Dr. Trendafilova, what kind of recognition is the "Gracia" magazine award in the "Ambassadors of Beauty" category?
- Some appreciate the effects of aesthetic procedures as something vulgar and extreme. But it's not really like that. Dr. Hadzhiyska and I see ourselves as ambassadors of natural beauty and always strive for it.
Exactly what type of beauty do you work for at “Derma Act” clinic?
- Beauty is an abstract concept and in people's heads the idea of it is different. We try to work according to our visions. We strive to preserve the person's own radiance without going to extremes. And world trends are going in this direction, and in Bulgaria, aesthetic medicine is developing more and more in this way. Many patients want elusive interventions
They just want to look fresh and keep the difference to themselves. They don't want to be like everyone else. This search for individuality is very positive. And we have always worked in this direction. We are convinced that it should not be overdone, because then the classy and delicate beauty disappears.
How do you deal with patients who want to look like celebrities?
- This is the so-called dysmorphophobia. Girls come with photos of famous people and say: "I know it can't be a complete resemblance, but at least let's get closer".
Naturally, these patients are told that looking like another person is not a good idea and that it cannot happen. It is always better to preserve in its best possible form what nature has given them.
Just like my lips wouldn't suit someone else, so someone's big and beautiful eyes wouldn't suit my face. Usually, when you try to do something for which there is no basis, the result is not good. Fortunately, we manage to convince most patients and in the end, they are satisfied with their results - they see that they are beautiful the way they look, they see that they are more beautiful when they keep their identity. They just didn't have the confidence until then.
What do you do for your own beauty? Which of the procedures you offer at the clinic do you apply to yourself?
- I'm used to trying everything on myself first. At least to convey the feeling after the procedure to the patient. It is important that I can explain to him what he will feel, how long a recovery period to expect and what the result will be. That's how I started doing procedures and learning about myself. There is almost nothing that I have not tried from laser and injection procedures. But I try to keep everything within normal limits and not overdo it.
If I have to mention specific procedures, I like microdermabrasion. I use chemical peels in the winter to refresh my skin after the summer. Sometimes I do different lasers, like the Palomar, as it has a tightening effect on the pores and gives freshness to the skin. I also like to do injectable procedures from time to time - fillers, botulinum toxin, skinbusters.
Which laser and injection procedures are suitable for the autumn-winter season?
- We are still in the recovery period after the summer. Many people say that in the summer their skin is better, but in September its condition deteriorates sharply. The skin is dehydrated, spots appear due to exposure to the sun, and acne begins. It often occurs because the local immunity of the skin decreases, peeling is delayed due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, during the autumn-winter season, we regularly treat these problems.
What should be skin care in winter?
- Hydration is the best, because after summer the skin is dehydrated, and in the winter season, due to the sudden change of hot and cold, the skin becomes more sensitive and irritated. With the help of the procedures, we can restore the skin barrier - we apply mesotherapy and skin boosters based on hyaluronic acid.
There are currently many new products containing both amino acids and peptides. They have an extremely refreshing and restorative effect. Naturally, nothing prevents fillers and botulinum toxin from being applied at this time of year. They are done all year round when there is a need to create support, to restore lost volume. Many people are currently complaining of "drinking" facial tissues due to wearing masks and staying at home. That's why a lot of injection procedures are done now.
Of the laser procedures, we often do the "Genesis" laser, which is a very good option for refreshing the complexion and tightening the pores of young skin. We also use it to treat acne and rosacea, which also becomes a problem after the hot months. We are currently doing a combination of microdermabrasion and PRP - the so-called "vampire lifting" in one procedure. Microdermabrasion helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and PRP leads to lightening of the complexion, helping a lot with thin and dry skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation.
What do you recommend for skin problems from excessive use of disinfectants and wearing masks?
- We all have skin problems due to disinfectants and masks and wearing gloves that steam the skin. This predisposes to the appearance of dermatitis, drier and rougher skin. And of course, dry skin becomes much more susceptible to injuries and cracking.
Certainly, disinfectants should not be overused. I always tell my patients, if they have the opportunity, they better wash their hands with soap and water. This is enough. The soap does not have to be aggressive. Washing in running water with normal soap is sufficient. We usually use disinfectants when we don't have the opportunity to wash our hands with regular detergents.
After washing, I recommend always moisturizing your hands. I walk with hand cream in my bag, and in the clinic, hand creams and lotions are placed on every sink, because we need to preserve the integrity of the skin and restore it. The skin is the first obstacle to the entry into the body of any kind of pathogens from the external environment.
