Local
Norwalk skin specialist refines skills with renowned European physician
By Press Release
Jun 18, 2008 - 7:29:08 AM

Lisa Topham, R.N, P.C. and specialist in Skin Rejuvenation for 20 years, recently returned from a special symposium in Manhattan with internationally renowned physician Dr. Danny Vleggaar, head of Dermal Rejuvenation and Substitution Therapy, Esthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Clinic Vert Pré in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Vleggaar is the world’s leading practitioner of the revolutionary skin-filler Sculptra and this was his first U.S. seminar in four years.

With a thriving practice in Norwalk, Topham recognized the need to refine her techniques by studying with an expert in the field of non-surgical facial sculpting.

“Peels, Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and collagen injections—although great at reducing lines and wrinkles, do nothing to restore volume to sagging skin,” said Topham, who was licensed as the first collagen injector in the state. “While fat transplants provide a temporary fix, patients have discovered that their results diminished rapidly—especially if they lost weight.”

Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) produces dramatic results by stimulating the body to produce the skin-supporting substance, collagen, resulting in a fuller, more youthful appearance that clinical studies have proven to last more than two-years without a return to baseline.

This plant-based, bio-friendly injectable implant is highly tolerable and biocompatible with other injectables. It has been available on the European market for a number of years, safely and effectively treating more than 150,000 patients in 30 countries, worldwide. FDA approval in the U.S. is expected this year, though it was accepted for patients experiencing loss in facial volume due to HIV, in 2004.

“The critical protein collagen, stops being produced by the body at the age of 25. By 50, we begin to lose not only soft tissue but done density. This is what produces the look of aging.”

As a facelift tightens the skin, Sculptra adds volume—non-surgically.

Dr. Vleggaar is a pioneer in non-surgical facial sculpting and has presented his clinical experiences at numerous international meetings, most recently at the International Master Course on Ageing Skin in Paris and in Manhattan, where Topham attended. He has performed almost 10,000 procedures on facial volumetric corrections since 1999.

“Working alongside Dr. Saul Asken, as well as receiving training from Dr. Zane Obagi, I have great appreciation for mentorship with a master,” said Topham. “Generally, Sculptra is injected to add volume to the backs of the hands, temples, nasolabial folds, jaw line and hollows of the cheeks. But, additionally, as prescribed by Dr. Vleggaar, it restores dimension in the forehead for Botox users, hides the telltale signs of age in the decollate, reverses hollowness and circles beneath the eyes, and plumps and condenses the upper lip area.”

Sculptra is injected into desired areas during an office procedure, requiring only a topical anesthetic. Then treated zones are massaged in order to achieve a smooth appearance. (Patients are taught this massage technique, to be done at home over a five-day period). Arnica—a natural herbal substance—is also given orally to reduce swelling and bruising, which some patients may experience.

Little downtime is expected following treatment but eliminating aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol and vitamin E is recommend during this short duration. After six-weeks patients will notice 25% improvement in volume as collagen growth is restored. A second treatment produces a higher correction and then an evaluation will determine whether or not further treatments are necessary. After two-years, touch-up sessions require fewer treatments.

In addition to injectables, Topham also offers laser treatments including Lumenis Light Sheer Hair Removal, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for treatment of age spots and rosacea, and ND-Yag to treat veins on legs and face.

For more information visit: www.lisatopham.com; or call 831-8029.

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