Non-Surgical Enhancements

Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation

Treatment using lasers can improve the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles and age spots with intense bursts of laser energy. The heating of the water within the skin causes both water and skin to turn to vapour which removes the outer layer of the skin.

Intense Pulsed Light sources can be used to stimulate collagen production in the skin. The heating causes mild thermal damage which the skin repairs by producing collagen. This results in an improvement to the way the skin looks and provides a fresher texture without removing or damaging the outer skin layers.

Depending on the precise procedure for both laser and IPL treatment a course of treatments could be required.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are used to help plump out lines and wrinkles giving a younger and more youthful look. Temporary fillers tend to last between 6 months and 2 years. More permanent solutions are not available. There are many different types of fillers made from natural or synthetic materials.

Dermal fillers are good for treating crow’s feet, lines around the nose, mouth and lips, smile lines as well as for contouring the chin and cheek.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox®)

BOTOX® made by Allergan belongs to a class of drugs called botulinum toxins and is intended to reduce muscle contraction. BOTOX® is the most well known of botulinum toxins and has been used for over 11 years to treat over 1 million patients worldwide.

BOTOX® is one of the most popular treatments for vertical expression lines between the eyes and forehead frown lines. It is a quick and simple procedure that relaxes the underlying muscles that cause the surface of the skin to wrinkle. It is a ‘treat and go’ procedure with many people having lunchtime treatments. The effects are not permanent, lasting typically between three and six months.

Chemical Peels

A chemical solution is applied to the skin and left on for a specified period of time. This carefully removes the outer layers of aged or damaged skin. There are three different types of peel:

Light – salicylic or glycolic acid
Medium – trichloroaecetic (TCA) acid
Deep – Phenol acid

The deeper the peel the more uncomfortable it will be but the more dramatic the results. Light peels will need repeating weekly for 4-6 weeks, medium peels maintaining every 6-12 months and deep peels may take 3-4 months for the effects to be fully realized but can give a fresher look that can last for up to 10 years.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion effectively blasts the face with sterile micro-particles to rub off the very top skin layer. The particles and the dead skin are then vacuumed out. The removal of the harder outer skin leaves behind a fresher more supple texture. Microdermabrasion can be used to improve skin texture, tone, superficial lines on the skin and to fade brown spots.

After the treatment the face may have a rosy glow but makeup can be applied immediately. Usually a course of treatments are required to obtain the best results.