Cutis Medical Laser’s Weblog

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics and the Life Extension Foundation have teamed up and created a skin perfection pack that contains nutrients needed to ensure proper healing of the skin, especially after therapeutic procedures. Taken regularly, it helps to maintain smooth, healthy and glowing skin. The pack also contains essential vitamins and minerals for general health and well-being. Each pack contains the following:

1) DNA Protection Formula

Supports the body’s natural defences and detoxification processes against toxins and chemicals.

2) Super Omega-3 with Sesame Lignans and Olive Fruit Extract

Formula containing Omega-3 fatty acids needed to form new cells when the body repairs itself and to reduce inflammation.

3) Daily C

Vitamin C protects tissues from free radical damage and supports the skin structure, blood vessel wall, bones and teeth. Bioflavonoids have been added for synergistic effects.

4) Basic Mix

A multivitamins and minerals formula providing the essential nutrients to support detoxification, anti-oxidation and rejuvenation.

“The health and appearance of the skin are very heavily influenced by nutrition”, says Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, Medical and Scientific Director of Cutis Medical Laser Clinics. “We a very happy to have found the right partner with the Life Extension Foundation to be able to provide the highest quality nutritional supplements, including minerals, vitamins, herbs and hormones.

“We are starting with our basic skin perfection pack as well as an essential range of supplements and will extend the range in the future to cater to the various needs of our patients”, added Dr. Sylvia. Dr. Sylvia’s Skin Perfection Pack is only available from November 2010 at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics and retails for S$ 98.

The additional range of supplements launched is:

1) Life Extension Super Miraforte

Herbal formula to help maintain healthy male hormone level and function. Low levels of testosterone have been implicated in a host of life-threatening health problems. Maintaining normal testosterone levels is one of the most important steps men can take to regain their health and improve their performance.

If you’re over 40, odds are you’re already starting to feel the debilitating effects of low testosterone. Research shows that by age 60, men typically produce 60% less testosterone than they did at age 20. With this drastic reduction come several well documented problems — from the blues and cognitive impairment to reduced sex drive and abdominal weight gain. Normal testosterone has been associated with maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

The reformulated Super MiraForte contains high potencies of chrysin and nettle root—plant extracts that naturally reduce the aromatization (conversion) of testosterone to estrogen to enhance free testosterone levels. Bioperine® is included to facilitate the absorption of chrysin (a natural flavonoid) into the bloodstream.

2) Life Extension Natural Estrogen

Herbal formula to help maintain healthy female hormones balance and function. Natural Estrogen with Pomegranate Extract contains scientifically-validated phytoestrogens and other plant extracts which have been shown to provide an array of health benefits for women to provide safe and effective support to ease the symptoms associated with menopause.

3) Life Extension GH Pituitary Support Night Formula

Helps support optimal pituitary function and growth hormone release in the body during the night spurt. Research shows that in aging men, the amplitude of pulsatile growth hormone release (the magnitude of the growth hormone pulse) declines by 50% every seven years after 18–25 years of age. Growth hormone is essential for healthy metabolism and bone mineral density, maintaining a good ratio of lean tissue to body fat, and for healthy skin.

4) Life Extension Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer

Protects cellular structures from damage by inflammation, glycation and free radicals. Thus also known as the “Anti-Aging Formula”. Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer that protects delicate cellular structures and enables cells to perform life-sustaining metabolic processes. Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer is designed to counteract age-related structural and functional changes.

5) Life Extension Optimized Irvingia with Phase 3 Calorie Control Complex

Combats age related fat accumulation through a multi-pronged approach at the enzymatic levels to reduce fats and carbohydrates absorption. The Optimized Irvingia with Phase 3™ Calorie Control Complex formulation provides a combination of natural compounds that combat age-related fat accumulation.

About Life Extension Foundation:

The Life Extension Foundation is a scientific organization based in the US dedicated to researching on ways to control aging so as to extend the healthy human life span. Their research has helped to uncover many anti-aging ingredients to treat conditions associated with aging and diseases. These are made available through the Life Extension brand of high quality anti-aging supplements. This is the brand of choice amongst integrative medicine doctors and healthcare professionals for their clinical practice. Life Extension is also a global authority and provider of scientific information on aging and diseases. Her books and monthly magazines allow healthcare professionals and enthusiasts to keep abreast of developments in this field. More info can be found on www.lef.org

Please call 6327 9700 to learn more about our new range of supplements.

