New cosmetic treatments for 2017

New cosmetic treatments are on the horizon with 2017 is just around the corner. Dr Davin Lim predicts the top 5 aesthetic trends for this year. ‘Most of what is trending in Australia follows behind Europe, the US and Korea. Having been to the International Aesthetic Summit meeting in November 2016 in Prague has given me insight into what the new year will come to Australia in 2017.’

New age filling

This is what I call ‘Free Style Filling’, not a new concept, however there is an increasing trend to fill the forehead area with HA fillers. This gives more projection, a more proportioned upper one third of the face, and can elevate brows. This is an advanced procedure, first pioneered by the Koreans over 5 years ago. Over the past 2 years, I have noticed more patients wanting forehead fillers. Perfumed correctly, results look natural and beauty enhanced.

Acne scar revision with PRP and non laser based devices

In 2016 I started the INFINI RF and PRP mask mix, over and under technique. This procedure has been so successful, it has essentially replaced most of my lasers, in fact the last time I used fractional erbium was over a year ago! This method of acne scar revision gives great results in all skin types, with a downtime of only 2-3 days- 3 times quicker healing up time than Fraxel- Fractional laser therapy. It is hard to imagine a procedure that is LESS invasive than fractional laser resurfacing producing far better results.

Chest and Décolletage Combination treatments

I learned a combination of HIFU or focused ultrasound combined with a unique dilution of collagen stimulating filler placed in vectors on the chest and neck to give unparalleled collagen tightening with minimal downtime. The downside is that patients will still require 2-4 sessions spaced 6 weeks apart for maximal benefit. Ultrasound combined with collagen stimulating fillers (non-HA based) can give a synergistic effect to stimulate and tighten collagen. New cosmetic treatments are reflected in 2 studies, one in the US and one in Russia has confined the safety and efficacy of this treatment. For patients with wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation, the use of 1927 Fraxel can be added.

Filler PRP combinations

We now know that filler can stimulate your own immune system to produce ELASTIN, as well as COLLAGEN, however the addition of PRP can compound the benefits. More research is currently underway in regards to the best concentration of PRP for skin rejuvenation.

Low downtime skin rejuvenation

The use of Hybrid Lasers and energy devices such as Ultherapy and Fraxel 1927 can treat skin texture and improve skin tone with minimal downtime. Fraxel comes in 3 different wavelengths, and arguably the 1927 is the best for pigmentation and sun damage. This laser treats skin texture, and in my high pass mode, only one treatment is needed. Ultherapy on the other hand treats the dermal layer of the skin, stimulating collagen and the SMAS layer. This form of combination therapy address 2 out the 3 aspects of skin rejuvenation- namely improving texture and tone. Fillers provide the last piece of the puzzle, and adds volume. Remember, its the balance between skin texture, tone and volume that gives the most natural and beautiful results. New cosmetic treatments are constantly in development and the future looks bright. ‘Skin ageing is optional…’