Ageing can be a difficult process, especially when it comes to your skin. The natural signs of ageing such as wrinkles, dullness and sagging can often cause us to feel uncomfortable in our own skin and less confident. But at my clinic, Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic in Elgin, we believe that it doesn't have to be this way - with the right knowledge and expertise, ageing can be a positive experience!
Our team at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic is dedicated to helping you manage your age gracefully through remarkable facial treatments like Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox), Fillers, Endymed Skin Tightening, Skin Peels and more - so you can look good and feel great! At our clinic, we understand that each person is unique and so are their skin care needs. Our experienced team will take the time to get to know you and your skin, before recommending a customised treatment plan that is tailored specifically towards your goals.
We only use the latest technologies and products in our treatments at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic - so you can trust us to deliver results that are safe, effective and long-lasting.
Skin treatments such as Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox), fillers, IPL (intense pulsed light), skin tightening and microneedling have become increasingly popular in recent years - and for good reason. These aesthetic treatments can have a positive impact on the appearance and health of your skin.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox) is an effective treatment for reducing or eliminating wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet. It works by paralyzing the muscles that cause facial expressions like smiling and frowning which can add to the development of wrinkles over time. This facial aesthetics treatment is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments in the aesthetic industry.
Fillers are used to enhance the volume of certain areas on the face or body – such as the lips or cheeks – by replenishing lost fat due to ageing. This minimizes signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging skin. This medical aesthetic treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done quickly, with minimal downtime.
IPL is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to improve skin tone and texture while also reducing redness, sun spots, scars and other blemishes. It works by targeting pigment cells in the surface layers of the skin with intense pulses of light which causes them to break down. This skin rejuvenation treatment is highly effective and requires no downtime.
Skin tightening treatments use radiofrequency waves delivered into the deeper layers of the skin in order to encourage collagen production which boosts the firmness and elasticity of ageing skin – leaving you with a more youthful look! This non-surgical treatment is highly popular among those who want to avoid surgical facelifts.
Microneedling is another effective skin treatment. It involves using tiny needles to puncture the surface of the skin, triggering a healing response from the body which results in increased collagen production. This helps smooth wrinkles and give skin a more even tone, resulting in a healthier, more youthful look. This beauty treatment is highly popular and requires minimal downtime.
These aesthetic treatments can drastically improve not only your appearance but also self-confidence; when you look your best you feel your best. So if you’re looking for a way to refresh your look without resorting to surgery then these treatments could be just what you need!
Our team at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic is also dedicated to providing high-quality customer service - so you can feel comfortable knowing that you're in good hands. We want all of our clients to experience a sense of joy and satisfaction with the results of their treatments! So if you’re ready for a transformation, book an appointment with us at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic today and let us help you look good and feel great.
Ageing doesn't have to be a negative experience. With our team's expertise and the latest skin treatments at Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic in Elgin, you can age gracefully and feel confident in your own skin. Whether you're looking to reduce wrinkles, enhance volume, improve skin tone and texture or boost collagen production, we have a customized treatment plan for you. Book an appointment with us today and let us help you look good and feel great!
Everyone wants to look and feel youthful as they age, but the natural aging process can take a toll on our skin. Wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging can be difficult to prevent or reverse, even with a diligent skincare routine. Fortunately, there's a treatment that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance without surgery or downtime - micro-needling!
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create microscopic punctures or channels in the skin. These channels allow for better absorption of products such as serums and creams that can help boost collagen production, which is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support to our skin, and it naturally declines as we age. By stimulating collagen production, micro-needling can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other signs of aging.
During a micro-needling treatment, a device with tiny needles is used to create microscopic punctures or channels in the skin. These punctures are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye, but they are enough to stimulate the body's natural healing process. As the skin heals, collagen production is increased, which can improve the texture and appearance of the skin. The micro-needles also create channels in the skin, which allows for better absorption of products such as serums and creams that can help boost collagen production.
The X Celaris Pro Twist is a revolutionary electrical micro-needling device that is changing the game when it comes to aesthetic micro-needling treatments. It features a patented spring seal for guaranteed safety and hygiene, a movable needle plate for precision treatment tailored to your skin surface, 50-150 insertions per second –making it faster than most means on the market– adjustable penetration depth from 0.25mm up to 2.5mm, and active needle retrieval technology. This is minimal invasiveness at its finest with optimum results in no time! It's one of the most efficient tools available for treating various skin conditions such as acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage, and more. Plus, it's safe and non-invasive, so there's no need for surgery or recovery time.
