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Retinol: The "non-injectable Botox"

Retinol, a powerhouse derived from Vitamin A, offers a non-invasive solution with results similar to Botox but without the needles (for the finer lines). Its fat-soluble nature makes it essential for cell function, immune support, and skin health. By boosting skin thickness and securing fibre support, studies reveal its remarkable ability to diminish wrinkles by up to 78% in just four weeks!

Studies have also demonstrated that Retinol can prevent collagen degradation, promoting cell production, strengthening the epidermis whilst also reducing water loss, making Retinol the number one product to use as a first defence against the first signs of wrinkles.

Images demonstrating how retinol changes the thickness of the skin over a few weeks

However, our bodies have to convert Retinol to be able to use it and the marketing used by big organisations often take advantage of those unaware of Retinol to sell expensive products which actually aren’t any good. Whilst some Retinols such as Tretinoin are seen as the gold standard, they are prescription only and you can only get these from a prescriber. A study in 2022 by Milosheska however, demonstrated that you don’t need Tretinoin to gain the same results.

Whilst Retinol (such as Paul’s choice) is considered 10 times less potent than Tretinoin (which means 0.025% Retinol is the same as 0.025% Tretinoin), studies have actually suggested that actually 0.3% Retinol is enough to benefit from the effects of Tretinoin, without having the negative side affects of its use such as burning, sensitive and dry skin, making it more tolerable, and more likely to be used longer term (hence why its more beneficial than the stronger stuff!)

Retinaldehyde has also been argued as being a very good alternative to Tretinoin at 0.05% (such as those produced by Medik8), whilst Retinyl Palminate is also supported at 0.3%, however is prone to photodegredation and has poor stability whilst also lacking clinical studies compared to others.

If you are looking for professional treatments that can boost your Retinol usage, have a look at our page dedicated to wrinkles to see what options might be available to you by clicking here, but if you still aren't sure, please use the contact us page to send us pictures and we will get back to you!

How skin analysis demonstrates how the skin changes over weeks of retinol usage

Firstly, I can't take credit for the information in this blog. Dr John Campbell did a fantastic youtube video on immunity and Vitamin D (google it). I just know what its like to try and get all the important information quickly and sometimes you don't have 20 minutes to sit there and watch it, so I have done it for you and have summed it up below.

The British Medical Journal published a meta analysis (basically a huge review and sum up of loads of studies to come up with a strong conclusion) and found that by taking 400iu (or 10 micrograms/mcg) daily can reduce the chance of getting both bacterial and viral respiratory (lung) problems.

The risk of catching these conditions are reduced by 19% in a non-deficient person, however the majority of us in this part of the world are deficient (not making enough) to some degree as its colder and we often cover up (we normally get Vitamin D from some of the foods we eat and the sun). Those with darker skin are more likely to be deficient as their skin colour produces less Vitamin D than white skin. For those that are deficient, by taking the increase in Vitamin D through supplements can have up to a 70% reduction in the chance of having bacterial or viral respiratory problems

Increasing your intake does not have any adverse affects and helps to stimulate immunity in your body. It helps to regenerate the epithelial barrier in the lining of the respiratory tract, matures the immune cells and reduces the risk of multiple sclerosis, heart diseases and cancer.

For those of you that are not aware, the Coronovirus or Covid-19 is a respiratory condition.

So in a nut shell:

Go to your local pharmacy, buy Vitamin D supplements with a minimum of 400iu or 10mcg and take them daily.

If you'd like to watch the video yourself, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5yVGmfivAk

I am asked very frequently, “how long fillers last for,” so I thought I would write a blog about it. But before we discuss how long they last for and what you can do to make them last longer, we need to look at what fillers are made for and the differences between them.

What is filler?

(Dermal) Fillers are made up of a number of different components but the main one is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). 

HA is a natural substance that is already in our body, of which between 50-75% is in our skin alone. It is hydrophilic, which means it can attract around 1000 times its own weight in water; this is why you often find it in skin care products too as it is a fantastic moisturiser!

If you'd like to find out a little more about fillers, click here

So what is the difference between fillers?

