Beauty Uncovered - Winter Issue 2021

Winter 2021, £5.99

B RIN G IN G TH E WOR LD O F AESTH E TI C M E DI CI N E TO YO U

Fabulous Face Lifts

One woman’s experience of cosmetic surgery

Managing Man Boobs

Investing in Your Skin Tess Daly's new favourite treatment

What to do about gynaecomastia

Business, Brains and Beauty Inspiring success with Hanna Kinsella be aut yunc overed .c om

Face Life. Face First.

THE BEST SKIN OF YOUR LIFE It’s not a facial, it’s HydraFacial.

We believe that beauty is a feeling, not a physical attribute, and the results from HydraFacial will leave you ready to face life face first. HydraFacial technology is unique, and so are the results it achieves.

The treatment delivers instant results that you can see and feel and improves your skin health over time.

Only HydraFacial uses a unique, patented Vortex-Fusion delivery system to exfoliate, extract and hydrate skin, and the spiral design delivers painless extractions. The spiral design of HydroPeel® Tips, used in conjunction with the HydraFacial proprietary vacuum technology and serums, creates a vortex effect to easily dislodge and remove impurities while simultaneously delivering hydrating skin solutions.

HydraFacial is scored as a ‘99% Worth It’ rating by www.realself.com and on average, somewhere in the world, a HydraFacial treatment is now carried out every 10 seconds!

IS HYDRAFACIAL RIGHT FOR YOU? Yes. We don’t have a type.

HydraFacial is for everyone. It’s suitable for all skin types and addresses all skincare needs.

With our powerful range of personalisation treatment boosters, including such well-known brands as ZO, Circadia, Nassiff MD and now Murad - the possibilities for your skin regime are endless.

HYDRAFACIAL includes DETOX Begin with Lymphatic drainage that improves circulation of the lymph system and helps to eliminate toxins.

CLEANSE + PEEL Uncover a new layer of skin with gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing.

EXTRACT + HYDRATE Remove debris from pores with painless suction.

Nourish with intense moisturisers that quench skin.

FUSE + PROTECT Saturate the skin’s surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximise your glow.

REJUVENATION Finish with red and infrared LED light to reduce redness and further stimulate collagen, supporting the natural production of vitamin D.

Find out more and your nearest provider today at

www.hydrafacial.co.uk/ find-a-provider

HydraFacial addresses: Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Elasticity & Firmness, Even Tone & Vibrancy, Skin Texture, Brown Spots, Oily & Congested Skin and Enlarged Pores.

HydraFacial delivers instant and long lasting results that you can see and feel. With ongoing treatments, you’ll notice intensely improved hydration, minimised dark spots and dramatically reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

To see the HydraFacial in action follow us

@hydrafacialuk

Welcome to Winter…

Acting Editor Shannon Kilgariff

You have probably noticed that our magazine looks slightly different this winter… I am pleased to announce our fabulous new name – Beauty Uncovered! Launching a new brand is always a learning curve, and as our magazine and content has evolved over the past year, we’ve decided, with expert input from the aesthetic community and our wonderful readers, that the new name Beauty Uncovered would better represent what we are all about.

Beauty Uncovered will bring the world of aesthetic medicine to you, promoting positivity, building trust, and enhancing knowledge. It will help YOU make safe and ethical decisions when choosing an aesthetic treatment or cosmetic surgery procedure, enabling you to select the very best practitioner for the job. I am delighted with our latest issue of Beauty Uncovered, and hope it brings you the confidence to seek a little tweak here and there to make you look (and feel) the very best version of yourself.

So, here we are in winter! We all know what it feels like to have winter skin… the dry, flaking, and dull look that comes in the winter months can be a bothersome occurrence for many. If you’re thinking about how you might improve your winter glow, try an at-home chemical peel (see our review on p.47 or read a real-life story on p.40). You can also get the lowdown on cosmeceutical skincare on p.8, a must for all seasons! Of course, something you cannot miss in this issue of Beauty Uncovered is our exclusive interview with dentist, entrepreneur and the Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dr Hanna Kinsella, who talks all things business, brains and beauty. I especially loved hearing about her experiences having aesthetic treatments and how she’s settled into motherhood – we hope you enjoy the read!

Finally, I am also delighted to announce the launch of Beauty Uncovered Live! That’s right, we are hosting an unmissable event in Islington, London to bring Beauty Uncovered to life and allow you to have the inside scoop of what’s what in the world of aesthetic medicine. You can meet the experts in real life, trial the latest and greatest treatments, and receive the ultimate goody bag on May 7-8. Turn to p.34 for all the details and follow us on Instagram for more updates – @beautyuncovered_uk !

30 On the Cover 30 Business, Brains and Beauty

Real Housewives of Cheshire star, dentist, entrepreneur, and author Dr Hanna Kinsella shares her top beauty tips

Skincare

Don’t miss our next four issues – subscribe now for just £20!

8 Defining Cosmeceuticals

The lowdown on the new skincare buzzword 44 Putting YOU First

Overcoming the guilt of self-care

47 Reviewing Results

The Beauty Uncovered team trial a new at-home chemical peel

Contents

Treatments

18 Love Your Hips

How to shape and contour your hip area

25 Did You Know

There are treatments that can help ageing hands?

36 Man-handle Your Man Boobs

27 Top Products 13 Need to Know Products

The newest skincare, devices and treatments

56 Upcoming Trends in 2022

Aesthetic treatment trends to keep your eye on

Every issue 6 Ask the Experts

What men can do about gynaecomastia

38 Ten Things to Know

29 How To: Take Care of Your Bust

49 Fading Scars and Restoring Confidence

Everything you need to know about platelet-rich plasma

How aesthetic energy-based devices can help scarring

Real-life Stories 22 Full-Face Transformation

Experiencing dermal fillers to rejuvenate the face and combat the signs of ageing

27 Invest in the Future of Your Skin

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly shares her love of Ultherapy

40 Peel Away Your Insecurities

How a changed outlook on aesthetics improved self-confidence

50 Fabulous Facelifts

One woman’s experience of cosmetic surgery for full-face rejuvenation

A myth-buster masterclass Post-surgery do’s and don’ts

42 How Will You Age?

Nose anatomy and treatment approaches

52 Recipe

A tasty recipe to help boost your fertility

55 Our Top Picks

BU's book, podcast and TV show recommendations 59 Reputable Organisations

The companies and associations that put safety first in aesthetics

38

ASK THE EXPERTS

Myth-Buster Masterclass Three expert practitioners debunk some of the most common misconceptions in aesthetics

Dr Uliana Gout, aesthetic practitioner, LAM Clinic, London IG: @ulianagout

Mr Taimur Shoaib, consultant plastic surgeon, La Belle Forme, Glasgow and Brentwood IG: @shoaib_plasticsurgeon

Frances Turner Traill, nurse prescriber, FTT Skin Clinic, Inverness and Hamilton IG: @fttskinclinics

“I can get my injectables at a party” NURSE TRAILL SAYS: I love a party as do most people, but parties are for socialising, dancing and having fun with your friends!

Adding a medical prescription treatment, such as injectables like botulinum toxin or dermal fillers, into this mix is just not a vibe and not a cocktail that should be together in my opinion. Even though you might technically and legally be able to get your treatments from a party, this puts you at a higher risk of experiencing complications or infections as they are not carried out in sterilised environments. Consult with a registered medical professional such as a nurse, dentist, or doctor face-to-face in a regulated clinic during your own time, with a clear head and a list of questions for the best and safest outcome and experience.

“Only feminine men can get cosmetic treatments” MR SHOAIB SAYS: This is simply not true! We all want to look our best and both men and women find themselves in this position, but seeking cosmetic treatments is not unmanly or ‘feminine’. The most common treatments for men 6

beautyuncovered.com

"Chemical peels are great as they can be tailored to patients, in terms of the depth of the treatment, types of ingredients and pH making them perfect for you and your skin!"

Dr Uliana Gout

include rhinoplasty (nose surgery), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and liposuction, which are vastly different to the treatments women are interested in.

There are several reasons men will attend a cosmetic surgery clinic, but they are usually to change the effects of ageing, and to normalise their appearance.

Often men will leave antiageing treatments for longer

ASK THE EXPERTS

than their female equivalents, but it is common for men to have procedures to address facial and eyelid sagging and to correct some of the changes we see in our bodies with ageing. Liposuction to the chest wall is also common in middle-aged men, so that they can still feel comfortable taking their children swimming and on holiday, for example. I see quite a few men who feel their nose is disproportionate or feel their appearance has been adversely changed with trauma and therefore are simply looking to normalise their appearance.

access to the fat and muscles. These are elevated and anchored to the upper parts of the face to achieve a reduction of jowls, tightening of the facial fat pads and facial muscles. As we age the fat pads lose volume and descend to a lower position. Whilst a facelift will elevate these, the volume will slowly deplete unless additional treatments are performed to address this.

Fillers add volume to the fat pads and restore some of the youthful fat that we lose because of ageing, whereas botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles which can become overactive as we age and reduce fine lines by “Chemical peels aren’t for certain skin colours” weakening the muscles. A facelift, or even a brow lift, will not address the muscles which cause us to frown with as DR GOUT SAYS: much effectiveness as botulinum toxin.

False! Chemical peels are a number one treatment for Lasers can improve skin quality, and this also many individuals of all skin colours, except for some people deteriorates with the ageing process. As we age, our who suffer with certain skin disorders, such as eczema or skin loses elasticity, collagen and elastic fibres, our psoriasis, as this may cause pores thicken, and our skin further irritation to the skin. shows pigmentation from Chemical peels are great as environmental factors and they can be tailored to patients, sun exposure. A facelift simply in terms of the depth of the tightens the skin and removes treatment, types of ingredients some of the issues, however, and pH making them perfect a laser works on the skin itself for you and your skin! However, to reverse ageing signs like one precaution to be mindful of pigmentation, and gives us is that darker skin types do need clearer, smoother, and more Nurse Frances Turner Traill an in-depth consultation as youthful skin. I often use the well as specific peel ingredients analogy that when you buy an as darker skin tones are more expensive car, you take it to the prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). dealer for a service every year, to ensure it lasts as long To put it simply, anyone wanting to boost their skin radiance, as possible! Similarly, after a facelift, you should still get collagen induction, reduce pigmentation, and improve their regular treatments to help maintain the results for longer. wrinkles will benefit from chemical peels. We all deserve Read more about facelifts on p.50. good skin – so let’s start investing our time into the right treatments!

“The spots on my face are a result of acne”

"Rosacea is commonly seen on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead and may coexist with acne"

NURSE TRAILL SAYS: Chemical peels are phenomenal if the right peel is used for the right skin issue and skin tone. Most skin types are suitable for skin peels, but I would advise going in ‘low and slow’ rather than ‘high and fry’ with a skin assessment and consultation first, especially if you have skin of colour, hyper or hypopigmentation, underlying health issues, are taking certain prescription drugs, or have super sensitive skin. This is because the skin can react badly to even a tiny bit of stimulation so the mildest form of peel is recommended. I like my patients to do skin preparation with an at-home skincare regime before, during and after the treatment for long-lasting results.

MR SHOAIB SAYS: This is a common misconception! A surgical facelift alone will address drooping muscles and fat pads in the face and the procedure aims to elevate them. During a facelift, we open the skin and raise a skin flap to get

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INTERVIEW: ELLIE HOLDEN

“After a facelift, I won’t need injectables or laser treatments”

NURSE TRAILL SAYS: Not all spots are equal! Some are caused by acne which we can all get regardless of age and gender, and some can be a symptom of rosacea. If you don’t have blackheads but have spots, it could be rosacea and not your typical acne. Rosacea is commonly seen on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead and may co-exist with acne.

Rosacea usually begins with flushing which can lead to persistent redness to the face. For darker skin patients, rosacea might appear as pimples and hypersensitivity (which means that the skin might be easily irritated by external aggressors such as UV radiation or the application of cosmetic products). Sufferers of rosacea are cautioned against using common acne treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acids), topical retinoids, chemical peels, toners, and products containing alcohol, as the ingredients are too harsh and can aggravate the condition more.

My advice would be to book in for a skin assessment and consultation at a medical skin clinic or with a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan to get the best results for you and your skin.

S KINCAR E FACTS

Defining Cosmeceuticals Does the new buzzword in skincare really mean anything?

We’re sure you’ve heard the term ‘cosmeceutical’ thrown around in the skincare world, and while it sounds impressive, does anyone know what it actually means?

“The line between cosmetic and cosmeceutical products is getting increasingly blurred, however in my opinion there is a clear difference,” explains aesthetic practitioner Dr Ana Mansouri. “Skincare products that are available on the high street (over-the-counter) are considered cosmetic, and products that must be prescribed by a healthcare professional are regarded as pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceutical products are the in-between, in other words, medical-grade skincare products that are available in a clinic setting and recommended under the guidance of a skincare practitioner.”

Despite it being the latest buzzword in the skincare industry, the term is not actually legally recognised. Consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto explains, “The term ‘cosmeceutical’ is a marketing word simply to imply to the consumer that the product is somehow better than a product which is not branded in a similar manner. It can confuse the consumer into thinking that a skincare product has a similar strength to medicinal products, but the Advertising Standards Authority is quite clear that a product can’t be both a cosmetic and pharmaceutical.

Both the Food and Drug Administration in the US and EU law say that cosmeceuticals fall under the same bracket as cosmetics.”

The efficacy of cosmeceuticals So, if the term ‘cosmeceuticals’ is considered to be marketing jargon, does this mean the products don’t actually work? Dr Mansouri notes that in her experience, cosmeceuticals are more effective than cosmetics at actually changing the way the skin behaves on a cellular level, due to their formulation and penetration abilities. She explains, “When a product contains active ingredients which are potent enough to penetrate through the upper layer of the skin, they also have a higher ability to improve your skin concerns. Generally speaking, cosmeceuticals tend to utilise higher percentages of active ingredients or use more effective delivery systems to ensure that they are more potent than their ‘over-the-counter’ alternatives. However, be mindful that stronger doesn’t always mean better, and they may cause reactions and irritation, hence the need for monitoring 8

beautyuncovered.com

"Cosmeceuticals, being more effective and potent, tend to target more medically-related skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, or melasma" Dr Ana Mansouri

S KI N CA RE FACTS

Dr Ana Mansouri,

Dr Anjali Mahto,

aesthetic practitioner, Kat & Co Aesthetics, Birmingham IG: @katandcoaesthetics

consultant dermatologist, Skin55, London IG: @anjalimahto

“It can be very difficult to distinguish between the quality of the evidence behind cosmetic and cosmeceutical products as a consumer" Dr Ana Mansouri

and guidance by an experienced practitioner.” Dr Mansouri explains that cosmeceuticals can be beneficial for many skin concerns. “Cosmeceuticals, being more effective and potent, tend to target more medically-related skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, or melasma. The benefits do however extend beyond this to include more general signs of ageing that occur due to prolonged sun damage and address things like lines and wrinkles,” she says.

cause adverse effects when overused, in particular the higher potency products.”

Remember, products with high potency of ingredients can cause irritation, or adverse effects for some, so you should always consult your doctor or aesthetic practitioner.

Ingredients to look out for

Navigate your way through skincare

Cosmeceutical formulations utilise plenty of active ingredients, explains Dr Mansouri, however she notes that the most effective combinations contain vitamin A, vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). She explains, “Vitamin A or retinoids have a strong evidence base to support their benefits for improving photodamage (lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity) as well as hyperpigmentation and acne due to their ability to increase cellular turnover. Retinoids tend to cause temporary reactions and irritation which is why it is particularly important to use these under guidance especially when using the more potent products which penetrate deeper.”

A downside to cosmeceutical products is that many are extremely expensive. The argument is that the concentration of activities is higher than your average drug store counterpart, explains Dr Mahto. Whilst there may be some truth in this, she believes that the extra expense is also in part due to branding and marketing costs of the product. To avoid spending a lot of money on products that may not work, Dr Mahto encourages conducting your own research when looking to buy a new skincare product, and to be mindful of who is promoting it to you.

