“Women often mistakenly believe that wearing makeup can camouflage the effects of aging when in fact it accumulates in wrinkles and hollows to visibly exaggerate the signs of aging,” says Dr. Bertucci, Cosmetic Dermatologist and President of the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery. “What women may not know is that loss of volume in the face is what really makes us look old and tired—and makeup and creams can’t correct that problem.”
Credentials
President of the Canadian Society
for Dermatologic Surgery, Former
Director, Undergraduate Dermatology,
University of Toronto Medical Director,
Bertucci MedSpa
Experience with Restylane®:
12 years, thousands of patients treated.
- How would you describe each woman in the Make Under program?
The women in the Make Under program are all professionals that lead very busy lifestyles, juggling work and family needs. They feel very good about their age and lives in general. However, as their faces begin to show the signs of aging, making them look tired and drawn, they feel that their appearance does not truly reflect how positive they feel inside. This is very typical of individuals who seek facial rejuvenation treatments in my office.
- What is the most common complaint that you hear from women in regards to their appearance?
There is no single complaint that would apply to all women, as each individual is unique. Having said that, I frequently hear women stating they appear tired, even though they feel great. They say that there is a disconnect between how they feel and how they look. Many women comment on specific wrinkles or lines but don’t realize that facial volume and shape is just as or more important in maintaining a refreshed appearance.
- What is the most common response that you get upon completing a Restylane® treatment?
Most women are thrilled when I hand them the mirror to take a peek at the results after completion of their treatment. They comment that they appear refreshed and revitalized, while maintaining a natural look. Patients are frequently pleasantly surprised to find that adding facial volume can make such a positive difference, restoring desirable features that time has taken away.
- What is the right or average age for people who get treated?
There is no right age to get treated with dermal fillers.
We all age differently based on genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle. My patients range in age from the
early 20’s to late 60’s. The areas treated typically evolve with age. For example, women in
their 20’s and 30’s frequently ask for lip enhancement and possibly focal volume enhancement,
while those in their 40’s and beyond can often benefit from more extensive added volume of
the cheeks, lips, brows, and various other facial areas.
- In few words, how does the consultation process work?
The consultation process forms the foundation that helps to
deliver optimal results. After obtaining a thorough medical history, I ask my patients to describe their concerns
and goals. This is critical if I am to meet their expectations. I then examine the patient, trying to get a ‘big
picture’ of the issues at hand. We then proceed to discuss the changes that have occurred over time, providing
patients with various treatment options. Solutions can range from something as simple as a sunscreen or other cream to
injectable dermal fillers, lasers, botulinum toxin or more. I find that this educational approach resonates best with my
patients as they are able to gain an understanding of the various issues and then priorize based on their own needs.
- How does the face age?
Aging is both intrinsic, or genetically determined, and extrinsic. Extrinsic aging is related to sun exposure and environmental factors. The skin loses its elasticity, becomes thinner, blotchy in colour and often sags over time. Loss of underlying fat, bone and muscle also contributes to facial aging, leading to volume loss, somewhat like to a deflating ballloon. The overall result is what we perceive as an aging face.
- What is Restylane® and how does it help create the right results for your patients?
Restylane® is an injectable dermal filler product which contains hyaluronic acid,
a substance that is also found naturally in the body. It adds volume to the skin, restoring contours and
features that time may have taken away. I have been administering Restylane® treatments for almost 12 years with good, reliable
results, and it remains an important tool, among other technologies, in my practice.
- How often does a patient need to get treated to maintain the results?
The benefits of products such as Restylane® vary with the amount injected, the area treated and the individual. Based on my experience, I can usually give a good estimate of the expected duration of results for each of my patients during the initial consultation.
- Knowing that 64% of women over 40 would hesitate to face the world without makeup, what do you have to say to Canadian women?
There are many minimally invasive treatment options available today that can help you look as good as you feel. Injectable dermal fillers play a very important role in correcting facial volume loss and restoring features that time may have taken away.