I always use cars to explain the different fillers. You have different makes like Ferrari, BMW, Ford and Vauxhall; this is like Juvederm, Revolax, Restylane and Teosyal. Then within these makes you have different models like the Ferrari Spider, the BMW 1 Series, the Ford Escort and the Vauxhall Corsa; this is like Revolax Deep, Juveder, Ultra 3, Restylane Classic and Redensity 1.

Each make and model has its own components (but all have HA) and some are purchased for specific reasons eg the Ferrari is bought for speed and look, the Volvo is known for its safety. Fillers are no different, each make and model is used for different purposes although there are some overlaps and experience is the only way to really learn what works for different people and their purposes. I always tell my husband you wouldn’t use a ferrari to pick up the children from school (why put the mileage of the car??) and that is exactly the same for fillers.

In terms of filler, each has a different amount of links between the molecules, the more links there are between them, the thicker the consistency is. This means that filler will be stronger and it will attract more water. So for example, we would use a thicker filler for augmenting cheeks, the chin and the jaw because it essentially has to mimic bone. In comparison, we would use a very thin filler for Tear Troughs because HA likes water so much, we want to avoid it bringing water to the area under the eyes, the less links there are, the less water it attracts. 

Does that mean a thicker filler will last longer than a thinner one?

Not necessarily. There are three main aspects to how long a filler will last; the individual’s metabolism, the type of filler used and where it is placed.

This means that whilst the tear trough uses a very thin filler, the area is not very mobile and so the body takes longer to metabolise it. Compare that to the filler we use for lips which has a thicker consistency, but because the lips move all the time, the filler doesn’t last as long as the tear troughs. 

So does that mean you can you put a thicker filler in my lips to make it last longer?

It is possible and there are practitioners that do this however it really depends on the individual. Using a thicker filler would make them harder and look less natural, it would also mean that if there was an issue where the blood supply was blocked, it could potentially be harder to break it down. If however, you had an individual that metabolises filler too quickly then it is something we would consider trying. 

What can I do to make my fillers last as long as possible?

So if you ask your practitioner “how long will it last,” please don’t think they are trying to avoid answering you by giving you a vague figure, no one can tell you exactly how long it will last and we can only go off our own and our clients experience.

With the injectable cosmetic industry being unregulated, how do you know that the person injecting substances in your face is safe when there are no standards an individual has to achieve to pass the course? Sadly, you can’t and that is why we have created this blog to use as a guide when choosing your practitioner.

As a Diagnostic Radiographer I sit in a unique position as I am classed as a medic by some and a non-medic by others. This gives me an opportunity to understand and respect those practitioners with a beauty background and those who come from a medical background. I have also been subjected to criticism from both non-medics and medics and have witnessed some very vicious arguments between both sides.

Whilst having a medical background does have its advantages, it does not mean that you are necessarily safer than others; no one wakes up one day and knows how to inject Botox or fillers or can recognise complications or how to solve them. I have heard of Nurses being struck off for putting a dirty needle back in a Botox bottle and I have come across a Dr who did not know that she caused a blockage of an artery in a patient’s lips and had to go home and print the protocol out to resolve it.

Having a medical background does have benefits, as a healthcare professional, we must uphold the standards expected of us to enable us to stay registered and use our protected title. These standards include protecting the identity of those in our care, never going out of our scope of practice and always continually learning. Having spent 3 years at university gaining my undergraduate degree in Diagnostic Radiography, we had it drilled into us that we should be reflecting on our practice and always reading, learning and applying the best practice available at the time. This means that we naturally pass these requirements over into aesthetics because we understand the importance and both myself and another Diagnostic Radiographer who practises aesthetics often pass each other studies we have read and discuss anatomy and complications and best practice.

With that being said, there are some fantastic individuals who do not have medical backgrounds that do respect their clients information, who spend hours and hours reading and researching and continually develop their skills to be the safest and best practitioner they can be. I have also witnessed some amazing support within groups of non-medics who offer support each other in their time of need.

