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The dosages that we use in cosmetic medicine are very small compared to those used in classical medicine.
Once injected, the toxin binds irreversibly to the nerve/muscle connection where it stops the message from
the nerve reaching the muscle. No message, no movement. We understand that the blocked nerve/muscle complex
remains for about four weeks, after which the complex is removed. The nerve takes a further three to four months
to fully recover at which point muscle movement returns and a further treatment is required. During this period,
however, the habit of frowning can subside and the muscle can weaken (any muscle not used will weaken).
This means that with subsequent treatments the ability to frown reduces and the long-term goal of a lifted,
peaceful forehead can be achieved. BTX really does re-educate the muscles of the face so that in many people
less and less treatment is required.
The cumulative effects of the treatment are not seen so readily around the eye area. Perhaps the eye is more
sensitive and the muscles regenerate quicker, certainly other changes are taking place that cause crinkles and
crows feet. This is the area that ages first; the skin is fine, it is sensitive to the suns' rays and it is constantly moving.
To achieve the best results around the eye area a combination of treatments is recommended to deal with each and
every underlying factor; peeling for sun exposure and volume fillers for volume loss. We like to treat the temples
to fill out the hollow and lift the eyebrows, and to treat the cheek area to fill out the area underneath the crows feet - see below.
FILLERS
VOLUME LOSS
If you ever look at a young person you will see how soft their skin is, how plump it is and how it recovers from each move and every gesture. How unblemished and how perfect the features. Clean, bouncy and as inviting as a hotel bed with new duvet and freshly ironed sheets. Plump is the right word - all the tissues supporting the skin are firm and healthy; the fatty layer, the blood vessels, the supporting collagen fibres and the "ground substance"; the hydrating gel.
Youth is wasted on the young, or so they say. Slowly and imperceptibly the supporting layer starts to lose its fullness. Like an apple drying in the fruit bowl the skin starts to sag, to line and pucker, eventually overhanging its bony margins at the jaw line and in the cheeks. In the absence of severe weight loss or other accelerating elements (smoking, sun exposure, extreme illness) volume loss precedes loss of elasticity by about seven years.
Most lines on the face are caused by the underlying loss of volume. Look at the face of somebody overweight - they have few (if any) lines and their face is still round and plump. Up till recently we used to fill the lines themselves, but now this new understanding has allowed us to replace the underlying volume disturbance and achieve better, more natural and longer lasting results.
CHEEKS AND CHEEKBONES
Cheeks are a sign of both youth and beauty. The cheeks highlight the eye area by reflecting the light; the more uniform the light the better the look.
Together with the eyebrows they frame the eye, drawing the viewer's eyes to them. We all have cheekbones; what disappears with age are the overlying fatty pads. As the cheek areas subside they leave their tell-tale signs - crow's feet, nose to mouth folds, heavy jawline and the loss of facial balance. The light is now scattered; shadows appear on the face. The lower face becomes more obvious that the upper. The face looks "tired".
Young people have voluminous cheeks, as well as "pretty" people, and a loss of cheek volume can be quickly and easily restored with a filler.
Longer-lasting products such as Restylane Sub Q and Voluma are used to build up the cheek area and lift the jawline. Both Sub Q and Voluma are designed to give instant results and last about one year. When we treat the cheeks we treat the cheekbones, not the apples so frequently seen in the magazines; overdone yet pubescent. This is not the look for an adult woman and so we prefer to work within the realms of normality.
Since the cheek area is one of the first to disappear, it makes sense to address this area early on in the treatment plan.
We also understand that a well-supported skin is a healthy skin. Once the skin starts to hang on the face it develops shearing forces between the layers. Such shearing forces prevent healthy functioning. The skin condition deteriorates. Once, however, the skin has been restored to its original place, the skin loses these shearing forces and can regain its full function and therefore appearance. This phenomenon is frequently observed after a face-lift and now becoming appreciated after volume restoration.
The fillers that we use at Bijoux are made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), the naturally occurring hydrating agent of our skin. HA has been used as a filler substance for over fifteen years and technology has allowed the product to be made so that it is totally compatible with the human body. HA is a large sugar molecule that attracts water; it is a hydrating and lubricating agent and is identical across the mammalian and bird species. The first HA fillers were derived from the comb of the cockerel but nowadays all HA comes from bacterial fermentation (the standard process for all biological substances).