Dr Mahto says, “It is important to remember

She adds that the use of vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid (a type of vitamin C) has been widely studied and has a great evidence base in small studies for its benefits for stimulating collagen and improving pigmentation concerns. She continues, “In addition, acids such as AHAs that act by chemically exfoliating the upper layer of the skin, are also well-proven to improve signs of ageing such as dullness and hyperpigmentation. These can also

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Pioneer and leader in non-invasive radiofrequency-based skin tightening treatments

Tighten and smooth the skin on your face, around the eyes and on the body in one session 1,2

Thermage FLX® offers multiple advantages: NO SURGERY OR INJECTIONS Thermage® is non-invasive. No cutting or needle is required.

A SINGLE TREATMENT One quick treatment (30 to 90 minutes depending on the treatment area) can deliver outstanding results for most patients.1,2 3

FAST AND COMFORTABLE A short, comfortable procedure that delivers maximum results.1,3 4

LITTLE TO NO DOWNTIME Return to your activity immediately after the procedure.

BE AN ORIGINAL.

IMMEDIATE AND LASTING RESULTS The results are immediately visible and improve over time.1,2 MULTIPLE TREATMENT AREAS Treats wrinkles and loose skin on the face, around the eyes and on the body.

Tara Model and Actual Patient

Thermage FLX® is the latest generation of monopolar radiofrequency developed to meet your needs in a personalized way, with improved patient comfort** and safety5.

To find a clinic and find out if Thermage® is right for you, visit: www.thermage.co.uk * Sales data. ** All comparisons are made with Thermage CPT® 1. E. Finzi, A. Spangler. Multipass vector (mpave) technique with nonablative radiofrequency to treat facial and neck laxity. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Aug;31(8 Pt 1):916-22. 2. R. Fitzpatrick et al. Multicenter study of noninvasive radiofrequency for periorbital tissue tightening. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;33(4):232-42. 3. Solta Medical, 2009. Report on Gazelle Clinical Study 09-100-GA-T ‘Validation of the Thermage 3.0 cm2 STC and DC Frame Tips,Comfort Software and Vibration Handpiece on the Face and Thighs’ (#09-019ER). Bothell. 4. M. Fritz et al. Radiofrequency treatment for middle and lower face. Arch Facial Plast Surg. Nov-Dec 2004;6(6):370-3. 5. Consensus Recommendations for 4th Generation Non-Microneedling Monopolar Radiofrequency for Skin Tightening: A Delphi Consensus Panel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Jan 1;19(1):20-26.

Please read the User Manual / Instructions for Use (IFU) for further details on the risks associated with these Medical Devices.

Thermage FLX® is a Medical Device CE 0344. Thermage® CPT is a Medical Device CE 0197 /™ are trademarks of Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates. ©2021 Bausch Health Companies Inc.or its affiliates.

®

THR.0023.UK.21

IF Follow us on @ThermageEurope

S KI N CA RE FACTS

What to consider If the key to choosing a good product is to have a healthy dose of skepticism, what exactly should we be considering when choosing our newest skincare purchase?

Dr Mahto explains that before parting with your money, you should consider some of the following. “Firstly, you should look into whether the product contains proven ingredients with published research. For example, when choosing a vitamin C based product, I would always look for an L-ascorbic acid of at least 10% concentration,” she says.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HANNAH MCCLUNE

that the market is there to sell to you and appeal to all your senses when the options are seemingly limitless.

Think about where the advice is coming from. Is it coming from an #ad post? Is it coming from a beauty or wellness blogger receiving free treatments at a clinic? Is it coming from a salesperson?” She explains that whilst there is no doubt that wherever you source information from there will be an element of bias from the individual providing it, you should try to limit that by doing a little bit of your own research and understanding the financial incentives behind what is being recommended to you. “I encourage you to be skeptical and open-minded before parting with huge sums of money.”

Secondly, she suggests checking whether the packaging is appropriate. Dr Mahto explains, “Certain skincare actives can be highly unstable and break down quickly when coming into contact with air. Consider whether the packaging reduces light and air exposure, or whether the product is in an air-tight pump, tube or dark bottle.”

Lastly, she says to research into whether the product provides short or long-term skin benefits. She adds, “Any good moisturiser regardless of price point will temporarily plump up the skin and fine lines for a matter of hours, but not every vitamin A product will have any long-term benefit on improving these (for example a retinol will be better than a retinyl ester) so this is why it’s often a good idea to seek a practitioner who can explain this to you.”

Dr Anjali Mahto

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INTERVIEW: HOLLY CARVER

"Firstly, you should look into whether the product contains proven ingredients with published research"

Dr Mansouri suggests researching into clinical, rather than consumer trials. She explains, “It can be very difficult to distinguish between the quality of the evidence behind cosmetic and cosmeceutical products as a consumer. Consumer trials are widely used amongst cosmetic products, however these are not very accurate for backing real-life claims and results and can therefore be misleading. Clinical trials, on the other hand, are a more accurate way of estimating the efficacy and safety of a given product; however not all clinical studies are of equal scientific quality. Doing clinical research on humans is more valuable compared to testing in the lab on cells, as these are tested on real skin in real life.”

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NEED TO KNOW PRODUCTS The latest skincare, devices, and aesthetic treatments making their way to a clinic near you!

Skincare

AlumierMD Let It Glow

CellDerma

iS Clinical peel system

Achieving healthy and glowing skin can be a struggle, especially during the winter season. The limited-edition Let It Glow kit is the perfect addition for your winter skincare routine. The kit contains an at-home chemical peel called the Enzymatic Peel and the Aqua Infusion mask to add radiance back into the skin. The peel is a skin resurfacing treatment to enhance skin texture and tone, whilst the mask hydrates and plumps the skin.

Stuck with what products to use after an aesthetic procedure? The new CellDerma skincare range has been created by aesthetic practitioner Dr Dev Patel, the medical director of the award-winning Perfect Skin Solutions clinic, and is designed to be used in combination with aesthetic treatments to help maintain natural results. Some of the products include three SPFs, the Hyaluronic Cream, Collagen Restore cream and the GF5 serum, which are suitable for all skin types.

At-home peels can have a range of benefits from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, to stimulating collagen production in the skin. The new Active Peel System involves two-steps designed to resurface the skin whilst providing hydration. The first step exfoliates whilst the second step provides hydration and rejuvenation back to the skin. Treat yourself by adding a peel into your monthly skincare regime!

Joddor London

Medik8 peptides

Look out for this new skincare range hitting the UK market! Joddor London has brought out a Skin Therapy System which includes seven products to target various skin conditions including acne, oily skin, hyperpigmentation, visible pores, loss of radiance and firmness. The system can be used by men and women of any ethnicity, age and skin type so ideal for anyone to try out.

Hyperpigmentation can cause many to feel self-conscious about their skin and seek aesthetic treatments to improve it. The Oxy-R Peptides are designed to improve the appearance of visible age spots, uneven skin tones and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the skin. The product contains ingredients to brighten and hydrate whilst leaving a silky finish to the skin.

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Taking your medical aesthetic procedures one step further

www.venusconcept.com +44 (0) 208 748 2221 | info.uk@venusconcept.com

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mesoestetic dermamelan pack

PCA Skin Peptide Serum

Combining in-clinic and at-home treatments can lead to faster results. The dermamelan pack treats hyperpigmentation with two phases. The first takes place in-clinic involving a facial depigmenting mask to accelerate cell renewal. The second takes place at-home, using products such as a depigmenting cream, soothing balm and sunscreen.

A common ageing concern is the sudden appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The new ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum helps to reduce these pesky lines with a neuropeptide treatment. The product contains ingredients that aim to help relax facial muscle contractions, reduce the appearance of expression lines and skin roughness, whilst also increasing hydration.

Revision Skincare Line Relaxer

skinbetter science overnight cream

SkinCeuticals Scar Control

The eyes are the window to the soul, so why not take care of the way they look!

The new Revox Line Relaxer aims to reduce expression and undereye lines whilst hydrating the skin and improving skin texture.

The product can be paired with botulinum toxin injectables to enhance the visible improvements around the eye. Read more about the product in our Upcoming Trends of 2022 on p.56.

Caring for your skin whilst you sleep is a simple way to ensure that your skin gets the vital ingredients it needs. The EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight cream includes a combination of retinoid and alpha hydroxy acids to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Additional aims include treating dryness, puffiness and reducing darkness in the skin around the eyes. Goodbye puffy eyes!

Scarring can take a long time to visibly reduce and disappear. The Advanced Scar Control aims to prevent new scar formation and improve the visible appearance of recent scars. It contains a high concentration of silicone gels which play a key role in wound healing for your scars. Speak to a registered healthcare professional about whether this product is suitable for your scarring needs!

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A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION THAT’S EASY TO KEEP

Forever Young BBL™ is a revolutionary treatment that sends light energy deep into the skin to boost your body’s natural ability to fight the appearance of aging. The result? Skin that’s visibly younger looking, year after year!

RESULTS NOW. RESULTS FOREVER. BEFORE

AFTER

Schedule your consultation with a UK provider today, visit:

www.bblbysciton.com C Helear Sk alth & in! y

3 years post 7 tx | courtesy of Swan Dermatology & Aesthetics

Learn more at: BBLbySciton.com

@sciton_inc

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©2018 Sciton, Inc. All rights reserved. Sciton is a registered trademark and Forever Young BBL is a trademark of Sciton, Inc.

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Swissforce Wrinkles Serum

VIVACY Monsieur for men

Looking for a new antiageing serum? The Swissforce Wrinkles Serum aims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by firming the skin. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid to improve skin texture, collagen booster liposome to stimulate collagen production as well as encapsulated Swiss glacier water for long-lasting hydration.

A great present for the men in your life! The male-focused Monsieur range from VIVACY contains five products including a Refreshing Skincare Water to boost hydration; Instant Soothing Gel to reduce razor burn; Expert Moisturising Care to nourish skin; Smoothing AntiWrinkle serum to smooth wrinkles and Antiageing Care to moisturise the skin. Everything a man needs to kickstart their skincare routine!

In-clinic treatments

Croma juvenus injectable

LABpen microneedling device

Caring for your wounds after aesthetic procedures is important to avoid infection and complications. The Globasept Wound Solution is an antiseptic spray which is suitable for cleansing and moisturising scratches, cuts, burns and abrasions. It can be used post-procedure to disinfect the skin and is ideal for use after microneedling, mole removal, tattoos, piercings and first aid. Speak to a registered medical practitioner about any aftercare to use after an aesthetic procedure.

With so many dermal fillers on the market, it can be difficult to discover ones which are suitable for the body as well as the face.

The juvenus filler can be used for both!

With two concentrations available, the 2% polynucleotide injectable can treat deeper wrinkles and medium scars whilst the 2.5% can treat medium-deep wrinkles and larger areas of the body such as the neck, back of the hands, abdomen, cleavage, thighs and glutes and deep/large scars.

Microneedling stimulates collagen production in your skin, resulting in a brighter, smoother and more youthful appearance.

The LABpen can be used with the LABthetics active serums to induce collagen therapy.

The device has changeable headpieces which increase the effectiveness of the products by allowing penetration into the deeper layers of the skin. Speak to a registered healthcare professional to find out more about the benefits of microneedling. beautyuncovered.com

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WORDS: ELLIE HOLDEN

4T Medical Wound Solution

BO DY FO CUS

LOVE YOUR HIPS AGAIN Find out how to reduce the fat around your hip area – even if it seems impossible!

‘Love handles’ have always seemed somewhat inappropriately named, because nobody seems to have a lot of love for them! Men and women across the world seem to have a joint hatred for this area of stubborn fat, and it’s not always something healthy food and a strict gym routine can combat. So if you are someone who can’t embrace your love handles and if a diet and exercise regime just aren’t working for you, don’t fret – there are other options available to help tackle the area.

We spoke to aesthetic practitioner Dr Tatiana Lapa who told us what treatments are out there for people who want to improve the appearance of their love handles.

What causes love handles?

“The term ‘love handles’ refers to an accumulation of weight on either side of the waist, above the hips and below the ribs. The proper name for this area of the body is the ‘flanks’,” explains Dr Lapa.

Dr Lapa notes that love handles are mainly caused by your genetics and body type, as it’s all a factor of your natural

Triangle

Rectangle

Illustration demonstrating the different body type categories

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Dr Tatiana Lapa,

aesthetic practitioner, Dr Tatiana Aesthetic Clinic, London IG: @dr_tatiana_clinic

fat distribution. She says, “It’s all in your genetic makeup, and what your body shape is. For example, if you’re what we would call ‘an apple’ (see image) you’re more likely to have fat around your flanks (between your ribs and hips), whereas if you’re ‘a pear’ you’re more likely to gain fat in your buttock and leg area.”

Hormones can also have an impact, for example with those that suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

She explains, “PCOS causes insulin resistance which makes it harder for the body to turn food into energy.

This typically causes a more central distribution of fat around the abdomen and flanks. It’s a very normal area that fat deposits can go to.”

She adds that your diet and exercise routine can also play a part, explaining, “If there is a patient with a strong core, they’re less likely to store or build fat around that area.

However, if you’re someone that only trains legs, but never

Apple

Hourglass

Pear

BO DY FO CUS

What treatments are available?

Dr Lapa explains that she divides the non-invasive treatment options for fat reduction into four groups: 1. Fat freezing: a procedure known as cryolipolysis which cools your fat cells to sub-zero temperatures using cup-shaped suction applicators that are applied on the body. The freezing temperatures causes the fat cells to break down without damaging the skin.

2. Fat heating: using laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency delivered through the skin, heating fatty tissues to the point where fat cells begin to break down. Since fat also responds to a lower temperature than other cells in the body, heat can be used to destroy these cells without damaging surrounding skin and tissue.

3. Injectables: fat-dissolving products which are injected into the skin work to break down the membranes of the fat cells beneath the skin, causing them to become unstable and eventually flush out via the lymphatic system.

4. Shockwave therapy: a set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. This method is more commonly used for treating cellulite.

the stomach area, you’re much more likely to end up with fat in the flanks.”

While she acknowledges that all of the above methods can be effective, Dr Lapa notes that throughout her own personal research and experience she has found fat freezing to be the most effective, and safest, course of treatment for her patients, with high patient satisfaction rates. Of course, like with all aesthetic procedures, it comes with potential side effects or complications such as mild pain, swelling and redness. Rarer side effects include scarring, numbness, ineffective treatment, or treatment having the opposite effect.

Patients can of course explore surgical options for fat removal, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, but this route is more costly and requires a much longer downtime, both usually lasting around six weeks.

Depending on your size and desired outcome, your practitioner may refer you for a surgical consultation following your initial appointment.

The results According to Dr Lapa, patients who undergo cryolipolysis should see anywhere from between 2-8cm reduction in circumference of the flanks, but Before

After

Before

After

She notes that undergoing cryolipolysis can give people great results which have a huge positive impact on their self-esteem. “The results can just be amazing, and they really do have an effect on people’s confidence because sometimes we have patients who are truly distressed by how their body looks,” she says. “When their love handles are gone, women often describe feeling more comfortable to wear bikinis, wear tight dresses and nonbaggy jeans, and men say they feel more comfortable taking their tops off or wearing fitted shirts. It opens up a new world for people and treatments like this really can make a difference.”

What if I’m not suitable?

Dr Lapa acknowledges that cryolipolysis isn’t suitable for everyone, for example those with diabetes or nerve conditions. As an alternative, she often suggests that her patients get fat heating treatments instead. She explains, “This option may actually be better for patients who have a lot of laxity in the skin, as it’s a treatment that can help to tighten the skin as well as reduce the fat, therefore helping with two problems at once. It should be noted that there will be less fat loss using fat heating methods than there would be using cryolipolysis, so it really depends on the individual which treatment we go for.”

She adds that this will be determined by your practitioner after an in-depth consultation, in which your medical and personal history is taken, as well as an examination of the treatment area. To ensure that you are getting the right treatment for you, and this is being performed in the safest way possible, Dr Lapa emphasises the importance of going to a qualified medical practitioner who is registered with the relevant bodies, which can be found on p.59.

beautyuncovered.com

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INTERVIEW: HOLLY CARVER

33-year-old patient before and three months after two treatment sessions using the CoolTech fat freezing device. The after photo shows a reduction in fat on the flanks.