Practitioners from both non-medical and medical background do however agree on one thing, that the industry should be regulated to ensure that all training schools provide the same basic training, no matter their background. It will however take a long time for this to happen and insurance companies and Health Professional Registration Bodies are starting to take things into their own hands with some insurance companies not insuraning those from a non-medical background and some Professional bodies such as the General Pharmaceutical Council no longer allowing their Pharmacists to prescribe for those not professionally registered.

So how do I choose my practitioner?

As we have seen, it does not matter what their background is, anyone can practice unsafely and that is why you need to choose the individual based on their own merit. That being said, here are a few pointers to look for in your practitioner:

·   Having a medical background is beneficial, but whether they do or do not, make sure they have access to a Prescriber. This will mean they have support if they need it and someone to prescribe emergency medication. A prescriber will have a professional qualification that enables you to find them on their professional registration such as the NMC, HCPC and GPhC (if not a Doctor or Dentist).

·   Botox is a prescription only medicine and If you are having Botox treatment it is best practice for you to have regular face to face consultations with the person prescribing it for you. It is also best practice for you to have a two week follow up with the practitioner. Often, the practitioner will not be insured if you do not see the prescriber face to face.

·   The practitioner should hold emergency drugs at their place of work. This includes adrenaline in case of anaphylaxis and Hyaluronidase which dissolves filler in the case of an artery blockage. If the practitioner does not have a prescriber, ask if they have the emergency drugs (there is nothing wrong with asking to see them either).

·   Ask where the practitioner is getting their products from. Botox is a prescription only medicine and so can only be purchased from an MHRA regulated pharmacy. There are other places where filler can be brought and as a practitioner I am often approached by random companies to buy both Botox and fillers from them which are not safe as there is no tracking process or regulation for their products.  

·   Does the individual know what a complication might look like and what to do if it happens? Ask them what they would do and what they would look for. Furthermore, do they have support in place in case it was to happen?

·   You should always have an opportunity to have a consultation with your practitioner and should never be encouraged to have a treatment done, make sure you are being listened to and not just heard. Ask yourself whether you feel they will work “on” you or “with” you.

·   When you actually go and have your treatment, a full medical history should be taken and it is important to make sure that you are being given the opportunity to make an informed decision. You should be given the opportunity to ask questions and have the benefits explained, along with possible complications (including the most severe) and the alternatives available- you cannot make an informed decision or consent without this.

·   If the price is too cheap, ask yourself why as Botox and fillers are not cheap products to purchase. It might be that vials of Botox (prescribed to one person and should only be used on that one person) are being shared, or a 1ml syringe is being split between individuals.

·   Most importantly, follow your gut.

We’ve all been there, a morning filled with dread as we wake up to another spot on our face. Some of us may have even been the unlucky ones who suffered with acne through our teenage years but the worst part wasn’t the acne, it was the scars they left. Finding the right fix can be so stressful. Got a wedding coming up? Birthday? Graduation? Find out how micro-needling can erase these scars forever and possibly why we think this is one of the best acne treatments. Here’s how it works:

When we pick at a spota scar is left on the skin that no amount of exfoliation can treat or get rid of, especially if the scar is deep underneath the skin like with cystic acne. The only way to remove the scar is by creating trauma to the skin. Sounds counter-productive, right? It’s this slight trauma that allows the skin to regenerate tissue correctly. Micro-needling pierces the skin ever so slightly, which encourages your body to stimulate its own collagen and elastin production. The result? You’re left with skin that looks youthful, radiant and best of all, without scars. 

What are the microneedling risks?

Because microneedling is minimally invasive it presents a very low risk. The sound of needles all over your face sounds scary but the needles are so small you’ll feel a slight tinge. Your practitioner  may even use a numbing cream on your face to reduce the discomfort. 

Post-treatment, there is no swelling or bruising and although it may look like you’ve been sunburnt a little, this will fade in 1-2 days.

Is micro-needling just for acne scars?

Microneedling can be used for a range of things but we find that its scar healing properties aren’t addressed enough! The procedure allows the skin to repair itself naturally whilst simultaneously minimising the look of pores and giving you smooth skin. 

After 3 months of treatments you should be able to see a very noticeable difference in the evenness of skin tone. What’s more is that you know all those skin products you’ve been using? They’ll be even more effective now because they’ll be able to seep deeper into the skin and in turn make breakouts clear faster. So not only does micro-needling get rid of those unwanted acne scars it also prevents those spots from coming back!

