Treatments

What are Dermal Fillers? 

Dermal fillers can be used to enhance your facial features by restoring lost volume.

They are a soft, gel like substance that are injected beneath the skin. They are made of hyaluronic acid, a natural chemical found in the body that helps to smooth lines and enhance facial contours. 

Dermal fillers can be used in different facial areas to provide volume, lift or improve facial contours and provide hydration. I only use premium, FDA approved fillers from regulated UK pharmacies. 

• Dermal filler areas

• Cheek lift

The cheeks are one of the first places we start to lose volume, leading to the sagging of tissues downwards and inwards, resulting in nasolabial folds, marionette lines and jowls. It is often essential to treat this midface first, especially in older patients, before treating the marionette lines and nasolabial folds. 

• Nasolabial folds 

• Marionette lines

• Lip enhancement

What to expect during your Dermal Filler treatment?

Please ensure you attend with no makeup to ensure optimum hygiene standards. I will be cleaning your skin thoroughly before filler treatment. 

If you are having lip enhancement I will discuss pain relief with you before we start. Options include local anaesthetic cream or injections. 

What are anti-wrinkle injections? 

Anti-wrinkle injections are non-surgical treatments used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, commonly caused by aging, facial expressions, and environmental factors. Over time, as our face ages, the temporary wrinkles that form when we move our facial muscles may become more prominent. This can cause you to look tired, angry or sad even when the underlying muscles are not moving. 

These injections typically involve the use of botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles.

Here’s how they work:

    •   Botulinum toxin injections (commonly referred to by brand names like Botox, Azzalure, Dysport, or Xeomin) block nerve signals to the injected muscles.
    •   This temporary muscle relaxation helps smooth out dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated facial movements, such as crow’s feet (around the eyes), frown lines (between the eyebrows), and forehead lines.

The results generally last for 3 to 6 months, after which the muscles gradually regain their ability to contract, and wrinkles may reappear. Regular maintenance treatments are often required to sustain the results.

What to expect during anti wrinkle treatment

I will start by discussing areas of concern or that you would like to improve. I will ask questions about your general health to ensure that the treatment is safe to carry out and assess if it is the right treatment for you. 

I will ask you to make facial expressions such as frowning, raising your eyebrows and smiling to allow me to visualise the areas to treat. 

I will then mark up the areas that need to be treated. 

Injections are administered using a very fine needle. I will ensure that you are comfortable throughout treatment and answer any questions you have throughout the procedure. 

Click here to find out more about specific anti-wrinkle treatments. 

Polynucleotides

As skin matures, it often presents challenges such as diminished elasticity and the emergence of fine lines. These concerns, prevalent among many, call for a sophisticated and effective approach to skin rejuvenation. Traditional methods, while providing temporary relief, may not deliver comprehensive rejuvenation. Polynucleotide treatments emerge as a scientifically-backed solution, offering a new dimension in aesthetic medicine. Originating from natural DNA sources, Polynucleotides have garnered acclaim for their profound ability to stimulate skin regeneration at a cellular level. This advanced treatment transcends conventional anti-ageing methods by not only addressing visible signs but also enhancing the intrinsic health of your skin. With Polynucleotide treatments, you embark on a journey

towards enhanced skin vitality, experiencing a naturally youthful and revitalised

complexion.

What Are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides represent a groundbreaking advancement in aesthetic treatments, marking a significant shift in how we approach skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing therapies. At their core, polynucleotides are complex chains of nucleotides, the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA. This intricate molecular structure is pivotal in various biological processes, including cellular repair and regeneration. In the context of aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides harness these natural regenerative properties to offer a novel solution for skin revitalisation. 

Their emergence in the beauty industry is a testament to the evolving intersection of science and aesthetics, where innovative treatments are increasingly grounded in robust scientific principles. The role of polynucleotides in aesthetic treatments is multifaceted and profoundly impactful. By stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin, two vital proteins for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, polynucleotide treatments effectively combat the visible signs of ageing. As we age, the natural production of these proteins diminishes, leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin firmness.

