Botulinum Toxin (botox)

How does botulinum toxin (botox) work?

Botulinum toxin (botox) inhibits the release of nerve signals stimulating muscle contraction and thus works by paralysing the motor neurones in the area injected, allowing expression lines to be temporarily smoothed out and giving a more relaxed, calm and rested appearance.

What happens during the injection?

The dermatologist performs micro-injections into the muscles at different points on the forehead. The procedure is relatively quick and painless. On leaving the office or clinic, the patient is not tired, will not have any visible marks and can resume their normal activities without any problem.

How long do the effects last?

The effects on forehead lines last in the region of 4 to 6 months.

What are the indications for botulinum toxin?

Expression lines caused by muscular contractions are treated and it is usually the upper part of the face that is treated.

What side effects can be expected?

As with all injections, it may bring about some pain/burning/pricking sensation, oedema or a hematoma where the injection was carried out. The commonest temporary side effects are headaches or localized muscle weakness.

How often can you have these injections?

It is adviseable to space treatments apart by 3 to 6 months.

Whom can I approach to organize receiving botulinum toxin injections?

Only doctors are qualified to inject this type of product.

Can you combine botulinum toxin injections with other esthetic procedures?

Botulinum toxin injections can be combined with other facial rejuvenation techniques, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing or filler injections (hyaluronic acid, collagen).

Peel Treatment

How does a peel work on skin?

The chemical exfoliating agents create a controled wound on the skin and replace totally or partially the epidermis. They can induce a collagen synthesis contributing to improve sun lesions, wrinkles, pigmentary disorders and scars. There are 3 types of chemical peel, which act in different ways depending how deeply the exfoliating agent penetrates the skin: superficial, medium-depth and deep peels.

Is it painful?

The level of pain depends what type of peel is being carried out. It will be virtually painless in the case of superficial peels, whereas the pain experienced following deeper peels may be similar to that of a burn.

How many sessions are needed?

Depending on the type of peel, the number of sessions needed can vary between 4 and 6, spaced apart by 2 to 4 weeks.

What are the indications for peels?

Depending how deep they are, peels may be recommended to treat skin's general condition, pigment spots, surface irregularities, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, scarring and acne.

How do you choose between superficial, medium-depth and deep peels?

In your first consultation, your dermatologist will effect a diagnosis in line with your skin and your expectations, so as to establish the peel best suited to your needs.

Can you go to work the day after a peel?

Following a superficial peel, you can resume normal activities in the next hour, using appropriate makeup. For medium or deep peels, down-time will range from a few days to a few weeks.

What side effects can be expected?

Superficial peels do not entail any down-time and patients will simply notice slight flaking. Medium-depth peels cause skin flaking over 3 to 6 days. Deep peels require the patient to wear an occlusive mask for 7 days and the face will remain noticeably pink for several weeks.

How often can you have peels?

You can have a peel treatment once or twice a year, depending on the type of peel.

Are there any contra-indications?

There are no contra-indications for chemical peels. Nonetheless, darker skin requires special precautions.

Can you have a peel in conjunction with other esthetic procedures?

Peels can be used in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation techniques, such as injections or laser. In addition, superficial peels can be carried out prior to laser treatments or injections, so as to enhance the results of the procedure and make them last longer.

Hyaluronic acid

What is hyaluronic acid? Where does it come from?

Hyaluronic acid is one of the main constituents of the dermal extra-cellular matrix. Large quantities of it are naturally found in all young living organisms. Over time, free radicals destroy hyaluronic acid.

Do the injections hurt?

The injections are relatively painless and your doctor may offer you a local anaesthetic using a numbing cream.

What are the indications for these injections?

Injections of stabilized hyaluronic acid are used as wrinkle fillers, but can also be used to re-shape lips and facial contours.

How long does the product remain in the skin?

Stabilized hyaluronic acid can be fully reabsorbed and its effects last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the product chosen and the patient's age, skin condition and lifestyle.

Does the product break down within the skin?

Hyaluronic acid is completely bio-degradable, so you will need to repeat injections in order to maintain the desired effect.

Can you go to work the day after injections?

Since they involve little pain and few side effects, in the case of hyaluronic acid injections you can go back to work the day after your treatment. Suitable makeup will cover up any redness or bruising.

What side effects can be expected?

You may have some temporary redness and edema, which will fade after a few days. These are generally limited to the point of injection.

Are there any contra-indications?

Certain aspects of the patient's medical history may be considered as contra-indications to hyaluronic acid. For example, allergies, inflammatory disorder or auto-immune diseases. It is essential to have a consultation with a dermatologist to ensure it is safe for you to go ahead with the treatment.

Can you combine hyaluronic acid injections with other esthetic procedures?

Hyaluronic acid injections can be used in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation techniques, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing or botulinium toxin injections.

Micro-dermabrasion

What does micro-dermabrasion involve and how long does it take?

Aluminium oxide or sodium bicarbonate crystals are used in conjunction with a rapidly rotating brush to sweep off a thin layer from skin's surface.

Can micro-dermabrasion treatment be painful and what side effects can you expect?

Side effects are quite rare because this is a gentle technique. However, certain skin conditions, which require deeper treatment, may show some minor superficial scabbing. The scabs will fall off on their own after a few days - it's very important not to pick them. It is normal, and in fact a good sign, to observe some light flaking, in which case you just need to moisturize the skin thoroughly.

How can micro-dermabrasion be beneficial?

Skin's surface is "polished". Scarring is reduced and the texture of the epidermis is improved.

Laser treatment

How many sessions does a laser treatment involve and how often can it be carried out?

The number of sessions required to obtain the desired results varies depending on the type of treatment being carried out, each individual patient's reaction, the various parameters selected by the doctor according to your skin, and the strength of the treatment: that is why it is crucial to consult with expert practitioners.

Does a laser treatment entail any side effects?

Side effects depend on the type of laser used and the treatment carried out.

Are there any contra-indications for laser treament?

There are not many contra-indications for the use of esthetic lasers, although, generally speaking, dermatologists will not carry out laser treatments on recently-tanned skin, be it naturally or artificially so.