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Reveal Your Luminosity

Better skin conveys younger appearance.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections Botox Prahran

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Botulinum toxin injections, when used correctly and in small doses as a cosmetic treatment, can markedly reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.  They also help with various health issues such as excessive sweating, jaw clenching (bruxism)/ teeth grinding and migraine headaches.

 

The injections are most often used for the following cosmetic purposes:

  • wrinkles between the eyebrows, called frown lines, glabellar lines, or the "eleven" lines.

  • wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow’s feet.

  • horizontal creases in the forehead.

  • “cobblestone” or dimpling of skin on the chin.

  • gummy smiles.

  • bunny lines around the nose.

  • reduction of bulky master (chewing) muscles.

The "toxin" works by targeting the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signalling processes which are responsible for muscle contraction. In order for any muscle to contract, the nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. The injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops the muscle cells from contracting. In this way, the toxin helps the muscles to become less stiff.

It takes 2-4 days to see noticeable effects and full effects set in at week 1-2.  The effects generally last 2-4 months depending on the treatment and individual response.

The procedure generally takes no more than 30 minutes and it is well tolerated with minimal post-procedural side effects or down-time.

Anti-wrinkle injections have a long-term safety record of more than 20 years.

Anti Wrinkle Injections
Dermal Fillers – Targeted Action South Yarra

Dermal Fillers – Targeted Action

Dermal fillers are not to be confused with anti-wrinkle injections!  Dermal fillers are injectables used to enhance, contour and balance facial features, restore facial volume and smooth wrinkles and fine lines, while anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscles of facial expression which crease and crinkle the skin without adding volume to the face.

 

Common areas suitable for dermal filler treatment

  • Jawline

  • Tear Troughs

  • Lips

  • Cheeks

  • Nasolabial folds

  • Marionette lines

  • Chin

  • Forehead lines

 

The most common dermal filler used is HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers.  HA is found naturally in our bodies, including in our skin, eyes and joints so HA fillers are very well tolerated and absorbed by the body.  HA helps the skin to retain moisture and make your face look more plump and hydrated. It's also used in lotions as a moisturizer, but moisturiser can't restore lost volume—only injectable hyaluronic acid can do that. 

 

Longevity of dermal fillers can range from 6 to 18 months depending on the type of dermal fillers used, area/s treated and individual response. HA fillers have been used for 20+ years with a good safety record.

 

Most filler injections take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete and are generally well tolerated with local anaesthetic cream and/or local anaesthetic injections prior to treatment.

 

Temporary side effects can include

  • swelling

  • bruising

  • discomfort

  • lumps/ bumps (which tend to self-resolve)

  • over-filling the area (which can be corrected by hyaluronidase injections)

  • infections (not common)

 

Injections into a blood vessel, or blockage of a blood vessel due to filler placement can rarely happen but are serious complications.  We take the utmost care in avoiding these unlikely side effects by slow and careful injecting techniques and close monitoring of the unwanted symptoms occurring.

 

We believe in creating a natural look applying a ‘less is more approach’ so that results are apparent to you, but subtle to others which we can build on in future visits.

Botox South Yarra Melbourne
Dermal Fillers – Targeted Action
Profhilo Treatment

Profhilo Treatment

Remodelling from Within

Profhilo is a popular cosmetic skin solution for the face, neck and body that supplies “bio-remodelling” hydration and rejuvenation by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin in treatment areas delivering improved skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance. 
 

This “bio-remodelling’ treatment involves a series of injections strategically placed across multiple points on the face (or other areas of concern such as the neck or hands), that strategically targets deeper layers of the skin helping spread the hyaluronic acid throughout the treatment area.

Profhilo’s effective formulation allows it to diffuse easily across the treatment areas and stimulate production of new collagen and elastin while also bolstering existing collagen fibres. The result is an overall improvement in skin texture and firmness in treated areas.

Profhilo’s treatment regimen is typically performed as a series of two sessions, spaced four weeks apart. The injections are relatively quick and minimally invasive, with little to no downtime. Some common side effects may include mild bruising, redness or swelling at the injection sites, and typically resolve quickly.

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Chemical Peels – Renewal From Within

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments which stimulate cell renewal, boosts skin repair and regenerating and resurfacing the skin by inducing a controlled wound to the skin.

 

The procedure removes the top skin layers to help induce collagen synthesis and remodelling, and therefore improve sun-damaged skin, skin pigmentation problems, wrinkles, skin texture, complexion and hydration.  It also greatly assists with acne management.

 

They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. And they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.  A light chemical peel improves skin texture and tone and lessens the appearance of fine wrinkles. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments. If you have a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be noticeably smoother.

