Tag: aesthetic medicine

Categories : Surgeries & ProceduresTags :

Move Over Fillers: Why SA Patients Are Choosing PRF Anti-aging Treatments

On By ModernMedia

A major shift is underway in South Africa’s aesthetics industry, as cutting-edge platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is quickly surpassing fillers or traditional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as the anti-ageing treatment of choice, delivering results that patients describe as “four times better” than its predecessor.

“Since introducing PRF into our practice, patients overwhelmingly choose it over PRP for skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing,” notes Dr Reza Mia, aesthetics expert at Anti-Aging Art in Johannesburg. “It means injecting a more potent concentrate with four times the cells to produce the results needed than previous alternatives, and subjectively, patients report it’s indeed four times better.”

A significant evolution from the once-popular “vampire facial”, PRF uses concentrated healing cells from the patient’s own blood to address an impressive range of concerns.

“When someone needs to improve their skin condition, stimulate hair growth, treat stretch marks and scarring, heal certain injuries or wounds, or even enhance intimate well-being with our P-shots and V-shots, PRF delivers some extraordinary results. For example, with our P-shots and V-shots, we’re seeing dramatic improvements in post-menopausal and post-pregnancy concerns among women, while men are achieving some enhancements in size, function, and performance,” he explains.

Turning platelets into a living filler

Through cutting-edge techniques, Dr Mia’s team turns the patient’s blood into a natural injectable filler with a blend of active cells and filler material, creating a gel-like substance. The filler is then injected back into the face or other areas where volume is needed, offering a compelling substitute for hyaluronic acid fillers, and a more powerful alternative to synthetic products. 

PRP’s shorter lifespan comes from the use of anticoagulants that prevent clotting and keep the platelets inactive until they are injected. These additives thin the solution, causing it to spread quickly in the body. As a result, the treatment has less time to work and build momentum.

Because anticoagulants can interfere with the regenerative properties of platelets, they aren’t used in PRF. Instead, PRF works with the body’s natural fibrin clotting process, creating a rich concentration of platelets, healing proteins, and repair signals that trigger tissue regeneration and collagen production – helping the skin recover and appear more youthful for longer.

“These platelets stay active for roughly three weeks, instead of the 12-hour window we see with PRP. The release is gradual and the platelets have more time to work in the body, so collagen and fibronectin production is stimulated for longer. This translates into thicker skin, steadier hair-growth cycles, and a noticeably longer glow. Our clinic further uses an advanced centrifuge protocol that can achieve more than four times the platelet count from a session with PRF, packing each vial with far greater regenerative potential.”

In practice, Anti-Aging Art uses PRF to revitalise and restore wherever the skin or hair needs a boost. It’s become a go-to for smoothing fine lines, strengthening hair follicles to fill in patchy beards and thinning crowns, and refreshing postpartum skin. “Many patients who switched from PRP to PRF report they healed faster and need fewer follow-up visits, making it a preferred option.”

The recovery time is also notably shorter. “With standard microneedling, patients remain red for two to three days. With PRF, they’re red for just a day – the platelets actually accelerate their healing.”

A non-surgical breast enhancement alternative

One of the most groundbreaking applications has been for non-surgical breast enhancement. “For patients who’ve removed their implants and now have tissue laxity, or those seeking natural enhancement without surgical implants, PRF filler is a game-changer. For breast enhancement, there really isn’t an alternative, with results lasting as long as six to 12 months.”

Because PRF is taken from the patient’s own blood and then allowed to thicken into a soft gel before injection, it acts like a natural cushion inside the breast. Once placed, the gel holds its shape for a few weeks, giving an immediate subtle lift. The platelets inside also continue to release growth signals that tell the body to lay down fresh collagen and create tiny new blood vessels, so the early fullness slowly turns into real, living tissue instead of fading away like normal swelling.

“Patients like that the injected material is completely theirs, with no risk of immune rejection, hard capsules or implant leaks, while routine mammograms remain easy for radiologists to read. Most women feel only mild bruising and heaviness for a day or two, and they’re back to normal within the week.

“There is some swelling over the first few days, so patients should plan treatments well before any special events. If you choose a top-up after a year, the new PRF simply layers onto existing tissue, giving a gentle, cumulative boost without stretching the skin unnaturally.”