Images courtesy of Dr Tatiana Lapa.

this depends on body shape/size to begin with. She says, “I normally recommend a course of two to three treatments, and full results can be seen after approximately 12 weeks.”

I THOUGHT LOSING WEIGHT WAS ABOUT WILLPOWER TURNS OUT, IT’S ABOUT SCIENCE There is more to weight than just diet and exercise.

Nearly 2/3rds of adults in the UK are estimated to be overweight. But, for something that is so common, it is often misunderstood, both by those who experience it and those who don’t.

Why do people carry excess weight?

It’s a common myth that excess weight is caused by a combination of eating too much and exercising too little, and that people who struggle to maintain a healthy weight just lack willpower. But the fact is, it’s just not that simple. Healthy eating and physical activity are important, but they may not be enough for some people to control their weight. There are many other factors that play a big part. For example:

Our behaviour Sleep, stress and our day-to-day lifestyle can all affect our appetite, eating habits and activity levels, which in turn can contribute to our weight.

What are the benefits of weight loss?

The really good news is that even relatively modest amounts of weight loss can lead to significant benefits and help to optimise your current and future health. Excess weight can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Areas affected by weight include:

Our genes 40% to 70% of the causes of high levels of excess weight can be attributed to your genes. A person’s genes determine how much environmental factors may impact their weight.

Our appetite signals The body makes hormones, or messengers, that control body functions, such as appetite, digestion, and metabolism. When people who are overweight lose weight, appetite signals are affected.

Self-esteem

Skin health

Acid reflux

Back and joint pain

Metabolic health

Mood disorders

Immune function

Gout

Stress incontinence

Our environment Things like how easy it is for us to access healthy foods, some medications and our living and social environments are all examples of factors that can affect our ability to manage our weight.

UK21OB00231. Date of preparation: November 2021.

For people who are carrying high levels of excess weight, losing just 5–15% of their body weight can lead to improvements in clinical outcomes for a number of other weight-related conditions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LOSS, AND TO SEE IF LOSING WEIGHT MAY HELP YOU OPTIMISE YOUR HEALTH, SPEAK WITH YOUR MEDICAL WELLNESS CLINIC. Developed by Novo Nordisk for those people struggling to manage their weight.

REAL-LIFE STORY

A FULL-FACE TRANSFORMATION Business owner and busy mother of three Kate Rice seeks aesthetic treatments to rejuvenate her full-face and combat the signs of ageing As someone who regularly helps others achieve their desired cosmetic goals, Kate Rice felt it was her turn for a refresh and confidence boost.

Kate is a busy aesthetic nurse practitioner in her late 30s, who also juggles three children, and felt like she needed a lift. “I wanted to feel better about my ageing face!” she says, explaining, “I had been concerned about my skin and general facial sagging due to ageing for some years and I felt old and drawn out.”

So where do aesthetic practitioners go when they themselves feel they need a treatment? Kate approached Dr Manav Bawa for his advice as she knew him as a trustworthy aesthetic mentor and trainer in the industry. “I had witnessed Dr Bawa treat various patients and the results he creates are incredible, so I knew he was the right person to work with my face,” says Kate.

consultation that by treating the whole face rather than a couple of areas, a more symmetrical result could be achieved.

It’s important the practitioner goes through any concerns and risks of potential treatments during a consultation. Kate says, “Dr Bawa explained in great detail what he thought would work for my face, and what the outcome may look like, then we spoke about the possible complications and restrictions on medication or treatments.”

Being a practitioner herself, Kate understood the essential importance of seeking treatments from an experienced and qualified practitioner.

“I wasn’t worried at all, quite the opposite, I was excited! As long as you know that the practitioner is qualified, registered with their regulatory body, and experienced, you’re in safe hands,” says Kate, adding, “Just relax and enjoy it, as the results can be incredible!”

Preparation is key Evaluating the full-face

Kate gave Dr Bawa official written and verbal consent before the The consultation process is an essential part of any aesthetic treatment as is standard practice. Her makeup was removed and the treatment, and that’s no different when practitioners treat other skin was cleaned twice to remove any bacteria or dirt, and ‘before’ practitioners. A full history of the issues Kate wanted help with were photos were taken. “Dr Bawa then marked up the injection points on taken, as well as a medical and social history to make sure Dr Bawa my face and we were ready to go!” says Kate. selected the right treatment.

Experiencing the treatment Kate originally approached Dr Bawa with a desire to get fillers in Due to her in-depth consultation with Dr Bawa as well as her specific areas of her face. “As an aesthetic nurse, I thought I knew what experience as a nurse practitioner, Kate knew what to expect from the I needed,” she explains, adding, “I had it in my head that I just needed majority of treatments she was to receive. “I had witnessed Dr Bawa my cheeks and jaw treated, however when Dr Bawa showed me executing the MD Codes, which are very precise guidelines to follow my side profile, I noticed how my chin had receded back, which was when administering hyaluronic acid fillers, taking in to account the making the rest of my face look over-tired and prematurely aged. Dr Bawa showed me more options, suggesting Before After rejuvenation of the whole face, specifically my cheeks, temple, jowls, and chin using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which would have a more effective overall result.”

In her consultation, Dr Bawa asked Kate how her appearance made her feel. “I run my own clinic around my other job as a mum to three active boys which takes up nearly all of my time!” explains Kate, adding, “It’s very tiring and with the combination of approaching 40, and not having much time to invest in skincare, I just really wanted to feel more positive about the way I look. Looking in the mirror I could see the areas that could be improved, and they were bothering me on a daily basis. I know appearance isn’t everything, but it certainly helps!”

Before and after full-face rejuvenation treatment. After image shows a lifted mid-face, fuller cheek area, brow lift, an elongated chin and a reduced jowl area. Images courtesy of Dr Bawa.

Dr Bawa explained to Kate during the 22

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REAL-LIFE STORY

Before

After

The injection points 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1 2 3

7

Tail of brow Lateral canthus of eye Medial right cheek Angle of mandible/jawline Jowl Chin Medial left cheek

4 5

6

The points on the face that were injected (left) and the areas that were affected (right)

face as a whole. Nothing is left to chance with this method and for each injection site there is a minimum quantity of product required, a technique for administering the product, and a specific injection depth,” explains Kate.

First, Dr Bawa put numbing anaesthetic cream on the areas he was going to treat to help with the pain, then he injected into the cheeks to achieve a lifting of the mid-face. Kate’s temple was also treated to subtly lift her brow region and add a refreshed appearance around the eyes, and the cheeks were then injected again to give a fuller look and reduce the tired appearance of the eyes. The chin was then treated, to elongate it and the jowl area to enhance the rejuvenation of the chin and reduce the jowls to create an augmented profile.

A variety of Juvéderm Vycross dermal filler products were used including Voluma for the cheek and temple region, as well as Volux for the chin and jowls and Volift for the cheeks. “I knew that getting filler in my lips and cheeks is not too painful at all, but I didn’t expect my chin to hurt as much as it did!” says Kate, “It was completely manageable though with painkillers, and Dr Bawa explained that it is completely normal, and pain can vary from person to person.”

“After my treatment I was advised by Dr Bawa not to put any makeup on my face to prevent the risk of infection from the injection sites"

Post-treatment and aftercare “After my treatment I was advised by Dr Bawa not to put any makeup on my face to prevent the risk of infection from the injection sites, and I also was told not to do any extreme exercise, use saunas or drink alcohol for the next 24 hours. Also, no facial massages or treatments for at least two weeks,” Kate says. After her treatment, Dr Bawa kept in regular contact with Kate to see how her recovery was progressing. “I had quite a lot of bruising on my chin as it’s an area with lots of veins, meaning bruising is more likely,” explains Kate, adding, “It was pretty painful for about four to five days, so Dr Bawa recommended antihistamines for the swelling and ibuprofen for any pain. He explained that Juvéderm Vycross products can take up to eight weeks to settle, so I knew to just relax and wait.”

Rejuvenating results “When the bruising and swelling had subsided in about a week, I was absolutely thrilled with the results!” says Kate. “Despite it taking eight weeks for the product to settle, my face looked less tired, much firmer and tighter and the thing I loved the most was how hydrated it looked and felt,” she adds.

The full-face rejuvenation left Kate feeling more positive about the way she looks. She adds, “I can see an obvious difference in my whole face from having my cheeks, chin, jowls and temple treated.

I have a hectic lifestyle and it’s hard to find time to look after myself in the way I would like, but since the treatment I just feel a lot more youthful and confident. I’ve been taking more time to apply my makeup because I’ve actually been enjoying looking at my face! But equally I’ve been wearing less makeup, especially concealer around my eyes and I’ve needed a lot less moisturiser as my entire face looks and feels so hydrated.”

Dr Manav Bawa, aesthetic practitioner, Time Clinic, Essex IG: @timeclinicofficial

Assessing and treating the face as a whole, rather than treating one area in isolation, can provide a much more holistic and balanced result, achieving facial harmony and rejuvenation. I give the analogy of treating the problem, as opposed to papering over the cracks, for example if there was a crack in

the wall, one would fix the cause of the crack, rather than just paint over it. The Juvéderm Vycross range of products I used would normally last 18-30 months on average, so regular annual reviews would be sufficient. After 12-24 months, we would move on to a maintenance programme, where small amounts of product would be placed where required.

beautyuncovered.com

INTERVIEW: LEONIE HELM

Practitioner perspective

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DID YO U KNOW ?

You Can Rejuvenate Your Hands With Filler!

How you can revamp tired hands using filler injections

Fillers are a fabulous way of rejuvenating the face, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, plumping out areas that need a bit of help and enhancing areas like the lips and cheeks. But did you know you can also rejuvenate the backs of your hands with filler?

We spoke to aesthetic practitioner Dr Zunaid Alli to get the lowdown on this often-overlooked treatment.

Tired of your tired hands?

Dr Alli tells us that the body produces less collagen as we get older, and our remaining collagen and elastin fibres become thinner and looser causing wrinkles and sagging.

“It’s a treatment that has been around for some time,” says Dr Alli, “Pre-COVID I Dr Zunaid Alli, usually saw women roughly 40 years old aesthetic practitioner, Elite Aesthetics, Kent and upwards coming in for this treatment, IG: @dr.alli.aesthetics but since the pandemic women in their 20s and 30s have been coming into the clinic to combat the effects of excessive hand washing and using high alcohol hand sanitisers, which dehydrate the skin and reduce elasticity.”

Does it hurt?

“The comfort of my patients is one of the most important things in my clinic,” says Dr Alli. “The hands have a very rich supply of nerves, so I also use either a very strong topical numbing cream or a small amount of local anaesthesia to ensure minimum discomfort. I’ve also found that applying an ice pack during and after the procedure can really help reduce pain,” he explains. If you’re worried about the pain of any aesthetic procedure, be sure to discuss any concerns with your practitioner in the consultation.

Are there any risks?

There are risks with any aesthetic procedure which is why, as Dr Alli states, it’s really important to go to a fully qualified and registered medical aesthetic practitioner. “In the consultation, prior to any treatment, it’s important to be honest about any conditions that could cause complications such as previous injuries or a history of chronic inflammation,” he says, “As I’ve already stated, the hands are a very vascular area so despite the cannula technique and ice packs a little bit of bruising is normal, it’s really important that your practitioner massages the filler in to the right spaces in the hands to avoid lumps and any uneven surfaces.”

What’s the recovery time and when will I see results?

“You can use your hands straight away!” explains Dr Alli, “There will be a short period of numbing due to the anaesthetic, but this will wear off after about 20 minutes.” Dr Alli recommends no exercise for about 24 hours after treatment, and no products on the hands for about 12 hours to reduce the risk of trauma and infection to the point where the cannula was inserted. “Like with lip filler treatments, you will see results instantly, but a lot of this is swelling, which will usually go down after 24 hours, and the filler will continue to look good for about six to nine months,” says Dr Alli. He adds, “Hand filler can last for a shorter time than facial fillers as the hands are a hypermobile part of the body, and the filler can dissolve a bit quicker than in the lips or cheeks. I recommend patients come back for a top up anywhere between six months to a year, depending on how long the filler has lasted for them.” beautyuncovered.com

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INTERVIEW: LEONIE HELM

How can dermal fillers help?

“People who come in for face rejuvenation often exclaim that they wish there was something they could do about their hands, and I say did you know we can actually put a little bit of filler in there?” says Dr Alli.

As well as hydrating the hands and restoring a bit of youthful elasticity, filler in the hands can also help other common issues.

“Hand filler can be a great treatment for scarring and age spots,” explains Dr Alli, adding, “I use fillers containing hyaluronic acid which has incredible Before hydrating properties that can help break up the scar tissue, and collagen boosting properties which can naturally help repair the area, especially in conjunction with other treatments such as CO2 lasers or LED therapy.” Dr After Alli also points out that younger generations who don’t suffer with age or sunspots have come to him for hand filler to rejuvenate their hands for special occasions, like after they get engaged A 50-year-old female patient before and and know their hands will after hand rejuvenation. Images courtesy of Dr Zunaid Alli. be photographed a lot!

How does it work?

It’s very similar to facial injectables however, the aim isn’t to add volume or change the structure of the hands, just to add a nice layer of overall hydration and improve the surface texture of the hands.

“I inject between 0.5ml and 1ml into each hand, which is roughly the same as the lips,” says Dr Alli. “It’s a pretty quick process,” he adds, “It takes about 20-30 minutes and I inject into a single-entry point at the top of the wrist using a blunted needle called a cannula. The hands are very veiny, and a cannula can move through without causing trauma to the blood vessels, resulting in far less bruising.” Once the filler has been injected into the hands, Dr Alli massages it into place, then disinfects and dresses the point where the cannula goes in.

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PA RT NE R S H IP

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF YOUR SKIN Why Tess Daly chooses Ultherapy® to get ‘strictly’ ready Tess Daly spends a lot of time laughing in her job as a TV presenter and anchor on BBC One’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing. But the former model and mum jokes that “Laughter lines are an occupational hazard” and she wanted to do something about them. So, she tried Ultherapy® – the only FDA-cleared non-surgical treatment with visualisation, to lift, sculpt and tighten the skin on the face and neck from the inside out. It uses advanced ultrasound energy to stimulate

your own collagen production and is proven to define the jawline, reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the décolletage and lift a heavy brow. The gradual results look so natural no one need ever know you’ve had a treatment. With minimal downtime, treatment times of around 30-90 minutes and usually only momentary discomfort, it’s no wonder that Ultherapy® is a favourite of stars like Tess Daly. Here, she shares why she sees this treatment as an “Investment in the future” of her skin.

Five reasons why Tess loves Ultherapy® 

Ultherapy® lifts and sculpts with natural looking results “What I like about Ultherapy® is that it boosts your own collagen for naturallooking results. It’s not going to dramatically change your appearance or make you look like a different version of yourself. It’s a treatment that makes you look fresher. You’re working with what you’ve got, and that in itself is antiageing because you still look like yourself. It’s quite a revelation.”



It’s an investment in the future of your skin “I absolutely see Ultherapy® as an investment in the future of my skin. It is a treatment you can have once a year or once every 18 months* that helps to lift and boost your own skin. We’ve only got one skin for all our lives, which is why I really believe in investing in it. I look after my body through good food and exercise, and I want to invest in my skin’s future, too.”



There’s minimal downtime “There was little recovery time after the Ultherapy® treatment. As Ultherapy® is a non-invasive treatment, I could put my makeup straight back on and carry on as normal.”





Results appear gradually “Within a few months, I was getting compliments from friends. What I love most is that you look well-rested and like yourself but on a really good day. As you get older, it is much more noticeable in your skin and face when you haven’t slept well, and Ultherapy® gives me the skin of someone who has the luxury of eight hours of sleep. Your skin will thank you for it. You will just look like you have the best skin you’ve had in a long time.”** 27

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*Frequency of treatment depends on skin laxity **Ultherapy® is indicated for non-invasive dermatological sculpting and lifting of the skin.

