INTERVIEW ON her-etiquette.com
by Dr. Marva Safa, 01.05.2021
Aesthetic Medicine & Confidence: Explained By The Renowned Aesthetic Medicine Expert Dr. Marva Safa
I’ve met with the leading expert in Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Marva Safa at Jouvence Clinic in Neuchatel, Switzerland to speak about confidence, mental health and holistic aesthetic medicine - a hot topic in times of this ongoing pandemic.
She shares 5 reasons that show how aesthetic medicine is connected to confidence and well-being.
1. When you look better, you feel better!
We all know intuitively that if we look good we automatically feel better and radiate more positive energy. It’s a circle - positive energy comes back to us.
2. Scientifically Proven Evidence of Aesthetic Medicine Treatments for Mental Health
In the past years it has been very interesting that this fact has been proven by science and not only by intuition. One of these papers that have been published, was about botox. Patients have been questioned before and after the treatment. The Majority said that they were doing the treatment for themselves - in order to look better so that they could feel better. A lot of them were saying, that after the treatment the overall satisfaction with their life and self confidence and body had an actual jump, they were really feeling better on all levels. These kind of studies have been done with fillers, with acne treatments too.. there is a lot of scientifically proven evidence on the positive psychological impact of medical aesthetic treatments. There is a lot of evidence that when we look better, we feel better, and therefore we also react better to our outer environment.
3. Acceptance of Self
We see this in our clinics. The majority of patients that come to our clinics, are doing this for themselves to feel comfortable in their own skin - not for any outer reasons. We were always aware that our work does much more than only improving the surface. But now its even clearer when we can present the studies backing it. It’s a well known fact that they saw improvements after the botox treatment of patients with depression. It’s also a feeling of accepting themselves and major improvements in their depressive states.
On the other hand I also have patients who come to me saying, they hear a lot from others: "You look so tired, you look so depressed.“ even though they aren’t. It’s the facial expression that shows signs of tiredness. So they do little treatments of botox or fillers - just to feel better about their appearance - or to look how they feel: great!
4. Prevention is cheaper than big aesthetic treatments
In the early years when aesthetic medicine started, many people didnt understand yet the impact it had of slowing down the process of aging and how beneficial it is on treating the signs of aging in a preventive way. Its a huge impact on the future. Patients say: "Thank you so much, I’m so happy with the result. Nobody can tell I’ve been injected. I still look myself. Just a little fresher. And people just say to me, you look so well, so fresh and great." Even just that lights up a lot of positive energy and it just makes you feel good.
5. Awareness & Millenials
Millenials understand prevention. They see their mothers are aging. So they see where the trigger points are. They are very well educated and start earlier - because they just know. They don’t want to spend lots of money later on - to make tweakments now in order stay looking young as long as possible.
Spring is here...
by Dr. Marva Safa, 09.04.2021
Spring is here… Refresh, Renew, Rejuvenate!
There is always a feeling of joy and hope when spring arrives!
We have sunshine, longer days, flowers blooming and the prospect of having lots of outdoor activities.
Nature starts its phase of renewal and so does our skin!
This is the perfect time to come out of hibernation and to start preparing our skin for the summer. It is time to get in shape and tone our bodies.
- Tailored superficial peels and medical facials to refresh and to boost the skin
- “Soft” laser treatments for tightening and rejuvenation
- Mesotherapy to replenish the surface of the skin for hydration and improvement of texture
- High potency Vitamin C serum for antioxidant benefits
- And of course: sun protection
are just a few ways to ensure that our skin is ready and propped for the coming warm weather.
Each individual has different needs and what is most important to ensure that your health care professional can design a program and a skin care routine that is just right for you and your special needs.
- Protect, prevent and correct without causing damage. -
That is the motto for spring!
Stay safe and take care and do not hesitate to contact us for any questions.
We Remain Open
by Dr. Marva Safa, 20.01.2021
Dear patients,
Happy New Year!
We wish you a healthy prosperous and joyful 2021.
We want to let you know that our clinic remains open during this partial lockdown.
