In the vibrant city of Pretoria, South Africa, Dr. Rieke Smit’s clinic emerges as a leader of innovation in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Smit caters to a predominantly female clientele, many of whom are navigating menopause. Her practice stands at the intersection of preventive care for the younger generation and transformative solutions for those seeking not merely to enhance their appearance but to redefine it.
During her recent visit to Australia as a Key Opinion Leadeur and trainer for Fillmed at Australian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists Conference, we sat down with, Dr. Smit who shared insights into the transformative power of integrating regenerative principles into aesthetic rejuvenation. “The technology available now enhances the appearance immediately and continues to improve it over time,” she remarked, shedding light on a trend that challenges the once-prevalent pursuit of instant gratification in favour of enduring, natural-looking results.
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Menopausal Skin
Menopause introduces distinct changes in skin health and bone density, necessitating specialised treatment approaches. “We observe significant bone loss in the jawline and perioral region during menopause, which exacerbates the signs of ageing,” Dr. Smit explained. Her strategy involves using volume fillers not indiscriminately for enhancement but thoughtfully to restore facial structure, reflecting a deeper understanding of ageing’s nuances.
Embracing Hormonal Balance: The Integral Role of HRT in Aesthetic Medicine
In the quest for comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr. Smit highlights the pivotal role of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in addressing the intrinsic aspects of ageing. “As we address the extrinsic factors of ageing with lasers and injectables, we must not overlook the intrinsic ageing process, which is intricately linked to our hormonal landscape,”. She champions the use of both prescription and bioidentical hormones, advocating for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the advancements in HRT formulations, making them safer and more closely mimicking natural hormonal rhythms.
The inclusion of HRT in regenerative aesthetics represents a paradigm shift towards recognising the symbiotic relationship between hormonal health and aesthetic treatments. “Especially for women navigating the challenges of menopause, HRT can be a cornerstone of an anti-aging strategy, offering benefits that extend beyond skin deep,” Dr. Smit adds. This perspective encourages a dialogue between patients and healthcare providers about the role of hormones in the ageing process, ensuring that treatments are not just skin-deep but address the body’s changing needs holistically.
By incorporating hormonal balance into the conversation on aesthetic medicine, Dr. Smit’s approach underscores the complexity of ageing and the need for comprehensive strategies that embrace both the visible and unseen aspects of this natural progression. It is a testament to the evolving nature of aesthetic medicine, where the integration of HRT into treatment plans signifies a broader understanding of beauty, health, and well-being.
“Both prescription and bioidentical hormones have evolved,” Dr. Smith shares, pointing towards a promising horizon where HRT options are not only safer but designed to echo our body’s natural rhythms more closely than ever before.
According to Dr Smit, advancements in HRT underscore a critical evolution in our approach to ageing—a move towards treatments that honour the body’s intrinsic processes while offering the safety and efficacy needed for long-term use.
“Pharmaceutical companies have made significant advancements to create safer and more effective HRT options,” she notes, highlighting the research and development efforts that have paved the way for these breakthroughs.
Dispelling the Myths Surrounding Oestrogen HRT
Amidst the innovation and progress, Dr. Smith also addresses the myths that have long shadowed oestrogen HRT, particularly the fears surrounding breast cancer.
“These concerns have been proven wrong multiple times,” Dr. Smith asserts, providing a much-needed perspective on the discourse around oestrogen HRT and breast cancer. “Women on oestrogen HRT fare better than those not on HRT, even when developing breast cancer.”
The Role of Topical Oestrogen in Skincare
Oestrogen therapy, particularly in topical form, has been hyped as a promising treatment for menopausal skin, offering potential benefits in combating atrophic changes. However, Dr. Smit advises caution, noting the therapy’s effectiveness can vary based on individual skin types and conditions. “It’s crucial to tailor oestrogen therapy to each person, considering factors like skin thickness and pigmentation risks,” she stated, emphasising the importance of personalised care.
“The use of topical oestrogen, particularly from vaginal formulations, on the face is debatable. While it may benefit women with very thin skin and low oestrogen levels, its effectiveness varies depending on individual skin types and conditions. For facial application, it’s crucial to consider factors such as skin’s proneness to pigmentation and overall skin type. However, starting vaginal oestrogen early is highly recommended for its benefits in preventing atrophic changes and recurrent UTIs.”
Revolutionising Treatment with Tri-Hyal Injections
A standout innovation in regenerative aesthetics is tri-hyal technology, which synergizes three types of hyaluronic acid, each designed for different skin layers. “Tri-hyal technology combines three types of hyaluronic acid, each suited to different skin layers, providing a gradual release that stimulates collagen production. This slow release is why patients see continued improvement 18 months after treatment, unlike the temporary effects of traditional fillers.”
This method fosters a gradual release that continuously stimulates collagen production, offering patients a significant and sustained improvement. “Tri-hyal injections epitomise the shift towards treatments that provide lasting health and vitality to the skin,” Dr. Smit highlighted, showcasing the advancements that are setting new standards in the field.
Synergistic Approaches to Rejuvenation
Dr. Smit is a proponent of combining therapies—biostimulators, fillers, lasers, and skincare—to achieve optimal outcomes. She likens this approach to a comprehensive wardrobe, where diversity in treatment modalities enhances the overall aesthetic result. “Combination therapy is the key to addressing both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of ageing,” she asserted, advocating for a holistic strategy that integrates various treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Looking Forward: Embracing Comprehensive Anti-Aging Strategies
As aesthetic medicine continues to evolve, the focus is increasingly on offering more than just superficial changes. Dr. Smit’s insights into the challenges of menopausal skin, the potential of oestrogen therapy, and the groundbreaking tri-hyal injections provide a glimpse into the future of aesthetic treatments. These advanced strategies highlight the importance of a personalised, holistic approach in delivering effective, long-lasting results that not only enhance appearance but also promote overall well-being.
In the renaissance of aesthetic medicine, Dr. Rieke Smit’s practice embodies a forward-thinking ethos that champions regenerative solutions, emphasising the beauty of ageing gracefully with treatments tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. As we venture into this new era, the promise of regenerative aesthetics opens up exciting possibilities for rejuvenation, empowering women to embrace their skin journey with confidence and optimism at every age and life stage.
