INJECTION TREATMENTS
INJECTION TREATMENTS
The clinic offers a variety of the latest as well as already established medical aesthetics treatments for different skin conditions and anti-ageing. Based on the latest studies we often combine these treatments with laser/light and radiofrequency therapy for enhanced and long-term results. Aesthetic Essentials offers a state of the art third generation of laser/light and radio frequency combined, non-invasive treatments.
What are Injectable Fillers?
Injectable fillers are substances used in aesthetic medicine to treat the following conditions:
- Volume loss such as sunken cheeks, aged lips, smokers lines, tear trough and dark circles the under eyes, nasolabial folds, marionette lines (lines at the corners of the mouth), temporal wasting. A volume restoration provides a visible and natural face lifting effect and improves facial contour. If lines and wrinkles are present in the area of the volume loss (which is common in older patients) they appear much smoother or disappear completely.
- The appearance of indented hypotrophic scars and acne scars can be improved.
- Fillers may be used on the face and body (hand rejuvenation)
- Injectable fillers improve the skin’s texture and hydration levels, making it looks more supple, smooth and healthy.
- Correction of facial contour: fuller cheek bones, eyebrow lifting and reshaping, fuller lips, correction of the shape of the chin and nose.
Available fillers:
Resorbable
- Hyaluronic acid (for example, Juvederm ultra, Voluma, Volbela, Restilane, Perlane, SuQ, Teosial, XHA)
- Calcium HA (Radiesse),
- Calcium TriphosPhate
- Collagen (Evolence)
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra)
Non- Resorbable
- Collagen
- Silicone
One of the most widely used types of injectable fillers is made of hyaluronic acid (HA).
What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a smooth gel like substance that is normally present in the human body. Hyaluronic acid is found in high concentrations in specific body locations: in bones and cartilage, tendons and ligaments, scalp tissue and hair follicles, in the lips and eyes, in gum tissue, and in the skin. When we are young, large amounts of HA are present in the deeper layer of the skin – the dermis. HA has a great capacity to bind water molecules – up to 1000 times its volume. The water binding capacity of HA largely contributes to skin volume and its good level of hydration.
As a result of the normal ageing process the amount of HA in the skin decreases over time, and that contributes to the overall loss of volume of the skin and appearance of lines, wrinkles and sagginess. Along with degradation of HA, skin also loses its water reservoir and becomes dehydrated and dull.
Fortunately, modern aesthetic medicine can restore the HA supply in the skin due to the use of HA containing injectable fillers. HA fillers are made of synthetic Hyaluronic acid that is produced in different thickness/concentration and can be injected in the skin at different depths or in some cases under the skin depending on the conditions treated.
Treatment with HA fillers is a fast and non–surgical alternative to facial and body rejuvenation with an immediate visual improvement in the appearance of the lines, folds and wrinkles and restoration of the lost volume in the treated area. Shortly after the treatment, clients can appreciate the improvement in skin hydration and texture (smooth skin, smaller pores), more radiant complexion. Injectable HA fillers have minimal or no downtime (i.e. healing time).
About the procedure
On average an appointment for injectable fillers takes from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated. It starts with a consultation/discussion with the doctor, a medical history is taken and a written informed consent is signed by the client. The procedure is well tolerated by most people.
Topical anaesthetic is often applied to make the injections more comfortable. Some filler brands, like Juvederm (Allergan) have a built in 0.3% lidocaine to provide local anaesthesia. Based on the areas to be treated, additional injections of lidocaine may be administered for full local anaesthesia.
To achieve patients’ maximum satisfaction, fillers are often combined with other treatments (not in the same session) like Botox, laser, mesotherapy, chemical peels, etc. Your aesthetics doctor will advise you on the best course of treatment to suit your needs.
Pre care
One week prior to fillers injection, it is advisable not to use alcohol, garlic, lidocaine and aspirin, or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, swelling and/or fever, such as medicines containing diclofenac, mefaenamic acid, indomethacin or ibuprofen. Following these precautions will significantly reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at the point of injection.
Post care
There is minimal recovery time. For the first 24 hours following the treatment please avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption. It is advisable not to apply make up for 12 hours. Avoid extreme sun and/or heat exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas for 2 weeks after the treatment.
