Nasolacrimal trough: causes and how to get rid of it

In the 21st century, wrinkles and sagging tissues are not at all a necessary “appendage” to the years lived. And if you want to look younger than your peers, but are not ready for radical measures, modern antiage procedures will help.

At MedicCity, you can choose the non-surgical rejuvenation technique that is right for you from a whole list of effective injection and hardware cosmetology services.

For example, you can choose radio-ultrasound thermolipolysis using Exilis Elite technology .

Today, this technique (also called thermolifting, thermage ) is one of the most effective non-invasive methods of rejuvenating the face and body.

Thermage. Photos before and after the Exilis Elite procedure

1
Exilis in MedicCity. Before the procedure.

2 Exilis in MedicCity. After the procedure.

1 Exilis in MedicCity. Before the procedure.

2 Exilis in MedicCity. After the procedure.

Indications

Thermage is recommended in the following cases:

• loss of skin tone on the face or in other areas;
• if you have a double chin;
• in case of sagging upper and lower eyelids;
• when facial or age wrinkles appear around the eyes/lips;
• in case of loss of firmness and elasticity of the skin of the face, body, arms or legs;
• in the presence of local fat deposits;
• for correction of the shape of the face and figure after plastic surgery;
• for sagging and stretch marks of the skin after childbirth.

In each case, the specialist selects an individual program of radio wave exposure.

Surgical lipofilling?

Surgical lipofilling is an operation during which the nasolacrimal groove is smoothed by transferring the patient’s fat tissue, which is taken from the abdomen or thigh, to the fold area. The operation lasts about an hour and is performed under local anesthesia. If the patient, in addition to the nasolacrimal groove, has other pronounced defects, doctors recommend blepharoplasty.

At the same time, fatty tissue from the lower eyelids can be lowered into the area of ​​the nasolacrimal groove. Each of the correction methods described above has its own side effects. Therefore, in order for any procedure to be carried out efficiently and not bring additional visual inconvenience, it is necessary to contact only specialists.

Contraindications

The procedure has a number of the following contraindications:

• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• presence of a pacemaker;
• herpes in the acute stage (when rashes appear);
• diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;
• malignant formations;
• psoriasis and eczema;
• the presence of open wounds at the intended treatment sites;
• mental or neurological disorders;
• serious infectious diseases of bacterial or viral etiology.

Note!

Tatiana Kuznetsova

If you are prone to scarring, a preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist or dermatologist is necessary.

A fresh tan is not an obstacle to the procedure.

Areas of application of radioultrasonic thermolipolysis

Thermage for face:

• prevention of aging;
• improving skin quality;
• smoothing wrinkles, folds, creases;
• fight against flabbiness;
• getting rid of bags under the eyes;
• strengthening skin turgor;
• strengthening facial contours;
• elimination of the “double chin”, “jowls”, etc.

Thermage for body shaping:

• reduction of body fat;
• reduction in body volume;
• improvement of body contours;
• skin lifting;
• elimination of cellulite, etc.

There are also contraindications to the procedure (for example, cancer, the presence of a pacemaker, diabetes, infectious diseases, skin diseases, pregnancy, etc.), therefore, before a course of procedures, each patient is recommended to consult a dermatocosmetologist.

1 Exilis in MedicCity

2 Exilis in MedicCity

3 Exilis in MedicCity

Advantages and disadvantages

Thermage has a wide range of advantages:

Activates collagen production

Visibly tightens the skin after the first session

Does not require long-term recovery and special measures for rehabilitation and skin care

The technology operates regardless of season or weather

The lifting effect lasts for several years

If you have special equipment, Thermage can be performed at home.

The disadvantages of this technique include:

High cost. Thermage is several times more expensive than similar procedures

Discomfort during the session. Patients with hypersensitivity may experience pain

Duration of therapy. One procedure lasts at least 45 minutes

There is also a minimal risk of thermal skin burns, irritation and swelling.

