| Botox® |
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What is Botox®?
Botox® is a muscle relaxant that was first used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of muscular disorders, including the correction of eye squinting in children. Though derived from bacteria, the tiny diluted amounts used in non-surgical cosmetic procedures are safe and harmless to use.
First utilised cosmetically in 1988, Botox® has become the world’s leading non- surgical treatment to banish forehead lines, frown lines and crows feet.
How does Botox® work?
Botox® causes temporary paralysis of the small muscles around the eyes and eyebrows, - the muscles that create expression but, unfortunately, also frown lines and crows feet! When Botox® paralyses these muscles, the overlying skin relaxes and becomes smooth. Facial expression is still possible of course, but the appearance of lines and wrinkles are very much reduced.
What does the treatment involve?
Using an extremely fine needle, Botox® is lightly injected into the area to be treated. The needle is so fine that patients are often unaware that the procedure is taking place!
What is the recovery time?
Zero. Clients can resume normal life immediately after treatment.
Is there any before or aftercare?
A few days prior to treatment, clients are advised to drink plenty of water to ensure that the skin is sufficiently hydrated. To let the Botox® settle after treatment you must not rub the treated area for the first 24 hours and, for the same reason, you should not jog or undertake vigorous exercise.
Are there any side effects?
Immediately after treatment the area may appear slightly red or swollen. This is normal and will very soon fade. Some bruising may occur, but this is rare. The most serious side effect of Botox® can be a drooping of the eyelid if too much of the product is used. Should this ever occur, a simple but highly effective eye drop remedy is easily available.
Is anyone exempt from having Botox®?
Botox® is suitable for everyone, as soon as the signs of aging start to appear. Generally, however, it is not given to those who are pregnant or breast feeding or trying for a family.
How will I look after having Botox®?
A few days after treatment, the appearance of lines and wrinkles will be very noticeably reduced, or, depending on age and skin condition, will have completely disappeared.
How long will Botox® last?
Generally between four to six months, and longer after the procedure has been repeated a few times.
Dermal Fillers
Hydrafill, Restylane, Perlane |
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What are dermal fillers and how do they work?
Derived from hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body, dermal fillers temporarily plump out lines and wrinkles and augment the lips by restoring volume and definition. Fillers are also effective in reducing the appearance of scarring.
What does the treatment involve?
Via a series of small injections, the filler is deposited into the dermis by the practitioner and then massaged to ensure an even distribution of the product.
Prior to treatment, nerve block anaesthesia is administered to ensure that no pain is felt during the procedure.
What is the recovery time?
Depending on the individual, the treated area may feel tender or appear slightly swollen for up to 48 hours after treatment. Generally, however, clients report these symptoms subsiding after a few hours.
Is there any before or aftercare?
A few days prior to treatment, clients are advised to drink plenty of water to ensure that the skin is sufficiently hydrated. For 24 hours after treatment avoid coffee, hot drinks and alcohol. Clients should not expose the treated area to excessive heat (sun bathing, sun beds) or extreme cold for the first few days after treatment, until the product is fully integrated and adjusted to normal body temperature.
Are there any side effects?
Although unlikely, some common injection-related reactions might occur, such as or itching or bruising of the treated area. People with a history of cold sores may experience a recurrence post treatment, although this can be minimised by the use of antiviral medicines.
How long do fillers last?
This varies from each individual, depending on skin type and condition, but repeat treatments every six months is generally the norm.
| Chemical Peels |
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What are chemical peels and how do they work?
40% & 50% Glycolic Acid gently but very effectively removes old and dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, and promotes fresh, new cell growth.
The classic chemical peel greatly improves the complexion, corrects the appearance of facial blemishes and uneven pigmentation, and diminishes the visible effects of sun exposure and smoking. In addition peels are highly effective in treating acne and reducing the appearance of scarring.
What does the treatment involve?
The practitioner administers the peel once a week for six weeks.
What is the recovery time?
Skin may look a little flushed and feel tight immediately after treatment, but this should subside within a few hours.
Are there any side effects?
40% and 50% glycolic acid peels are very gentle and only affect the top layers of the skin, but those with skin allergies or hyper sensitive skin should consult their dermatologist before considering treatment.
Is there any before and after care?
Home care treatments must be used to prepare the skin and ensure that it is in optimum condition prior to the peel, and specific homecare products must be used post treatment. Sun block must be worn during and after treatment, and clients will need to avoid exposure to the sun during treatment and for some time after the peel.
How long will the peel last?
After the initial treatment (a course of six peels), a monthly treatment is recommended to monitor and maintain the condition of the skin. |
