In June I flew in to Taiwan to see Dr Lin of ShangLift Taipei.
With my birthday just a few weeks away, this Ellansé procedure was meant to be a gift to myself, to take off 5 years from my face, just as I age a year.
But, why Ellansé? Well, let me explain what Ellansé does.
What: First and foremost, please get this right –Ellansé is NOT Botox and it is not similar to Botox. Not at all.
Ellansé is a unique, non-hyaluronic (non-HLA) dermal filler that works by not only immediately correcting the wrinkles and folds in the skin, but also by stimulating the body’s own natural collagen to have a long lasting, natural result.
Essentially, Ellansé is one of the best commercially available fillers now. I’ve had fillers done before and the results were great so when I was offered to try Ellansé there were no hesitation on my part. Personally for me fillers work to plump up my gaunt face (at the right spots) and to fix the vexation I had with the frown lines around my mouth. I felt that the nasolabial folds ( aka marionette lines) – deep creases at my mouth area dragged my expression down and I look haggard somewhat.
When: Men or women above the age of 18.
In fact, any man or woman can consider having fillers done as it is not just for beautification purposes but also for the positive effects on one’s self-esteem. An improved appearance does leave most patients looking healthier and happier.
And oh, it’s a major misconception that dermal fillers are just for women. An increasing number of men have turned to these procedures as a way to “turn back the clock” and achieve a more refreshed, youthful appearance.
How: Via injections.
WHY: To stimulate the growth of natural collagen within our own bodies (in this case face) which helps to lift and give better contours to the face. Basically it is for ANTI-AGING!
Dermal fillers can be injected into the face to correct fine lines, creases and folds, scars and loss of volume and are also used for enhancing lips, reconstructing noses and chins, jawline sculpting and non-surgical rhinoplasty.
WHO: To ensure you find a qualified and experienced injector, ask these questions before committing to any procedure: Who will be doing the treatment? Check that the person has the qualifications and experience to be injecting. What will the result look like? Ask for before and after photos. Also be very clear about your expectations – does your doctor understand what you want?
I’ve met with the Ellansé principal team in Malaysia 2 years ago and I’ve been considering it since. And while Ellansé is revered around Asia, what matters most to the success of the surgery is the skill of the physician.
Doctor Lin is the world-champion in cosmetic surgery, with high expertise in anti-aging. His skills earned him the award “The Best Clinical Case in Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation”. He has many mainland Chinese clientele, but welcomes consultations from all over Asia and the Middle East.
VIDEO of BEFORE and AFTER images in consultation with Dr Lin
The procedure
Step 1: Consultation.
This is the preliminary step. The doctor must see your face and understand your concerns.
Step 2: Getting my BEFORE images taken.
Step 3: Consultation – doctor explains again what is necessary and showed the images so I can see clearly the “problem areas”.
Step 4: Getting ready – cleanse the face free from dirt and make up. Numbing cream applied.
Step 5: Doctor drawing out the areas for the injections and then the procedures begin. Depending on the areas to be injected, the duration can be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
Pain: The treatment doesn’t hurt because of the anaesthetic cream to numb the area. Some clinics may use an anaesthetic injection to “block” any feeling in the area being treated.
Side effects:Generally any side effects, such as minor redness and swelling, resolve after 24 hours.
Step 6: Icing the face if it gets swollen.
Step 7: Getting my meds.
Step 8: Get home and rest!
RESULTS: BEFORE and AFTER – ONE month after procedure.
After a month (July 2017), I flew to Taipei again for my follow up check up with Dr Lin. The effects of Ellanse is immediately but a month would have given the fillers a good time to settle in.
Face – overall better shape and “uplifted”
Lips – thicker look thanks to the lift at the sides of the mouth
Adding volume and smoothing out the deep creases that run from the nose to the mouth (called nasolabial folds or laugh lines).
PRICE: Last but not least, I’ll answer the question of cost that is utmost on your mind – COST. This really depends on how much filler you need/want, but generally you can expect to pay between RM1500 and RM2000 or more. Now, I know there are numerous concerns about prices but what I would like to emphasise here is this – SAFETY.
Beyond safety, level of satisfaction, and customer service, the bottom line is – we are talking about your face. Where first impressions are made. Why skimp on this? Don’t take the risk! Find someone reputable. A credible clinic doesn’t run ridiculously low deals on Fave or MilkADeal for dermal fillers. It’s simply not worth it to take the risk for your face! If it sounds too good to be true, it is likely is. I mean, you wouldn’t go to a discount surgeon would you?
Longevity: Results generally last around four to 12 months, depending on the filler, the technique and the area that is being injected. The body gradually and slowly breaks down your filler over this period of time. Naturally, towards the end of this period the effects begin to gradually soften but there is no dramatic change. When the effects begin to soften, you can ‘top up’ the treatment.
For me I would need to top up in June 2019.
Contact and Address for Dr Lin of ShangLift Taipei
