THINK “TWEAK” MENT

Smart, subtle adjustments with lasting results

the new way with needles

What do faux tans and filler have in common? The best work goes unnoticed. “Our understanding has changed – now we realise ageing goes all the way down to the skeleton structure,” says Sydneybased cosmetic physician Dr Van Park, who focuses on treating the less overt signs of ageing – not just wrinkles and folds, but the contours and shadows that change as bone structure diminishes. Park uses filler in hollows, such as the temples and the lower corners of the jaw. “Rather than focusing on the centre of the face and filling in, we’re actually addressing from the outside,” she says. Tiny tweaks to the facial structure “re-drape” how everything sits, restoring fullness in a natural (not puffed-up) way.

straighter smile (and fuller lips)

Tiny nudges to the jaw not only correct teeth-grinding and tension headaches, but can prevent the need for costly derm procedures. “The teeth, bone and jaw position provide the hard tissue structure for the soft tissues like the lips, cheek and chin to attach to,” says Sydney dentist Dr Luke Cronin. “Moving teeth and bone into a more favourable position with braces or Invisalign can lead to fuller lips and cheeks and a reduction in fine lines around the mouth.” It can also increase the lower face height (distance between the nose and chin), which smooths jowls. Jaws already aligned? Artfully placed veneers can have the same anti-ageing effect. “It’s like a dental facelift, providing many of the benefits to the lower face without surgical intervention.”

bye-bye, bulge

Meet Zeltiq Coolsculpting’s new warrior against pudge, the Coolmini. The clever applicator is perfectly sized to tackle small stubborn spots like turkey necks, double chins, bra bulge and saggy kneecaps with a freezing technology that singles out fat cells (we’re drafting its Nobel Prize nomination now). Over the few months after the procedure (which lasts about an hour per treated area and is generally painless), 20 to 25 per cent of the frozen cells die, expelled through the lymphatic system, gone f-o-r-e-v-e-r. “You have a finite number of fat cells, so when they’re gone, they’re gone,” says Man Cave Sydney founder Dr Sara Kotai, who treats both female and male patients with the technology. With no downtime and gradual yet permanent results, no-one will suspect the real reason you’ve retired the roll-neck jumper for good.

on the up

For seriously heavy lifting, consider Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound to target below the dermis. “The micro-focused ultrasound heats the deep-tissue planes of the skin resulting in tightening and lifting,” says Dr Joseph Hkeik, cosmetic physician and founder of All Saints Cosmedical. The energy (which feels like prickly heat) stimulates collagen production to give you the kind of lift your skin hasn’t seen since Bieber first sang “Baby”. While results take a few months, derms love it for reversing signs of jowly jaws, droopy eyelids and stubborn crow’s-feet, plus rejuvenating the neck and décolletage. A welcome side effect: the lift causes a magical slimming in the face, instantly making you feel a few kilos lighter.