Thursday 11 February 2016

Treatments for Younger Looking Skin

Getting older is something that happens to all of us. Some people will grow old gracefully, while others cannot bear to see their appearance changing. After all, they still feel young inside and want to continue to appear young on the outside too. Every year, millions of pounds are spent on treatments and procedures to try to reverse the aging process. However, do they work? Moreover, what are the top treatments for aging skin? Below are a few of the ways in which you can help to reduce the signs of aging.

Retinoid Creams
Many over-the-counter products available claim to be able to reverse the signs of aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it is important that you choose a cream with retinol. Retinol is not as strong or as effective as retinoids such as tazarotene or tretinoin but it has been proven helpful in reducing the appearance of fine lines.It is deal for those who do not want to spend large amounts of money on cosmetic procedures

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves taking the top layer of skin away using a diamond-tipped wand. Once new skin grows, the face appears smoother and softer. There is no anaesthetic required for microdermabrasion and it is not a painful procedure. However, it can be expensive and the effects only last for about a week before the procedure will need to be repeated.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
Loose skin can be tightened using of lasers. Many people opt for laser resurfacing because the procedure is non-invasive and relatively pain free. In addition, the effects of laser resurfacing can last for up to five years, so many feel it is a worthwhile procedure in terms of the cost. It is important to note however, that those who smoke or spend a lot of time in the sun may find that the effects of the treatment do not last as long.

Dermaroller
Dermaroller is a procedure that works by increasing the amount of collagen that the skin produces. By doing this, patients will notice a brighter, smoother and younger-looking appearance. The benefit of Dermaroller is that it is suitable for all skin types and is less aggressive than microdermabrasion, for example. It is ideal for treating skin conditions such as acne, stretch marks, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Chemical Skin Peel
Chemical skin peels are often used for treating age spots, acne scars, skin discolouration, and wrinkles. The chemical skin peel removes the top layer of skin and encourages new skin growth, which then produces a smoother appearance. Chemical peels vary in intensity, from a light peel to a deep peel. Those who opt for a light peel will usually see the effects wear off after a month or two. However, a deep peel can produce effects that last for several years.

Botox
Botox injections work by paralysing the muscles in the face and stopping them from contracting. The contraction of these muscles causes wrinkles and frown lines – by preventing them from doing so the face will appear smoother and younger looking. Botox injections typically last for three to six months before it will be necessary to repeat the treatment. However, if you regularly use Botox, you may find that the results last longer.

Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are effective for deep lines on the face. The deep creases are filled in with injections of a hyaluronic acid that plumps up the tissue under the skin. The procedure usually takes about thirty minutes and produces immediate results that can last for up to two years.

Non-Invasive Treatments
If you want to avail of some of the above non-invasive cosmetic treatments then you will need to find a Local skin clinic. Glasgow clinic Essence Medical has a team of experts who will provide a free consultation at which you can discuss your requirements. A doctor will discuss the best treatment options available and will advise you of how to proceed should you wish to do so.


This article originally published at Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic Blog here

Monday 8 February 2016

Student Lectures, Dermal Fillers And Product Launches

I've just returned to my Glasgow clinic following a visit to Norway.

There were several reasons for this scheduled trip…

Firstly, I was there to see the post-graduate students at Buskerud and Vestfold University College where I regularly lecture on dermal fillers and share my expertise and technique with nurse and medical professionals who are studying to achieve a university post-graduate qualification in cosmetic dermatology.

I attend the Senzie Academy - the training academy affiliated to Buskerud and Vestfold University College - several times a year, helping students progress in their studies and perfect their technique in delivering treatments. They follow my revolutionary KB 3-Step System – a specially developed protocol, which I believe, helps practitioners plan and deliver treatments in way that means, for patients will be safer and more effective.

Secondly, I was in Norway to take part in a series of new product launches for Teosyal , one of the world's biggest names in dermal fillers and facial aesthetics products.

I get involved with these launches, as I am one of Teosyal's international trainers,speakers and key opinion leaders.

I was there to launch the new Teosyal RHA fillers - and if you want to see me talking about the product please click here

I was privileged to be the UK's first and one of Europe's first few doctors to have access to this revolutionary range of dermal fillers before their official launch.

The second product I launched in Norway was the TeosyalPen – the world's first cordless and motorised device for injecting dermal fillers. This piece of technology ensures smooth, consistent and precise quantity of fillers during injection.

Being the only doctor in Scotland and one of the first few in the UK to use this device, I am proud to be called 'Europe's expert in TeosyalPen'.

