Dermal FIllers

These products are used to plump up fine lines, wrinkles, some scarring, and augment the lips by restoring volume and definition. To “rejuvenate” the skin.

Dermal fillers are made from a variety of materials. There are dermal fillers derived from collagen, some which come from a bovine source and some from a porcine source. Other fillers are synthetically produced in laboratory and are derived from hyaluronic acid. Fillers derived from both collagen and hyaluronic acid are temporary biodegradeable products which last 3-9 months depending on the product and the amount used. Fillers made using collagen will require a skin test whereas fillers made from hyaluronic acid may not. Some of the brand names of temporary fillers include Restylane®, Hydrafill®, Juvederm® and and Radiesse®.

Radiesse® - a temporary filler made using calcium hydroxylapatite, the results can last up to 2 years. No skin test is required.

Bio-Alcamid® - a permanent filler made from 96% water and 4% syntheric polymer (poly-alkyl-imide). Once injected a thin capsule of collagen forms round the filler. The manufacturers claim the filler can be extracted easily at any time of the results are not to the patient's liking.

The practitioner injects the filler in a series of small injections and the area gently massaged. You can expect to be a little swollen and tender for a short while afterwards. Some treatments require the application of a local anaesthetic cream, and others which are carried out by doctors or dentists may be performed using nerve block anaesthesia. The treatment time can vary between 30 minutes to an hour.

The area may be a little swollen and tender for 24 hours and during that time you should avoid coffee, alcohol, hot drinks and the sun.

The results: The lines and wrinkles are softened, the lips can be plumped up and given more definition. The degree of correction is dependent on the patient's wishes and the amount of product used. Results are also dependent on a patient's skin type and facial structure, their life style and their own perception.

The risks: Risks can include a small risk of allergic reaction to the filler or bruising of the treated area, or nodule formation. People with a history of cold sores may experience a recurrence after treatment, although this can be minimised by the use of antiviral medicines.

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Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle and safe non-invasive treatment that results in smooth, fresh and cleaner skin.

Does your skin suffer from:

• fine lines or wrinkles
• pigmentation or age spots
• acne or surgical scarring
• whiteheads/blackheads/congestion
• open pores
• scar tissue
• dull congested or thickened skin
• sallow complexion
• coarse uneven bumpy skin
• age revealing hands

Then talk with one of our fully trained skin consultants today about how Microdermabrasion can help correct these problems

Q. What does Microdermabrasion do?
A. Microdermabrasion gently removes dead skin cells from the skin revealing younger, fresher looking skin while at the same time unclogging pores and stimulating new cell growth.

Q. How long does treatment take?
A. Microdermabrasion can take as little as half an hour depending on the skin condition and the area being treated.

Q. Is Microdermabrasion painful?
A. No, Microdermabrasion is not painful. Your trained consultant will ensure that you do not experience any discomfort when undergoing microdermabrasion treatment.

Q. How will my skin look immediately after treatment?
A. Your skin will look amazing. The texture will be instantly smoother. Your pores will be clean. Blackheads removed. Overall your skin will look very clean and smooth.
It may be slightly flushed and feel warm after the stimulation from the Microdermabrasion. This flushing is called erythema (increase of blood flow) which brings in more nutrients, vitamins and especially oxygen to help repair the skin and stimulate collagen. You can return to your normal activities almost immediately.

Q. How many treatments will I require?
A. Your skin will feel smoother and cleaner just after one treatment. To experience maximum results a course of six treatments at two weekly intervals is usually recommended.
Your skin consultant will discuss the number of treatments required to address your particular skin type at the time of your initial consultation.

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Radiage™

What is a RFS procedure?

A RFS procedure uses mild, intense radio frequency energy to heat and tighten facial skin and skin around the neck. An advanced cool-gel (cryo-gel) is applied to the skin to cool its outer surface. A Radiage Wand™ is then applied to the treatment area to heat the site, which modifies the soft tissue beneath the skin causing the collagen to contract and tighten.

Is Radiage™ painful?

When the Radiage Wand™ is applied and energised you may feel brief, mild to intense heat in the treatment site followed by the immediate cooling effect of the cryo gel. Radiage™ can be performed without local anaesthetic, although some patients may choose oral medication for the heat sensation.

What results can I expect?