Treatments start around the cost of a mid-range smartphone and vary based on the extent of the area treated. Results become visible quickly but continue to improve over time, developing over three to six months as collagen rebuilds, delivering significant value compared to multiple syringes of traditional fillers or surgical options.

However, Dr Mia cautions that PRF is powerful but not magical. “Regeneration has a biological ceiling. We can thicken skin, soften scars, and enhance breasts naturally, but PRF doesn’t replace surgical intervention for augmentation. PRF also isn’t appropriate for everyone – especially anyone with active cancer in the treatment area, since the growth factors could stimulate those cells.

“But for most patients seeking a rejuvenated, youthful appearance with that coveted ‘juicy’ glow, PRF delivers results that synthetic alternatives simply can’t match,” he concludes.

Categories : Expert Opinion Surgeries & ProceduresTags :

Surprising Shifts in Who’s Getting What in South African Cosmetic Surgery

On By ModernMedia
Professor Chrysis Sofianos

Twenty years ago, cosmetic surgery was still a subject of taboo, whispered about behind closed doors. Today, that silence has been replaced by honest conversations about beauty, confidence, ageing, empowerment, and personal choice, as South Africans openly embrace a wide range of aesthetic enhancements. And what South Africans are choosing might surprise you.

Leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon Professor Chrysis Sofianos shares insights from his own practice, revealing how cosmetic surgery trends are evolving across age and race – and what that means for the future of beauty.

“Cosmetic surgery is no longer about fitting a single mould, but about choosing how we, as individuals, want to age, restore, or refine. Today’s patients are more informed, intentional, and unapologetic about their tastes, and wanting to feel good in their own skin,” he says.

Aesthetic choices by age

Gone are the days where cosmetic procedures were the exclusive domain of patients of a certain age. According to Professor Sofianos, the modern approach views aesthetics as a journey, although age still plays a major role in shaping the types of treatments individuals may seek:

  • 20s: Patients in their twenties are often navigating early self-image issues, driven by social media influences. The most requested procedures include breast augmentations, lip fillers, and occasional rhinoplasties to address long-held insecurities.
  • 30s: Often post-pregnancy or in the midst of career and family life, this group leans toward tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and the start of anti-ageing injections, cosmetic fillers, and preventative treatments. Restoration without exaggeration is usually the goal.
  • 40s: This is the decade of refinement. Liposuction, eyelid lifts, and more assertive facial rejuvenation procedures become common, as patients seek to stay ahead of midlife volume loss and skin laxity.
  • 50s and beyond: For those who want long-term, natural results, the deep plane facelift, neck lifts, and biostimulators become top of mind. “Our approach is structural, not superficial,” he notes. “It’s about restoring facial harmony without compromising identity.”

“What fascinates me is how differently my patients may define beauty. A 22-year-old influencer and a 55-year-old executive might sit in the same waiting room, but their goals couldn’t be more different. We’re not selling a standard look – we’re facilitating personal choices, and sometimes, those choices may even challenge conventional aesthetic norms.”

Understanding patient preferences: A cultural lens

Perhaps the most significant change is how different communities and racial groups are approaching enhancement in South Africa, reflecting new trends in beauty ideals. For example, African women are increasingly choosing breast reductions, prioritising comfort and opting for a different aesthetic from more traditional beauty standards which often favour a fuller figure or more pronounced curves.

Indian patients are leading the way in tummy tucks and body contouring, while Caucasian patients tend to focus on breast augmentations and high-definition liposuction, particularly around the waistline and abdomen, to refine their silhouette and definition.

“What’s beautiful about this shift is how it reflects our diversity. We’re not seeing patients trying to look like someone else – they’re choosing procedures that enhance their natural features and fit their lifestyles,” says Sofianos. “Critically, there is no one-size-fits-all in aesthetic medicine. The more we understand the nuances of each patient’s background and goals, the better we can serve them.”

Why winter is the most strategic time for surgery

No matter your personal objectives, an insider tip could make a huge difference in your surgical recovery: while people mistakenly tend to plan procedures for December – unaware that most surgeons do not operate after November due to holiday closures and the necessity of post-operative care – smart patients are booking for winter.

