face/neck contouring. The procedure itself is a unique combination of art and science utilizing almost painless microinjections, which deliver skin boosting and enhancing formulations into the epidermis, dermis and sub cutaneous space (top, mid and under the skin).

MesoFace Logic

The natural hyaluronic acid found in our skin contributes to skin elasticity and firmness by maintaining a high level of hydration in the skin. As we age, the level of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases considerably, leading to the appearance of sagging & aged skin highlighted with fine lines and wrinkles.

MesoFace formulations are carefully chosen to improve and maintain skin tone by promoting collagen production by the skin fibroblasts (natural factories of collagen), plus anti-oxidants utilized in MesoFace formulations promote free radical scavenging activities thus preserving the natural collagen. By using combination formulas containing hyaluronic acid along with valuable vitamins mesotherapy helps to nourish and hydrate skin putting spot light on an instant youthful glow and radiance.

For skin revitalization and brightening multivitamin injections coupled with hyaluronic acid are applied by superficial nappage (by hand, pen or machine) or by papule method in the sub dermal plane. This process ensures efficient delivery of active substances into the skin to help rejuvenate the epidermal and dermal cells, making them more active, and thereby stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. The active formulations also help plump up and rejuvenate the skin with use of non-cross linked hyaluronic acid. Results become obvious 2-3 days post treatment, showcasing a visible improvement in the tone, hydration and texture of skin.

For face and neck contouring specialized formulations containing caffeine and Sodium deoxycholate are injected into the fat layers under the skin that lead to fat break down and shrinkage of double chin, puffy cheeks or bulky jowls. Additional skin tightening agents are then injected into the dermis to promote skin tightening to trot out a more slimmer and lifted silhouette.

MesoFace With A Derma-Roller

Derma roller is a hand-held small, narrow device (rather like a tiny paint roller) studded with almost 200 fine surgical steel micro-needles (common lengths are 0.5 millimeter, 1 millimeter and 1.5 millimeters). Smaller lengths are designed for thinner skin areas (eyes, neck) and longer lengths are used for the thicker skin areas like forehead and cheeks.)  As the device is rolled over the skin it produces multiple pinpricks and punctures.

The science behind needle plowing the skin aims at stimulating collagen production by injuring the skin with thousands of micro punctures. Theoretically, any injury to the skin should instigate a process of wound healing by attracting cytokines and growth factors to the area as well as stimulating the fibroblasts to produce more collagen. More collagen literally means smoother & plumper skin. Applying vitamins and hyaluronic acid on skin stimulated by needle punctures leads to additional beneficial effects in the form of instantaneous glow and shine for the skin.

No Needle MesoFacials

There are also many trans-dermal delivery devices available in the market that utilize micro current or ultrasound waves to deliver skin enhancing active formulation more efficiently into the skin bypassing the sharp pricks from a needle, but for me the good old-fashioned skin stimulation and nutrients delivery package with a sharp needle point holds precedence.

Though over time I have become a big fan of using the meso-cocktails coupled with fractionated lasers & radiofrequency (RF) devices. Utilizing these technologies the micro-holes into the skin are drilled by lasers or RF instead of stainless steel needles and the end results become much more satisfactory compared to using only one module. Coupled treatments also result in less downtime and faster recovery post fractionated sessions — literally the best of both worlds.

Who’s A Good Candidate For MesoFace?

If you suffer from dull, dry, lack-luster skin and are looking for a quick megawatt-radiance fix — mesotherapy might be godsend to you. With few swipes from the needle tips meso-cocktails deliver mega doses of vitamins, nutrients and hyaluronic acid into your skin and you get an instantaneously glowing and beautiful skin.

Finally Let’s Talk Side Effects

Using mesotherapy practices under unhygienic conditions can lead to introduction of bacteria into the skin resulting in infections and related side effects. Word to the wise if you’re planning to use derma-roller at home, make sure you learn how to do the procedure with proper anti-septic protocol. Even while selecting a derma clinic to do the procedure look for places that maintain high standards of care with strong emphasis on sterilized clinical practices.