How long will the results of the treatment last?
Similar to skins natural hyaluronic acid, HA fillers will be slowly degraded by the body. Depending on the thickness of the fillers they generally last from 8 up to 18 months, with an average of a year. For example, lip fillers are thin and start deteriorating after 8 months, whereas the thick fillers used for volume restoration in cheek bones last up to 18 months.
Injectable Fillers will last longer in younger patients, and in patients that lead a healthy life style.
The results last longer if large quantities of fillers are injected.
As our body metabolizes out the HA fillers, it simultaneously produces new collagen and elastin. Thus fillers also have a long term rejuvenating effect on the skin. Because the fillers stimulate collagen synthesis the patient will notice that a year later, when most filler may be gone, the skin is in much better condition than initially, before the treatment.
What happens after the treatment?
As described above, immediately after the treatment with injectable fillers, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and volume loss is visibly improved.
During the next two weeks post procedure, the injected fillers absorb water and expand in volume thus; the maximum effect will be achieved in 3 weeks’ time.
It is expected to have mild redness and swelling at the injection points, which usually subsides within a few hours and is easy to camouflage with makeup. More sensitive areas of the face, like lips and the area under the eyes may retain swelling for longer.
In most patients a follow–up appointment is scheduled 2 – 4 weeks from the initial treatment with the purpose to correct/optimise the results and extend the life span of the fillers.
What are the side effects of injectable fillers?
One of the most common side effects of Injectable Fillers is bruising. It is temporary and usually clears within 4 -14 days.
To minimize chances for bruising it is advisable to avoid alcohol, lidocaine, aspirin and other blood thinning substances a week prior to filler injections.
Allergic reactions to fillers may occur, but they are rare. If during the consultation the doctor suspects the possibility of an allergic reaction, a small test injection will be done first in the hidden area of the body.
Most Injectable fillers contain lidocaine (local anaesthetic), that may produce a positive result in anti-doping testing.
There are some very rare complications that have been described: abscess formation, granulomas (small bumps), discoloration at injection sites, and necrosis (tissue death). Should any painful hardening develop after filler injections it must be reported to your medical aesthetician as soon as possible.
Contraindications for injectable fillers
- As a precaution, fillers cannot be injected during pregnancy and breast feeding
- Abnormal wound healing (predisposition to keloids)
- Allergy to HA
- Patients with known allergy to local anaesthetics must avoid fillers containing lidocaine
- Blood clotting disorders
- Concurrent acute skin infection in the area of injection
- The combination of HA fillers with certain drugs may reduce or inhibit liver metabolism, and is not advisable
- Uncontrolled Epilepsy
- The use of steroids may elevate the risk of developing infection at injection sites
HA fillers have been used in millions of patients for more than 10 years worldwide, with a very low incidence of side effects and they are considered as being very safe.
WRINKLE TREATMENT WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A ALSO KNOWN AS BOTOX® FOR AESTHETICS AND ANTI-AGEING
A sterile, vacuum-dried form of purified botulinum toxin type A, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum is widely used in aesthetic medicine to treat lines and wrinkles. Neurotoxic effects of botulinum toxin have been used for the treatment of various medical disorders (e.g. in children and adults with cerebral paralysis) since 1980. There are 7 types of Botulinum toxins produced by different strains of Clostridium botulinum. Each stereotype has different properties and actions. At present, only Botulinum toxin type A is the most studied and approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration of USA).
Facial ageing manifests in changes of skin texture, the appearance of dynamic and/or static lines and wrinkles, loss of volume, and skeletal remodeling (bone ageing).
In Aesthetic Medicine Botulinum toxin A is used to treat the following conditions:
- Facial dynamic lines/wrinkles, in particular wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines), around the eyes (Crow’s feet), horizontal lines on the forehead, wrinkles on the jaw line, lips (peri–oral wrinkles), and lines on the nose (bunny lines).
- Gingival smile (gummy smile)
- To improve horizontal lines on the neck (platisma band) – “the Nefertiti neck treatment’
- Bruxism –Hypertrophic Masseter (in this condition an over active jowl muscle causes grinding of the teeth)
- Hyperhidrosis – Excessive sweating.