This advertorial was sponsored

by Merz Aesthetics UK and Ireland

Date of preparation October 2021, M-ULT-UKI-1082

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You can tailor the treatment to suit your needs and budget With Ultherapy® you don’t have to have the full-face you can target smaller sections to suit your problem areas and budget. Tess, who had her laughter lines treated, says, “I have a lot of laughter lines. I talk a lot in my job, and I laugh a lot by nature. I’ve had laughter lines for as long as I can remember! Ultherapy® is quite handy because you can target an area that you think needs a little help, whether it’s your neck and jaw area, forehead, or eyes. If you’re working to a budget, you can certainly use it as a targeted treatment.”

Pricing for Ultherapy® starts from £500. Please consult your medical aesthetic practitioner as individual results may vary.

Scan the QR code to find an Ultherapy® practitioner.

ASK THE EXPERT

How To:

Look After Your Breasts Following Surgery The excitement of having new breasts can be a monumental time in many women’s lives. Whether it has been a long time coming or a recent insecurity fixed, breast augmentation can be a life-changing surgery for many. Amongst the excitement, caring for your breasts post-surgery is crucial to ensure an uncomplicated recovery whilst healing the best way possible.

We spoke to consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon Mr Adrian Richards about his top tips for looking after your breasts, as well as his personal recommendations on suitable products to speed up the healing process!

Home-time preparations Most surgeries require you to stay overnight at the hospital, however, after a breast augmentation at my clinic, patients can leave five hours later! Thanks to the developments in modern medicine, local anaesthetic and adrenaline reduces bleeding and allows the Mr Adrian Richards, recovery process to be quicker. I use Tiva, consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon, a general anaesthetic, at my clinic which The Private Clinic, London IG: @mradrian.richards means patients don’t feel sick after waking up and are in minimal pain.

I advise my patients to be chaperoned home and looked after by someone post-surgery – no public transport is to be taken as patients are slowly recovering from the anaesthetics. I recommend this for my patients as an external person can help with any carrying or activities which requires lifting the arms. If the patient lives far away from the clinic, I suggest staying locally overnight. However, if you are planning on having surgery abroad, be prepared to stay locally for six weeks in case of complications. Antibiotics are prescribed for five days post-surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Take it easy

Banish your scars At the six-week appointment, my patients are assessed once more. Breasts are sisters, not twins, but if they begin to look like distant relatives, then patients are to notify their surgeon. The stitches I use dissolve so there is no removal, but your surgeon may differ from this, and stitches may need to be removed. The scar is usually 3-4cm and hidden in the inframammary fold at this point, which means the recovery is slowly progressing.

After six weeks, I advise patients to begin caring for their scars as these have been covered with tape to support the tissue and prevent it from widening. At six weeks, the tape is removed, and scar reduction products should be applied to the scars to assist with fading. My top scarring products to apply to your breasts include Kelo-Cote topical silicone gel, Prosil silicone scar stick, Lipoelastic scar sheets and Cica-Care silicone gel sheets. Scars will usually fade over time, but some scarring can still remain, so be patient!

Check your breasts!

You should always be giving your breasts the support they need post-surgery. Even after your six-week appointment, bras should continue to be worn during the day. We know that bras can start to be uncomfortable after a while, but they support the breasts so they don’t sag over time. At my clinic, a check-up appointment is given every year free of charge, to assess scarring, symmetry and the overall look and feel of the breasts. If you experience any complications, at my clinic we have a 24-hour hotline with experienced nurses on call. Complications can vary from trouble breathing, redness and warmth in the area to more serious issues such as rotation of the implant and infection, rupture and nerve damage, in which case patients should contact their surgeon immediately. All surgeries come with risks, so it’s important to be aware of them. Patients are usually diligent in checking their breasts for any abnormalities or lumps before surgery so keep checking them regularly to notice any unusual signs. Don’t forget, it’s important to get to know your breasts again post-surgery and discover what the new ‘normal’ is for you and your breasts. Having new breasts is an exciting investment for many women, so ensure you give them the TLC they deserve! beautyuncovered.com

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WORDS: ELLIE HOLDEN

After a breast augmentation, patients tend to experience swollen and achy breasts as common symptoms, rather than full body pain. If it’s too uncomfortable, I prescribe Co-dydramol which contains codeine along with antibiotics. Paracetamol is to be taken if needed.

I advise my patients to sleep on their backs to avoid added pressure. Obviously, people tend to move around whilst sleeping which I don’t see as a problem for recovery but do try to ensure you don’t sleep on your side or front.

After surgery, patients wake up in a surgical bra with micropore tape over the scar. From day two, patients will be able to wash normally but try to avoid getting the tape too wet. Also, remember to take it easy! It’s important to keep your blood circulating around your body by going for short walks but avoid anything too strenuous which can cause your heart rate to rise. Some patients say they feel ‘blue on day two’ and this is because they are so

pleased when they wake up and feel invincible, but the next day, discomfort begins to kick in along with the tiredness from surgery, so I recommend taking a week off to recover fully!

I advise wearing compression stockings for the first week to prevent blood clots from developing as well as a supportive bra or compression vest. My top suggestions for compression bras include: Macom compression garments, Lipoelastic, and Voe Compression by Recova. After a week, my patients receive a follow-up appointment to make sure their breasts are recovering well.

E XCLUS I VE I N S I GHT

Business, Brains and Beauty When you listen to Dr Hanna Kinsella you can’t help but feel motivated to get up and follow your wildest dreams. Here, the dentist, entrepreneur and Real Housewives of Cheshire star, shares insights into her multiple businesses and explains how she juggles TV commitments, alongside being a mum, releasing a new book, and how she looks good while doing it.

Juggling a busy schedule

What’s your schedule like at the moment?

Wow this is a question! I’m juggling quite a lot. Currently I’m overseeing management and treating dental patients at my practice Kiln Lane Dental in St Helens in Lancashire every Friday, and I’ve been filming the Real Housewives of Cheshire (RHOC). This takes up to five months and it’s a very hectic filming schedule of three to four days per week. Between this I have my Icy Bear dental product business, which requires a lot of behind the scenes. I also run a few aesthetic clinics doing dermal fillers and botulinum toxin once a month. Oh… and I have a baby now too!

You mentioned your newest business venture Icy Bear, what is it?

This was a dream of mine that started with so many people asking me what dental products I use and what works, so I created my own brand that has a professional edge, but also looks good on the bathroom shelf.

It’s bringing a bit of luxury to dentistry! We have teeth whitening strips, an electric toothbrush, and a toothpaste which contains very fine diamond dust that gently cleans and remove stains. We are also working on creating new products, such as gummy supplements for teeth and gum health, a mouthwash, and a tongue scraper. We’re also looking to branch into a kid’s range, which I’m really excited about!

How do you balance your busy schedule?

It is tricky, especially during RHOC filming periods as it’s a huge commitment. For all my projects I have amazing teams of people who help me, as well as a PA, and I wouldn’t be able to it without them. I think the key is delegation, and this can be really hard, especially when it’s your business and you want to be hands on and in control. I’ve found that sometimes the best thing to do is to oversee and delegate, and if you do this you can get so much more done!

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"I’ve found that sometimes the best thing to do is to oversee and delegate, and if you do this you can get so much more done!"

EX CLUS I VE INSIGH T

Hanna talks tweakments and beauty What aesthetic procedures have you had?

I’ve had a lot of non-surgical treatments – with my husband Dr Martin Kinsella being such a good cosmetic doctor it’s hard not to! I’ve had Restylane hyaluronic acid dermal filler in my lips and Ellansé collagen stimulating fillers in my cheeks. I’ve also had antiwrinkle botulinum toxin injections in my forehead to reduce my frown, which I have really loved.

Toxin in my chin was also a great treatment because it really just softened my lower face as I have really expressive chin muscles!

Why do you like having fillers and toxin?

I don’t get these treatments to look different, or to change my face, but to slightly enhance the nice features that are already there and to feel better. Living a busy lifestyle and having a new baby can really make you start to feel and look tired, so it’s more about instilling confidence in myself and it makes me feel fresher. I am a massive fan of non-surgical treatments!

“I think we owe it to each other to actually say, yes I’ve had treatments, and this will help break the taboo”

Prize Draw

Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?

I haven’t had any cosmetic surgery, but you know what, it’s not something I’m frightened of. If I don’t feel confident later down the line, I would absolutely consider cosmetic surgery... why not? Especially after having babies! I have friends that have had tummy tucks or boob lifts and it’s really made them feel better about themselves.

If you could only have one cosmetic treatment, what would it be?

Definitely toxin! Mainly because I don’t want to go wrinkly. I think toxin is one of those treatments that you can’t live without if you want to avoid lines for as long as you can.

What does your current beauty and skin regime entail?

I love taking care of my skin! I’m currently using…

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• Dermaceutic Cleanser: a gentle glycolic acid cleanser which I love using morning and night.

• Dr Dennis Gross vitamin C serum: an antioxidant to help with skin damage.

• Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF 50: I use sunscreen every day and I like this one as it applies well under makeup.

• Universkin night serum: probably my favourite product because it’s customised to me and my skin’s needs – I really rate this. After a consultation your practitioner creates a bespoke product that has up to three pure active ingredients for optimum effect – mine contains retinol, phytic acid, and kojic acid and I’ve had great results. beautyuncovered.com

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can do at home include investing in a good whitening toothpaste – this is a must – and using teeth whitening strips, like what we have through Icy Bear. However, nothing really replaces professional teeth whitening such as in-chair whitening or at-home bleaching. It’s important to see a dentist for this as bleach products containing strong ingredients like peroxide can lead to burnt gums and sensitivities.

What’s it like living with your cosmetic doctor?

Being married to my husband Dr Martin Kinsella definitely has its perks! I have one of the best practitioners in the industry that can help with whatever I need. It’s not often you have a husband that knows more about skin and beauty than you do, and it’s funny because his skincare routine is longer than mine! We laugh about it all the time.

What’s your favourite facial?

I love facials, and I especially like HydraFacial. Every time I have one, my skin feels a lot better. You feel so refreshed!

I also love that you can see the gunk that comes out of your face.

You are so open about your cosmetic treatments, why do you have this approach?

These days there is so much pressure on us women to look a certain way and be ‘photo perfect’. I think we owe it to each other to actually say, yes I’ve had treatments, and this will help break the taboo! I think it’s especially important for celebrities to be more open as people directly compare themselves to them.

Tweakments are becoming more accepted so we should really be open about it.

Getting used to motherhood

Congratulations on becoming a mum! How does it feel?

Well, it’s been a very steep learning curve! When I had Maximus, I said to my mum that no one told me how hard it would be. There are no breaks, and the lack of sleep is really tricky to get used to. But it’s amazing having this love for something far more than you love anything else – you can’t describe it! I’m also so thrilled to have just announced that I will be expecting baby number two! It was a huge shock and totally unexpected but now we’ve come to terms with it. I’m so over the moon that our family is growing!

What challenges have you faced as a new mum?

Teeth whitening is huge at the moment… what works?

Firstly, know that prevention really goes a long way, so be mindful of the long-term impact of smoking and drinks like black tea/coffee and red wine! Things you

“Don’t put pressure on yourself as a new mum, don’t feel guilty and listen to your body” 32

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I really struggled with breastfeeding. Before I had Max, I was convinced I would be breastfeeding until he’s two and I had visions of sitting in the nursery with him feeding away. Initially he had a little tongue tie, and it was quite difficult – the cracked and bleeding nipples and the pain was awful! I persevered for eight weeks and then I couldn’t do it anymore and I really beat myself up about it. But, when I turned to bottle feeding, I realised that I didn’t need to feel this way because he was absolutely fine and still a healthy, happy baby.

A lot of mums struggle with their body changes after having children, how have you found this?

The big shock was that I was expecting my belly to just deflate after having the baby! But you do have a belly for a while. I was lucky I didn’t get stretch marks and the biggest change has been my boobs – I feel like I used to have really good boobs, but now I feel like they have been sucked dry! I remember looking into my wardrobe and wanting to cry, feeling like I’d

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never fit into any of my clothes again. But in the end, I did, and I’ve learnt that you just have to embrace it and remember that having a baby is the most natural thing in the world. I really advise others to eat a healthy diet and get active as soon as you can, and this really helped me feel better about myself.

Tell us about your new collaboration with the Mama Society…

As a new mum you can sometimes feel isolated. The Mama Society provides fun events for mums and baby/toddlers to go to. We do brunches, talk about different topics like weaning, and we throw two or three events per month. It’s a recent thing I’ve got involved in and I'm really excited about it!

What’s your top tip for other new mums?

Mums put so much pressure on themselves and get this mum guilt that they aren’t doing things right – mentally this is quite a challenge. So, I’d say don’t put pressure on yourself as a new mum, don’t feel guilty and listen to your body. I just think happy mum, happy baby!

Inspiring a new chapter

Congratulations on your exciting new book Brains Are The New Tits! What made you decide to write this?

During lockdown I had a lot of young women asking me about my business tips, advice on building confidence, and starting a career, so I wrote few bits and bobs down that I had learnt. I reached out to 15 different inspirational female entrepreneurs of different backgrounds and businesses, collated all our wisdom into 10 golden rules to following your dreams and turned it into a book. It’s an inspirational and motivational read and I really enjoyed writing it.

In your book you talk about your challenges growing up in a conservative Iranian family, how did you learn to overcome these?

Growing up in a first-generation Middle Eastern Iranian home was hard at times because the culture is very different to the UK and as a kid you just want to be like everyone else and fit in. I found it tough – I had issues at school, my brother got bullied and we both got called names and I always really struggled with my identity. My parents didn’t really believe in a lot things I wanted to do which are normal in this country, so the key thing I learnt was to keep in mind what you want and be strong enough to persevere.

What do you hope readers gain from this book?

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I hope people can find inspiration from it and help them to focus their energy into what they want to do. It is meant to be a motivational book, looking at things like imposter syndrome, building confidence, finding the right people or tribe to be around you and some amazing inspirational stories from all different backgrounds.

What’s your most important piece of advice to others?

INTERVIEW: SHANNON KILGARIFF

Dream big and know that nothing is out of your reach!

Focus on what you want to do and where you want to be in five to 10 years’ time. Write things down – I am also a big believer in asking the universe what you want, which I think really helps with motivation and achieving your goals.

To find out more about Dr Hanna Kinsella’s projects follow her on Instagram @hannamiraftab Brains Are The New Tits is available now (RRP £9.99)

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M A LE FO CUS

MAN-HAND LE YOUR MAN BOOBS Beauty Uncovered explores the causes, symptoms and treatments for ‘man boobs’

Gynaecomastia or ‘man boobs’ is a common condition affecting almost 35% of the male population. Many men suffer with the condition unnecessarily as it is treatable, yet can have a serious effect on mental health, confidence and relationships.

Here, Beauty Uncovered explores the causes, physical and psychological effects, and approaches to tackling the condition with consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon Mr Mo Akhavani.

What exactly is gynaecomastia?

There are two types of gynaecomastia – true and pseudo. “True gynaecomastia is a common condition characterised by the appearance of what are socially known as ‘man boobs’ caused by a hormonal imbalance and prevalence of oestrogen, which can occur for a number of reasons,” Mr Mo Akhavani, says Mr Akhavani, “It’s common but not consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon, widely known that it can affect men at any Mo Akhavani Plastic age and there are various treatment options.”

Surgery, London IG: @moakhavani Pseudo gynaecomastia is the presence of a larger breast area in a man, but it is predominantly fatty build-up, not breast tissue and can be combated through diet and exercise, according to Mr Akhavani.

Who can get gynaecomastia?

Roughly 80% of male babies are born with true gynaecomastia, continues Mr Akhavani, due to the mother’s hormones acting on the baby’s breast tissue, and it usually disappears within a few weeks after birth.

“The next stage we see gynaecomastia present is adolescence,” says Mr Akhavani, “Up to 70% of secondary school aged boys can develop the condition due to the common hormonal imbalances that occur throughout puberty when the body sees surges of both oestrogen and testosterone.” At this age, the male body is changing a lot and hormonal imbalances are common, causing other known issues like acne and vocal changes. “This type of true gynaecomastia usually goes away on its own as teenagers move out of puberty, but if it continues after the age of 18, then they might be a candidate for treatment,” explains Mr Akhavani.

