Dark Circles Causes & Treatments (Part 2) - Hollow Eyes

Continuing from our previous article we will discuss the texture changes that can be responsible for dark circles and ways to combat them.

Hollow Eyes
Hollowing under the eyes creates the so called exposed ‘tear trophs’ or ‘tear ducts’ which is a groove running from the inside corner of the eye to the lower part of the eyelid and quite often into the cheek.

This is usually related to the normal ageing process. We loose approximately 5 ml of fat from our face every year and this fat loss is what is to blame for the appearance of deep folds and sagging in the skin as well as hollowing of the cheeks and eyes.

The human face can be likened to a balloon which is well inflated when we are young and our faces are full of “puppy fat” and gradually deflates with age as we loose fat. This process can be greatly accelerated by a rapid weight loss following yo-yo dieting. The skin is often unable to adapt to the rapid change of volume and sags as opposed to recoiling back into the new shape and can lead to premature ageing and increased wrinkles. In younger individuals and also in males, where the skin is thicker and more elastic yo-yo dieting is less risky. However women over 30 yrs should be careful and plan any weight loss over a longer period of time in order to avoid this problem.

Hollow eyes can also be hereditary in which case they are apparent from a very early age (usually 20 -25 yrs). We ask patients to bring photographs of themselves when they were younger and also pictures of their parents. This is useful to determine hereditary factors.

One important cause of premature eye hollowing is following surgery to the lower eye lid (lower blepharoplasty). When the problem is lower eyelid bags many patients resort to surgery which can be effective way of removing the bags. ‘Eye-bags’ are due to protruding fat and therefore removing some fat usually brings an immediate good result. However in the long term this lack of fat together with the natural ageing process can speed up the appearance of hollowing around the eye. There are many techniques for operating on the lower eyelid and some of the older methods involved removing too much fat. Modern techniques used in today’s surgery are more sparing towards the eyelid fat and involve repositioning of the fat rather than removal.

Treatment
The best treatment for correcting hollow eyes is by using a non-permanent dermal filler. My choice when it comes to dermal fillers is stabilised hyaluronic acid. The advantage of using this type product is that the effects can be fully reversed even earlier than the natural absorption of the product, which can be reassuring to the patient.

The dermal filler is placed deep over the bone in order to fill in the groove. The procedure is almost painless and rarely requires an anaesthetic. The success rate is very high ( 80 -90%) and the results can last for over a year. It can however be a dangerous procedure in un-experienced practitioner as it can quickly turn the hollow eyes into baggy eyes if the product is placed incorrectly i.e. too superficial. For this reason always seek out an experianced cosmetician and go ensure you are completely happy with everything discussed with you. If you have any questions, you should always ask them.

Over the next few weeks we will outline the differing reasons or causes for dark cirles under the eyes and what treatments are avialble to combat them, so keep an eye out for Part 3!

by Lucy Glancey

For more information on dark circles, treatments and dermal fillers, visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk

Dark Circles Causes & Treatments (Part 1)

Dark circles under the eyes together with cellulite are probably the most commonly talked about aesthetic imperfection. This is partly due to the fact that there is very little one can do to completely eliminate either of them. For both conditions a variety of over the counter creams are sold that promise the world but deliver less than modest results, as many of us who have tried them can confirm. However in the treatment of dark circles new advances in cosmetic medicine, such as laser surgery and dermal fillers, the condition can be improved up to 80 – 90 % (depending on the reason for the dark circles) which is good news for those who have been long suffering.

What are dark circles?
This is the appearance of different colour, texture or a mixture of both on the lower eyelid area. It is far more difficult to treat the so called complex circles where there is a combination of colour difference and textural changes. In our clinic we use grading system for patients with dark circles. There are 4 grades;

Grade 1 – these are very mild and only visible without any make up. They disappear totally when make up or concealer is applied.

Grade 2 – these are visible even with make-up but of moderate severity. A good way to demonstrate grades 1 and 2 better and especially for the purposes of medical photographs is to ask the patient to put their chin down and look up to the ceiling without moving their head. This is important when we take before and after pictures in order to clearly demonstrate the results of the treatment

Grade 3 – these are severe and give the impression of baggy eyes (the so called false or pseudo – eye bags)

Grade 4 – these are the complex dark circles where there is a combination of not only texture but a colour change as well. They require more treatment sessions compared to the other grades.

Over the next few weeks we will outline the differing reasons or causes for dark cirles under the eyes and wat treatments are avialble to combat them, so keep an eye out for Part 2!

by Lucy Glancey

For more information on dark circles, treatments and dermal fillers, visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk

Juverderm Ultra - The Painless Dermal Filler?

Summer’s over (I’m not sure how many people in Britain can remember what summer is!), autumn is coming – what is there to look forward to? Well at Mulberry House Clinic we have some news to brighten you up, especially if you’ve been wanting to have dermal filler treatment but are afraid it will be painful.

