Lunchtime cosmetic BOOSTERS
After months at home staring at our own reflections, quick-fix plastic surgery is booming. Here, Dr Aamer Khan, co-founder of The Harley Street Skin Clinic, reveals the treatments you can have during your lunch break that won’t cost a fortune…
Platelet-rich plasma treatment
Also known as a ‘vampire facial’ and made famous by that Kim Kardashian photo.
It involves a patient’s blood being taken and separated into concentrated growth and platelet factors. After microdermabrasion, the cells are injected back into the skin, stimulating communication – a reduction in which is a key factor in ageing.
People aged 30 to 50 get good results although those with severe sun damage will see less dramatic improvements. Patients will need the rest of the day off to recover.
Cost: £450 per treatment (three recommended) with the effects lasting four to six months.
Botox
Studies have shown that having Botox in the brow boosts serotonin levels. It’s good for people who look angry with ‘Number 11’ frown lines, have hooded eyes from a drooping brow or are experiencing mouth lines.
A Nefertiti lift relaxes the platysmal (neck) bands that strengthen as we age, creating vertical straps. Anyone who grinds their teeth through stress or has temporal headaches will also benefit from Botox in the masseter (biting) muscles.
After a full assessment, the treatment is quick and touched up after a fortnight. Mild bruising is to be expected. Cost: From £199- £499. Effects lasts three to four months.
Fillers
Volume loss comes with ageing, bringing hollows under the eyes and nose to mouth lines. Carefully injected fillers can help relieve that tired, drawn look. Many under-30s also want bigger lips or to tighten the jaw line.
Depending on how deep the injections need to go, you may get some bruising, discomfort, swelling or bleeding. Cost: Around £350 with effects lasting three to 15 months.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty
Some people have had an issue with their nose for a long time and it can be adjusted with a combination of fillers and Botox. Fillers can significantly fix a deficit, bump or depression, or if the nose is squished to one side.
Others find the tip of their nose is overly active when talking, or their nostrils flare and Botox can reduce that. Cost: An average of £650, with Botox lasting three to four months and filler up to a year.
Skin treatments
Older patients with age-related changes such as a loss of collagen resulting in ‘crepey’ or thinning skin, pigmentation, or others with acne or rosacea can benefit from a host of skin treatments packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and peptides to stimulate hormone reception.
After blood tests and a full skin analysis with a doctor, specific chemical or cellular peels can be applied. Peeling occurs between days two and five. Cost: From £90 to £1,500, with typical maintenance costs being £150 to 250 every three months.
Non-surgical fat reduction
Patients with areas of fat on their face can benefit from Coolwave technology that targets fat under the skin. It’s great for use under the chin area.
The treatment only takes 20 minutes and can have long-lasting effects when combined with lifestyle changes. Cost: Around £400 per 20-minute treatment. Two to five sessions are recommended.
■■For more information, visit harleystreetskinclinic.com