The Rise of Male Aesthetics

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the world of aesthetics as more men are embracing cosmetic treatments to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. This trend marks a significant departure from traditional stereotypes surrounding masculinity and self-care, signalling a new era of inclusivity and openness to personal enhancement among men.

Historically, discussions around aesthetics and self-care have often been dominated by women. However, as societal attitudes evolve and gender norms become more fluid, men are increasingly feeling empowered to prioritise their appearance and well-being in ways that were once considered taboo.

One of the driving forces behind the rise of male aesthetics is the growing acceptance of cosmetic procedures as a legitimate form of self-improvement for both men and women. As celebrities and influencers openly share their experiences with treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser hair removal, the stigma surrounding cosmetic enhancements continues to diminish.

Popular Aesthetic Treatments Among Men

Among the most sought-after aesthetic treatments for men are those that target common concerns such as ageing, hair loss, and body contouring. Here are some of the most popular treatments among male clients:

1. Wrinkle Relaxing and Dermal Fillers: These injectable treatments are used to smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and enhance facial features, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

2. Hair Restoration: Procedures like polynucleotides and mesotherapy are increasingly popular among men seeking to combat hair loss and thicken hair

3. Eye Polynucleotides: To firm the lax skin on the upper eye lid that often means that surgery is indicated to remove it.

4. Laser Hair Removal: Men often opt for laser hair removal to address unwanted hair on areas such as the back, chest, and face, eliminating the need for frequent shaving or waxing.

Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Self-Care

Despite the growing popularity of male aesthetics, there are still lingering stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding men's grooming and self-care practices. Some may view men who invest in their appearance as vain or insecure, perpetuating harmful notions of masculinity that prioritize ruggedness over self-improvement.

However, the reality is that taking care of one's appearance is not a sign of weakness but rather an expression of self-confidence and self-respect. Just as women have long been encouraged to prioritize self-care and grooming, men deserve the same opportunity to look and feel their best.

By challenging stereotypes and embracing male aesthetics, men can redefine masculinity on their own terms, free from outdated expectations and societal pressures. Whether it's smoothing wrinkles, restoring hair, or sculpting the body, aesthetic treatments offer men the chance to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Why I WON'T be using Lemon Bottle

While Lemon Bottle fat dissolving injections may seem like a quick fix for unwanted fat, it's essential to approach the product with caution and skepticism. Without adequate scientific evidence and regulatory oversight, the risks associated with Lemon Bottle outweigh the potential benefits. As responsible healthcare providers, we remain committed to offering safe, effective treatments that prioritise the health and safety of our clients above all else.

In the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic treatments, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to new and trendy procedures like Lemon Bottle fat dissolving injections. Promising instant fat reduction and boasting a catchy name, Lemon Bottle has gained significant popularity, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. However, before jumping on the Lemon Bottle bandwagon, it's essential to delve deeper into the science (or lack thereof) behind this seemingly miraculous treatment.

What Exactly is Lemon Bottle?

Lemon Bottle is a Korean-made 'fat dissolving' injection touted for its ability to eliminate unwanted fat on various areas of the body. Marketed as a high-concentration fat dissolve solution containing Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and other undisclosed ingredients, Lemon Bottle claims to accelerate fat cell metabolism and aid in fat decomposition.

The Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind Lemon Bottle

Despite its widespread popularity, Lemon Bottle lacks solid scientific evidence to support its claims. As of now, there are no published clinical trials or studies in the UK validating its safety, efficacy, or long-term results. Furthermore, Lemon Bottle falls under the category of cosmetics rather than medical drugs, bypassing the stringent regulations and testing required for medical treatments.

Understanding the Ingredients

While Lemon Bottle's website mentions key ingredients like bromelain, lecithin, and riboflavin, the full list remains undisclosed. This lack of transparency raises concerns regarding potential allergens and safety risks associated with the injections. Without knowing precisely what is being injected into the body, ensuring client safety becomes a significant challenge.

The Safety Conundrum

One of the most alarming aspects of Lemon Bottle injections is the rising number of reported adverse reactions. Organizations like Save Face, a register of accredited cosmetic practitioners in the UK, have noted a significant increase in adverse events associated with Lemon Bottle injections. This surge in adverse reactions underscores the importance of caution and informed decision-making when considering this treatment option.

Looking for Alternatives

Given the uncertainties surrounding Lemon Bottle injections, it's crucial to explore alternative fat dissolving treatments with established safety and efficacy profiles. Options such as Aqualyx, Kybella, and Deso, which are prescription-only medications, offer safer alternatives under the supervision of qualified medical practitioners.