At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, we specialize in providing treatments using state-of-the-art technology such as the X Celaris Pro Twist device. With over 28 years' experience in aesthetic medicine, we offer personalized treatments tailored to each individual client's needs ensuring they get optimal results from their treatments. Our team of experienced practitioners can help you achieve beautiful, youthful skin with micro-needling and other advanced treatments. We understand that every client is unique, so we take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
Micro-needling is suitable for all skin types and can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, chest, and hands. Results may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the skin condition being treated, but most clients see improvement in their skin's texture and appearance after just one treatment.
In conclusion, micro-needling with the X Celaris Pro Twist is a safe and effective way to achieve beautiful, youthful skin. It stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture and tone, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimizes the appearance of scars. At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, we specialize in providing personalized treatments using state-of-the-art technology like the X Celaris Pro Twist. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve beautiful, youthful skin with micro-needling and other advanced treatments.
Stress can have a huge impact on your health, both mentally and physically. One of the most common physical effects of stress is weight gain. It’s not uncommon for people to experience a few extra pounds due to increased stress levels, and the resultant increase in cortisol levels circulating around the body. High cortisol levels cause untold damage to the organs of your body like the skin, heart and brain. This can result in skin conditions that are difficult to manage, heart disease and diseases of the brain like Alziemiers. Fortunately, there are ways to fight back against stress-induced weight gain. Let’s take a look at how Emerald Laser and Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic can help you in this endeavour.
Emerald laser technology is one of the most effective tools for fighting stress-induced weight gain. This technology targets fat cells specifically, breaking them down so that they can be more easily metabolized by the body. The laser energy passes through the skin, targeting only fat cells and leaving other tissues unharmed. This process is completely non-invasive, making it an ideal choice for those looking to get rid of stubborn fat without undergoing surgery or other invasive treatments. Patients who undergo treatment with emerald laser technology typically experience significant results after just six sessions!
At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, we understand that fighting stress-related weight gain isn't just about getting rid of excess fat—it's also about addressing underlying causes and providing comprehensive care. We offer a variety of services aimed at helping our patients deal with their stress in healthy ways while also providing medical advice and supervision to ensure they're on track with their health goals. Our team includes Su Jones, an experienced nutritionist who can provide individualized advice on diet and exercise, as well as a referral service to other health professionals who can offer valuable insight into dealing with gut health and difficult emotions in constructive ways.
Stress can have a major impact on our physical health, leading to problems like weight gain. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to address these issues head-on. At Nichola Maasdorp No4 Clinic, we understand that it takes more than just emerald laser technology to effectively combat stress-related weight gain—it takes comprehensive care from experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of each patient. If you’re struggling with stress-induced weight gain, contact us today for more information about how we can help!
I’ve just attended some training with a psychiatrist, who is an expert in mental health in the aesthetics industry. I’m blown away to hear the fact that of those of us who have aesthetic treatments, 50% suffer from some form of diagnosable psychiatric disorder.
Now before you make any judgement, remember that we live in strange times and that our modern-day lifestyles mean it’s not too surprising to hear this.
I might recognise that you are unsuitable for treatment if you show signs of:
What I learnt was that for some disorders, like body dysmorphia, I am most likely to be the health professional to realise there may be a problem.
If you’re reading this blog, then you’re probably a patient or thinking about being one, so you have some aspect about your face that bothers you enough to seek treatment. The difference is that it’s NOT significantly impacting your life so as to cause significant distress and stop you from going about your normal life.
If you recognise that you show some of the behaviours mentioned above, don’t be alarmed, there are treatments to help you. It also doesn’t mean that you are excluded from having aesthetic treatments. What I learn from the training is, that the most important thing is that both you and I realise and acknowledge the problem, so we can have an open and honest discussion on what’s best for you, to help you manage your care. What’s clear from the research is that, if the condition goes unrecognised, and treatment continues without consideration of the problem, then almost certainly, your condition will become worse.
If you’ve ever experienced any of these, then you’ll know that the skin and brain talk to each other. I have previously written about the gut-skin connection, similarly, there is a brain-skin axis. You only have to think about when you’ve felt stressed and felt the sweat running down your back, to know the impact our feelings can have on our skin.
All of the above are temporary responses to stress or emotions, but what if feelings like being sad, overwhelmed and being out of control, take over your daily life?
