Non Surgical Solutions

Non-surgical medical aesthetic procedures can on their own improve the appearance of the face and body by reducing wrinkles and replacing volume, as well as improving the texture and colour of the skin. On the other hand, they can also be used adjuvant to surgical treatments to enhance results.

There are three major areas for treatment in which we specialise:

Botulinum Toxin A
Dermal fillers
Skin Health restoration


BOTULINUM TOXIN A (Botox)

What is Botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin, or ‘Botox', is produced by bacteria. It acts by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the substance responsible for transmitting the electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction. In medicine, Botulinum toxin is injected directly into hyperactive muscles. It has been safely and effectively used for treatment of strabismus (cross-eye) and blepharospasm (lid spasm) since the early Eighties, and more recently for wrinkle correction and the treatment of migraine.

Is it Safe?

While Botulinum toxin A is a potent medicine in high concentration, it is used in minute quantities with a high margin of safety. To have a toxic effect, it would need to be injected in quantities equivalent to 10,000 times the average therapeutic dose.

How does Botulinum toxin work?

Hyperactivity of the facial expression muscles often results in the development of deep frown lines, forehead lines and/or crow's feet. Injecting Botulinum toxin into the affected area temporarily relaxes the underlying muscles, smoothing the wrinkles or making them disappear altogether. It is not a replacement for wrinkle correction methods such as dermal fillers, TCA peeling or autologous fat transplantation.

Botulinum toxin can also be used to improve the sagging of the angles of the mouth, and unevenness of the chin and neck bands. The results in these areas however, are less pronounced than the upper third of the face.

When and how long does Botulinum toxin work?

The initial effects of treatment become visible within 48 to 72 hours. The maximum effect is reached in about 2 to 3 weeks. Your facial expression will become more relaxed but by no means mask-like. The overall result is very natural. The effect of treatment generally lasts for 4 to 6 months. Further treatment is then required. If you are having the treatment undertaken for a special event, you should have it three weeks before the big day.

Potential adverse effects (side effects):

Botulinum toxin injections are generally a safe and effective treatment method. Nevertheless, certain side effects can occur but, like the intended treatment effects, they are mostly reversible. At this appointment, you will be informed about the potential side effects of Botulinum toxin therapy, contraindications to therapy, and potential drug interactions.

Potential side effects: * Bruising or swelling at the injection site * Slight feeling of nausea * Tiredness, pain in the arms and legs * Temporary drooping of the eyebrow or upper eyelid * Brief visual disturbances * Dryness of the eyes * Skin rash * Itching * Allergic reactions * Dry mouth * Muscle atrophy * Headache Contraindications: * Pregnancy * Breast-feeding * Myasthenia gravis * Lambert-Eaton syndrome * Blood coagulation disorders * You may have read that you should not fly within 48 hours of the treatment – to date, we have not found any documented evidence to support this theory. Drug Interactions: Drug interactions can occur when Botulinum toxin is used concomitantly to other medications. Since these medications can alter the effects of Botulinum toxin, you must ensure that your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking, especially: * Amino glycoside antibiotics * Anaesthetics * Muscle relaxants

Post-Treatment Advice: Do not massage the areas injected.  Do not lie down for a nap – stay upright. Take things easy, temporarily avoid strenuous activities


DERMAL FILLERS

As a consequence of the aging process there is often unavoidable loss of soft tissue volume, mainly from the central part of the face. This results in the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin and loss of fullness in the face. Our policy is to restore volume to its pre-existing level by injecting into the correct area.

Treatment is based on an analysis of individual cases and assessment of the areas of loss. The dermal fillers which we use are bio-gradable, avoiding the possible unknown side effects of permanent fillers. The length of time that the dermal fillers lasts depends on the type of filler used and the area treated, usually between nine months to two and a half years. Of course, the effect can be maintained by topping up with smaller amounts when necessary.

We treat lips, nasolabial folds, cheeks and the chin. Very often, this treatment can be part of a combined programme of non-surgical rejuvenation procedures, such as Botulinum toxin A and skin health restoration. It can also compliment other surgical procedures such as face lifts or blepharoplasty to deal with bags, extra skin and subcutaneous fat around the eyes.


SKIN HEALTH RESTORATION

How can I restore and rejuvenate my skin?

A skin correction and skin conditioning plan which corrects and balances sensitive, damaged and wrinkled skin, whether it is pigmented, acne scarred or simply old, is available through the practice. The treatments that we use offer each user the chance to individually treat every cosmetic skin concern.

Our easy to use products, for example, can be used as part of a well-thought out and measured system, called THE HOME CARE PLAN. Used over a number of weeks, patients resurface and smoothen their skin. Often, patients can reach their skin goal in the comfort of their own homes, without the need for multiple appointments.

We also undertake skin enriching and rejuvenation treatments such as superficial and medium depth peels to maximise the results in more severe conditions. Your full skin assessment will ensure that you know what is best for you, and every opportunity will be taken to educate you about the what is suitable to your requirements. Over 20 different types of peels are administered at Plastic Surgery Associates and peels follow a specific plan suited to your needs.

What Peels and Plans are used?

If the patient is planning on an effective course of superficial peels then Stage 1 products are used in advance in conjunction with a course of peels. We call this series ‘washes', as they are superficial and do not require any healing time. In other words, it could be a lunch-time procedure. If a medium depth peel is being carried out other skin preparation and conditioning products are required. Our peels can be used successfully on any part of the body and can be used safely on both men and women of any age.

What determines which peel or which treatment for you is the consultation and assessment. Medical aesthetic or plastic surgery options are best discussed with an experienced qualified medical or nursing professional. We do not use the services of cosmetic surgery councillors as all of our staff are medically or nursing qualified and registered.

Based at The the IMC, every effort is made to give the patient impartial, up to date medical advice. A strict code of confidentiality and privacy is afforded to all our patients as part of our duty of care – we adhere to the principal of full information and knowledge of a procedure before we request consent from a patient.