If you're visiting my clinic in the future, please feel free to ask about any of these new products - unless I include them in a treatment proposal and I'm also happy to discuss my work at Senzie Academy should you be interested.


This article originally published at Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic Blog here

Saturday 6 February 2016

Safe Hands - And How To Find Them

In my professional opinion selecting someone to carry out your facial aesthetics procedures is as important as selecting a life partner.

That's a big, bold statement to make, I know, but I believe you should never underestimate the importance of getting it right when it comes to the person you're entrusting to make aesthetic changes - and hopefully enhancements at that - to your face or body.

So whenever I have time to flick through the newspapers these are headlines that strike fear in me…



"Patients put at risk over Botox jabs" and "'Aesthetics consultant' who offered me treatment minutes after we met".

The words scream out why, why why?

Why would anyone put himself or herself at risk over such an important decision?

Why would you allow someone to invade your personal space and then carry out a procedure, which involves needles without fully checking out their credentials and experience?

Why would you compromise on safety, expertise and experience all to save a few pounds?

The headlines to which I refer appeared in articles in The Times in December and, to me, underline the importance of carefully selecting your aesthetics practitioner.

For me, the criteria should be straightforward. Select a fully qualified medical doctor who can demonstrate expertise and experience in his field of cosmetic work and who carries out procedures in appropriate surroundings.

Of course I appreciate there will be factors that make some people sway from the all-important mantra I've just stated.

Peer pressure can come into play.

"Oh, my friend gets it done so much cheaper elsewhere so I'm going there."

"My aunt has her Botox done and the person comes to her house and it's all done in less than 15 minutes. Oh, she only pays £xxx for it too."

Sounds appealing to you? Sounds scary to me!

There's a play on an old adage - Cheap is not always cheerful" and I agree 100%.

I will often hear my receptionists almost justifying my fees for Botox by explaining that the caller isn't comparing 'like for like'. Yes, the lesser-qualified and lesser experienced may well be charging 10% or 20% less but there's a reason for that.

I truly believe you pay for what you get. My patients get first-class treatment administered by me who is a fully qualified medical doctor who not only has extensive experience and expertise in his field but whose technique and skills are sought after by fellow doctors and surgeons the world over. I'm often referred to as "Master of Contouring" which, while hugely flattering, isn't as important as the label of Doctor for which I extensively studied and work hard to retain on a yearly basis, thanks to the General Medical Council rules and regulations.

I'd always encourage patients to have their treatments carried out by a doctor whose full time role is in cosmetic medicine - and not by a mobile injector as I refer to the alternative. By that I mean a practitioner who perhaps performs Botox as a sideline, a revenue spinner or even a hobby.

Like anyone you'd want the best so stick to the best and opt for a doctor whose track record in his field speaks volumes. Do your Google research. Check out patient testimonials. Check out the reviews by patients - their feedback can speak volumes.

Once you've selected make sure your chosen practitioner carries out a full, in-depth consultation during which he or she amasses as much information about you, your medical background and, of course, your aims and aspirations for the treatment being undertaken.

It's worth expanding on the headline "'Aesthetics consultant' who offered me treatment minutes after we met".
The article highlighted the many 'practitioners' who give themselves fancy titles, which in my view serve to confuse the public.

The piece spoke of the treatment being carried out in the back room of a beauty salon in Islington with patients walking in off the street and being injected within minutes. Consent forms weren't always signed, ID wasn't necessarily shown and the treatments were offered at 'cut price'.



The article further revealed details of one man - known as an 'aesthetics consultant' - whose colleagues also referred to him as a 'qualified doctor'. There was no mention of this chap on the medical register and when confronted he said the beauticians who labelled him a 'doctor' were mistaken.

General Medical Council regulations state clearly the guidelines regarding the prescribing of Botox. Doctors should have 'first-hand experience of the patient before they can prescribe".

That means - in my clinic - the patient should be properly examined during a proper consultation and full consent explained and given.

So summing up, the message is simple. Stuck to a bona fide doctor. Choose one that carries out aesthetics treatments on a full-time basis and fully check out his or her experience and expertise. Only then you'll know you're in safe hands.


About Essence Medical Clinic :
Essence Medical is Scotland's leading cosmetic clinic. Dr Kieren Bong is an internationally recognized expert in advanced facial aesthetics treatments. We offer Botox Glasgow, cosmetic surgery Glasgow, advanced dermal fillers treatments, chemical skin peel, lip enhancement, dermaroller, and non-surgical liquid face lift.

This article originally published at Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic Blog here