Our Stance on Lemon Bottle

In our clinic, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our patients above all else. Despite the growing popularity of Lemon Bottle injections, we have chosen not to offer this treatment due to the lack of scientific evidence, transparency regarding ingredients, and rising reports of adverse reactions. Instead, we refer our clients to trusted, medically trained practitioners who provide alternative treatments backed by robust clinical data and regulatory approval.

The magic of Microneedling

Microneedling is indeed a magical technique in the world of skincare! This minimally invasive procedure involves the use of a device equipped with fine needles that create micro-injuries in the skin's surface. These controlled injuries stimulate the body's natural healing response, triggering the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that promote skin firmness, elasticity, and youthfulness.

Here's why microneedling is so effective:

1. Collagen Induction: The tiny micro-injuries created during microneedling prompt the skin to produce new collagen, which helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.

2. Improved Product Absorption: The micro-channels formed by the needles allow skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing their effectiveness. This means that serums, moisturisers, and other skincare treatments can work more efficiently to address specific concerns.

3. Skin Tightening: Microneedling can help tighten loose skin, particularly in areas prone to sagging, such as the jawline, neck, and around the eyes. The stimulation of collagen and elastin production leads to firmer, more toned skin over time.

4. Reduced Pore Size: By promoting collagen production and skin regeneration, microneedling can also help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, giving the skin a smoother and more refined texture.

5. Versatility: Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can be customized to address a wide range of skincare concerns, including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and overall skin rejuvenation.

6. Minimal Downtime: While the skin may appear slightly red and sensitive immediately after treatment, downtime is minimal compared to more invasive procedures. Most people can resume their normal activities within a day or two.

7. Safe for All Skin Types: Microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones, making it a suitable option for virtually anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin.

Microneedling offers a safe, effective, and non-surgical approach to achieving smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. Whether used as a standalone treatment or combined with other skincare modalities, it's no wonder that microneedling continues to be one of the most popular procedures in the realm of aesthetic medicine.

What are the benefits of polynucleotides?

Introducing injectable polynucleotides for skin rejuvenation! This innovative approach offers a versatile solution, particularly effective for addressing concerns around the eyes, firming lax skin, minimising open pores, and enhancing overall skin texture through resurfacing.

Polynucleotides, derived from nucleic acids, play a crucial role in cellular regeneration and repair. When administered via injection, they stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting tighter, more youthful-looking skin. Their ability to penetrate deeply revitalizes the skin from within, yielding natural and long-lasting results.

For those seeking to rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes, where signs of ageing often first appear, injectable polynucleotides offer a targeted solution. By firming and tightening the skin in this area, they can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging, restoring a more vibrant and youthful appearance.

Moreover, the resurfacing properties of polynucleotides make them ideal for addressing concerns such as open pores and uneven skin texture. By promoting cellular turnover and collagen remodeling, they help to refine the skin's surface, diminishing the appearance of pores and smoothing out imperfections for a rejuvenated complexion.

With injectable polynucleotides, patients can enjoy the benefits of skin rejuvenation without the need for invasive procedures or extended downtime. The treatment is minimally invasive, with most individuals experiencing little to no discomfort and able to resume their daily activities immediately.

Injectable polynucleotides represent a promising advancement in the field of aesthetic medicine, offering a safe, effective, and versatile solution for achieving youthful, radiant skin.

Why Polynucleotides will revolutionise skincare

Polynucleotides, also known as DNA or RNA, are biological macromolecules composed of nucleotide units. They are used as injectable products in aesthetic medicine, particularly in treatments aimed at skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing. The injectable form typically involves the use of polynucleotide-based solutions or gels that are injected into the skin.

The are an ideal skin treatment for people in their 30s-40s, people with rosacea, people who have mild scarring or want to improve skin texture.

They have many benefits:

1. Cellular Communication: Polynucleotides can act as signaling molecules that facilitate communication between skin cells. They may help regulate various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and repair.

2. Collagen Synthesis: Some formulations containing polynucleotides claim to stimulate collagen synthesis. Collagen is a crucial protein that provides structural support to the skin, contributing to its firmness and elasticity. By promoting collagen production, polynucleotides may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Polynucleotides may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. This anti-inflammatory action can be helpful in conditions like redness or sensitive skin.

4. DNA Repair: Theoretically, polynucleotides may contribute to DNA repair processes in skin cells. This could potentially help cells recover from damage caused by environmental factors, such as UV radiation.