TEMPLES
Not only do the cheeks frame the eyes; the temples do as well. By providing volume underneath the eyebrow and to the side of the eye, the temples ensure that the eyes are framed all around and above, and that the eyebrows are arched softly above the eye. As this area shrinks with age (and in particularly in slim people), the eyebrows slope, the skin falls into the eye sockets, the eyes become smaller and eye shadow cannot be seen. For a while botulinium toxin helps to open the eyes, but soon the eyebrows fall again. Only volume replacement will do, and then the eyes regain their true beauty.
We have two ways of treating the temples, depending on the site of the volume loss.
The filler can be injected directly to the side of the eyes (yes - there is space there). It does
feel like drilling in the head during the treatment but the results appear immediately and are subtle but effective.
The face will lift, as well. Alternatively, or as well, we can use the flexible cannula and inject above the eyebrow.
Again this seems an unlikely place given that it is just skin and bone, but the flexible cannula (a recent introduction from the makers of
Restylane and an alternative to the needle) allows us simple and safe access, with very effective results.
LIPS
Lips, too, are a sign of youth and fertility. Thank goodness the bee-stung lips are now out of fashion in favour of a
totally natural look. We can revitalise the lips and give a fresher plumper look in several ways. Whichever way we treat
the lips, there is no need to feel pain. We use a short-acting dental anaesthesia to ensure maximum comfort.
The border of the lips can be treated to freshen up the lip liner area. Sometimes we need a bit more volume in the flesh
itself; sometimes a combination. It's all up for discussion, although we can suggest what is the best for you.
If you want to make the flesh look plumper and more kissable, then we can plump up the very top layers of flesh; where we
normally put our lipstick. This part can become dry and shrivelled; by injecting very close to the surface of the lips this
area can be returned to strawberry-lusciousness!
A very common request is to remove just the lipstick lines. Lipstick lines can be associated with smoking or sun exposure.
If this is the case, very often it makes sense to deal with the underlying cause, ie repair the skin itself (eg peeling,
dermaroller, ematrix) and then to review the need for fillers.
Lipstick lines can also be due to volume loss of the face and the lips in particular. In order to achieve the best
results we need to restore the volume of the lips and the quality of the lip line. This will mean putting a small
amount of filler in the border as well as treating the lines themselves. This does not mean that the lips will be
necessarily bigger; it just depends on your request. We can treat the lines without adding volume. We will only be improving the texture of the lip border.
Whichever lip treatment you chose please be aware that they can bruise and they will swell. Normally the swelling
lasts for up to 24 hours but it can last longer. They always go down. Bruises always go but may take a week in older skin.
Cold sores can flare up after lip treatments so we always provide a prescription for the anti-viral medication, acyclovir.
Take this on the day of treatment.
LOWER JAW AND CHIN
The chin contributes to the shape of the face. The lower jaw tends to shrink with age, especially after the menopause,
and can contribute to marionette lines and a shrivelled mouth. It is important to look at the chin area and build this up
where necessary with fillers. Young people with a weak chin often benefit from fillers in this area.
SCULPTRA®
The concept of Sculptra® is quite exciting in that Sculptra® encourages the body to build up its own collagen and tissue volume. Sculptra® is the trademark for poly lactic acid - many molecules of lactic acid joined together. Lactic acid is normally formed by the action of the muscles in the body, making the product totally compatible with the body's own tissue. However the product is not made from animal or human sources, like most cosmetic and medical products it is made from bacterial fermentation.
Sculptra® should be considered as a volumising (or re-volumising) programme for the face, and certainly not a filler. The product is injected into the areas of the face that require volume. Although there will be a "result" after the first treatment, this is due to swelling and merely gives us an idea of the end result. The initial swelling disappears after one or two days, but gradually and often imperceptibly the volume builds up until the next treatment, six weeks later. Yet again the face appears to show a further result, but this is short-lived and disappears after a two days. The real results will now start to show as the tissues of the face respond to the injected poly lactic acid. One third and possibly final treatment will complete the programme. The results should now last for up to three years. You may of course top the treatment up from time to time but with one injection session rather than the full three again.
