As you age, your skin starts to sag. Healthy eating and keeping your body hydrated can reduce the process of ageing, but they cannot significantly hide the visible signs of ageing.
Facial ageing is the most prominent visible sign of ageing. This can be caused by several things including loss of bone support due to bone reabsorption especially at the temples and jawline, loss of facial fat, leading to a loss of facial volume, and the loss of collagen, hydration, and elasticity.
In addition, the entire facial contour changes when compartments of fat in the cheeks descend toward the jawline.
Other influences, particularly skin cell damage by ultraviolet radiation in the form of sunlight, can also speed up the process of ageing. This process is known as photo ageing.
The ISAPS international survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic procedures claimed that 13, 618, 753 non surgical cosmetic procedures and 11, 363, 569 surgical cosmetic procedures were performed worldwide in 2019.
The total number of non surgical cosmetic procedures increased by 7.6% compared to 2018 statistics.
| Surgical Cosmetic Procedures | Non Surgical Cosmetic Procedures | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Procedures Performed Worldwide | 11, 363, 569 | 13, 618, 753 |
| Increased Percentage Compared to 2018 Statistics | 7.1% | 7.6% |
Now, recent advances in the aesthetic/cosmetic industry lead to an increased number of individuals choosing non surgical cosmetic procedures.
So, what are these non surgical cosmetic procedures, how do they work, what do they cost and how do they reduce the visible signs of ageing?
| 1 | INJECTABLES | Hyaluronic Acid Botulinum Toxin Calcium Hydroxylapatite Poly-L-Lactic Acid |
| 2 | FACIAL REJUVENATION | Chemical Peel Laser Resurfacing Photo Rejuvenation |
| 3 | NONSURGICAL FAT REDUCTION | - |
Injectables are materials that are used to:
Your dermatologist will first clean the injection site with an antiseptic cleanser and then administer the dermal filler through a very fine needle or cannula. You’ll experience minimal discomfort but your dermatologist can numb the area with topical or vibrational anaesthesia.
The entire process depends on the number of areas you would like treated. However, on average, a typical appointment is about an hour. After injecting the fillers, your dermatologist will take a few moments to massage the gel into the treatment site and assess the results to ensure they meet your final expectation.
The initial improvements are almost immediate, especially the filling effects because of the material injected.
However the results further improve over time.
The results of hyaluronic acid fillers could last anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the type of fillers used – (some are thinner, others thicker, so they may last longer).
The price list of a few UK based clinics is as follows:
| Clinic Name | Single Treatment Fees |
|---|---|
| Dr. Leah | £350 ( view details ) |
| Skn Clinics | £350 ( view details ) |
| Cosmedics UK | £380 (view details) |
| Botonics | £370 ( view details ) |
In 2019, a total of 18,309 individuals undertook hyaluronic acid-based fillers treatment from certified surgeons.
| Procedure time | 60-90 minutes |
| Sensitivity period | 48 hours |
| Back to work | 24 hours |
| Full recovery | 48 hours |
| Duration of Results | 6-18 months |
| Common Risk & Complications | Bruising, swelling, infection |
If you’re wondering what happens if you don’t like filler results, there is no need to fear. Filler that contains hyaluronic acid can be partially or fully removed with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA.
HA filler procedure is performed by your dermatologist with or without local anaesthesia applied to the skin or injected underneath the area (some HA fillers have local anaesthesia mixed with them).
It depends on what results you’re looking to accomplish. HA fillers are often used to treat:
HA is a natural component of the human body therefore adverse effects are unlikely and the overall process is fairly safe and painless. Just be sure to have this treatment performed by a clinic or dermatologist who are on a Government Approved Register
Botox is administrated via injection using a super-fine needle. Your dermatologist will first clean the injection site with an antiseptic cleanser and then administrate the Botox into your facial muscles.
You may feel mild discomfort but you can ask your dermatologist to provide you with numbing cream, an ice bag, or a vibrating anaesthesia device to minimize any discomfort in the treatment area.
The whole procedure will take just 10-15 minutes depending on the number of injections.
There is not much waiting to see the final results, as Botox starts working within 2 days.
Most of the individuals reported that their results last 4 months, on average.