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics

9 Scotts Road #03-06

Pacific Plaza
T: +65 6327 9700
info@cutislaser.com
www.cutislaser.com

add us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cutislaser

As we age, our face loses volume, our cheeks begin to sag, and the skin loses collagen and elasticity.  In our youth, our faces have full cheeks whereas the aging face has a deflated and fallen appearance.  Deep wrinkles may form such as those between the nose and cheeks- known as “naso-labial folds”.

Placing fillers can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, fill in under-eye circles, define or enlarge the lips, and restore volume to areas that appear flattened such as the cheeks.  It can even be used to improve the appearance of your nose- the so-called “5 minute nose job”.  In these and many other ways, you can achieve a natural youthful appearance non-surgically with injectable fillers.

There are many different types of fillers and at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we choose the filler that is appropriate for you. Placement of the fillers can result in a pleasing appearance with limited or no downtime.  Fillers can improve:

• Forehead and frown lines- with or without the use of Botox (Botulinum Toxin A)
• Crow’s feet or laughter lines- the fine lines that radiate away from the eyes, again with or without the use of Botox in combination
• Naso-labial lines- deep furrows running between the nose and the cheeks
• Marionette lines- lines running down from the corners of the mouth
• Lips- by creating a fuller, more defined shape in a natural manner
• Facial scars
• Nose- correcting a bump, or improving the shape of the nose
• Chin- making the chin more balanced with the rest of the face
• Cheeks- by restoring the youthful fullness and lift of the cheeks

Visit us at 81 Club Street or call 6327 9700 for an appointment and find out whether fillers are right for you.

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics

81 Club Street

Tel: 6327 9700

www.cutislaser.com

info@cutislaser.com

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Most of us worry about growing old. Some may focus on our waists getting thicker over time, others may worry about a receding hairline, or on one’s wrinkles. Especially in these times of economic uncertainty, as we grow older, doubts about our ability to remain competitive with younger colleagues may come up.

In a study by Johnson¹, it was shown that attractive people, even among the elderly are perceived to be “youthful”, and are thought to be more successful in work and in life. In fact, his study concluded that attractiveness is largely determined by the appearance of youth and vigor in an individual. Such an improvement in one’s perception of attractiveness has been shown to directly translate in improving self-esteem, lifting a low mood, and making it easier to interact with others. What does it mean for our day to day lives? These findings suggest that there is nothing wrong with trying to look our best. Regardless of our age, this is a natural desire that allows us to feel better about ourselves and for others to perceive us as full of energy and youthful. In fact, clinical studies show that patients who have undergone aesthetic treatments have an improved sense of well-being², felt more confident in social situations³ and reported improved quality of life⁴.

Now with the latest developments in health, we are able to make graceful and more natural improvements in our appearance even as we age. In an earlier article, I discussed the importance of exercise, nutrition and lifestyle habits in health aging. In this article, I will focus on non-invasive treatments that allow us to optimize our appearance as we grow older.

Aging changes the face in several ways. The three most common changes are shown below. An overview of possible treatment options to address these most common concerns is also presented.

1. The skin becomes lax due to loss of collagen, and a normally oval face becomes rectangular or pear-shaped. The cheeks drop resulting in an exaggeration of the nasolabial fold and development of two lines on the sides of the mouth. These lines may make a person appear sad, and is a common complaint among Asian patients. Lack of collagen also results in our pores becoming more prominent.

There are several treatments that can improve skin laxity by building collagen in the dermis. These include the Titan, an infrared device that is also known as the “non-surgical facelift”. A photo of the Titan treatment is shown below. Titan has been demonstrated on skin biopsy to increase the amount of collagen in the skin⁵. Another collagen building device is Thermage, which in contrast to the Titan, is a radiofrequency treatment.

Treatments to reduce pores include laser rejuvenation treatments that stimulate collagen formation to close the pores. An example is Laser Genesis, which has been shown to result in building of collagen over the course of several treatments⁶.

Nasolabial lines or deep lines around the nose can also be temporarily addressed by injectable fillers. These dermal fillers, so-called because they “fill a line” come in various forms with varying duration of their effects.