Your safety is our highest priority and we will continue to strive to make sure that you arrive in a safe and reliable space.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Dr. Marva Safa & Team
Happy Holidays !
by Dr. Marva Safa, 25.12.2020
Dear patients,
As 2020 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on all the events and of course, most importantly on the pandemic and its impact on our all lives.
It’s been a difficult year and it brought with it not only public health issues but also impacted our way of life, our social and cultural activities and of course left an indelible imprint on the global psyche.
But I firmly believe in silver linings and I think that I would like to end the year with positive thoughts.
Despite the uncertain times and challenges that Covid 19 brought with it, it also put all of humanity in a suspended state and made us all reflect on the human condition.
We saw incredible gestures of kindness, of solidarity and respect for the work of frontline workers and scientists who made a mad rush to find a way to curb this disease and to help the people who were suffering and sick.
It also made us realize more than ever how important it is to be in touch with our families, our friends, and our colleagues. It also underscored how important it is to be kind, to have empathy and to take care of each other.
So as this year ends, it’s time for me and my team to reach out to you, all of our wonderful patients and to thank you for your trust in us. Thank you for your loyalty, for your understanding and for your kind words.
It is an honor and a privilege for me to be of service to you all.
We wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
May 2021 bring with it hope, joy, health and prosperity.
We look forward to seeing you all again in January.
With my deepest gratitude,
Dr. Marva Safa & Team
The New Normal?
by Dr. Marva Safa, 01.12.2020
The New Normal?
For the past year the Coronavirus global pandemic has been in the center of our lives, our conversations and our well being concerns.
Whilst we witnessed many changes and restrictions, it has also given us time to think about how we want to go about improving our habits in order to enhance the quality of our lives and be more respectful of our environment, our surroundings and the general well-being of our communities.
So what is the new normal?
Our immune system is a complex series of structures, organs and cells whose main job is to protect us against disease or other potentially damaging foreign bodies. When the immune system is functioning correctly, it can identify a variety of threats and differentiate them from the body’s #healthy tissue and help combat disease.⠀ ⠀
There are many different components that make up our immune system and in order for it to function #well, it needs to be well regulated and in balance. Therefore it is vital to maintain a #healthylifestyle and to make sure that we are well armed to thrive
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During these times that we are dealing with the pandemic, we should not lose sight of the fact that we can continue to proactively take steps to maintain our #vitality, both in mind and in body.⠀
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What are the essential steps to boosting our #immunesystem?
#1: During the past few weeks, many of you, my patients, have reached out to me for advice on how to deal with the stress that you are feeling in these uncertain times. High anxiety levels on a long-term basis can cause chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol. This may cause a negative effect on the immune system and block it from kicking into gear to protect our bodies. ⠀⠀
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There are many ways to reduce stress in our lives and each person has to find what best fits their lifestyle. Exercise, reducing caffeine intake, spending time with friends (zoom meetings) learning to say no, learning to avoid procrastination, talking to a professional, using mindfulness and meditation can all be ways of reducing stress. There is no one way fits all. Each person has to define what makes them feel relaxed and serene. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help! Stay safe and healthy. ⠀
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#2: It is important to eat a balanced diet. The gut and the immune system are interconnected. Eating healthy foods leads to a healthy micro biome which leads to a healthy immune system that can help fight off infection faster. Eat whole foods, fruits, lean proteins and vegetables. It’s also a good idea to include fermented foods like miso, yogurt and kefir in your diet because they help feed the good bacteria in your gut.
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Stay away from processed foods, fried foods and added sugar which are inflammatory. ⠀
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Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and use supplements such as Vitamin D and Vitamin C to boost the immune system. ⠀
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#3 Be active and exercise regularly. Physical activity can boost the immune system in many ways. Regular exercise increases the body’s production of antibodies. It also helps expel toxins which can energize your cells and metabolism. Regular exercise also lowers your body’s stress hormones which gives your immune system added strength. Take a walk or go for a run just be sure to keep that 2 meter distance. Go outside and garden. Do workout videos on YouTube. Find something to get your body moving and your immune system as well as your mind and body in shape.
