Dr. Sangeeta Varma

While everyone wants to enjoy a youthful looking healthy and glowing skin, the skin aging is inevitable. The signs of aging such as wrinkles, facial sagging or fine line can indeed be depressing, especially for women. Of late, the cosmetic industry has been experiencing a mercurial boom. There are many effective procedures the enhance the facial skin (skin rejuvenation, facelift, to name a few). The Thread Lifting, also known as the Thread Facelift is one such procedure that has been slowly making its presence felt. In this article, we will mainly focus on the Thread Facelift procedure, its advantages and also the associated risk.

What is the Thread Facelift?

True to its name, the Thread Facelift is a minimally invasive procedure that has been specifically designed to deal with the facial sagging and the other early signs of skin aging, thereby giving the face a much-needed lift.

Compared to the different traditional facelift surgeries and procedure, the Thread Facelift is relatively safe and hassle-free.

The Thread Facelift Procedure

1. Performed by experienced and specially trained surgeons, the Thread Facelift procedure is simple and usually takes between 1-2 hours.
2. With the identification of the target areas on the skin, the surgeon makes small incisions on the face (target areas).
3. Through these incisions, the insertion of thin threads into the face takes place.
4. Once the threads latch to the tissues of the skin, the cosmetic surgeon gently pulls back the threads thereby lifting the face.
5. This facelifting goes a long way to eliminate the facial sagging. The face also becomes smooth and rejuvenated.
6. A characteristic feature of the thread facelift is that no anesthesia is required during the entire procedure.
7. With the facelifting and the skin rejuvenation, the surgeon knots the threads. The knotted threads, however, remain hidden within the skin.
8. With no anesthesia, the person concerned is aware of all the face changes and modifications and can accordingly voice their approval about the same.

Advantages of Thread Facelift
The Thread Facelift is indeed a cosmetic genius that comes laden with benefits.

1. Anyone between 25-45 with signs of skin aging can opt for this procedure. Slightly older women (between 50-60 years) with wrinkles and other related issues can also benefit from this procedure.
2. Compared to the other facial cosmetic procedures, the Thread Facelift is relatively cost-effective leaving a small hole in the pocket.
3. A person needs to spend minimum time in the hospital or the surgical center.
4. With no anesthesia, the chances of anesthesia-related complications are absent.
5. Unlike the other procedures, the Thread Facelift leaves no signs of scarring.
6. You don't have to wait for months to see the desired results. The effects become visible almost instantaneously.

Risk Associated
While Thread Facelift comes with many benefits, there are also certain risks and complications associated with the procedure.

1. Infections may occur at the incision sites or the corrected areas of the skin.
2. In some rare cases, the sutures or knots may pop out of the skin.
3. The procedure can also trigger a nerve injury (rare).

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

PRP or Platelet-rich plasma is believed to be a good healer. Plasma is a component of the blood that helps the blood to clot. It also possesses a protein that aids in cell growth. PRP is produced by isolating plasma from the blood and then concentrating it. Injection of PRP helps damaged tissue to heal and grow. This method of treatment is extensively used to heal injuries among athletes and sportsmen. PRP has found applications to treat an array of conditions like face rejuvenation and under eyes dark circles.

Applications of PRP:

1. Hair Loss: PRP injections are injected into the scalp to promote the growth of hair and prevent the loss of hair. A research conducted in the year 2014 found that PRP can play a significant role in treating male pattern baldness.
2. Tendon injuries: Tendons comprise of a thick and tough bunch of tissues that connects the bone to the muscles. Injuries of the tendon take quite some time to heal. Doctors these days extensively use PRP injections to treat an array of conditions such as jumper’s knee, tennis elbow, Achilles Tendonitis, etc.
3. Osteoarthritis: Patients suffering from Osteoarthritis can get PRP injections to the knee for a quick relief from pain. A study conducted in the year 2015 found that PRP injections are more effective when compared to hyaluronic acid injections that are used in the traditional treatment of osteoarthritis.
4. Acute injuries: PRP injections are extensively used by sports doctors to treat acute conditions such as knee sprains, pulled hamstring etc. At times, doctors use it to repair a ligament that has torn while performing a surgery.

