Treatments

Anti-wrinkle injections

For more information on the services we offer click to download our Patient Information Leaflet.

At Sage Skin Solutions we use ‘Botox®’ , a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, manufactured and supplied by the brand leader Allergen Ltd.  All our products have been licensed by the FDA (United States Food & Drugs Administration) who perform stringent tests before granting licenses.

How does it work?

Using a tiny needle, small volumes of the protein are injected into the muscles under the skin where wrinkles are most prominent. The protein temporarily blocks the nerve signal to the muscle, with effects lasting for three months or more. Without this signal, the muscle cannot contract, and hence cause wrinkles.

Wrinkles usually begin to disappear after 3 to 4 days but the full result may take up to fourteen days to become apparent.  On average the effects last three to four months, but with repeated treatments the results may last longer.

We always offer our clients a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after their initial treatment and if necessary, we will can top up the treatment at this point.

What areas can be treated?

Most of our clients request treatment on one or more of these facial areas:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Crow’s feet or smile lines around the eyes
• Horizontal forehead lines

Is it safe?

The safety of the product is very well established.

Millions of people worldwide have had these injections. There are a few rare medical conditions such as myasthenia gravis which affect muscles, and people with these conditions cannot have treatment. Other contraindications include previous allergy to botulinum toxin, history of Lamber-Eaton syndrome and blood coagulation (clotting) disorders. Treatment is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Drug interactions

These can occur when when botulinum toxin is used concomitantly with some medications including :

• Anaesthetics
• Muscle relaxant medications
• amino glycoside antibiotics

It is the responsibility of the client to inform our practitioners, at their initial consultation, if they are taking or intent to start taking such medications.

Are there any after effects?

The injections are virtually painless but may cause a minor stinging discomfort. As the needles are very small, the risk of bleeding or bruising exists but is usually minimal.

Side effects are uncommon and temporary – you may experience bruising or tenderness at the injection site, these effects are temporary and resolve spontaneously. Some clients experience temporary mild headaches (however , ‘Botox®’ can in fact be used to treat migraine headaches but we do not currently provide this treatment.) Other transient and minor side effects possible include skin rashes, dry eyes, nausea, lethargy and aching in the limbs.

Occasionally, drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) is an temporary side effect, which is rare but may occur. In the unlikely event that it does happen, please contact us so that we can make an assessment.

Aftercare advice

As soon as your treatment is over you can resume normal daily activity but must adhere to the following advice to avoid compromising the treatment effects.

• Clients should avoid lying flat for 4 hours after treatment
• Clients must avoid touching the area injected, for at least 12 hours after injections. This includes avoiding make up application, as this may actually push the product beyond the intended area and affect the results.
• It is recommended to avoid hot saunas/facials/sunbeds for 24 hours post treatment.

For 24 hours after treatment you should avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol as these can all increase the blood flow to the muscles and dilute the effect so affecting the results.

See us for medical chemical peels using Neostrata a leading industry brand. Skin peels compliment anti-wrinkle treatments but are used effectively if you would prefer to try something slightly less invasive.

Using a Neostrata peel regimen, most clients will see a healthier, younger-looking skin.

It visibly diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes and softens skin, increases hydration and suppleness, and balances irregular skin tones. It can also improve oily/acne prone skin.

Higher strengths can help to reduce the appearance of acne scarring and certain pigmentation problems.

Nesotrata peels can be used on the face, the neck, the chest and the hands and can be used on all types of skin including: fine skin, normal skin or greasy or thick skin.

It can also be used safely and effectively on white, black and asian skin alike.