I am writing this April blog in lockdown in my penthouse overlooking the ocean. So grateful for what I have, but most importantly for all the family and friends that I have in my life.
The national lockdown has truly been a time of introspection for many with so much uncertainty around us, a resetting of priorities and values. Being self-employed, I am trusting from a work perspective that all will go back to normal from the 17th April. At the same time, I am praying for my family and friends locally and around the world to remain healthy.
I am valuing working from home and finally having time to do that “spring cleaning” or should I say “autumn-cleaning” around the house. Yet I find myself missing my beautiful offices, work colleagues and aesthetic artistic creations. Apartment living during these times has challenges of its own and escaping the apartment to take out the garbage and hang up the washing has taken on new levels of excitement and enthusiasm.
So, I saw this interesting question on Facebook recently, “ARE YOU GETTING BORED DURING LOCKDOWN?” From my side, definitely not. The diary is filled, albeit with different elements to the normal work routine. Once again, the balancing scales need to be adjusted in terms of spiritual and personal development, work, relationships, household chores …….. How many more days till the domestic returns??
HOW IMPORTANT IS SELFCARE DURING THIS TIME?
Are you walking around in your pyjamas all day? Are you putting make-up on, shaving, combing your hair and keeping your house neat and tidy?
Personally, I think it is important physically, emotionally and socially to maintain healthy lifestyle habits during this time.
Some of my healthy lifestyle lockdown tips include:
- Get up early (before you stop reading, maybe a little later than usual will be good)
- Get out of those pyjamas (a pyjama day once in a while is fine)
- Make yourself look good – shave, groom, put on that make-up, do your hair
- Choose a positive attitude and put that smile on your dial
- Value and don’t waste your time. One of my personal values stems from Psalm 90:12, “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”
- Don’t procrastinate. 21 Days going quicker that what we think
- Value relationships and family. Time to forgive and forget and reconnect. We have such an awesome opportunity to spend time with family and friends even if it is virtually
- Time to read a good book (one of my favourite hobbies)
- Do some gardening, house-cleaning, watch a good movie
- Very important as well is to continue healthy skin care habits; apply those balms, serums, lotions and potions. Keep putting on that sunscreen even if you are having minimal outdoors exposure
- Eat healthy ensuring a balanced colourful diet with enough protein, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Remember more than 70% of your skin is made up of collagen which is a protein. A healthy diet also helps to boost your immunity.
- Avoid unnecessary social contact. Make that comprehensive grocery list. Either order groceries to be delivered and minimise your grocery shopping to a maximum of once weekly. Make certain that you put on your safety precautions no matter how ridiculous you may feel
- Avoid the temptation to become a couch potato with your potato chips, unhealthy high sugar food and drinks
- Avoid excess alcohol intake and start cutting down on those unhealthy habits. (A glass of red wine now and again, “to ease the nerves” also serves as a good antioxidant). Stopping smoking will not only take years off of your skin but will most likely also prolong your years of life with beauty
- Drink enough water. This will assist with the hydration and volume of your skin and get rid of harmful free radicals plus decrease hunger cravings. On that note, are you going to roll out of your front door on the 17th April or leap out with new determination to enjoy life to the max and be the best version of yourself?
- Find some indoor exercise regime. Three weeks of inactivity can have a significant detrimental effect on your muscle tone, flexibility and general well-being
- Put on some good music; do that hobby you’ve being wanting to do; paint that masterpiece
- Put on those nice clothes. Who wants to see your life partner slouching around in those old moth eaten clothes for 3 weeks? Spice up your love life. No better time than now. The pharmacies are still open so don’t forget the contraceptives unless you want a baby for Christmas
It is interesting how different patients of mine were reacting to the threat of lockdown. Some were rushing to make an appointment for a last minute “Botox”, while one patient let me know that they will rather postpone their treatment because no-one will see them for the next 3 weeks. Personally, I believe that the reason for treatments should be first of all for yourself. If you feel good about yourself, you can make your world a brighter, happier place.
Talking about happier places. Recently I started a Facebook ad campaign called “sometimes all you need is a little lift”. I have found a lot of people are not fully aware of what thread lifts are about. I thought to share some info about threads in this blog.
Thread lifts are one of my most popular treatments and is also one of my favourites to give my patients. In the right patient the results are amazing.
SO, WHO IS THE RIGHT PATIENT FOR THREADS?
Threads are mainly used to lift the mid-face, jowls and neck but also to combat other ageing effects such as eyebrow and cheek sagging. Threads are also being used more frequently for lifting other body parts such as the breast.
HOW DO THREAT LIFTS WORK?
A thread lift procedure is a non-invasive procedure done in my procedure room of my practice. Polydioxanone threads (PDO) are carefully inserted through small incisions in strategic anatomical points. Various threads are available for different anatomical placement. The type of thread also influences the longevity and strength of the lift. The PDO threads often have small barbs that hook the deeper layers of the skin to lift and tighten it.
IS IT PAINFUL?
I use local anaesthetic gel as well as fine anaesthetic injections to reduce any discomfort. Any discomfort post-procedure can be managed with an anti-inflammatory for the first few hours.
HOW DO THE THREADS WORK?
The threads lift and tighten the skin. They also have another advantage. The PDO threads stimulate a “healing response” drawing in collagen into the treated areas. Collagen plays an essential anti-ageing role in the body keeping the skin rejuvenated, supple and volumized.
WHAT POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS CAN BE ANTICIPATED?
Slight bruising, swelling, discomfort and skin puckering can occur. The skin puckering is quite common but usually lasts for a few days up to one month and can be covered with a good make-up foundation.
HOW LONG DO THREADS LAST?
18 Months up to 2 years.
WHY NOT JUST DO A SURGICAL FACELIFT?
In comparison to a surgical facelift, thread lifts:
- are much less invasive,
- are more cost effective,
- no general anaesthetic is required,
- have lower risks,
- have less potential side effects,
- have minimal to no downtime,
- have results which are subtle and natural looking.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE TREATMENT?
- Avoid all alcohol and smoking for at least a week before the procedure
- Avoid blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories including ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and diclofenac.
WHAT TO DO AFTER TREATMENT?
- Ice the area for 30 minutes 4-5 times a day for the first 5 days.
- Avoid facial creams or makeup for 48 hours.
- Avoid massaging the affected area for 3 weeks
- Avoid chewing gum for 2 weeks
- One can return to work after a day or 2 in a job that requires minimal physical exertion
- Avoid getting the area wet for at least 12 hours after treatment. Do not massage or scrub for 3 weeks after a thread lift
- Your aesthetics doctor will advise you regarding skin care treatments but normally one can resume your normal skin care 48 hours after the procedure, but avoid vigorous rubbing or massaging of the area
- Avoid exercise after the procedure. One can resume light exercise 1 week after the thread lift but avoid exercises that place strain on the area that was treated
- Avoid Intense exercise and heavy exertion for 2-3 weeks
In conclusion, I want to wish my readers a healthy and prosperous rest of 2020. Despite the difficulty and uncertainty of these times, make the most of this lockdown period.
I am looking forward to opening my doors soon and helping you to reach your aesthetic goals and aspirations.
God bless and stay safe
