Non Surgical
PROCEDURES - Non-Surgical
Non-surgical treatments are fast, safe and effective with little to zero “downtime” required on the part of the client. One can literally walk in and walk out again in less than an hour feeling rejuvenated and “new”.
The following procedures are performed by our Senior Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Soma, within his private clinic and by Dr. Faizal, Specialist Aesthetic Doctor at Chantique Aesthetic Centre.
Body Beautiful also now have the services of a Staff Nurse (RGN) right here in the UK who specialises in Aesthetics and is not only fully qualified but also has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the administering of non-surgical treatments such as Botox, Fillers and the like.
We are also able to offer a comprehensive service here in the UK as well at prices often only seen abroad. Clients in the UK are guaranteed A-list quality and care in every treatment provided without the Harley Street price tag!
RESHAPE PROGRAM
Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BTA - BOTOX)
What is BTA?
In an effort to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, many people are turning to. BTA is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. Being fairly simple and painless, BTA procedures do not require any aneasthesia. All that is needed is a cold pack or aneasthetic cream to numb the area. This entire procedure is completed in approximately 5 to 10 minutes, involving no downtime at all.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and studied those lines around your brow? You may ask yourself, is it a result of aging, change in weight, or too much sun? What about stress? How skin ages is a combination of many factors. The lines that appear between your brows are the result of repetitive muscle movement over time. The more you have frown or squint your eyes, the more these muscles have contracted, causing the skin to crease. Over time the creases remain on the face and can become more pronounced. For women, whose faces tend to be more dynamic and active than men's, and whose skin is typically more delicate, these lines may appear overstated and more permanent.
It makes sense once you understand what causes wrinkles and how BTA works. There are two types of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles, or muscle wrinkles, form where muscles move the face the most (around and between the eyes and around the mouth), and Static wrinkles are lines and crinkles that appear at the corners of the eyes and in other areas on the face. Dynamic wrinkles go deep. As they develop, they create grooves in the skin, which are apparent even when you are not moving your face. Static wrinkles are more superficial and are most noticeable when the face is moving, such as when you smile or frown. Because it affects the facial muscles, BTA can help ease or prevent both types.
Best Candidates for BTA
BTA has been used to treat adults of all ages. Though the results have been excellent in all age groups, they are most dramatic in those with minimal signs of aging. It is recommended for patients who:-
- Have neck or facial wrinkles
- Are in good physical condition
- Are motivated to improve their appearance
- Have realistic expectations
- Don't drink, smoke, or use recreational drugs
Areas that BTA can be injected
Using new and improved Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BTA or DYSPORT), this procedure is particularly suitable for reducing /eliminating dynamic wrinkles or facial reshaping:-
- CROW FEET (wrinkles around the eyes)
- GLABELLAR LINES (frown lines)
- FOREHEAD WRINKLES
- INJECTABLE BROW-LIFT
- PERI-ORAL LINES (wrinkles around your lips, commonly in smokers)
- MENTO-LABIAL LINES (wrinkles extending from the corner of the lips to the chin)
- MASSETER RESHAPING (reshaping the muscle at the angle of the jaw for a slimmer, sexier & contoured jaw line)
- HYPERHYDROSIS (idiopathic excessive sweating around the palms, armpits, back of the neck and soles)
What are the Side Effects of BTA?
There are very few side effects associated with BTA injections. Small bruises or red marks at the sites of the injection may appear but usually will fade within a few days. Mild headaches and nausea, though rare, have been reported by patients who receive forehead injections. Some injections can cause mild muscle aches. It is also possible for an adjoining muscle to experience weakness, although this is usually temporary (one to three weeks).
Swelling, though rare, may occur in the area around the injection. If the swelling lasts more than a few hours, simple massage should help reduce it. (Caution: Do not massage the area in the hours immediately following your injection, since this could cause it to spread to adjacent muscles.)
After the treatment, you should refrain from bending over or from vigorous activities for several hours to prevent it from moving to an unwanted area. In rare cases, BTA injections around the eye area can cause the eyelid to droop though this will wear off in two or three weeks. It is even more rare, but possible, for injections in the neck muscles to cause difficulty swallowing. Be sure to discuss all the possible side effects with the Doctor before beginning treatment.
Preparation before the BTA Cosmetic Procedure
Good communication between you and your Doctor will yield the best results. Discuss any concerns with the Doctor before the procedure. List all medical conditions you have and any medications you are currently taking, in particular if you are taking an anti-inflammatory like Aspirin as this can lead to increased bruising. Be sure to discuss any food, drug, or other allergies.
When administered by an experienced and skilled Doctor, this procedure is absolutely safe and fast.
