Article by Dr Russell Emerson
We asked Consultant Dermatologist Dr Russell Emerson what we should consider once we reach our fifties in terms of our options for youthful skin.
SMOOTH, plump and glowing skin is at the top of every woman’s wish list. But what happens when you wake up to the grim reality that the over night beauty fairies have stopped visiting you?
A generous application of the latest age-busting cream and an early night is all you used to need to awake looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
At a certain point in our lives,perhaps in our 50s (but can be sooner) skin creams and early nights no longer seem able to work their magic for many of us. What makes this ageing process even more depressing is that we still feel young on the inside. It’s just our wrinkly foreheads and deepening nose to mouth lines that leave our self-confidence in tatters.
So, do we fork out on yet another skin cream, full of pseudo-science promises, or do we book in for a full on face-lift? Thankfully many of us are waking up to the fact that there is a middle ground. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are ideal for women who believe surgery is one step too far. No longer considered extreme and the preserve of film stars and celebrities, these treatments are now mainstream.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Russell Emerson, medical director at the Hove Skin Clinic, near Brighton, www.hoveskinclinic.co.uk thinks we are deluding ourselves if we believe that skin creams can live up to all their promises.
“There is only so much a cream can do as it doesn’t penetrate the dermal layers. Creams sit on the surface of the skin and although they are important for conditioning and sun protection they are not going to turn the clock back.”
Five star creams full of hi-tec ingredients definitely don’t come cheap either. Some of the “super” serums can cost several hundreds of pounds. Even those on more modest budgets are spending a significant amount each month on anti-agers.
Non-surgical treatments are becoming not only more accessible but more affordable too.
Dr Emerson says: “We have seen a huge increase in the number of cosmetic treatments performed at the clinic over recent years. Unlike skin creams, botulinum toxin and a reputable filler, such as Restylane, can deliver noticeable, long lasting benefits.”
He adds: “Hyaluronic acid, which is found in several fillers, plays a huge role in anti-aging because it not only plumps out wrinkles but it adds suppleness and softness to the skin. It is a natural substance found in the skin which boosts the skin’s hydration system and encourages the production of collagen.”
Dr Emerson agrees that it is a big step for women in their fifties to make the leap between face creams and cosmetic treatments but believes that in the hands of an experienced cosmetic medical practitioner, botulinum toxin and fillers are a good middle ground for women who do not want surgery.
He says: “Botulinum toxin (Botox) is ideal for the upper face and can achieve some fabulous results smoothing out the forehead and lines around the eyes. Fillers, such as Restylane, are used to soften tell tale ageing lines such as nose to mouth lines and for plumping areas such as the cheeks to provide a non-surgical mid face lift which restores shape to the mid face to give a more refreshed look.”
Dr Emerson says a good practitioner-patient relationship and realistic patient expectations are critical for obtaining optimum results with non surgical cosmetic treatments.
He says: “Most of the patients I see ask lots of questions especially about the safety aspects of the procedures. I explain to them the most important thing is that that a reputable product with a proven safety track record is used and that an experienced cosmetic medical practitioner administers it. Then the chances of the procedure not meeting the patients’ expectations are minimal. Most product websites now include a local practitioner finder service, which is a good starting point.”
Dr Emerson answers the questions we all want to ask:
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments to fill in lines and wrinkles and add volume to the skin, eg in cheeks and chin, to revitalise looks and give a more youthful appearance.
What types of filler are there?
Dermal fillers can be temporary or permanent. Many doctors, myself included, are wary about using a permanent fillers as they are more prone to complications, and are difficult to reverse.
How do temporary fillers work?
By using a series of small injections just under the skin, the product lifts the skin to fill lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid based fillers boost the skin’s hydration system and restores youthful volume by supporting the skin’s structure. The results can be seen instantly and last around a year, although it is recommended to have your first top up treatment before all treatment benefits disappear.
Will I need more than one type of filler?
All fillers come in different thickness. A thicker filler is more effective to plump the lips, smooth deeper lines and add volume and contouring to areas such as the cheeks and chin. Thinner fillers are used to reduce fainter, less noticeable lines.
How safe are fillers and Botox?
Botox has had many years of clinical use and has a lot of research to support the safety of its long-term use.
Recently there has been a surge of new fillers coming into the market but a lot of these have far less research. The exception is Restylane which has over 14 years of clinical experience and substantive clinical data to prove that it is safe and effective.
What are the risks?
There can be a small amount of bruising and swelling, plus a little redness where the needle has been injected. Botox has in very rare cases caused temporary drooping of the eyelids or facial asymmetry. Also, badly administered fillers can cause unevenness but as long as a temporary filler is used, any adverse results will disappear.
How long will my appointment be and will it hurt?
Your appointment will be around 30 minutes. The actual injections only take around 10 – 15 minutes depending on the treatment area. The bulk of the time will be spent talking through the patient’s expectations and concerns and taking a medical history. No-one likes injections! But anaesthesia has been added to many fillers now, so the treatment is a more comfortable experience.
Can I go straight back to work?
You can, but you may prefer to go straight home as your face may feel a little sore and tender. The 4pm treatment slot is always very booked out in the appointments diary.
What will happen if I stop using Botox and fillers – will I suddenly go back to looking older overnight?
No. Most fillers are absorbed into the body gradually over time. You will not suddenly wake one day and find yourself looking older. If you are happy with your treatment results, and the majority of patients are, the trick is to have regular maintenance treatments to sustain the effect – usually around once a year for dermal fillers and maybe more frequently for botulinum toxin.
Related posts:
- How Safe are Dermal Fillers?
- Your Face is Your Fortune
- What is Botox? The Truth about Botox
- Less is More in the Future of Cosmetic Medicine
- The Power of ‘Tweakment’ with Dermal Fillers