Polynucleotide treatments address these concerns at a cellular level, promoting skin health from within. This approach not only yields visible improvements in skin texture and tone but also aligns seamlessly with the body’s natural processes, ensuring results that are both effective and harmonious with the intrinsic properties of the skin.

How Do Polynucleotides Work?

Polynucleotides function through a sophisticated biological process, making them a key component in modern aesthetic treatments. These molecules, essential to DNA and RNA, have a unique role in skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing therapies. Their mechanism of action is multi-layered, involving several critical steps: 

Collagen and Elastin Stimulation: Polynucleotides trigger the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Collagen provides structural support and firmness to the skin, while elastin contributes to its elasticity. The decline in these proteins due to ageing leads to wrinkles and skin laxity. Polynucleotides help reverse this by boosting the production of these essential proteins.

Improvement in Skin Hydration and Texture: They enhance the skin’s hydration levels and texture. This is achieved by improving the skin’s capacity to retain moisture, leading to a more hydrated and plump appearance.

Cellular Regeneration Promotion: Polynucleotides are effective in encouraging the repair and renewal of skin cells. This is particularly beneficial for skin damaged by environmental factors, helping to mitigate the effects of ageing accelerated by external stressors.

Integration with Natural Skin Processes: The treatment aligns with the body’s natural skin processes. This ensures that the enhancements are effective and maintain a natural appearance. By stimulating collagen and elastin, polynucleotides not only improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity but also its ability to stay hydrated and smooth. This comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation addresses various signs of ageing, making polynucleotide treatments a reliable option for those seeking effective skin care solutions. The treatment’s compatibility with the body’s own mechanisms ensures that the results are both impactful and

harmonious with the natural properties of the skin, offering a rejuvenated appearance that feels as natural as it looks.

What Can Polynucleotides Be Used For? 

Polynucleotide treatments cater to a diverse range of skin issues and conditions, leveraging their unique biological properties for effective results:

Reducing Ageing Signs: These treatments directly target common ageing signs like wrinkles, fine lines, and skin sagging. They stimulate collagen and elastin production, essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.

Enhancing Skin Hydration and Texture: Polynucleotides significantly boost skin hydration and improve overall texture. They enhance the skin’s moisture retention capabilities, resulting in a plumper and smoother appearance.

Promoting Skin Rejuvenation and Regeneration: The treatments excel in rejuvenating and regenerating skin cells. They are particularly beneficial for skin that has suffered environmental damage, aiding in repair and renewal.

Addressing Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: Polynucleotides effectively reduce the appearance of scars, including those from acne, and help even out skin tone. They work on reducing hyperpigmentation, leading to a more uniform skin complexion.

Improving Skin Elasticity: The treatments contribute to enhanced skin elasticity. This benefit is especially noticeable in areas prone to elasticity loss, such as the under-eye region and neck.

Treating Sun-Damaged Skin: Polynucleotides are adept at treating sun-damaged skin, mitigating some effects of UV exposure. They improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of sunspots.

Revitalising Overall Skin Health: Beyond targeting specific issues, polynucleotide treatments offer holistic skin revitalisation.They improve the overall health and vitality of the skin, contributing to a rejuvenated appearance.

Restylane Skin Boosters

When people feel good about their skin, they feel good about themselves. But time and ageing can deprive the skin of its natural hydration, elasticity and radiance. Because ageing occurs within all the layers of the face and body the skin must also be addressed. Botulinum toxin treatments relax overactive muscles and dermal fillers fill lines and replace volume due to deficiency and fat loss. Skin boosters are the perfect treatment to improve skin quality, elasticity and hydration to achieve the best overall results. Restylane Skinboosters are part of the Restylane portfolio that I use in my clinic and are clinically proven to deliver skin hydration and improvements to skin health by gradually increasing elasticity, improving roughness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and

other imperfections such as acne scars.

