This is not to halt aging, but to make the transition smoother. It does not just extends life span, but improves quality of life (chronic disease and disability-free life). Prevention is the key to looking and feeling young.

On top of a healthy lifestyle, medical intervention can serve to further delay the signs and symptoms of aging. The 3 main hormones used are: Estrogen (for women), testosterone (for men) and growth hormone. These have been used for anti-aging treatment for a long time and has established/proven benefits for anti-aging and improving quality of life after much research and trials done over the years. There are different modes of administrating hormonal treatment: oral (in the form of tablets), injections, implants (for slow and sustained release over a prolonged time) and creams/gels.

It is important to consult a qualified anti-aging physician who will assess if you are suitable for such hormonal treatments and to determine which method of administration and dosage best suits you. After your treatment, you will be followed up by your doctor periodically.

Results after hormonal treatment

It means reduction in the signs and symptoms of aging that include:

• decreased fat deposition, increased lean muscle mass
• increase in bone density
• less mood swings, less grumpy
• increased skin thickness
• better exercise tolerance
• more energetic
• improved mental sharpness
• less vaginal dryness
• improved sexual function

Feeling good internally must be matched by looking good externally. Aesthetic treatments (surgical or non-invasive) has been accepted by both the medical profession and the public. It improves self esteem and confidence through much improved body image.

Non-invasive anti-aging treatment has become very popular today. Non-invasive refers to non-surgical - which is preferred because of less downtime (quicker recovery time), safer and less complications. It aims to enhance one's natural beauty and is very useful in prevention and maintenance.

It includes a good prescribed skin care (Cosmoceuticals), chemical peels, Botox, injectable fillers, micro-dermabrasion, IPL, skin rejuvenation - with radiofrequency or laser, carboxytherapy/ mesotherapy for fat/cellulite reduction etc.

An effective skin rejuvenation programme combines medical grade skin care together with single or combination of aesthetic treatments.

These can reduce wrinkles, pigmentation that comes with aging skin, replace volume and moisture in the skin that time has taken away, enhance and augment certain features.

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the market right now is what we call the 'non-surgical facelift'. It is skin rejuvenation aimed at tightening and improving skin's elasticity and texture by the use of lasers or radiofrequency. Heat energy delivered to the deeper layers of the skin causes collagen production and restructuring, resulting in tighter, firmer and smoother skin. It can also result in decrease in pore size. They are non-ablative which means non-invasive and do not breach the skin's surface - therefore no downtime, safer and less complications. One can have this procedure done during lunch hour and go back to work immediately without requiring time off for recovery.

Of course, there are certain cases when plastic surgery is required e.g. in cases with higher degrees of body fat when effective fat reduction is only achievable by liposuction; severe skin sagging, when a facelift is more effective. It is best to consult a doctor to determine which treatment is most suitable for you.

Aging is inevitable. Of course, different people age differently because of different genetic makeup and lifestyles. The aim is not to halt aging, but to delay it and to make the transition smoother. With modern advances in medicine and technology today, there is no need to put up with the wear and tear that comes with time. These treatments are meant not just to correct problem areas but to maintain youthful appearance. After all, the key to looking and feeling young is simply in prevention and maintenance. With such safe and effective means available, why deny oneself of it?

For more information please contact International Patient Centre at ipc@tmc-sin.com.sg