Am I suitable for microneedling? 

The best advice we can give you is to go and talk to your practitioner, after a consultation with you they will know exactly whether the treatment is suitable for you or not. Most skin types are eligible for the treatment but just be aware that if you have used Roaccutane within the last 12 months, unfortunately you cannot undergo micro-needling. 

At SERO Aesthetics we use a dermapen instead of a roller for precision. Both methods involve using a number of needles at different depths depending on what we’re treating the skin for so don’t worry if you suffer from sensitive skin, we have methods to accommodate everyone. 

What’s next?

If you’ve tried prescriptions, home remedies, over-the-counter products and nothing’s working to get rid of those acne scars then consider micro-needling for your skin. Go from being the person in the corner hiding their face away to the person in the centre showing it off for the world to see. 

Sounds impossible, right? Most of us haven’t been gifted with flawless looking skin but there is one easy way to achieve it without having the expertise of a celebrity make-up artist.

We spend hours scrolling through Instagram to see picture-perfect faces but the reality is most of them are covered in layers of primer, concealer and foundation. So how do you get a picture-perfect face without any of the make-up? Dermaplaning is the answer to how to get clear skin.

You may have heard of dermaplaning as ‘face shaving’ but it is so much more than that. Dermaplaning is a manual form of exfoliation which removes dead skin cells from the surface of your face. Not only are you left with smoother skin but the process also encourages collagen regeneration which in turn gives you that ‘glow’. 

What is dermaplaning?

You might be thinking, here we go again, another facial fad but dermaplaning has been around for years. If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of ‘peach fuzz’ then this is your answer. In Japan it is known as ‘kao sori’ (‘shaved face’) which some attribute to the desired porcelain skin look. Some have even suggested that it stretches as far back as Ancient Egyptian times. 

So how exactly does it work? In order to remove the dead skin from your face your practitioner will use a specialised scalpel. Placed at a 45 degree angle, they will then move the scalpel across your face removing the dead skin cells and small hairs as they go along. No more “peach fuzz” for you. The effects can last up to four weeks so it’s recommended you book in once a month for ultimate results. 

The benefits of dermaplaning

Unlike other facial treatments, you will be able to see a radiant glow immediately. What’s more is that dermaplaning also reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, the frequency of spots as well ashyper pigmentation and acne scarring but the main thing you’ll thank it for is how good your make-up will look.

Make-up goes on a lot smoother given that all the little hairs you had will have gone. Ditch the primer because you won’t need it for a flawless finish. You’ll also have the added benefit of skin care products being absorbed by the skin better and working more effectively due to the removal of the barrier of dead skin. Never be scared of having flakey foundation again. 

Time is another great thing about this procedure. It’s quick and there’s no downtime meaning you can even go get it done in your lunch break and return to work after.

Is dermaplaning safe?

Of course with any facial procedure there is some level of risk but the side effects of a dermaplaning facial are few and far between. There is a small chance that you may have some slight abrasion to the skin but it is minimal. Talk to your practitioner for after care instructions and you shouldn’t have a problem. 

Here at SERO Aesthetics we believe in self-care. Treat your skin to what it deserves, add in a dermaplaning session once a month and you’ll be glowing all year round. 

Summer’s just around the corner and we couldn’t think of anything better than sitting on a beach sipping cocktails, getting that nice summer glow but why wait? The beauty industry is evolving and there are now numerous ways to achieve a summer glow all year round that doesn’t involve surgery! 

At SERO Aesthetics we don’t believe in looking fake; we want to accentuate your natural beauty and are committed to #keepingitreal, which is why we’re here to tell you about the top summer beauty trends. 

Here are our top 3 summer beauty trends: 

1.   The Chemical Face Peel

Chemical face peels are having their day or rather their year in the sun this 2019. Think of it as a really deep exfoliator for your face. The technique stretches as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans but what we know as the chemical face peel today became popular in the 1990s as a way to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

We use PCA skin products as they use biocompatible ingredients so rest assured you won’t experience any allergic reactions. PCA skin take the ‘progressive, not aggressive approach’ meaning the peel works from the inside out; peeling and down time are less than most and well-tolerated by our clients. 

