Magazine BEAUTÉ Anti-âge
Coordinator Catherine George-Hoyau

I can look younger in 30 minutes (and no knife!)
Botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, laser or cosmetic products?
Where, when and how? If you’re looking to make the sadness and fatigue on your face disappear, here are a few solutions…

You look really tired, says a ”well-meaning” friend. These words have an immediate consequence: maybe you manage to rule out the worst scenario (could I be sick?) but then, there you are, examining yourself in that cruel mirror that will not spare you any detail:wrinkles, loosening skin, dark circles, puffy eyes.

Many of these signs are due to multiple factors such as pollution, lack of sleep, excessive light, overweight, menopause and stress,of course. The latter is a powerful endocrine disruptor, largely responsible for the loss of elasticity and density of the skin. As stated by Dr. Hervé Raspaldo, surgeon specializing in the face and neck, ”Fatigue can be seen, but it can also affect internal organs and then reflect on the outside.”

What can we do against it ?

“Today, we are able to treat these signs,in oneor several sessions,” says the practitioner who states that40% of his patients don’t aim to look younger, but to look more rested. This means getting rid of that little something whichundermines our morale and gives us a sad and tired expression. It sounds like a nice promise, probably not cost-free, but at least we can be sure it exists !

Mirror, mirror, what do I see ?

I look sad and grim…

The causes : the nasolabial folds, which show up when the cheekbone tissue and the cheek collapse, because the fatty tissue moves downwards. Like all vertical wrinkles, these folds will quickly make you look older…

The solutions: we rebuild volume on the cheeks with hyaluronic acid, smoothing and lifting the tissues in a natural way, lasting for about a year. Correcting the vertical lines is no longer mandatory. The injection is performed with cannulas, which allows a balanced topping, without pain or hematoma. If there is too much excess skin and sagging fat, the optimal solution would be a facelift for the midface. The solution to remember: hyaluronic acids.

I don’t look friendly

The causes: tissue atrophy (ageorstressrelated, or due to smoking and hormonal disorders) and involuntary muscle contractions will all affect the lips and their contour. Lips become thinner, different marks can occur; folds of bitternesswillappear, which makes you look grim and somehow unhappy.

The solutions: the reticulate hyaluronic acid which plumps the lips andreshapes the borders. It’s an absorbable product, with resultslastingbetween 6 and 12 months. The lines on the borders are treated by “topping” with hyaluronic acid, resurfacing by chemical peel or laser resurfacing (wrinkle removal).

I look angry

The causes: a muscular hypercontraction, caused by frequent frowning, a consequence of worries and stress. This is what causes the so-called lion’s wrinkle between the eyebrows.

The solution: botulinum toxin blocks the nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. This will smooth both vertical and horizontal wrinkles and give you a rested look. It’s an absorbable product, with results lasting 4 to 5months.

I have an empty look…

The causes: fatigue, caused by lack of sleep, overwork, stress

The solutions: Hyaluronic acid works wonders on dark circles, which is a fragile area. The injection is performed with cannulas, in deep layers,for a homogeneous and natural filling. The effect lasts 6 to 12 months. For dark circles that are not necessarily associated with “hollows“, laser or peeling can be considered. If the problem concerns bags under the eyes, a surgical treatment may be needed.

I have jowls

The causes: fatty tissues that melt and age-related collagen decrease willcause sagging skin on the lower faceand the neck. The face contouring is no longer firm and sharp.

The solutions: we can restore the mandibular contouring by injecting hyaluronic acid (result lasting 12 to 18 months), but excessive injecting must be avoided, otherwise the jaw could look too square. The best way to do this is step by step, correcting each little hollow on each cheek. There are several medical devices and injections that can helpreduce fat and create a more contoured cheek. However, if the skin has lost all firmness, the only efficient treatment is a face and neck lift.

Many thanks to Dr. Claude Dalle and Dr. HervéRaspaldo, Scientific Directors of EMAA (European Masters in Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Medicine)