Frequently Asked Questions

SMARTLIPO

What is Smartlipo?

SmartLipo is laser-assisted liposuction, a new age technology. Advanced and effective medical-grade lasers melt fat and tighten the skin prior to lipo fat removal.

What does the procedure entail?

Smartlipo is a same day procedure performed under local (tumescent) anaesthesia in the comfort of Gray’s medical. The procedure is considered minor surgery since the advanced technology of the laser makes it ‘gentle’ compared to traditional liposuction. The incisions are tiny (2-3mm) and the trauma is minimized by the laser.

Once the target area is numbed, the laser enters the fat layer under the skin through strategically placed incisions. This powerful, medical-grade laser melts fat in the deep layer, constricts surrounding blood vessels and tightens loose skin.

The liquefied fat is then gently liposuctioned for body contouring to achieve the desired shape. Extra time is then spent lasering directly under the skin for optimal skin tightening.

At the end of the procedure, a single stitch is placed in each incision then we clean up and dress you in your compression garment (Faja). We sometimes give an IV drip for rehydration and then you are discharged home to recover.
 

How long is the downtime/recovery period?

People recover at varying rates, dependent on multiple factors including the extensiveness of the procedure. On average our patients report they are able to move about and perform light activities, including driving as early as the next day. Most people are able to return to work within 3 days to a week depending on the number of areas treated.

What does the aftercare involve?


Follow up is between 7-10 days following the procedure, at which time stitches are removed. We also highly recommend and urge our patients to have at least once weekly lymphatic drainage massage by our highly trained post-operative practitioner.

Am I an eligible candidate for smartlipo?


Anyone struggling with stubborn problem areas of fat are eligible for Smart Lipo. You are not eligible for Smart Lipo if you are suffering from any serious or untreated medical conditions such as;

1. untreated heart disease, including arrhythmias/cardiac pacemakers
2. uncontrolled blood pressure
3. severe diabetes on insulin
4. hemophilia/bleeding disorders or on blood thinning medications.
5. severe or untreated kidney, liver or thyroid disease.

What is the average cost for smartlipo?


Smart Lipo cost ranges between $15k- $50k per surgery day. All pricing subject to change and are completely dependent on each individual’s body size and the number of areas being proceeded upon.

How does Smartlipo compare to Coolsculpting or Ultrasound Cavitation?


Smartlipo is invasive/surgical body contouring whereas Coolsculpting and Ultrasound cavitation are both types of non invasive body contouring. Smartlipo involves tiny incisions that then allow entry of the Smartlipo cannula through the skin to directly access the fat in the fat layer underneath the skin. The fat is then liquified by laser energy and removed (suctioned out) in a one time procedure. Coolsculpting (which uses fat freezing or cryolipolysis) or ultrasound cavitation (which uses ultrasound heat energy) both directed through handpieces on the surface of the skin to disrupt the fast cells. These methods then rely on your body to remove these ‘dead fat cells’ through the lymphatic system. Both methods require multiple sessions and time to see results.

HCG

What is hCG?


Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone produced in pregnancy that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta).

Hcg is a protein hormone that is naturally produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy at extremely high levels (100s of thousands) without negative side effects. For years it has been used for fertility and other hormonal issues.

How does it work?


Research has shown that hcg combined with a healthy low calorie diet and moderate exercise will help the body burn fat stores and lose weight. The hormonal effect of hcg also resets the metabolic rate making the weight loss permanent so long as the Gray’s Medical protocol is adhered to.

There are many positive and healthy benefits of hcg. Data reveals that hcg may cause people to have more energy without feeling nervous, sleep better at night, think more clearly and feel less irritable. At Gray’s medical we have documented evidence of reversal of insulin resistance, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Lowering of cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Not to mention effective and long lasting improvement in underactive thyroid disease.

What are the side effects of hcg?


The side effects are minimal and may include mild headaches, edema and breast tenderness. These are rare side effects that are not usually seen in the low doses used in an hcg weight management protocol.

HCG can be used in both men and women.

Agnes RF

What is Agnes RF?


Agnes RF uses precise microneedles to deliver radiofrequency energy into the pore and kill the sebaceous gland for good.

What does Agnes RF treat?


Agnes RF treats face slimming for the face and jowl as well as Acne and Acne Scarring.