The price list of a few UK based clinics is as follows:
| Clinic Name | Single Treatment Fees |
|---|---|
| Derma Skin | £120 ( view details ) |
| Skn Clinics | £210 |
| Face Clinic London | £230 (view details) |
| Serenity Aesthetics | £169( view details ) |
Botox is one of the most famous and extensively used forms of non surgical cosmetic procedures in the UK. In 2019, a total of 32,525 individuals took Botox injections from certified surgeons. It is one of the most extensively studied medical cosmetic treatments that are approved for aesthetic use in more than 78 countries.
| Procedure time | 10-15 minutes |
| Sensitivity period | 1 hours |
| Back to work | Immediately |
| Full recovery | 48 hours |
| Duration of Results | 4 months |
| Common Risk & Complications | Bruising, swelling, allergic reaction (12 |
Botox injections are relatively safe when administrated by a Government approved dermatologist, plastic surgeon or clinic. There is practically no downtime after the procedure.
Individuals who are looking to get Botox injections should avoid blood thinner medications for about a week before treatment with the approval of their prescribing doctor. Doing so will help you reduce the risk of unwanted bruising. You’ll also need to remove makeup and cleanse the treatment area before the procedure.
No, once the Botox has been injected, it cannot be removed. Your muscle function will return progressively after 3-4 months.
Don’t rub or massage your treatment area for 3 days. Avoid sunbathing (including using sunbeds), energetic exercises, and the sauna for 2 days.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring mineral found in our teeth and bones. In calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, the particles of calcium are tiny and suspended in a thick and smooth gel form.
These fillers are used to:
First, your dermatologist marks the treatment area to be injected. Before the procedure, topical or injectable numbing medications may be used to relieve discomfort. Next, calcium hydroxylapatite filler is administrated through a needle into your skin.
Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers will give you immediate results. Over time these fillers enhance collagen and elastin production in the areas being injected.
Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are long-lasting types of injectables with a lifespan of 9-15 months. After that time, additional injections are needed to maintain the effects.
Radiesse is the only FDA-approved US-based brand of calcium hydroxylapatite fillers.
In 2019, a total of 463 individuals took Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers from certified surgeons.
| Clinic Name | Fees Per Syringe |
|---|---|
| Face Med | £390 |
| Dr. InjjyG Aesthetics | £450 ( view details ) |
| Derma Skin | £270 (view details) |
| Procedure time | Less than 1 hour |
| Sensitivity period | 48 hours |
| Back to work | 24 hours |
| Full recovery | 48 hours |
| Duration of Results | 9-15 months |
| Common Risk & Complications | Bruising, redness, swelling, infection |
Compared to other injectables, calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler has a thicker consistency and longer duration. It’s twice as efficient as hyaluronic acid. Moreover, it’s biocompatible with human tissue and therefore much lower risk of allergic responses and lower risk of complications.
Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are available with or without lidocaine. Lidocaine is an anaesthetic that helps reduce pain and improve comfort during the treatment.
Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are used:
Poly-L-Lactic Acid is a biodegradable substance that is widely used in the formulation of dermal fillers. It’s a collagen stimulator that stimulates the body’s collagen production to help restore the skin’s inner structure. It’s a long-lasting filler material that is given in a series of injections for several months.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid is helpful for cosmetic purposes including:
It is naturally absorbed by your skin tissues after just a day or two. Instead of staying underneath your skin, Poly-L-Lactic Acid stimulates natural collagen production in a series of treatment sessions.
Your dermatologist will inject the Poly-L-Lactic Acid fillers deep within the skin, where the interior collagen structure of your skin lies. These fillers spread more evenly as they are diluted with water.
Two or three injections are usually required. The number of treatments a person needs depends on the severity of facial ageing and the level of collagen loss.
The collagen production begins as soon as Poly-L-Lactic Acid fillers get absorbed in skin tissues.
However, the results are not apparent for about six weeks, depending upon the severity of facial ageing.
After the first treatment, significant results can be observed in six to eight weeks.
Sculptra is the only FDA-approved brand of Poly-L-Lactic Acid fillers.
In 2019, a total of 108 individuals took Poly-L-Lactic Acid fillers from certified surgeons.
The price list of a few UK based clinics is as follows:
| Clinic Name | Single Treatment Fees |
|---|---|
| Skn | £545 ( view details ) |
| North Wood Clinic | £375 ( view details ) |
| Visage Surgical Aesthetics | £500 (view details) |
| Face Med | £400 |
| Procedure time | Less than 1 hour |
| Sensitivity period | 24 hours |
| Back to work | Immediately |
| Full recovery | 24-48 hours |
| Duration of Results | 2 years |
| Common Risk & Complications | Bruising, redness, swelling, |
No, Poly-L-Lactic Acid fillers cannot be reversed.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid fillers are pre-mixed with lidocaine. Lidocaine is an anaesthetic that helps reduce pain and improve comfort during the treatment.