He adds, “It can also affect men in their 60s and 70s as they age and their testosterone levels decrease. Equally, although being 36

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overweight can cause pseudo gynaecomastia, the presence of excess fat cells can interfere with testosterone production and increase oestrogen, causing a hormonal imbalance.”

What are the causes?

“There are many external factors within our lifestyle choices that can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to true gynaecomastia,” says Mr Akhavani. The stress of sustained alcohol abuse on the liver can also have an impact on hormones, he adds, explaining, “The liver regulates the balance of testosterone and oestrogen, transforming or removing any excess from the body, and if the liver has been compromised then there is a risk of hormonal imbalances.”

Sometimes genetics can play a part. One in 660 males are born with two X and one Y chromosomes, instead of the standard one X and one Y according to the NHS, basically with an extra female chromosome, resulting in a condition called Klinefelter syndrome.

“This can lead to increased hormonal imbalances during puberty, causing true gynaecomastia due to a lower testosterone to oestrogen ratio,” says Mr Akhavani.

Any medications that can affect hormones can be a contributing factor to gynaecomastia, including heart medication and anabolic steroids as they also disrupt hormone levels, he explains. “I see big guys coming into my clinic who are clearly muscular and work out, but due to anabolic steroid use, which is converted into oestrogen in the body, they have developed gynecomastia.”

Mr Akhavani adds, “Obesity is often the main cause of pseudo gynaecomastia, an excess of fat tissue, but excess fat cells in the body can also cause true gynaecomastia,” says Mr Akhavani, “Fat cells make oestrogen which can cause an imbalance leading to more oestrogen than testosterone.”

According to Mr Akhavani, there needs to be more research into the relationship between smoking marijuana and true gynaecomastia. He explains, “Medical professionals have begun to suspect there is a link as it can affect the hormonal receptors and testosterone production allowing for higher levels of oestrogen.”

Recognising gynaecomastia It can be difficult to recognise whether you have developed gynaecomastia, pseudo or true, especially if you are still going through teenage hormones or are a little overweight. “I will happily see and offer a consultation to those under 18,” says Mr Akhavani, “But I won’t

M A LE FO CUS

Before

After

Before

After

Left, a 21-year-old patient with severe gynaecomastia. Right, a mid-30s patient with mild gynecomastia, both before and six weeks after treatment.

Images courtesy of Mr Mo Akhavani.

consider treatment until over the age of 18 as it’s important to rule out whether it is a result of teenage hormones, and gynaecomastia can disappear on its own when these level out."

“Typically,” says Mr Akhavani, “True gynaecomastia presents as an enlarged fibrous breast tissue on the male chest which can cause discomfort or nipple tenderness. The tissue in the breast disc behind the nipple will feel fibrous and hard, whereas pseudo gynaecomastia will feel like soft fat.”

Effects on quality of life

“Once I have ruled out all treatable causes that can be improved with diet and exercise, then I can recommend surgery,” explains Mr Akhavani, “If a treatable condition is corrected the gynaecomastia should not come back unless the treatment is stopped or if substance abuse of alcohol or cannabis is continued.”

“If the patient has minor gynaecomastia and isn’t particularly overweight, we can do simple liposuction which isn’t too invasive with little scarring and roughly six weeks recovery time,” says Mr Akhavani, “More severe cases will require liposuction and removal of the breast gland, which I perform through the same incision as the liposuction to reduce scarring, but some surgeons may cut through the nipple which can scar more. Finally, very severe cases require liposuction, removal of the breast gland and the skin excess.

Depending on how much skin needs to be removed, there can be quite a lot of scarring and both these two treatments also have around a six-week recovery time.” This usually means one to two weeks off work and driving, six weeks off sports such as cycling and three months from contact sports. Non-surgical options are limited in the correction of gynaecomastia and surgery is the mainstay of treatment.

As with all surgeries, there can be risks. “The risks with gynaecomastia surgery are low,” explains Mr Akhavani, “But there is a possibility of adverse reactions to anaesthesia, thick and raised keloid or hypertrophic scarring depending on skin type, and it’s also possible to have an inverted nipple following the procedure, which is called saucer deformity.” It’s important your surgeon arranges follow-up appointments – Mr Akhavani sees his patients six weeks, six months and a year later. “If everything is fine at each of these consultations, I discharge them,” he says.

There are many external factors within our lifestyle choices that can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to true gynaecomastia

“Gynaecomastia doesn’t come with any health risks itself, but it can be indicative of a health condition or lifestyle choice that is causing a hormonal imbalance as a symptom,” says Mr Akhavani. It is important to rule out breast cancer before treating for gynaecomastia says Mr Akhavani, “Breast cancer in men makes up less than 1% of all breast cancers, but it does need to be ruled out in the consultation before any treatment takes place.”

The psychological effects of gynaecomastia, however, can be devastating. “To this day, I have not seen one guy that is only bothered by the aesthetic side of gynaecomastia,” says Mr Akhavani, “It really affects men’s mental health, from not having the confidence to be on the beach or at a pool, not feeling attractive enough to have sexual relationships, and it can make men very self-conscious and I often see them wearing baggy clothes who adopt a stooped posture to hide their enlarged chests.”

If you are suffering with the psychological effects of gynaecomastia or know someone who is, Mr Akhavani encourages you to seek professional help.

So what are the treatments?

You’re not alone and help is out there!

If you, or someone you know, is suffering with this common condition, then there is absolutely no shame or vanity in seeking help. Hormonal imbalances happen for a wide range of reasons and the treatment is effective. “I had a patient a while ago who came to me before he was about to start university,” says Mr Akhavani, “He was a little bit overweight and had already started exercising and changing his diet, but his gynaecomastia was quite severe. He told me there was no way he could go to freshers week like this and was worried about fitting in and making friends. When he came back in for his follow-up consultation he had the biggest smile on his face and was even wearing a tight white t-shirt and was so excited to start university.” So, don’t let this common and treatable condition affect your life any more than it needs to! beautyuncovered.com

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INTERVIEW: LEONIE HELM

Mr Akhavani recommends that anyone who is concerned that they might have developed gynaecomastia to visit their GP before anything else, to get a conclusive diagnosis, and to explore treatment options.

"If there are identifiable causes that can be corrected such as teenage hormones or being overweight, then a diet and exercise plan can be hugely beneficial,” says Mr Akhavani.

Mr Akhavani notes that it’s important the surgeon works with the patient’s GP, and he also likes to work with an endocrinologist, a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions related to hormonal issues as well. “I also often refer my patients to a clinical psychologist, but I find men often decline as they’re embarrassed and less willing to accept this kind of support, which is a shame as it’s all related,” he adds.

E XCLUS I VE I N S I GHT

10 Things to Know About PRP Beauty Uncovered explores everything you need to know about platelet-rich plasma

Ever since Kim Kardashian shared a post-PRP selfie in 2013, the so-called ‘vampire facials’ have been a hot topic in the beauty and skincare world. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, works by using your own blood, which has had the pure plasma extracted from it, to help boost your skin’s cell turnover. The plasma is full of extremely useful growth factors – naturally occurring substances capable of stimulating new cell creation and wound healing. PRP has been used for a long time now for the treatment of sports issues like Achilles tendon damage, tennis elbow and other soft tissue injuries due to its ability to speed up healing time, without the need for strong drugs or further surgery, and it has Dr Daniel Sister, aesthetic practitioner, been making waves in the beauty and aesthetic Dr Sister Ltd, London, industry for more than 20 years.

IG: dr_daniel_sister We spoke to Dr Daniel Sister, who pioneered his aptly named ‘Dracula Facials’ in the UK, about the top 10 need-to-know PRP facts.

1. PRP USES YOUR OWN BLOOD PLUS CENTRIFUGAL FORCE After a thorough consultation, the procedure starts with a blood extraction. “We always extract the blood from the arm, then put it in a machine called a centrifuge. This is a blood spinning machine used to separate particles suspended in liquid according to their densities. Higher density particles will sink, and lower density particles like platelets, will float to the top allowing them to be easily extracted. It’s this plasma that we inject back into the body in areas such as the face.”

The amount of blood that is taken from the patient varies, says Dr Sister, explaining, “As a rule I generally take 20ml.

Some practitioners might only extract 6-8ml, which won’t be enough to see significant results. This is why I would always advise seeking a qualified and experienced medical aesthetic practitioner for any treatment.”

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2. PRP CAN BENEFIT PRETTY MUCH ANYONE Essentially, PRP allows our bodies to heal faster. According to Dr Sister, our blood is mainly made up of a liquid called plasma, but it also contains solid components such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets play an essential role in blood clotting, which stops us from bleeding, but they also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors and stem cells, that are very important in the healing of injuries.

PRP is plasma that has gone through a process to increase its concentration of platelets which, Dr Sister asserts, when injected into the patient, stimulates their collagen to repair, heal and rejuvenate. “It’s all you! It’s taken from you and goes back in you,” explains Dr Sister, “I always conduct a thorough consultation before the treatment, but unlike filler or botulinum toxin, there’s very little that can go wrong as your body won’t reject your own blood.” If you have more significant concerns, PRP may not be the only treatment you need says Dr Sister, “Obviously, if your areas of concern are more severe, like sagging skin or deep wrinkles, PRP cannot solve this, and you would benefit from maybe filler or botulinum toxin injections to treat that particular concern and have a PRP treatment another time to improve skin quality.”

3. PRP CAN GO ANYWHERE ON THE BODY! The growth factors within the plasma can do wonders for your skin, according to Dr Sister. “The growth factors naturally occur in our blood,” he says, explaining, “They are capable of stimulating cell growth, increasing collagen quantities resulting in tighter, brighter and stronger skin.”

Although the ‘vampire facial’ was made famous by celebrities like Bar Refaeli and Kim Kardashian having their own blood injected into their face, PRP can be injected anywhere into the body. “As the only ingredient is your own plasma, with the occasional vitamin or amino acid additive, PRP can be injected anywhere in the body

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where blood flows, which is pretty much everywhere!” says Dr Sister. “PRP is suitable for all skin types and is a great treatment for conditions such as hair loss, scarring, and even to strengthen the skin pre-surgery, or improve healing post-surgery,” says Dr Sister. “It’s also a good treatment for sports injuries,” he adds, “Things like knee sprains and pulled hamstring muscles, which are very prevalent in footballers.” PRP has also been used extensively to combat hair loss, slowing down the hair loss and stimulating new hair growth, says Dr Sister, adding, “It’s far less invasive than a transplant.”

4. DRACULA AND VAMPIRE FACIALS ARE THE SAME THING PRP facials are colloquially know as ‘vampire facials’ for obvious reasons, but Dr Sister’s particular treatment is called ‘Dracula Therapy’, so what’s the difference?

“We called it Dracula Therapy in the clinic as an in-joke between us practitioners,” says Dr Sister, “One day there was a journalist in the waiting room who then reported on our ‘Dracula Therapy’ and it piqued a lot of interest from the public!” Soon news of Dr Sister’s ‘Dracula Therapy’ reached the US, “A doctor in America called his PRP treatment a ‘vampire facial’, so it became a bit of an ego fight!” laughs Dr Sister.

5. IT’S NO PAIN ALL GAIN Considering its mildly grizzly nature, would it surprise you to know that PRP doesn’t actually hurt? “We use small, fine needles so there is very little pain and all we’re injecting is your own blood!” says Dr Sister. “I don’t use numbing cream on the face as there is research that suggests it could damage the growth factors, but if I was to inject into the gums to tackle receding (another use for PRP!) I would definitely numb them first!” he adds. The treatment you receive can depend on the practitioner, so it’s always a good idea to ask about their technique during the consultation.

6. IT PLAYS WELL WITH OTHER TREATMENTS “It doesn’t have to be either or when it comes to PRP and other treatments,” says Dr Sister, “Microneedling treatments – the insertion of tiny sterile needles that puncture the skin to promote collagen production – and laser are both great treatments for improving the

Platelet rich plasma Red blood cells

Separate the platelets

Dr Sister argues the results of a PRP facial are more significant and long lasting than a standard facial, while not being too much of a greater investment. “I charge £600 and the treatment takes 30 to 40 minutes from hello to goodbye,” says Dr Sister. “Results are subjective,” he continues, “But for facials, we usually see results lasting approximately six months.”

8. THE TREATMENTS ARE SEMI-REGULAR Dr Sister insists you don’t need regular treatments to see the benefits from PRP. “If you’re having PRP for skin rejuvenation then I would recommend coming in once every six months,” he explains, “Within a week of your first treatment you will see a significant difference in the clarity, strength and texture of your skin.” Dr Sister adds, “If you’re experiencing hair loss symptoms or receding gums, then I would say come in once a month for three months, and patients often see results after the second session.”

9. YOU CAN GET RESULTS WITHIN A WEEK WITH NO RECOVERY TIME It’s important to remember that unlike other aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers, the results can take a little while to appear. “You can go about your normal business straight after your treatment and results of facial rejuvenation can usually be seen after five to seven days,” says Dr Sister. “If the patient has had plasma injected into their face, they can expect to see an improvement in skin texture and tone, improved hydration and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles,” he adds.

Dr Sister says it’s common to experience some redness and in rare cases bruising following the treatment, but any redness should go away within the hour. He adds, “Your skin might be a little bit more sensitive due to the injections and I would recommend not wearing makeup or using any harsh skincare for 24 hours after the treatment.”

After centrifugation

The process of extracting and injecting platelet-rich-plasma

Extract platelet rich plasma

Inject area with PRP

There are very few situations in which a person isn’t a good candidate for PRP, says Dr Sister, “As it’s so low in risk, there are only a few incidences where someone would be unsuitable, including a medical condition that could worsen or spread with injections or a blood disorder like haemophilia or anaemia, and I wouldn’t treat a pregnant woman. As with any injectable there is a slight risk of infection, so be sure to choose your practitioner wisely for safe and successful PRP results.” beautyuncovered.com

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INTERVIEW: LEONIE HELM

Platelet poor plasma

Whole blood

7. IT’S A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

10. THE COMPLICATION RISK IS VERY LOW

The blood is placed in a centrifuge

Withdraw blood

quality of the skin that can be used in conjunction with PRP.” Dr Sister recommends having PRP therapy before or after surgery to help improve skin quality and speed up healing, after laser for reduced redness, and also in conjunction with hyaluronic acid to stimulate fibroblasts (the key cells in collagen production) and wound healing.

REAL-LIFE STORY

PEEL AWAY YOUR INSECURITIES How one woman’s changed outlook on aesthetic treatments transformed her confidence for good While 38-year-old Bijal had never suffered from acne when she was younger, following the birth of her son five years ago she started to experience regular flare-ups due to stress and hormonal changes. She notes, “Spots were never really a problem for me. Of course, I had the odd zit once in a while as everyone does, but until I was in my 30s I never experienced full-face breakouts.” This had a huge negative impact on her self-image and self-esteem. She reflects, “There were a lot of days that I didn’t want to leave the house because of how my skin looked. At work it was okay because as a dentist I could hide behind my mask, but it was going out socially that I struggled with, and I would turn down plans because of how insecure I was with my face and my skin.”

Finding a solution After working with aesthetic practitioner Dr Uma Jeyanathan for several years and seeing her achieve great results on darker skin tones, Bijal approached her for help. “I’d never had any aesthetic treatments before and to be honest I was very skeptical of the industry as a whole – I wasn’t aware back then of how much science is behind the products and the treatments, and I thought it was a load of rubbish! I also didn’t think that there would be anyone who could treat my skin effectively, as you don’t see many practitioners who regularly treat brown skin. However, after seeing people with the same skin type as me leave Dr Jeyanathan’s clinic with amazing results, I really felt like she would be able to help.”

Bijal made it clear to Dr Jeyanathan that she wasn’t comfortable

Before

Before

having any injectables such as botulinum toxin or dermal fillers but was interested to know what other non-invasive options the aesthetics industry could offer to help improve her skin. During the initial consultation Dr Jeyanathan assessed Bijal’s skin and took the opportunity to educate her on the benefits of aesthetic treatments.

