A botched Hi-Def Liposuction can impact the patient's well-being & mental health. Here are the common complications to look out for & what to do about it.
December 10, 2024
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For many Asians, achieving bouncy, luminous skin akin to a dewy dumpling is a top beauty goal.
In recent years, in addition to following a diligent skincare routine, more people have turned to injections, lasers, and other non-invasive procedures as they offer tempting quick fixes for concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
Dr Ivan Puah, founder and medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, emphasises the importance of a long-term approach – one focused on “skin longevity” with customised medical aesthetic treatments to address an individual’s unique skin concerns.
Medical Aesthetic Treatments Can Complement Your Routine
“Medical grade energy-based devices with radiofrequency combined with skin needling and non-ablative lasers are now used to treat multiple skin issues such as acne scars, skin sagginess, and for skin rejuvenation with the primary objective to improve skin health on multi-level,” he shares in a 2024 medical aesthetics trend forecast.
This is true not only for Gen X but also for younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z. Social media and the constant barrage of airbrushed beauty standards can fuel the desire for a flawless complexion.
True beauty comes from healthy, well-maintained skin. Injectables and lasers can be valuable tools, and a holistic skincare routine should complement these treatments.
The Importance of “Skin Longevity”
Amaris B. Clinic conducted a study on 300 female patients to understand how skin concerns evolve across different age groups. The findings paint a clear picture: our skin’s needs change throughout our lives.
Younger patients often battle acne and hyperpigmentation, while those in their 30s and 40s might prioritise wrinkle reduction and collagen stimulation. As we mature, volume loss, skin laxity, and deeper wrinkles become more prominent.
This highlights the importance of a personalised approach. A one-size-fits-all strategy won’t deliver the best results. Instead, the medical aesthetic treatments should adapt to your specific needs at each stage of life.
How to Address the Most Common Asian Skin Issues With “Skin Longevity” in Mind
Acne and Acne Scars
While acne is often associated with teenage years, many Asian women experience persistent breakouts well into adulthood. These “cyclical” flare-ups, often linked to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, can be incredibly frustrating and take a toll on self-esteem.
While treating active acne is important, so is minimising the appearance of acne scars. Acne scars can vary in depth and type, and the best course of action depends on their severity.
Amaris B. Clinic’s RF Microneedling & Erbium Glass Laser can be a powerful tool in your skin longevity arsenal.
This treatment combines two technologies for optimal results with minimal downtime.
RF Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, smoother skin and a reduction in scar visibility.
The Erbium Glass Laser works synergistically, gently targeting specific areas to further promote collagen production and improve overall skin clarity.
By combining effective treatments with a consistent skincare routine, you can combat acne, minimise scarring, and achieve clear, healthy skin that lasts.
Weak Jawline and Double Chin
Many Asians have a naturally softer jawline and chin due to bone structure. Therefore, dermal filler is a non-invasive option that can add volume and correct weak chin. For some, ageing can lead to a less defined lower face and the appearance of a double chin.
To achieve a sharper jawline and permanently eliminate a double chin, facial liposuction by Dr Ivan Puah comes into play.
Performed under local anaesthesia at Amaris B. Clinic’s accredited Day Surgery Centre, the procedure involves twilight sedation (not general anaesthesia) for your comfort. Their team of experienced anesthesiologists will be present throughout the process
Dr Puah employs his proprietary surgical technique, the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo, for a refined approach to facial liposuction. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Targeted fat removal: Removes stubborn and unwanted fat deposits.
- Sculpting, not just suction: Goes beyond fat removal to sculpt and create a natural, defined and balanced facial profile.
- Tightens skin: The technique encourages skin retraction and promotes collagen stimulation.
- Lifting effect: Achieves a subtle lifting effect, further enhancing jawline definition for a more youthful appearance.
Jowls and Sagging Skin
The years, along with sun exposure, take their toll on our skin. Collagen loss and weakened tissues lead to sagging, resulting in a “jowly” appearance.
But fret not. There’s a solution that offers a non-invasive path to a more lifted, youthful visage: Ultherapy.
Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared treatment specifically designed to combat sagging skin and jowls. It goes beyond just the visible surface, utilising the power of ultrasound energy to target deeper tissues.
It utilises a technology called Micro-Focused Ultrasound with Real-time Visualization (MFU-V). This allows the doctor to see the underlying tissues and precisely deliver the ultrasound energy to the optimal layer to stimulate collagen production, a key protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.
Unlike other treatments (like HIFU), Ultherapy offers this added level of control and safety.
The results? A natural, gradual lift that unfolds over two to three months, with continued improvement for up to six months. Ultherapy can also address other concerns like turkey neck, droopy eyelids, and wrinkles on the chest area.
