top of page
Facial treatments

FACIAL AESTHETICS

We offer expert facial aesthetics treatments from our experienced clinicians in the heart of Canada Water, London.

BOTULINUM TOXIN

What is Botulinum Toxin?

 

Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. In a purified form,; as is the case with many drugs/medications such as Penicillin, Botulinum toxin is a very safe, effective treatment not only used in cosmetic clinics, but also for a number of medical conditions, including migraine and excessive sweating.  

 

All botulinum toxins are prescription only medicines (POM) and can only be prescribed by doctors, dentists and nurses with the prescribing qualification, following a face to face assessment and consultation with the qualified prescriber.

 

Botox® is a licensed brand of Botulinum toxin A. Other licensed brands include Azzalure®, Dysport®, Xeomin® Bocouture® .

 

Botulinum toxins contain albumin, which comes from human blood. No cases of contamination of licensed botulinum toxin products with infectious diseases have been reported.

 

​

How does it Work?

 

The toxin blocks the transition of chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle so that the muscle stays in a resting state for a period of 8 to 12 weeks on average.

 

This may be only a partial reduction in movement  allowing  some remaining movement or a full block in which case there is very little remaining muscular movement in the area – this very much depends on the amount administered and location of product placement –treatment may  be tailored to suit your individual requirements. Your expected treatment outcomes and whether they can be achieved will be discussed at the time of consultation.

 

​

Used to Treat

 

The aim of the licensed treatment is to significantly reduce the movement of the muscles causing expression lines (dynamic lines) specifically the frown and crow’s feet and worry lines on the brow may also be treated as an ‘off label indication.  Successful treatment may not cause the expression lines themselves to disappear completely.  It may not ‘completely freeze’ the expression, particularly if extreme effort is exerted to make an expression.

 

Botulinum toxin is not suitable for lines present without expression (static lines), your practitioner will advise you.

 

Advanced and off-label indications include; horizontal brow lines, lip lines, chin ‘poppling’, muscles on the lower face and neck, to lift the mouth corners, improve the jaw line and the appearance of the neck. The ‘chewing muscle’ may also be treated to soften a square jaw or to prevent teeth grinding or jaw clenching at night.

 

​

How Long will it Last?

 

Results tend to last 3-4 months.  Movement will begin recovering from 8 weeks.  Frequent treatment at intervals of less than 3 months is not recommended. Repeating treatment when movement recovers will deliver optimum results over time. Frequency of treatments may be reduced according to the quality of your skin and your response to treatment. Should you choose not to maintain the results and not have further treatment, your muscles and skin will return to their pre-treatment state.

 

​

Does it Hurt?

 

A very fine needle is used and generally this treatment is not described by most as painful and can be well tolerated with no anaesthetic.  Please request an anaesthetic cream or ice, if you are nervous about needles.

 

 

Before Treatment

 

It is important you tell your practitioner about any medicines or dietary supplements you are taking, some medicines can adversely affect the way the toxin works or increase your risk of bruising.

 

If you are taking supplements such as Vitamin A, C or E, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, fish oils, St. Johns Wort or some pain killing medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, then these can increase your risk of bruising and it may be advisable to stop taking them a few days before your treatment.  It is also advisable that you do not drink alcohol the night before your treatment, for the same reason.

 

It is not advisable to have treatment if you are feeling at all unwell.

 

Make-up will need to be removed prior to the injections and you will be advised not to reapply it for 12 hours in order to reduce the risk of infection or irritation at the injection sites.

 

Be aware of the necessary after care advice and that your schedule allows for you to follow it.

 

​

After Treatment

 

You will be advised to keep the target muscles active for a few hours and to avoid extremes of heat or cold, vigorous exercise, lying down or leaning over for 4-6 hours.

 

After treatment it is expected that you will start to see an improvement within 2 or 3 days. For some people this takes longer. The full result may be judged at 2-3 weeks. You will be invited to attend a review appointment at 2-3 weeks where the success of the treatment may be assessed and adjustments to your personal treatment plan made, if necessary.