How does it work?


- It’s non-surgical yet treats below the surface of the skin.
- It Microneedles with extra of the radio frequency.
- It gets to the core of the problem and fixes it, remedying it for good.
- Agnes’ insulated energy delivery, coated in insulation right up to the point of the tiny needle, which reduces the risk of burns to the skin, unlike LASER.
- Agnes does not discriminate against colour, so it is safe of all skin tones.
- Agnes Rf is a permanent solution where everything else on the market is only temporary.
- It treats acne by killing the sebaceous gland, the source of the acne.
- It treats acne scarring by cutting through fibrous tethering scar tissue.
- It treats areas of the face such as the double chin, neck, jowls or wide faces by melting the fat and tightening the skin through its needle delivered radio frequency energy.
- It treats smile lines and sagging skin by tightening and contracting the skin.

Am I an eligible candidate for Agnes RF treatment?


You are not Eligible for Agnes RF if you are experiencing any of the following;

- If you are currently pregnant.
- If you are on blood thinner medication.
- If you have cardiac disease/cardiac pace makers.
- If you have metal implants.
- If you have collagen vascular disease.
- If you have hemophilia or any bleeding disorders.
- If you have or had skin cancer.
- If you have vascular Lesions (hemangioma)

Dermal Fillers

What are Dermal Fillers?


Dermal Fillers are gel like substances where most fillers contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is present in skin and cartilage, that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. Most fillers are temporary because they are gradually absorbed by the body and can last anywhere between 1 to 2 years.

How can Dermal Fillers enhance my appearance?


- Smooth out lines around the nose and mouth otherwise known as marionette lines, smile lines and parentheses.
- Enhance and restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples.
- Diminish vertical lip lines.
- Plump or contour lips such as the cupid’s bow.
- Improve symmetry among facial features such as the jawline.
- Restore volume and youthfulness to the tear trough (sunken under eyes).

What are Dermal Fillers made with?


Hyaluronic Acid which helps to keep skin plump and hydrated which typically lasts anywhere between 6 months to 1 year. Some examples of fillers containing Hyaluronic Acid are Restylane products and Belotero Balance.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance found primarily in our bones. When this filler is used the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. It can last anywhere between 1 year or more and is used for deeper lines, wrinkles or areas of the face in need of structural contouring such as the jawline or cheekbones.

What is the cost of Dermal Fillers?


The cost of the fillers Restylane, Balotero Balance and Radiesse ranges between $5000.-$8000. per syringe. By having a consultation you will have an evaluation to have an estimated value as it is completely dependent upon each individuals quality of their skin.

Am I an eligible candidate for Dermal Fillers?


Only if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding it is advised not to have filler done.

Botox

What is Botox?


Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems including temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance.

How does Botox work?


Botox takes only a few minutes, you won’t need anaesthesia. The provider uses only a small needle to inject botox into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.

The injections blocks certain chemical signals from nerves, mostly signals that causes muscles to contract. The most common use of these injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that causes wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. It takes 7-14 days for it to take full effect.

How much does Botox cost?


Botox costs $2500. per 50 units used and by having a skin consultation you may have an estimated value as each individual may require more to meet their aesthetic satisfaction.

Am I eligible for Botox?


If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease you should not use botox. You shouldn’t have botox shots if you are allergic to cow’s milk protein.

Injectables - Dermal Filler

What can be done for undereye darkness, sunken eyes (tear troughs) or undereye bags?


Our preferred filler for undereye is Restylane L although others can be used. We love to mix hyaluronic acid filler with PRP for the ultimate undereye rejuvenation. This addresses both the hollowed appearance and the dark shadow. It also helps smoothen lines under the eye.

Botox can be used to treat the crows feet, the lines at the corners of the eye apparent especially when you smile.

Depending on brand, dermal filler starts from TTD $5,500 per syringe. One syringe should be enough for oth eyes.

PRP as an add on for undereye is TTD $1,500

PRP plus microneedling for the whole face is TTD $2,500

What can you do for my lips?


We love augmenting lips with filler. Whether you want to simply even out asymmetry, enhance your pout or get the full russian doll lip look. The cost per syringe is dependent on the brand chosen ranging from TT$5,000-TT$8,000. kysse is the more expensive but gives fabulous smooth results.