Cosmetic Clinics

There are a lot of dermal fillers on the market at the moment and we have decided we would compare some of the market leaders; or rather the differences in what they are composed of, rather than specifically choose products themselves (as many are fairly similar).

So what are the 2 differing types we are going to compare? Hyaluronic Acid and Polylactic Acid, the former being used in products such as Restylane and Juvederm the latter in Sculptra.

Hyaluronic Acid Gel is the main component in many dermal fillers and, just like Polylactic Acid, offers excellent results. It is an injectable gel that offers immediate results to the treated area. The gel lifts folds and wrinkles and is perfect for nasolabial (nose to mouth) folds, frown lines, fine lines and wrinkles, tear troughs, hands and the neck and cleavage areas. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are perfect for lips and lip lines as well.

As stated the results show immediately, and it offers a very natural looking results. It has very little if any side-effects associated with it but does have some minor after-effects such as minor redness, swelling and possible bruising. It normally requires one or two treatments to get the desired results, and they will normally last around 4 – 12 months depending which brand of filler is used. Fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are proceeding in around to £200 to £1000 mark.

Sculptra uses the suspension of polylactic acid to achieve its results, this involves the acid being released in the desired are over time and in turn this causes the stimulation of new collagen. This means the effects are not immediate but instead they improve over several weeks. However as it stimulates new collagen formation in the skin it means it looks completely natural.

Like hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid suspension is perfect for all facial areas, hands, neck and cleavage areas, but it is not suited to lips or lip lines. However Dr Tanqueray of Mulberry House believes that Sculptra offers a more comprehensive approach as it allows him to look at the face as a whole and restore volume in a more general and balanced way, so it may not be as good for lips, but is arguably the better option otherwise.

Again there are little to no side-effect associated with this treatment and the side effects really only include possible bruising as a common factor. It normally requires 2-4 treatments for the best results and costs start at £400 and go up to around the £2000 mark. However this treatment tends to last 18 months to around 2 years, making it a much longer term solution.

Both of these dermal fillers can actually be used together to give outstanding results were needed and both are available from Mulberry House Clinic.

With another year over, we though we'd have a look back at those cosmetic procedures and treatments that were the most popular during 2008.

No. 1: BOTOX (Botulinum toxin) maintains the top slot.

Botox is most commonly used as a treatment for frown lines on the forehead, though it is also an effective treatment for wrinkles, crow’s feet and neck bands as well. Botox is very popular with many celebrities.

No. 2: The Restylane family of treatments continues as market leader and our favoured choice of dermal filler.

Restylane is an injectable treatment that contains hyaluron gel. The treatment help restore volume to the skin, provide lift and smooth away and soften facial lines. He procedure involves I injecting the Restylane compound into the desired areas in the face.

No. 3: Laser Treatments – these still offer the best results for hair removal, thread-veins and sunspots.

There are many laser treatments available. They range from hair removal and skin rejuvenation to treating leg and facial veins, acne scarring and Rosacea

No. 4: Facial peels and microdermabrasion - wonderful ways of freshening and brightening the skin without any disruption.

Microdermabrasion is a popular cosmetic procedure used to treat conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, blotchy skin and blemishes and acne scarring among other things.

Chemical Peels and facial peels are used to remove the outer layer of skin. This makes the skin fresher, removes some sunspots and rough scaly patches, and reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation. It also reduces fine wrinkles.

Big movers up the charts in 2008 have been Sculptra, and OBAGI Nu-Derm prescription skincare and we predict that these will see a continuing increase in popularity during 2009.

You can read our previous article on Sculptra here.

One to watch for 2009! – Vavelta is a new treatment for scarring and skin rejuvenation. We are focussing on its use in scarring and are already seeing good results.

For more information on any of these cosmetic treatments contact Mulberry House Clinic on 01604 702630 or visit www.lasertreatmentsnorthampton.co.uk

Sculptra is the latest facial rejuvenation treatment to restore facial shape and volume that is lost through natural aging, weight loss and sun damage. Sculptra is a cosmetic treatment that works with your body to stimulate the production of collagen to help you look younger in a natural gradual fashion. Results can last up to 3 years.

Dr Tanqueray of Mulberry House Clinic is an advanced Sculptra practitioner. He has been offering this treatment for a number of years and is delighted with the results. “Sculptra offers a completely new approach and allows me to look at the whole face rather than just concentrate on obvious problem areas. Sculptra restores the natural contours of the face, including the areas under the eyes, cheekbones, around the mouth and along the jawline.”

“Typically the first thing people notice is an improvement in their skin texture, with a firmer and more lustrous feel and look. With subsequent treatments more volume is created under the skin and this is when clients really see the difference.”

Mulberry House Clinic, established in 2002, is set in a Georgian house in its own grounds in the village of Hardingstone, just outside Northampton. Its peaceful and private setting and on site parking adds to a stress-free experience.

Treatments are carried out by Dr Tanqueray or Lorna Copeland, a highly-experienced aesthetic nurse who is also the UK trainer for the market-leading dermal filler company.

Dr Tanqueray adds: “With a wider than ever choice of cosmetic treatments available we can tailor skin treatments to suit the individual. Often we find that a suitable combination of treatments gives the best possible results.”

For more information or to book a free consultation please visit our website Mulberry House Clinic & Laser Centre or call us on 01604 702630.