5. Moisture Retention: Some skincare products containing polynucleotides claim to improve skin hydration by enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.

Zinzino Omega 3 Supplements

Let me share with you a positive change I have made in my life. 30 days ago I took a blood prick finger test and posted it off for analysis. I knew my diet wasn’t the best overall but in lockdown I had definitely been eating more vegetables so how bad could it be?

Well there were lots of unhappy faces from the lab analysis!!! Here’s some information about each test result but in case it’s too technical, these tests drill down on how the unbalance is affecting the core functions of the body that rely on Omega-3. These being:

• The ratio with Omega-6

• How the brain is functioning

• How the body cells are functioning

• The level of inflammation in my body due to not having enough Omega-3

What does “Unbalanced” mean?

Omega-6 is in pretty but everything we eat and a surplus of vegetable Omega-6 fatty acids will make a diet unbalanced and pro-inflammatory. The ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 should preferably be below 3 to 1. My result of 28.1 to 1 is almost at the worst case scenario of 30 to 1. I obviously need to reduce the vegetable oil in my diet and use a supplement of Omega 3 to improve the balance ratio.

Omega-3 Index

Not only is the ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 a problem but my actual Omega 3 level is well below the recommended 8%. Apparently other people who have taken this test and  consumed plain Omega-3 oils were shocked that their supplements weren’t being sufficiently absorbed. You need a supplement that is actually absorbed into the body!

Mental Strength

Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in a wide range of physiological functions that are related to neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and neuroinflammation. They play fundamental roles in the development, functioning and ageing of the brain. The optimal ratio for mental strength should be below 1 to 1 so you can see how my brain function is not receiving the building blocks it needs to function well.

Cell Membrane Fluidity

Cell membranes are made of fatty acids that are from your diet and supplements. Alcohol consumption creates excessive membrane fluidity while cholesterol, saturated and monounsaturated fats can reduce the fluidity of the membrane and reduce the membrane stiffened and dysfunctional. By consuming Omega 3 it corrects the ratio which restores membrane fluidity. The ideal ration should be 1 to 1 so you can see how far out my results are at 14.8 to 1.

Arachidonic Acid (AA) Index

Arachidonic acid (AA) is the most important omega-6 fatty acid that your body is unable to make. Therefore, it must be supplied through diet. AA is the starting point for the production of hormones involved in physiological inflammation processes which are triggered to protect the body from infections or after an injury. Modern diets have a large surplus of Omega-6 Linoleic acid (LA), which regulates the subsequent production of the Omega-6 fatty acid Arachidonic Acid. So once again, Omega-3 is vital to balance out the Omega-6 on our diets. My result wasn’t terrible but good average values are in the range of 6.5% to 9.5% and I want to improve this result because I don’t want unnecessary inflammation in my body.

My Plan

So I have now started on 6 months of the Balance Oil which is a daily dose of natural fish oil, high in Omega 3 (EPA + DHA), olive polyphenols and vitamin D3 to protect cells from rusting (oxidation). It includes another blood prick test that I will take in 4 months time to see how my results are changing.

I am not doing this to look better or feel differently but because I recognise that it is near impossible to get enough Omega 3 into your body unless I am eating oily fish three times a day. I think the supplement tastes pretty good (citrus) and there are some phenomenal health benefits to reducing inflammation in your body for £1.48 a day.

Thanks to Nurse Kate at Elixir Treatments for setting me up with the program.

What are Tweakments?

Aesthetic tweakments offer a range of options for individuals looking to enhance their appearance with subtle, natural-looking results. These minimally invasive procedures can address specific cosmetic concerns and help individuals achieve a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance without the need for more extensive surgical interventions. They are designed to subtly enhance one's appearance. Unlike more dramatic surgical interventions, tweakments aim to make subtle improvements that enhance natural features or address minor cosmetic concerns. These procedures are often sought by individuals who want to refresh their appearance without undergoing invasive surgery or experiencing significant downtime.

Here are some common examples of aesthetic tweakments:

1. Wrinkle Relaxing: Neuromodulator injections are used to relax muscles in targeted areas of the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This treatment is particularly effective for smoothing forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows.

2. Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable gels made from hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible materials. They are used to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Common areas for filler injections include the lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and tear troughs.

3. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer of skin to peel off, revealing smoother, more radiant skin underneath. Peels can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and address issues like acne and hyperpigmentation.

4. Microneedling: Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device equipped with fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin's surface. These controlled injuries stimulate the body's natural healing response, triggering the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that promote skin firmness, elasticity, and youthfulness.