Whilst we have lots of packages to choose from we always start with a double wash and cleansing of the face and finish with a moisturiser. You should leave the clinic feeling refreshed, the mask should start to peel on day 3/4 leaving your skin radiant on day 5.

We have different peels depending on your skin goals so get in touch today to see how we can help: Face Peels

2.    Dermaplaning

Number two is the one we’re loving the most at the moment, dermaplaning. Dermaplaning makes you look airbrushed without the need for make-up. Forget wearing heavy make-up on holiday, you sweat it out, it looks bad and it blocks your pores.

With dermaplaning you’ll notice an immediate glow after treatment; this is because the treatment removes all dead skin and “peach fuzz” from your face. Your skin is passed over with a scalpel at a 45 degree angle, which sounds scary but trust us, we’re trained professionals and the risk of even a slight abrasion is very small. Dermplaning side effects are few and far between.

3.    Microneedling

Last but not least is the facial that’s being coined as the ‘Kim K Vampire Facial’. Kim Kardashian hit headlines last year when she shared a photo of herself with blood all over her face after a micro-needling facial. 

Micro-needling does cause trauma to the skin but don’t worry it’s only minimal, just enough so that your body is forced to produce collagen which is what we want to look plump, tight and youthful all year round.

Dependent on what you want to target on your face, whether that be acne scars, fine lines or wrinkles, we use a number of needles in a dermapen at different depths to reach those hard-to-get places. The procedure is very low risk with only 1-2 days healing, if any. 

You might look a little sun burnt for 24-36 hours so just make sure to book in a few days before your holiday. The great thing about the treatment is that it works on almost all skin types and because there’s no sun sensitivity unlike other facial treatments you can hop on that plane feeling at ease. 

Pop in for a consultation today before summer gets here. Leave your friends and family thinking you’ve been on holiday all year round with a fresh face of beauty. 

Chemical face peels –– blotchy, red and irritated skin coming to mind? You may have heard horror stories about the chemical face peel, it’s got the word peel in it for a start, but the reality is a chemical peel is basically an exfoliator that just goes deeper than a traditional home scrub. Think of a peel as lifting the dead skin off your face whilst leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed. 

How does it work?

Regular exfoliation is key for the skin but a chemical peel goes that one step further. Sure, we all put on a face mask from time to time in the hope that we’ll wake up the next morning feeling 10 years younger with flawless skin but it doesn’t always happen; this is where the chemical face peel comes in.

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of acne, wrinkles or fine lines then the chemical face peel is for you. During the process liquids are brushed onto the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. Your skin will experience some excessive dryness but this doesn’t usually happen until 2-4 days after, the face will start to ‘peel’ but by day 5 you should be good to go with glowing and smooth skin. 

The different types of chemical face peel

So what’s the deal with the peel? In general there are three types of peel: superficial, medium and deep. The cost of a mild face peel can be anywhere in between £60-£100 with a deep peel even going over £500 at times. The deeper peel of course has longer lasting effects but it can be painful and present more risks. 

Although there are three main types of peel, there are lots of specific types of peels within these categories. Dependent on the type of results you want, one of our practitioners will advise you on the best course of action. 

If you’re looking to get rid of that red, inflamed skin then try an enzyme peel but if you’re trying to prevent ageing and discolouration then go for a glycolic acid peel. 

Chemical peels can be used to target multiple skin conditions including: acne, post-breakout marks, pigmentation, fine lines, age spots, uneven skin tone, dryness and wrinkles. All you need to do is chat to your practitioner about which one is best for you.

Do I need to do anything before I come in for a chemical face peel?

The short answer? Yes. Try not to wax or shave 2-4 days before as well as avoiding the sun beds for two weeks. Before you receive treatment make sure that you avoid products that contain AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)/BHAs (beta hydroxy acid) for 4 days before. Your exfoliants should say what they contain on the packet. If you’re at all unsure, check with us first. As a general rule of thumb don’t try any exfoliation techniques 14 days before your treatment.  