 

Should you experience any unexpected side effects or any that concern you, please contact the clinic.

 

Botulinum Toxin administration can result in anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) which in itself is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, eyelids, lips, hoarseness of the voice, stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea. If you have any of the above symptoms please report to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999 for an ambulance.

HA DERMAL FILLERS

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

 

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule found in all skin and soft tissues throughout the body, identical across species.

Dermal fillers are manufactured, usually through fermentation and cross linking with proteins to produce a clear, sterile gel for injection into the skin.

 

In the UK, there are over 160 brands on the market due in some part to weak regulation.  Not all hyaluronic acids are the same, each brand has a range of ‘tissue tailored’ products designed for specific results. One size does not fit all. At this clinic we use only tried and tested brands. If you have a particular brand you prefer, please discuss with us.

 

​

How Does it Work?

 

Hyaluronic Acid dermal fillers are a clear sterile gel in a syringe for injection into the skin providing instant correction. Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds water in the skin, providing volume and hydration, but also ‘cushioning’ and supporting collagen and elastin fibres and providing a medium, or carrier, for chemical messages between the cells.

 

Used to Treat

 

  • To correct or enhance facial contours; cheeks, temples, jawline, nose, chin.

  • To define, correct or enhance lips

  • To soften and correct facial wrinkles or folds

  • To restore lost volume in hands to reduce the appearance of veins and tendons

  • To improve the tone, texture and hydration of the skin.

 

​

Is it Safe?

 

Dermal fillers are safe, but not risk free, the nurse practitioner will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at consultation and again prior to treatment.

 

​

Am I Suitable for Treatment?

 

The practitioner will take a detailed medical history to ensure you have no conditions that might increase risk of unwanted side effects, consultation is also important to discuss your expectations and whether or not this treatment is able to meet them.

 

​

Does it Hurt?

 

Most leading brands also contain a local anaesthetic and we will apply topical anaesthetic cream, or ice, prior to treatment to numb the skin. Treatment need not be painful.

 

​

Before Treatment

 

All make up will need to be removed prior to treatment, so please come ‘fresh faced’ if possible. Alcohol, aspirin, Ibuprofen and a range of dietary supplements including; St. Johns Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, Vitamins C and E- may all contribute to bruising and are best avoided 24 hours before treatment. Treatment cannot be administered if there is an active skin infection, including acne or cold sores or if you are unwell- including colds, coughs, sore throats etc. Do contact the clinic to discuss any illness or new medicines prior to attending.

 

​

How Long will it Last?

 

Longevity does vary between products, and between individuals, but most will last between 6 months and 18 months.  If you choose not to maintain the results with further treatment, your skin will return to its pre-treatment state over time.

 

​

Aftercare Advice

 

Most people are able to continue with normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks, possibly swelling- particularly in the lips. Possibly bruising. Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day.

 

Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours

 

You are advised to avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sun bathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment. These activities have been found to increase and prolong swelling.

 

Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, and then should settle within the first few days. Cold packs can be helpful in reducing swelling. As a consequence of swelling, the product may feel harder or lumpy and you may notice some asymmetry. The final result may be judged at 2 weeks.

 

Bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising.  It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment. Tenderness should settle as swelling goes down.

 

Athletes should be aware some ingredients in the product may show a positive in ‘anti-dope tests’

 

Please contact your practitioner if redness, tenderness, itching or swelling worsens after 3 days, rather than settling.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.

 

Hyaluronic Acid administration can result in anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) which in itself is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, eyelids, lips, hoarseness of the voice, stomach pain, nausea or diarrhoea. If you have any of the above symptoms please report to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or call 999 for an ambulance.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TO DISCUSS FACIAL AESTHETICS TREATMENT

Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you might have about Facial Aesthetics using the contact form below.  Alternatively you can call us during our opening  hours on  020 451 88554.

bottom of page