A younger version of you
COSMETIC AND DENTAL EMPORIUM: NONSURGICAL ENHANCEMENTS
Young and old of both genders and many races are opting for noninvasive, aesthetic treatments to reduce ageing signs.
T he Cosmetic and Dental Emporium (CDE) in the upmarket area of Menlyn, Pretoria is a go-to for anyone who wants to get a more youthful appearance or physical adjustment without surgery.
At the CDE, Dr Michelle Karl’s practice focuses on business and lifestyle patients looking for noninvasive, aesthetic treatments.
Dr Karl, who qualified with a degree in dentistry from the University of Pretoria in 2005, joined the Intercare Medical and Dental group in 2007 to begin her career in private practice.
But her keen interest in biological dentistry and facial aesthetics led her to CDE.
Patients can often return to work within an hour with minimal bruising. There is also makeup station for those who need a touch up after a treatment.
“We start ageing as early as 25 and many patients who come in for dentistry end up wanting a slight nip, just to smooth out any sign of wrinkles in their skin.
“Eyes are the area that is the first affected with ageing, so with new patients who have this concern, I’d start there with small doses.
“Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. When we age, we lose facial volume and need a slightly fuller look and that is the right product to achieve that.
“The fillers put back the fullness in the area. Fillers last longer when used in the lips or under the eyes. A filler can last up two years.
“We do a treatment plan for patients. We also show them their before and after pictures.
“I don’t want to drastically change anything about anyone. I’d rather they walked out happy, but still looking like themselves and with a softer look,” she adds.
Botox has become more affordable and is quick to administer.
Mostly used to treat the upper third of the face, it gives the face a plumper, more youthful look. It’s also used on people who grind their back teeth when they are sleeping, resulting in sore jaw facial muscles, headaches and neck pain.
This is usually stress-related and treatment with Botox relaxes the muscle, says Karl.
It can also be used in the armpits. A few injections of Botox can take care of a sweat problem.
“What patients need to understand is that it isn’t permanent and they may need a top-up as it wears out in three and a half months.
“The practice attracts men and women of all ages because it caters for skin and teeth,” she adds.
“I get patients from the middle 20s to the 60s.
“I’m starting to see younger patients, both men and women, and from many race groups.”
Karl adds that if a patient isn’t happy with a treatment it can be reversed and that treatments may not be done on pregnant women.
The myth of the stiff Botox face is fading away, she says: “You can be the best version of you.” –