You’ll be recommended to gently massage your face for around five minutes multiple times a day for five days. This will ensure that the product spreads evenly under your skin.
The chemical peel is a non surgical cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the face, neck, or hands to improve the appearance and feel of the skin. These peels help treat a variety of conditions including:
There are three types of chemical peels:
During this procedure, chemical peels are applied to the treatment area, which causes the skin to exfoliate and ultimately peel off. These peels remove damaged skin cells and reveal healthier skin underneath.
Light Peels: Your dermatologist will use a cotton ball, brush, or gauze to apply a light chemical solution to the area being treated. You may have a mild stinging sensation but your skin will start to whiten. After the procedure, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.
Medium Peel: Your dermatologist will apply glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid to the treatment area. In trichloroacetic acid, a blue colour may be added, which causes blue colouring of the skin and may last for several days after applying this blue peel. During the procedure, you may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. Your dermatologist will give you a handheld fan to cool your skin. After the appropriate process time, the peel will be removed and no neutralizing solution is needed.
Deep peel: Your dermatologist will first sedate your skin and then apply the deep peel. Your skin may turn grey or white. The procedure will be performed in 15-minute portions to limit continuous skin exposure to acids.
Within, 10-15 days the outer skin will have completely peeled off and the new skin underneath will be smoother, may have less damage, or appeared less wrinkled.
The results of the chemical peel will last 3-12 months depending on the type of peel.
In 2019, a total of 679 individuals took chemical peels treatment from certified surgeons.
The price list of a few UK based clinics is as follows:
| Clinic Name | Price |
|---|---|
| London's Harley Street | £80-£1200 ( view details ) |
| Skn Clinics | £137- £173 (single treatment) ( view details ) |
| Elite Aesthetic | £100-1000 (view details) |
| Simone | £90-£350 (single treatment) (view details) |
| Procedure time | 1 hour |
| Sensitivity period | 2-3 days |
| Back to work | Varies depending on the type of peel |
| Full recovery | Light Peel: 3+ Days Medium Peel: 5 to 7 Days Deep Peel: 7+ days |
| Duration of Results | 3-12 months depending on the type of peel |
| Common Risk & Complications | Scaring, redness, peeling skin, infection |
After the peels, you should avoid sun exposure. Avoid makeup until your skin is fully healed. Don’t scratch or pick at your new skin growth. Your dermatologist will give you post-procedural care instructions. Follow them carefully.
Chemical solutions act as anaesthetics therefore anaesthesia is not required. However, sedation may be used before or during the procedure to relax you.
Laser resurfacing is a type of skincare procedure that uses the pulse of light to improve skin texture and appearance. Depending on the individual needs, your dermatologist will recommend either ablative or non-ablative laser resurfacing. Ablative laser resurfacing will remove the outer layer of the skin while non-ablative laser resurfacing works by heating the underlying skin tissues (without evaporating the outer skin layer) to boost collagen production.
Ablative lasers are used to treat:
Ablative lasers produce beams of light that are absorbed by the water in your skin tissues as energy. The energy causes temperature elevation, which heats the water until it reaches a boiling point resulting in tissue evaporation or ablation. Your body’s natural healing process will replace the damaged skin cells with new and healthy skin cells.
Immediately after laser resurfacing, the treated area will feel raw, red, sunburned and swollen for the first few days depending on the intensity of the treatment.
However, as the skin re-grows, individuals usually notice that their skin looks softer, smoother, plumper and more moisturised. Wrinkles, age spots and dull skin are less apparent.
The skin will continue to improve in appearance for up to one year following the treatment.
When it comes to issues such as scaring and age spots, the effects of laser resurfacing are permanent. However, the results are not permanent concerning ageing. Many individuals noticed that their skin look younger for many years following the treatment but signs of ageing begin to show again.
To maintain results, a person can repeat laser-resurfacing treatment.
In 2019, a total of 517 individuals took laser resurfacing treatment from certified surgeons.
| Clinic Name | Single Session Fees |
|---|---|
| Eve Clinics | £550 ( view details ) |
| Regents Park Aesthetic | £300 ( view details ) |
| Skn Clinics | £1058 (view details) |
| Pulse Light Clinic | £300 (view details) |
| Procedure time | 1 hour |
| Sensitivity period | 6 days |
| Back to work | 10 days |
| Full recovery | 3-4 Weeks |
| Duration of Results | Permanent with regards to scarring |
| Common Risk & Complications | Redness, swelling, rash, infection |
Experts recommend having laser resurfacing done during Autumn or Winter. The purpose is to reduce sun exposure.