5. Profhilo: Profhilo is a revolutionary injectable treatment designed to remodel the skin from within, addressing signs of ageing and restoring hydration, firmness, and elasticity. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Profhilo contains a unique formulation of stabilised hyaluronic acid (HA) that spreads evenly beneath the skin, providing deep hydration and stimulating collagen and elastin production.

6. Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is another popular aesthetic tweakment that involves injecting a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other active ingredients into the skin. This treatment is designed to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin from within, targeting a range of concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and dehydration.

Teosyal Redensity One wins Skincare product of the Year!

Ageing occurs over 5 layers and skin is just the top layer and not the only one you need to attend to. However, it is the most visible and when you have poor tissue quality in certain areas of the face, our options are limited. Enter…. Teosyal Redensity One, this is a skinboosting injectable treatment that delivers the vitamins and nutrients directly into the dermis to thicken and firm the skin. Similar to mesotherapy but this formulation contains anaesthetic so it feels much more comfortable.

It’s not a stand alone treatment but very effective to prepare the skin before a dermal filler treatment or used alongside an injectable treatment.

During 2019, this procedure will only be £100 extra [usual price £125]

Juvederm Volux

£135 off Juvederm in Sept & October!

This summer a new dermal filler was launched from the best known dermal filler Range - Juvederm. Volux is a long lasting, super-firm dermal filler that is indicated for the lower face (but as a volumiser can be used on the cheek).

I have been getting great results from it over the summer and to celebrate its launch, this Autumn/Winter when purchased at over 3ml will be offering it for £150 per ml instead of £195 per ml. Of course this is subject to a clinical assessment and if it is not the appropriate product for your concern, I’m happy to offer you an alternative.

Dealing with sweaty armpits

Now it’s warmer, you might have noticed your body sweating more than usual. This is a natural and healthy event. As long as you are washing the sweat and bacteria away each day, it is usual to get a bit wiffy.

But there are some people to experience excessive sweating due to nerves and stress. This experience occurs all throughout the year and can cause distress. Particularly if there is a big event such as a wedding or public speaking because the sweat stains are noticeable.

If excessive sweating is not controlled by anti-perspirants, then it might be time to consider using toxin to “immobilise” the sweat producing ducts in the skin. This is a high dose treatment that is delivered over 2 sessions, hence the cost of £395. The treatment aims to reduce (not cease) your sweating so consider it as a one off before a big event, or if you are troubled by ongoing excessive sweating, then consider budgeting for 2-3 treatments per year. You will continue to sweat in other usual areas of the body - such as head, back and groin in order to regulate your body temperature, should you be engaging in sports.

Profhilo is taking the UK by storm!

Juno Aesthetics has been offering this skin remodelling treatment since 2018 but in 2019, the UK media were raving about it!! It is minimally invasive and at low risk of adverse effects. Ideal for skins over 40 that have fine lines and crepey appearance - this “game-changer” skin treatment can be used on the face, neck, hands, arms, decollete and even inner thigh! Two treatments are required, 4 weeks apart; the optimal result is 4 weeks after the 2nd treatment. Satisfied patients report that their skin feels more hydrated, slightly lifted and firmer with a glowing appearance that lasts about 6 months.

If you don’t believe us, check out what Glamour Magazine, Financial Times, The Sun, British Vogue and Daily Mail.

Nofie recommends Profhilo and other skin treatments for patients who have either completed their dermal filler treatments and are now on maintenance volumes OR, patients who do not want to consider dermal fillers. Ageing occurs across 5 layers in your skin and ideally, dermal filler have already replaced lost volume caused by the ageing process. Profhilo then comes in to further firm, tighten and give radiance!

Be Cautious about IV Vitamin Infusions

According to the Daily Mail, doctors are peddling £150 'pointless' vitamin drips in clinics that are made to look like beauty spas.

There are strong discussions in the medical aesthetic community about medics and laypersons who offer IV vitamin infusions. I have been asked why I don’t offer them in Juno Aesthetics and here are some of the reasons why:

Intravenous access is no joke!

Putting a substance into your body via your veins give your heart, brain and lungs a massive exposure of a substance you could have a severe reaction to. To do this outside of a hospital means that if there was an issue, you would be unlikely to get the emergency help you needed.

Medical not Wellbeing

I’m not convinced there are benefits to people who are well and healthy. The evidence to say it works is on people who are malnourished and/or have vitamin absorption problems. Then the drips are treatments for a disease or disorder which is clearly medical. Otherwise they are worthless and you are putting yourself at needless risk.

