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Brilliant ways to tackle wrinkles and sagging skin without surgery

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Facial Rejuvenation John Ross Low Res Day 1

Going through life we frown, smile and laugh. It’s natural for our bodies to manifest a physical reaction to our emotions and surroundings. However, by doing so, we encourage the appearance of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles.

Additionally, with age, our collagen and elastin production lessens while we naturally start losing fat around our face. Combined, these can lead to a looser facial tone, wrinkles, hollow upper cheeks, and heaviness above the jaw line and around the chin, giving our skin a tired and aged look so let’s look at the different non-surgical treatments that aim to give your skin a new lease on life.

Wrinkles and lines

Wrinkle injections

Cosmetic Botox for Men

The most popular and effective treatment for tackling the fine lines and wrinkles is wrinkle relaxing injections. The most renowned of these is Allergan’s Botox.

For those of you who fear the dreaded ‘frozen’ look, it’s important to realise that the key to a successful wrinkle injection treatment is an experienced practitioner, skilled in the art of moderation.

The injection works by relaxing muscles in the treated areas, leaving them unable to contract and reducing excessive facial movements.

Existing deep wrinkles are smoothed out and new ones are prevented from forming, with the effects lasting between 3-6 months. There is also a cumulative effect that means you might need fewer injections over time. The key here is not to wait until the toxin has completely disappeared. Your practitioner will be able to advise you on the most suitable top-up time for you.

On the flip-side, overdoing it is a sure-fire way to end up with ‘frozen’ unnatural results, which is why you need to have complete faith in your practitioner.

The reason this treatment has seen such success is because there is no downtime, and you walk away with revitalised and natural looking results.

Dermal fillers

Dermal_fillers_-_Juvederm_-_before_and_after_
Photo: Juvederm – Results look smooth and natural.

Dermal fillers are injected directly into wrinkles so as to plump the indented lines and add some volume.

To restore fullness to lips, sunken cheeks, and give more definition to the face, we inject temporary fillers containing hyaluronic acid (a natural substance found in the body).

Unfortunately there has been some controversy regarding fillers and there are some concerns that have to be kept in mind.

Firstly, there are over 160 kinds of fillers certified for sale in the UK and available for purchase and use by “non-healthcare professionals” as they are not classified as medicines.

Secondly, many patients are never made aware of the complications that can arise with the use of semi-permanent/permanent fillers, like the fact that although they last ‘forever’, they can only be surgically removed.

Moreover, because permanent fillers (often containing acrylic acid) work by stimulating an inflammatory reaction within the skin that makes scar tissue build up and lock it into place, the results and possible complications are unpredictable.

At The Private Clinic we only use the highest quality of temporary fillers and we are committed to our patients from start to finish, including after-care.

When fillers are administered correctly by regulated healthcare professionals, the treatment is quick, with results lasting between 6-12 months and no downtime whatsoever.

Facial definition and sagging skin

8 Point Lift

Areas for 8-point lift
Areas for 8-point lift

We mentioned dermal fillers earlier and the 8 Point Lift makes use of them to create a non-surgical facelift.

Also known as the Liquid Facelift, this specialised treatment targets key areas of the face to restore lost volume by combating the soft tissue loss that occurs with ageing.

The same rules as for dermal fillers apply but this technique offers a more complete solution compared to individual filler treatments with results lasting up to 18 months.

With the 8 point Lift there’s no risk of complications usually associated with a surgical facelift, it’s more affordable and there’s zero downtime.

Thread lift

Before and after Non-Surgical Threadlift
Before and after non-surgical threadlift at The Private Clinic.

The Thread Lift is highly specialised and requires a significant level of expertise to implement effectively.

Performed under local anaesthetic, the treatment sees anchoring sutures placed under the skin with the use of a fine needle that lifts sagging tissue.

The sutures have bi-directional cones that cling to the face’s tissue and do not need to be removed as they are principally made out of polylactic acid and are completely bio-degradable.

The acid has also been known to encourage collagen production, helping to add to the natural fullness of the face.

The procedure lasts between 30-60 minutes and the downtime is minimal but some slight bruising, swelling and mild tension may be experienced in the week after treatment.