Cooler temperatures help to reduce swelling, promote easier healing, and generally mean less downtime. Patients also benefit from increased coverage beneath bulkier clothing, allowing them to recover more discreetly while still going about their daily lives. With fewer social commitments and sunnier distractions, winter becomes the ideal window for surgical recovery.

“If you want to look and feel your best by summer, now is the time to plan,” he advises. “Winter is a strategic opportunity for recovery.”

As aesthetic surgery continues to evolve in South Africa, Professor Sofianos believes that education, access, and authenticity are key pillars moving forward.

“My role is to guide patients through their options, help them make informed choices, and deliver results that are both technically excellent and emotionally empowering. The most rewarding part of my practice isn’t about creating one particular look, but about helping people become more confident versions of themselves. Whether that means a subtle enhancement or a more significant change, the choice is truly personal.”

Categories : Expert Opinion Surgeries & ProceduresTags :

SA Surgeon Breaks Down the Deep Plane Facelift Surge Amid Global Aesthetic Trends

On By ModernMedia
Professor Chrysis Sofianos

Kris Jenner’s “new face” has everyone talking – and it’s widely speculated to be the result of a deep plane facelift, a procedure now dubbed the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Let’s not even get into how Khanyi Mbau’s face broke the internet. The demand for natural-looking, sophisticated facial transformations has reached an all-time high, both globally and here in South Africa.

A global weight loss boom, fuelled by miracle diabetes drugs, has led to an unexpected side effect: the ‘O weight loss face’, marked by hollowed cheeks, sagging jowls, and prematurely aged skin. In turn, this phenomenon has sparked a significant rise in demand for advanced facial rejuvenation, and particularly the deep plane facelift – what experts term ‘the facelift that lifts where it matters most’.

“One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is, ‘I finally have the body I wanted, but my face looks 10 years older,’” says Professor Chrysis Sofianos, one of South Africa’s leading plastic surgeons and experts in deep plane facelifts.

The Gauteng-based specialist notes that he has seen a meteoric increase in consultations from patients seeking to reverse the facial deflation and laxity caused by rapid weight loss.

“This is just one instance where the deep plane facelift truly shines, as it restores natural facial harmony by lifting and repositioning deep tissues, not just tightening the skin. By addressing the deeper structural changes caused by significant weight loss, this approach delivers far more natural outcomes and a timeless look.

The Facelift No One Can See

What sets the deep plane facelift apart? Unlike traditional facelifts that only address the skin’s surface, the deep plane technique lifts beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of tissue to reposition and support the foundational structures of the face. This approach not only rejuvenates the face more effectively than other techniques, but also avoids the tell-tale ‘pulled’ look, offering a more subtle, organic-looking transformation.

Professor Sofianos further enhances his results with the Vertical Restore method, lifting facial tissues vertically – in harmony with the way gravity naturally impacts the face over time. This technique provides holistic rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, neck, and brow, with results that restore youthful contours and expressions.

“Only a handful of surgeons currently offer this breakthrough procedure, and I can confidently state that the deep plane facelift is the gold standard for natural, long-lasting revitalisation.”

According to Professor Sofianos, deep plane facelifts offer several major advantages compared to conventional facelifts:

  • Superior, long-lasting results: By repositioning deeper facial structures rather than merely tightening the skin, the deep plane facelift offers longer-lasting, more authentic outcomes.
  • Natural look and movement: The technique avoids excessive skin tension, ensuring the face remains expressive and vibrant – even in motion.
  • Comprehensive rejuvenation: From sagging jowls and hollow cheeks to neck laxity, the deep plane facelift addresses multiple problem areas in one single, unified procedure.

The Ultimate One-Stop Shop for Aesthetic Excellence and Care

Professor Sofianos’s practice is not only a leader in surgical innovation but also a complete one-stop destination for all aesthetic needs. His clinic offers a full suite of surgical and non-surgical procedures – from advanced facial surgeries to injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring. Each treatment is bespoke and delivered with meticulous care to ensure natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.

What truly sets Professor Sofianos apart, however, is his absolute commitment to patient care. Every facelift is supported by a holistic pre- and post-operative care programme, designed to optimise recovery and results.

A signature component of this is the integration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is included as standard in his facelift packages. HBOT begins around 7–10 days after surgery, dramatically improving oxygen delivery to tissues, speeding up wound healing, reducing bruising and swelling, and significantly shortening overall healing time.

