Polylactic acid, combating skin flaccidity
Polylactic acid is an active ingredient that belongs to the family of biostimulators.
Its function is none other than to stimulate the formation of collagen, activating all its precursors, such as fibroblasts or elastin, in a natural or physiological way.
Which patients are good candidates for this treatment?
Biostimulatory or collagen stimulating treatments are very beneficial for patients with flaccidity. Ageing can manifest itself in three ways: wrinkles, furrows and sagging.
In many cases, sagging is caused by a loss of collagen, so treatments such as polylactic acid can help to combat it effectively.
Is there a specific age for its indication?
Rather than a specific age, the indication for treatment will depend on the quality of the skin of the patient.
Indeed, it will have a positive effect on those patients who have sagging skin. In young patients it will be used to prevent it and in older patients, to treat it, as it is already present.
How is polylactic acid treatment applied?
Collagen stimulating treatments or biostimulators are mostly injected. There are several techniques, but the most common method is through a cannula, which allows for only two or three injection points. A series of vectors or treatment lines must be strategically outlined to achieve the best result.
What post-treatment care should be followed?
Treatment with polylactic acid is very comfortable as patients can return to their daily routine almost immediately. There may be a little swelling or slight erythema and, on rare occasions, a bruise, in which case the greatest precaution is to cover it from the sun.
Furthermore, it can be performed at any time of the year, including the summer months.
When do the effects of the treatment start to be visible?
The result is not immediate, it will start to be noticed after two weeks, but the definitive result is visible after 2 or 3 months.
How long do the effects of the treatment last?
It has a permanent effect, the stimulation of collagen that is achieved remains in the skin forever, but the natural ageing process of the patient will cause the flaccidity to reappear over time, as collagen loss is more accelerated in these patients.
Depending on each case, the treatment will have to be repeated with greater or lesser frequency, but it is usually performed once a year.
En HC Aesthetic, unidad de medicina estética de HC Marbella International Hospital, defendemos un uso responsable de las distintas técnicas estéticas, potenciando la belleza natural de cada persona.
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Lip fillers and Russian lips
Lip treatment is still in fashion, although, of all the facial structures, aesthetically the lips vary the most in volume and shape.
There are many lip types and even more preferences
In Marbella, a luxurious and flamboyant city, Russian lips have become popular in the field of general aesthetic medicine, and more specifically in the field of lip augmentation. This treatment, so fashionable in social media, was named due to the mouth’s similar appearance to that of the matryoshkas, traditional Russian dolls.
Lip augmentation is a treatment that involves the injection of hyaluronic acid, a biocompatible substance which is adds volume to the labial mucosa, raising them by temporarily trapping water molecules. Due to its elasticity, we are able to sculpt or model the shape of the lips in a certain way, enhancing the cupid’s bow or emphasising certain qualities which make the lips more attractive.
Use of this molecule not only achieves a volumising effect but can also improve hydration, correct any asymmetry or soften a “gummy” smile etc.
“Aesthetic medicine should not be governed by trends, but by a safe and unfailing approach.”
Dr. Natalia Cárdenas
Most concepts of lip beautification rely particularly on an increase in volume, full lips are understood to be more attractive, but the success of lip augmentation treatment is in providing just enough volume to draw the appropriate, desired attention.
Well-defined and full lips represent attractiveness and beauty. An excessive increase in volume will result in the patient looking like a caricature.
Lip augmentation treatment requires comprehensive planning. It is just as important to understand the patient’s concerns, as is it to know how to argue against treatment when not indicated.
Professional judgement is fundamental, but so is the correct choice of technique and hyaluronic acid product, which should always be of the highest quality.
The procedure is described as reversible as there is actually an antidote for hyaluronic acid, however, this should not be considered an antidote for an unwanted aesthetic result, its use should be reserved for prevention of medical complications when required. The antidote is a rescue tool, not part of treatment, as its application is also not risk-free or without side effects.
The aim of all lip treatments is not the same
In younger patients, some treatments seek to increase volume, but there are also lip treatments indicated for patients who are already showing signs of ageing around the mouth, such as bar code wrinkles, etc.. In these cases, volume is often not the objective, instead the aim is to restore the area and above all reverse the passage of time, delivering the most natural result possible. In these cases, I explain to my patients, that “we will improve the appearance of the lips, without treating the lips.”
Success lies in the selection of the appropriate type of hyaluronic acid and infiltration of the correct amount into the appropriate lip area.
Dr. Natalia Cárdenas
To achieve a harmonious result, a facial study is essential, considering not only the aesthetic appearance around the mouth, but also its proportion in relation to other elements of the face, without losing sight of functionality, as lips express emotion, sensuality and vitality.
The patient’s anatomy must be respected, using subtle changes to create a long-term, positive aesthetic effect.
At HC Aesthetics, HC Marbella International Hospital’s Aesthetic Medicine Unit, we promote responsible use of different aesthetic techniques, enhancing each person’s natural beauty.