You’ll experience a tightening of the facial skin and skin along the neck, similar to a non-surgical brow or face-lift, giving a more youthful appearance. The treatment can also be applied to firm up other parts of the body, such as the legs and abdomen. Most patients see results immediately. However, the results may be gradual over a three to six month period as the skin tightens and more new collagen is formed.

How long will the results last?

Results from Radiage™ last from 12 to 16 months. Your skin will continue to age as it has done in the past so you may wish to have another anti-aging procedure or a repeat treatment.

What are the benefits of Radiage™?

• The treatment is non-invasive, so there is no incision or tissue damage and no bleeding or bruising
• Accuracy – a level of control can be applied that is difficult to achieve with other treatments
• The risk of scarring is minimal
• Radiage™ can be combined with other rejuvenating treatments
• Radiage™ is a quick, relatively pain-free procedure
• This treatment is suitable for all skin types

Radiage™ also requires no recovery time so you can resume normal activities immediately after your treatment. You may experience a slight redness of the skin but this can usually only be seen for an hour and fades completely within 24 hours.

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Restylane Vital

Restylane Vital - Rejuvenate Sun-damaged - Aging skin

Years of sun-damage combined with the natural aging process result in a depletion of hyaluronic acid (HA) and loss of elasticity with thinning of the skin giving a dry scaly appearance with crepey fine lines. This is commonly seen on the face, neck, décolletage and hands. Restylane Vital – hyaluronic acid(HA) provides hydration and moisturising from within to reverse these changes

What is Restylane Vital?

Restylane Vital- is a smooth, pure, crystal clear non-animal hyaluronic gel which provides deep dermal hydration, moisturising from within to improve skin tone and health to restore the skin to a plump hydrated appearance, reducing fine lines. Restylane Vital replenishes the skins’ own hyaluronic acid which attracts water in the skin improving texture, tone and skin health. Recent studies have confirmed that HA boosts collagen production in the skin providing added benefit in skin rejuvenation.

How is Restylane Vital treatment performed?

• Initial consultation will determine the goals of treatment, make note of any associated medical conditions and plan the optimum treatment to achieve the ideal result in each patient.
  
• Treatment is carried out in the out-patient setting and takes 30 – 60 minutes.
  
• A topical local anaesthetic cream is applied to the area(s); face, décolletage or hands.
  
• A Jet-Peel treatment is used prior to the injections which helps to hydrate the skin and speed up the results of treatment. Restylane Vital is delivered to the area via multiple injections using a very fine needle.

Will Restylane Vital treatment be painful / cause bruising?

Minimal discomfort is expected during the treatment and no bruising should occur with the careful techniques used. Cooling of the skin before and after treatment help reduce discomfort and swelling.

When will results be seen after Restylane Vital?

Improvement in the skin appears with a few weeks following treatment. An initial course of 2 or 3 treatments every 2 – 4 weeks is recommended for optimal results.

How long will the result of Restylane Vital last?

Restylane Vital releases hyaluronic acid gradually over a period of time, therefore the improvement in the appearance generally lasts for 4 -6 months. Repeat treatments are recommended every 6 months to maintain the skin hydration and improvement.

What are the side effects or risks of Restylane Vital?

Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising can occur. Reactions following Restylane Vital are rare.

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Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal permanently removes un-wanted body or facial hair. Unlike treatments such as electrolysis, which treat hair by hair, the Intense Pulse Light Laser treats many hairs at once, which makes it easy to treat larger areas such as legs, arms and the bikini line. It also makes treating male chest or back areas much more efficient.

How does it work?

Intense Pulse Light is a medically developed and researched laser system for the removal of unwanted body hair. The Intense Pulse Light laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and travels through the skin to the base of the hair follicle, disrupting the hair root growth. The laser energy kills the roots of the hair that are in the active growth phase at the time of the treatment.

Is the treatment painful?

This is an initial concern for many patients. The Intense Pulse Light treatment process uses a special cooling system which lowers the temperature of the skin during and after laser exposure. The treatment is generally described as similar to a small rubber band being flicked against the skin. The treatment is generally not painful and well tolerated. A topical anesthetic cream is an option for more sensitive areas.

How long does the treatment take?

This varies depending on the area being treated. The process can take anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies depending on the area being treated. Age and hormones are also contributing factors. Studies have shown permanent hair loss of up to 85-90% after 6-8 treatments.