HOW DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN A WORK?
Botulinum toxin blocks the action of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine stimulates striated as well as smooth muscles and the secretion of glands such as sweat glands.
After Botulinum toxin A has been injected it diffuses into the muscle until it selectively and irreversibly binds to it and blocks the action of acetylcholine. The action of the drug slowly decreases over time and the inactive nerve regenerates its function again.
Botulinum Toxin A has a cosmetic effect only if injected into particular muscles. Topical applications of the toxin are insufficient and therefore, the claims stating that Botulinum toxin containing creams have a similar effect are questionable.
Expression lines (e.g. frown lines) may give one tired, cross and/or unhappy look. Botulinum toxin A treatment relaxes muscles and thus takes away an undesirable facial expression. The appearance of lines and wrinkles is smoother and overall the face looks more rejuvenated. The degree of improvement depends mostly on the initial depth/severity of the lines/wrinkles.
ABOUT BOTULINUM TOXIN A TREATMENT
A typical Botulinum toxin A treatment visit takes usually 30 min. Initially, the treatment areas are discussed with the doctor, a detailed medical history is taken and an informed consent form is signed. The client is asked to pull certain facial expressions in order to assess activity and the strength of the muscles and based on that the doctor will calculate the individual dose of Botulinum toxin A. Small amounts of Botulinum toxin A are injected in the localised muscles at several sites using fine sterile needles. The procedure is well tolerated by most patients, however; in order to make it more comfortable a topical anaesthetic cream may be used. The injectable minute amounts of Botulinum toxin A are non-toxic to the body as a whole and have an effect only on the muscles that were treated. Botulinum toxin A injections result in the relaxation of the over-active muscles, as described above.
In order to reduce the possible risk of bruising and bleeding it is advisable to avoid the consumption of alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and aspirin for 5 to 7 days prior to Botulinum toxin A treatment.
On you first visit you will need to provide your Doctor with a full medical history.
During the first 4 hours after Botulinum toxin A treatment the patients must not lie down or do strenuous exercise. The consumption of alcohol and application of make-up must be avoided for the next 12 hours.
It is important not to rub or massage the treated areas for the first 24 hours after injections and to avoid direct sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas for the next 2 weeks.
Botulinum toxin A is recommended to both male and female clients. There is no restriction to its use based on the colour of the skin. As a prevention strategy to forming dynamic wrinkles, the use of Botulinum toxin A may be appropriate in younger individuals (from early twenties).
DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN A HAVE AN IMMEDIATE EFFECT?
Usually, it takes from 72 hours to 14 days to see the results of Botulinum toxin A treatment. Two weeks after the treatment we offer a check-up consultation and if necessary, an additional dose will be administrated by the Doctor to reach the perfect result (free of charge).
The moderate or deep wrinkles will look smoother as a result of the treatment; however, often to further improve the appearance of those wrinkles an additional treatment with dermal fillers of laser might be required. Your aesthetics doctor will advise you on the best course of treatment to suit your needs.
It is important to notice that Botulinum toxin A significantly rejuvenates and improves the overall look of the face by eliminating the” tired look” and undesirable facial expressions associated with negative/angry emotions (e.g. frowning).
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO DO BOTULINUM TOXIN A ?
The wrinkle smoothing effect of Botulinum toxin A usually lasts 12 – 16 weeks. The intensity of muscle movement gradually reverts to normal. Ideally the repeat treatment should be done before the effect of Botulinum toxin A fully wears off.
With the long term use of Botulinum toxin A the interval between the treatments can be extended to 6 months or even longer.
The moderate or deep wrinkles will look smoother as a result of the treatment; however, often to further improve the appearance of those wrinkles an additional treatment with dermal fillers of laser might be required.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTULINUM TOXIN A ?
As all the other medicines, Botulinum toxin A can cause some side effects, which clients are advised on before the procedure.
Most common side effects such as mild pain, redness or mild swelling (little bumps) are related to the injections and they usually resolve within few hours. In some cases a mild bruising is possible at the sites of injections.
Another temporary side effect of Botulinum toxin A may be the dropping of the upper eyelid caused by a spread of the injected Botulinum toxin A into the nearby muscles.