The performing doctor will provide individually tailored advice taking into account a patient’s lifestyle to ensure recovery is as quick and easy as possible.

The Thread Lift is recommend for people over 30 who want to tackle moderate to prominent signs of ageing and want a more dramatic effect than individual wrinkle injection s or dermal fillers can provide.

That being said, the lift can be combined with other treatments such as dermal fillers, to add volume to hollow cheeks and the like.

Thermage

Before and After a Thermage Treatment
Before and after a Thermage treatment at The Private Clinic.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey have championed the use of Thermage to combat skin laxity and wrinkles but a few conditions have to be fulfilled in order to enjoy the best results this treatment has to offer.

The procedure itself consists of a hand-held piece being passed over problem areas and emitting radiofrequency technology to heat collagen so that it contracts and causes skin to tighten over time while the production of new and remodelled collagen will further the effects.

It’s the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour skin in a single treatment without any surgery, injections or downtime.

First generations of the treatment could be rather painful and The Private Clinic is one of the few UK clinics to offer the new ThermageCool Comfort Plus Technology (CPT) system.

Thermage CPT is especially designed for the face, neck and decolletage and incorporates a cooling system and a vibrating hand-piece that aims to try and keep discomfort to a tolerable minimum.

It is particularly important to get this treatment done by reputable and trustworthy professionals as very few physicians have the expertise required and incorrect use can lead to burns or scarring.

The trick with this treatment is that you have to have enough collagen in the first place to be able to stimulate it.

It works on mildly to moderately sagging skin and so is not usually recommended for patients over 65.

On the other hand, it works on all skin types and colours while also being a year-round treatment as it doesn’t require you to avoid the sun.

The procedure takes 45 minutes or over, depending on the size of the treated area, and makes the skin tighten so that the full effects will be visible after 3-6 months.

To find out more about our facial rejuvenation treatments, please call us on 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form

We have skin rejuvenation and injectable clinics across the UK including, London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire,  Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Interview: The 8 Point Lift Non-Surgical Facelift by Dr Amendola

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The Private Clinic had a chat with Cosmetic Doctor Bruno Amendola about his latest treatment for facial rejuvenation – the non-surgical dermal filler facelift: the 8 Point Lift, available at The Private Clinic’s City of London clinic.

Such treatments have risen to the spotlight recently, as a countless number of celebrities have opted for them. A recent example is Judy Murray, mother to UK tennis star Andy Murray, who has opened up about her use of non-surgical facelifts to target sun damage and sagging skin around her neck.

The Private Clinic  specialises in similar facial rejuvenation treatments and anti-ageing treatments using the most advanced techniques available for the best non-surgical results.

Dr Amendola specialises in facial rejuvenation treatments and anti-ageing treatments using the more advanced techniques available for the best non-surgical results. He also offers the non-surgical nose job and mesotherapy to the face – both injection treatments. With an eye for detail and many years of experience, Dr Amendola offers Botox and Dermal Filler treatments at The Private Clinic, including the 8 Point Lift.

Q: What is the 8 Point Lift?

A: The 8 point lift is a non-surgical lift performed with fillers, to improve cheek structure, nasolabial folds, mouth frown, jawlines, the jowl area, and to give a really nice and natural lift to all the face.

8 Point Lift available at The Private Clinic (City Clinic)
8 Point Lift available at The Private Clinic (City Clinic)

Q: Are there any other names for the treatment?

A: 8 point lift or 8 point approach

Q: Why should people choose the 8 point lift?

A: Patients should use it as a better alternative to surgical lifts, as it is more natural, and less aggressive than a surgical lift

Q: Who started it and where?

A: Dr. Mauricio De Maio pioneered the revolutionary 8 point lift, after 25 years as a medical doctor in Brasil, 15 of which were specialised in cosmetic medicine.

Q: Is it popular?

A: It is a new procedure, most popular in Brasil and the USA. It is new in the UK, although only a few doctors are trained to perform it.

Q: Who has it? 

A: There is not a specific age for it but usually patients over 35-40 years old

Q: Does it hurt?

A: It is not painful, and there is no need for anaesthetic injections or creams

Q: How long does it take?

