Many people mistakenly think of Botox and fillers as being one and the same. When clients come to us for an initial consultation, we find that most are unaware that there are clear differences between the two. Because of this, I feel it’s really important that each of our clients are as informed as possible before my team comes to a decision on what’s the best and most appropriate treatment plan. Each treatment works differently and each treatment is used to achieve different aims. Read on to learn more about them!
While it’s true that both Botox and fillers are treatments that are injected into the face, that’s where the similarities end. Botox is used to soften and reduce lines on the face caused by frowning, smiling and other dynamic facial movements. Fillers (or dermal fillers to give them their full name), on the other hand, are quite different. They are used to restore volume or to enhance facial features. Botox is a registered drug, (its generic name being botulinum toxin), and its use is strictly controlled, because it alters the way that muscles respond to nerve signals. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you visited a fully and appropriately trained practitioner if you’re in search of such treatment.
Dermal fillers don’t alter the way in which the body functions, making them distinctly different in this sense. However, you still need suitable qualifications and training to carry out filler treatments, though no prescription is necessary. This has led to a loophole, allowing non-medically trained practitioners to offer them. You can rest assured that the dermal filler treatment at No4 Clinic is carried out by myself and I hold a Level 7 Injectables Qualification for Aesthetic Medicine and I have over 26 years of clinical experience, so you’ll always be in safe hands!
Over the years, I’ve been asked just about every question imaginable, so I thought I’d compile a list of a few that may already be on your mind.
The treatment that suits you is the one that is going to address your concerns best. Sometimes it may be one or the other, but usually an approach that uses both will serve you best.
There are some exceptions to this, but generally, the answer is no. If you’re in your 20s, you shouldn’t need Botox and fillers, as your features will still be youthful. But if you’d like fuller lips or some light jaw-sculpting, then you can achieve this with some discreet dermal fillers.
You may have heard that Botox can be used as a preventative measure, but at No.4, we believe that as a medicine, Botox should only be prescribed when needed.
This depends on how your skin has aged, rather than what your actual age is. If you have aged well and have very little sagging and only moderately deep lines, then Botox and dermal fillers can still be used to help you age positively. Botox and fillers won’t give you the results surgery will, though they can help you reduce the signs of ageing, making you feel more confident.
My team and I would love to work with you to help you reach your goals and discover what treatment is right for you. Maybe get in touch today and book a consultation? You can simply fill in a form on our website, call us on 07595221484 or email [email protected].
To keep in touch with us, don’t forget to follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts.
See you soon!
Skincare is a minefield. From double cleaning and retinol to glycolic acid and niacinamide, there are so many factors to consider and so many common skincare mistakes to avoid. And with the rise of internet know-it-alls claiming to know everything about skincare… it’s a real issue for me. I often end up dealing with the fallout, with patients coming to my clinic with a plethora of concerns they’re desperate to address.
Take my patient Mary*, for example. Mary sadly fell victim to new products wreaking havoc on her skin. Mary made some incredibly common skincare mistakes, which left her skin dry, dull and lacklustre.
Keep reading to find out more about how I helped Mary’s skin!
*Mary’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
I asked Mary to bring along her skincare products for me to look at and I was shocked at what I saw! She came in with a huge bag of products and was hoping I’d be able to tell her what else she needed to improve her skin. Anyone who knows me, or has come to see me, knows that I won’t always tell you what you want to hear. The reality for Mary was that there were no magic creams or lotions that were going to help her. But her existing products were certainly at the root of her issues and she had unwittingly subjected herself to several common skincare mistakes.
One incredibly important thing that I tell patients like Mary is that they need to scale back their routines in order to restore their skin to optimal health. Our skin has a barrier that needs to be protected, but when Mary was double cleansing, she was drying out her skin.
In younger people, this may not have been as much of a problem, but as Mary had aged, her levels of oil production had slowed down, which meant her skin was now much drier than it once was. This common skincare mistake is one that perimenopausal women tend to make.
You need to listen to your skin as you age because changes in the body can have a detrimental impact on your skin.
There are many common skincare mistakes you need to avoid throughout your life, but one to consider as you age is the fact that you can’t treat your skin the same as you did in your twenties when you’re well into your forties. As oil production slows down and spots become a less frequent occurrence, you should lean towards a gentle cleanser that will help you keep your skin’s natural barrier intact. My personal favourites are by CeraVe and ALLSKIN | MED as they don’t dry the skin out at all.
To help you even further with your menopausal skin, it might be time to invest in a tailored skincare routine that has been designed by an expert. By getting a thorough consultation and a skin scan, you can gain a better understanding of what your skin needs, whilst also learning more about products within your budget.
When you visit my clinic, you will be able to benefit from Su’s expert advice. She will teach you about the common skincare mistakes you’re making and how to avoid them going forward. Su is an absolute expert and her honest and informative advice during a skin consultation will show you the extent of any damage you’ve accidentally caused before getting you back on the right track.
She will then look at the products you’re using alongside your lifestyle and diet, as this will give her a more holistic understanding of your relationship with your skin. As part of your consultation, Su will also put together a tailored skin improvement plan and treat you to a condensed but equally effective version of one of our favourite treatments - HydraFacial. She will also give you a sample product that she thinks will benefit your skin before you commit to any purchases. When you follow this plan, you will be left with healthy, youthful and glowing skin - what more could you ask for?
There are no short-term goals here! The focus is on long-term prevention and management because we don’t want you to learn the hard way, like Mary.
To get in touch, fill out a form on our website, call us on 07595221484 or send an email to [email protected] today.
To keep in touch with us, don’t forget to follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts.
See you soon!