FILLERS
This is a non-surgical augmentation procedure using Hyaluronic Acid injected intradermally or using water-based injectable filler for the chin, cheeks, nose and buttocks, injected subcutaneously. Tiny quantities of Hyaluronic Acid are injected through very fine needles, boosting the skin's own hyaluronic acid. Depending how many lines are treated, the treatment takes 10 to 20 minutes with minimal discomfort. This procedure gives a natural feel and promises long-lasting results. Specifically-designed fillers are also available to those who want fuller and more prominent lips or who wish to rejuvenate aged lips.
Hyaluronic Acid therapy is becoming a popular choice as a temporary filler for facial augmentation. It is a safe, non-surgical procedure that conveniently softens facial lines and furrows. It also has the added benefit of not requiring skin testing before use. The effects can be maintained by small ‘top-up’ treatments as required, generally about twice a year.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance that is found in all living organisms. High concentrations are found in soft connective tissue and in the fluid surrounding the eye. It is also present in some cartilage and joint fluids, and in skin tissue. In skin tissue, Hyaluronic Acid is a jelly-like substance that fills the space between collagen and elastin fibres. The role of Hyaluronic Acid in skin is to:
- provide a mechanism of transport of essential nutrients from the bloodstream to living skin cells
- hydrate the skin by holding in water
- act as a cushioning and lubricating agent against mechanical and chemical damage.
Over time, either through the natural process of aging or through exposure to environmental factors such as pollutants and sunlight, the body's natural store of Hyaluronic Acid is degraded and destroyed.
Where can Hyaluronic Acid injections be used?
Hyaluronic Acid injections can be used as a dermal filler to improve the skin's contour and reduce depressions in the skin due to scars, injury or lines. Facial lines and features that can be corrected using Hyaluronic Acid implantation which include:
- Frown lines that run between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)
- Smoker's lines which are vertical lines on the mouth (perioral lines)
- Marionette lines at the corner of the mouth (oral commissures)
- Worry lines that run across the forehead (forehead lines)
- Crow's feet at the corner of the eyes (periorbital lines)
- Deep smile lines that run from side of the nose to corners of the mouth (nasolabial furrows)
- Cheek depressions
- Redefining lip border
- Acne scars
- Some facial scars
Best Candidates for Hyaluronic Acid therapy?
Almost all people are suitable for Hyaluronic Acid therapy. Because Hyaluronic Acid is chemically identical within and between species, allergy to it is very rare. Thus, unlike bovine collagen implants, manufacturers claim there is not the need to perform a skin allergy test and wait up to 8 weeks for results before commencing treatments. You should discuss with your Doctor about whether or not you require a skin allergy test with Hyaluronic Acid before commencing therapy. Hyaluronic Acid therapy is suitable for patients allergic to bovine collagen.
Procedure for Hyaluronic Acid Treatments:
- Wash your face thoroughly.
- The treatment area is wiped with an antiseptic.
- Local Anaesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area.
- Injection method used depends on the doctor but will be either the serial intradermal puncture technique (series of small injections with a very fine needle) or tunnel or threading technique (needle is withdrawn as the hyaluronic acid is injected).
- Depending on the area treated, the skin may be lightly massaged.
- Immediately or within a few hours after injection the site may be red and swollen. This usually disappears within a week.
- Another one or two treatments (at least a week apart) may be necessary to achieve the desired correction.
How long do Hyaluronic Acid last?
Hyaluronic Acid implantation is not permanent. Like natural Hyaluronic Acid, manufactured Hyaluronic Acid once injected into the skin will gradually break down and be absorbed by the body. In most cases, the augmentation usually lasts anywhere between 9 to 12 months. To maintain the initial results, repeat treatments or top-up treatments will be necessary. Most people have 2 to 3 treatments per year.
Are there any side effects from Hyaluronic Acid therapy?
Hyaluronic Acid therapy is generally very well tolerated. At the time of treatments most patients report minor discomfort. Immediately after treatment the area may be red, swollen and tender, this usually improves within a few days. Rarely, allergic reactions to Hyaluronic acid have been reported. These are generally red and/or thickened nodules arising in the injected sites and may persist for several weeks or months.
Bio-Alcamid (Permanent)
What is Bio-Alcamid?
Bio-Alcamid is a non allergenic, non toxic, injectable endoprothesis that has been designed for the correction of small and large soft tissue deficits for use in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Bio-Alcamid is less invasive than standard implant procedures. It is permanent and yet easily removable, without the need for surgery. This is revolutionary and is the only product that can truly be called an endoprothesis.
Where can Bio-Alcamid be used?
It can be used to achieve a fuller lip, fill displeasing deep lines alongside the nose and mouth, as well as changing the profile of the chin. Bio-Alcamid can be used for the non-surgical face-lift technique, adding volume to recreate youthful facial contours and cheek augmentation.