Restylane Skinboosters are the original and only stabilised (chemically cross linked) hyaluronic acid skinboosters on the market. Results are assured, long-lasting and supported by 15 years of clinical experience. Two products are available, Restylane Skinboosters Vital and Vital Light, to allow more treatment areas to be covered – from the face to the neck, décolletage, and hands. These are very versatile treatments and can be used for skin improvement on multiple facial and body areas. They are commonly used for the following areas and features:

• Forehead

• Crow’s feet

• Upper and Lower Cheek

• Jawline

• Chin

• Accordion Cheek Lines

• Peri-oral wrinkles

• Neck

•  Decolletage

•  Hands

Hyaluronic acid confers a natural hydrating function in the skin that contributes to its suppleness and turgor. While hyaluronic acid is abundant in newborns, production declines with age, causing dermal dehydration and signs of ageing.

Injectable Hyaluronic products can be classified into 2 groups with different therapeutic goals. HA fillers are used for targeted wrinkle augmentation and volume substitution, skinboosters are injected superficially for the revitalisation of the skin. Restylane Skinboosters are based on a stabilised form of HA that is similar to natural HA but lasts longer. Once injected into the mid to deep dermal layers of the skin, they can increase hydration, skin strength, elasticity, cellular activity, synthesis of collagen and elastin, and maintain and/or restore healthy youthful skin texture.

What is the difference between polynucleotides and Skinboosters?

The main difference between polynucleotides and skin boosters is their composition and how they work to improve the skin.

Composition: Polynucleotides are made from fish DNA, while Skinboosters are made from hyaluronic acid (HA)

How they work Polynucleotides activate cellular mechanisms to regenerate skin, while skin boosters increase hydration and stimulate collagen production

Results

Polynucleotides can take a few weeks to show results, while skin boosters can show results almost immediately. If you are looking for a fast-acting boost of hydration for an instantly visible glow, regular

skin booster treatments may be your preference. If you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and embarking on a longer term skin rejuvenation journey, polynucleotides can provide these benefits. Polynucleotides help stimulate fibroblast production, which aids in collagen production, restoring tightness to the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. They are good for

acne scarring, skin conditions such as rosacea, melasma and hyperpigmentation. Atrophic scarring, deep lines and sunken wrinkles, skin rejuvenation, fine lines, lumpy scars. Good for improving dark under eye circles.

Longevity

Polynucleotides take longer to show their effects than skin boosters but the effects last longer. Multiple treatments will be needed. A difference in skin quality will appear between 2-3 weeks although full effects are seen around 3 months. Results can last up to 18 months.  With skin boosters the effects are seen almost instantly and can last between 6-12 months.

Anti-wrinkle FAQs:

1. Who is suitable for anti wrinkle treatments?

Most people are able to have anti wrinkle treatments. For all new clients I take a thorough medical history to ensure it is right and safe for you to have. As soon as you begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles forming they can be treated. Some choose to have preventative treatments to stop the lines and wrinkles progressing but those that have been there for a long time and more prominent can also be treated. 

 I would not treat anyone under the age of 18. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding would not be suitable. People with certain neuromuscular or neurological disorders may not be suitable but I would be happy to discuss this on an individual basis. Individuals who have bleeding disorders or take blood thinning medication may not be suitable.

If you have previously had adverse reactions to any botulinum toxin/anti wrinkle injections or have allergies to any of the components of this. 

2. What areas can be treated?

Common areas to have anti wrinkle injections include:

Frown lines

Forehead lines

Crows feet around the eyes

Bunny lines at the side of the nose

Gummy smile

Pebble chin

Drooping of the corners of the mouth

Smokers lines around the mouth 

Jaw slimming

Medical treatments using anti wrinkle injections

Excessive teeth grinding/bruxism

Excessive armpit sweating. 

3. Does the treatment hurt?

Treatment is not painful. Some areas are more sensitive than others but the injections are carried out using a very small, fine needle. Each injection is very quick.

