Mini Face-LIfting Effects
Lymph Drainage Therapy Achieves Mini Face-Lifting Effects
The following is an overview of the physiological processes that provoke or aggravate wrinkles. It is included to advance a better understanding of this pathology.
The aging process begins at the end of the body's growth phase, at the approximate age of 20 years. From this point, many slow changes occur in the skin due to aging.
A. Factors That Provoke or Aggravate Wrinkles
Intrinsic Factors
Genetics/age.
General diseases: diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, Down syndrome, among others.
Hormones (i.e., menopause): Lack of estrogen decreases mitosis of the epidermis and water concentration of the skin. It decreases activity of sebaceous glands, melanocytes, fibroblast multiplication, and the production of elastic fibers.
SKIN MODIFICATIONS DUE TO INTRINSIC FACTORS INCLUDE:
In the epidermis
Primary skin lines increase.
There are signs of atrophy (skin tone diminishes).
Sebum production decreases (skin pH becomes acidic) and skin flexibility decreases.
The basal layer that normally regenerates the epidermis slows down its activity.
The dermoepidermic junction is flatter. (There is no adhesion with elastic fibers.)
In the dermis and the hypodermis
There is rarefaction of the vascularization, including the lymphatic vessels.
Tissues atrophy.
Gel becomes more liquid-like and loses its substance (thixotropic changes).
Oxytalan, elaunin and elastic fibers alter.
The number and function of fibroblasts is modified.
Immunocompetent cells diminish in number and activity.
Immunocompetence of the skin decreases.
Hair and nails become drier.
Fat tissues undergo ptosis (dropping).
Extrinsic Factors
Sun (heliodermia) increases elastin skin concentration. The modifications from helio- dermia are a little different than the modifications from natural aging. In heliodermia the fibroblasts increase their number and become more active. There are more abnormal fibers and inflammatory cells in the skin.
O2 (free radicals).
Other environmental factors: heat, wind, cold, snow, salty water, substances that dry the skin.
Tobacco and alcohol.
Stress, lack of physical activity, and sleeping disorders.
Poor diet (especially from a lack of vitamins A, E, C; flavonoids; selenium; beta carotene; xanthin; lactoferrin; glutathione; antioxidants; and anti-free-radical substances among others).
B. Ways to Prevent and/or Treat Wrinkles
Hydrate the skin.
Protect the skin against the sun.
Don't aggress the skin with irritant substances (soap, chemicals).
Balance stress and lack of physical activity.
Maintain proper diet.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Pursue medical treatment, which today focuses almost exclusively on heliodermia (sun damage).
It is also suggested that antioxidants, selenium, vitamin E, etc., can be used, though there is not sufficient supporting medical data.
C. LDT Wrinkles Technique
Lymph Drainage Therapy offers a specific technique that may be applied on wrinkles. Possible actions on this indication include:
Improvement in local venolymphatic circulation.
Alleviation of local swelling (particularly eyelid).
Removal of tissue toxins.
Regeneration of skin tissue.
Reoxygenation of skin.
Skin hydration.
Skin tonification.
Relaxation of facial muscles.
The application of lymphatic drainage to the face and neck is proven to achieve a number of positive esthetic effects. Incorporated in a massage therapy session, it can provide clients added benefits that include softening of wrinkles and scars, along with enhanced skin quality.
One of the chief ways that lymphatic drainage works to accomplish these results is by improving veno-lymphatic circulation, which aides in the removal of tissue toxins. Lymphatic flow can stagnate for many reasons, such as swelling, lack of physical activity, stress, fatigue, emotional shock, age or food additives. If lymphatic circulation slows down, the regeneration of cells becomes less effective. This condition allows toxins and proteins to accumulate around the cells, causing a decrease in cellular oxygenation and tissue regeneration. Any blockage to the free flow of lymphatic fluid accelerates the aging process and opens the pathway for numerous physical diseases to develop.
By working to remove blockages and promote fluid circulation, lymphatic drainage is an invaluable tool in bolstering the health of the body’s tissues, the strength of the immune system, and the general state of a person’s well-being. Because the body’s peripheral lymphatic vessels can be easily drained, the practice is a standout esthetically for its ability to regenerate skin tissue, improve skin hydration and tone, and relax facial muscles.
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT), in particular, is an original method developed by Bruno Chikly, M.D., D.O. (hon.). LDT enables therapists to achieve the above results efficiently and in a short period of time. LDT’s unique characteristic is its breakthrough method for detecting and connecting to the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymphatic flow. Recent scientific discoveries on the physiology of the lymphatic system verify that these enhancements to the drainage process provide the precise rhythm and pressure needed to optimally activate lymph flow.