A healthy approach to Non surgical treatments (and how to plan them)
Non-surgical treatments should boost and energise you. They should make you look and feel your best, softening negative signs such as stress and exhaustion, and be part of your physical and mental wellbeing. Executed with realistic expectations, and care for curating the right aesthetic, non-surgical treatments can help you get into flow. Will they solve all your problems? No. Will they energise you and transform the way you move through the world? 100 per cent.
I know when I’m looking and feeling frayed around the edges, the prospect of airbrushing away some of the wear and tear with non-invasive procedures is compelling. It means I can wear less make-up, wake up looking more refreshed (even when I don’t deserve to) and generally boost my sense of wellbeing and confidence.
Unlike topical lotions and potions alone (which have their place) the difference that can be achieved with non-surgical cosmetics is significant, long lasting and cathartic.
For patients who have been on the non-surgical path over many years, I often hear, “I’ve been so looking forward to this”. That’s because they know they are about to reinstate a fresher- faced look. They can then leave with a literal and spiritual lift and tick my off their long list of stuff to get sorted for at least 3 months.
Of course, there is a maintenance programme, but it’s one well worth investing in.
Everybody is different with faster/slower immune systems and lifestyles.
As a general rule, this is how it works:
BOTOX
Softening etched lines and maintaining lift in the eyebrows and mouth corners
Botox helps to airbrush lines that indicated stress (frown) and anxiety (ingrained lines on the forehead).
Whilst Botox is helpful to open-up the eyes, ultimately, this area should be kept soft and friendly as laughter lines are a positive feature, created from smiling. If the crowsfeet are becoming too ingrained, a sprinkle of Botox solves the issue.
Botox can also help to lift the eyebrows and soften the impression of a “sad” mouth by releasing downward pulling muscles.
Timeline:
Every 3-4 months. This also presents a good opportunity to check in generally and keep on top of anything else that requires some love in the overall picture.
Keeping contours subtly sculpted and features light, lifted and defined.
Cheeks, chins, tear troughs hollows, lips, jawlines, nose-to-mouth-lines and so forth:
This is carried out every 4 – 12 months, depending on: area, product and quantity.
Although a rudimentary explanation, it is helpful to think of fillers as coming in different thicknesses. If the procedure is for structure (lift and contour) such as cheeks or chins, you want a product that is stable and firm. If you want a little lip boost, you want something softer and juicier. The former would last 9months +, the latter 4-6.
Refining and boosting skin quality – for a clear and even texture and tone.
Skin quality plays a vital role in maintaining a fresh look: This is where collagen boosters
such as Polynucleotides come in, as well as injectable hydration, such as Profhilo and Restylane Vital.
Non injectable approaches are:
Skin resurfacing -Tixel
Medical Grade Peels - VIPeels
Microneedling - Dermaroller
These may be done as an annual programme, one a month for two-three months, to maintain
a healthy, plump and smooth skin. This is normally done when sun exposure is at a minimum,
for one-month post treatment.
Month | Procedure | Product | Cost | Duration | Procedure Time |
Nov. (first week of) | Structural filler– hairline, cheeks, jawline and chin. | 4 syringes offiller | £1,600 | 12 months | 75 mins |
Dec. (first week of) | Filler review + Botox (ready for Christmas) | A review now the filler has settled and 3 areas of Botox to lift / airbrush upper face. |
£400 | 3-4 months | 30 mins |
March (mid month) | Botox and Lip definition/boost | Fresh Botox treatment and subtle lip plump and define. |
£400 £300 |
3-4 months | 45 mins |
June (mid month) | Botox and Profhilo or Polynucleotides (ready for summer) | Fresh Botox and liquid hydration /collagen stimulation. |
£400 £400 |
3 months
6 months |
45 mins |
Sept | VIPeel 1-3 | Clarify and boost skin | £400 | Annual course | 30 mins |