Wrinkle Relaxers, Rejuvenation and Fillers
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. 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 following a face-to-face assessment and consultation with a qualified prescriber such as Dr Aman.
At The Chislehurst Aesthetics Clinic, we use Bocouture® which is a licensed brand of Botulinum toxin A.
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.
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 lines, crow’s feet, worry lines on the brow. 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 all lines present, this can be discussed with Dr Amandeep Bhamra.
Advanced and off-label indications include: 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 last approximately 3 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 speak to Dr Aman if you are nervous about needles.
Before Treatment
It is important you tell Dr Aman 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.
Supplements such as Vitamin A, C or E, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, fish oils, St. Johns Wort or painkiller medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, 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.
Hyaluronic Acid 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.
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. 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. Leading and well established brands include Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane which are the fillers used at Royal Parade Beauty Spa Clinic. We use only tried and tested brands. If you have a particular brand you prefer, please discuss this with Dr Amandeep Bhamra.
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, Dr Aman will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at consultation and again prior to treatment.
Am I Suitable for Treatment?
Dr Aman 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.
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.