Filling up the lines

Filling up the lines


Wish to look younger and fresher but afraid of going under the knife? The pain, the downtime, surmountable costs and of course, the recovery period are all factors that one has to thoroughly consider before undergoing such procedures.
For those who want wants a safe and quick correction for their skin or any other parts of their face, Medical Aesthetics offers dermal fillers to rectify your skin issues. It is a popular non-surgical option in correcting various skin conditions. Let us understand a little more on fillers.


What are Dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are used as a non-surgical cosmetic treatment. Most dermal fillers are made of Hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in our body. They are injected into the skin to make it firmer, improving the appearance of aging skin. It can be used for:

• Reducing wrinkles, and deep creases of the face eg. Naso-Labial Folds
• Reducing appearance of some depressed acne scars
• Enhancing appearance of the nose, lips, cheeks and sunken temples
• Reducing appearance of tear troughs, hence reducing “eye-bags/dark circles” 
  

Dermal fillers work like face-lifts, minus the downtime and hefty costs associated with surgical face-lifts. However, this treatment is not permanent and should be maintained to achieve desired results. 





So how do fillers work?

Filler is injected into targeted skin areas. Skin is plumped up in less than 30 minutes and the effect can be maintained for up to a year, depending on types of fillers used. Some fillers contain local anesthetic, hence minimising the pain factor.



Are there any side effects?

Depending on the area injected, the procedure is relatively painless to mildly uncomfortable. Some minor bruising might occur at the injections sites. Others may have some erythema and swelling. These usually disappear after a day or two. Improvement is visible after the first session. You will be able to resume your normal daily routine.






At Medical Aesthetics, we can help you restore a smoother and youthful appearance. Make an appointment today with our doctors to get a more customised consultation. To find out more on our treatments, you may wish to drop us an email at enquiries@medical-aesthetics.sg or contact us at 93387432 from 9am to 9pm.

Ironing out the Wrinkles

Ironing out the Wrinkles


Aging gracefully is a beautiful process. We intend to look good as we progress into the years. The face slowly evolves into a map of many lines during this natural progression. At Medical Aesthetics, we have a variety of treatments to help you achieve the skin you desire. Let us first learn more about wrinkles.

Our skin is made up of 3 layers: epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer) and subcutaneous layer (innermost layer). The dermis contains collagen and elastin which keeps the skin firm and supple. Gradually as we age, the dermis starts to lose the collagen and elastin. The subcutaneous layer which gives the skin a “plump” appearance also begins to fade, causing the epidermis to sag and resulting in wrinkles.


Who gets wrinkles?
If you thought that only old people are cursed with “railway tracks”, think again. Young people are not spared if they do not take good care of their skin. Some common threats that can accelerate aging of skin are:


Exposure to UV light- spending too much time in the sun can without applying sunblock accelerates wrinkle development because the skin loses elastin. Parts that receive most sun exposure are back of hands, forearms, face and neck.


Smoking- smokers are robbed of moisture from their skin due to a reduced blood supply. The myriad of chemicals and oxidants from the inhaled smoke cause damage to the skin and fast track aging of the skin.


Genetics- people whose parents developed wrinkles at an earlier age, bear higher chances of developing premature wrinkles.


Nutrition & Hydration - when the body does not get sufficient water, the skin loses moisture making it a favourable condition for wrinkles to develop. Poor nutritional status also reduces the body’s capacity to repair skin damage and deplete the skin of it’s essential nutrients.



Bust those lines!
If you already have a nice complexion and want to prevent premature wrinkles, here are some tips that would slow the process down:


Protecting your skin from UV light- use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 as it blocks out about 94% of UVB rays. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re out in the sun for long periods. Wear protective gears like hats or long sleeves and pants.

Quit smoking- if you’re already smoking, make an effort to ditch this bad habit in order to save your skin. Giving up helps retard the aging rate of your skin.

Stay hydrated- drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated.. Good hydration status keeps skin supple, thus reducing wrinkles visibility.

Sleep- the body cells repair itself during rest periods. Get adequate sleep and you'll produce more human growth hormone, which helps skin remain more elastic, and less prone to developing wrinkles.

Healthy diet- include more fruits and vegetables in your staple diet as they contain antioxidants that fight free radicals which gives the skin a youthful appearance.

With the help of our experienced doctors at Medical Aesthetics, we can address your skin concerns. Your concerns can be corrected with both invasive and non-invasive therapies.
Botox, one of the therapies offered by us, is a quick and simple procedure which help reduce frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet.


To find out which treatment suits you best, why not make that first move in delaying gravity from taking your beauty? To find out more on our treatments, you may wish to drop us an email at enquiries@medical-aesthetics.sg or contact us at 93387432 from 9am to 9pm.

Not (sex)tisfied with your love life?

Ever had those moments where you or your partner gets frustrated over the lack of a satisfying sex life? While some have experienced temporary performance problems in the bedroom, impotence (erectile dysfunction) happens to about one in ten men. Most men choose to suffer in silence because of the embarrassment and this hinders them from seeking medical help. There are treatments offered by our clinic that can correct this condition, helping men to get their sex lives back on track.

What causes ED? 