The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea and rests in the anterior chamber of your skull. It acts like a switchboard for your stress hormones, the primary signal coming from the hypothalamus gland, just above it. When it’s activated, like when you’re stressed, it sends a signal to another gland just above your kidney, called the adrenal gland.
When your adrenal gland receives its message, it releases a powerful hormone called Cortisol, and other stress hormones called Catecholamines. Both of these hormone types are beneficial and vital in maintaining a healthy body. However, if you’re high for too long, they can turn against you. High levels of cortisol and catecholamines can weaken our immunity, damage organs (including the skin), and increase blood sugar levels.
This is why chronic stress has been linked to a host of conditions like diabetes, food allergies, weight gain, increased susceptibility to colds and flu-like illnesses, cancer, heart disease and many more…..
As noted previously, high levels of stress hormones weaken your immunity, which means that it can’t keep itself in tip-top condition, which means it’s more susceptible to bacteria, virus’s and fungi; sun damage and pollution.
This can worsen chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Apart from this, the reduced ability of the skin to repair itself, means that you will experience more lines and wrinkles as elastic tissue depletes, loss of plumpness as collagen levels dive and your skin could become dry as the skin loses its ability to produce the lipid layer that seals moisture in.
While reducing stress levels should theoretically help to alleviate damaging effects on the skin, there’s only limited data regarding the effectiveness of stress-reducing interventions. There is some evidence that meditation may lower stress hormone levels in people who do it regularly. Research shows these techniques to be helpful in controlling psoriasis, however, more proof is needed to show the benefit of these techniques in other skin conditions. Healthy lifestyle habits, including a well-balanced diet and exercise, may also help to regulate stress hormones in the body, which should in turn have positive effects on skin and hair.
If you are experiencing a skin condition related to stress, see a dermatologist for your condition, and try some stress-reducing techniques at home. In addition, No4 can offer advice and treatments aimed at reducing adult acne, rosacea and ageing skin.
For more information contact us here.
Why would anyone get their fillers dissolved? They’re the number two aesthetic treatment worldwide! Millions of people are queuing up for fuller cheeks, contoured features and plump, shapely lips.
However, some celebrities are rocking the boat by deciding to get their filler removed, encouraging us to re-evaluate our attitude towards this procedure.
I’ve never felt comfortable with very large lips, but thanks to celebrity role models and social media stars, overfilled lips are becoming the norm. I’m glad to see people challenging the trend, with Love Island star Charlotte Crosby making the headlines by having her lip filler chemically dissolved. She put a question mark over the value of excessive lip fillers, while cosmetic doctors are exploring the risks of overfilling.
For example, Dr Harris deliberately draws attention to the distortion caused by overfilled lips and cheeks. He believes that too much filler leads to ‘alienisation’, with features enlarged outside the normal range for the individual in question.
However, it’s not always an unscrupulous doctor or an excessive treatment that leads to these strangely exaggerated results. Many people forget what they looked like before treatment and return for more or the substance takes longer to dissolve than we originally thought. The patients believe that they’re in need of a top-up while it’s still in their system, leading to a double dose of filler.
We all think about our appearance. Low confidence is often the motivation to have an aesthetic treatment such as dermal fillers, as it helps us to embrace how we look. However, cosmetic treatment has been linked to an extreme preoccupation with appearance, known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with BDD spend a disproportionate amount of time obsessing over minor or imagined flaws. This can be enormously upsetting, so it’s no surprise they turn to cosmetics to try and fix the problem.
It’s a difficult issue for us practitioners to identify, especially as fewer than 10% of patients with BDD are satisfied with the results of their treatment. They move on to other practitioners to correct this perceived problem or their anxieties transfer to another area of the face or body. Their constant quest to fix the flaw leads to distorted, overfilled features.
Now, not everyone with overfilled features is suffering from BDD. After all, we all worry about our appearance to some extent and BDD is the extreme end of the spectrum. In my practice, I tend to see patients who are delighted with a filler treatment, but quickly forget what they looked like before the procedure. They want a more discernible difference, so they come back wanting another treatment.
It’s easy to see how people’s faces become overfilled, especially as fillers may last much longer than we think. Alice Hart Davis, a beauty journalist and author, discovered that 35ml of dermal filler is still present in her face, even though we expect it to have dissolved naturally in less than two years.
Not at all! They help millions of people to look youthful, including me! However, we do need to take care.