Chemical Peels – Renewal From Within
Face Peels South Yarra

Restorative Peels

We use 2 popular Dermaceutic Peels from France:  Milk Peel Treatment (for fine lines and dull complexion) and Cosmo Peel Treatment (for wrinkles and texture irregularities). and Spot Peel Treatment (for pigment spots and melasma). These peels are performed in-house by a qualified doctor according to Dermaceutic’s signature progressive-approach protocol, developed by the company’s clinical Experts.

 

Dermaceutic® MILK PEEL – gentle volume regeneration and skin plumping

Action(s):

  • boosts collagen production

  • restores luminosity and a radiant complexion

  • evens skin tone

  • improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

  • regulates oily skin and dilated pores

Benefit(s):

  • suitable for all skin types and phototypes

  • no social downtime ("lunch time peel")

  • little to no skin desquamation

  • safe and easy 10 minute protocol

  • can be combined and enhances other cosmetic treatments' efficacy

  • 92% of clients reported skin being more luminous

  • 83% of clients said the skin was more even and more radiant

  • 100% of clients showed a significant improvement in frown line roughness

Dermaceutic® COSMO PEEL – fortified reduction of wrinkles

 

The COSMO PEEL has proven actions on the skin:

Action(s):

  • reduces the appearance of signs of skin aging

  • improves skin texture and smoothness

  • stimulates collagen and elastin production

  • reduces the appearance of acne and pigment spots

  • available in various concentrations

Benefit(s):

  • controlled skin penetration

  • cosmo peel cream to counteract skin

  • inflammation

  • wide range of concentrations for all skin types

  • 94% of clients have less wrinkles

  • 88% of clients have less signs of skin aging

  • 86% of clients showed a significant and continuous improvement in the darkness of spots

Skin Boosters (Skin Rejuvenation)

Contrary to the corrective use of dermal fillers (filling lines, adding volume, correcting contours), skin boosters are used to treat the whole face by administering hydrating hyaluronic acid microinjections to replenish the loss of natural hyaluronic production and improve skin quality from the inside for long-lasting results.

 

Skin booster increases skin quality by restoring hydration. Irregularities and lines are diminished, creating smooth supple skin.

Skin Boosters (Skin Rejuvenation)
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Venus Viva Applicator

Venus Viva (radio-frequency rejuvenation)

Venus Viva is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that applies radio-frequency energy to stimulate and increase collagen production reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles with smoothing skin texture.
 

This treatment uses tiny pins that safely deliver radiofrequency energy through the skin's surface to stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by tightening the skin and size of pores.

 

Venus Viva is a safe and effective using proven technology. Treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and can be applied to any area of the face or body. and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Results can be seen after a single treatment, but a series of sessions is recommended for optimal results. Suitable for all skin types with no downtime.

Matrix PDO Mono Threads Treatment
Venus Viva Device
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Micro-needling / Collagen Induction Therapy 

Micro-needling (also known as collagen-induction therapy) is a non-surgical treatment that penetrates your skin’s surface with fine needles to improve the appearance of wrinkles, minimize large pores, firm skin and enhance skin tone, and fade scars including acne scars.  It can also help to lift and tighten the skin.

The application of numbing cream beforehand, the 30 minute procedure involves inserting tiny needles into your skin which trigger a similar kind of wound-healing response which releases a cascade of growth factors, which in turn boosts production of the body’s own collagen (the protein fibres that keep skin dewy and supple.

The recovery time is short depending on your treatment intensity.  The skin will look a bit red with maybe some pinpoint scabs for a few days but the skin will heal and look luminous within a week.

 

Micro-needling is suitable for all areas of the face and neck.

Micro-needling / Collagen Induction Therapy 
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Lipo-Dissolve (Double Chin) Injections

Lipo-dissolve is a non-surgical procedure whereby tiny and relatively painless  injections of deoxycholic acid (and phosphatidylcholine) are administered directly into fatty tissue. The treatment causes the fat cells to melt away and then dissolve, with the remaining cellular material being reabsorbed or metabolised by the body followed by skin tightening in the treated area.

 

It is widely considered a safe, comparatively inexpensive, non-invasive and  non-surgical alternative to liposuction for treatment of pockets of fat such as submental adiposity (double chin) that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Five large clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of deoxycholic acid in the reduction of double chin fat as measured by validated scales and objective measurements. Patients reported improved psychological parameters and feelings while the side effects of bruising and swelling were mild and temporary.

 

Common temporary side effects may include:

  • Pain at the injection site  

  • Bruising

  • Numbness and tenderness

  • Small nodules (can be felt but not visible)

  • Temporary redness and swelling

 

In a randomised trial that included 390 patients, 12 weeks after four treatments with deoxycholic acid, 65–70% of patients treated with deoxycholic acid were satisfied with the appearance of their chin compared with 30% who had received injections of saline (placebo).