#4 SLEEP It’s important to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Your body heals and regenerates while you sleep, making adequate sleep critical for a healthy immune response. During your sleep, your body produces and distributes key immune cells which keep you balanced, energized and focused. ⠀
#5 Limit alcohol consumption and do not smoke. Drinking a glass of red wine at meals is actually proven to be beneficial, and at times great to relax your mind, but excess amounts of alcohol can affect your immune system negatively. Try a herbal tea at night instead.
Toxins that are released by cigarette smoke interfere with the growth and function of immune cells and of course are the cause of cancer and chronic pulmonary disease amongst many other illnesses. What’s more the byproducts of smoking such as carbon monoxide and nicotine reduced blood flow and leave skin dry and discolored. We know that inhaling irritating substances like tobacco smoke affect the ability of our lungs to function well and disrupt the immune system causing a chronic degree of inflammation in the airways. The presence of inflammation in addition during the pandemic of COVID-19 is a risk factor for severe complications of the infection. —
#6. Stay in touch with your friends and family. Humans are social beings and staying in contact with the people they care about brings balance and harmony not only to their mental health but it also positively influences their physical well-being. Studies have shown that social isolation can lead to cellular changes that can make us more prone to getting sick by affecting the immune system.
Winter Skin Hacks
by Dr. Marva Safa, 21.11.2020
We are rapidly approaching colder winter weather and it is important to know that the skin will react to these atmospheric changes. The epidermis will feel more dry and “dehydrated” and it can cause discomfort, redness, flakiness and the appearance of more fine lines.
Here are some winter skin hacks to prepare for cold weather.
1.Wash your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser/soap with lukewarm water.
2.Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to slough off dead skin cells and to stimulate skin to bring new skin cells to the surface.
3.Replenish your skin with hydration from the inside and outside.
Moisturize as often as necessary and drink plenty of liquids.
4.Do not forget your sunscreen even if there is less sun!
5. Ask us if you need advice on how to boost and enhance your skin quality with non-invasive treatments.
The mid layer of the skin or the dermis is the powerhouse of the skin.
The dermis is a fibrous structure composed of collagen, elastic tissue, and other extracellular components. The role of the dermis is to support and protect the skin amongst other things.
Serums, creams and daily skin care routines are an essential but they mainly stay on the surface of the epidermis.
In aesthetic medicine, there are many non-invasive techniques such as lasers, peelings and injectables that are effective in restoring the skin’s healthy appearance and addressing imperfections such as sun damage, fine lines, redness and scarring.
The uppermost layer of your skin is called the stratum corneum, protecting what's inside, while keeping out bad elements from the environment.
This barrier, is made of about 10-15 micrometers of dead-cell skin. Scientific studies show these outermost layers play an important part in keeping natural moisture inside the skin.
In the cold months, the air is drier, colder and this may cause the skin barrier to dry out and weaken.
We have devised an individualized, holistic skin treatment: Good Skin Program.
This 10 week program combines mild superficial peelings, laser Genesis, IPL, mesotherapy and high potency Vitamin C mask to help restore the skin barrier, stimulate cellular function and strengthen the dermis for a healthy and radiant skin.
Millenials
by Dr. Marva Safa, 08.10.2020
We are seeing a steady and increasing number of younger patients, between the ages of 20-35, consulting our clinic.
It seems quite clear that the younger generation of patients are coming in to discuss different treatment options that are available to them because they want to be proactive and prevent and delay the early signs of aging in order to stay ahead of the curve.
It is less about « getting injected » and more about keeping the skin healthy and radiant.
Our skin is a good indicator of health and beauty. Even the most striking facial features can be set off by skin that is flawed or not looking its best.
Good skin quality can be defined as a well hydrated skin with minimal pore size, an even texture, balanced skin tone, a firm, resilient structure and inflammation free.
Often times, over the counter skin care products only moisturize the skin from the surface and do not accomplish much to enhance collagen and elastin production, hydration from within and cell renewal.