Why is Bio-Alcamid defined as a soft tissue "endoprosthesis"?
Once the gel has been injected it becomes surrounded by a thin capsule of collagen thus keeping it in place. Bio-Alcamid is permanent yet easily removable without the need for surgery.
Can Bio-Alcamid migrate?
No. It has been scientifically proven that Bio-Alcamid cannot move spontaneously from the site of implantation because the capsule surrounding the implant is made of collagen fibres which bind the endoprosthesis to the host tissue.
How long does Bio-Alcamid last?
Bio-Alcamid is a definitive implant and is permanent. Over years with further aging and sagging of tissues ,more implant may be used to maintain natural youthful facial contours.
Are there risks associated with Bio-Alcamid?
No. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the absence of toxicity and the safety of Bio-Alcamid.
However, there are potential minor side effects including:
- Swelling at the injection site
- Itching
- Bruising
- Redness
Contraindications:
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding
- Blood coagulation disorders
- UV lamp exposure within four weeks after the Bio-Alcamid implant
- Diabetes
- Cutaneous collagen disease
Cautions:
- Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Vitamin E
- Gingko Biloba
- St John's Wort
CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.
Deciding if chemical peel is right for you Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An Alphahydroxy Acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk. Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced Plastic Surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.
Peel Formula at a Glance
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Uses:
- Smooths rough, dry skin
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne
- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
Considerations:
- A series of peels may be needed
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
Planning for a Chemical Peel
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with your Plastic Surgeon. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect your Plastic Surgeon to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your physician prior to the procedure.
Types of Anesthesia
No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application.
The Peel
AHA peels/treatments: Your doctor will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal. Your Plastic Surgeon may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. Phenol and TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, the surgeon will carefully apply the phenol or TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.
After Your Treatment
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
After a phenol or TCA peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any discomfort.
Getting Back to Normal
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your Plastic Surgeon to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
Your New Look
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing - Pixel™ Fractional Technology
No Pain BIG Gain
Pixel™ 2940nm Erbium YAG is the latest technology from Alma Lasers for skin resurfacing, wrinkles, scars and laser peeling. The Pixel™ Erbium YAG system is the only 2940nm Fractional Ablative Skin Resurfacing technology on the market.
Using fractional ablative skin resurfacing technology, the Pixel™ Erbium YAG Module combines fractional technology with Erbium YAG, providing the known efficacy of traditional ablative erbium technology for superior results, with a comparatively shorter healing time with the Pixel fractional technology.
Similar to a digital photograph composing of millions of tiny squares called pixels, the laser Pixel microbeam topographically selects the skin mosaic and passes through the matrix to interact with the skin surface, thus creating an ablation zone which treats about 15-20% of the treatment area whilst sparing the non-pixel zones or undamaged skin around each treatment site. The untreated area acts as a reservoir for rapid healing and re-epitheliasation, thereby significantly reducing the risk of infection and side effects. By limiting the affected area, the Pixel™ Erbium YAG is also able to treat delicate skin areas such as the neck, chest and hands safely and more effectively, as each pixel spot within the spot size receives optimal energy. Treatments are also fast and effectively fuss free with the large spot size, and no messy gels, dyes or disposables.
Advantages of Pixel™ Fractional Technology for Skin Rejuvenation
Laser skin resurfacing (LSR), like chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, is commonly used to restore the youthful appearance to wrinkled and sun-damaged skin. While yielding excellent results, LSR often involves discomfort and a significant downtime. That means an extended period indoors, with little sun exposure, which is a bane for many active and working patients.
Pixel skin surfacing, in comparison to other LSR, saves procedure time, minimizes discomfort and in some cases reaps better results. In short, Pixel skin resurfacing offers the best of both worlds, producing superior results without pain and downtime.
Benefits of Pixel Skin Resurfacing Treatment:
- Improves skin texture and firmness
- Safe and effective treatment for face, neck, chest, arms and hands
- Little or no discomfort
- No downtime
- Long-term results
Smartlipo Laserlipolisi®
Breakthrough that Complements Conventional Liposuction
The SmartLipo technology utilizes a new revolutionary concept of Liposculpture through Laserlipolysis, an innovative method for removing fat from the human body. The main advantages of this technique are the reduced side effects from the conventional Liposuction procedures, shorter recovery time and minimal downtime. The main difference between the two techniques is that it can be administered on all the parts of the human body, such as the neck, cheeks, knees and the abdomen area where it is difficult or impossible for the conventional liposuction to perform. Laserlipolisi® is a patented technology that is unique to the Smartlipo system.
