An effective skincare regime is important for maintaining healthy, beautiful-looking skin, but there might come a time when you want to do a bit more to turn back the clock.
Thanks to a wide range of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, we can now diminish the signs of ageing effectively and achieve natural-appearing results non-surgically.
However, it might seem daunting to choose the right type of treatment for your ‘first time’. Well, my first advice would be to go for a temporary treatment, as these offer a lower risk of unwanted effects compared to permanent options.
Also, remember that our face changes with time and a treatment result, which looks great today, might seem out of place in 10 or 20 years.
Which cosmetic treatments are best for your 'first time'?
Two of the most popular minimally invasive treatments are fillers/volumisers and wrinkle-relaxing injections with botulinum toxin. Hyaluronic acid is an example of an excellent temporary filler for so-called ‘static lines’ such as nose-to-mouth lines.
Fillers/volumisers can also be used to improve a gradually ‘deflating’ facial contour with gentle cheek or lip plumbing for example.
For ‘dynamic lines’ (caused by repeated mimic movement) such as frown lines between the eyebrows, the muscle-relaxing botulinum toxin remains my all-time favourite.
cosmetic treatments that are best for your 'first time'?
Overall, I recommend a step-wise approach with the phasing of treatments, so that changes will be gradual and you will continue to feel your own self, while the optimal correction is achieved over time. Compare it to joining the gym – you wouldn’t expect to be all ‘sorted’ after a single session, would you?
Last, but not least, it is advisable to see a cosmetic dermatologist early enough, as minimally invasive procedures can not only combat visible signs of ageing and beautifully enhance your facial features but also play an important role in prevention.
Author: Dr Stefanie Williams
Dr Stefanie Williams is Medical Director of European Dermatology London, a private dermatology clinic in London’s Harley Street and Kensington. Here she not only treats the entire spectrum of skin problems – from acne to skin cancer – but also practices Cosmetic Dermatology, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards. Her special interest lies in aesthetic procedures to rejuvenate face, hands and chest. She lectures in the Department of Cosmetic Science, University of the Arts, London and has published more than 100 scientific articles, book chapters and abstracts and frequently speaks at international conferences.
Dr Stefanie and her research have appeared in a variety of magazines and newspapers including Daily Mail, Metro, Stylist, Daily Telegraph, Evening Times Scotland, Madame (Germany), Daily Mirror, Tatler, Daily Express, Saga, Harold Sun and Evening Standard. She has also been named as one of Britain's best Cosmetic Doctors 2010 in Tatler magazine.
Being both a Dermatologist and Cosmetic Scientist puts her in the unique position to combine in-depth knowledge about skin biology and skin problems with expertise in aesthetic procedures and skincare.
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