Do I need to do anything after I receive a chemical face peel?

Some people are deterred from the chemical face peel due to the post treatment side effects that may occur but as long as you follow our advice you shouldn’t come into any complications. Wash your face with cleanser every morning and night followed by moisturising but be careful not to over-do it with the moisturiser as you need to allow the process of skin peeling. 

Just like before the treatment, avoid using any sun beds, facial treatments, hot tubs, swimming pools, steam rooms, saunas or anything that causes excess perspiration for the following 7 days. In order to aid hydration make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water a day. 

Still not convinced?

A chemical face peel is one of the safest ways to treat acne, fine lines, discolouration and more! It’s natural to be concerned over something you’ve never tried before but if you’re looking for an exfoliator that really works pop in for a FREE consultation.

In recent years the number of people choosing to plump their pout has risen extraordinarily thanks to reality TV stars like Kylie Jenner, Charlotte Crosby and Lauren Pope.

Given their popularity, we thought we’d bust some of the myths and worries surrounding dermal fillers and provide you with everything you need to know before having them. So, here are the top 10 things you need to know before having lip fillers:

1. What are they made out of? 

Lip fillers can be made from a number of things including both natural and synthetic gels. Most are now biodegradable, which means, more often than not, most fillers are temporary. Whilst some places in the UK may use permanent fillers the general consensus is that temporary is the better option.

With over 150 brands on the UK market there’s a lot of choice but it’s likely you’ll be treated with collagen or hyaluronic acid (HA). Collagen simply plumps the limp but HA works by trapping water  within the lips for that more natural look. 

2. Will lip fillers feel different to natural lips?

If carried out by a trained professional your lips will of course feel naturally more plump dependent on how much filler you get but they shouldn’t feel widely different. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually means that it isn’t right.

3. How much filler do you need?

There is often the misconception that once you get lip fillers your lips will magically turn into the plump pout you’ve been craving. And, whilst this look can be achieved it might not be as quick as you think.

The amount of filler depends on the person and if you’re after a more natural look then it can involve multiple sessions in order to ‘build’ the look. Your consultant will discuss the details before the procedure. If you are someone who has very thin lips but wants to achieve a very full look then you will of course need more filler. 

4. How long do lip fillers last?

How long your lip fillers last will depend on a number of factors such as your age and the substance used in the filler. Using a hyaluronic acid based filler affects people differently as everybody breaks down the acid at different rates. Lips tend to be quicker than other parts of the body simply because they are used more. 

Typically, fillers can last anywhere in between 4 and 18 months but most people tend to need top-ups every 4 to 6 months to keep their desired look. 

5. Will it hurt?

The lips are a very sensitive part of the body and pain can vary. Some fillers contain a local anaesthetic within them and if not, your doctor may use an anaesthetic cream to numb the area beforehand. If done correctly, getting fillers won’t hurt but it may feel a tad uncomfortable.

6. When will I start to see results?

After any procedure that involves injection it is natural that there may be some swelling and redness. Any swelling or pinprick marks should settle within a few days and in the mean time you can use cold packs and arnica to stop the bruising. 

Any after effects should settle within the first 48 hours but it is always best to judge the before and after of lip fillers two weeks post-procedure.

7. What are the odds it will go wrong?

You often see countless stories of plastic surgery gone wrong or lip enhancement gone wrong but the reality is that lip filler risk is relatively low. It is very rare that you will run into complications when getting lip fillers. The acid used in fillers is naturally found in our bodies anyway so is not damaging to the skin. If you follow the advice of your practitioner and do your research then you shouldn’t have any problems. 

8. How much do lip fillers cost?

The cost of lip fillers can vary dependent on the amount of filler you need and the expertise of your professional. They can range anywhere from £150-£500 per ml.

9. Am I suitable for lip fillers?

Your practitioner will advise you on your personal case but here are a few things which might make you unsuitable for lip fillers:

10. What happens if I don’t like it?

Choosing to opt for hyaluronic acid fillers means you can use an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the acid before it does so naturally and therefore correct any errors. If you don’t like your new look there is always a way to fix it.