The manufacturers of Sculptra® suggest an average of six vials per treatment programme, but many clients who have only a small volume loss or who have taken care of their volume with standard HA fillers may need less, maybe three vials. We know that Sculptra® will work, it sometimes takes time to work. We prefer not to over-inject but to take our time and wait for the results to show before adding more product. This is why we tend to recommend one or two per treatment and to space the treatments out every six weeks. We can always add more product, we can never take it away.
Sculptra® is best placed deep in the tissues to replace the deep fatty stores and to obtain a natural, soft result in keeping with the contours of the face. The temples thin early and these should be treated first. The other areas of the upper face (cheeks, eye area, nose to mouth area) need to be addressed before the lower face is treated, since the lower face begins to lift as upper facial volume is re-established.
In the lower face, Sculptra® is used more to stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin itself, thereby increasing the quality of the skin and preventing fracture lines.
As we begin to lose volume at about the age of 35, we should start thinking about volume treatment with either a HA filler or Sculptra® from this age.
Combining Sculptra® with HA fillers
Those of us who insist on instant results will be reassured to know that Sculptra® and HA fillers are compatible and can be used together. Once you have decided on a volumising treatment, perform the HA filler first to give instant results in the areas where it is recommended. Then, at your leisure, embark upon the course of Sculptra®.
Our experience is that Sculptra® is not always strong enough to "hold up" a face with severe volume loss. We achieve better results by combining HA and Sculptra® from the very beginning. We inject the cheeks first with Juvederm Voluma, then complete the volumisation with Sculptra®.
TREATMENTS FOR SKIN QUALITY
RESTYLANE VITAL/JUVEDERM HYDRATE
Water is essential for life, and for the health of the tissues. All biochemical processes (such as collagen formation and toxin removal) take place in the water in the tissues. Water also supports the skin from underneath, provides bounce, volume and smoothness. It contributes to healthy colour and healthy glow. Water that is useful to the body is held in suspension by hyaluronic acid and other matrix support structures. This is "bound" water. "Free" water is not bound, and probably if we stood up all day long free water would end up in our feet!! Free water does not contribute to healthy skin.
Thus the more bound water we have the better the skin functions and the better it looks. This is dependent upon the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin, which decrease with age, smoking, illness and sun exposure.
Restylane Vital is an injectable hyaluronic acid that replaces the hyaluronic acid lost through age, sun exposure and smoking. Restylane Vital is an essential anti-ageing technique that should form the backbone of our anti-age routine.
Restylane Vital is a great way to start taking care of your skin. Recommended for any skin that is dry, losing tone or complexion, or just for an instant éclat.
Hyaluronic acid is also a very powerful anti-oxidant, and in the absence of other anti-oxidants (eg in the diet) can neutralise damaging free radicals. All very well but this is instead of providing hydration. This is often the case in smokers and sun lovers; their skin looks older and drier than those that avoid smoking and the sun and/or who enjoy a healthy diet.
Juvederm Hydrate is designed with this in mind. Juvederm Hydrate is a mixture of hyaluronic acid and mannitol, a powerful anti-oxidant in its own right. Juvederm hydrate is recommended for smokers, sun lovers and those with particularly dry or damaged skin. The mannitol scavenges the free radicals before they can use up the all-essential hyaluronic acid. We will see more fillers using this "HA saving" technology in the future.
PEELING
This is not the perfect term for a procedure that reverses sun damage, revitalises the skin, tightens it, closes the pores, reduces pigmentation, reduces fine lines, improves the texture of the skin and turns back the clock in terms of skin ageing. Nevertheless we are stuck with it. Many of the peels we offer do not even cause peeling!.
Even the classic TCA peel can be performed in stages to avoid the peeling phase; moreover some of our peels are so gentle that you may carry them out at home. The glycolic acid 10% mask or 25% for the body are very simple home care treatments.
Peeling is a repair and revitalisation procedure particularly for sun damage. Peeling reverses sun damage, stimulates new collagen synthesis and reduces pigmented lesions. The type of peeling that you choose depends on your skin condition and your lifestyle.