A:  It takes 20-30 minutes to perform it.

Q: Is there any downtime?

A: Patients will see the full benefits after 1-2 weeks but it will keep improving for 2-3 months. As the filler used (Voluma) lasts up to 16 months, it takes few weeks to settle down.

Q: Is it safe?

A: It is completely safe as Voluma is an Allergan filler, and Allergan is FDA-approved in the USA and probably the safest and best filler available for doctors at the moment.

Q: How long does it last?

A: It lasts 16-18 months

Q: Why choose Juvéderm?

A: There are between 100-200 fillers available in the world, but Voluma is one of the few FDA approved, and definitely the best one for this procedure. I personally would not use any other filler for the 8 point lift.

Dr Bruno Amendola at The Private Clinic
Dr Bruno Amendola at The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic of Harley Street has 8 clinics across the UK, including our flagship clinic on Harley Street and our clinic in the City of London where the 8 Point Lift is exclusively offered. Find out more about this Non-Surgical Facelift on our website: https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/anti-ageing/8-point-lift

#Trending The 8 Point Lift: the Non-Surgical Facelift using Dermal Fillers

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The Private Clinic now offers the 8 Point Lift Non-Surgical Facelift, also known as the Fluid Facelift and Liquid Lift. Non-surgical facelifts have risen to the fore recently thanks to celebrities like Judy Murray, mother of tennis star Andy Murray, who recently revealed how she underwent a non-surgical facelift herself, using micro-needling and pigmentation removal such as for example IPL.

As demand for non-surgical facelift options continues to rise, we have designed our comprehensive 8-point lift to generate impressive results, without any surgery or downtime.

Dr Amendola is trained and certified to carry out this specific treatment, which targets key areas of the face to lift and revitalise the whole lower and mid face.

The Private Clinic uses Juvéderm dermal fillers, a leading brand made by Allergan, for the 8 Point Lift, available at our city of London (Cheapside) clinic.

8 Point Lift available at The Private Clinic (City Clinic)
8 Point Lift available at The Private Clinic (City Clinic)

What?

  • The 8 Point Lift is a specialised treatment that restores volume to the face for a revitalising and rejuvenating effect, using dermal fillers.
  • It is a more holistic treatment compared to typical dermal filler treatments and offers a more complete solution to soft tissue loss associated with ageing than individual dermal filler treatments.
  • Results can typically last for around 18 months.

Why?

  • As we age we lose soft tissue in the face, resulting in drooping skin that visibly ages people.
  • The 8 Point Lift can restore volume to the face to lift and combat the sagging skin.

The face is usually the first thing people notice about someone. It’s usually always on show and many women and men look for ways to easily and comfortably look fresh and good for their age. Dermal fillers offer a solution but a lot of practitioners do not have the training or experience to achieve the great natural look many patients seek. This is where The Private Clinic comes in. We take the face and assess it in its entirety to establish the best possible treatment available.

The Private Clinic

Our medical team can assess your suitability for the 8 Point Lift at a consultation. We have over 30 years of experience treating patients with non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments. Find out more by giving us a call to book a consultation, emailing us or asking us on social media. The Private Clinic: https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/

What Is the PIP Scandal and How Can You Avoid It to Find a Good Cosmetic Surgery Clinic?

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Here at The Private Clinic, we are fortunate to not be directly affected by the PIP breast implant scandal, as we only use high quality, reputable brands. We are as thorough as possible with the quality of our implants to ensure the patient is protected. Many people didn’t keep up with the PIP breast implant scandal at the time and it can be a little confusing. We decided to give a snapshot overview of the scandal and offer you ways to suss out your clinic of choice to ensure you are in safe and professional hands that will be there for you before, during and after any procedure.

The PIP Scandal Overview

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) was a France-based company that manufactured silicone breast implants. In a management move, it was decided to reduce the quality of the silicone used in implants, from medical grade to industrial grade – totally unsuitable for implants and commonly referred to by its use in mattresses. The main reasoning seems to be cutting costs as industrial grade silicone is around one tenth of the price. French surgeons began to report abnormally high rates of rupturing that ultimately led to the exposure of the problem, sending shockwaves across the world. Lots of countries banned and stopped using PIP implants entirely, as the UK scrambled to work out just how serious and dangerous a threat the implants were for those affected.

