Below is information on various anti ageing treatments. The information based here is as a guideline only and all treatments will be discussed in detail during the free consultation, prior to any treatment being carried out. Treatments and outcomes can vary from person to person.

Dermal Fillers

As we age the appearance and characteristics of our skin change. Hormones, sun exposure, age and certain lifestyle choices can all cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop and our skin can become less elastic. Also as we age the content of hyaluronic acid within our skin decreases and so our skin is less able to retain water and moisture. Sebaceous glands become less active and therefore produce less oil, resulting in our skin becoming altogether drier. Skin also loses its plumpness and youthfulness as fat and blood vessels decrease.

Dermal Fillers, which are hyaluronic acid based, are a popular choice as they can help to re-hydrate the skin tissue and diminish the signs of ageing. Also with this treatment the results are immediate and treatment is quick and convenient. These fillers are also temporary and the body eventually breaks down the product.

Enhancing Beauty offers Juvederm Ultra, which is a hyaluronic acid, smooth consistency gel. This can be injected to fill fine lines, wrinkles, folds and to help to restore volume. Juvederm Ultra also contains a local anaesthetic, which helps to make the treatment more comfortable. Allergan who are leading manufacturers of aesthetic and cosmetic products produces Juvederm.

Q&A

What does treatment involve?

The practitioner uses a fine needle to inject the dermal filler under the surface of the skin. The depth at which the practitioner works is dependant on the depth of the line/wrinkle. This treatment can take as little as 15 mins to complete depending on which area is being treated.

Is treatment painful?

A topical anaesthetic can be applied to the treatment area prior to the procedure. Also Juvederm Ultra contains lidocaine, which helps to reduce any discomfort.

How long does it last?

This can be affected by a number of factors such as the amount of filler injected, age and skin type. Also the area treated can determine how long treatment lasts. For example areas around the mouth, which move regularly, can reduce longevity of the filler. Juvederm Ultras is a longer lasting product and the beneficial effects can be expected to last up to a year following treatment dependant on the area treated.

Are there any side effects?

Around the injection site there may be some swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising. There may also be some discoloration and very rarely: granulomas, skin necrosis, infection, abscess formation, skin nodules and cysts.

Muscle Relaxant Injections

As we age facial lines and wrinkles develop due to repetitive small muscle contractions. Habitual facial expressions also form characteristic lines. Due to the repetitive nature of the muscle use in these areas the skin has no time to replenish itself, therefore the lines and wrinkles remain.

Muscle relaxant injections work by inhibiting the use of the muscle by blocking the signals from the brain that commands the muscle to contract. This allows the muscle to remain relaxed and the skin is then able to repair the damage, therefore reducing the appearance of the lines and wrinkles.

Lines and wrinkles can be minimised by injecting a purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum bacteria into the muscle. This is commonly known as Botox. This botulinum toxin only works on the muscle injected therefore allowing surrounding muscles to function as usual, enabling normal facial expression. Vistabel is the only botulinum toxin with a cosmetic license for use within the UK.

Q&A

What areas can be treated?

• Glabellar frown lines
• Crows feet
• Forehead lines

What does treatment involve?

During consultation the practitioner will mark out the area to be treated. Using a very fine needle the practitioner injects the chosen muscle. The treatment is convenient and dependant on the area to be treated may take as little as 15mins. Once treatment is completed the practitioner will advise you to contract the muscle repeatedly for approx an hour. This ensures that the product is distributed through the muscle. You will be asked to return in 2wks time for a review.

Is treatment painful?

The needles used are very fine and treatment should be carried out with minimal discomfort.

Will I be able to continue my day as usual?

Absolutely. You can return to work or go about your day as normal. You will be advised however to avoid the following:

• aerobic exercise
• facial/beauty treatments
• rubbing the area

Are there any side effects?

The following is a list of potential side effects:

• bruising
• local temporary swelling and redness
• headaches
• infection
• nausea

Skin Peels

Skin Peels help to remedy skin ageing, pigmentation and acne scars. The skin becomes clearer and more refined. There are a variety of peels available, which work at varying depths in the skin. The peels here are not to be confused with peels providing in beauty salons by beauty therapists.

Easy Phytic Peel

This is a slow release, superficial peel. This peel is for individuals who do not want a visible peeling or flaking effect. This peel evens out the complexion and tightens the skin. It can also help to erase acne marks.

Treatment

During treatment a tingling sensation will be felt when the peel solution has been applied. At the end of the session when the tingling has begun to subside the practitioner will apply a cream and gently place some cling film over the facial area. This aids absorption of the cream into the skin.

Aftercare

• You must not wash your skin on the evening after treatment
• The next morning you may then wash your skin as usual
• A sunblock is recommended

This peel can be used as a one of brightening treatment. However it does work best as a regular maintenance peel.

Easy TCA Peel

This is a very effective medium peel that is very well tolerated by the skin. The peeling process is carried out in blocks of 4 treatments in weekly sessions and appropriate skincare products are included with the peeling process. This peel treats fine lines, discoloration, pigmentation and acne.

Treatment

During treatment a sensation of warmth will be felt on the skin, which is bearable. Once there is whitening to the skin called ‘frosting’ a cream is applied to the skin to neutralise the peel. Following treatment the skin may feel tight for approx 2 days and on the 3rd and 4th day your skin will begin to flake.

Aftercare

• You must not wash your skin on the evening of the peel
• The next day the face may be cleansed
• The skincare provided should be applied and the skin kept well moisturised. This will make the skin flake more readily and the results will be better.
• A sunblock must be worn as the skin will be very sensitive to the sun