They might sound bizarre, but these anti-ageing treatments really work

Taking good care of your skin now is one of the best ways to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible in the future, and you might want to consider trying one of these out-of-the-box anti-ageing treatments, too. Although they sound bizarre, experts say they offer good results.

This technique gained notoriety from a 2013 Keeping Up with the Kardashians episode in which Kim gets an anti-ageing treatment that leaves her face spotted with blood. The ‘vampire facial,’ or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, utilises the body’s own growth factors to regenerate tissue and promote collagen production. “During this procedure, blood is taken from the patient’s vein and placed in a specialised centrifuge,” says plastic surgeon, Dr David Shafer. “As the blood spins at a very fast speed, the components of the blood separate into serum, platelets, and red blood cells, and the PRP layer is isolated and used for various rejuvenating procedures.” While the PRP does not add volume, Dr Shafer claims it can give local cells a healthy boost. Keep in mind that this may require a topical anaesthetic because it’s done in conjunction with micro-needling, which can be painful. Kim Kardashian herself said she regretted having the procedure because she did it without numbing cream.

This anti-ageing treatment might sound like something that would require work on the patient’s part – but it’s not like the gym for your body. Face Gym is a non-invasive muscle manipulation technique that is used to tone the muscles. All you do as the patient is lie down and relax as a technician uses combined skin rejuvenating techniques and products on your face. “While Face Gym is not a substitute for traditional facelift surgery or even dermal fillers to replace lost volume, it is a great maintenance program,” says Dr Shafer.

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Micro-needling, the method of pricking the skin with small needles to generate new collagen and skin tissue for firmer, smoother skin, has been gaining popularity over the last several years. Morpheus8 is a similar technique, although it’s a bit more extreme than basic micro-needling. “Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency energy to carefully and directly apply full thickness through the skin to the underlying fat space to not only tighten the skin but also the three-dimensional structure underneath,” explains plastic surgeon, Dr Spero J. Theodorou. “The reason it is effective is the unique application of the energy and the reliance on the body itself to produce more collagen and elastin over time.”

This skin-enhancing, anti-ageing treatment is becoming more popular for its ability to constrict blood vessels, resulting in a reduction in inflammation, shrunken pores, and an overall tighter face. It uses liquid nitrogen, aka freezing cold temps, to reduce facial swelling and stimulate collagen, explains Dr Joshua Zeichner. Although further research is necessary to totally prove its anti-ageing abilities, Dr Zeichner says, the results, although temporary, can be impressive.

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Fractionated skin resurfacing, also known as Fraxel, is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of controlled, microscopic injuries that cause tiny perforations in the treatment area while leaving zones of healthy surrounding tissue intact and untouched. Research has found it to be effective not only in skin rejuvenation, but also in treating acne as well as certain dermatological diseases. “The specific zones of injury trigger the patient’s natural neocollagenesis (collagen rebuilding process), which rejuvenates the skin and improves its appearance,” says dermatologist, Dr Dendy Engelman. “Improvements continue over time (up to six months post-procedure) as new collagen continues to rebuild.”

If you’re looking to brighten your skin tone and reduce symptoms of premature ageing, facial acupuncture might be for you. In fact, one study found that facial acupuncture increased the water and oil content of facial skin, thus giving it a more youthful appearance. “Acupuncture stimulates the nerves increasing tone and blood flow to the face, which helps clear away toxins and bring essential nutrients to the superficial layers of the skin,” says Dr Shafer. “Since the skin of the face is a highly metabolic area with constant turnover of skin cells, this elastic production, and removal of toxins from the environment is key.”

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This type of procedure is a more non-invasive facelift than the traditional facelift. One study found that it delivered satisfactory results in the majority of patients while proving to have few complications (only 6 per cent of patients reviewed experienced complications). It involves the application of temporary sutures in the skin to produce a slight, but visible, lift in the skin. “Thread lifts are good for patients looking for a quick, non-invasive boost to their cheeks, improved definition to their jawline or lifting of their neck,” says Dr Shafer. “Patients have to have guarded expectations, however, as the results are not comparable to a true surgical face or neck lift.”

“While new technologies emerge for skin tightening and resurfacing, there is no alternative to neuromodulators (aka Botox) when it comes to reducing dynamic wrinkles which occur with movement,” says Dr Shafer about the injectable neurotoxin that smoothes fine lines on the face. The TGA-approved treatment areas are the glabella (the 11s between the eyebrows), the crow’s feet to the sides of the eyes with squinting and the transverse forehead lines.

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While lasers and facials improve skin texture, there is no more effective treatment to adding volume than with dermal fillers such as Voluma, Juvederm and Vollure, according to Dr Shafer. One study found that the treatment of age-related lines and wrinkles using dermal fillers is both safe and effective, supporting Dr Shafer’s opinion. “These products are made from hyaluronic acid which is naturally found within the skin and are highly biocompatible,” he says. “Where someone is looking for natural lip enhancement, smoothing of the lines around their mouth or lifting the cheeks, dermal fillers give an instant result at a low risk.”