1. Expression lines become deeper and more prominent. These lines which form due to facial expression and muscle contraction are the lines on our forehead (“frown lines”), next to our eyes (“smile lines”), around our lips (“lipstick lines”) and others. Over time, these lines that form due to muscle contraction become fixed, and can make us look “always angry” even when we are not using the muscles of expression.

A simple way to temporarily reduce these expression lines is injection with botulinum toxin A (popularly known as Botox, but includes another brand known as Dysport). Botulinum toxin A works by temporarily weakening the muscles that form the lines of expression.

1. Accumulation of sun damage resulting in changes in skin texture including development of fine and coarse wrinkles, formation of tiny blood vessels on the face (spider veins, telangiectasia), and sun-induced pigments including freckles, age spots or liver spots.

There are several treatments that can reduce the effects of sun damage. Some of these treatments may require a series of sessions, such as pigment removal by IPL. Other treatments may only need one or two treatments such as resurfacing devices (for example the Pearl), so-called because the damaged surface of the skin is gently removed, while stimulating the formation of new “baby” skin.

As we age, including these difficult economic times, we may seek quick fixes especially those with no downtime and are less expensive. When these treatments are performed for the right reason, it may make you feel more positive and empowered. In considering these treatments, talk to your doctor about whether these are right for you.

References:

1. Johnson DF. Appearance and the elderly. In: The Psychology of Cosmetic Treatments Overview of Psychology of Cosmetics., New York: Prager Publishers, 1085:1127-43
2. Edgerton MET, et al. Surgical results and psychosocial changes following rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 1363; 33: 503-21.
3. Marcus P. Psychological aspects of cosmetic rhinoplasty. Br J Plast Surg 1984; 37: 313-18.
4. Rankin M, et al. Quality of life outcomes after cosmetic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 1998; 102: 2139-47.
5. Goldberg DJ, et al. Treatment of skin laxity of the lower face and neck in older individuals with a broad-spectrum infrared light device. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2007; 9: 35-40.
6. Schmults CD, et al. Nonablative Facial Remodeling. Erythema reduction and histologic evidence of new collagen formation using a 300—microsecond 1064-nm Nd:Yag Laser. Arch Dermatol 2004; 140: 1373-1376.

I’ve found this interesting article and thought it would also fit on our blog as we are focusing on “healthy aging”. The article was first posted on the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Researchers at Brigham Young University and Harvard School of Public Health have released a study suggesting that a reduction in air pollutants in 51 U.S. cities between 1980 and 2000 has added an average of five months to life expectancy. Moreover, residents in cities that made the most significant improvements in air quality, such as Pittsburgh, PA, can expect to live almost 10 months longer.

The research compared changes in air pollution from 1980 to 2000 with residents’ life expectancies during those years. Other factors that can affect average life expectancy, such as changes in population, income, education and cigarette smoking, were taken into account. After adjusting for these and other factors, the researchers determined that for every microgram per cubic meter decrease in fine-particulate air pollution, life expectancies rose by more than seven months. “There is an important positive message here that the efforts to reduce particulate air pollution concentrations in the United States over the past 20 years have led to substantial and measurable improvements in life expectancy,” says study co-author Douglas Dockery, Chair, Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health.

It is widely accepted that fine-particulate air pollution is known to contribute to cardiovascular and lung disease. The particulate matter is inhaled much like a gas and is believed to increase blood pressure, the risk of heart attack and the possibility of a heart disease-related death.

News releases: Drop in U.S. air pollution linked to longer lifespans cnn.com/health January 21, 2009; Americans owe five months of their lives to cleaner air Newswise January 16, 2009

Cutera’s Pearl laser was prominently featured on The Doctors on January 8, 2009 to an audience of 200 million viewers across North America.  Dr. Ordon performed a Pearl treatment on Stephanie’s face to remove discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles and rejuvenate her complexion. Stephanie reports her impressive results were noticeable within just three days. Before-and-after photos, taken by the Visia camera, show dramatic improvement of both visible and “invisible” sun damage.

We here at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics also use the Pearl and had very good results with this technology. Patients just love the look and feel of their skin after the treatment.

Enjoy the video.

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