Hyaluronic acid, laser Genesis, IPL, chemical peels and medical facials and mesotherapy are a few of the procedures we perform to improve skin quality. Each patient is unique and consultations are tailored to individual needs.
There is a growing demand for medical aesthetic treatments mostly driven by the desire to incorporate these procedures in a hollistic notion of wellness rather than vanity or beauty.
As the old proverb goes : « An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. »
We know that the outward manifestations of the aging process begins in our late twenties. It is therefore feasible to start counseling and treatment of younger patients based on individual needs and concerns Often these consultations are more about sun protection, pigmentation problems, acne treatments and acne scar management and understanding how to maintain skin health.
Our facial appearance is one of the key factors in how we preceive beauty, attractiveness and it si also a visible marker of one’s age.
In a study that was published in Journal of Women and Aging in 2020, the authors surveyed patients in different age groups. Women between 25-30 mostly wanted to prevent aging at an early stage.
A proper, induvidualized consultation and discussion is the corner stone of a healthy undertaking of anti-aging procedures to make sure that the patients get a hollistic and global understanding based on science and the doctor’s clinical experience. From there, once trust and expertise are established, it becomes an easy task to plan and to deliver treatments best suited for each person.
FEMINA Interview
by Dr. Marva Safa, 30.03.2020
FEMINA: Aesthetic medicine seems to be experiencing a real boom...
Dr. Marva Safa: Absolutely, the development is exponential. The culture has changed under the influence of social media. We laughingly accuse the Kardashian sisters. We now have a really young patient base: 20, 30 years old.
Their psychological profile is different from that of more mature patients, born in another era. Generation Z has no memories of a world without the Internet. The treatment of this population has become a science of its own.
The anatomy of a 25-year-old woman is not the same as that of a 45-50-year-old woman. They are not at the same stage, from a physiological point of view, but also psychologically. Young girls are much more involved in prevention than their mothers were.
What are their requests?
The 25 year old women who consult are smart, they have already done a lot of research, they don't want to look younger but are more interested in prevention. They are interested in skin health. As soon as they notice the onset of rosacea, knowing that their mother suffered from it, they look for ways to slow down or prevent the problem. This is a healthy attitude.
When you see the Kardashians, you think that the standards of beauty have changed. The reality, especially, has become virtual. People often come to me with Instagram photos to have a lips like this or skin like that, not realizing that behind those images are hours of professional makeup and, of course, filters. I have to remind them that I can't promise this result, but healthy skin, yes. And that takes a little more time than a retouched selfie.
Medicine is also an individual matter, everyone responds differently. An aspirin can relieve someone's headache and cause an allergy in another person. It's the same in aesthetics, a treatment can be amazing on your sister and average on you.
If I take the time to explain it, we usually agree, that's the good news! I sometimes dissuade certain patients from embarking on procedures, even if it is not commercial.
Why aren't there more new clinics?
In Switzerland, society is more conservative and cautious. In Switzerland, everything is happening a little more slowly and, for once, that's a good thing: we don't take things lightly. The trend is coming now, it is strong. Practices are opening everywhere and the first accidents are being reported, like the disfigured patient who made the front page of 20 Minutes. Beauticians are starting to give injections, not of botox, which is a drug controlled by Swissmedic, but of hyaluronic acid, which is a medical device for which the law is in a grey area. Their prices are lower, which attracts young people.
How do you inform them, do you have to avoid these places at all?
As a doctor, I know the risks I take every time I inject, treat with laser or do a peel, because there are some. If it is to be done properly, any invasive procedure must be performed by a physician or under the absolute supervision of a physician. An esthetician, no matter how well trained, does not have the same knowledge of anatomy, skin thickness, receptors.
There are probably also abuses among doctors...
Absolutely. If the majority of professionals take responsibility for the way they practice, there are still some who put money before patient safety.
That's why I'm very concerned about information. You have to educate people, teach them to pay attention. If the first consultation lasts 5 minutes, alarm bells should be ringing in your head.
You have the right to ask what you are being injected with and to do a search. You know the brand of your purse, but you don't know what is being put in your face? It's still shocking!