In my clinic, I limit the amount I’m prepared to place at one time, assessing my patients via ultrasound to determine if any filler remains. This helps me decide if it’s suitable for them to have more treatment or whether I should direct them to an alternative, of which we have many. When I do conduct treatments, I tend to use Juvederm, which creates wonderfully subtle and natural-looking results.
Are you interested in dermal fillers? Visit our website for more information or contact us to book a consultation.
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The excitement of Christmas has faded away, replaced by a new year! We often see this as a new start and a chance to reset, as we abstain from bad foods, alcohol and an unhealthy lifestyle. We start a diet instead or take up running. However, you want to be careful with this ‘new year new me’ philosophy!
There’s one big problem with this mindset – it doesn’t work! Studies show that 23% of people give up on their New Year’s Resolutions after one week, while 43% expect to give up before the end of January. In fact, less than 10% of people successfully continue with their new lifestyle!
‘New year new me’ won’t motivate you for very long, especially after a slip-up. You need a plan for a long-term goal because you can rarely make lasting changes based on an impulse. As a dentist, I believe in making small changes, which culminate in significant improvements.
Take alcohol for example. From a skin perspective, we’re in favour of reducing your intake. Too much alcohol dehydrates the skin and reduces elasticity, leading to fine lines, creases and a dull, dry complexion. It can also give rise to conditions like psoriasis and rosacea, to say nothing of the increased risk of skin infections. On the other hand, going cold turkey can be a mistake. It doesn’t allow any flexibility for what can be a big lifestyle change (depending on how much you’re used to drinking). Similarly, you might be invited to a social event and feel like you’re unable to enjoy a drink, leading to regret, resentment and an eventual return to bad habits.
Instead of being stern with yourself, follow a little-by-little approach. Try giving up alcohol during the week and allowing yourself 3-4 units at the weekend or at a party. It may feel like a little change, but imagine the impact after one, two or three months! You’ll be in a much healthier state, without the inevitable disappointment caused by the ‘new year new me’ attitude.
There’s more to January than giving up bad habits. Many of you contact me in the winter, asking me to restore your faces after the festive period. You might be searching for a quick fix, hoping that I’ll turn around and present you with a miracle cure. We have some excellent treatments at No. 4, including luxurious Hydrafacials and healing light therapy, but they’re not magic. I can’t solve all your problems with the wave of a wand or give you an undetectable treatment with no downtime.
We’re not here to transform you into your ‘new year new me’ ideal. We’re here to walk alongside you as you seek to renew your skin and age well. Ageing well takes commitment, much like a New Year’s Resolution, which is why we encourage you to stop and think about the best ways to achieve your goals.
We’re partners, you and me. You trust me to listen to you, identify your main concerns and then come up with a plan. I might direct you to Su’s Skin Program, ideal for investing in your future complexion. Alternatively, I might point you to my own skincare plan, perfect for combating signs of ageing and menopause. Through 12 in-depth sessions, I’ll boost your collagen production, reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles, helping you achieve a healthy, glowing appearance.
Are you ready to take the first step? Then contact us to book a consultation! It’s the best opportunity to find the right treatment.
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Most of us will experience acne at some point in our lives, however, some of us can be left with problems that last much longer than we would like. Acne can linger around even well into our 20s or 30s, even resurfacing, for some women, during menopause. Both Su and I have seen for ourselves the problems that acne can cause for our patients, so we made it our mission to find an effective acne treatment at my clinic!
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Many people confuse IPL with laser, as the machines look the same, but they are very different. To know how they are different, you need to know what a chromophore is. A chromophore is a tiny particle found within our cells that give them colour. If you have thick black hairs on your legs then the chromophore within the hair would be black, red for burst blood vessels and so on...
This is where lasers and IPL machines differ. Lasers are focused beams of light, only able to target a very small range of colours. For instance, for hair removal, our Alpha Formatk machine uses an 808nm wavelength, which very successfully targets coarse, black hairs - this is because this particular wavelength will be absorbed by this type of hair. On the other hand, IPL uses a wide range of wavelengths, due to the fact that the light emitted is filtered and not focused on any one colour particle. This means IPL is able to treat a wide range of conditions like pigmentation, redness and acne.
Our Alpha Formatk IPL acne treatment uses wavelengths between 430nm-1100nm, its advanced acne protocols have been developed and proven by leading dermatologists. The handpiece is activated by pressing a switch, which lets off a millisecond of light, just like the flash when taking a photo.
