Expert Spotlight

Dr David Bullock
Cosmetic Physician

Total facial rejuvenation

Most people visit a cosmetic clinic to treat a particular concern, such as wrinkles or age spots. But did you know that a whole range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments exists to fight the signs of ageing?

“Patients may come in having identified one concern but as clinicians, we use our expertise to assess the face for all the components of ageing,” said Dr David Bullock.

Clinicians typically assess age-related changes across the entire face. Such changes include:

• skin quality – pigmentation, fine lines and increased pore size
• degree and site of wrinkles and folds
• degree of volume loss and sagging.

The facial assessment also takes into account the patient’s age, general health and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and sun exposure.

“Because there are many components to ageing, combination treatment can be more effective than a single treatment in facial rejuvenation,” said Dr Bullock. “A combination of procedures can provide a natural-looking, harmonious and balanced result.”

Treatments for signs of ageing

Skin treatments such as facial peels or light-based therapy – such as laser and intense pulsed light therapy – can be used to improve skin quality. Both work by removing the skin’s upper layer of dead cells and stimulating deeper layers to produce collagen. These treatments help to give the skin a fresher look, reduce pigmentation and refine pores.

Anti-wrinkle treatment may be used to correct forehead lines, frown lines and wrinkles that develop around the eyes and mouth.

Dermal fillers are used to correct deeper lines and folds, as well as to replace volume loss. A particular dermal filler, recently available in Australia, is used specifically to replace volume loss in areas such as the cheeks and chin, according to Dr Bullock.

Putting it all together

“I believe it is very important to spend quite some time discussing facial rejuvenation options with each patient and to formulate an individual treatment plan and timeline that suits them,” said Dr Bullock.

“This plan should also allow for an ongoing maintenance program rather than a one-off treatment that has no sustained effects and no long-term return on the patient’s investment.”

Generally, a full-face treatment plan may cover a period leading up to an event such as a wedding, or cover the entire year. Depending on the assessment and options chosen, a patient may be recommended to have anti-wrinkle treatment every 3–4 months, and to return in 9–12 months for filler treatment. Light facial peels and microdermabrasion may be recommended in a series of treatments with ongoing maintenance. The use of medical-grade skin care products can also contribute to skin improvement.

“Patients are given a ‘menu’ of treatment options to meet their individual needs,” said Dr Bullock.

“I believe that whilst we can make dramatic changes to people’s faces with non-surgical rejuvenation techniques, even a small change that makes the person feel much better about themselves is so worthwhile,” he concluded.