Alison Gilmour BSc (Hons) MRPharmS Pharmacist Independent PrescriberÂ
GPhC 2050969
If you're new to the world of aesthetics, it can be daunting and confusing trying to work out which treatments you would benefit from, given all the different treatments on the market.
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Read on to find out the difference between Botox and fillers, what skin boosters are and who, and to discover the benefits of some of the most popular and innovative non-invasive treatments on the market, LED phototherapy and microneedling.
ANTI-WRINKLE TREATMENT (BOTOX)
BOTOX® is a brand of botulinum toxin. These are prescription only medicines and LEGALLY CAN ONLY be administered after an initial face-to-face consultation with a prescriber.
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When injected in to a muscle, BOTOX® temporarily blocks nerve signals, preventing the injected muscle from contracting. This makes wrinkles which form on movement (dynamic wrinkles) relax and soften. It does not get rid of lines which are there all the time (static lines) although it may soften them with repeated use as the muscles treated lose tone. Lines which are present all the time are better treated with filler.
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The most popular areas to treat are the lines on the face and around the eyes, however it can also be used in other areas of the face.
Examples of these are the brow lift, gummy smile reduction, relaxation of the muscles around the mouth which cause a 'sad' expression, and face slimming/treatment of overdeveloped masseter muscles caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
In all of the above treatments, toxin is injected into a muscle. However, when injected into the skin more superficially, it decreases sweat and sebaceous gland activity to improve skin texture and sheen. Botox administered superficially or incorporated with skin booster gives the skin a wonderful sheen and radiance, without the muscle relaxing effects associated with its traditional cosmetic use.
DERMAL/LIP FILLERS
Dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA); a substance which occurs naturally in our bodies, keeping skin plump and hydrated. As we age, decreasing levels of hyaluronic acid result in volume loss and contribute to the formation of lines and wrinkles.
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Dermal fillers can be used restore this volume loss. When injected, hyaluronic acid attracts water, creating volume in the targeted area, replacing/creating structure and plumping out lines and wrinkles, to help rejuvenate the skin, restoring a fuller and more youthful complexion.
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Small amounts of filler can also be used to reduce undereye hollowing and improve dark circles, to provide definition in structural areas such as the cheeks, chin and jawline and to volumise and/or shape the lips and reduce perioral ('smoker lines').
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The type of filler used depends on the area being treated. For instance, filler being used in the cheek or chin to mimic bone structure is not the same as that used in the lip, which needs to be much softer and more mobile, or it would look unnatural.
The results of filler treatments are dependent on several factors including product used, practitioner injection technique and the degree of correction required.
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We use premium brand fillers which are only ever sourced from UK registered pharmacies for your safety and peace of mind.
SKIN BOOSTERS
Skin Boosters are injectables which can be beneficial for a number of different skin complaints, such as dullness, dehydration, laxity and fine lines/wrinkles. They are sometimes referred to as 'injectable moisturisers' due to their excellent hydrating results and resulting skin radiance.
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The main ingredient of all skin boosters is hyaluronic acid (HA). There are many brands on the market, the difference between them is the concentration of HA and many also contain a 'cocktail' of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids to address different skin conditions.
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The product is injected just under the skin, to improve the overall quality and health of the skin, collagen stimulation to improve elasticity and firmness and a beautiful, hydrated radiance.
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Each different product comes with preferred treatment indications and technique, therefore we recommend booking in for a consultation to discuss your skin concerns and goals, so we can advise accordingly.
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At Kintsugi Medical Aesthetics, we offer Profhilo, Neofound, NCTF135HA (Beautif-eye) and WOW Fusion (with toxin).
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MEDICAL MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small, sterilized needles to create thousands of temporary microscopic channels in the skin every second. The purpose of this treatment is to stimulate the body's natural wound healing response, generating new collagen, elastin and skin tissue and smoothing, firming, and toning skin (skin remodeling).
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As well as skin rejuvenation, microneedling can be used to address acne scars, surgical scars
hyper-pigmentation conditions (sun spots, melasma and vitiligo), enlarged pores, stretch marks.
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The treatment is suitable for use on all skin types and is completely safe and the procedure itself is minimally-invasive with very little downtime.
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As the very first FDA-cleared microneedling device, SkinPen is trusted by leading dermatologists, aestheticians, and other skincare professionals. With unrivalled results, it is the microneedling device of choice within the clinic.
LED PHOTOTHERAPY
LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is a non-invasive treatment which can be used to treat a number of skin concerns. Non-thermal light enters the skin’s layers to improve the skin, leaving it looking energised and hydrated. It is safe and nontoxic and to date no side effects have been reported in published literature.
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LED light therapy can help treat a variety of skin concerns and conditions, including:
Eczema, mild to moderate acne, psoriasis
rosacea, sun damage/pigmentation, skin ageing, wounds, muscle and joint pain.
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Red light penetrates deep into the skin to hydrate, reduce lines and promote collagen and elastin synthesis.
Blue light is antibacterial, so will destroy acne bacteria and is excellent for calming, reducing and preventing further breakouts.
Near infrared light has anti inflammatory properties and assists skin healing. This wavelength is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and can help treat conditions such as acne and rosacea too.
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In-clinic LED light therapy uses more powerful strengths than at-home devices, which makes it more effective. With LED masks and other portable devices, you likely won’t see dramatic anti-aging or acne-reducing results, although you might experience subtle improvements in your skin’s appearance.
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Benefits of LED Phototherapy:
- prevents, repairs and maintains ageing skin
- smooths fine lines and wrinkles
- boosts collagen and elastin production
- improves skin tone and texture
- increases blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the target area.
- improves lasting hydration in the skin.
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Dermalux Flex MD device is used in clinic to achieve excellent skin results.