You’ll be pleased to know that Amaris B. Clinic is a certified provider in Singapore, offering this solution to help you achieve a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Sunken Cheeks
Sunken cheeks are a common concern as we age. Over time, facial fat volume depletes, creating a hollow appearance between the jawbone and cheekbone. This can be particularly noticeable in Asians, who tend to have flatter cheek structures compared to other ethnicities.
Facial fat grafting, also known as ADR-C Facial Enhancement, is a popular facial enhancement treatment that uses your body’s natural fat source to enhance facial volume and contour without the risks of allergic.
This minimally invasive procedure involves extracting a small amount of fat from another area of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs.
The fat is then processed and meticulously re-injected into areas of the face that lack volume, like the cheeks. Facial fat grafting offers long-lasting results, so if you are struggling with hollow or gaunt facial features, this innovative and effective treatment may be an ideal solution for you.
FAQ on Asian skin and skin longevity
Does Asian skin really age slower? Does Asian skin have more collagen?
According to Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a publication of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Asians are often believed to age more gracefully than Caucasians. This is because Asian skin has a thicker dermis containing greater collagen and darker pigment that protects against photoaging [1].
Is Asian skin more prone to scars? Does our skin take longer to heal?
Asians have thicker skin because we have a thicker dermis due to larger and more numerous collagen-producing cells (known as fibroblasts) in this second layer of our skin.
The downside to having more collagen-producing fibroblasts in the dermis is the increased tendency in Asians to form thick, rubbery keloid scars after skin injury.
On 29th July 2024, it was reported that the Singapore government has funded SGD$14 million into a four-year research program that focuses on studying skin ageing in the Asian population, particularly to address our “age-related skin health issues, such as skin thinning and persistent itching,” according to The Straits Time.
The paper further states that “Asian skin has more melanin, which better protects it from the sun’s ultraviolet rays but makes it more prone to pigmentation issues and scarring. The humid and sunny climate in many Asian regions also impacts skin differently from temperate climates.”
How does melanin affect Asian skin and its longevity?
People with lighter complexions are more likely to develop age spots earlier than those with darker skin [2]. This is because darker skin contains more melanin, which provides better protection against UV damage.
What is the difference between Asian and Caucasian skin?
For lighter skin tones, fine lines and wrinkles are the main signs of ageing, while darker skin is more prone to developing deep folds, especially around the nose and mouth. To learn more about the difference between Asian and Caucasian skin, read here.
What is skin longevity?
Skin longevity is the primary objective for individuals undergoing skin treatments. They desire enduring results from skincare or aesthetic procedures that address anti-aging and promote skin health at a cellular level.
Why is skin longevity important for Asians?
Asians, particularly Chinese, are more prone to hyperpigmentation as they age [3].
Other studies have also reported that "younger Asian women between the ages of 18 and 24 years are perceiving emerging signs of ageing, including dull skin, uneven skin tone, dryness, transient wrinkles, and a lack of skin firmness." [4]
Skin longevity isn’t about chasing trends or instant results. It’s about consistent, tailored skincare routine and skin treatments that are focused on promoting long-term skin health.
What personalised medical aesthetic treatments are available for Asian skin?
Dr Ivan Puah shares that patients seeking skin longevity usually want to maintain the peak performance of their skincare or aesthetic treatments. Sticking to traditional treatments may not reap the full reward your skin deserves.
A multimodality approach and a customised skin treatment plan can help patients achieve longer-lasting and natural-looking results, such as:
- Ultherapy, an FDA-approved for skin lifting
- Combining radiofrequency with microneedling to double the efficacy of treating acne scars and skin tightening
- Facial fat grafting, a 2-in-1 sculpting surgery that can produce natural-looking and long-lasting results with fewer side effects
- Bio-stimulator injections could also be used for skin regeneration and rejuvenation.
Let Dr Ivan Puah at Amaris B. Clinic Help You Achieve “Skin Longevity”
For radiant, healthy skin that withstands the test of time, the journey requires personalised medical aesthetic treatments. Dr Ivan Puah, the founder and medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, understands this fundamental truth.
With a focus on "skin longevity," Dr Puah advocates for a holistic approach to skincare that transcends quick fixes and embraces personalised, long-term solutions.
Amaris B. Clinic's philosophy revolves around understanding your unique skin concerns and crafting bespoke medical aesthetic treatments tailored to your needs.
Dr Puah's skills backed by a wealth of knowledge and international training, ensures that every treatment plan is not just a temporary fix, but a pathway to sustained skin health and radiance.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah today.
