I can remember having cellulite from when I was a teenager. It seemed as though from the moment I hit puberty I had been cursed with this disgusting dimply skin all over my bottom and thighs. At a time when I should have been enjoying my teenage years, having fun at the beach or the swimming pool in brightly coloured bikinis, I was sat on the sidelines. A girl has got to keep a smile on her face so I just pretended I couldn’t swim and wore sarongs to cover my thighs.
As I got older, I became interested in boys and relationships. As I was shy about my body, I was shy around boys and I would never let anyone see me naked. I felt painfully self-conscious about stripping off and I always made sure that I was either in bed before my partner or that the lights were off before I changed and quickly slid into bed. When I got married, I didn’t need to lose anymore weight as I was a super-slim size 10 but I was still blighted by horrific cellulite. Even after we married, my husband had never seen me naked in normal light but I would wear sheer nighties that covered my bottom and light candles to make my appearance softer. I literally know every trick in the book to cover my thighs and hide them from view.
When I hit my early thirties, my husband became frustrated with my lack of self-confidence. I wouldn’t go swimming with our young son and beach holidays were entirely out of the question. He had NEVER seen my bottom in normal light and my self-esteem was at rock bottom. That’s when he offered to pay for a course of cellulite treatment for my birthday - on the proviso that I changed my lifestyle to complement the treatment. That meant I had to cut down of caffeinated drinks, begin body brushing and drink more water. Combined with the mesotherapy, my cellulite all but disappeared and I was thrilled. I went swimming with my son for the very first time. I felt like the yummiest mummy in the leisure centre!
After years of enduring low self-esteem, I can’t for the life of me imagine why every woman isn’t having these injections. It only takes 10 minutes to complete one session and depending on how bad the cellulite is, you’ll need at least one session of injections per week for 4-8 weeks.
Thursday 29 October 2009
Thursday 22 October 2009
Nottingham Comes to London with Vaser Lipo
Due to increasing demand and enquiries asking us if we provide a Vaser Lipo service in London and in response we are excited to say that Selston Cosmetic Clinic will soon be operating out of our satellite clinic in Central London!
We hope to provide a weekend service on Saturdays and Sundays once a month for our clients who find a trip all the way up to Nottingham just a tad too far!
We still hope to keep the prices competitive compared to London clinics, therefore providing a convenient, accessible location and the services of our much sought after aesthetic physician Dr Bassi.
Stay tuned
Mags
Selston Cosmetic Clinic
We hope to provide a weekend service on Saturdays and Sundays once a month for our clients who find a trip all the way up to Nottingham just a tad too far!
We still hope to keep the prices competitive compared to London clinics, therefore providing a convenient, accessible location and the services of our much sought after aesthetic physician Dr Bassi.Stay tuned
Mags
Lead Vaser Lipo Technician
Selston Cosmetic Clinic
Monday 19 October 2009
Mesotherapy for Rejuvenation of Hands and Décolleté
The number of clients having medical cosmetic treatments is increasing each year. Much of this is due to more affordable procedures as well as increased awareness and knowledge. Not only is demand for the more well known treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers increasing, but there is considerable demand in the number of clients requesting treatments to rejuvenate the hands and the décolleté.
These areas are often neglected and whilst most women are now very aware of the risks of sun damage to their faces, they often neglect their hands, neck and chest. Many of our clients complain that their faces look great, but their age is given away by their hands, neck and chests.
Dr Lucy Glancey recalls one of her patients proudly showing her new 4 carat diamond ring, a present for her 60th birthday and she commented that life wasn’t fair! “How so?” I asked, “Well just as you are able to afford a huge diamond ring your hands look so aged that you are embarrassed to show them off.”
“These types of comments have prompted cosmetic Doctors to look at rejuvenation procedures available and develop new techniques” says Dr Glancey. “First and foremost we ensure that our patients protect these areas from the sun by using a good sun protection of at least an SPF of 30. Most of us are so careful about putting sun block on our faces, but how many remember the neck and décolleté? While driving in the car on a sunny day our hands are exposed to the sun light and if unprotected can become pigmented. While in our twenties and early thirties we get a nice even chocolate tan which looks attractive, later on in life our sun damaged melanocytres tend to produce patchy pigment which results in ‘sun spots’. The natural ageing process also causes our hands to lose fat and again this can give a very aged look. The décolleté can be easily damaged by spraying perfume on the neck and chest area and then exposing it to the sunlight. This causes a photosensitive response and increases the ageing process. As we sleep the décolleté can become ‘squashed’ and particularly in larger breasted ladies. This produces the lines and wrinkles running up from the breast as well as creepy looking skin. The hands, neck and décolleté are areas of the body that ladies like to be able to show off and therefore they are looking for effective anti ageing treatments.”
There are various procedures for hand rejuvenation and one of the more drastic ways is to remove the veins on the back of the hands. Because of the loss of fat the veins become more prominent so rather than this drastic approach it is better to replace this lost volume. “Another reason why we do not like to remove the veins” says Dr Glancey “is because the veins can be life savers and should you collapse on the street you may need the intravenous access”.
One way of replacing the volume in the hands is by redistributing the patients’ own fat. Autologous fat transfer can be performed with a device called Lipivage. A small amount of fat is harvested from areas such as the inner thighs, tummy or knees. The fat is then ‘washed’ and then immediately injected back into the treatment area. The patients are required to wear bandages for a few days after the procedure and there may be some bruising. However, once this has all settled the hands look beautifully plump and rejuvenated.
A disadvantage of this technique as with any procedure involving the patients own fat is that the body may metabolise it quickly and therefore we cannot predict how long the effects will last. An alternative to using fat is to replace the volume using synthetic soft tissue filler. A technique known as Mesotherapy which involves multiple injections used to plump up the hands and décolleté with a product that re-hydrates and replaces hyaluronic acid. A new product called Restylane Vital® can be used in both the hands and the décolleté area over three sessions. Dr Glancey comments “we are getting really nice results which can last from 6 months to a year.”
Restylane Vital® a crystal clear gel which is injected into the dermis to moisturise the patients own skin from within. The active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is found naturally in the body, but its production decreases with time. Restylane Vital® stimulates skin cell activity to increase the production of collagen and elastin, so hands and the décolleté looks plump and youthful.
Another procedure that can be very effective on these areas is Intense Pulsed Light. This treatment modality not only rejuvenates the skin, but eliminates any pigment such as age spots and broken capillaries. “A typical condition that patients complain about on their neck and décolleté” says Dr Glancey “is telangiectasia and poiklioderma. This condition is characterised by matted broken capillaries either side of the neck and across the chest. Intense Pulsed Light will target the dilated capillaries as well as any sun spots. Another great advantage of using IPL is that is stimulates collagen production and when combined with Mesotherapy the results are fantastic.”
If you require further information about Mesotherapy or have any other questions please visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk
These areas are often neglected and whilst most women are now very aware of the risks of sun damage to their faces, they often neglect their hands, neck and chest. Many of our clients complain that their faces look great, but their age is given away by their hands, neck and chests.
Dr Lucy Glancey recalls one of her patients proudly showing her new 4 carat diamond ring, a present for her 60th birthday and she commented that life wasn’t fair! “How so?” I asked, “Well just as you are able to afford a huge diamond ring your hands look so aged that you are embarrassed to show them off.”
“These types of comments have prompted cosmetic Doctors to look at rejuvenation procedures available and develop new techniques” says Dr Glancey. “First and foremost we ensure that our patients protect these areas from the sun by using a good sun protection of at least an SPF of 30. Most of us are so careful about putting sun block on our faces, but how many remember the neck and décolleté? While driving in the car on a sunny day our hands are exposed to the sun light and if unprotected can become pigmented. While in our twenties and early thirties we get a nice even chocolate tan which looks attractive, later on in life our sun damaged melanocytres tend to produce patchy pigment which results in ‘sun spots’. The natural ageing process also causes our hands to lose fat and again this can give a very aged look. The décolleté can be easily damaged by spraying perfume on the neck and chest area and then exposing it to the sunlight. This causes a photosensitive response and increases the ageing process. As we sleep the décolleté can become ‘squashed’ and particularly in larger breasted ladies. This produces the lines and wrinkles running up from the breast as well as creepy looking skin. The hands, neck and décolleté are areas of the body that ladies like to be able to show off and therefore they are looking for effective anti ageing treatments.”
There are various procedures for hand rejuvenation and one of the more drastic ways is to remove the veins on the back of the hands. Because of the loss of fat the veins become more prominent so rather than this drastic approach it is better to replace this lost volume. “Another reason why we do not like to remove the veins” says Dr Glancey “is because the veins can be life savers and should you collapse on the street you may need the intravenous access”.
One way of replacing the volume in the hands is by redistributing the patients’ own fat. Autologous fat transfer can be performed with a device called Lipivage. A small amount of fat is harvested from areas such as the inner thighs, tummy or knees. The fat is then ‘washed’ and then immediately injected back into the treatment area. The patients are required to wear bandages for a few days after the procedure and there may be some bruising. However, once this has all settled the hands look beautifully plump and rejuvenated.
A disadvantage of this technique as with any procedure involving the patients own fat is that the body may metabolise it quickly and therefore we cannot predict how long the effects will last. An alternative to using fat is to replace the volume using synthetic soft tissue filler. A technique known as Mesotherapy which involves multiple injections used to plump up the hands and décolleté with a product that re-hydrates and replaces hyaluronic acid. A new product called Restylane Vital® can be used in both the hands and the décolleté area over three sessions. Dr Glancey comments “we are getting really nice results which can last from 6 months to a year.”
Restylane Vital® a crystal clear gel which is injected into the dermis to moisturise the patients own skin from within. The active ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is found naturally in the body, but its production decreases with time. Restylane Vital® stimulates skin cell activity to increase the production of collagen and elastin, so hands and the décolleté looks plump and youthful.
Another procedure that can be very effective on these areas is Intense Pulsed Light. This treatment modality not only rejuvenates the skin, but eliminates any pigment such as age spots and broken capillaries. “A typical condition that patients complain about on their neck and décolleté” says Dr Glancey “is telangiectasia and poiklioderma. This condition is characterised by matted broken capillaries either side of the neck and across the chest. Intense Pulsed Light will target the dilated capillaries as well as any sun spots. Another great advantage of using IPL is that is stimulates collagen production and when combined with Mesotherapy the results are fantastic.”
If you require further information about Mesotherapy or have any other questions please visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Meso-Botox
Mesotherapy is a technique designed to introduce a small amount of active ingredient/product into the superficial layers of the skin (mesoderm) in order to achieve a protector aim depending on the type of product used.
Mesotherapy is used in various areas of medicine for example rheumatology and also in support medicine; it is used for pain relief and cosmetic medicine for rejuvenation purposes.
It is particularly good to rejuvenate the superficial layers of the skin and target fine lines and wrinkles that are usually seen on the surface as a criss-cross pattern which is very difficult to treat via other means.
It can be used to treat such lines on the face, not only on the face but also décolleté, neck and hands, which are very popular areas.
Depending on the active ingredient used for the purpose there are different goals that can be achieved with mesotherapy. For example, their products are aimed at treating alopecia, and there are other products that contain small amounts of non-cross linked hylauronic acid which is very pure and by injecting this into the skin it plumps up the fine lines and just gives a very hydrating effect on the skin without making it look lumpy.
Also products like polilatic acid can be injected to achieve some skin tightening and salmon calcutoning can be injected to give the skin a nice healthy glow because this product has a vasial dilatory property.
Recently, a new technique was developed by which a very small amount of Botulinum toxin or Botox is diluted into a larger amount of skin hydrating agents like vitamins and minerals and injected into the skin in a mesotheraputic fashion in order to achieve filler effect of reducing fine lines and wrinkles which are due to attachment of small muscle fibres to the skin that pull the skin and create both lines which cannot really be treated by any other means. By adding vitamins and minerals to the skin that achieves re-hydration and the total effect is smoother and plumper skin without the very fine criss cross pattern of lines that can be seen especially if using a magnifying mirror and that worries a lot of women when they look at the mirror and again the decollette is a very specific area which very rarely responds to anything else rather than mesotherapy.
Considering the small amounts of Botox that I have given via this technique it does not by any means achieve any so called frozen look and only effects those very superficial muscles that sometimes pull on the skin creating very fine lines sometimes even puckering effect on the skin. The patient is able to fully move all muscles and there is no changes in expression. If they want to treat things like frown lines or crows feet properly then they should have a proper Botox treatment which involves much higher doses and it is a completely different type of treatment form meso-botox.
Usually the treatment will involve a course of six every 2-4 weeks depending on the problem and then again maintenance every 6-12 months depending on the problem and the amount of sun damage that the patient incurs in the interim period.
Mesotherapy is used in various areas of medicine for example rheumatology and also in support medicine; it is used for pain relief and cosmetic medicine for rejuvenation purposes.
It is particularly good to rejuvenate the superficial layers of the skin and target fine lines and wrinkles that are usually seen on the surface as a criss-cross pattern which is very difficult to treat via other means.
It can be used to treat such lines on the face, not only on the face but also décolleté, neck and hands, which are very popular areas.
Depending on the active ingredient used for the purpose there are different goals that can be achieved with mesotherapy. For example, their products are aimed at treating alopecia, and there are other products that contain small amounts of non-cross linked hylauronic acid which is very pure and by injecting this into the skin it plumps up the fine lines and just gives a very hydrating effect on the skin without making it look lumpy.
Also products like polilatic acid can be injected to achieve some skin tightening and salmon calcutoning can be injected to give the skin a nice healthy glow because this product has a vasial dilatory property.
Recently, a new technique was developed by which a very small amount of Botulinum toxin or Botox is diluted into a larger amount of skin hydrating agents like vitamins and minerals and injected into the skin in a mesotheraputic fashion in order to achieve filler effect of reducing fine lines and wrinkles which are due to attachment of small muscle fibres to the skin that pull the skin and create both lines which cannot really be treated by any other means. By adding vitamins and minerals to the skin that achieves re-hydration and the total effect is smoother and plumper skin without the very fine criss cross pattern of lines that can be seen especially if using a magnifying mirror and that worries a lot of women when they look at the mirror and again the decollette is a very specific area which very rarely responds to anything else rather than mesotherapy.
Considering the small amounts of Botox that I have given via this technique it does not by any means achieve any so called frozen look and only effects those very superficial muscles that sometimes pull on the skin creating very fine lines sometimes even puckering effect on the skin. The patient is able to fully move all muscles and there is no changes in expression. If they want to treat things like frown lines or crows feet properly then they should have a proper Botox treatment which involves much higher doses and it is a completely different type of treatment form meso-botox.
Usually the treatment will involve a course of six every 2-4 weeks depending on the problem and then again maintenance every 6-12 months depending on the problem and the amount of sun damage that the patient incurs in the interim period.
Monday 5 October 2009
Dark Circles Causes & Treatments (Part 4) - Pigmentation & Vascular Symptoms
Continuing from our previous article we will discuss the colour changes that can be responsible for dark circles and ways to combat them.
Pigmentation
Some people with dark skins ( Fitzpatrick types 4 to 6 ) inherit a genetic tendency for darker pigmentation around the eyes. This of course becomes obvious from a very early age even in childhood.
Treatment
The famous ‘touch éclat’ is the make up of choice for many women as it creates a light reflection which counteracts the dark shadow along with camouflage make-up.
Some lasers can be very effective in particular the Ruby laser. Laser skin pigmentation treatment is particularly effective on Asian and Middle Eastern patients with dark brown circles due to excess pigment.
Skin bleaching agents such as Hydroquinone, retinoic acid, azelaic acid, alfa–hydroxy acids, kojic acid and trichloroacetic acid can be used to lighten the skin. Some of these preparations can be very strong and may provoke skin reactions. They should be used under doctor’s supervision only and can only be obtained on prescription. Decades ago the accepted treatment for bleaching skin lesions included products containing mercury salts. Their use is now prohibited because of their high toxicity. Hydrogen peroxide can also bleach melanin by oxidizing it, but because it can cause skin irritations it is mainly used for bleaching hair.
Vascular
The skin of the lower eyelid is the thinnest in the face so it is not surprising that it can show the underlying blood vessels which could sometimes appear as a blue/ purple tinge. This is especially obvious in pale skinned individuals (Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2) but other skin types can also be affected. Another factor that determines the appearance is the density and the extent to which the blood vessels are dilated. The more closely packed and the more dilated the blood vessels are the redder the skin looks. The amount of oxygen in the blood is also important. High levels of oxygen in the blood makes the skin bright red while a low level of oxygen gives the skin a bluish colouration.
Treatment
Cosmetic laser surgery. Lasers are used to help improve this condition and the pulsed dye lasers are especially effective. Bruising may result therefore the patient may have one to two weeks down time. If the vessels are very large they can be surgically removed.
In conclusion dark circles having once been considered untreatable can now be dramatically improved by advancements in aesthetic techniques. The good news is that in most patients this can be achieved without surgery.
by Lucy Glancey
If you have any further enquiries about dark circles or it's treatments including dermal fillers, cosmetic laser surgery, botox or any other treatments visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk.
Pigmentation
Some people with dark skins ( Fitzpatrick types 4 to 6 ) inherit a genetic tendency for darker pigmentation around the eyes. This of course becomes obvious from a very early age even in childhood.
Treatment
The famous ‘touch éclat’ is the make up of choice for many women as it creates a light reflection which counteracts the dark shadow along with camouflage make-up.
Some lasers can be very effective in particular the Ruby laser. Laser skin pigmentation treatment is particularly effective on Asian and Middle Eastern patients with dark brown circles due to excess pigment.
Skin bleaching agents such as Hydroquinone, retinoic acid, azelaic acid, alfa–hydroxy acids, kojic acid and trichloroacetic acid can be used to lighten the skin. Some of these preparations can be very strong and may provoke skin reactions. They should be used under doctor’s supervision only and can only be obtained on prescription. Decades ago the accepted treatment for bleaching skin lesions included products containing mercury salts. Their use is now prohibited because of their high toxicity. Hydrogen peroxide can also bleach melanin by oxidizing it, but because it can cause skin irritations it is mainly used for bleaching hair.
Vascular
The skin of the lower eyelid is the thinnest in the face so it is not surprising that it can show the underlying blood vessels which could sometimes appear as a blue/ purple tinge. This is especially obvious in pale skinned individuals (Fitzpatrick skin types 1 and 2) but other skin types can also be affected. Another factor that determines the appearance is the density and the extent to which the blood vessels are dilated. The more closely packed and the more dilated the blood vessels are the redder the skin looks. The amount of oxygen in the blood is also important. High levels of oxygen in the blood makes the skin bright red while a low level of oxygen gives the skin a bluish colouration.
Treatment
Cosmetic laser surgery. Lasers are used to help improve this condition and the pulsed dye lasers are especially effective. Bruising may result therefore the patient may have one to two weeks down time. If the vessels are very large they can be surgically removed.
In conclusion dark circles having once been considered untreatable can now be dramatically improved by advancements in aesthetic techniques. The good news is that in most patients this can be achieved without surgery.
by Lucy Glancey
If you have any further enquiries about dark circles or it's treatments including dermal fillers, cosmetic laser surgery, botox or any other treatments visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk.
Friday 2 October 2009
Dark Circles Causes & Treatments (Part 3) - Wrinkles & Eye Bags
Continuing from our previous article we will discuss the texture changes that can be responsible for dark circles and ways to combat them.
Eye Bags
Eye-bags are due to herniation (protrusion ) of fat in the lower eyelid which in some cases can be hereditary and can be visible from a very early age. Usually it is a result of the normal aging process when the skin looses its elasticity and allows the fat to protrude and become more visible. There are two types of eye bags, true eye bags which are due to genuine fat protrusion and pseudo eye bags which are caused by severe eye hollowing creating an impression of a “bulge”. Quite often there are both types present in the same individual to varying degrees.
Treatment
This will be dependent on the type of eye bag. True eye bags require surgery (lower blepharoplasty) while pseudo bags will require a dermal filler as described above. When there is a combination of both types, surgery will be required, followed by dermal fillers once the healing process is completed.
Wrinkles
Fine wrinkles under the eyes create a different texture and when excessive can give the appearance of dark circles. This condition is age related and the process is greatly accelerated when there is a degree of sun damage. The lower eyelid skin is very thin and therefore this is an area where wrinkles to appear first. In some individuals this can be exaggerated by the lack of natural bony structure therefore people with higher cheek bones have less wrinkles under the eyes.
Treatment
Wrinkles can be difficult to cover with make up as it tends to settle in the wrinkles making them more obvious. Prevention of sun damage is important especially in the delicate skin around the eyes, so the use of sun block is even more important than eye creams. There are certain eye creams that contain sufficient amounts of active ingredients (e.g. Retinoids) and are effective in preventing, and even reversing sun damage and consequently wrinkles. The most potent creams are available only on doctor’s prescription. Wearing good sunglasses in the sun can also be a good preventative measure.
In a younger patient (35 -40 yrs) a low dose of Botulinum Toxin type A (Botox or Dysport) can be effective, however this can result in discreet widening of the eye which may change the eye shape. It is important that the Botox procedure is performed by a well trained practitioner as an incorrect placement of this product in the lower eye lid can result in severe consequences leading to ulceration of the eye.
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can work but are associated with higher risks of delayed healing, hyper and hypo pigmentation. The downtime for these procedures can be lengthy and can be a traumatic experience for the patient. Intense pulse light (IPL) can be used in the form of photorejuvenation ( photofacial) but requires several sessions and the results can often be modest.
Over the next few weeks we will outline the differing reasons or causes for dark cirles under the eyes and what treatments are avialble to combat them, so keep an eye out for Part 4!
by Lucy Glancey
For more information on dark circles and treatments including dermal fillers, Botox and chemical peels visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk
Eye Bags
Eye-bags are due to herniation (protrusion ) of fat in the lower eyelid which in some cases can be hereditary and can be visible from a very early age. Usually it is a result of the normal aging process when the skin looses its elasticity and allows the fat to protrude and become more visible. There are two types of eye bags, true eye bags which are due to genuine fat protrusion and pseudo eye bags which are caused by severe eye hollowing creating an impression of a “bulge”. Quite often there are both types present in the same individual to varying degrees.
Treatment
This will be dependent on the type of eye bag. True eye bags require surgery (lower blepharoplasty) while pseudo bags will require a dermal filler as described above. When there is a combination of both types, surgery will be required, followed by dermal fillers once the healing process is completed.
Wrinkles
Fine wrinkles under the eyes create a different texture and when excessive can give the appearance of dark circles. This condition is age related and the process is greatly accelerated when there is a degree of sun damage. The lower eyelid skin is very thin and therefore this is an area where wrinkles to appear first. In some individuals this can be exaggerated by the lack of natural bony structure therefore people with higher cheek bones have less wrinkles under the eyes.
Treatment
Wrinkles can be difficult to cover with make up as it tends to settle in the wrinkles making them more obvious. Prevention of sun damage is important especially in the delicate skin around the eyes, so the use of sun block is even more important than eye creams. There are certain eye creams that contain sufficient amounts of active ingredients (e.g. Retinoids) and are effective in preventing, and even reversing sun damage and consequently wrinkles. The most potent creams are available only on doctor’s prescription. Wearing good sunglasses in the sun can also be a good preventative measure.
In a younger patient (35 -40 yrs) a low dose of Botulinum Toxin type A (Botox or Dysport) can be effective, however this can result in discreet widening of the eye which may change the eye shape. It is important that the Botox procedure is performed by a well trained practitioner as an incorrect placement of this product in the lower eye lid can result in severe consequences leading to ulceration of the eye.
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can work but are associated with higher risks of delayed healing, hyper and hypo pigmentation. The downtime for these procedures can be lengthy and can be a traumatic experience for the patient. Intense pulse light (IPL) can be used in the form of photorejuvenation ( photofacial) but requires several sessions and the results can often be modest.
Over the next few weeks we will outline the differing reasons or causes for dark cirles under the eyes and what treatments are avialble to combat them, so keep an eye out for Part 4!
by Lucy Glancey
For more information on dark circles and treatments including dermal fillers, Botox and chemical peels visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk
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