This methodology was invented and developed by Deka at the beginning of 1990's and it is based on the interaction of a Nd:YAG pulsed laser beam directly with the adipocytes of the human fat tissue. The resulting effect is the photomechanical elimination of the adipocytes that releases the entire lipid content in the interstitial tissue. This oily liquid can be sucked out by an external pump or removed by the lymphatic drainage system of the human body. Collateral side effects such as bruising, swelling, haematomas, ecchymosis and pain are not as severe.
Benefits of the Laserlipolisi® treatment:
- Reduced invasiveness; no unsightly procedure scars.
- Reduced trauma through therapeutic effects of laser.
- Reduced recovery time; can be performed during lunchtime.
- Possibility of treating areas unsuitable for traditional procedures like the forearms, upper abdomen, inner thighs, face, and knees.
- Improved skin appearance after treatment; promotes skin retraction and shrinkage.
- Less blood loss with simultaneous coagulation of blood vessels.
Thread-Lift – “The Lunchtime Facelift”
This procedure has gained tremendous popularity since it was aired on The Oprah Prime Time Talk Show in mid 2005. It has become the number one choice procedure for patients who do not wish to get a surgical Facelift done under General Aneasthesia. With the use of imported, specially-designed and laser-cut APTOS threads, Silhouette threads or the SERDEV threads, Doctors can perform non-surgical Facelifts or “Thread-Lifts” on cheeks, brows, jowls and neck. This procedure gives long lasting results. The threads are made of high grade polypropylene. The threads are translucent. Tiny barb-like structures are present along the threads. Once inserted under the skin, these structures will open up like an umbrella, to support and hold the subcutaneous tissue against gravity during and after the procedure. These threads are FDA approved in the US and have obtained the CE Mark in Europe.
Best Candidates for THREAD-LIFT
This would be the best choice for anyone who is not fit for surgery (i.e. Severe Hypertensive or Uncontrolled Diabetes) or for those who do not want to undergo any procedures under General Aneasthesia. Both men and women whose face and neck have excess static facial lines and sagging skin would be the right candidate for the THREAD-LIFT procedure. It can be used to lift sagging eyebrows, adjust asymmetric eyebrows, reposition sagging cheeks and lift drooping soft tissue of the mid-face, lower-face and neck. It is also suitable for patients who have loss of volume around the facial area. The average age for this procedure is between 35 – 60 years. THREAD-LIFT Facelifts are not for everybody, mainly patients whose faces are very heavy or very thin are not ideal candidates.
Procedure
For the THREAD-LIFT, the procedure is carried out under Local Aneasthesia and your face will be insensitive to pain. Under Local Aneasthesia, you will not feel groggy or heavy headed after the procedure. Depending upon the number of threads used, the procedure can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The THREAD-LIFT procedure will be done in a sterile environment. After administering the Local Aneasthesia, the threads will be inserted 2 cm behind the hair line and will exit at the naso-labial area and jowl fold area or depending on where the lift is needed. At the area of the thread insertion, a subcutaneous suture is done to hold the threads in place. Once the threads are secured, the sagging area will be massaged upwards against gravity and the barb-like structures along the threads will latch on the subcutaneous tissue to hold the sagged skin in place. The excess thread will be snipped off. No other sutures or cuts will be done, therefore leaving no scar on the visible area of the face.
Recovery and Post-Op Care
The THREAD-LIFT has minimal downtime. Post procedure clients will be prescribed with prophylactic antibiotics. There may be some minimal bruising from the procedure but this would only be for a short period of time, between 1-2 days. Clients will feel firmness & tightness straight away from the THREAD-LIFT. If there is any discomfort after surgery, it will be lessened with medication prescribed by the Doctor. The good thing about this procedure is that you don’t have to walk around with any bandages.
Radio Frequency and Fragmented Infrared (ANTILAX)
Radio frequency treatment has become the choice of treatment for patients who do not want any cuts or needles injected to their face for a lift. Since the advancement of THERMAGE two years ago, radio frequency has come a long way. Using only the latest technology with the state-of-the-art ANTILAX Machine, this procedure will give you the best result possible. The ANTILAX combines radio frequency and fragmented infrared during the procedure. This means, with the radio frequency you will experience collagen remodeling, causing your face to be firmer, reducing your wrinkles, eliminating eye-bags & getting rid of any visible sag, and with the fragmented infrared you will get an improved muscle tonicity to sustain the new, firmer and lifted look that you have obtained. The ANTILAX is the only machine to have successfully combined the two technologies. Studies have shown that 3 months post- procedure, patients will experience and notice a further improvement by 41% from the initial results.
The ANTILAX can also be used on the abdomen for firming up the flab’s or post liposuction to get an even and flat abdomen, on the arms to firm up the loose skin at the triceps area, on the buttocks and thighs for a curvier and contoured look to boost your confidence.
This is a safe and pain free procedure which will promise you results WITHOUT cuts, sutures, needles or complications. A quick fix with results that all surgeons are talking about!
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