The process of PRP injection:

1. The first step involves extracting blood from the patient. The amount of the sample drawn could depend on the site of the injection. A scalp injection requires around 8ml of blood to be extracted.
2. The extracted blood is then placed into a centrifuge so that the blood components can be separated. This process takes around 15 minutes.
3. A medical practitioner then extracts the plasma from the sample and injects it into the targeted site.
4. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound are used to pinpoint the exact affected area. This helps to inject the plasma into the area where it is needed.

What is the cost involved in PRP injections?
PRP is seldom covered under insurance. Most medical insurance companies consider it an experimental treatment and hence refrain from financing it, with all costs being borne by the patient. The cost of the procedure varies depending on the type of condition PRP is being used to treat.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Blessed are the people who never had to deal with acne problems. If acne in itself was not enough, the acne scars make things go from worse to the worst. No prizes for guessing, but the acne scars are truly depressing and embarrassing. People try everything under the sun to get rid of these scars at the earliest. In this article, we will discuss the various treatments and remedies to reduce the acne scars.

Treatments and Natural Remedies for Acne Scars

1. The chemical Peels: The chemical peels can play a pivotal role in treating the acne scars effectively. The treatment involves the use of a chemical (glycolic acid, phenol, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid) that penetrates into the skin layers to help get rid of the damaged and affected skin. Many people with acne scars have had fruitful results using a chemical peel.
2. The Laser Treatment: The laser treatment can work wonders to reduce the acne scars to a great extent. In some cases (based on the severity), the acne scars are completely removed using the laser therapy. In this procedure, beams of a highly focused light are used that penetrates into the skin to produce the desired results. While a lot of laser options are available (Ablative Resurfacing Laser, Non-Ablative Resurfacing Laser, or Fractionated Laser Resurfacing), the Fractional Laser Resurfacing (Fractional CO2) Laser or Fraxel laser is more effective.
   • The Fractional CO2 laser is an ablative procedure whereby CO2 laser is used to create tiny holes throughout the surface of the affected area of the skin (the outer or the epidermal layer of the skin is disrupted in this procedure). This triggers the production collagen and new skin cells in the scarred area.
   • The Fraxel laser is non-ablative where the laser is made to pass through the skin surface into the target area without affecting the epidermal layer.
3. Derma rollers: Derma roller is very effective for improving the thickness of the epidermis. Apart from acne scars, it also works on spots, wrinkles and other age related skin issues. This in turn improves the skin texture to provide anti-aging benefits.
4. MNRF (Micro Needle Radiofrequency): Radiofrequency is used through gold plated sterile needles. This works on the principle of micro needling with heat energy which breaks fibrous bands by coagulation of proteins leading to collagen remodeling. Need 4-8 sitting at a gap of 4-6 weeks for optimal results.

One can also explore the various natural treatments and remedies to deal with the acne scars.

1. Coconut oil can be highly effective to reduce the acne scars. All you need is to take a small quantity of the oil, preferably organic virgin coconut oil (about a quarter of a teaspoon). With your fingertips, gently massage the oil on the affected skin area. Unless the oil feels heavy, you don't need to wash it off.
2. Aloe vera: The aloe vera comes laden with health benefits. Apply the aloe vera gel (readymade gels or the fresh extracts) and massage it softly on the scarred skin. Wash off after thirty minutes. Regular use of this gel can go a long way to reduce the acne scars.
3. Lemon: This is another powerful remedy to deal with acne scars. Just take freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon) in a bowl. With a cotton ball, dab the juice into the scars. Wait till the lemon juice dries completely and then rinse it off with water.

The use of honey, cucumber, baking soda, can also produce fruitful results to reduce the acne scars.