Execution technique

The Thermage procedure includes several sequential steps:

1. Skin cleansing. Before performing the rejuvenation technique, the specialist removes traces of makeup, dust and sweat and then carries out disinfection.
2. Marking. Using a marker, the cosmetologist marks the patient’s problem areas on the face or body.
3. Use of anesthesia. If Thermage is performed in the eye area, the client will be given numbing eye drops. Their other function is to protect the cornea from radio waves. Dark lenses are used for the same purposes.
4. Preparing the device for operation. The equipment is heated to the desired temperature and the doctor selects attachments. The latter are presented in 5 different variations. For the area around the eyes, the smallest ones are used, and for the forehead, on the contrary, the largest ones.
5. Treatment of problem areas. The specialist uses the device on problem areas. The patient does not feel pain, but feels the impulses emanating from the device.

Important!

Tatiana Kuznetsova

The duration of skin treatment depends on many factors. This includes the professionalism of the doctor, the degree of age-related changes, the number of problem areas, and the individual characteristics of the client’s body.

Sculptra injection technique

The solution is administered by injection and the entire procedure does not take more than half an hour. After the injections, the patient does not require hospitalization and can go home immediately.

Before the session, the cosmetologist must calculate the dosage of the product, how to dilute new fill sculptra, and the frequency of its administration. In order to reduce pain in the patient, the cosmetologist applies a cream with an anesthetic to the skin, which reduces the discomfort from needle punctures. Filler injections are carried out not just once, but in a whole course. Usually these are three procedures with breaks from 30 days to one and a half months. The duration of the course of treatment is calculated by the cosmetologist and is based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the tasks facing the doctor.

The effectiveness of the drug can be seen 6 months after completing the course of injections. The prolonged action helps to rejuvenate the patient’s skin for more than 2 years. Cosmetologists recommend using this filler for patients over 35 years of age. The drug comes with a cannula, which does not injure blood vessels or nerves, and after punctures there are practically no hematomas or bruises. The professionalism of the cosmetologist plays a major role during the procedure. After the injection, it is recommended to place a heating pad filled with ice on the injection site for half an hour.

The patient does not require a course of rehabilitation, but for 14 days he should not visit the steam room, sunbathe, or play sports. In addition, the patient is not recommended to visit open water bodies or swim in pools for some time. This measure will reduce the likelihood of infection at the puncture site.

Effect

The visible result of rejuvenation occurs after the first procedure. But within six months this effect is consolidated, becoming more and more obvious. Here's what can be achieved with hardware lifting:

• Skin tightening in the area of ​​the eyes, cheeks and cheekbones.
• Reducing the depth of nasolabial folds.
• Strengthening the contours of the lower part of the face.
• Tightening of loose skin in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.
• Double chin reduction.
• Reducing the number of wrinkles.

And this is not a complete list of the results available through one session.

Using hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is injected into the periorbital zone, which is located between the lower eyelid and the nasozygomatic area using a very thin, hollow, flexible cannula. For patients who have a thin face, injection lipofilling is more suitable. This is a procedure for introducing fatty tissue through small punctures using cannulas. The effect of the procedure will last until the injected fat is absorbed, on average a year or two years.

A longer lasting effect of about five years and natural rejuvenation is guaranteed by RF lifting. During this procedure, high-frequency electromagnetic pulses are used to stimulate collagen production and trigger the natural recovery process.

Recovery period

The rehabilitation period after the procedure lasts several days. During this time (and after), it is important to comply with a number of requirements:

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
• In the first days, avoid visiting the solarium.
• It is not recommended to use sunscreen and decorative cosmetics for two weeks after Thermage.
• To minimize side effects, you must refrain from visiting baths and saunas (at least 3-4 days).
• Do not use lotions containing alcohol.
• Give up your usual soap. The ideal option for the first 2 weeks is a soft foam for washing.
• During the first 7-10 days, do not use scrubs and peels.
• Reduce the amount and intensity of physical activity.

The doctor must inform you about all possible restrictions and prohibitions before or after the procedure.

Possible complications

In most cases, Thermage does not cause complications and the recovery process is relatively smooth. But, if the doctor makes some mistake during the session or the patient does not follow the recommendations, the following reactions from the body cannot be ruled out:

• thermal burns;
• swelling and skin irritation;
• lack of visible results after the procedure;
• fibrosis (formation of subcutaneous scars).

The last option is the most undesirable, because it requires a long period of treatment.

Thermage or Altera - which is better?

