SCULPTING BEAUTY

Before you go under the knife, check out these non-invasive treatments.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

The average life expectancy has roughly doubled in the past 100 years and, with continued advances in medicine – stem cell research, robotics and tissue engineering – longevity can only increase.

Aesthetic treatments, too, have improved, so, along with better knowledge of health and wellness, individuals can also more easily enhance their appearance – and not necessarily by undergoing surgery.

Today, energy-based procedures involving high intensity focused electromagnetic energy, ultrasound, radio frequency, thermal, acoustic waves and lasers constitute a new spectrum of aesthetic treatments – those that are non-invasive and require less downtime.

Dr Rohan Mendis, who has 18 years of experience in aesthetic treatments and who founded Mendis Aesthetics and Surgery, talks about these non-invasive treatments that he terms “walk-in, walk-out”.

EMSCULPT: An Alternative To Liposuction

Recently launched in Singapore and for the first time in South-east Asia, Emsculpt is a FDA-approved non-surgical procedure that uses high intensity, focused electromagnetic waves (Hifem) to help strengthen and firm the abdomen and buttocks, as well as upper arms, love handles and thighs. Dr Mendis explains that during the procedure, the Hifem energy triggers involuntary supramaximal contractions. Muscle tissue is forced to adapt to this extreme condition and this results in cellular changes in the muscles and remodelling of its inner structure, leading to thickening, strengthening and sculpting of the muscle, and fat reduction. The treatment does not require anaesthesia. Also, other than slight abdominal soreness, there is no downtime.

EXILIS: Skin Tightening And Fat Reduction

This technology uses a sophisticated combination of focused thermal, radiofrequency and ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen production as well as aid in the metabolism of stubborn fat.

THERMAGE CPT (COMFORT PULSE TECHNOLOGY) OR ULTRASKIN (HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND):

Facelift Without The Knife

These treatments help tighten and contour skin and its underlying tissue without incisional surgery. Radiofrequency or ultrasound waves are directed at the epidermis and the skin’s deeper layers are heated, stimulating existing collagen and promoting new collagen growth.

Dr Mendis adds that results are visible within a month and can remain for up to a year. This technology can help to improve the appearance of the eyelids, face, neck, arms, hands, tummy, thighs and legs by reducing the look of sagging skin.

FRACTIONAL RESURFACING: Light Beams As An Aesthetic Solution

This procedure uses microscopic laser beams as a means to improve your skin. It aims to eliminate scars, wrinkles, pigmentation, an uneven skin tone, roughness, skin laxity, sun damage, visible pores, and fine lines.

Dr Mendis explains that it alters the structures below the surface of the skin, creating unique conditions for continual collagen and elastin regeneration. Improvements are visible soon after the first session, although the overall effect will be more evident over time. Clients can look forward to brighter, smoother and tighter skin.

Mendis Aesthetics and Surgery, #0417 Mandarin Gallery, tel: 6235-1728, www.drmendis.com