Peeling is also an excellent treatment for acne, both in its active stage and for the scars and pigmentation that may result. Sometimes peeling needs to be combined with other treatments in order to completely eradicate the acne.
Gentle peeling - glycolic acid, lactic or mandelic acid.
Gentle peeling is a simple procedure and often the first that people choose. It is a simple procedure with no down-time. Gentle peeling is recommended for early signs of sun damage and ageing of the skin - open pores, fine lines, dryness and poor texture. Gentle peeling will improve the texture and luminescence of the skin as well as reducing fine lines, increasing hydration and decreasing open pores.
Glycolic acid is the classical gentle peel, although we now prefer mandelic acid (from almonds). This exfoliates the skin at the time of peeling and (apart from being very satisfying) means no further exfoliation. It is recommended for sensitive, oily skins and those with rosacea.
Lactic acid (from milk) is recommended for acne-prone skin and skin that is a little thicker or oilier.
Our glycol-eye peel is specially formulated for around the eye area.
Any gentle peeling needs to be repeated every two weeks for a total of six treatments. We like to combine gentle peeling with the vitamin facial and then visible red light in our "combination facial" order to achieve superior results in less time.
TCA peeling; one layer
TCA peeling is normally considered a medium depth peel simply because the product penetrates deeper to reach the medium layers of the skin. The deeper the product penetrates then the better the result will be. Deeper lines, acne scarring and some pigmented lesions will be more suitably treated by going deeper in the skin. Peeling is a bit like paint stripping - the more layers that we apply the more layers of skin will be removed (and the better results). However the deeper we go and the more layers we remove then the more peeling there will be. This is why we prefer to go layer at a time (unless you wish to do it all in one go and then we will happily oblige - see below).
A single layer of TCA will lift off a layer of skin cells and only cause a slight dryness the following day. A single layer will penetrate deeper than glycolic acid and therefore will achieve better results that glycolic peeling. Single layer TCA can be repeated every two weeks for a total of three or four treatments.
TCA medium depth peel
By applying three or four layers of the TCA we will go deeper and remove more than one layer of skin. We aim to reach the area from which the skin grows and have some rejuvenating effects on the growing area itself. This is more invasive than the other peels and for the time of application (a few minutes) will feel quite hot and stingy, say 9/10 on the discomfort scale. Afterwards the skin becomes red, then dry and brown and peels off a day five. Whilst you may apply make-up for these days the skin will be really dry.
A medium depth peel is recommended for sun damage, open pores, poor texture and for generally improving the skin in white Caucasian individuals.
Because this peel is stronger than a glycolic peel, it is not suitable for darker more sensitive skin types, or anybody prone to rebound hyperpigmentation.
We always use red light to promote healing and reduce recovery time after a TCA peel. Although the results are seen almost immediately after the peeling phase, the very best results are seen after six months.
Although it makes sense to avoid the damaging rays of the sun after a peel, sun exposure is not prohibited after our peels.
With the advent of the dermaroller we find that we are performing less peels in favour of the dermaroller. Dermaroller improves skin structure, stimulates collagen and elastin production and releases essential growth factors.
DERMAROLLER
Dermaroller is just about the only treatment that our friends will admit to! Dermaroller is a small disposable device that gives the same results as a fractional skin resurfacing, without the downtime, discomfort or cost.
The Dermaroller was created by a German metallurgist who appreciated the role of controlled sterile skin trauma in skin regeneration and repair. The Dermaroller creates tiny punctures in the skin which heal within three minutes. Unlike a fractional laser which "drills" a column of damage, the dermaroller needle penetrates the skin to reach the key layers, stimulating the fibroblasts and releasing huge quantities of growth factors into the dermal tissues. It is the combination of increased fibroblast activity and growth factor availability that stimulates the skin to repair itself, not just from scars but from ageing. Dermaroller is the only technique that recreates both the support tissues collagen and elastin.