The light, being less focused and scattered, can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to the acne lesions, without damaging the surface layer. The energy from the pulsed light is absorbed by the bacteria and blood vessels surrounding the acne lesion, killing off bacteria and reducing redness and sebum production. Voilà! Reduced acne and smoother skin!
Most patients need IPL acne treatment 4-6 times for the best effects, Su recommends combining IPL treatments with Biretix Topical Therapy from Cantabria Labs. Biretix has anti-microbial properties and Retinsphere Technology® with salicylic acid so it clarifies the skin without irritation. Its effective yet gentle formula is perfect for use on sensitive skin and as part of a post-acne/spot treatment maintenance regime to keep spots at bay and maintain skin health.
Tired of living with acne? Then take your first step towards clear skin by booking a live consultation! This will give us the chance to get to know you and your skin, allowing us to decide what form of acne treatment will achieve the best results.
Due to the pandemic, I started offering online consultations a couple of years ago. At first, I was quite sceptical, but I have grown to think that they are a fantastic option! I can go through everything you need to know, with you in the comfort of your own home. However, if you would prefer to see me in person, that’s good too! Whatever you are more comfortable with.
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I’m writing this blog with my skin in bits! Literally! My face looks bloated, my eyes are swollen and my face is dry, tight and flaking off in bits! That’s because the skin is a great barometer of what’s going on in the body, and in my case, I know I’ve eaten something I shouldn’t have. Researchers, practitioners and the general population alike are starting to notice a connection between poor digestion and skin problems.
It’s not just me, more and more of us are experiencing similar occurrences like mine when it comes to skin health. At least that’s what I hear and see in my patients. But when the gut goes awry, why does it affect our skin?
Environmental toxins can cause inflammation in the gut. This inflammation temporarily damages the gut lining, creating spaces between the cells along the length of the intestine. This lining moderates what your body allows into the bloodstream and when its cells are damaged it can’t do this properly. This is commonly known as a ‘leaky gut’ and it might be a key link between poor digestion and skin problems.
This doesn’t mean that fluid is actually leaking from your intestines! It simply refers to the fact that toxins and other inflammatory proteins in what we ingest can get into the bloodstream. When they do, they can move around the body, causing inflammation and damage elsewhere.
According to Salem et al., science is slowly learning the important role the gut has in relation to our skin, as well as our mental health and immune system. In fact, scientists have proven the link between gut health and conditions like eczema, rosacea and acne already!
Some processed foods are so far removed from nature that your body sees them as toxins and not actual foods! This results in poor digestion and skin problems! For me, it seems to be maltodextrin, a highly refined carbohydrate used to thicken sauces or sweeten foods. At the weekend I unwittingly had gammon, a highly processed meat, that usually contains it - my skin today is the result!
Of course, I should have been more careful, but when you’re having a good time at your Christmas dinner, you simply can’t resist some tasty food! If you experience skin reactions, you may find that it’s something else that sets you off, so going on an elimination diet and recording how you react to certain foods might help you determine if it is your gut that is causing your skin to flare.
First things first, I’ll give you some common skin-gut irritants:
These may be things to consider cutting out if you try an elimination diet!
The skin-gut axis isn’t something I need to be told about, I see the evidence of it every day in my clinic. In fact, some of my patients are unaware that their diet is affecting their skin. Look out for rashes, breakouts, redness, dryness and inflammation and/or skin that looks haggard and tends to age more quickly. Any of these symptoms could be a sign of the link between poor digestion and skin problems.
So, as well as possibly reducing/cutting out one/some/all of the above, I have some more pieces of advice for you!
Avoid processed foods - That means any food that’s not in its natural form.
Eat a wide variety of plant-based foods - Try playing the royal variety game! Place a sheet of paper on your fridge door and give yourself a point for every plant you eat. For example, a banana is one point, a cup of rice or the equivalent is one point, a pepper another and so on. Aim for 40 points per week - It’s also a healthy thing to get the kids and your partner involved in!
Avoid alcohol as much as possible - As well as the empty calories and hangover, alcohol can contribute to poor digestion and skin problems.
Eat plenty of onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, oats and apples - These fibre-rich options provide food for your gut bacteria to thrive. If you’re not a fan of any of these you can resort to taking a prebiotic supplement.
When taking antibiotics, take them with a probiotic - These are live cultures of bacteria and fantastic for your gut health.
If you are looking for help with your skin health you’re in the right place! We can help you glow from the inside out! So, why not book a consultation with us today?
You can also learn more about me and the team and the procedures that we offer on our website. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more beauty tips and tricks!