If you think the idea of having dermal filler treatment, even in the lip, without any anaesthetic is unimaginable then we have found the treatment for you!

A dermal filler is now available that contains local anaesthetic, and the effects on comfort are dramatic.

I was asked to used Juvederm Ultra about a year ago before it was launched to give my own and clients’ feedback to the company. Initial impressions were good, but at that stage I wanted to be sure that there were going to be no unexpected side-effects or problems, and that the longevity of treatment would be good. It has now had time to prove itself and I am recommending it more and more to my clients. Juvederm Ultra has recently been given FDA-approval in America for duration of effect of up to 12 months.

Compared to other dermal fillers the experience is much more comfortable and initial swelling and redness is considerably less – the effects are also even smoother, and feel natural almost straightaway.

We now have a good number of clients who have had Juvederm Ultra, and they’ve been delighted with the results and amazed by how comfortable it is.

We know that there are people who have been reluctant to have dermal filler treatment, especially around the mouth, because it can be painful, but we can now reassure you that this really doesn’t need to be a concern any more - if you are sceptical or particularly sensitive there is still no problem with having anaesthetic cream on first for optimum comfort.

Dr John Tanqueray - Mulberry House Clinic

For more information on Juvederm Ultra and other dermal fillers visit www.cosmeticclinics.com and find your nearest cosmetic specialists.

Laser Hair Removal

The basic methodology behind laser hair removal is that the lights seek out the melanin in the follicle of the hair itself, and then permanently removes the hair. The ideal candidates for laser hair removal will have light skin and dark hair. Common sites to have laser hair removal include, but are not limited to, the following areas: upper lip, chin, shoulders, back, abdomen, pubic area, chest, arms, legs and thighs.

The benefits of laser hair removal are numerous. Instead of the inconvenience of resorting to the temporary means of shaving, or resorting to more painful electrolysis, you can go a mere 5-7 times for Laser treatment and find yourself hair free in a relatively short time. Most dermatologists that offer laser hair removal space out the treatments between 3-12 weeks. This largely depends on your own reactions to the treatment, your skin type, how much hair you are removing, and the removal site.

There are a few other factors to hair removal to consider as well. For example, a person getting their back or legs done would have to go through less sessions than one getting any area on the face treated. Proper research of your dermatologist of choice, as well as the treatment in general is important. Like any other sort of treatments, there are risks. These can range from mild reactions like acne or small white spots on the skin to minimal or heavy swelling.

Most do not experience such adverse reactions, but you should always report any issues you might end up having. All in all, laser hair removal is a fairly painless procedure that leaves you with smooth hairless, bump free skin. All this at a good price, with the advantage of not having to keep a supply of razors and other costly supplies leaves little to no doubt as to the proper choice.

The Benefits of Botox

Originally developed by scientists to treat muscle spasms in the eye region, the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium we know today as Botox is one of the most highly desired anti-aging treatments available on the market today.

Thanks in part to Hollywood; the supply and demand has risen so wildly that Botox is quickly becoming an affordable luxury, even for middle class mums and dads who secretly crave that "ten-year younger" look. Below, you'll read about several sensational benefits of getting a Botox treatment.

1. Anti-Aging - Without a doubt, this is the most popular reason that Botox injections are administered by trained medical professionals every single day. The ability to walk into a clinic and receive a treatment that reduces those highly noticeable wrinkle regions such as crow’s feet, frown lines and brow lines, is nothing short of a modern day fashion miracle. How would you like to walk into a room and drop jaws because you look like you're 10 years younger? That's quite a common reaction that many Botox recipients receive, and with today's more lenient societal acceptance of cosmetic enhancements, one no longer has to keep it a secret.

2. Migraine Killer - Statistics say that over 6 million people in the UK are affected by the dreaded migraine headache. Thanks to recent breakthroughs with the help of modern day medical science, it's been discovered that Botox treatments won't only give you the ability to look twenty years younger, but it can also be used to treat and lessen migraines. For those with especially debilitating migraine issues, this is phenomenal news.

3. Prostate Shrinker - Another absolutely amazing discovery (and also a reason to bring your hubby to the doc's office) is that Botox, when injected into the male prostate gland, can actually give relief to those with enlarged prostates. The effect lasts up to a year, and the main reason it works is simple - it shrinks the gland, which in turn reduces the annoying and painful effects of an enlarged prostate such as frequent urination and urinary tract infections.

4. Excess sweating – Also known as Hyperhidrosis, this form of excess sweating can be generalized or localised to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, armpits and the groin are among the typical regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected. Botox injections can be used to effectively reduce this sweating even where traditional toiletries such as anti-perspirants and talc have failed.

All in all, Botox, while having some potential for minor side effects, is a rock star substance that seems to be solving new problems every day. It is always advised to check with a qualified cosmetic doctor first, but if you're ready to treat yourself, both materialistically and medically, then Botox just may be the magic shot you need.