As celebrity culture leads and busts trends, so too has the visibility of aesthetic mishaps and over use led to a ground swell in the search for more natural results. In a world where aesthetics and technology continually intersect, Dr. Lina Vargas stands out as a passionate advocate for integrating regenerative and non-invasive modalities into clinical practice.
Florida based vascular surgeon turned aesthetic practitioner, Dr. Vargas’s unique journey and innovative approach offer valuable insights into the ever-evolving field of aesthetic medicine. She was one of the International Speakers at the 2024 Non-Surgical Symposium (NSS), where she was invited to share her expertise on how these cutting-edge treatments are transforming patient care and delivering natural, long-lasting results.
Transitioning to Aesthetic Practice
Dr. Vargas shared her unconventional path into aesthetics, highlighting her background as a vascular surgeon and a vein specialist. “I am very passionate about vein disease,” she explained. “There is so much overlap from vein disease from the medical standpoint to the aesthetic standpoint of spider veins or vascular lesions in the body.” This crossover led her to explore laser devices, opening up a new world of aesthetic possibilities.
The pandemic marked a pivotal moment in Dr. Vargas’s practice. She recounted, “We were deciding if we were going to invest in technology for the medical side of things. But we could see that our path was leading us into this beautiful world of aesthetics.” This decision led her to invest in technology, starting with the Emsculpt Neo, a body sculpting and toning device, which has remained a cornerstone of her practice. “I’ve had mine for four or five years and there’s still today nothing like Emsculpt Neo,” she said. “It was literally the best move for me and my patients.”
The Impact of Multimodality Treatments
Dr. Vargas shared the transformative impact of devices on her patient journey and multi-modality approach to rejuvenation. “So as we’re ageing, we’re losing bone mass. Our ligaments are getting relaxed. They’re getting loose. Our skin, we’re losing that collagen and elastin. And so we see those changes on the skin. And actually when somebody gets to 70, they’ve lost 75 % of their collagen content.”
Dr Vargas has added EmFace to her portfolio of non-invasive rejuvenation options. “We have so many ways of stimulating collagen and elastin with various devices and injectables. But EmFace is the first device that allows us to treat all layers with a single treatment at the same time,” Dr. Vargas noted. This comprehensive approach addresses the multidimensional aspects of ageing, from collagen and elastin stimulation to muscle and connective tissue treatment.
“Emface is absolutely amazing because it addresses deeper structures, muscles, and connective tissue that we’ve always ignored,” she explained. “It gives us an opportunity to treat all layers with a single treatment at the same time.”
Addressing Midlife Skin Changes
A significant focus of Dr. Vargas’s practice is helping patients navigate the changes that come with midlife, particularly the decline in collagen and its effects on skin laxity and fat pad positioning. “We’ve been losing collagen since our twenties, but it’s in our forties that we really start noticing the wrinkles and laxity,” she explained. “For females, unfortunately, we get hit with menopause a few years after that, making everything worse.”
Dr. Vargas elaborated on the anatomy of ageing at midlife, stating, “As we’re ageing, we’re losing bone mass, our ligaments are getting relaxed, and our skin is losing collagen and elastin. The hyaluronic acid concentration is also decreasing over time.” She highlights the importance of addressing these changes, particularly for postmenopausal women. “When oestrogen goes out the window, the skin can become quite dry, and women can suffer from itch both internally and externally.”
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid
Dr. Vargas notes the essential role of hyaluronic acid in maintaining youthful skin. “When the skin is hydrated, it’s moisturised and plumped, which makes it look the youngest and hyaluronic acid is a significant determining factor in ageing.” she stated.
Devices like Exion, a combination of RF microneedling and targeted ultrasound which naturally increase hyaluronic acid production by 224%, have been game-changers in her clinical practice. “Exion integrates seamlessly with other treatments, providing a global improvement that is absolutely beautiful,” she added. “You can use Exion around the eyes and mouth, and the treatments are so fast, taking just five or six minutes.”
Combining Technologies for Optimal Results
Combining technology with other modalities allows Dr. Vargas to address multiple dimensions of ageing simultaneously. “EmFace stimulates collagen and elastin, while Exion boosts hyaluronic acid production,” she explained. This combination results in significant improvements in skin hydration, volume, and overall appearance, providing a natural alternative to traditional fillers, satisfying the move toward regenerative and non-invasive solutions.
“Exion is more regenerative, while EmFace focuses on muscle stimulation. When combined, they provide a comprehensive treatment that addresses all aspects of ageing,” she noted. “It’s like having multiple guns to tackle the multidimensional aspect of ageing.”
The Move Toward Natural Results
Dr. Vargas discussed the shift away from fillers towards more natural-looking results, driven by consumer demand and a better understanding of fillers’ long-term effects. “We are seeing bad results not just in celebrities but in friends and family members,” she noted. This has led to a growing preference for technologies that provide natural enhancements without the need for injectables.
“There’s a move towards a more natural appearance, and it comes at the right time with the availability of advanced technology,” she said. “People are looking for natural results, and we now have the treatments to provide that.”
Managing Rapid Weight Loss Effects
Addressing the effects of rapid weight loss from medications like Ozempic, Dr. Vargas highlighted the importance of proactive treatments. “My approach is to be proactive. We talk about muscle loss and provide treatments that help prevent that to some extent,” she explained. In addition to a high protein diet and muscle building exercise, devices can play a complementary and effective role in maintaining muscle mass and addressing loose skin resulting from rapid weight loss.
“Rapid weight loss leads to muscle loss, and devices like Emsculpt Neo are perfect for preventing this,” she stated. “We can provide a treatment that helps our patients maintain muscle mass while they lose weight.”
The Future of Aesthetic Medicine
Dr. Vargas expressed excitement about the future of aesthetic medicine, driven by continuous advancements in technology. “We are in an exciting time where we can offer non-surgical, non-invasive alternatives to address patients’ concerns,” she said. This evolution enables practitioners to provide effective, natural-looking results that meet the growing demands of informed consumers.
“It’s incredible to be able to tell our patients that we have non-surgical, non-invasive alternatives to address their concerns,” she concluded. “It just gets me so excited.”
