 orget the days when plastic surgeons did face lifts to erase the signs of age. Today, it’s about putting back what you had to begin with. Dr. Andres Gantous, a Toronto-based facial plastic surgeon (torontofacialplastic.com) explains, “The approach initially was just to treat wrinkles. Back then we didn’t give much thought to volume or replacing the fat that is lost with aging. What we’re seeing now in our business is a move to beauty enhancement and a more natural look. More patients are opting for in-office, non-invasive treatments that provide good results right away, without the recovery time needed for surgical procedures.”
|
|
 |
|
No surgery required
Fillers and Botox are still growing in popularity. Results are immediate and aside from a bit of redness or slight bruising, wrinkles are plumped up from inside the skin via a series of injections with a very fine needle. On the ‘ouch’ scale, the pain is akin to a pinch. The area is numbed first with something as low tech as an ice pack.
A good practitioner should be able to ensure you’ll be dinner party ready by evening, without your face appearing swollen.
Latest fillers: Juvéderm ULTRA contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic that provides comfort during and after the procedure. Esthélis and Belotero: hyaluronic acid-based fillers promise longer lasting results, less disruption to existing tissue, and are easier to inject, ensuring more consistent results.
Many practitioners like the combination of fillers and Botox. Fillers replace lost volume and plump up loose skin that has morphed into a wrinkle; Botox stops the contraction of relevant facial muscles that contribute to wrinkle creation. The latest botulinum toxin-based products to hit the market are: Xeomin (in research studies, patients experienced faster, longer lasting results); and Dysport (also known as Reloxin), this is due to be approved in Canada soon. Reports from the US say it’s as effective as and a little less expensive than other alternatives.
Simple corrections
New technology is making less invasive solutions to beauty enhancement more abundant. For example, protruding or misshapen ears can now be corrected quite easily. Dr. Gantous performs an incision-free otoplasty under local anesthesia – only 30 minutes per ear. Results are evident within an hour. Patients return to their routine the next day without discomfort. |
|
The next generation:
serums and super proteins
The latest wave in skin care is serums. They are more liquid, absorb quickly into the skin, and are worn easily under makeup, without feeling heavy.
 Reversa Antioxidant Booster Serum: Based on green tea extract, Vitamin E and B-Glucan from baker’s
yeast, it’s formulated to tackle environmental pollution. It forms a protective barrier on the skin to guard it against the effects of cigarette smoke, urban pollutants, and motor vehicle exhaust. It feels silky, and light on the skin. The subtle citrus fragrance is from essential oils.
 Lancôme Génifique Youth Activator Concentrate: This high tech approach to skin is the product of a decade of research into the proteins of young and mature skin. It taps into two ‘youth’ proteins to improve smoothness, suppleness and tone; visible results in a week.
 NeoStrata Instant Tightening Serum: No time or patience for your skin to look better? There’s visible improvement fast, courtesy of a special polymer that creates a light, micro-film over skin.
 Advanced Revitalift: This
line from L’Oréal Paris skincare taps into the collagen and elastin boosting properties of pro-retinol A. Retinols promote cell turnover too, leading to firmer, smoother looking skin.
 Heiko Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 15: Though labeled a moisturizer, it behaves like a serum with fast-acting benefits. It’s 100% natural, including preservatives derived from organic ingredients; free of parabens, synthetic fragrance and colourants.
It protects against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 15. |
|
Cheap ’n chic beauty perks
 Lise Watier Bio Lift Eye Patch: After as little as 20 minutes, these patches diminish the signs of fatigue and reduce fine lines with ingredients such as aloe, soya phyto-collagen and Vitamin E.
 La Roche-Posay Physiological Ultra-Fine Scrub:Create smooth skin and a healthy glow in 20 seconds with this gentle exfoliant. It’s suitable for sensitive skin.
 |
|
NeoStrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution: No time or money for a facial? This hydroxy-acid-based peel leaves skin silky after a 15 minute treatment. H&L
 |