Am I a suitable candidate for laser hair removal?

Most people are able to have laser hair removal. Unsuitable candidates include those who are currently pregnant (breast-feeding does not preclude you from treatment), patients prone to skin discolouration, patients who want grey, white, or very fine hairs removed. Patients who have recently taken Roaccutane for acne need to wait at least 6 months after finishing their course of treatment to commence laser hair removal.

What do I need to do before treatment?

Hair should not be plucked or waxed 3 weeks before treatment. You may be advised to shave the area prior to your treatment.
If you have a history of cold sores and you are planning to have your upper lip hairs removed, you will need to inform your treating physician so that you can be put on appropriate anti-viral therapy beforehand.

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Nd YAG Laser Tattoo Removal

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Definition: The principle of selective thermolysis can be applied towards the removal of tattoos. The energy delivered by a number of different lasers is targeted towards the carbon particles or dyes that are found in skin tattoos, allowing selective destruction of the foreign pigment while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin.

Lasers may be used on professional, amateur, cosmetic, medicinal, and traumatic tattoos. The different colors present in the tattoos may respond differently to laser tattoo removal. Lasers offer a non-invasive and effective treatment for unwanted tattoos.

FAQ

1. Is Laser Tattoo removal painful?

That depends on your pain threshold. When a lower fluence is used, the degree of pain is often described as comparable to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. You may need local anesthesia with higher fluences. This will eliminate any discomfort during the procedure. A topical anesthetic cream (such as EMLA®) or the infiltration of the surrounding skin with lidocaine may be necessary.

2. How many treatments are necessary for tattoo removal?

Tattoos require multiple treatment sessions, usually performed at 4-8 week intervals or longer. Tattoo lightening may continue for several months after the last treatment session. Amateur black tattoos typically respond better than professional tattoos.

Postoperative Care

• You should expect some swelling and blistering during the first day or two after the procedure.
• Immediately following treatments, white crusting may occur. Any resultant scab generally resolves in 10-14 days.
• Continued lightening of the tattoo can be observed for 4-8 weeks after each treatment session.
• Wound care is required to aid the healing process and to prevent infection. Typically an antibiotic ointment and dressing changes are recommended.
• Recommendations include paracetamol for pain, elevation of the treated area to counteract any local swelling, and sun avoidance to prevent tanning.

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Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatment

IPL TreatmentNon-invasive treatment for the rejuvenation of sun damaged and aged skin. Fades sunspots and freckles, improves skin texture, reduces pigment, reverses sun damage and reduces redness for conditions such as Red Facial Veins and Rosacea.

IPL rejuvenation is designed to be a gradual process of eliminating pigmentation and stimulating collagen.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does IPL/Laser pulsed light work?

IPL/Laser systems use specialized hand pieces which filter light from different parts of the spectrum. Each band of the spectrum had a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as sunspot removal and vessel clearance.
The IPL/Laser hand pieces emit pulses of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in visible vessels and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels.

How is IPL/Laser pulsed light different from laser?

Pulsed light systems and lasers are very similar, but IPL/Laser pulsed light systems use a much larger treatment window than most lasers. This spreads light over a wider area of skin and allows faster coverage of the skin and quicker treatments as a result.

What body areas can I get treated?

Any area, except directly around the eyes. The face, neck, chest, back and legs can all be treated.

What are IPL/Laser treatments like?

Your treatment provider will move the hand piece over your skin, pulsing it all the while. Each pulse will send a beam of light through your skin. A flashing light, an audible tone and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the hand piece is being pulsed.

What should I expect after treatment?

• Immediately after treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cold gel or ice packs.
• Sunspots/sun damage: the sunspots will darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks.
• Rosacea: skin tone will be more normal, with less pronounced redness within a week after treatmen
• Spider Veins: vessels may disappear after treatment or they may appear darker and then fully or partially fade within 10-14 days.
• Typically, several treatments will be necessary to achieve complete clearance of sunspots, rosacea, and vessels.

Other IPL/Laser treatments:

Your physician has chosen a IPL/Laser Pulsed Light system because it offers the most versatile, effective and comfortable aesthetic treatments available. In addition to RejuveLux photo facials, IPL/Laser Systems offer such applications as permanent hair reduction, leg vein treatment, and acne clearance.

How many IPL treatments will I need?