Skin rejuvenation using the Altera device involves ultrasonic exposure to subcutaneous fat tissue. In all respects (except for cost), this method is noticeably inferior to Thermage:

• Requires long recovery (2 weeks or more).
• Accompanied by redness and swelling.
• Characterized by increased sensitivity and pain threshold of the skin.
• Guarantees a less noticeable result.

The only plus is the lower price (compared to the Thermage procedure).

Differences from RF lifting

RF lifting is an analogue of Thermage, but not the same thing. Both technologies use radiofrequency radiation and affect all layers of the skin. The main difference is in the heating temperature - Thermage heats the skin up to 60 degrees, and RF lifting only up to 40. Therefore, the effectiveness of the procedure in the first case is higher, but the chances of getting a burn are much greater.

Thermage has a more powerful monopolar radiation frequency and has an intense effect on collagen fibers (RF lifting produces a partial effect). And one more significant difference: Thermage requires one procedure, while RF lifting requires a whole course.

Conclusion: Thermage is much more powerful and effective than RF lifting, but requires more caution during the procedure.

How does Exilis Elite work for face and body?

Exilis Elite technology is one of the latest developments in the field of Thermage. Radioultrasound thermolipolysis is used both for rejuvenating the skin of the face and body, and for the formation of clearer body contours. At the MedicCity clinic, procedures are performed using a unique Exilis Elite unit from BTL (UK).

Exilis Elite technology combines electromagnetic radio frequency energy, ultrasound and a cooling system. Painless, controlled heating of deep tissues ensures the destruction of fat cells, correction of pronounced wrinkles and sagging skin (face lifting, skin lifting according to tension vectors), and activates the production of its own collagen.

The first results of face lifting, as a rule, are visible immediately after the session; a more noticeable effect is observed 2-3 months after treatment. The longevity of results depends on your genetic predisposition to aging and lifestyle, but the effects of Thermage typically last for at least a year and a half (maximum up to 5 years).

Thermolifting is perfect for creating clearer body contours and smoothing out the relief of the skin, for example, for abdominal correction and hip correction. Penetrating into the deep layers of fatty tissue, ultrasound affects fatty deposits that are inaccessible to other procedures (which is ideal in the fight against cellulite). The impulses of the Exilis Elite device seem to “dissolve” adhesions and stagnation in tissues, as a result of which pathological fat cells become vulnerable and are more easily broken down.

The combination of monopolar radiofrequency energy, heat pulses and ultrasound provides the combined effect of liposuction and lifting. The procedure helps to quickly reduce body volume, smooth and reduce unfavorable areas of fat, tighten and improve the skin (body lifting).

To achieve significant results, patients usually need 4-6 procedures (no more than 20 minutes each) with a frequency of 7-14 days. Already after the second session you can observe noticeable changes for the better.

High performance achieved in a short time allows many experts in the field of aesthetic medicine to call Exilis Elite the most effective technology existing today.

1 Exilis in MedicCity

2 Exilis in MedicCity

3 Exilis in MedicCity

Thermage at home

Thermage treatment at home is carried out in the same way as in the salon. The only thing is that not everyone will make markings and identify problem areas, so we exclude this item. For rejuvenation at home, special devices are produced. They are equipped with step-by-step instructions, where each step of the procedure is described in detail.

At the same time, experts do not recommend performing Thermage at home, since the risks of skin injury and subsequent complications (burns, irritation with the risk of infection and purulent inflammation, etc.) cannot be excluded. And, of course, it is better to carry out the procedure not on your own, but to ask someone from the outside (it is advisable that the person has experience interacting with such devices).

Reviews

Here are a couple of reviews from patients who underwent the Thermage procedure in a beauty salon:

Elena

Ivanovo

I started having skin problems at the age of 35: crow's feet around the eyes, nasolabial folds, dryness and loss of elasticity. I tried different methods of rejuvenation (with varying success), but they all gave only temporary results, for a maximum of six months. That's when I decided to try Thermage. I had the procedure and almost forgot how old I looked before this therapy. More than a year has passed since the session, and my face is still as smooth.

Victoria

Kemerovo

I needed a tummy tuck. I was on a diet for a long time and the skin in this area slightly sagged, unsightly folds appeared, etc. Cosmetic masks did not solve my problem and there were only two options left - plastic surgery or Thermage. I have been afraid of injections and anesthesia since childhood, so I chose the second option. As a result, the folds smoothed out and the skin on the abdomen became more toned. If only this procedure would have been cheaper...

