Heads Up: Maintaining a Youthful Appearance with Dermalift
Dermalift is a non-invasive face lifting procedure which gives natural results with minimal downtime and side effects. Its main active ingredient is Dysport: a type of botulinum toxin which is a variation of the more commonly known Botox.
Formation of wrinkles
One of the most common types of wrinkles are formed via muscle contractions. Our face is lined with many facial muscles which are responsible for making facial expressions. When making certain expressions, The muscle contractions causes the skin mass between the muscle fibres to bulk together, temporarily creasing the skin. However, repeated contractions can leave long-term marks on the skin, forming the wrinkles commonly known as crows’ feet and frown lines.
Wrinkles can also be caused by aging facial tissue. As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity as natural production of collagen slows down, and existing collagen fibres weaken. This can cause the skin to loosen and sag, and create the wrinkly appearance typically associated with old age.
Fortunately, as wrinkles are a common aesthetics problem, there are many types of treatment catered to managing them, including getting a face thread lift. Dermalift is another one of the many anti-aging treatments that we offer at our aesthetic clinic – offering similar benefits to Botox and fillers; however, in a far less intrusive manner.
How does Dermalift work?
Like traditional Botox, the main active ingredient in Dermalift is botulinum toxin. This is a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which inhibits the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to achieve several effects, which many aesthetic procedures utilise. In Dermalift, a different type of botulinum toxin known as Dysport is used. Dysport is injected into the dermal layer of the skin. The injected Dysport stimulates the dermal fibroblast cells in the face, generating more connective tissue such as collagen, and tightening existing collagen fibres. When performed specific spots on the face, it creates a generalised lifting effect over the entire face. The stimulation of collagen also makes the skin more elastic, making the skin look younger.
Comparing Dermalift and Traditional Botox
Although both traditional Botox and Dermalift utilises botulinum toxin to reduce facial lines, the two work via different mechanisms.
Traditional Botox treatment targets selected facial muscle groups. The botulinum toxin weakens these facial muscles. This achieves the desired effect of reducing facial lines and wrinkles. However, Botox is often associated with the undesired side effects of facial numbness and stiffness, which causes the well-known “frozen face” effect. Also, Botox treatment is typically localised to specific areas of the face.
Dermalift on the other hand, utilises a different type of botulinum toxin (Dysport), and targets the connective tissue in the dermal layer of the skin. As facial muscles are usually unaffected by Dermalift procedures, the usual stiffness and numbness associated with botulinum toxin treatments are much milder, and even absent in Dermalift.
| Dermalift | Traditional Botox |
|---|---|
| Less stiffening of facial muscles, facial expressions can usually still be made | Usually causes stiffness and numbness in affected areas (Face) for a few days |
| Injected into the dermis of the skin | Injected into facial muscles |
| General treatment for the whole face | Usually a more localised treatment |
Treatment procedure
Dermalift procedure is just a couple of injections on specific points on the face. The patient’s face is gently cleaned before the injection. A minor stinging sensation may be felt during the procedure as with all injections. The doctor may apply a numbing cream beforehand to help reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Advantages of Dermalift
• There is no downtime post-treatment and patients can usually resume their daily activities immediately
• There are minimal side effects as compared to traditional botox
• Dermalift also increases skin elasticity by stimulating collagen, in addition to the desired lifting effects
• Dermalift procedures typically affects the entire face
FAQ
What’s the difference between Dermalift and other products (Botox)?
• There are many differences between Dermalift and other botulinum toxin based products like Botox. In general, the main differences are:
• Dermalift has a general lifting effect on the entire face, whereas Botox has a more localised effect.
• Botox treatment is usually associated with stiffness and numbness of the face post treatment. This is much less pronounced, or even absent in Dermalift treatment.
Is the procedure painful?
There may be some minor pain and discomfort during the injection. Other than this the treatment should be relatively painless. A numbing cream may be used to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Is there any downtime after the procedure?
There is typically no downtime associated with Dermalift treatment. While some may experience mild bruising, most patients can resume their usual social and work activities immediately after.
When can I expect to see results?
Slight changes can be seen just a couple of minutes after the treatment, with gradual improvements for the next 2 weeks. However for more prolonged and enhanced results, three to four treatment sessions per year are recommended.
Are there any side effects?
As with all botulinum toxin based procedures, slight facial stiffness and numbness should be expected for a couple of days. However, the side effects of Dermalift are much milder, sometimes even absent when compared with traditional Botox treatment.
What should I take note after the procedure?
Patients should remain upright for at least 6 hours after the procedure, and not massage the area for at least three days to prevent distribution of the product into unwanted areas.
Also, patients should avoid alcohol and spicy food for about 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
It is recommended to avoid applying make-up and other cosmetic products until the following day.
How do I know if I am suitable for Dermalift?
In general, you should be suitable for Dermalift as long as:
• You are not pregnant
• Not sensitive/allergic to botulinum toxins
• Not allergic to milk
• Are under the age of 65
Botulinum toxins are also known to interact with certain medication such as blood thinners and muscle relaxants. Please inform the doctor if you are currently on any of these medications
As a rule of thumb, always consult the doctor before carrying out any procedures. Depending on individual conditions, the doctor may recommend other procedures (such as traditional Botox) which are more suitable.