Depending on each individuals skin condition, the Cosmetic Laser Clinic recommends 3-6 treatments. The more pigmentation you have, the greater number of treatments will be required. We space these treatments every 2-3 weeks apart. If your skin damage is more vascular with broken capillaries and flushed skin, then you may have your treatments more closely spaced. We prepare your skin for your IPL treatment with a cleansing, exfoliation and also recommend you consider pre treatment microdermabrasion.

Is the treatment painful?

This treatment is generally not painful and is well tolerated. It has been described as a slight stinging sensation.

How long does the treatment take?

Depending on the area being treated, treatments vary from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

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Cosmetic Radisurgery

Radiosurgery is a technology used to treat a variety of soft tissue conditions, from the skin to deeper tissues.

Instead of using a scalpel, radio waves do the cutting.

Radiosurgery technology is somewhat similar to laser or electrosurgery, but it uses a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum than either.

Instead of using light waves (like laser), and instead of using high-temperature, low-frequency waves (such as with electro-surgery), radiosurgery uses low-temperature, high-energy waves in the radiobandwidth.

What's the benefit of using radio waves instead of laser or electrosurgery?

First, the low-temperature waves used by radiosurgery means that tissues are not burned like they are with electrosurgery.

Radiosurgery high energy waves penetrate much less deeply into peripheral tissue (0.02 mm) than CO2 laser (0.5 mm), Holmium laser (0.05 mm), or electrosugery (1.0 mm) units.

The benefit to patients is that there is substantially less peripheral tissue destruction (by a factor of 25x compared to laser and by a factor of 50x compared to electrosurgery).

Less peripheral damage to tissues means much greater precision and significantly faster healing times.

Simply put, radiosurgery is an extremely precise way to perform surgery, creating much less trauma to surrounding tissues than other technologies.

We use the latest technology to ensure safe and effective removal of moles, warts and skin lesions.

Radiosurgery is a technique for excising and ablating soft tissue lesions that has established its role as a useful tool in dermatology and other specialties, particularly neurosurgery

Benefits of Cosmetic Radio-Surgery

• It facilitates, accelerates, and improves surgical procedures tremendously with following noteworthy advantages:
• Radiosurgery is a useful technique for dermatological surgery in general and specialist practice.
• It is mainly used in the treatment of benign lesions.
• Radiosurgery is particularly useful in situations where it is important to achieve good cosmetic results.
• Tissue removal occurs at a very superficial skin level
• Minimal damage to surrounding tissues
• Minimal scar tissue formation
• No pain, no stitches, no bleeding, no post-operative swelling, or infection
• Enhanced healing
• Excellent cosmetic results

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Mole Removal

Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots. However, moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere on your body.

Most moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous.

Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in detecting skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, but many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.

Several types of moles have a higher than average risk of becoming cancerous.

They include:

Large moles present at birth. Large moles that are present at birth are called congenital nevi or giant hairy nevi. These moles may increase your risk of malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. In general, moles that are more than the size of a closed fist pose the greatest risk. Have your doctor examine any mole that was present at birth and is fist-sized or larger.

Moles that run in families. Moles that are larger than average — which is about 1/4 inch (6 millimeters), or the diameter of a pencil eraser — and irregular in shape are known as atypical (dysplastic) nevi. These moles tend to be hereditary. They're frequently described as looking like fried eggs because they usually have dark brown centers and lighter, uneven borders. Overall, they may look red or tan. If you have dysplastic nevi, you have a greater risk of developing malignant melanoma.

Numerous moles. If you have many moles — 50 or more — you are at a greater risk of developing melanoma

At the consultation we will perform a mole skin check to see if the mole or skin lesion should be sent for testing (histology) to rule out anything suspicious.

This surgery is ideal for any raised lesion on the skin - especially the face, due to the superior healing it offers. We are first clinic in the UK, and the only clinic in the South West England, to use this revolutionary new piece of equipment.

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Xanthelasma

Appearance

Xanthelasma (or xanthelasma palpebrarum) is a sharply demarcated yellowish collection of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids. Although not harmful or painful, these minor growths may be disfiguring and can be removed The appearance is of yellow flat plaques over the upper or lower eyelids. In other areas of the body the individual lesion would be called a xanthoma.

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Rhinopyema

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Ingrown Toe Nail

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Skin Tags

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Verruca

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