An asymmetry in the level of the eyebrows is possible, but it is usually corrected by the doctor during the scheduled follow–up treatment.
There is a very small risk of an allergic reaction to Botulinum toxin A.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Botulinum toxin A is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- Known allergy to Botulinum toxin A
- Current infection at the sites of injection
- Some medical conditions, such as Myasthenia Gravis or Eaton Lambert syndrome.
WHAT IS DERMAPEN
Dermapen is a medically engineered and developed clinical corrective treatment that creates rejuvenating microchannels into the skin’s matrix; this is achieved by using multiple nickel and titanium free needles. Using patented technology, Dermapen’s oscillating action effortlessly glides over the skin to initiate and stimulate the body’s own natural healing and regenerative response. It is possible to achieve striking results by delivering a versatile and customized treatment, which simultaneously targets the appearance of aging, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, uneven skin texture, stretch marks and scar tissue on face and body areas. Dermapen treatments are fast, effective, comfortable and offer results after just one treatmentS
OUTCOME EXPECTED
Progressive rejuvenated face and body skin with long lasting results. The skin is visibly transformed, providing dramatic regeneration and restored function.
CONDITIONS TREATED BY DERMAPEN
Aged sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, smoker’s lines around the lips, skin tightening and rejuvenation, large pores, stretch marks, scars (acne, surgical and burns), Alopecia and many more…
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO DERMAPEN TREATMENTS
- Papulopustular rosacea
- Acne vulgaris stage III-IV
- Herpes Simplex
- Warts
- Scleroderma
- Bacterial/Fungal infections
- Open lesions
- Solar Keratosis
- Skin cancer
- Haemophilia
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a blood component which is rich in growth factors. The PRP injections, also known as a Vampire Medical Facial, is a powerful rejuvenation treatment for aged skin. Once it is reinjected into the skin, it stimulates collagen and elastin production at the treatment site. PRP provides the best results when treating eyes, neck, hands, décolleté, fine lines and wrinkles, dull dry skin, hair loss, acne scarring and stretch marks. We get PRP from the patient’s blood. We then centrifugate the blood in order to separate the red and white blood cells from the platelet rich plasma in preparation for the injections. It is injected into the affected area with deep injections in combination with Derma Pen to treat the superficial layers of the skin.
FAQs
WHAT IS MESOTHERAPY?
Mesotherapy refers to a drug injection technique used in general medicine for the treatment of various medical conditions. Mesotherapy was developed in the early 1950s by French physician Dr Michel Pistor to treat conditions such as rheumatology (painful joints), sports injuries (strains, tendonitis, pulled muscles), infectious diseases (ear, nose and throat infections, respiratory problems) and vascular disorders (tired legs, varicose veins).
From the late 1980s mesotherapy was used for aesthetic indications, in particular:
- Non-surgical body contouring (treatment of cellulite and localized fat deposits),
- Alopecia (hair loss) and,
- Skin rejuvenation (facial lines and wrinkles, photo –aged and dehydrated skins, stretch marks, hypertrophic indented scars).
In the past few decades mesotherapy has become a very popular method in aesthetic medicine worldwide. In this section we will discuss in more detail mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation (meso-lift).
Mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation involves intradermal (i.e. into the skin) injections of the anti–ageing drug cocktails. The depth of injections may vary and is usually between 1 to 4 mm into the skin. There are also different types of mesotherapy injection techniques. The depth and the type of mesotherapy injections are chosen by an aesthetics doctor based on the skin condition and the area of treatment. There are different injectable mesotherapy cocktails on the market, but most of them include the following key ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid – for hydration of the skin and plumping effect
- Vitamins, most commonly used are vitamin A (stimulates synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin), and vitamins C and E (powerful antioxidants that neutralizing the free radicals and help to treat sun damage and slow down the ageing process)
- Amino acids, which are used as building blocks for production of collagen and elastin
- Minerals (Zinc, Selenium, Silicium, MgSO4) to guarantee the ionic balance of the dermis
- Co–enzymes to activate biochemical reactions in the skin
- Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) to stimulate the synthesis of proteins (collagen and elastin)
- Growth factors – recombinant human growth factors like Epidermal Growth factor (EGF), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), and Insulin Growth Factor (IGF–1). They stimulate skin regeneration and healing.