If you have a suspected deficiency in vitamins/minerals, go to your family doctor and request blood tests.

10 Reasons why I will not be using "No Needle" Devices

You might have seen on social media injectors offering “no needle” lip filler treatments.

Here are 10 reasons why I will not be considering this device for my dermal filler treatments:

1. Firstly, if something sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is!

2. This is not new technology and was originally used for livestock vaccinations.

3. This procedure might be needle free, but it certainly is not pain free.

4. There is nowhere near the accuracy of using a needle that requires a precise technique.

5. The machine uses immense pressure to push a viscous product like HA deeper into the tissues.

6. There is almost always significant bruising that is so severe it takes the average person 3-6 weeks to recover from.

7. The device cannot be sterilised so there is a risk of cross infection.

8. The filler is not used from the syringe it was sold in which also increases a risk of infection.

9. There is no control over the speed the product is delivered into your tissues so I cannot monitor you for the risk of a blocked artery.

10. There is still a risk of a blocked artery because the pressure that is takes to “push” through the tissues of the lips could also penetrate a capillary, vein or artery.

Don’t get caught up on social media contagion. At Juno Aesthetics, I take time to consider the evidence base behind each product, treatment and the way it is administered. There are of course risks that are inescapable but we do not expose you to needless risks to keep up with the crowd!

Juno Aesthetics Hosts a Beauty Decoded Event

On Friday 7th June, Nofie.J held a presentation evening to update you on all the different injectable techniques and produscts that are currently available. Thank you to all that came and supported the event. There was a phenomenal uptake from the Invitation Juno Newsletter.

Here is a quick snapshot about what we discussed!

The new skinbooster - Visoderm Hydrobooster

2019 has brought a new skinboosting treatment to Juno Aesthetics… VISODERM HYDROBOOSTER! Juno Aesthetics patients have consistently given great feedback about this injectable treatment that is used to provide deep hydration by improving elasticity, radiance and smoothness of the skin. Plus, it can be used on lines that are found on dynamic areas of the face - around the eyes, forehead, around the lips and the fine lines at the side of the mouth. The unique formula of this product makes it appropriate for stretching superficial wrinkles.

Depending on your skin condition - 1 treatment is recommended every 6 months if you are under 50. Over 50s may require 2 treatments 4 weeks apart.

* 2019 PROMOTION *

£195 per syringe of Visoderm (usual price £250)

or,

Receive £50 off Visoderm Hydrobooster (only £145) at your second Profhilo Treatment.

Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments

Did you know Juno Aesthetics is not permitted by the Medicine’s Regulator to use the brand name BOTOX in any promotional literature on my website or social media. Most people refer to all wrinkle relaxing treatments as “Botox Treatments” but they might not use the brand Botox (you might have heard of Azzalure, Dysport or Bocouture). However, I choose to use the Botox brand for your wrinkle relaxing treatments because it is widely researched and gives the best outcomes and best results.

Toxin treatments such as Botox prevent the brain’s messages from getting through to specific muscles that have been treated. It works by blocking the message junctions in the nerves that sit in muscles. After 8-12 weeks, you body starts growing back the receptors and so first signs of movement returns. Botox treatments are so effective in improving fine lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement because they stop the muscle from moving which relaxes the area and gives the skin opportunity to regenerate without the constant creasing. Most people will have this treatment 2-3 times a year, which is every 4-6 months.

Here are some facts about toxin treatments you might not know:

• Botox has been used in medicine for 30 years. It was first used for blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, chronic migraine. The optimal result is 30 days after treatment, thereafter first signs of movement are expected to return 8-12 weeks later.

• Toxin treatments are not about immobilising the face but balancing musculature for a more relaxed appearance and reduction in lines caused by muscle movement.

• Patients report feeling “5 years younger” by having a toxin treatment.

• As we age, we become caricatures of ourselves because we grimace more due to volume loss in other layers of the face.

• Toxin treatments have been used off label to improve anti-inflammatory skin conditions such as Acne-Rosacea.

• When used over a certain standard dose, about 20% of patients are observing results that are lasting 5-6 months.

Hello Magazine writes about Lip Fillers!

It’s great to see a publication as well as NHS Choices endorse the professional standards register Save Face (which I am part of!) The take home message for me is:

“While cosmetic surgery is regulated in this country, certain non-surgical procedures are not subject to any controls. At present, filler is not licensed, which means anyone can administer it. In other words, a beauty therapist, hairdresser or other layperson."