However, it is imporatnt to know that that natural remedies alone cannot give you desired results.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Mesotherapy was first discovered by a doctor named Michel Pistor in the year 1952. It was originally invented to minimize pain. Later it gained popularity in the West. This technique is now extensively used by doctors around the world to tighten skin and eradicate excess fat. Mesotherapy involves an injection of a solution that comprises of enzymes, plant extracts, hormones, vitamins and other similar ingredients. Its application includes lightning pigmentation, reducing cellulite, recontouring the body, etc. The mesotherapy procedure involves a series of injections that increases circulation and repairs inflammation.

How is the procedure conducted?
Each session requires the patient to take a series of injections. The patient might be given a local anesthesia or numbing medicine based on the number of injections that are being given in a single session. A short needle or a mechanical gun is used to administer the injections one after the other. The depth varies from 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters. Each injection only infuses tiny drops of the solution inside the skin at a slight angle. It requires a number of mesotherapy sessions to get the kind of look one desires. Some people might require around 4-14 sessions with a therapist with a gap of 6-9 days between each. If a patient responds to initial treatments, the sessions are repeated once in every two weeks or once a month.

What does the mesotherapy solution comprise of?
While there are an array of ingredients that can make up the injectable solution, some of the more common ones are antibiotics such as vasodilators, hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin, enzymes such as hyaluronidase and collagenase, various herbal extracts and various minerals and vitamins.

What are the benefits of the mesotherapy process?
Some of the benefits of mesotherapy include correction of hormonal imbalance, improving the nutrient levels within the skin, improving the blood circulation in the desired part of the skin, fat removal from certain parts of the body, hair regrowth by improving growth of follicles, wrinkle protection, body contouring etc. Another important aspect of this procedure is that being a non-invasive procedure, there is little or no recovery time required. A patient can finish his sessions and return home in a matter of hours.

What are the risks and side-effects involved in this procedure?
Some of the common side effects of this procedure include swelling, nausea, sensitivity, scars, bruising, dark patches in the skin, rash, redness, pain, bumps at the site of the injection, infection at the site of the injection, mild soreness, and pain. If the injection is not thoroughly sterilized, it could result in an infection as well.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Appearances have always been important throughout the centuries and especially in this the 21st century, with all the technology and social media. The drive to look young has stimulated research and new medicine is making it possible for people to look younger and most of the time this is due to Botox. Botox treatments are ranked among the top in non-surgical cosmetic treatments as more than six million treatments are performing a year. However, there is more to Botox than most people know and below is information about what to expect from Botox treatments, its benefits and risks.

What is Botox?
Botox can be defined as a neurotoxin protein that is derived from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is an organism and is found in natural environments such assoil and lakes as well as in the intestinal tracts of fish and mammals.

What to expect?
Figuring out how Botox works is an important step towards understanding what it really is. Normally the Clostridium botulinum is harmless. However, at some point the spores transform into a state where it has cells that are vegetative leading to an increase in cell population. If this happens, the bacteria start producing botulinum which is a toxin. This toxin is so poisonous that a kilogram could wipe out the human population. However, the demand for Botox still remains high. The botulinum toxin is injected into a person in very small concentrations. This is done by diluting the bacteria powder in a saline solution and then injecting it into an individual’s neuromuscular tissue. Botox works by preventing nerve cell signals from reaching the muscles causing them to be paralyzed. This process of reducing abnormal muscle contraction makes the muscles less stiff.

The various benefits of Botox include:

1. Non-surgical: Since Botox is administered using injections, the fears and hassles of undergoing a surgery are avoided.
2. Excessive sweating: Botox injections can be used to address hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is generally characterized by increased sweating.
3. Overactive bladders: In addition to treating wrinkles, Botox can also be utilized to address the condition of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence (involuntary and uncontrolled urination). Botox increases the volume of the bladder thereby reducing incontinence. Once an injection is administered, the overactive bladder will be cured gradually.
4. Migraines: Botox injections, administered at regular intervals for around 12 weeks, can be used to address chronic migraines. It helps reduce headaches and additionally, reduces the chances of relapse. It is extremely beneficial for those who suffer from chronic headaches during one such migraine attack.
5. Eyebrow: Your eyebrow may sag due to various factors, age being the primary contributor. Botox helps lift your drooping eyebrows; giving you a fresher and youthful look.
6. Enlarged Prostate: Botox injections can have long term beneficial effects on men with enlarged prostates. Problems related to frequent urination and infections in the urinary tract can be addressed, while side effects, that accompany other medications, are avoided.

