Cosmetic treatments by Kent experts

If the ravages of time are getting you down, there'd plenty you can do to reverse that ageing process and look younger

Cosmetic treatments by Kent experts

If the ravages of time are getting you down, there’d plenty you can do to reverse that ageing process and look younger

Faces are the one part of us we can’t hide. If we have big thighs, we can wear baggy trousers or skirts to hide them. Bingo wings call for tops with sleeves, and we can avoid bikinis if we don’t want to expose our midriff.

But who wants to wear a balaclava all year round? I’m a great believer in the fact that we’re all different and shouldn’t strive for someone else’s idea of perfection. If, however, you have issues with your face and can’t learn to love it, there are many cosmetic treatments and surgery techniques out there to help.

Maybe you want fuller lips, a brow lift, or a complete face lift? There are lots of non-surgical options to choose from, such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin and skin resurfacing (laser, chemical peel, phototherapy, etc) They’re great for improving skin quality and making superficial wrinkles and creases less noticeable.

Liquid face lifts are the latest trend and involve plumping, filling and smoothing the skin out instead of cutting it back to achieve a more youthful appearance. Injectable dermal fillers include Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm, Artefill and Sculptra which are used instead of, as well as with, Botox.

Finding a well-qualified doctor who uses only FDA-approved dermal fillers is the key to success. Try a temporary filler, which wears off after six to 12 months, to get an idea what a more permanent treatment might look like.

Consultant dermatologist Rowena McKenzie of Tonbridge-based Stradbrook Skin offers this advice: “Make sure that the clinic is equipped with machines of the highest quality, chosen by experts who know what to look for. The best equipment used by the best-qualified people will always give the best results

“It’s important that a clinic offers a wide range of treatments to ensure that you receive the most appropriate one for the results you are seeking. For example, you may think you need Botox to reduce lines and wrinkles. However, it may turn out that following consultation with a dermatologist, fractional laser resurfacing will give a better result.”

She adds: “Make sure staff are fully qualified and that the establishment is Care Quality Commission Approved. And don’t make price your only deciding factor; if there is a significant price difference it is likely that the treatments you are considering are not comparable, either in the results achieved, how long they last, or maybe even both,” she adds.

Treatments for the face include: Botulinum Toxin

One of the most popular treatments for forehead frown lines and vertical lines between the eyes.

Dermal Fillers

The skin behind the wrinkles is literally “filled” using this procedure.

Autologous Cell Therapy

This uses a person’s own cells to repair and rejuvenate the skin, correcting lines and wrinkles such as frown lines and acne scars.

Laser and IPL Skin Rejuvenation

This stimulates collagen production in the skin and improves the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles and age spots.

Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

Unlike ablative and non-ablative lasers Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing only damages small zones within a target area and has a quicker recovery time.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency treatment is a new procedure which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, raise the eyebrows and tighten the skin.

Infra-red Laser Skin Tightening

This is the latest, minimally invasive way to tighten skin and reverse the signs of ageing.

Reader offer

Kalmora Spa in Goudhurst is offering Kent Life readers the chance to enjoy any of its Spa Find treatments at a generous 25 per cent discount between 1 and 31 October. Treatments range from Spa Find anti-ageing facials to Spa Find Sculpted Silhouette inch-loss body wraps and Spa Find Massage Treatments Journeys and lots more. The spa enjoys a tranquil rural setting where you can gather your thoughts, be pampered and get real results.

To book your discounted treatment, tel 01580 212953 and quote ‘Kent Life.’

Offer is only valid when booking Spa Find treatments.

GET IN TOUCH

Stradbrook Skin

17-19 Lyons Crescent

Tonbridge TN9 1EX

01732 770666

Kalmora Spa

Orchard House

Winchet Hill, Goudhurst

Cranbrook TN17 1JY

01580 212 953