You no longer have to rely on advertising, which does not differentiate between properly trained experts and the unskilled and unqualified. With Save Face you are guaranteed a safe treatment, in a safe place, with a safe practitioner. “

What does Plasma Do?

I'm sure you have seen videos on social media where skin seems to be burnt with a probe leaving lots of dots with boasts about "fibroblast therapy" or even "plasma treatments."  Unfortunately these machines are very unlikely to be true plasma machines because there is no trademark on the use of the word "plasma" so they are often radio frequency, or use radio frequency to operate. Like Louis Vuitton, there are lots of fakes out there.

Plasma therapy was introduced 12 years ago by Professor Fippi. In physics, it is the 4th meta state (the others being solid, liquid and gas). A true plasma device emits alternating currents that ionise the gas in the air to produce nano plasma - a small electrical arc that when it touches skin can either tighten, bio-stimulate, rejuvenate or remodel skin. A true plasma machine should never have mains current otherwise a device can transfer electricity to a patient. A good test of whether a person has a true plasma machine is if it can be used in the eye, toot canal, on children, for people with a metal plate, heart conditions or on warfarin. These other machines create an arc via an electric current and there are lots of risk factors (such as burnt and scarred skin) as a result of the use of electricity.

So now you have the knowledge to choose a clinician who uses a true plasma machine, how can it benefit you? Each plasma treatment will give a 35-40% retraction in the skin so it has a very wide range of uses. Most popular applications are for area of skin tightening where volumising with dermal fillers is not possible for instance - upper eye lid tightening, lower eye lid tightening, barcode lines on the top lip (peri-oral area), treatment of stretchmarks, skin tag removal, improving pigmentation and acne scarring.

Nano plasma does not burn the skin, it sublimates it by taking a solid and turning it into gas so there should not be severe swelling that lasts weeks or crusting

PGAGE Revolutionary Deep Peel

I have been getting such great results with the PQAGE peel I had to let you know it is available!

It is a peel that is a combination of TCA (peel with a deep action) stabilised with urea peroxide, in association with gentle exfoliating agents (kojic acid) and antioxidant agents (Q10 enzyme). This combination enables a deep revitalising, lifting and stimulating action of the dermis without the side effects of peeling.

Thanks to the combination of TCA and urea peroxide, the peel does not damage the epidermis and so there is increased permeability of the TCA across the cell membrane because the proteins in the dermis are denatured in a targeted and controlled way. The peel also increases the oxidant effect of hydrogen peroxide which is released from the urea peroxide giving a strong temporary whitening action as well as the direct oxidation of membrane proteins and dermal proteins.

This is great for a TCA peel because it means that it can be performed on delicate and sensitive skin and the peel will remove skin blemishes, aid tissue regeneration, treat pigmentation and firm looser skin.  It is a painless treatment and can be used all year round, at intervals of every week if required.

This peel is ideal for people with:

• inflamed acne

• skin discolouration and pigmentation

• skin that requires revitalisation

• stretch marks

• recent scars

• loose skin on the face, neck and decollete

Are you ready for an injectable treatment?

My heart sinks when I get a potential patient inquiring about a cosmetic injectable treatment and the first question is "how much is the treatment?"  Whilst I try to keep my prices reasonable so I can reward my loyal patients and help them manage the upkeep of continued treatments, please be aware it would be foolish for price to be the deciding factor when choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

A good proportion of patients who contact me do not seem ready for a treatment. Firstly, you must be over 18 years old and I would prefer you to be over 21 years old.  You need to have emotional maturity and resilience to undergo a cosmetic procedure.  There are certain common complications that you can expect following a treatment and you must have the resources to handle them. It can take 2-4 weeks for the body to heal post-procedure and you must be able to manage your emotions and expectations should that occur. 

It is also best to wait and schedule your appointment well before any holiday or big event - at least 4-6 weeks beforehand. It is ill-advised to have a treatment prior to travel (how could you be reviewed in the event of a complication or undesired outcome?) or big event (what if you encounter severe swelling and/or an undesired outcome?) In many respects, you will benefit from scheduling your appointment with plenty of notice - especially if before a holiday or big event and taking time off work, if required.

Lastly, there are lots of good resources out there for you to read up about before you come to your consultation. Do check out the Consulting Room and Save Face and Real Self.

Be wary of social media photos and videos from lay-people demonstrating procedures because you are best seeking a comprehensive consultation from a medical professional that takes time to cover all that is needed to give you a safe and effective treatment.