Before the treatment we apply copious amounts of anaesthetic cream in good time to ensure that the procedure is tolerable. Once numb, it might feel a bit prickly but this is easily sustainable. The aim of the treatment is to release growth factors into the skin; these are found in the blood. We are therefore looking to make the skin red, with a few bleeding points. This takes about half an hour, after which we apply a cooling, soothing healing cream. The skin is a bit red on leaving but make-up can be applied immediately.
The face will remain red for the rest of the day, but by the following day it should start to settle down. Most people are able to return to normal activities by the next day although some people with more fragile skin take a bit longer.
Sometimes the skin can even peel, this is particularly the case when sundamaged skin has been treated. Small bruises are also possible over the bony areas (collar bone, jawline).
Depending on the response of the skin (ie redness at the time of treatment) we like to repeat the dermaroller treatment sooner or later. If the response was good and the skin went red quickly then we recommend a repeat treatment after about 4 - 6 weeks. If the response was sluggish then it is best to perform a repeat treatment at two weeks to benefit from the enhanced circulation.
Acne scars respond really well to the dermaroller. The needles penetrate and break up the scar tissue, growth factors encourage new skin growth in the scarred area. For acne, we recommend three treatments. Once the scars have been replaced by normal skin, they are gone for good.
Sundamaged skin also responds well to Dermaroller; again three treatments would be recommended.
We only use the Genuine Dermaroller - this is CE marked and registered as a medical device.
FRACTIONAL RESURFACING E-MATRIX
We can go deeper in the skin to achieve even better results, especially for scarred, pigmented, lax and sun-aged skin. For this we use the e-Matrix, a fractional resurfacing device.
Whereas fractional laser resurfacing devices removes (ablates) a column of tissue within the skin, e-matrix removes a teardrop-shaped area. This means that the surface of the skin is barely disturbed and the healing is much quicker and more predictable. The skin is only open for about 12 hours, reducing the risk of infection and scarring to near zero. It also makes the procedure tolerable.
The e-matrix is based on radiofrequency energy so there is no need to wear goggles to protect the eyes. It is quick, clean and tolerable. The level of ablation can also be determined according to your needs and desire for results.
Most people select the middle setting. This allows good resurfacing but downtime of 1 - 3 days, depending on your skin. For even better results we can go deeper and use the full setting. In this case the skin will take a week to recover and will be red and swollen.
E-Matrix can be used on any part of the body to improve skin quality, reduce laxity, scars and stretch marks. The eye area responds particularly well to e-Matrix. There is no need for a skin test before the e-Matrix treatment.
COMBINATION VITAMIN FACIAL
This is our creation - unique to our clinic.
By combining several different techniques we address the underlying causes and outward signs of skin ageing. Moreover, there are no worries about redness or bruising because the techniques are so gentle.
We start off by cleaning the face, then performing a gentle peel. The strength of the peel depends on your needs and can range from the 10% glycolic acid mask to a 70% glycolic acid or 40% mandelic acid peel. This is then washed off.
A nappage of vitamins, minerals and the hydrating element hyaluronic acid is gently applied to the skin. Nappage means a gentle pricking technique which really does not hurt. With each prick, a droplet of nourishing solution is left behind in the papillary dermis, the area where collagen formation takes place.
After the vitamin facial the skin is bathed in red light. Visible red light (600nm) is known for its immune stimulating and healing properties and is incredibly relaxing. We use the same device that NASA uses for wound healing in space.
The combination vitamin facial finishes with an application of moisturizing cream (and SPF).Make-up may be applied but it is a shame to hide the newly-acquired glow, .a sign of things to come.
MYCELLS AUTOLOGOUS SKIN REJUVENATION
The ultimate skin rejuvenation and scar reduction treatment. We all have the capacity to heal ourselves. When wounds are created bleeding and bruising occurs. Up till now we have considered this a nuisance, but in fact our blood is rich in growth factors and human stems cells. These carry the message for healing and rejuvenation.
Obtaining the growth factors and stem cells is easy. Blood is taken from you at the time of the procedure and is spun in a centrifuge. The heavier blood cells move to the bottom of the test tube and the platelet and growth factor-rich plasma separates out in the upper part of the tube. This is drawn up into a syringe and ready for use. There is no risk of muddling up samples because the blood is taken from you and used at the same treatment; nothing is stored for later and the blood never leaves your sight.