Risks
Like any drug there are risks and side effects to be considered. Most of the times this treatment is well tolerated with few side effects. However, there are cases though very rare in which the genetic predisposition of an individual cause a different response to the drug though still mild. Other effects may include mild pain, numbness, headache and mild nausea.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people prone to allergies are strongly advised to steer away from this drug and any other associated with it. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The application of lasers has revolutionized the field of medical dermatology in a very big way. Since the laser is a high energy source, its use must be perfect to ensure that there are no accidents or mishaps. Laser therapy is therefore used after careful evaluation of the requirements of a person. The place of laser use is also very important.

Carbon dioxide is one of the oldest and most popular lasers used among the medical fraternity. CO₂ lasers find a wide variety of applications. The wavelength of a CO₂ laser falls between 9.4 micrometers to 10.6 micrometers. The biggest advantage of this laser is that there are a lot of variants that emit a variable range of power. Another advantage of the CO₂ laser is that the moisture of the body can easily absorb the power that a CO₂ laser emits.

CO₂ Laser applications:

1. Moles: Moles are clusters of melanin absorbed on the skin over many years. It stems from melanocytes and are usually brown, pink or tan in color. They can be flat or raised, oval or round. The CO₂ laser can remove a mole without any pain. A light scab will be formed after the laser treatment but would fall off in a few days. The laser process lasts for about 90-120 seconds.
2. Removal of skin tags: Skin tags are also known as acrochordon. They are smaller than a grain of rice and are mostly formed on the face, groin, neck and armpit area. While they are harmless, a person can choose to remove them if they cause irritability and discomfort or have an impact on self-esteem. CO₂ lasers find applications here as well. It takes dermatologists about2-3 minutes to remove skin tags. No trace of them would be found after the laser treatment is complete.
3. Warts: Plantar warts are non-cancerous. These skin extensions occur on the sole, ball of the foot, heel and other similar places. These are basically deposits of dense fibrous tissues that are deep seated in layers of the skin. They are also visible in the softer tissues of the foot. Both common warts and plantar warts are removed in the same manner. Since these are recurring extensions, medication can only limit them but cannot be used as a permanent solution. CO₂ lasers are the most effective treatment for this condition. The laser treatment extracts the fibrous mass from deep within the skin and ensures no recurrence of the warts. It might take a couple of sessions depending on the extent and spread of the warts. Once treated successfully, the patient would get a permanent solution to this recurrent problem.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The presence of the excessive body and facial hair, a condition often termed as Hirsutism can be quite embarrassing for females. Waxing, threading, shaving, the use of hair removal creams and strips may provide a temporary solution but the problem surfaces within a month or two. The Laser Therapy comes as a blessing under such helpless situation. The Laser hair Reduction has gained immense worldwide recognition and appreciation. In this article, we will discuss the important points related to Laser Hair Reduction to help you understand the procedure better.

What is Laser Hair Reduction?
The Laser Hair Reduction is a hair removal procedure that utilizes a highly focused beam of light to get rid of the unwanted hair. As already known, the hair follicles contain pigments. It is these pigments that will absorb the light and will gradually result in the destruction of the hair.