PIP Breast Implant Scandal

The UK’s Chief Medical Officer, after careful deliberation, urged caution due to lack of evidence about the harm the implants posed. This was not enough for many of the 40,000 UK women thought to be affected. They turned back to their respective clinics with the expectation that they could remove the implants free of charge, only to be told by some that it was not possible for free. We urge patients to look into the scandal, from independent sources, to fully understand how far it all went. The different reactions from affected clinics really helped to galvanise industry opinion that more regulation was needed to protect patients and ethical clinics. Important reviews are currently underway and it is our clinic’s hope that if the industry is rocked by scandal again then patients will not suffer for it.

What to Do to Avoid a Bad Clinic

  • Check which regulatory bodies the clinic adheres to, both legal and voluntary, as well as what that entails. These can be a port of call when things go wrong.
  • Beware of hard selling techniques and offers (for example, ones with time limits attached). A reputable clinic will not unduly pressure you into signing up for a procedure before you are truly ready.
  • The costs involved and the busy schedules of doctors and surgeons mean you will not always be seen by a medical professional in a consultation or meeting. Check beforehand and ask why to fully understand.
  • Saline implants are losing popularity but they still have some benefits, including being generally safer if there is a rupture as the body can absorb saline better than silicone. Discuss the options.
  • It is private healthcare; it is sadly not cheap. Beware of too good to be true prices. There is always a catch. Don’t overpay but don’t let your clinic of choice be determined solely by price.
  • Be cautious of financial plans offered to help structure your payments. They may not offer the best value and can have onerous terms and conditions. Ensure you fully understand before signing anything. Any reputable clinic offering them will understand.
  • A trustworthy clinic will explain to you the risks involved in a procedure, not shying away from some uncomfortable aspects, like recovery periods for invasive surgery. They will also manage your expectations from the initial consultation. Grand promises and vague answers to questions should sound an alarm in your head.
  • Check the clinic’s use of social media. They might not have the time to be as active as they would like but a solid, evident internet profile helps to improve transparency and accountability.
  • It’s a difficult truth to handle for some but sometimes a patient is unsuitable for a procedure. Beware of clinics willing to overlook other professional opinions.
  • Build up a written list of questions to ask. This will help you better understand the procedure and clinic of choice. It might sound obvious but it works.

The Private Clinic

We now work with experienced medical teams of doctors, nurses and surgeons to bring safe and effective breast implant surgeries, as we continue to build upon our 30 year Harley street reputation and expand our range of treatments into plastic surgery. See our website for more details and how to book a consultation: https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/plastic-surgery/breast-surgery/breast-enlargement-implants-augmentation/

PIP Scandal Safety

Say bye-bye to false eyelashes

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Healthcare company Allergan have thought of it all – having developed Latisse, ‘a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis (inadequate or not enough eyelashes) to grow eyelashes longer, fuller and darker’, they are looking to release the treatment in the UK. The product is currently being tested by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Byebye to false eyelashes

Latisse is the first scientific-based eyelash treatment to be approved by the FDA in 2008, and has since seen growing success and popularity. It is a prescribed medication in liquid form, and is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a disposable applicator. Since the launch of Latisse, proven results show that eyelashes can become darker, longer and fuller within 8 weeks of usage, with the full results kicking in at about 16 weeks.

With recent news of its upcoming UK release, there has been some speculation regarding the efficacy and side effects of Allergan’s Latisse eyelash treatment. The treatment was first discovered when its main ingredient Bimatoprost, traditionally used to control the progression of Glaucoma, notably increased eyelash volume, length and thickness as a side effect.

After seeing the effects of Bimatoprost, Allergan have included the ingredient as 0.03% of Latisse’s composition. There are very minimal side effects to this topical treatment, which can be minimised by applying the ointment correctly – reports have shown that the use of Latisse may cause darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be reversible, and although not reported in any clinical studies, use of the ointment may increase brown pigmentation of the coloured part of the eye.

So, overall good news for UK women – and some advice: get rid of the false one, and grow your own eyelashes.