The plasma mixture can then be used in various ways, depending on the needs of your face and your particular concerns.
The plasma can be injected just like a filler in order to revolumise the key areas; cheeks, lips, temples and nose to mouth areas.
It can also be injected into the skin to improve texture and quality. In this case we borrow the technique from mesotherapy; nappage.
Excitingly, the plasma can be used around the eyes where we would otherwise have to be wary. Plasma can be injected to give volume and to improve skin quality.
After the treatment the face looks a little red, can be swollen and there may be some bruising, especially around the eye. The treatment is no more discomforting than a normal filler injection or mesotherapy.
The results start to appear after about four weeks and continue to develop over the next six months. They are subtle and for this reason we prefer to take photos before the treatment. Repeat treatments are recommended; initially after three months and then after six months, depending on your age and desire for improvement.
Mycells is the ultimate in skin rejuvenation. Results can only be natural; the body cannot over-respond because your stem cells are genetically programmed to express your natural characteristics.
Mycells is good for those that like the concept of self-rejuvenation, who want the best out of their skin and perhaps for those who prefer not to have fillers or botox.
SKIN CLEANSING; PPX
The PPX device (also known as the fifteen minute facial) combines suction with low dose pulsed light. The suction is intense but concentrated in a small area so that pores are literally sucked clean and the contents wiped away. The light helps to control redness, decrease pigmentation and to stimulate collagen synthesis. Because the device emits a preponderance of blue light acne and other spot-forming bacteria are killed. This makes the PPX device a great treatment for controlling acne and break outs.
The treatment does not hurt and takes about fifteen minutes. Afterwards the skin is a little red but this quickly settles. You need to ensure that your skin is at its base colour; avoid sun tans and fake tans before treatment. You will also need a test patch at least 48 hours prior to treatment. We do not charge for test patches.
We recommend a course of about six during which we gradually increase the level of light reaching the skin. While the suction cleanses the skin the light provides the therapeutic energy.
PPX is good for acne, break outs, problem skin, blocked pores, open pores, pigmentation, redness, rosacea and generalized skin rejuvenation.
TREAMENTS FOR FACIAL LAXITY
ACCENT RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICE
The accent uses the same energy as the e-Matrix, but delivers it all over rather than concentrating on pin point areas. This means that while both devices can lift, the Accent lifts in a more gentle way. There is no down-time.
The radiofrequency energy is picked up by the water in the tissues, heating from within. Our collagen fibres tend to stretch as we age and in response to gravity. Smoking and sun exposure accelerates the stretch. Rather as our favourite jumper shrinks when we heat it (too hot a programme in the wash), our tissues "shrink" when exposed to controlled heating. Thus heating the tissues can improve skin laxity and restore sagging jawlines, eyes, foreheads and necks.
In men, the saggy, fatty neck associated with ageing can be reduced by the accent device. Surely better than buying bigger shirts.
TREATMENTS FOR ACNE
Acne is due to a combination of factors; excess sebum production, increased activity of skin bacteria and build-up of dead cells and debris on the surface of the skin. As a consequence pores become blocked and infected.
The treatment of acne needs to address all of these underlying factors, which means that a single treatment will not be effective. We need to combine treatments. We also need to think about the underlying cause; sometimes hormone changes, stress and dietary indiscretion.
For our part we like to emphasise exfoliation with a gentle salicylic acid peel, particularly good at removing the excess oil and dead cells, combined with red and blue light to specifically kill the bacteria. Skin cleansing with the PPX skin cleansing/light device is also an essential and satisfying part of the treatment. (see earlier section on PPX)
We perform the treatment combination every two to four weeks, depending on the degree of the problem. The treatment can be performed even if the acne is active, although sometimes the acne flares up a bit before responding to treatment.
ACNE SCARS
Once installed, acne scars can be disfiguring and distressing. There is no need to suffer any more; we can reduce these substantially using the new Dermaroller treatment or the e-Matrix.
BROKEN VEINS
Broken veins on the face respond well to IPL;intense pulsed light. The colour of the veins picks up the energy of the light (all light is energy), they get hot and then fuse together from the inside. Any colour in the face will absorb the light energy; so you will need to be at your base colour and not use fake tan or go in the sun for the duration of the treatment. Darker skins need more care and a lower level of light, so this means maybe more treatments. We like to take care of darker skin to avoid any risk of burning or pigmentation.
