Anti Ageing

Aesthetic medicine has become more prevalent over the last decade. Fighting the ageing process in a subtle way has been the goal for men and women alike.

In the past, cosmetic treatments have had a stigma attached to them, and have been associated with botched and over exaggerated results. Nowadays the use of aesthetic medicine is much more prevalent and most importantly – subtle. You don’t need to look like you have had ‘work’ done on your face – you can just look refreshed and feel great in your skin.

• 1

  MICRONEEDLING

  Creates new collagen to improve skin tone and texture

• 2

  BOTULINUM TOXIN

  Minimises the unwanted movement of muscles that cause winkles

• 3

  DERMAL FILLERS

  Rebuilds shape lost through ageing

Microneedling

Micro-needling can be done in two ways; the first, and much more primitive, is the derma-roller. This causes quite a lot of damage and is not recommended. The second, and preferred, way is using an electronic micro-needling device that causes small micro damage under the surface of the skin, which in turn promotes natural collagen to be formed.

At High Locks we use the world renown Derma-pen.

What is DermaPen? This is a skin micro- needling treatment with minimum downtime, which promotes scarless healing and natural collagen production in the skin to improve the appearance of scars, acne scarring, stretch marks, wrinkles, pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin.

“I have not looked this good in years”– a happy patient after completing three courses of micro needling.

The science

Every Derma-pen needle tip is actually made up of 12 smaller needles, which use proprietary technology to penetrate vertically into the skin. This creates small, micro-skin channels, while stimulating the skin’s natural ability to heal itself and increasing the production of new collagen — which is the formation of strong, insoluble fibres that serve as connective tissue between cells.

MICRONEEDLING CAN TREAT THE FOLLOWING:

• Scars
• Poor skin texture
• Dyspigmentation
• Redness/blotchiness
• Acne
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Age spots

Risks and side effects

Post treatment you look a bit sunburnt, which subsides after a few days. Small areas of bleeding and bruising can be common post treatment.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, as it is commonly referred to, can be used to reduce the motion of a muscle. In the world of aesthetic medicine it is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is injected into specific locations to get the desired effect. It usually takes 7-14 days to kick in fully and effects last up to 3-4 months.

It can also be used to reduce excessive sweating (axillary hyperhydrosis), and in Dentistry for the reduction of a “gummy smile”, as well as jaw line slimming targeting the Masseter muscle (in the cheek).

“I noticed an improvement in just under a week, took full effect after 12 days. SO happy!” – a first time patient being treated with Bocouture (Botulinum Toxin)

The science

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction and thus causes flaccid paralysis. If placed correctly, the range of motion of targeted muscles is reduced, thus preventing wrinkle formation.

Risks and Side effects

Bruising at injection sites. Headaches are rare, but can happen, and normally settle with over the counter pain relief.

Unintended muscle weakness, including drooping of upper eyelid. This is why accurate injection positioning is important.

BOTULINUM TOXIN CAN TREAT THE FOLLOWING:

• Frown lines
• Crow’s feet
• Wrinkles on forehead
• Gummy smile reduction
• Excess sweating
• Muscle mass slimming for thick cheek muscles

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an injectable treatment that contains hyaluronic acid. Youthful skin is rich in hyaluronic acid (HA) – a substance that binds water, hydrates the skin, and promotes all-important softness and fullness. With age, the skin’s HA gradually becomes less efficient and leads to loss of volume and signs of ageing.

When dermal fillers are administered by a skilled practitioner, they can be used to enhance facial features, sculpting the contours of the face and plumping out lines and wrinkles.

“I have always been conscious of my thin upper lip and the wrinkles around my mouth. Now I have definition.” – patient after being treated with dermal filler in her lips using Belotero Balance.

Risks and Side effects

Bruising at injection sites. Bleeding and swelling. The most important risk is vascular occlusion, where dermal filler blocks a blood vessel, resulting in no blood flowing through to its intended location. This is very serious and must be treated immediately to prevent tissue death. Precision and excellent technique is essential to minimise this risk.

The science

Fillers restore lost volume to your face and plump areas, so that deep set lines are smoothed. Why is this needed? Well, as we get older our bodies stop producing collagen and elastin, both of which contribute to a youthful look. Experts argue over when we start losing collagen, but the general consensus is by 25 years of age. Your collagen and elastin levels then decline at a rate of about 2% per year, and your body will have stopped producing it altogether by your late twenties.

DERMAL FILLERS CAN TREAT THE FOLLOWING:

• Marionette lines
• Deep naso-labial folds
• Fine lines and wrinkles around lips
• Lip augmentation for thin lips
• Replacement of structure lost with age (loss of collagen and fat)
• Sunken cheeks

For more information contact us on 01778 347 677.

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