Botox (botulinum)
Botox is a toxic agent, but it is used in such minute dosage that there is not evidence of any adverse reaction. Botox® has been used for the last 20 years to treat patients with numerous muscular diseases such as blepharospasm associated with dystonia. It is also used "off label" for a variety of more prevalent conditions that include migraine headache, chronic low back pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, achalasia, and various dystonias.913 The drug is well accepted in the medical arena.
In facial Aesthetics, when botox is injected into frown and wrinkle lines, it causes the muscles to relax to such an extent that they loose the capacity to frown. It is particularly suitable in the forehead and between the eyes where results can be particularly good, In other areas of the face, however, the results can lead to a loss of expression.
What is the difference between Botox® and dermal fillers?
Dermal Fillers are used to put back volume in the skin and to sculpt certain areas of the face such as the lips and deep lines on the face. Whereas Botox® relaxes or temporarily incapacitates certain muscle of the face, which tends to give us an angry disturbed look.
Dermal Fillers
As distinct from botox dermal fillers are used to soften and contour lines, folds, and wrinkles. The most commonly used dermal fillers are Collagen or Hyaluronic based. The solution is injected into the skin to smooth out lines add volume and create a more youthful look
There are many different types of dermal fillers on the market but only a few dermal fillers have demonstrated predictable and long term results with minimal swelling and redness after treatment, and outstanding safety results. Listed below are the brand names of dermal filler used in our clinic. These products have consistently demonstrated predictability and safety
Restylane® and Perlane
These are the brand names for non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccride that is found in the connective tissue of our dermis. Hyaluronic acid in combination with Collagen Fibres and Elastin Fibres give the face form, shape and hydration. Restylane® and Perlane® are the most popular dermal fillers used to contour the face. The product comes in three formulations. The selection of which formulation to use is determined by your skin type and the area to be contoured. The results from the treatments are immediate and will last six to eight mon
Is there pain or discomfort?
There is some discomfort. The product is injected into the skin with a very fine needle and patients are treated with a topical anesthetic or dental injection to numb the area to be injected.
Can I go back to work?
Yes, some patients may experience some redness and swelling which will settle over the following 24 hours, in the meantime the short term effects can be minimized with cover-up make-up
Can something go wrong?
The dermal fillers that demonstrate consistent safety for the last 20 years are the non-permanent dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. There are some risks involved whenever a patient is exposed to any foreign product but the risks associated with the selected group of dermal fillers that we have discussed are minimal. At the time of your consultation these risks will be discussed.
How Much Does the Treatment Cost?
The price of the treatment ranges from £70-£500. The price of the treatment will depend on the type of chemical peel that is recommended.
Is the procedure painful?
A local or topical anesthetic is given to minimized any discomfort during the biopsy & treatment injections. Once the anesthetic wears off(approx. 3hrs) there could be some mild irritation, but nothing noticeable.
Will I need to take time off work to have the treatment?
This is similar to other cosmetic injections and the patient may experience a few red markings which will self correct within 24 hours, and make-up can be applied for covering up in the interim.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a long lasting, biocompatible & biodegradable substance which woks in the lower layers of the skin to smooth & firm the treated areas, restoring youthful volume. The results are gradually & naturally achieved but last up to 2 years. No allergy tests are required.
Prices from £295 and dependant upon areas treated & no. of injections required.
Chemical Peels?
Alpha Hydroxy Acid Alpha hydroxy acids are found in plants and food such as citrus fruits, apples, grapes, sugar cane and sour milk. The acid breaks the intracellular bonds of the epidermis and accelerates the sloughing of the superficial dead skin cells of the epidermis. Lactic acid and glycolic acids are the two most common AHA acids found in skin care products.This peel is considered a light peel and patients will require multiple treatments to see results.
TCA Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The result of TCA peels produces more dramatic results than AHA peels. Clients may require more than one peel to achieve the desired results.
Who can benefit from this Treatment?
Most people who have sun damage such as multiple solar keratosis, pigmentation abnormalities, certain types of acne, and fine wrinkling might benefit from this treatment. It is often used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and hereditary factors can often be reduced with this procedure. People with an uneven skin texture also benefit as the results are smoother and softer looking skin.
How much improvement will I have?
The amount of improvement depends on the initial condition of the patient's skin. Maximum improvement of damaged skin and wrinkling ranges from 50%-85% and, although 100% percent improvement is not possible, most patients view the results as dramatic.
What are the limits of chemical peels?
Chemicals cannot heal loose or sagging skin, and do not serve the same function as a face-lift. In addition, it will not remove deep scars. Laser resurfacing, punch grafting, punch elevation, scar excision, or soft tissue fillers may be much more effective. These options can be discussed during your consultation. Chemical peels cannot necessarily change pore sizes in all cases, nor can they predictably remove broken blood vessels on the face. However, chemical peels may improve the appearance of these conditions.
What is the procedure like?
The skin is cleansed to remove oils & the peeling agent is carefully applied. Within minutes, there is a very warm sensation that feels like sunburn. This sensation lasts for a few minutes and is rapidly relieved by the application of cool compresses. Very rarely, there may be some swelling, especially around the eyes for the first two days, but discomfort is minimal. By the third or fourth day, the skin will appear tight and will begin to exfoliate. The new skin will be rosier and have a smoother texture- usually on days 5 to 7.