Injectable collagen stimulators offer a convenient, non-surgical solution for middle-aged patients seeking to tackle fine lines, wrinkles and dehydrated skin.
Wisdom and experience come with age, but so do wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Collagen depletion plays a significant role in visible ageing, along with factors such as sun exposure and genetics.
Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein and serves as the primary building block for skin, bones, and connective tissue. It also imbues the skin with attributes of a youthful complexion such as firmness, suppleness, and radiance. Unfortunately, collagen production declines with age.
Studies show that after age 20, the skin produces 1% less collagen per year, which adds up to a 20% reduction in collagen production by age 40. Women also lose 30% more collagen in the first five years of menopause (between the ages of 45 to 55) on top of what they have lost since their 20s.
Dato’ Dr Sutina Nordin, a seasoned aesthetic physician and Medical Director of Enhanze Clinic and Luminous Clinic explains, “People tend to see the first signs of visible ageing in their 40s, such as dull skin, uneven texture, early jowling, and fine lines around the mouth, which may make them appear more tired than they feel.”
“This is why I recommend some form of collagen-stimulating treatment for all my patients in their 40s and 50s. Undergoing treatments to restore collagen in the early 40s can help slow the ageing process, prevent further damage to the skin, and delay the need for more invasive cosmetic procedures,” she adds.
“While collagen biostimulators do not reverse the ageing process, they provide the skin with a little bit of everything such as hydration, as well as lifting and firming, in just one or two treatments. This makes for a better foundation so the skin can better absorb future treatments. However, patients with severe sagging or ageing of the skin may require more intensive or invasive treatments,” explains Dr Sutina.
Dato’ Dr Sutina Nordin, Aesthetic Physician and Medical Director of Enhanze Clinic and Luminous Clinic
Developed by Dexlevo Inc Korea, GOURI is the only fully liquid polycaprolactone (PCL) injectable collagen stimulator which rejuvenates the entire face, without the use of microparticles, thus reducing the risk of pain, lumps or nodules which are commonly associated with other injectable collagen stimulators.
It has also been approved by Conformité Européene (CE) as a medical device in 2021, underwent the North American Science Associates (NAMSA) safety testing in 2018 and clinical trials in Korea to be approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA).
Thanks to liquid PCL’s safety profile and minimal downtime post treatment, it is often the treatment of choice among male patients who want to look and feel their best at any age, but often prefer treatments that are minimally-invasive, relatively pain-free and less time-consuming, says Dr Sutina.
She explains, “There are other effective collagen-stimulating treatments such as radiofrequency and ultrasound, which involve applying a topical anaesthetic cream to numb the treatment area and up to 900 shots to cover the entire face, which can take up time. Liquid PCL, on the other hand, is an ideal solution for men in a hurry, as it only takes 20 minutes, does not require topical numbing, is highly tolerable, and delivers results comparable to that of energy devices, without much risk of downtime, side effects and complications.”
Dr Sutina is also experienced in treating Muslim patients from Malaysia and abroad. “Muslim patients are usually hesitant about undergoing aesthetic treatments that appear to ‘alter’ the face, such as botulinum toxin A and dermal fillers. They are often concerned about whether ingredients used in treatments are of halal origins,” she says.
“I tend to recommend collagen-stimulating treatments for my Muslim patients because they naturally stimulate the regeneration of collagen and do not alter the natural movement or contours of the face. They are also considered suitable for Muslims as products do not contain any ingredients that are considered haram, such as that of porcine origin, and alcohol,” assures Dr Sutina.
While collagen-stimulating treatments are suitable for most individuals in their 40s and 50s, injectable collagen-stimulating treatments may carry risks of vascular occlusion, which could potentially result in skin necrosis, organ failure, heart attack and stroke. To prevent and reduce the likelihood of complications and ensure a comfortable experience, Dr Sutina advises all patients to consult only doctors who are LCP-certified by the Ministry of Health (MOH) who are using legitimate brands such as GOURI, which not only has a proven safety profile, but has also been approved and registered with the international regulatory authorities.
Featured photo by GOURI. Dato’ Dr Sutina Nordin photo courtesy of herself.