Bijal adds, “Education is so key for helping people understand how effective aesthetic treatments can be and why they work and talking to her really changed my opinion on the industry. If you have any skin concerns, I really recommend having an in-depth conversation with a practitioner as it can be eye-opening.”

Following the consultation, Dr Jeyanathan created Bijal her own bespoke skincare treatment plan. To begin with, she had a course of NeoStrata chemical peels containing mandelic acid to help calm down her acne flare-ups and get rid of any existing spots. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin, removing the top layer, allowing dead skin cells to shed more effectively and stopping excess oil from clogging the follicle and reducing spots, and can be particularly good to have over the winter period. She recalls, “I had a chemical peel every four weeks until I was happy with my skin’s appearance. Because that left me with some acne scarring, I then had a NeoStrata citric acid peel to help lessen the appearance of the brownish marks. At the same time, I was also using the NeoStrata homecare products, because I was advised that there’s no point doing all these peels if you aren’t using the right products at home to maintain the results. I used the Mandelic Clarifying cleanser every morning and evening, alongside the Bionic Face Serum and Bio-hydrating Cream.”

After

After

38-year-old Bijal before and after six months of chemical peels, medical-grade skincare and two microneedling treatments spaced four weeks apart. Results show a reduction in acne and a brighter skin appearance. Images courtesy of Dr Uma Jeyanathan.

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REAL-LIFE STORY

The next steps

Adapting your treatment plan

After having six peels over a six month period, and ultilising her skincare regime, Bijal’s acne had completely gone and Dr Jeyanathan suggested they progress to microneedling treatments to further improve her acne scars and promote collagen production for a healthier appearance. Bijal had two sessions of SkinPen four weeks apart. She comments, “Dr Jeyanathan waited for so long after the initial consultation before she introduced SkinPen because she explained that if I had any active spots while having a microneedling treatment it would spread the bacteria around my face and actually make it worse, so we wanted to ensure that they’d completely gone before we proceeded with this step. I was very nervous about getting microneedling, and it was slightly painful, but I would honestly recommend it to everyone. My skin felt incredible afterwards, and the next day I looked and felt absolutely fine, although my skin was a bit tight for a couple of days. I was so happy with the results and my self-confidence completely skyrocketed!”

Although she had sorted her acne woes, more recently Bijal approached Dr Jeyanathan with a new skin problem – wrinkles!

She notes, “The good thing about going to an experienced, registered, medical practitioner is that they will tailor the plan specifically to you and your skin, and adapt it accordingly.

Knowing that I was happy with my skin in terms of acne, but that I was worried about signs of ageing, Dr Jeyanathan changed my current treatment plan and put me on a new skincare regime using skinbetter science products.” The skinbetter science AlphaRet range is designed specifically to tackle ageing concerns, with the main ingredient of retinol used to exfoliate the skin, increase skin cell turnover, and stimulate collagen synthesis, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture.

"I can't believe I used to be so against aesthetic procedures!

Your skin is so important and if you start taking care of it now, you're going to look so much better when you're older!"

After using the products for 10 days, Bijal could see a real difference in her skin and now 10 months later she is delighted with the results, commenting, “It’s changed my life! I can’t express how amazing the results are. I was always a bit skeptical of retinol and whether it really worked, as I had never used it before, but it’s made my face so much tighter and plumper. Not only has it helped with fine lines, but it also helps to clear up any acne spots if I do get any! I’ve honestly never been happier with my face. Now, unlike before, I’m actually upset that I have to wear a face mask due to the pandemic, because I want to show myself off!”

Find a trustworthy practitioner Bijal is planning to get another microneedling treatment this year using the Morpheus8 device which combines radiofrequency with microneedling to provide a multi-layer approach to skin resurfacing, alongside her skinbetter science product regime, and is also continuing to get a chemical peel once a year to help maintain her results. “I can’t believe I used to be so against aesthetic procedures,” she laughs, “Your skin is so important, and if you start taking care of it now, you’re going to look so much better when you’re older! It’s something you really need to invest in, but I don’t think I understood that until I saw the results for myself and Dr Jeyanathan had educated me on the science behind everything. So, I would advise researching before and after results, going to a medical professional, and getting them to design a plan specifically for you. Then you can sit back and enjoy the results!”

Practitioner perspective

we could effectively target skin texture afterwards.

Chemical peels are great for addressing specific skin concerns, and mandelic peels specifically target bacteria in the acne. I typically see my patients with adult acne once every four weeks to perform a peel for optimal results. I'm looking forward to treating Bijal next year with the Morpheus8, as it works well to stabilise acne, remove hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen to tighten the face. This helps to target all her skin concerns at the same time!

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INTERVIEW: HOLLY CARVER

Dr Uma Jeyanathan, dentist and aesthetic practitioner, Uma Skin Clinic, Purley IG: @uma.skinclinic

When looking to treat acne, it’s always important to have to look at the reasons behind why it could be occuring. As Bijal's was stress-related due to having a new-born, it wasn't something that she could deal with herself and so we decided on chemical peels as a good option for getting the acne under control. In addition, darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation, and she had a lot of active acne, so dealing with the active acne first meant that

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AN ATO M Y FO CUS

How Will You Age? Discover how your nose will change with age and what can be done to help!

Dr Simon Ravichandran, ENT surgeon, Clinetix, Glasgow and Edinburgh IG: @clinetix

HOW DOES THE NOSE AREA AGE? As we age, our noses change shape and size, appearing bigger and longer. This is not because it’s growing but because of changes to its form and structure. Nose ageing occurs in three ways. Firstly, there will be changes to the skin. The nose is very oily and as we age these oil glands become more active, which causes our pores to thicken, and can make the nose appear larger. Excess oil can also lead to irritation, so you may end up with greater redness of the skin in this area.

The nose cartilage is made up of collagen and other fibres, which is what gives our skin volume, and these break down as we age – from your 20s collagen levels deplete by about 1% every year, causing thinning. As well as having an influence on how the skin looks externally, this can also cause a second lot of changes to your nose, which is a change in shape. This is because it loses its strength, causing the tip to start drooping. This drooping can sometimes cause you to develop a hump on your nose.

Lastly, there are changes to the base of the nose due to bone and tissue reabsorption. Losing this foundational structural support can cause the nose to widen at the base, making the nostrils wider.

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF AN AGEING NOSE? Changes to the nose area can be treated both surgically and non-surgically. The non-invasive option is a non-surgical rhinoplasty, which involves treatment using dermal filler. Using this we can narrow the base of the nose, push up the tip of the nose, and straighten out the hump. This replaces lost volume in the bone and the fat, pushing the base up into a more youthful position and narrowing the nostrils. We also use fillers at the top of the nose to smooth out and straighten the hump. Another non-invasive method we can use is thread lifting, which involves very fine threads placed within the nose to create a formation that supports the skin, reversing the drooping. Botulinum toxin (also known as toxin) can be injected to address any fine lines and wrinkles around the area.

If I feel that the hump on the nose is too severe to be camouflaged with filler in a natural way, I would then recommend the patient go for a surgical procedure

HOW CAN WE SLOW NOSE AGEING?

WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL OPTIONS?

The only thing that we can slow and prevent here is the changes to the skin. Changes to the shape/base can’t be prevented because there’s nothing you can do about losing the foundation – this is all to do with your natural ageing process. To help with your skin, I recommend a regime consisting of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinols. AHAs help to peel away the surface of your skin so that new, more evenly pigmented skin cells may generate and take their place. Retinol, in the vitamin A family, helps neutralise free radicals to boost the production of elastin and collagen, helping with the volume loss, and of course, SPF and protection from UV damage is also essential and this should be worn daily.

If I feel that the hump on the nose is too severe to be camouflaged with filler in a natural way, or if asymmetry can’t be helped with non-surgical treatments, I would then recommend the patient go for a surgical procedure. A surgical rhinoplasty involves removing or changing the shape of cartilages of the nose using stitches to reposition them, and sometimes the breaking and repositioning of bones. This approach is also best for those who might want more permanent cosmetic results. Make sure you always have a thorough consultation with your medical professional who will be able to go through the best treatment approaches for your individual concern.

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AN ATO M Y FO CUS

Nose Anatomy & Treatments 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Skin changes Greater production of oil and pigment changes on the skin Treatment: topical cosmeceutical skincare Development of dorsal hump The appearance of a prominent bump in the middle of the nose due to drooping and a weakened bone structure Treatment: fillers, surgical rhinoplasty Nasal tip ptosis Drooping of the tip of the nose Treatment: dermal fillers, threads, surgical rhinoplasty Flattening of the base Widening of the nostrils and loose skin due to bone reabsorption Treatment: dermal fillers, threads Nasoglabellar line Also called bunny lines, they are fine lines on either side of the nose Treatment: botulinum toxin Asymmetry The appearance of a crooked or wonky nose due to ageing, broken nose or deviated septum Treatment: dermal fillers, surgical rhinoplasty

2

1 6 3

4

5

WORDS: HOLLY CARVER

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W ELLN ES S

OVERCOMING S E L F - G U I LT How to manage self-guilt when it comes to getting an aesthetic treatment and finally do something for yourself

The world is changing. With the introduction of social media, previously hush-hush conversations are being had, unchallenged social norms are being brought to the forefront of society, and difference and diversity is being celebrated like never before. Why then, are we, and in particular women, still feeling guilty about a little bit of filler here, or the odd bit of botulinum toxin there? Beauty Uncovered spoke with Dr Mayoni Gooneratne about the types of self-guilt, the causes and the potential solutions.

The shocking truth “In a recent survey at my clinic,” says Dr Gooneratne, “83% of our patients hadn’t told their friends or family that they were receiving aesthetic treatments.” In a society that wants women to be beautiful yet effortless and natural, financially self-sufficient Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, yet a modest spender, confident aesthetic practitioner, yet flawed, Dr Gooneratne finds The Clinic, London IG: @skinfit.drmayoni that the key reasons people don’t want to reveal they’ve sought out an aesthetic tweakment include: feeling guilty for being frivolous with money and spending it on themselves, worrying that other people will think they’re vain or unintelligent, and manufactured societal pressures and ideas. She says, “All these concerns are valid things to bring up in a consultation with your practitioner, so write a list and bring this with you so you can get everything out in the open.”

83% of our patients hadn't told their friends or family that they were receiving aesthetic treatments 44

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Financial worries A 2020 report by leading gender equality charity the Fawcett Society in partnership with Starling Bank found that shockingly, women living in couples with a male partner are almost twice as likely than men to feel guilty (37% vs 21%) when purchasing something for themselves. Even more worryingly, the findings support research undertaken as part of Starling Bank’s Make Money Equal campaign which looked at the way the media talks about women, and found that 65% of articles define women as excessive spenders, advising them to limit shopping ‘splurges’, save small sums or depend on financial support.

“People tend to have the most guilt about personal finances and how much they spend on themselves,” notes Dr Gooneratne, “People don’t mind spending money on their children, partners, or even friends, but spending it on themselves triggers guilt.” This kind of financial guilt can be exacerbated if the thing we have bought ourselves is classed as ‘non-essential’ either by society or in the grand scheme of things, a ‘want’ for example rather than a ‘need’.

What you can do: “We know these treatments can be expensive,” says Dr Gooneratne, “But we also don’t want finances to be a barrier to improving your confidence. At my clinic we offer flexible payment plans, and bespoke schemes tailored to the patient. You deserve to spend money on yourself and in the long run, the right aesthetic treatment can end up costing you less than another decade of buying basic and ineffective skincare. Don’t be embarrassed to discuss any financial worries with your practitioner and we will try our hardest to accommodate your needs, as our main goal here is to get you feeling your best – you deserve it!”

Cultural guilt “Injectable treatments are not often spoken about by people of skin of colour and it’s complicated,” says Dr Gooneratne, “A longstanding obsession with western or Caucasian beauty ideals has led people with skin of colour to focus on celebrating their natural beauty, and therefore the idea of using toxin and fillers to change your non-white features is considered by some as an antiquated betrayal of culture.”

The aesthetics and beauty industries have been Caucasian-

W ELLN ES S

centric for some time now and despite significant strides, there is still a gap in the market for more representation of people with skin of colour." Last year a survey by the Black Aesthetics Advisory Board reported that 86% of skin of colour patients said that aesthetic brands needed to be more aware. “Lots of skin of colour patients feel excluded from the aesthetics industry, and this exclusion can turn to fear as there is a lack of medical information about the effects of these treatments on skin of colour,” explains Dr Gooneratne, “They worry not only about their safety, but about being excluded from their culture that isn’t being encouraged to be part of the industry, and therefore don’t understand the feeling of wanting to seek out a treatment.”

What you can do: “This is where being open and honest with your practitioner is essential,” says Dr Gooneratne, “This can sometimes be difficult if you are talking to a practitioner with different skin to your own so you can always research and find a practitioner who is skilled in treating skin of colour, and who can understand your very personal concerns.”

She adds, “I would recommend writing down all the reasons you think you might feel guilty about seeking out an aesthetic treatment before your consultation,” she continues, “Then speak to your practitioner about those concerns. We’re here to make you feel as informed as possible so really use this time to voice any concerns you have, medical and personal.

I’m Sri Lankan and have been an aesthetic practitioner for some years and my mother still doesn’t understand aesthetics! You won’t be able to please everyone, but this isn’t about everyone else, it’s about you!”

Social shaming All around the world the vast majority of women feel an unspoken compulsion to look good whenever they are out in public. This may seem vain, but the truth is far more sinister.

“It’s a sad truth that women often simply cannot afford to look tired or unkempt if they want to be taken seriously, get ahead, or even just be seen,” says Dr Gooneratne. “But with this social expectation to look good, comes a heavy social criticism of

What you can do: “In my clinic we can help combat the fear of the unknown and looking too overdone by using a 3D simulator to upload your image and apply the treatments we’ve discussed so you can get an idea of what the results will look like,” says Dr Gooneratne. “A lot of people don’t know how subtle the results can be, and this can help show that it’s about enhancing your own natural beauty, not making you look like everyone else.”

When it comes to issues with longstanding selfconfidence, Dr Gooneratne suggests therapy as a good way to help. “Bad feelings about the way we look run deep, and are constantly exacerbated by society,” she says, “Maybe you were bullied for looking a certain way, or a specific feature of your appearance; maybe your mother put her own image issues on you as a child. For whatever reason, talking through the possible reasons why you have issues with your appearance might not make you change your mind about getting aesthetic treatments, but it could make sure you are getting them for the right reasons.”

Dr Gooneratne also has a group of loyal patients that act as ambassadors for her clinic. She explains, “They’re fantastic women and are always happy to talk frankly and honestly to anyone who is nervous about treatments, showing how natural the results can be and explaining how great it’s made them feel, so get in touch! I would also suggest to anyone with worries of any sort that we start small, maybe with skincare, and work up to other treatments. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we can take as much time as you need!”

beautyuncovered.com

INTERVIEW: LEONIE HELM

The idea of using toxin and fillers to change your nonwhite features is considered by some as an antiquated betrayal of culture

any women who are seen to care about their appearance, it’s a toxic catch-22,” she adds.

“I have a lot of women coming into the clinic for consultations that say they are scared of the ‘over-done' look,” explains Dr Gooneratne, “They would love a bit of a refresh, but they’re worried about looking too overdone and not being taken seriously by society.”

There is also an issue among women of looking too good, she adds. “I see a lot of women in my clinic who have spent their whole lives dealing with confidence issues, and as inexplicable as it sounds, they’re worried about the attention that might come their way if they take steps to enhance their appearance, negative and positive.”

Marianne Williamson, author, self-help guru and spiritual advisor to Oprah (stay with us here!) writes in her book A Return to Love, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure… We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?”

Dr Gooneratne suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of women who have struggled with their appearance want to make a change. “I think it has been a life-changing time for a lot of us; a stark reminder that we need to live in the moment, seize the day, ask ourselves why shouldn’t we feel the best we possibly can, and not for anyone else,” she says.

