Advice from a leading plastic surgeon on how to maintain your youth and still look natural

Beauty, cosmetics and maintaining a youthful appearance are the main concerns for many women around the world, no matter what their nationality or background. To help you maintain your looks, Beauty style and co’s Rima Lama’a sat down with plastic surgeon Dr Patrick Snaifer, who gave us the latest developments in aesthetics.

Is Botox still the most popular solution for wrinkles? What’s new in relation to fillers?

Botox is still highly in demand to relax facial muscles and smooth out wrinkles. Modern studies indicate that women who used Botox starting at age 30 did not notice a change in their faces for up to 15 years, some even claiming they look younger.

In terms of fillers, methods used by doctors have become more sophisticated. Filler injections, such as hyaluronic acid and other temporary substances, are placed deep into the skin, which decreases the possibility of clusters.

– Most women suffer from cracks above the upper lip that were previously very difficult to get rid of.  Are there any new techniques to resolve this issue now?

Wrinkles that appear above the lip are a result of smoking, ageing or rapid weight loss. There is an easy fix now, as there are new combinations of hyaluronic acid, Botox and vitamins that offer good results on a case-by-case basis.

– How can a natural appearance be maintained after any cosmetic procedure?

A natural appearance can be achieved by not overdoing procedures. It’s the doctor’s job to enlighten and guide the patient.

– Is it true that a small amount of Botox administered every two months is better than injecting a larger portion, as it gives a more natural appearance?

This doesn’t really apply to Botox, as it does not give volume like fillers do.

– Can you tell us about nose jobs that don’t require cosmetic surgery?

If patients do not wish to undergo surgery, they can correct minor flaws by injecting hyaluronic acid into the problem area, which can give the appearance of a surgical procedure. Unlike surgery, however, the result is not permanent and the injections have to be administered repeatedly according to the case.

-Ageing hands always give away a woman’s true age no matter how youthful her face looks. How do you deal with this issue?

There is a special tool called the Cannula that is used on hand muscles as well as the injection of certain types of hyaluronic acid. But I like to advise women to take care of their hands by applying softening creams that contain vitamins and SPF protection, especially when driving or exposed to the sun.

Eliminating skin pigmentation or dark spots is done through laser and radio frequency technology that tightens the skin in conjunction with fillers, which make them look younger.

– By about age 40, the eyebrows begin to droop and skin starts to accumulate above the eyes. What is the solution to this problem?

If the skin accumulation is excessive, then the solution is surgery. Botox is used to lift the eyebrows.

– What is the best way to get rid of a double chin and accentuate the contours of the face?

There are two ways to get rid of a double chin. First, for a minor problem, mesotherapy is directly injected into the chin to melt the fat and tighten the skin. For a larger double chin, liposuction is an option, or cryolipo, which freezes fat that is later absorbed into the body and drained naturally.

– What steps are required to keep skin glowing?

Maintaining youthful, glowing skin starts from the inside out.

You should eat healthily, including fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoiding fatty and spicy foods. Smoking is very harmful to the skin, as is sun damage, which causes premature ageing and pigmentation. Start using a moisturiser with SPF protection at an early age – ideally, at age 20 – according to your skin type. Later on, certain creams should be applied according to your particular skincare needs. If necessary, you can opt for at home facial peels, or a chemical peel at a doctor’s office if your case requires it.

 Dr. Snaifer in words

* 2003 Diploma in Doctor of Medicine from the Lebanese University,

Faculty of Medical Sciences

* 2008 Diploma in ORL & Facial Plastic Surgery, from Balamand University,

St George Hospital Beirut, Lebanon

* 2009 Diploma of Facial Plastic Surgery from the University of Lyon, France

* 2010 Diploma in OTO-Rhino Laryngology, Paris XI University

* 2010 Head of Clinic at Necker Hospital, Paris

* 2011 Diploma in Plastic Surgery from Edouard Heriot University,

Lyon, France

* 2011 Attestation of Advanced Specialised Training of OTO-Rhino Laryngology Neck and Facial Surgery Paris XI University

* 2013 Attending Doctor at the Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Lebanon

* 2013 Attending Doctor at BMC Beirut Medical Centre

* 2013 Attending Doctor at St. Georges Hospital, Lebanon