§1. What problems does eyelid Thermage solve?

Using this procedure you can:

• Strengthen the skin around the eyes
• Remove wrinkles
• Eliminate drooping upper eyelid
• Make your eyes more open
• Maintain results obtained during eye surgery

How does Thermage work?

The Thermage procedure is based on the use of radiofrequency radiation. The radiation, entering the deep layers of the skin, heats the collagen fibers and causes them to shrink. Heat also stimulates the production of new collagen. The result of using this procedure is the restoration of collagen levels, subsequent smoothing and tightening of the skin.

Our guide to the Thermage procedure in general reveals many of its secrets and pitfalls.

What problems does eyelid Thermage not solve?

It is virtually useless to use eyelid Thermage to eliminate crow's feet. This problem is best treated with Botox injections. Eyelid Thermage cannot do anything about bags under the eyes - they are best removed surgically. And if the upper eyelid droops too much, then Thermage will be powerless here too. Again, in this case, surgical intervention is more effective. With the help of Thermage of the upper eyelids, only slight sagging can be removed.

How effective is this procedure? When are the first results visible?

In 2007, a study was conducted in which 5,700 people took part - patients of several specialized clinics. So, in 87% of patients

an immediate effect was noted, positive dynamics over the 6 months following the procedure were noted in 92% of patients, 94% of patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Clinical studies have shown that an increase in collagen levels was noted in absolutely all patients, even if no visible changes occurred. If in some cases thermage failed to tighten the skin, the procedure was still able to slow down its aging.

Yes, in many patients changes are visible immediately after the procedure, but the final result can still be seen only after 1-6 months (and the peak in 80-90% of cases occurs in the sixth month).

Why doesn't Thermage always work?

This simply cannot happen. Yes, there are cases when external improvement is not visible, but there is scientific data that confirms the fact that after the Thermage procedure, the body always (!) begins to produce collagen. And many patients have too high expectations for this procedure, and only a qualified specialist can assess the real situation and predict the result of the procedure.

Thermage of the eyelids only works when the problem is just beginning: for example, correction of a slightly sagging eyelid is possible; only surgery can cope with severely stretched skin. Those people (and this is about 5-10% of cases) who did not see any external changes after the eye Thermage procedure should not despair anyway: radiofrequency radiation has done its job - collagen has restored lost firmness and elasticity, which means skin aging stopped for one or two years. Stopping further stretching of the skin is also a result.

By contacting a specialist for help, you will receive a preliminary forecast of the effectiveness of using the Thermage procedure on your skin.

How long does the effect last after a Thermage procedure?

Two years, but laboratory studies show that changes in the deeper layers of the skin take place a little longer. The results of this procedure (like all other cosmetic procedures) do not last forever, since aging is inevitable, plus external factors interfere (for example, solar ultraviolet radiation).

How long after the procedure are the first results visible?

Some patients note a significant improvement in skin tone literally immediately after the procedure. But most often, the result does not appear immediately and increases gradually - it takes from one to six months. The most pronounced result in 80-90% of patients is recorded six months after the procedure. Biochemical studies show that the production of new collagen occurs in absolutely all patients.

After the procedure, you may feel slight tightness of the skin, and the treated area may swell slightly (these changes are usually not noticeable from the outside). There are no bruises and the skin does not turn red. Literally immediately after finishing thermage, the patient can apply makeup and return to work.

How safe is the Thermage procedure?

Thermage is an absolutely safe procedure with virtually no side effects. Radiofrequency radiation has been used for medical purposes for more than 25 years; its use is also permitted to solve many cosmetic problems. Numerous scientific studies confirm the fact that the use of radio frequency radiation does not have a negative effect on the human body, side effects occur extremely rarely.

How much does eyelid Thermage cost?

The price of eyelid Thermage, depending on the region in which you live, can vary from $1000 to $1800. This procedure gives the most striking results on slightly sagging skin. During one procedure, eye Thermage and forehead Thermage can be performed simultaneously (this way the eyebrows can be raised). Thermage treatment for the eyes and forehead will cost between $1,700 and $2,500.