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Acting Deputy Editor Leonie Helm tries out the new AlumierMD skincare range and at-home chemical peel to tackle winter skin The yearly plague of winter skin is upon us, and it can feel like a continuous battle of dry skin, claggy makeup and dull skin tone. As someone who suffers with acne, the dilemma of wanting to hydrate my skin throughout winter, but not overload it with heavy moisturisers and oils, is a big one. It can sometimes feel like I have to make the difficult decision between having hydrated skin and spots, or dehydrated skin and less spots, which can leave me feeling pretty dejected. I struggle to find the time for in-clinic treatments and despite finding over-

the-counter products that have made some difference to the external appearance of my skin, I have struggled to find anything with long-term effects. As a novice with medicalgrade skincare, I was excited to try the new AlumierMD products to see if they could make a more significant and long-lasting difference to my dry, yet acne-prone skin, with products that I can easily fit in to my busy schedule!

What is medical-grade skincare?

These are products which are prescribed by medical aesthetic practitioners as they

The products The first new product I tried is the Enzymatic Peel, an at-home micro peel and a dual acid skin resurfacing treatment to enhance skin texture and tone with ingredients like lactic acid – an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which helps to remove dead cells and restore radiance and hydration. It also contains a simple yet effective dose of 0.45% salicylic acid which targets open pores and helps reduce breakouts.

The Let It Glow holiday kit

The HydraRich moisturiser

The next product is the Aqua Infusion Mask, which is oil free, great for acne-prone skin, and contains hyaluronic acid (HA) which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hydrating the deep layers of the skin. Both these products come in the AlumierMD Let It Glow holiday kit. Lastly, I tried the HydraRich postbiotic moisturiser, containing squalene and post-glutamic acid which claim to protect the skin from pollution, cold weather and support the microbiome, a community of trillions of cells including bacteria, viruses and fungi that, if imbalanced, can trigger various different skin conditions.

The results

Before

Having never done any type of chemical peel, it was important that I had consultation to discuss my skin concerns, how to use the products, and how they would affect my skin. My AlumierMD skin expert recommended double cleansing the skin to start, once to remove makeup and any other After impurities, and then again to make sure everything has gone, then I applied a thin layer of the Enzymatic Peel to my face and neck. She recommended leaving it on for one to three minutes for sensitive skin, three to seven minutes for normal skin and up to 10 minutes for resilient skin. I went for five Leonie’s skin prior to the treatment and her post-treatment glow minutes for the first time, and later increased immediately after this to seven minutes for the following two treatments, which I did a week and two weeks later. The mask goes on like a thin gel and feels slightly tingly, but don’t worry, that means it’s working! I washed it off with lukewarm water and patted my skin dry to avoid irritation.

As these are medical-grade and stronger than products I have used before, I was careful not to leave it on for longer than recommended to avoid any inflammation on my skin. I followed with a thick layer of the Aqua Infusion Mask, which you can leave on for 10-15 minutes before washing off with warm water and patting dry. I then applied the AlumierMD Acne Balancing Serum which contains salicylic acid and finished off with one to two pumps of the HydraRich moisturiser.

and my skin looked and felt hydrated and my skin tone looked visibly more even. I also tried the regime before going out, and I found my makeup went on smoothly and stayed looking natural and hydrated all evening.

The immediate post-treatment glow lasted for the duration of the day and the even skin tone lasted until my next treatment exactly a week later. After three weeks of using the Let It Glow kit and the HydraRich moisturiser along with my existing skincare regime, I have

noticed an improvement to the hydration, tone and brightness of my skin. I still get breakouts, but the spots seem to go from angry and painful to flat and less red faster than before, and the overall tone of my skin is brighter.

The HydraRich moisturiser hydrates my skin enough that I don’t need to lather on heavy moisturisers to combat the winter weather, which can only be a good thing for acneprone skin! I’m looking forward to seeing more results the longer I continue the regime! beautyuncovered.com

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WORDS: LEONIE HELM

As a chemical peel novice, what attracted me to this regime was not only the ability to easily fit it into my schedule, but also the lack of recovery time that can present with some deeper in-clinic peels. Apart from a small amount of initial redness, which went within 10 minutes, I was really impressed with how my skin looked immediately after the peel and the mask. There was an obvious glow

The treatment

generally contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than over-thecounter products to target specific skin concerns. AlumierMD recently launched three new medical-grade products to help combat winter skin and encourage an external glowing look, while improving the appearance of concerns like breakout and acne-prone skin, dry skin and rosacea. Their products use 'clean science' meaning they're free from chemical preservatives, making them suitable for all skin tones and types.

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Fading Scars and Restoring Confidence How aesthetic energy-based devices can help those suffering with the appearance of their scars There is a very high probability that you, or at least someone you know, has a scar.

Whether it’s a small mark from where you fell over as a child, a divot from when you had chickenpox, a rough orange peel effect from acne, or even after an accident or surgery, scarring affects more than 20 million people in the UK. This is according to The Scar Free Foundation, which also states that there is a lack of awareness around the physical and emotional impact of those living with a scar. So, if you have a scar that’s bothering you, what can you do? We spoke to aesthetic practitioner Dr Benji Dhillon about what causes scars, and his top treatment approach.

How are scars caused?

Dr Benji Dhillon, aesthetic practitioner, Define Clinic, Beaconsfield IG: @drbenjidhillon

“Scarring is almost always the result of a past wound,” says Dr Dhillon, and it can happen when the healing does not occur in the way it should do, causing the skin to look and act slightly differently to the surrounding skin. “There are many different types of scars, such as those that are raised from the skin (called hypertrophic or keloid scarring), or they can be indented, which are called atrophic scars,” he explains.

How can scars be treated?

There are many treatments that can help the physical, emotional, and psychological marks that are often caused by scars, according to Dr Dhillon. He says, “A scar will rarely get completely back to normal, but there are ways we can improve its appearance. Treatments that can help include energy-based devices like lasers and radiofrequency, as well as collagen induction therapy or microneedling, chemical peels, steroid injections and even dermal fillers – the list goes on! Scars can also be concealed through methods such as medical tattooing.”

Dr Dhillon’s approach with energy-based devices Although many people don’t mind their scars, for some the marks can have a huge impact on self-esteem. “To treat scarring, I like to use energy-based devices such as laser skin resurfacing Before After or radiofrequency microneedling technology.

Both aim to help raised scars lie flatter against the skin, diminish the appearance of the sunken scarrish mark, and help promote skin repair,” Dr Dhillon says, advising that you will usually need Before and after one Potenza radiofrequency microneedling treatment.

Patient treated by Dr T. Takahashi a course of treatments, 49

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depending on the type of scar and how severe it is.

“The treatment approach really depends on the type of scar, but for general scar improvements, I really like using the Potenza device, which is suitable for all skin colours and tones as well as for the face and the body,” says Dr Dhillon, “The device combines ultrafine needles and radiofrequency energy to penetrate the top layer of the skin and trigger the body’s natural healing process to regenerate new collagen and elastin – the building blocks of the skin. It also has a variety of needle tips for treating a variety of scar sizes. Unlike many other treatments, this technology can also be used on those who have active acne spots, giving you an overall clearer complexion and helping to prevent scarring.”

The company behind the results The Potenza treatment, as well as PicoSure laser skin resurfacing, which helps the skin boost elasticity and collagen, gradually improving the scar, are created by a company called Cynosure. This is a brand which recently partnered with the Katie Piper Foundation, a charity that helps the rehabilitation journey of burns and scars survivors. "I think this new partnership is a real testament to the company’s commitment to restoring people’s confidence through improving their scars,” Dr Dhillon says.

Patients can expect to pay from £500 for one Potenza treatment and from £300 for one PicoSure treatment.

To find your nearest Cynosure provider scan the QR code.

This advertorial was reviewed and funded by Cynosure

WORDS: SHANNON KILGARIFF

REAL-LIFE STORY

FABULOUS FACELIFTS

Discover how cosmetic surgery can rejuvenate the face and restore a youthful look

D

uring the process of ageing, our skin loses its elasticity and volume which results in a sagging and wrinkled appearance. Fillers and botulinum toxin injectables, as well as treatments like energy-based devices and microneedling can help, but unfortunately, non-surgical treatments may only go so far, and are not a permanent solution.

Instead, facelift surgery remains one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgeries to be performed. After years of getting injectable treatments like fillers and toxin, 48-year-old Alison Telfer decided to undergo a deep plane facelift, platysmaplasty and lateral brow lift earlier this year to combat ageing, whilst improving the appearance of her skin quality.

The road to surgery begins Working as an aesthetic nurse, Alison knew the ins and outs of the non-surgical treatments available to restore a youthful appearance, but she wanted to seek a more permanent solution to her ageing face. She notes, “Many non-surgical treatments – from injectables to threads – can give great results, but they have their limitations, and I knew I had got to the point where non-surgical procedures could not help me anymore because I had lax and saggy skin. I also wanted to look the most natural I could so didn’t want to overfill my face with fillers.” When choosing her surgeon, Alison felt that the surgeon’s speciality was important. “I wanted someone who only did faces. I didn’t want to have a surgeon who was performing on breasts in the morning, doing a tummy tuck next and then a facelift in the afternoon. By the surgeon only doing faces, this meant they were trained and educated in performing this type of surgery and therefore specialised in it,” she adds.

After meeting numerous surgeons, Alison decided on facial plastic surgeon Mr Dominic Bray at his clinic in Harley Street, London. In her experience, Alison emphasises the importance of taking your time to find the right surgeon for you. She explains, “There were surgeons in which I paid my deposit for the procedure and then withdrew it. There was something which stopped me every time; I think that was down to the consultation as well as the surgeon’s lack of understanding of what I wanted. However, I didn’t feel this in my consultation with Mr Bray. He was honest about what could be achieved, and it was a more positive consultation than I had experienced with previous surgeons. For other surgeons, the before and after images of other patients made me think, ‘if this was my face, I wouldn’t be happy with that result’ as they didn’t look natural.”

A unique consultation Before the consultation, Mr Bray asked Alison to send across various photographs of her face, both front on, in profile and at a three-quarter angle. “I enjoyed the consultation process

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with Mr Bray as from looking at my images he was able to tell me what I would benefit from and ensure we were both on the same page, rather than a face-to-face meeting immediately,” Alison explains. Afterwards, Mr Bray’s clinical team emailed her with an estimation for the price of the procedure and whether she was in a financial position for the surgery.

Once Alison agreed and was happy to proceed, an in-person consultation was organised. During the meeting, Mr Bray began to pull back the facial skin, neck and jawline to show an indication of what the end results might look like for Alison, as well as showing past patients’ before and after images. “Seeing images of other patients similar to me allowed me to get a feel for the potential results. I had absolute faith in Mr Bray, and it wasn’t a scary decision for me at all. I had my husband with me during the consultation because I think it’s important to have someone with you who is going to support your journey. When Mr Bray examined my face, he asked me what my concerns were and the areas I wished to improve upon. To be honest, I didn’t know the answer to this. I just replied that I wanted to look better! I said that I look in the mirror and see someone getting older, and don’t notice myself anymore!” Alison reflects. Whilst at the clinic, Alison also got a tour of the miniature hospital situated at the clinic where the procedure was set to take place.

A supportive procedure After the consultation, Mr Bray’s assistant ran through the costs and the whole process from start to finish. An initial deposit was placed to secure a slot followed by a 14-day cooling off period so that Alison could evaluate her decision and have time to really consider the surgery. She notes, “I didn’t have any concerns surrounding the surgery. I felt incredibly comfortable in the lead up to it; I was supported so much.”

One week prior to surgery, preparations begun. Alison was Before

After

Alison's side-profile before and three months after her deep plane facelift surgery. Images courtesy of Mr Dominic Bray.

REAL-LIFE STORY

Before

After

Alison's three-quarter view before and three months after her deep plane facelift surgery. Images courtesy of Mr Dominic Bray.

placed on a low-salicylate diet which involved avoiding most fruits and vegetables, as salicylates cause your blood to thin leading to increased bruising and bleeding. Manual lymphatic drainage on the face and neck (a massage to move excess lymph fluid out of the tissues) took place at the clinic and medication was prescribed for two to three days before surgery. On the day before surgery, Alison received more lymphatic drainage and entered a hyperbaric chamber at the hospital (a treatment which involves breathing a higher concentration of oxygen to accelerate the healing process) for an hour. On the morning of her surgery, Alison visited the chamber again for an hour and then was prepared for theatre. During the procedure, Alison was under twilight sedation, which meant she didn’t have a breathing tube and wasn’t paralysed from general anaesthetic drugs.

Alison’s facelift surgery involved Mr Bray accessing the facial tissues through skin incisions, lifting, tightening, and removing the excess skin and stitching it together. It slightly differs from a traditional facelift surgery, as Mr Bray’s deep plane approach goes a lot deeper and releases retaining ligaments whilst enabling to contour deeper areas of the face and sculpting the neckline and jawline.

After the surgery, the nurses assisted Alison with her nightwear and got her settled into bed for the evening where she stayed overnight. Pain relief was given along with ice packs to help with the tight feeling of the face. The next day, the bandages were removed and Alison visited the hyperbaric oxygen chamber again, and the clinical team prepared her to return home. Alison notes, "During the whole process, I was looked after so well. After the surgery,

it felt like it was all about me and getting me prepared to head home. The next morning, Mr Bray contacted me personally to check my progress. At no point did I feel I was on my own and I felt so supported every step of the way.”

The speedy recovery Alison visited Mr Bray after one week to have her stitches removed and then again one month and three months’ post-procedure to check on the progress. Alison was advised to continue the low-salicylate diet for one week, not to wash her hair for a week to keep the stitches clean, whilst sleeping upright for the first two weeks. She adds, “I was able to leave my house five days after the procedure as the swelling had begun to subside. Having my surgery in February meant that I could wear a bobble hat outside and pull it slightly forward so you couldn’t notice anything at the side. I decided to take three weeks off work to recover as my job is people-facing, so I wanted to be healed by the time I returned. After one month, my confidence began to skyrocket, and people say to me even now that my skin just looks so good, but they don’t think anything more than that.”

Maintaining results Speaking about her results eight months later, Alison is thrilled and continues to receive non-surgical treatments to improve her skin quality and maintain the results. “My results are brilliant and perfect! It is a liberating feeling; I’ve really began to feel more confident in myself. I will continue to have filler and botulinum toxin injectables to maintain results, and the best thing is I don’t have any scars from the surgery. A facelift is like restoring the foundations of your house, but you still need to decorate it every now and again! Ageing is a continuous process and maintenance will still be required even if I have the main foundations reset.”

Instagramming experiences Alison continues to speak openly about her surgery on her dedicated Instagram account – @myfaceliftlondon – where she has documented her journey before, during and after surgery. She notes, “It has been fascinating running the account, as lots of women have written to me about their own facelifts and commenting that it doesn’t look the same as mine, but it’s important to know that not all facelifts are the same! I have learnt a huge amount on this journey and will continue to answer any questions and offer support through the account for anyone interested.”

Practitioner perspective

way, but as Alison worked in the industry already, this made it particularly interesting. I believe it is a privilege for someone who understands the industry and who could pick anyone to perform on themselves chose me. I loved Alison’s results!

I think we achieved what we both wanted. Her face was slightly more complex as we contoured the deep neck tissue and have created a more defined chin angle. At my clinic, a deep plane facelift surgery starts from £25,000, but can vary depending on the severity of the facial tissue.

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INTERVIEW: ELLIE HOLDEN

Mr Dominic Bray, facial plastic and aesthetic surgeon, Dominic Bray Facial Plastic Surgery, London and Kent IG: @drdominicbray

Facelift surgery is an invasive procedure which allows for facial tissues to be lifted, tightened and sculpted to create better necklines and jawlines.

This surgery can achieve full-face rejuvenation, however, the ageing process will not slow down.

During the surgery, the patient’s face has been contoured and excess skin has been removed, but the face will continue to age. Skincare and nonsurgical procedures should be upheld to optimise results. Every patient’s result is unique in their own

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RECI PE

IMPROVING FERTILITY WITH FOOD

Nutritionist, hair loss consultant and bio-energetics practitioner Simone Thomas explores the ingredients that may improve both male and female fertility and provides a tasty recipe to get things going

Conceiving a baby may happen quickly for some people, but did you know that about one in six couples struggle to conceive? With the easing of lockdown, a less overwhelmed NHS and a more certain future, it’s possible that people might begin to think about conceiving, but with this potential increase in pregnancies, there will also be many who have experienced fertility struggles. Nutritionist Simone Thomas explains the natural ways that fertility can potentially be improved through diet.

