Many of us have parts of ourselves that we would like to change if we could. Sometimes relatively minor changes can make a big difference to the way we feel.
That’s where non- surgical treatments come in. They are less invasive and less costly than cosmetic surgery but no less effective at improving our aesthetic appearance.
Cosmetic treatments alone cannot change your life but it can give you the confidence to make those changes for yourself.
There are several different types of treatment to choose from. Sometimes you might choose to combine them with surgery to maximise the effect.
Non-surgical treatments are not entirely without risk but these risks are relatively small. As with any kind of cosmetic procedure it is a good idea to find out about it in advance, including any risks. Make sure you choose a reputable surgeon who you trust and talk to them to make sure it is suitable for you and that it is likely to give you the results you desire.
Don’t rush into a decision and find out about after care – what you will need to do, how long before you will get to see the final results (once any swelling or bruising has subsided) and what follow-up advice and support is available to you.
We offer a range of cosmetic injections for your face and other parts of your body. These include:
Botox® (botulinum toxin type A) is a type of muscle relaxing injection. It is used to temporarily paralyse the muscles that cause wrinkles, By blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, the injected muscles can no longer contract, causing the skin above it, to appear smoother and more youthful.
Botox ® is one of the most well-known muscle relaxing injection but there are others too. Azzalure® , Xeomin® and Bocouture® are other examples and work in the same way but are manufactured by different companies. All muscle relaxants provide a result the can leave smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.
The person performing the procedure will discuss the procedure with you and take some of the details of your medical history. Your skin will be gently cleaned and small amounts of botulinum toxin will be injected into the muscles of your face. You will normally receive several injections into different parts of your face. There can be some discomfort although this is well tolerated by most people. The procedure only takes a few minutes.
The forehead, crow’s feet (around the eyes) and bunny-lines respond well to this treatment. It can also be used to create the appearance of bigger eyes and for pore shrinking. You will not see any immediate difference after receiving the treatment. It takes three to five days for the injections to take effect and up to two weeks to see the full effect. As the muscles relax, skin will appear smoother and more youthful. The effect is temporary and lasts between four and six months. To maintain the effect you will need regular follow-up injections.
The treatment is not without some risk. Minor side effects can include pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache and upset stomach. Sometimes more serious side effects can occur including drooping eyelids and facial muscle weakness. Not everyone is suitable to have this type of treatment as it entails introducing a toxin to the body. It is important to choose a reputable surgeon and to discuss the treatment before going ahead.
The procedure is simple and quick and carried out without anaesthetic. You will be free to go immediately afterwards and should start to see results within three to five days. The full effect will become apparent within two weeks. You should avoid alcohol for a week before treatment and aspirin for two weeks before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Sometimes, if Botox moves around under the skin, you can develop a drooping eyelid. To minimise the risk of this, avoid rubbing the treated area for up to 12 hours after receiving treatment and do not lie down for three to four hours.
These types of injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. It does not work on all types of wrinkles so you should talk to your surgeon who will advise you.
The effects of Botox and similar treatments typically last around four to six months.
Because they introduce a toxin to the body, they are not suitable for everybody, particularly women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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There are number of different components to achieving the best results from cosmetic surgery. Number one is choosing the procedure that will give you the results you’re looking for. This involves careful research so you develop a good understanding of what each different type of procedure can and cannot do.
There are probably more myths and misconceptions about plastic surgery than just about any other branch of healthcare. It’s tempting to think “there’s no smoke without fire” and this can make you feel understandably wary about some of the treatments on offer. So, how do you separate the fact from the fiction?
Dermal fillers are commonly used on the face to reverse some of the signs of ageing.
A 3D hyaluronic acid matrix is injected into the face, acting as a semi-permanent volumising gel. The filler contains local anaesthetic, which numbs your skin, as it is injected, so the procedure is relatively pain-free.
Each injection normally only takes a few minutes, after which your surgeon will massage the area and evaluate the results. Normally the whole process will be completed in under an hour. The area may feel tender for a day or two. Dermal fillers are completely broken down within the skin over a period of months, eventually leaving no trace.
There are different types of filler which produce subtly different effects. We use Restylane® and Juvederm® and can discuss with you which might produce the most satisfactory results for you.
Dermal fillers can smooth away wrinkles and fine lines, create fuller and more accentuated lips, and add facial volume and contour.
There are few risks associated with dermal fillers. Among the possible complications are:
Rarely, more serious problems can occur including blindness and skin necrosis (ulceration or loss of skin as a result of blood flow being restricted)
If dermal fillers are injected into the wrong place, skin damage can occur which may require corrective surgery. For this reason, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to carry out the treatment.
You will be free to go home immediately after treatment. You may be offered an ice pack to reduce any discomfort but you should not require painkillers.
As we age, our face naturally loses subcutaneous fat and the skin stretches. This results in facial muscles being closer to the skin surface making smile lines and crow’s feet appear more apparent. Sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle all cause the skin to lose volume. Facial fillers contain a volumising gel which helps diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness to the face. They are ideal for plumping lips, softening creases and decreasing or removing shadows on the lower eyelids.
The results achieved with dermal fillers are not the same as a facelift. The effects from fillers are temporary. If a more permanent, long-term solution is sought, a facelift may be preferable.
The effects of dermal fillers can last from a few months to several years depending on the type of treatment used. Talk to your surgeon about this.
Plastic surgery alone cannot change your life but it can give you the confidence to make those changes for yourself.
Email:
enquiries@riversideclinics.co.uk
Phone:
07584 621489
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