 

You will start to see some noticeable results within 2 weeks, with full effects visible generally a month after the procedure.  Usually 1 to 2 sessions (sometimes more depending on the individual) are required every 4 to 6 weeks depending on treatment response.

Lipo-Dissolve (Double Chin) Injections
Skin Cancer Check
Skin Cancer Check Prahan
Bruxusm (Jaw Clenching / Tooth Grinding) & TMJ Dysfunction​

Bruxism (Jaw Clenching / Tooth Grinding)
& TMJ Dysfunction​


Bruxism is the formal term for teeth grinding and clenching (“bruxing”). Some people do it during the day, some do it at night, and of course, plenty of people do both, especially during sleep.

The jaw clenching and movement during sleep bruxism can force the brain to stay in a lighter stage of sleep and as a result people will often report being sleep-deprived. Sleep deprivation  poses a risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

If left untreated, bruxism can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and chronic dental issues such as tooth fractures.

Botulinum toxin injections directly addresses the muscles responding for bruxism (masseter muscles) by relaxing and reducing muscle tension.  The treatment is generally quick and relatively painless.  It’s effective for 2-6 months, but the benefit can also be of long-term, since the masseter muscle that have been resting for several months are not as strong and tense as before.

 

Cosmetically they also debulk the muscles giving way more oval facial shape.  The jawline can look leaner and cheekbones becoming more visible and prominent.

Bruxism (Jaw Clenching / Tooth Grinding) & TMJ Dysfunction​ South Yarra
Axillary Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Armpit Sweating)

Axillary Hyperhidrosis
(Excessive Armpit Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is the name given to excessive and uncontrollable sweating.  It is understood to be caused by overactivity of the nervous system (sympathetic nervous system).  with The sympathetic nerves that control sweating being overactive promote the sweat glands to produce more sweat than is necessary.

 

Botulinum toxin injections work by temporarily impairing the nerves that control the sweat glands, with results lasting from 4 to 12 months. Injections can be repeated.


The procedure takes no more than 30 minutes, with multiple small injections of the toxin administered a few centimetres apart in the armpits.  It is generally well tolerated with or without topical anasthetic cream and results are seen and felt within a few days.

HIV Related Facial Lipoatrophy

HIV Related Facial Lipoatrophy

Lipodystrophy is a condition that changes the way your body uses and stores fat. Certain HIV medication can cause lipodystrophy, or specifically facial lipoatrophy (or facial wasting) which is the loss of subcutaneous fat, collagen and facial volume. The risk of facial wasting has been lessened because of advances in antiretroviral therapy, but it still occurs. The longer a person is on HIV medications, the greater the likelihood of developing problems with facial wasting. Signs of lipoatrophy include the loss of subcutaneous fat primarily in the temples and cheeks and this tends to produce an emaciated or tired appearance.

 

Dr Liu has been an accredited injector of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) injections since 2011 for hundreds of HIV positive patients with facial wasting.

PLLA injections are classified as collagen stimulators which gradually restore fullness to facial wrinkles and folds. This results in a softer and more youthful appearance with long-lasting, natural-looking results that can last up to 2 to 3 years.  It is safe, well tolerated, and effective with few side effects.  There is no allergy testing required before the procedure, and you can return to usual activities immediately after treatment (albeit with some swelling and occasionally bruising).

You may notice immediate results, but it can take a few months to see the full results of your treatment.  PLLA injections may require up to 5 sessions over a period of 6 to 12 months to achieve the full desired effects.

Other cosmetic injectables and treatments can be combined (either during the same or a separate session) to enhance the overall cosmetic results.

Axillary Hyperhidrosis Prahran
Axillary Hyperhidrosis South Yarra
Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars​

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars​

 

As wounds heal, scar tissue usually forms, which at first is often red and somewhat prominent.  Over several months, a scar generally becomes flat and pale but for some people when there is a lot of tension on a healing wound, the healing area is rather thicker than usual. This is known as a hypertrophic scar, which is limited to the wound site, unlikely a keloid scar.

A keloid scar is a firm, smooth, hard growth due to spontaneous scar formation. It can arise soon after an injury, or develop months later.  They may be uncomfortable or itchy and extend well beyond the original wound site and can form on any parts of the body, although the upper chest and shoulders and sometimes back are especially prone to them.

There are many treatment options to for the management of these stubborn scars, and one of them is intralesional steroid injection involves a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone acetonide injected directly into a lesion on or immediately below the skin.  The sessions take 10-20 minutes depending on the number and area of the scars and are often repeated monthly for a few months.

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars​ Treatment Melbourne
Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars​ Treatment South Yarra

Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis
and Other Skin Conditions

 

At Luminous U by Dr Liu, we will also assess various common skin conditions and provide the best treatment plans in house, or providing external dermatologist or plastic surgeon referrals if necessary

Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Other Skin Conditions
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