Mesotherapy has been the hidden secret behind “The Red Carpet Star Glow” for ages. In my practice it is the fastest & quickest way to get red-carpet worthy radiant skin in a jiffy.

Looking At Biological Medication For Psoriasis

Psoriasis — an autoimmune condition that causes itchy, scaly red patches on the skin — can be tough to treat, and your treatment needs can change over time. When psoriasis doesn’t respond to topical ointments and light therapy, your condition may need a different type of medication. That’s when it's likely time to talk to your doctor about effective prescription treatment options for moderate to severe psoriasis. The two main types of drugs for psoriasis are called systemic and biologic.

Systemic drugs affect the entire immune system, hence the name “systemic.” You typically take them in liquid or pill form, although some may be given by injection. If you haven't had success with topical medications or light therapy, or if you have psoriatic arthritis, you're a potential candidate for systemic drugs. Systemic medications work by suppressing the immune system to reduce or stop the inflammation that causes psoriasis. Different types of systemic drugs perform in different ways. Acitretin, for example, works by slowing down how quickly skin cells multiply. Methotrexate works by interfering with DNA, slowing down the production of new cells.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells in a laboratory, meaning they are genetically engineered. Instead of affecting the entire immune system, biologic medications target specific proteins or cells, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 17-A, or interleukins 12 and 23 that have a direct connection to psoriasis. This class of drugs is typically prescribed when other treatments have failed.

“Biologic” Treatment Indications:

·      If no response to classical systemic treatments is seen or their usage is contraindicated.

·      The PASI (psoriasis area severity index) of at least 15.

Here’s A Concise Review Of Short Term Response Rates From Literature Review

Adalimumab:

70% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 70

45% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 90

In both cases, the dosage is of 40mg every 2 weeks, after an induction dose of 80mg

Etanercept:

35% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 70 and 10% have an improvement of PASI 90 after a dosage of 2 times 25mg per week.

50% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 70 and 20% have an improvemnet of PASI 90 after a dosage of 2 times 50mg per week.

Infliximab

With a dosage of 0.5mg/Kg at weeks 2, 4 and 6

80% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 70.

40% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 90.

Ustekinumab

With a dosage of 45mg every three months:

70% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 70.

40% of treated individuals achieve an improvement of PASI 90.

To summarize, infliximab achieves the fastest results but it requires an intravenous infusion every 6 weeks. With ustekinumab, the improvement of PASI 90 is maintained 76 weeks after initiation of treatment in 63% of patients at a dosage of 90mg and in 45% of patients at a dosage of 45mg. Adalimumab also remains efficacous 2 years after initiation of treatment.

Which one to chose: adalimumab (anti-TNF), infliximab (anti-TNF), etanercept (anti-TNF), ustekinumab (anti IL-12): Actually no real guidelines exist. Personal experience is therefore a must.

New biologics recently entering the market:

Secukinumab:

With a dose of 300mg or 150mg given weekly for 5 weeks and then every 4 weeks at 12 weeks

81.5% of treated individuals with 300 mg achieve an improvement of PASI 75.

71.5% of treated individuals with 150 mg achieve an improvement of PASI 75.

Therapeutic advise according to the histological characteristics

·      Keratolytics for hyperkeratosis

·      2-5% salicylic acid (up to 20% concentration in palar and plantar locations)

·      Emollients for parakeratosis

·      Anthralin, topical steroids, vitamin D analogues and phototherapy for psoriasiform hyperplasia

·      Topical steroids, cyclosporin, fumaric acid and biologics for erythema.

The Right Psoriasis Treatment for You

Psoriasis treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Various individual factors determine which treatment option may be best for you, including the severity of your psoriasis, if you have any other medical conditions, and your personal needs. Your doctor’s preference and your insurance coverage are likely to factor in as well. Some doctors may be more comfortable prescribing systemic drugs for psoriasis because they've been around much longer and insurance coverage for these medications is often better and easier to deal with.