Lip fillers are a great way to enhance your natural look, just make sure you do your research first, choose a trusted practitioner and as always ask lots of questions! 

The internet is full of horror stories about facial fillers so we’ve worked to debunk some of the myths surrounding them. SERO Aesthetics are committed to #keepingitreal so here’s our top 8 common myths about facial fillers explained: 

1.    Fillers and Botox are the same

Contrary to popular belief, fillers and Botox are NOT the same. Whilst both involve injecting substances into the skin which help to give a more youthful look, how they achieve that look is different.

Nowadays most fillers use something called hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a substance naturally found in the body. Fillers are injected into the soft tissue and the skin is therefore plumped from behind. The difference with botox is that it is a foreign substance used to paralyse muscles to stop them from moving; this is how it prevents the skin from creating wrinkles. 

2.   It won’t look natural

Anytime you see someone with lips or cheeks that don’t look natural it is usually because they have put too much filler in their face or in the wrong location. We believe in building filler up naturally. Whilst it may involve more sessions it pays off long-term as you have maximum control. Gradually build the filler and you won’t have to worry about fillers looking unnatural.

3.   If I don’t like it there’s no going back

Once upon a time fillers were made using a permanent substance but today, most practitioners prefer to use hyaluronic acid products; this is because their results can be reversed. If you choose to have facial fillers but then decide you don’t like the look after all, you can absolutely have the filler removed. 

The reason why most fillers are now temporary is because the acid used breaks down over time, which is why to keep your look you will have to undergo regular treatments. It is exactly this reason why the process is so easy to reverse. Because the filler is made from an acid practitioners can use an enzyme called hyaluronidase to break it down quicker than the normal rate. 

4.   Fillers are painful

Unsurprisingly many people think receiving facial fillers is painful. It is understandable given that the process involves using a needle but what many people don’t know is that many fillers contain a numbing agent in them so you won’t feel a thing. Some practitioners even use their own numbing cream for added relief to make the procedure as pain-free as possible. 

5.   You have to get fillers replaced all the time

Given that fillers are temporary, they do of course need to be maintained but the maintenance is not as frequent as you might think. How long a filler will last depends on you as a person, where the filler is and how often that part of the body is used. For example, lip injections tend to break down quicker than other parts of the face due to the amount of movement in the lips. You may need to get them replaced every 6-8 months or they could last as long as even 2 years. For the best advice, consult your practitioner.

6.    Fillers are for women only

More and more male celebrities are speaking out about receiving facial fillers and it is nothing to be ashamed of. The only reason why there is a conception that fillers are only for women is because women are simply more open about it. While men may not tend to get lip fillers, frown lines and crow’s feet are commonly treated. 

7.    Fillers give the same results as surgical facelifts

Fillers will make your face look lifted but they are temporary; they cannot give you the same effect as surgery. Surgery usually works by lifting the skin while simultaneously removing excess and sagging skin. Face fillers simply plump the skin to achieve a more youthful look. 

8.    Recovery time lasts forever

The side effects from facial fillers can include mild bruising and swelling but these can be treated using a simple cold pack. Other than around the eyes or mouth, the bruising is not too noticeable. For final results you should wait around 2 weeks but there’s no serious downtime from work or anything like that. 

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Testimonials

  • Nikki takes such time and consideration to make sure that you are comfortable, relaxed and knowledgable before you undergo any treatments or procedures.

    She is extremely professional, knowledgable and her skills are extensive. 

    My lips look amazing and I couldn't be happy with the all round service I received. Thanks you!!
  • Niki is very profession talking me through every step of the procedure, a very relaxed clean environment.

     I love my lips :) 

    Will certainly be going back
  • Niki is very niki was broilliant!

    really reassured me as I was nervous for my first treatment of aqualyx, really welcoming, can't wait to go back for my next appointment!
Our testimonies below are a small collection of the feedback we have had about our services; these can be found across our google, Facebook and trust pilot pages.
Please note that we have not correct any spelling or grammar from these testimonials as we feel it is important to to keep their authenticity.
We have also not used names to ensure confidentiality but can find these reviews on the pages mentioned above.
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