Top tips to stay safe at the cosmetic clinic
EACH week our experts Dr Aamer Khan and Lesley Reynolds bring you the latest beauty news and anti‑ageing advice.
Q - I read in the news about a doctor who injected a patient with fake Botox. How do I know if a clinic or doctor is injecting me with the proper substance?
A - Bad Botox is a huge concern these days, especially as it is readily available to buy over the internet.
To stay safe – and we can’t stress this enough – it is essential to do your homework before booking an appointment. Make sure you go to a reputable clinic or doctor and not a beauty salon or untrained therapist.
What are the facilities like where you are having your procedure? Do they look professional? Are they clean?
Check the practitioner is accredited by one of the following organisations: British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, British Association of Dermatologists or British College of Aesthetic Medicine.
Be wary of anyone offering special deals and exceptionally cheap prices that seem too good to be true.
Botox is bottled as a freeze‑dried powder and mixed with sterile saline before it is used so before you are injected you can ask to see the bottle so you know you are getting the real thing.
Q - I developed brown patches on my face after a summer holiday. Is there anything I can try to even out my skin tone without resorting to laser treatment?
A - This sounds like a classic case of sun damage but do see a dermatologist first to check your skin.
There is an excellent range of professional skincare called VI Derm, which is available through cosmetic clinics and is designed to treat pigmented skin and sunspots.
We normally suggest having a professional multi mask peel first, a simple and pain-free procedure to brighten the most stubborn areas of discolouration, followed by a month-long course of skincare.
Treatment plus creams will cost between £70 and £500, depending on your skin’s condition.
Q - What are the best non-surgical treatments available to tighten sagging jowls?
A - There are several non‑invasive procedures that can treat this area.
Silhouette soft sutures can lift the lower part of the face quickly and painlessly and results often mimic a surgical facelift.
The procedure takes less than an hour, although you will need three to five days’ recovery time. From £1,000.
If your jowls are heavy, Necktite may be the answer. This radiofrequency liposuction procedure removes excess fat and tightens the skin and is specifically designed for the delicate neck area.
You should expect a week to 10 days’ recovery time and full results are not visible until six months later. From £3,500.
Alternatively you could try high intensity focused ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure encourages the skin to produce new collagen that will lift and tighten the complexion.
The treatment can be a little uncomfortable with redness or bruising afterwards. Best results are seen up to three months after treatment. From £2,000.
Q - I am undergoing chemotherapy and my skin has become very sensitive to my usual moisturiser and foundation. Can you recommend any brands to help?
A - Chemotherapy can make your skin dry and fragile.
It’s difficult to know which ingredients might be triggering the reaction but a change in pH is often behind many skin irritations. Start by switching your cleanser.
Choose a hypoallergenic product. We recommend the Cetaphil range, which has the same neutral pH balance as the skin so won’t irritate.
The range includes a Gentle Skin Cleanser, £8.99 and Moisturiser, £10.99 (boots.com). Swap your foundation for a mineral powder formula applied with a brush.
It will give you great coverage and shouldn’t react with the skin.
Most big cosmetic brands now offer an excellent range of mineral make-up
Q - Which facial will give the best anti-ageing result?
A - Try a micro-needling facial. One treatment will improve skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles and leave the complexion plump and rejuvenated.
The treatment involves rolling a small device covered in fine needles over the skin. This creates tiny wounds that the body heals over time, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
It also aids the absorption of any serums applied. Your skin may be red for a day or two but this can be hidden with mineral make-up.
From £250.
Q - I had a tattoo on the top of my arm 10 years ago that I’ve regretted ever since. I’m 60 next year and very self-conscious about it. What can I do?
A - Tattoo removal is an expensive, uncomfortable and slow process.
Laser is the best method and we recommend Harmony XL Pro laser, which uses short bursts of high intensity light to shatter the ink pigments, which are then absorbed by the body.
You may need up to six sessions with six to eight weeks between each treatment to allow the body to absorb the damaged pigment, so the removal can take months.
Do your research about which practitioner to use as it is vital to see an expert to prevent scarring. From £80 per session.
For advice on cosmetic surgery, consult your GP.
For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds.com