Fertility issues According to the World Health Organisation, infertility is defined as ‘the failure to achieve a pregnancy after a year or more of regular unprotected sex’. “It is a common misconception that infertility is an exclusively female issue,” says Simone, “When in reality, men can have fertility issues too.” There are numerous factors that contribute to fertility problems, and determining the exact cause can be quite difficult, costly and frustrating, with no guarantee a reason will be found. “Some common issues related to infertility that affect both men and women include chronic stress, hormone imbalances, and poor nutrition,” explains Simone, continuing, “Some biological reasons women may find it hard to conceive include irregular ovulation, blocked, damaged, or scarred fallopian tubes, or conditions such polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. In men, infertility can be caused by a lack of sperm, or poor-quality sperm, testicular cancer and other conditions or substances.”

Natural ways to address fertility issues You should always seek medical advice if you are struggling to conceive, but adding nutrients into your diet won’t hurt, according to Simone. “Nutrients that support healthy sperm and eggs include vitamins A, B, C and E, omega fatty acids, manganese, selenium, and zinc,” says Simone, “Vitamin A supports a healthy reproductive system, and it is well known that vitamin B deficiencies, particularly folic acid (folate-B9), may contribute to difficulties conceiving.” Folic 52

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acid is essential for a healthy foetus, as well as when trying to conceive, Simone adds, explaining, “Therefore, folic acid is especially important for couples who are trying to conceive, and pregnant women,” she adds.

Specific foods “Vitamin C can promote strong sperm, and vitamin E plays a role in the production of sperm as well as cervical mucus in women, which nourishes and protects the sperm as it travels towards an egg,” explains Simone. Omega fatty acids have been thought of as a health wonder ingredient for many years, and the family of naturally occurring fatty acids play a vital role in your body. “Omega-3 and omega-6 as well as manganese and zinc enhance the production of sex hormones,” explains Simone, “These fatty acids can be found in fish and other seafood, especially salmon and mackerel, nuts and seeds, plant oils like flaxseed and soybean, and pulses like lentils and beans.”

Simone adds, “Selenium supports the formation of healthy sperm. This powerful mineral protects the sperm from damage or mutations in the highly vulnerable phase of their development,” says Simone. These ingredients may sound illusive however, as Simone states, “Selenium is actually found in a lot of common foods, including most meats, spinach, as well as oatmeal, Brazil nuts, hence this delicious recipe!” Other minerals Simone recommends include zinc, vitamins E and B and probiotics, found in yoghurt.

Slow down on the ‘fun’ things…

On a final note, Simone says, “As well as taking the minerals and supplements I have recommended here, reducing red meat intake, as well as alcohol and caffeine, and especially smoking will allow your body to function at a high level, and studies have shown that these ingredients can disrupt sperm production and the health of a woman’s eggs." According to the NHS, being overweight while pregnant, typically with a BMI of 30 or above, increases the chances of complications including gestational diabetes. Being physically active will not hurt your baby, they continue, and as Simone states, “A healthy diet is key so eat as many whole grains, oily fish, organic fruit and vegetables as possible!”

Porridge with honey, poached plums, and walnuts

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

(Serves 2) 4 plums, quartered and stoned 2 tbsp honey 100g instant oats 300ml of your favourite milk (I use almond milk) 1/2tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Freshly grated zest of one small orange A handful of crushed walnuts 1tbsp good quality honey or maple syrup

Method

1. Heat the plums and honey in a small size pan over medium heat for around four minutes on each side, until soft and slightly caramelised. Add a little bit of water if the pan looks too dry.

Leave the plums on the side for a couple of minutes.

2. Put the oats, milk, cinnamon, salt, and half of the orange zest 3.

into a pan and cook for 10 minutes over a very low heat, stirring from time to time.

Spoon the porridge into two bowls, and top with previously prepared plums, crushed walnuts, the rest of the orange zest and some extra honey. Enjoy!

Additional recipes that can help hair, skin, health and general wellbeing, as well as the Simone Thomas Award Winning Wellness Plans, can be found online – Simone Thomas Wellness NutriHome. Use code BEAUTY20 for 20% off your first purchase.

Share your recipe creations on Instagram... @beautyuncovered_uk & @SimoneThomasWellness

WORDS: LEONIE HELM

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science of self-expression

At TEOXANE, we believe that selfconfidence can come from looking and feeling like the best version of yourself.

Because of this, we offer only the most natural looking solutions, for results as good as you feel.

You can now learn what treatment could be right for you, and even find a practitioner in your area by visiting our new online educational hub and assessment tool.

Explore what dermal fillers could do for you, at teoxanetreatments.co.uk

BU RECOMMENDS

OUR TOP PICKS

Discover the books, podcasts and TV shows worth your attention

Baldpieces

To win a free copy of the book, scan the QR code

In a photoshoot for Hunger magazine, photographer John Rankin and conceptual artists Scott Kelly and Ben Polkinghorne challenge the taboo topic of male baldness. The images depict different men adorning extravagent headwear, which aims to signify masculine magnificence and challenge the taboo of baldness. You can view the images on Rankin’s Instagram – @rankinarchive – or on Hunger magazine – @hungermagazine.

My Possible Self

Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide Are you struggling to find the perfect skincare products to use due to the colour of your skin? Aesthetician and founder of the Black Skin Directory Dija Ayodele is here to help! Her comprehensive guide Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide is designed to help black women and men gain knowledge on how to care for their skin. Ayodele shares the best ingredients black women and men should look out for in their skincare, and dispels the common myths surrounding black skin. The book is available in hardback, audio, and eBook format, and you can order the book now from Amazon for £16!

Looking after our mental health is pivotal for our everyday lives. The app My Possible Self contains interactive tools and coping strategies using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Strategies include mood trackers to help document how you feel, journals to record worries, emotions, and actions, as well as visual and audio exercises to help boost your mood, and relax your mind. You can download the app through the App store and Google Play for free.

Top fellows to follow...

Feel Better, Live More Hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, the Feel Better, Live More podcast aims to inspire, empower and transform the way we feel. Stories from health professionals and other guests including Olympic boxer Ramla Ali and football coach Gareth Southgate offer easy health and life hacks and advice whilst debunking common health myths. Previous topics have included how to optimise your immune system and fight viruses, and why running a marathon will change your life. Episodes air every Wednesday and Friday, and you can listen for free through Spotify or Apple Podcast.

Tom Parker: Inside My Head

Skincare Decoded: The Practical Guide to Beautiful Skin Do you really need a 10-step skincare regime? In a new book, skincare chemists Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu, give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your skin. From SPF to caffeine serums, the book addresses what these products are, and the science behind them.

You can purchase the book on Amazon for £12.99.

@dr_elizabethhawkes – covers treatments for your eyes and eye health @mrsgifletcher – author of many non-fiction books and promotes positivity through her podcast @emmawillisofficial – raising breast cancer awareness through the charity Coppafeel

YOUR TOP PICKS

WORDS: ELLIE HOLDEN

Last year, Tom Parker from UK boyband The Wanted was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. In this documentary for Stand Up To Cancer, the singer details how he and his family have learnt to live with the news in their everyday lives, as well as arranging a star-studded charity concert in aid of the charity. You can catch-up on Channel 4 now!

@drvincentwong – treats some well-known celebrities and has just released a new podcast about aesthetics!

If you know of any good shows, podcasts or books that you think we really need to try, send your review to the Beauty Uncovered team at hello@beautyuncovered.com

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Upcoming Trends for 2022 From fillers and skincare to devices and surgery, Beauty Uncovered reveals the hottest aesthetic treatment trends to keep your eye on Trends are constantly changing and developing year upon year, and the world of aesthetics is no different. Accentuating and enlarging certain body features has been a huge trend over the last couple of years in aesthetics, however, this is slowly being erased.

Embracing the natural look is more fashionable than ever, whilst still having a few little 'tweaks' here and there.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a sharp increase in aesthetic procedures being performed. A recent global survey revealed that the total number of procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, across the world had increased by 7.4% since the previous year!

With new and innovative techniques progressing in the future, this ultimately leads to better and more beautiful results for you! In a report by the UK’s largest meeting of medical aesthetic professionals – CCR London – we look at some of the cosmetic treatment trends, newest products and techniques to keep you looking (and more importantly feeling) your best in 2022.

Fake fillers are out As one of the most popular cosmetic treatments to date, it is no surprise that dermal fillers are only going to get more popular and innovative as time goes on. Whilst ‘fish lips’ and the overdone pout brought a stereotype for women with lip fillers, the natural look is the new trend and fresh fillers are being created to achieve this. The aim is to enhance whilst working and not transform with your natural features to preserve and subtly elevate them. Why not check out brands such as Neauvia, Revanesse and VIVACY, which have all released new dermal fillers to achieve natural results!

Injectables aren’t just for the face, and it’s becoming more popular to add filler into other parts of the body, including the décolletage, abdomen, upper arms and even the buttocks! Check out the new Lanluma filler for a perky bum or the hyaluronic acid injectable bioremodelling Profhilo Body Kit for improving skin quality on the body. Speak to a medical aesthetic practitioner about what fillers and injectables are suitable for different body areas or read our article all about body fillers in the last issue of Beauty Uncovered!

Skincare is key It’s no secret that skincare is vital for keeping a beautiful complexion. The skin should be cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated by adding important vitamins back into the skin layer – and don’t forget that SPF! Gaining momentum in the skincare scene is using at-home products to complement the results of in-clinic rejuvenation treatments to reduce downtime, accelerate recovery and optimise results.

Skincare brand SkinCeuticals and aesthetic device company Cutera are two brands paving the way by developing a specialist approach called ‘Integrated Skincare’, pairing key products with

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ablative and non-ablative lasers and energy devices.

Getting skincare has become more convenient since the pandemic, and online skincare platform GetHarley is making waves as it can effortlessly connect you with the UK’s top skincare professionals to discover a personalised product regime through an online consultation. The products are then conveniently sent straight to your door!

There’s also been a huge amount of new skincare products to try which are sure to create a stir in 2022. Next time you book in for your toxin treatment, try pairing with Revox Line Relaxer by Revision Skincare, which promises to optimise anti-wrinkle injections and improve the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles on the face. You can read more about this product on p.15.

Stimulate your skin with radiofrequency microneedling

Eye-catching treatments With face masks becoming a part of everyday life over the last year, procedures for the eye area have skyrocketed. Common concerns include crow’s feet, hooded eyelids, sagging skin, puffy eyelids and eye bags. Numerous non-surgical procedures from fillers to threads can help rejuvenate the eye area, however, more permanent solutions are beginning to trend. The gliding brow lift is a technique which uses minimal incisions to elevate and augment the placement of the brow with precision, stability and minimal scarring, resulting in a lifted and rejuvenated eye area.

New advancements in lower-lid surgery are occurring too! Previously, where the focus was once the removal of excess tissue causing concerns such as sagging skin, the approach has evolved to preserve this. Through methods to reorganise, tighten and lift the lower eyelid, the procedures reveal a more naturally restored appearance.

TRENDS LIVE IN ACTION See the hottest trends in cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetics live in action at Beauty Uncovered Live on May 7-8 in London, where we open up the world of aesthetic medicine to you! Scan the code for all the details!

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WORDS: ELLIE HOLDEN

With celebs like Judy Murray, Paula Abdul and January Jones endorsing this product over the past year, this treatment is seriously trending and doesn’t look like it will slow down in 2022. As the demand for quick, minimally invasive procedures rises, people are expecting more from their treatments. Microneedling uses exceptionally fine sterile needles to puncture the skin multiple times in a controlled way which promotes collagen production to fix these wounds. The treatment has been widely used to treat a variety of concerns, from acne scarring and stretch marks to uneven skin tone and large pores. The addition of radiofrequency adds energy waves to the process resulting in the dermis of the skin being heated at specific temperatures and depths to stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin layers, which achieves firmer, tighter skin.

Radiofrequency microneedling is usually treated on the face but can be used across other areas of the body,

such as the décolletage, neck and hands. It requires little to no downtime with results showing progressively over time as your skin’s regenerative cycles work from within.

Devices to look out for include Focus Dual, INTRAcel Pro, Morpheus8, Potenza and Secret PRO.

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DISCLAIMER: The editor and the publisher do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors and advertisers, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters, the editor’s decision is final.

Reputable Organisations The companies and associations that put safety first in aesthetics The non-surgical aesthetics industry is completely unregulated in the UK. Virtually anyone is allowed to perform cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers and toxin after just a short day of training, which can put you at risk.

While it’s not compulsory for aesthetic practitioners to be a member of any of the groups detailed below, knowing they are can give you some reassurance that the practitioner you have chosen to have treatment with is working to high standards and aims to put your safety first. A number of the groups have advised the Government on regulation and are spear-heading campaigns to improve aesthetic practice.

A note from us…

There are many organisations that do great work to support the aesthetic specialty, while others may have questionable motives. All those listed here have been selected by the Beauty Uncovered team following long-standing trusted relationships.

Of course, Beauty Uncovered and the organisations mentioned cannot guarantee that members associated with them comply with all standards set, so those seeking aesthetic treatment are always encouraged to do their own thorough research before choosing a practitioner.

We would always encourage you to undergo injectable aesthetic treatment with a medical practitioner who has appropriate insurance cover. To ensure your practitioner is medicallyqualified and does not have any restrictions on their practice, you should look them up on the relevant regulatory body register. These include the General Medical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Dental Council and the General Pharmaceutical Council.

FOR MORE INFO ON EACH GROUP VISIT WWW.BEAUTYUNCOVERED.COM

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59

SEEING IS BELIEVING Where did that dark spot suddenly come from?

Why does my skin keep breaking out?

Is my skin healthy?

OBSERV 520 ®

Understand your skin like never before with the OBSERV 520x By taking numerous photos in just 10 seconds, this skin analyser can show you what lies underneath your skin’s surface; pigmentation, excess oil, sun damage, redness, deep wrinkles, active acne, skin texture, and open pores.

With the correct diagnosis, watch your skin transform as you review your treatment results on an OBSERV 520x, comparing before, during, and after photos that showcase changes within the skin to prevent the signs of skin ageing.

How does it work?

Photographing your skin in 10 seconds and capturing 5 different angles simultaneously, this innovative skin analysis machine is quick and easy to use. The 8 advanced light modes help identify the underlying root cause of specific skin conditions and concerns. Your skincare professional can then offer personalised advice and recommend the best products or treatments to effectively address your diagnosis and help target your concerns.

Can I keep the pictures?

Yes, all images taken on the OBSERV520x can be emailed to you.

Where can I get a skin analysis?

Ask your nearest clinic for an OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis. You can simply search your postcode in the clinic finder. << SCAN ME

Kick start your skincare with a FREE Obagi Skincare Cracker worth £40

YOUR FREE GIFT

Ask your Obagi stockist for an OBSERV 520x Skin Analysis and bring this advert to your appointment to claim your deluxe mini cracker*. Find yours: obagiuk.com/clinic-finder • Instant radiance with a Vitamin C face polish and mask • 8 hours of hydration in lightweight, beautifully suspended drops • Firmer-looking skin for the face, neck, and chest Cracker includes: Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask 5g, Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops 5ml, and ELASTIderm Facial Serum 5ml *Terms and conditions apply, visit obagiuk.com/crackers

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@obagiuk

Backed by over 30 years of clinical experience, Obagi is the foundation for a more confident and fearless future. Founded by leading skincare experts in 1988, Obagi Medical Products are designed to help minimise the appearance of premature skin ageing, skin damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and sun damage and are primarily available through aesthetic clinics, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other skincare professionals.

No matter your age, skin type or tone, there’s an Obagi product for you.

Full size product-filled Obagi Crackers are also available with best-sellers, including: Obagi Hydrate + Retinol 1.0, RRP £96 Obagi Hydrate + Professional-C Serum 10%, RRP £112 Obagi Hydrate + Retinol 1.0 + Professional-C Serum 10%, RRP £168