HOW DOES MESOTHERAPY WORK AND WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS?
Mesotherapy rejuvenates the skin by hydration (injection of Hyaluronic acid) and collagen induction. Collagen synthesis is stimulated by the active ingredients of the injected drug cocktail as well as by multiple injections itself (needle stick injuries of the skin initiate the wound healing process and as a result of this new collagen molecules are produced).
Mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation is indicated for:
- Dehydrated, dull, lax and sagging skins
- Rough skin texture and enlarged pores
- Wrinkles and lines, loss of skin turgor and sun damage on the face, neck, décolleté, hands and arms
- It is also popular for the treatment of stretch marks on different areas of the body.
Mesotherapy can also be combined with other methods of aesthetic therapies, like fillers, light and laser treatments and/or Botox in personalised treatment programmes. At Aesthetic Essentials, we will advise you on the best course of treatment to suit your needs.
Mesotherapy can be performed on both female and male clients and there is no restriction based on ethnical types of the skin.
ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
Mesotherapy takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour depending on the area of the treatment.
Mesotherapy starts from removing make up (if any) and thoroughly cleansing the skin. At our practice, mesotherapy is performed with prior skin resurfacing – i.e. mild crystal free microdermabrasion (MDA) or superficial chemical peel (meso-peel). MDA and chemical peels provide additional cleaning of the skin, improve skin permeability and thus increase penetration of the mesotherapy cocktail. MDA and superficial chemical peels represent good anti–ageing methods on their own and therefore, combining them with mesotherapy provides additional benefits to the skin. After skin resurfacing the actual mesotherapy injections are performed. The procedure is very well tolerated, but to make it even more comfortable topical anaesthetic cream (e.g. Emla cream) can be applied on more sensitive areas. Mild bleeding may occur during mesotherapy injections
WHAT HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TREATMENT?
Mesotherapy may cause mild superficial bruising when injections are done in the deeper layers of the dermis. Bruises usually clear up within a week. In most cases, especially with more superficial injections, there is no down time after the procedure. In some cases mild redness at injection sites may persist for a few hours to a few days and can easily be covered up with make-up.
Immediately after mesotherapy skin feels well hydrated and looks more plumped up and supple. A few days later skin looks glowing and radiant. A gradual improvement in skin hydration, complexion and texture, as well as reduction in the depth of the wrinkles is appreciated from session to session. A visible rejuvenating effect of mesotherapy normally requires a number of regular treatments.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MESOTHERAPY BE DONE?
Initially, it is recommended to have a course of 4 to 6 mesotherapy treatments repeated every two weeks. Thereafter, mesotherapy maintenance treatments can be done once a month. Based on the patient’s life style, mesotherapy can also be done as a once a month aesthetic treatment from the beginning.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MESOTHERAPY?
- Improvement of skin hydration and structure
- Improvement of skin quality and appearance (supple, glowing skin)
- Disappearance of fine wrinkles
- Softening of moderate and deep wrinkles
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Rosacea
- Acute skin infection
- Blood clotting disorders
- Known allergy to one of the ingredients in the mesotherapy cocktail
- Broken veins
- Sensitive skin with redness
- As a precaution mesotherapy is not recommended during pregnancy and breast feeding
Redermalisation
Redermalisation is based on physiological repair speed stimulation in human skin fibroblasts using a product with a combination of succinate and hyaluronic acid compared to a monocomponent substance of hyaluronic acid.
Redermalisation
Indicated for correction and prevention of skin quality deterioration caused by:
- Aging
- Pathologic environmental factors such as UV air pollution and smoking
- Adverse side effects of some aesthetic procedures on the skin like scars, dyschromia and laxity
Ingredients:
water, sodium hyaluronate, sodium succinate, succinic acid.
Results of Redermalisation:
- Young healthy skin
- Skin lightening
- Lifting effect
- Improvement of skin elasticity
- Hydrated skin
- Decreases depth and length of wrinkles
- Improved skin surface and texture
FAQs
Contact Details:
Cnr Athol Oaklands Road and Fort Street
Birnam 2196