There are many reasons to why men suffer from ED. It is considered a medical problem if it lasts beyond 3 months. Causes include:

Physical

•   hardening of the arteries due to high blood pressure

•   high cholesterol

• Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s disease

• multiple sclerosis (nerves of the brain and spinal cord degenerates)

• endocrine and hormonal imbalances e.g. hypogonadism (low testosterone), diabetes

•   tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs abuse

• lack of sleep
  

Psychological

• depression

• anxiety

•   stress

•   fatigue

•   relationship problems

What are the signs of ED?

Not able to keep an erection adequate for sexual activity is a warning sign of erectile dysfunction. Signs include:

-       problems achieving an erection

-       problems sustaining an erection

-       reduced libido

-       having early-morning erections and able to have an erection while masturbating, but not during sexual intercourse

 

 

What are the available treatments?

Treatment for ED depends on whether the problem is caused by physical or psychological factors, or a combination of both. Generally, sexual function is influenced by your overall wellbeing. It is important to address your concerns with a physician who will evaluate your health status. Here are some ways to improve and sustain an erection, also lowering risk of serious conditions. 

• Eat healthily. Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Reduce salt, sugar, saturated fat and caffeine.

• Have an exercise regime. Exercise improves blood circulation, builds stamina and helps relieve stress. This will improve your sex life and overall wellbeing.

• Quit smoking. Smoking hardens the arteries, thus impeding blood supply to the penis. When blood flow is limited, ED will occur.

• Limit alcohol intake. Overconsumption of alcohol causes the blood vessels in the penis to expand, therefore increasing blood flow, but prevents those vessels from closing. As a result, the penis may become erect but is not sustained, since there is nothing to prevent backflow.

•   Managing stress. If you do not deal with stress well, then even treatments will not help much. Find ways on how you can tackle stress.

If you think you may have ED or have been experiencing abnormal sexual function for several weeks, it is advisable that you seek medical attention early. At Central Clinic, our doctors will discuss with you about which treatment is best for you. Visit any of our clinics for a consultation. You can contact us using the Enquiry and Feedback Form on our website

www.centralclinic.com.sg or drop us an email at enquiries@centralclinic.com.sg.  

Bones to Pick.

Did you think that calcium is mostly consumed in your younger years and that you don’t actually need the same amount as you grow older? Maybe it’s time to change that mindset. Not many are aware that lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, a condition whereby the density of bones decreases, causing brittle bones. Many adults and elderly suffer fractures due to weakened bones. At Central Clinic, our doctors can assist you with the first step in slowing bone loss and preventing deterioration due to osteoporosis.

So what exactly is osteoporosis?

Simply put, osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone density and loss of bone tissue that may lead to abnormally porous bone that is brittle and fragile.  This happens when there is an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption, meaning that more bone tissue is taken away rather than being created. Usually, bone loss occurs over several years. Only until the person sustains a fracture will they become aware that the disease is existent.

What causes osteoporosis?

More women than men are suffering from this condition. Women start with lower bone density than males and they lose bone mass more quickly as they age. They are at greater risks of sustaining serious fractures at the hips, spine, ribs, and wrists which may result in loss of mobility and even death. There are many causes to developing osteoporosis :

•   Women who are thin and have small body frame

•    Family history of osteoporosis 

•   Postmenopausal

•    Low testosterone levels in men

•     Anorexia nervosa

•   Smoking

•     Lack of exercise

•      Diet low in calcium

•      Drugs used over an extended period e.g. chemotherapy, corticosteroids, antiseizure

Are there signs I should look out for?

Typically, osteoporosis does not present itself during the early stages until a fracture is sustained. People only become aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture, or experience dull pain in the bones or muscles, particularly at the lower back or neck. As the disease progresses, sharp pains may be felt that can be worsened by activity that puts weight on the area. The pain may persist even after 3 months. Fractures tend to heal slowly because of poor bone healing.

Can I prevent osteoporosis?

Prevention is key. You can greatly reduce your risk of osteoporosis by making lifestyle changes. The goal is to reduce bone loss and increase bone density and strength. Osteoporosis prevention relies primarily on a calcium-rich diet with adequate vitamin D intake, and other healthy habits. Here are some lifestyle choices that have been proven to help reduce the risk of bone loss:

•  Increase calcium intake. Adults between 19-50 years old should consume 1000mg of calcium per day whereas those above 51 of age should consume 1200mg of calcium per day. Get exposed to sunlight for 15 minutes each day as vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption, is naturally produced in sunlight.
  

•  Balanced diet. Magnesium and vitamin K are also important for bone health. Include more almonds, soybeans and dark leafy greens in your diet. Reduce foods high in sodium or caffeine as this can contribute to bone loss.

• Stop smoking. Smoking decreases estrogen levels and can lead to bone loss before menopause. Smoking also can lead to earlier menopause.

• Engage in weight-bearing exercises. Walking, running- any exercise that requires your bones to support your weight, helps strengthen your bones and improve balance and muscle tone.

If you suspect that you could be at risk for osteoporosis, make an appointment with our doctors today to get yourself screened. You can contact us using the Enquiry and Feedback Form on our website www.centralclinic.com.sg or drop us an email at enquiries@centralclinic.com.sg.