4. Is there a recovery time?

Most treatments will usually take about 30-45 minutes to carry out but this includes the assessment, cleaning the skin and marking up of the area and also depends on how many areas are being treated. The treatments are minimally invasive and you can return to work and your usual daily activities immediately (with a few exceptions detailed below). Please plan at least a week ahead of a big event/holidays in the event of bruising

5. How quickly will I see results and how long do they last?

You will start to see changes after about 4-5 days. The full effect of treatment will be visible after 2 weeks. I offer patients a complimentary review where I can visualise results and make any adjustments if needed. Results usually last on average 3-4 months. Botox effects do wear off gradually and you may start to see the return of some movements before others. The length off effect depends on how quickly your body metabolises the toxin. 

6. Are there any side effects?

All aesthetic treatments carry a degree of risk. All risks and complications will be discussed with you at your consultation prior to any treatment being agreed.

Anti wrinkle injections should only be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training. 

Side effects include, but are not limited to;

Pain, swelling and bruising at the injection site

Headache or flu-like symptoms (usually short lived)

Asymmetry of the smile

Drooping of the brow, or eyelid

Eye dryness or watering of the eye

Adverse effects are uncommon, usually occur within a few days of treatment and are temporary, usually resolving spontaneously within a few weeks. 

Before and Aftercare leaflets for Anti Wrinkle Injections

See attached documents for this information (I will send as a separate document)

Dermal filler FAQs:

What is the difference between Dermal Fillers and Botox?  

Botox injections reduce muscle movement which decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers increases volume and softens and smooths lines. They can be used to treat hollow cheeks, sagging jawlines and to restore volume or improve the contour or hydration of lips. 

Are there any risks or side effects?

Bruising, swelling and tenderness are common side effects. This can take a few days to settle. Lip fillers can cause slightly more bruising and swelling due to this being a more sensitive, vascular area. 

Infection is always a possibility when we inject the skin but I reduce this risk as much as possible by thoroughly cleansing the skin. Make up should be avoided for the rest of the day to further reduce this risk and avoid touching the area afterwards. I will give you aftercare advice to reduce this risk. 

A rare complication of dermal fillers is vascular occlusion where filler enters a blood vessel and compromises the blood supply. This will be discussed at your appointment before signing the consent form. A good knowledge of anatomy reduces this risk and I can recognise and treat this if it occurs.

All dermal fillers can be reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase

How long do they last?

This varies between individuals. Results can last between 6-24 months  

What aftercare advice should I follow?

Please refrain from touching your face or applying make up for the rest of the day after your treatment. Avoid heavy exercise or alcohol. Drink plenty of water after the treatment.

As fillers can cause some bruising and swelling I advise that you allow at least 2 weeks before any events/holidays when having treatment. 

Polynucleotide FAQs:

What are the benefits of this? 

Improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, skin hydration and

texture

How long is the procedure? 

Approximately 45 minutes. With consultation up to 60 minutes.

What is the downtime afterwards? 

Minimal

Results: 

Improved skin texture and elasticity over coming weeks.

Are There Any Side-Effects with Polynucleotides? 

While these treatments are generally safe and well-tolerated, as with any medical procedure, there are certain risks and side effects that clients should be aware of:

• Injection Site Reactions: Common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites. These are typically mild and resolve within a few days after the treatment.

• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to components in the polynucleotide formula, though rare, can occur. Discussing any known allergies with Heather before treatment is essential. 

• Infection Risk: There is a small risk of infection associated with any injection-based treatment. Heather ensures the highest standards of hygiene and safety to minimize this risk.

• Temporary Discomfort: Some clients may experience temporary discomfort or itching at the injection sites, which usually subsides quickly.

•  Rare Complications: On very rare occasions, more serious complications like granuloma formation or vascular complications can occur. These risks are significantly reduced when the treatment is administered by an experienced professional.