Your skin will likely be highly sensitive to the sun for up to a year following the treatment. Strict sun avoidance is essential for at least 3 months after facial laser resurfacing.
During recovery, avoid exhausting activities that promote sweating, swimming, sun exposure, and smoking to promote normal healing.
Photo rejuvenation is a skincare therapy that uses light or laser therapy for producing safe effects at the cellular level anywhere on the body.
It is a painless, non-invasive skin treatment that keeps your skin youthful, alongside treating a variety of skin concerns including:
Photo rejuvenation works by producing “photo biochemical effects” at the cellular level that results in:
When used to treat skin pigmentation issues, light rays enter your skin. The pigments within your skin cells absorb the light energy and heat up. This causes controlled damage to the skin cells to reduce pigmentation.
During the procedure, you’ll be given an eye mask or goggles to protect your eyes from the light rays. A numbing cream or cold gel may be applied to your skin, depending upon the pain threshold.
Once, you’re comfortable your dermatologist will begin the treatment by selecting the appropriate light wavelength according to your skin type.
For best results, usually, three treatments are required one month apart.
Improvements will be visible one week after each session. However, the ultimate results will be visible after 3-5 months.
With proper skincare, photo rejuvenation results can last for years.
| Clinic Name | Treatment Fees |
|---|---|
| Leicester Laser Clinic | £75( view details ) |
| What Clinic | £68 ( view details ) |
| Pulse Light Clinic | £200 (view details) |
| Fiore Aesthetic | £80 (view details) |
| Procedure time | Less than 1 hour |
| Sensitivity period | 2 days |
| Back to work | After 2 days |
| Full recovery | 2-5 days |
| Duration of Results | Many Years |
| Common Risk & Complications | Redness and swelling |
Yes, at-home photo rejuvenation devices are available but they will not provide the same quality results as a professional treatment.
Photo rejuvenation is not recommended for people with deep tans or darker skin tone due to the higher risk of blistering and burns.
Nonsurgical fat reduction involves a variety of procedures to reduce or remove stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Nonsurgical fat reduction is based on the following principles:
When used to treat skin pigmentation issues, light rays enter your skin. The pigments within your skin cells absorb the light energy and heat up. This causes controlled damage to the skin cells to reduce pigmentation.
Radio-frequency Lipolysis: Your surgeon will mark the areas to be treated and apply a thin layer of gel to your skin. The ultrasound rays are then moved over the treatment area. The same area may be treated more than once. The procedure may last half an hour.
Cryolipolysis: The treatment area is sucked up into a hand piece between two metal plates and then the area is slowly cooled. The procedure takes one hour per treatment area.
Laser Lipolysis: Your surgeon will attach a paddle-like- applicator to the treatment area. The paddle emits laser light that penetrates your skin and heats the fat cells underneath.
Injection Lipolysis: Your surgeon will mark the areas to be treated and inject local anaesthesia. After that, deoxycholic acid is injected in a grid pattern.
It takes around six weeks to see the final results.
The results can last a very long time, up to 10 years or more.
In 2019, a total of 409 individuals took non-surgical fat reduction treatment from certified surgeons.
The price list of a few UK based clinics is as follows:
| Clinic Name | Single Treatment Fees |
|---|---|
| Changes Clinic | £75( view details ) |
| The Hampton Clinic | £100( view details ) |
| Skin Brighton | £250 (view details) |
| Vivo Clinic | £59 (view details) |
| Procedure time | 30 min to 1 hour |
| Sensitivity period | 1-2 days |
| Back to work | Immediately |
| Full recovery | 1-2 days (in case of injection lipolysis: 1-2 weeks) |
| Duration of Results | Permanent |
| Common Risk & Complications | Redness, bruising, swelling |
Method | Target Areas |
Cryolipolysis | Thighs, Abdomen, Double Chin, Arms, Flanks, Bra & Back Fat, Underneath the Buttocks |
Radio-frequency Lipolysis | Abdomen, Flanks |
Laser Lipolysis | Abdomen, Flanks |
Injection Lipolysis | Chin area (Under the Chin) |
Method | Required Treatment Sessions |
Cryolipolysis | 2 |
Radio-frequency Lipolysis | 1-3 |
Laser Lipolysis | 4-10 |
Injection lipolysis | 2 spaced 6-8 weeks apart |
Non surgical cosmetic procedures can offer natural-looking results. These treatments are cost-effective, safe, and require less recovery time than invasive surgical procedures. Although side effects are possible with any procedure, they tend to be minimal.
Whatever your skin goals are to help with anti-ageing, only reach out to a clinic or surgeon who appears on a Government approved register. They can recommend the options that are right for you.
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