In any medical decision-making process, the choice of treatment requires careful consideration of the benefits, risks, and alternatives of the treatments being considered. There are pros and cons to both psoriasis medication options that should be explored. Work with your doctor to determine the most effective psoriasis drug treatment for you.

Non-Surgical Time Travel — Destination Youthful Visage

Aging is inevitable and the march of time is bound to leave its tracks on every face as a gentle reminder that human body is frail and crumbles with time. But the warriors of our race have long decided — they are not going to take it lying down at face value, so a war has been waged. Aging has been declared a medical disease — in the same spirit as we have triumphed over and vanquished many diseases which used to cause much havoc and claim lives in the past — aesthetic medical community is working hard to stop the carnage of time, find a cure and eradicate aging ultimately. As they say — “in heavens no one will age every soul will stay forever young”, here on earth we strive to achieve the ultimate — “heaven is a place on earth”.

While the gift of eternal youth might be waiting for us in the future we are currently busy fighting and preventing the visible signs of aging as they happen. Science has successfully unlocked the senescental algorithm — how skin, fat, muscles and bones change with time. In our arsenal against ravages of time we have one marvel of an intervention that packs a serious antiaging punch, medical aesthetic community loves it as — Silhouette Soft Non Surgical Lift. Lets get you up close and personal to this unique mode of face lift which can be achieved without invasive surgery and weeks of swelling, bruising and downtime.

Facial Aging At A Quick Glance

As we age, loss of collagen and elastin in our skin leads to reduced facial tone, sagging of contours and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. Losing these protein, combined with a natural thinning of the face through loss of fat and bone tissues, leads to hollowed eyes as well as sagging of upper cheeks and the much dreaded heaviness above the jaw line (jowls) and around the chin (marionette lines), all these changes make any face (supermodel or civilian) look tired and aged.

Silhouette Soft — One Stitch Facelift

SILHOUETTE SOFT® which has also been called a technological innovation of the twenty first century, offers women and men what no other antiaging treatment has ever provided in a very simple way — a redefined re-contoured face with restored volume and reduced wrinkles. To top it all, this antiaging miracle can be performed in less than a 30-minute treatment session with long lasting results up to 18 months.

The Procedure: After a small local anesthetic injection, the doctor inserts the suture under the skin to a depth of about 3-5mm. No incision or cut is required, as the suture is inserted using a fine needle. It is held in place with absorbable cones oriented in opposite directions (bidirectional).

Once the suture as been applied, the doctor performs slight compression of the tissue to reshape it by hand and to obtain the desired lifting effect. The non-inserted ends of the suture are cut off.

To lift different areas of the face one or more sutures may be applied, depending on the patient and facial sagging.

SILHOUETTE SOFT® Dual Challenge — Lifting & Regenerating

Combating the effects of ageing SILHOUETTE SOFT® works hard to restore smoother and more toned skin along with creating a more shapely face.

The lifting effect is immediate and discreet as it is the result of compressing and elevating tissue at the time of adjusting the sutures. After inserting the suture, the doctor applies slight pressure on the treated areas, reshaping and recontouring the face making it look visibly toned and lifted.

The regenerative effect is gradual and happens naturally in the next few months post treatment. Polylactic acid (PLA), the principal component of SILHOUETTE SOFT® is a polymer known in the medical field for many years (suture thread, orthopaedic pins, screws and nails for bone fractures are all made from PLA). This polymer is particularly biocompatible with human tissue, while being completely biodegradable. Once the suture is applied, the polylactic acid acts on the deeper layers of the skin and naturally stimulates the body so that it produces new collagen around the PLA cones. This action, which continues over time (2-3 months), helps increase the volume of sagging areas and restores shapeliness to the face gradually and naturally.

SILHOUETTE SOFT® is developed by Cindy Crawford's doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh, it is made in the United States and its development is based on years of experience in suture suspension with cones used in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. It is FDA cleared and CE marked for the European market.

Here are some before afters: