Fresher Skin with Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is removal of the dead outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) by passing a collection of fine medical grade crystals across the skin, which causes light abrasion.

Microdermabrasion is a safe and painless procedure that is used to remove sun damaged skin, remove or lessen scars or to treat acne. The treatment has a proven track record having been used to treat hundreds of thousands of patients over the past 10 years with fantastic results.

The two most common and recommended microdermabrasion procedures are:

Crystal microdermabrasion
Crystal microdermabrasion systems are the traditional treatment of choice and rely on tiny crystals that are blasted onto the skin to perform the exfoliating process.

Diamond microdermabrasion
Diamond microdermabrasion systems operate without the need for crystals. The exfoliation process occurs when a diamond tipped head makes contact with the skin and abrades against it.

Regardless of whether it is either the crystal or diamond microdermabrasion systems used, the dead skin cells are sucked away from the face.

The procedure itself typically takes around 20 minutes to complete and the results show through almost immediately. The procedure can take a little longer depending on the severity of the condition to treat and the requirements desired.

For the best results a course of treatments of microdermabrasion is normally recommended, though this will be discussed and advised at your first consultation.

Obagi Nu-Derm

At Mulberry House Clinic, we have been offering the OBAGI Nu-Derm system for over 2 years now and we are extremely impressed with the results, along with our clients who are seeing the benefits for themselves. OBAGI Nu-Derm was first developed 20 years ago by Dr Zein Obagi, a dermatologist who practices in Beverley Hills.

We started off feeling a little reserved about recommending it too strongly but we now have a lot of experience with it in all skin types and take the view that it would almost be negligent of us not to make sure that you are aware of the benefits!

You should consider OBAGI if you would like:

- smoother, firmer skin
- healthier skin function
- brighter, fresher appearance
- significant reduction in pigmentation of virtually all types
- even skin colour
- improved fine lines and wrinkles
- improvement in acne or acne scarring
- reduced oiliness
- long term skin protection
- potential reduction in skin cancer risk
- improvement in skin quality and colour in the neck and décolleté regions .

These are big claims, but ones we are happy to make on the basis of the results we have seen (to hear what our client’s have to say click here). For even greater improvement in skin tightness, scarring or deep pigmentation there is the option of an OBAGI blue peel, but quite often the results with the skincare alone mean a peel is not necessary.

Improvement is usually noticeable within 2 weeks, with best results taking up to a few months.

Research has shown that Nu-Derm also improves the results of other cosmetic treatments - the degree of improvement and satisfaction with Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments and Thermage were all greater in people who had been using OBAGI Nu-Derm.

If you are serious about improving and looking after your skin in the long term OBAGI will deliver.

Whether you are already using it or are new to the range Mulberry House Clinic is offering a £20 discount on purchase of a full pack of OBAGI Nu-Derm, Crx or Elastiderm Decolletage from now until the end of February. As prices will be increasing after this now is an excellent time to start your OBAGI programme.

Cosmetic Chart-Toppers and Big Movers For 2008

With another year over, we though we'd have a look back at those cosmetic procedures and treatments that were the most popular during 2008.

No. 1: BOTOX (Botulinum toxin) maintains the top slot.

Botox is most commonly used as a treatment for frown lines on the forehead, though it is also an effective treatment for wrinkles, crow’s feet and neck bands as well. Botox is very popular with many celebrities.

No. 2: The Restylane family of treatments continues as market leader and our favoured choice of dermal filler.

Restylane is an injectable treatment that contains hyaluron gel. The treatment help restore volume to the skin, provide lift and smooth away and soften facial lines. He procedure involves I injecting the Restylane compound into the desired areas in the face.

No. 3: Laser Treatments – these still offer the best results for hair removal, thread-veins and sunspots.

There are many laser treatments available. They range from hair removal and skin rejuvenation to treating leg and facial veins, acne scarring and Rosacea

No. 4: Facial peels and microdermabrasion - wonderful ways of freshening and brightening the skin without any disruption.

Microdermabrasion is a popular cosmetic procedure used to treat conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, blotchy skin and blemishes and acne scarring among other things.

Chemical Peels and facial peels are used to remove the outer layer of skin. This makes the skin fresher, removes some sunspots and rough scaly patches, and reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation. It also reduces fine wrinkles.

Big movers up the charts in 2008 have been Sculptra, and OBAGI Nu-Derm prescription skincare and we predict that these will see a continuing increase in popularity during 2009.

You can read our previous article on Sculptra here.

One to watch for 2009! – Vavelta is a new treatment for scarring and skin rejuvenation. We are focussing on its use in scarring and are already seeing good results.

For more information on any of these cosmetic treatments contact Mulberry House Clinic on 01604 702630 or visit www.lasertreatmentsnorthampton.co.uk

Mole Removal - Where to get Treatment

Moles are pigmented spots on the skin containing the skin pigment melanin, they can be beneath the skin (sub dermal) or raised. There are many types of moles ranging from benign, to suspicious, to malignant lesions.

People mistakenly refer to many other lesions on the skin as to moles. These can be small cysts, fibromas, angiomas, age spots, cholesterol deposits and largeish warts. They can vary in colour from flesh coloured, yellow, red, blue or dark brown.

National campaigns are frequently run to make the public aware of skin cancer. Simple precautions are advised such as: to avoid prolonged sun exposure by using sun block regularly and to wear appropriate clothing.

You are advised to seek a medical opinion if your mole/skin lesion develops suspicious characteristics such as: increasing in size, become darker, itches, bleeds, develops irregular edges or becomes raised.

Thankfully most lesions that people present with are benign and amenable to quick mole removal.

Where should you seek treatment for mole removal?

The first port of call should be to your General Practitioner; large numbers of doctors perform minor surgery and will skillfully remove the lesion. If they think the lesion is suspicious they will refer you to the local dermatologist or suspicious mole clinic at the local hospital.

Recently some primary care trusts in the country have made a dictat; if mole removal is requested for cosmetic reasons, then this should not be made available on the NHS, the General Practitioner then has every right to decline treatment.

The option then left for mole removal for whatever reasons is to turn to your local cosmetic clinic.

Leading cosmetic clinics use a wide variety of techniques for mole removal; the most popular are Electrocautery, Laser and Radiofrequency. These will be briefly discussed.

Electrocautery involves as the name suggests cauterization using a probe which is heated by a D.C Electric current. The temperature of the probe is high and the resulting thermal damage to the sun can leave a scar. Never Electrocautery machines have variable power settings, so scans can be mitigated.

Radiofrequency uses radiosurgery probes which vapourise the moles, the advantage using this methos is that the resulted thermal damage to the skin is less leaving negligible scarring and instant results.

Lasers are excellent for removal curtain says lesions such as angionanas, giving excellent single treatment results and negligible scarring.

In conclusion; depending on the treatment methods despite the prices between cosmetic clinics can range from £75-£300/ treatment for a single mole lesion - so it is definitely with shopping around.

Article by Dr S R Bassi

Cosmetic Laser Treatments for Facial Veins and Rosacea

What are facial veins?
These are small blood vessels that can appear just under the skin surface and be visible either as individual vessels or as a general redness. They do not perform any useful function but can be unsightly.

What causes them?
There are probably quite a number of things that contribute to their appearance – sun exposure, inflammation that may be caused by injury, acne or rosacea, and genetic factors all play a part, as can alcohol consumption.

What can I do about them?
In our opinion laser offers the most reliable and safe method of treatment. Usually people have tried various other treatments without success before they come to us at Mulberry House Clinic and are delighted with the results.
Many people use make-up or camouflage to mask them, although is obviously not an ideal solution.
There are many distributors of creams and potions that claim to offer simple solutions but without any firm scientific foundation.
At Mulberry House Clinic we offer a unique treatment that acts as an effective camouflage while still allowing the skin to breathe – what’s more the application is dry, waterproof, and provides factor 30 sun protection.

How does laser work?
This cosmetic laser treatment involves the laser (light) energy is delivered through a hand-held device with a cooling tip that protects your skin, and is absorbed by the pigment in your blood so that the unwanted vein collapses.

When will I see results?
The treated veins will either fade or completely disappear during the treatment. Some vessels may show temporary swelling that will subside after a few hours to a few days. The red appearance of the treated vessels may go immediately or gradually disappear as the healing process occurs over the next two weeks. It is common for some vessels to partially reappear during this time, and hence usually more than one laser treatment is required.

Most patients see improvement after the first treatment, but up to three treatments may be necessary to obtain the best results (around five may be required for rosacea).

How often can you have it done?
The usual comsetic laser treatment interval is two to four weeks.

Are there any side effects?
Immediately following the procedure you may experience some redness in the treated area. The redness usually dissipates after a few hours, but occasionally some puffiness may last for one to three days.

How long does it take?
Most laser treatments will take between 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated. It is not usually necessary but topical anaesthetic may be applied before laser treatment.

Chemical Peels (You don't Have to Peel Like a Snake)

Since the TV programme 10 Years Younger has featured chemical peels as part of aging treatments, we have experienced an increased demand for chemical peels. Did you know that you do not necessarily need to have the "shredding effect" on your face and be off work for one to two weeks as shown on the television?

There are many types of chemical peels including TCA peels, Obagi, Unideep, Phenol and Agera Rx.

Most chemical peels result in what I call "skin shredding" as it gives the appearance of a snake shredding its skin, this is acceptable if you want to stay in for 1-2 weeks, but for a working woman it just doesn’t seem probably. Agera Rx peels cause no shredding and deliver the same fabulous results.

Agera RX peels are non-irritating and pain free with no need for recovery time. Now for the science bit! These are unique treatments that significantly stimulate the fibroblasts deep within the skin to produce new collagen and elastin. After just one session, the skin will look clearer, smoother and brighter.

Agera Rx chemical peels are a course of 6 sessions, spaced 2-3 weeks apart and they become as cost effective as major shredding peels that have been seen on the TV show 10 Years Younger.

For maximum results a course of AGERA® RX skin peels can be combined with microdermabrasion (a skin-freshening technique that helps repair facial skin).

I believe an Agera Rx Peel is a clear winner, by allowing you to have a peel in the morning and being able to go to a ball in the evening, an option any person would love to have. Agera RX skin peels are definitely something to consider.

Roberta James specialises and runs the Medical Microdermbrasion and Chemical Skin Peels department at the Selston Cosmetic Clinic in North Nottinghamshire.

Vaser Lipo - Before and After

The Vaser Lipo , a new and advanced form of liposuction, procedure over the past 12 months has become readily available in most leading clinics in the U.K. As with any technology and cosmetic procedure there is a learning curve, consolidation with experience and eventually consistent results. A few leading cosmetic centres, including a top North Nottingham Clinic - Selston Cosmetic Clinic, were the pioneers in bringing this technology to the U.K.

The Vaser Lipo procedure uses advanced ultrasound technology to emulsify the fat under local anaesthetic, this is subsequently aspirated, the results are instantaneous and there is subsequent further body contouring and skin tightening over the next 6 months.

Vaser Lipo is excellent for spot fat reduction, even for areas of the body where Smart Lipo gave minimal results or was unable to take on. Vaser Lipo provides body contouring for larger areas, which if one is being totally honest and truthful is beyond the scope of other forms of laser liposuction such as Advanced SmartLipo and XP Lipo Laser. If you desire Liposuction and Liposculpture of the abdomen, inner thigh, outer thigh, large flanks, male breasts then Vaser Lipo is the way to go.

Why not let the results speak for themselves as Selston Cosmetic Clinic have released their first two case studies of Vaser Lipo.

Dr. S.R. Bassi is the lead cosmetic physician at a top North Nottingham Clinic, Selston Cosmetic Clinic. See Vaser Lipo, before and after, and learn more about Vaser Lipo by visiting our website.