Broken veins normally require several treatment sessions. The treatment takes about 15 minutes and does not hurt. Afterwards the face will be a little red but this quickly settles. The IPL device that we use is called the PPX. You will notice that we also use this for skin cleansing and revitalization. If you treat the veins of the face, the surrounding skin will also become cleansed and revitalized, since the light reaches all layers of the skin.
BROWN SPOTS
These appear not with age, but with sun exposure. They can be removed in many ways (laser, peeling, nitrogen spray). We prefer the nitrogen spray in view of its speed of action and limited down time. The cryopen applies a very fine jet of liquid nitrogen to the brown spots, freezing them instantly. The spots become very dark before flaking off ten days later. Normally two to three treatments are required depending on the size and thickness of the spots.
ABNORMAL PIGMENTATION
Peeling for pigmentation - Cosmelan
Abnormal pigmentation is a very common skin complaint. Even the pigment cells can become damaged; when they are damaged they do what they know best - make pigment!! Sun, hormones, pregnancy, stress, trauma and ageing are all features that can result in abnormal pigmentation. Darker skins, mixed race skins and oriental skins are more prone to pigmentation and must be treated cautiously to avoid more pigmentation.
For this type of skin, Cosmelan is advised. Cosmelan is a well-known depigmenting and skin rejuvenating treatments that originated in Spain.
The only way that pigment can be removed from the skin is by the natural exfoliation of the skin; for the treatment to be successful, further pigmentation must be prevented.
Cosmelan is a combination of both; exfoliation and pigment control. Cosmelan can be used in its full strength as Cosmelan 1 (peeling) and 2(maintenance), and in a more gentle manner with Cosmelan 2 alone.
Cosmelan 1 and 2 involves the application of the Cosmelan mask for up to ten hours. This mask is yellow in colour, looks like thick foundation and has to be removed at home. The next day the skin is quite red and a little swollen, and a healing cream is applied. The following day, Cosmelan 2 cream is started which stops any further pigmentation. The Cosmelan 2 contains many pigment inhibitors, plus the anti-ageing retinoic acid cream and several other soothing ingredients. By applying Cosmelan 2 at this stage enables the skin to peel off, taking much pigmentation with it, and preventing further colour build-up.
Cosmelan 2 needs to be applied regularly for up to one year for reliable results. It is well worth the effort since the skin becomes younger, fresher and without pigmentation in 95% of cases. The sun should be avoided since it is the major stimulation of pigment and ageing factor of the skin.
The skin may remain red and flaky for about four days, so this must be remembered when planning treatment.
For those that do not wish to be red and flaky, Cosmelan 2 (the maintenance cream) can be applied after a more gentle mandelic acid peel. The peel is performed every three or four weeks and Cosmelan 2 is applied up to 3 times a day as a routine. In this case the results will appear slower than with the full-on Cosmelan 1 and 2, but nevertheless will be worthwhile.
Cosmelan 2 can be used without any peeling agent at all, just that the results will take slightly longer. However there is no down time or need to attend the clinic.
SEMI-PERMANENT MAKE-UP
Faye has been drawing and pigmenting eyebrows and lips for the last three years. The results are semi-permanent (lasting up to five years), so we prefer to give you an idea of the end result before you commit to the treatment. At the first consultation Faye will use a semi-permanent marker pen to draw in what you would like (both colour and the shape). Then it's up to you to experience the new you and decide to go ahead with the treatment. We use plenty of anaesthetic cream in order to minimise any discomfort.
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Over use of the muscles of the face can eventually cause lines to develop where the skin has been constantly
moved and folded. Constant movement of the facial muscles also wears away the underlying fatty tissue,
causing accelerated volume loss. Just compare anybody with an overactive, expressive face to one with a
peaceful, static face. The peaceful face is not lined or saggy. If we feel it necessary, we can use a
prescription medicine to minimise the activity of the facial muscles. This also has the beneficial effect
of calming any negative expression that you make.
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