As a result of these additional post-surgical interventions, the typical recovery period is two to three weeks, with most patients able to resume social activities within a month. With comprehensive aftercare – including HBOT and nutrient therapies – patients benefit from accelerated healing and refined results that continue to improve for several months post-surgery.

“The success of a procedure isn’t just about the surgery itself, but about guiding patients through a complete journey from start to finish,” he explains. “My patients receive comprehensive, full-spectrum care – including pre-operative preparation, expert surgical techniques, post-operative hyperbaric therapy, scar management, and continuous follow-ups. It’s this level of commitment that ensures optimal outcomes, supporting patients through every step of their transformation and helping them feel comfortable and secure throughout.”

A Lasting Solution for Facial Rejuvenation in the Weight Loss Era

As weight loss medications continue to help patients address issues with weight management and obesity, experts predict that the demand for facial rejuvenation will only rise.

“This trend has created both challenges and opportunities for plastic surgeons, and in many ways is reshaping our field in real time. The good news for patients is that we’re at the beginning of a new chapter in aesthetic medicine – where a combination of sophisticated surgical techniques and aftercare procedures are helping people achieve what was once thought impossible: natural-looking transformations that truly turn back the clock.”

For those seeking to restore their youthful appearance with confidence and discretion, the deep plane facelift offers an unmatched, cutting-edge solution – delivered with precision, artistry, and unparalleled care by Professor Chrysis Sofianos and his dedicated team.

Categories : AgeingTags :

Dermal Fillers Can Provide Minor Facelifts

On By ModernMedia

A new study using 3D imaging shows that dermal fillers can also provide some ‘lifting’ effects, as well as their normal ‘volumising’ effects in facial rejuvenation therapy. 

Dermal fillers are ranked second of the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures, behind botulinum toxin injections. While dermal fillers have been increasing in popularity, plastic surgeons are trying to work out the best application for facial rejuvenation without surgery. Most studies have used subjective rating systems with little generalisability as a result.

The results of a recent study showed that in addition to ‘volumising’ effects, dermal fillers may also have variable ‘lifting’ effects. Sebastian Cotofana, MD, PhD, of the Mayo Clinic,and colleagues came up with a study to measure the true lifting effect of soft tissue fillers.

In this experimental study, the researchers performed standardised dermal filler injections in facial cadaver specimens, in the areas commonly targeted for facial rejuvenation: the forehead and temple; the midface region, including both the medial (central) and the lateral (sides) areas; and around the mouth and jawline.

Dr Cotofana and colleagues performed before-and-after 3D scans of the facial surface to measure the effects of the injections. 

Dermal filler injections showed significant increases in local soft tissue volume in central areas of the face, consistent with the well-established clinical effects of ‘injectable’ treatment in the forehead, midface, and mouth and chin areas.

Local lifting effects were also seen from central facial injections, with up to one millimetre of vertical ‘lift’ in the forehead area, but this was not seen in the other facial areas.

Injections in lateral facial areas such as the jawline also resulted in local volumising and lifting effects. These lateral facial injections also created ‘additional regional lifting effects’ in neighbouring facial areas. Temple injections resulted in a small but significant lifting effect on the lateral midface and jawline, for example.

Combined injection techniques provided even greater benefits. Added to deep filler injection, a superficial temple injection technique produced an additional 17.5% increase in the lifting effect of the temple, plus a 100% increase in the jawline lifting effect.

“These results indicate that lateral face injections co-influence adjacent lateral facial regions and can thus induce regional lifting effects,” wrote Dr Cotofana and coauthors. The results are consistent with previous knowledge of the in-depth anatomy of the face: filler injections may lead to a change in tension of the connective tissue (fascia) under the skin, resulting in “re-positioning” of the upper skin layers.

In this way, filler injections can provide a small but significant lifting effect in a minimally invasive, repeatable procedure, although they are not as effective as plastic surgery. Besides providing confirmation on previous findings on the lifting effects of facial injectables, the study also “broadens their applicability to the total lateral face…to achieve local and regional lifting effects.”

Source: News-Medical.Net
Journal information: Haidar, R., et al. (2021) Quantitative Analysis of the Lifting Effect of Facial Soft-Tissue Filler Injections. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000007857.