Laser Hair Reduction Procedure

1. The hair to be removed will undergo the necessary trimming (~ few mm just above the surface of the skin).
2. It is important to adjust the equipment used in the Laser Reduction Therapy in accordance with hair color and thickness, the skin color, and the body area from where the hair will be removed.
3. To ensure a better penetration of the laser beam as well as to keep the outer skin layer well shielded, the surgeon often makes use of a special cooling device or may even use a cold gel. Necessary precautions are also taken to keep the eyes protected from the laser light.
4. Next, a pulse of the light will be focused on the area to undergo the treatment.
5. In the meantime, the treated area will be under close scrutiny for any unwanted reactions or complication.
6. At the end of the procedure, anti-inflammatory creams or ice packs may be used to soothe the treated area. One can also use cold water instead.
7. The next session may be scheduled four to six weeks following the first one.
8. In fact, the sessions will continue until there is complete hair removal from the targeted area.

The Associated Risks

1. With a high beam light used, it is normal for the treated area to appear as if sunburned. The use of ice packs or even moisturizers can provide great relief. There may also be scarring, swelling or redness.
2. In some rare cases, blister formation may also take place.

Precautions Before and After the hair removal

1. Laser Hair Reduction requires precision. Make sure you are satisfied with the credentials of the surgeon. Always opt for an experienced surgeon with a higher success rate. It is better to be safe than to regret later.
2. Refrain from any temporary hair removal procedures at least six weeks before the Laser Hair Reduction.
3. You also need to keep the target skin area well protected from the sun rays. Most surgeons suggest minimum sun exposure at least six months before as well as after the hair removal. Make sure you use a good quality sunscreen.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

For most people, a beautiful looking, healthy, glowing, youthful skin is indeed a matter of pride. Unfortunately, quite a few factors (scars, aging) play the spoilsport. The damage, however, can still be controlled and reversed, all thanks to the chemical peels. The chemical peels have indeed been a revelation making a healthy looking rejuvenated and youthful skin very much a reality.

As the name suggests, a chemical is used in this procedure that penetrates into the skin layer (middle, outer, or both the layers) thereby removing the damaged skin (replaced by new healthy skin). The chemical peel addresses a plethora of skin problems such as visible signs of skin aging (wrinkles, sagginess, fine lines), acne scars, hyperpigmentation, Crow's feet (also called as Laugh Lines), Melasma (patchy brown or gray-brown skin discoloration appearing on the face), skin damage due to exposure to sun rays. A person can undergo a chemical peel on the face, hands and the neck.

Types of Chemical Peels
There are essentially three different types of chemical peels each taking care of specific skin problems.

1. Deep chemical peel: This procedure plays a significant role in treating freckles, age spots, scars (often shallow), or even mild lines. Used only on the face, the chemical used in this peel is phenol or Trichloroacetic acid. The chemical used exfoliates and penetrates deep into the dermal layer (middle layer) of the skin, thereby removing the damaged and dead skin.
2. Medium peel: This type of chemical peel takes care of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, skin discoloration (a milder discoloration), actinic keratosis, or extremely rough skin (the skin appears and feels much smoother after the chemical peel). The Glycolic Peel falls under this group. Thus, the chemical used here is either Trichloroacetic acid or Glycolic acid. The chemical, in this case, exfoliates the outer as well as the dermal skin layer to get rid of the damaged skin.
3. Lunchtime or superficial peel: The superficial peel is often used to rejuvenate the skin on the hands, neck, face or chest. It also deals with rough skin and also mild skin discoloration with elan. The chemical used in this type of peel is usually Alpha-hydroxy acid. This acid exfoliates only the epidermal layer (outer layer) of the skin.

Who should avoid the chemical peel?
The chemical peel is a big No for

• People with dermatological problems such as dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
• Pregnant and lactating women.
• Those having used the drug Accutane at least six months before the chemical peel or those having used any acid based skin lightening products 48 hours before the procedure

Risks

• With the use of acid, expecting a burning sensation or redness(around the treated area) is normal.
• In the case of a medium or deep chemical peel, there may even be blister formation (takes around a week or two to heal).
• A person is also expected to avoid exposure to sun rays for quite a few months following the chemical peel. Consult an expert & get answers to your questions!