Lines and Wrinkles

Harley Street Injectables are rated an average of 5 out of 5 based on 500 reviews

What are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles and fine lines mainly happen on the parts of the body that get the most sun exposure, including the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms and are a visual indication of the ageing process. Wrinkles fall into two categories: Dynamic wrinkles which are wrinkles that occur on expression or movement, and Static wrinkles, which are permanent wrinkles developed over time from dynamic movement. If your wrinkles bother you, or if you’re looking to prevent them in the first place, there are treatments and products that can help.

What are the symptoms?

Fines lines are caused by the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin combined with ageing and other factors such as sun exposure, smoking, lifestyle and genetics. Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As people get older, their skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, which means it is less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.

Who it can affect

Wrinkles are a natural part of growing older, and they affect everyone. However, many people dislike the appearance of wrinkles and there are many effective preventative treatments to help minimise the appearance or eradicate them altogether.

Causes

 

Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As people get older, their skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, which means it is less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin. Facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting, lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles at a young age. These lines deepen as the person gets older.When a person is young, their skin springs back. As they get older, the skin loses its flexibility, and it becomes more difficult for the skin to spring back, resulting in permanent grooves.

Many factors affect the development of wrinkles, including:
• sun exposure
• smoking
• dehydration
• medications
• environmental and genetic factors

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunbathing, tanning booths, and outdoor sports increases the development of wrinkles. UV light breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. These fibers form the connective tissue that supports the skin. As this layer breaks down, the skin becomes weaker and less flexible. The skin starts to droop, and wrinkles appear.

People who work in sunlight have a higher chance of early wrinkles. Wearing clothes that cover the skin, such as hats or long sleeves, may delay the development of wrinkles. Regular smoking accelerates the aging process of skin because it reduces the blood supply to the skin. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and dry skin is more likely to develop wrinkles.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are a number of treatments to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and prevent them from forming if started early enough. Treating lines and wrinkles often requires a combination approach, ongoing maintenance and prevention measures. There is a range of treatments available to minimise to limit expressive movement, resurfacing, and accelerating the growth of the two essential proteins that are responsible for a youthful appearance.

Antiwrinkle Injections

Botox is one of the most reliable and effective ways to prevent and treat wrinkles caused by expressive movement like the frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. The injectable treatment will inhibit the movement of these muscles therefore preventing wrinkles from forming. Botox can also soften wrinkles on the neck and chest area through relaxing the muscles and providing a lifting effect to the skin.

The process begins with a consultation where we will discuss your reason for treatment and determine whether you are a suitable candidate.

The practitioner will make a series of injections to administer the substance. We can apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. The unit will vary depending on the size of the area and the severity of the concern. You may feel a very slight scratch as the injections enter the skin.

In some cases, the nurse may inject a lower dosage than initially expected – this is standard practice when treating forehead wrinkles, particularly if you have a small forehead. It is essential to assess how your muscles react to the treatment to avoid eyebrow or eyelid drooping. Your practitioner will discuss a follow-up appointment to assess whether you need a top up.

Botox treats wrinkles by targeting the underlying muscle that wrinkles the overlying skin. It restricts the contraction of the muscle, so the overlying skin appears smooth. By inhibiting this movement, the toxin can create many other positive aesthetic effects or have health benefits.

It can take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of Botox depending on the size of the area treated and the condition. For Botox to the masseter, it can take four weeks, and calf muscles can take six weeks before you see results.

Botox is required every three months.

Ultraformer

Ultraformer skin tightening uses ultrasound technology to address loose skin on the face and neck. In just a few short treatments with the adjustable device, our highly trained aesthetic therapists can provide a lifting effect with reduce facial fine lines and wrinkles.

Ultraformer uses HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) technology for non-invasive skin lifting on the face, neck, and decolletage for lasting tightening and wrinkle reducing results. The device itself has both micro and macro settings to deliver ultrasound energy to different layers of the skin that can differ in intensity to suit individual needs, ranging from 1.5mm to 13mm depth in the dermis to trigger a process of tightening.

During treatment, heat is created in the dermis that works to encourage collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein that keeps skin taut and firm that is lost through the natural ageing process, so when it is stimulated using Ultraformer, it has a tightening effect that develops over time. Treatment time is very low, taking up to an hour, and can be entirely tailored to your needs with as few as one treatment yielding results, though this will depend upon your indication. This will be discussed within your initial consultation, wherein you can express your expectations for treatment with your assigned clinician, who will assess you and create a bespoke treatment plan to fit your unique profile.

As well as the face, Ultraformer skin tightening can be used on the decolletage, neck, and jawline to address skin laxity and tone by firming the skin for a more youthful appearance without surgical intervention.This non-invasive alternative to a facelift has minimal downtime, and avoids the use of scalpels, with ongoing results for collagen production and skin tone. The heat that is created during treatment does not cause any damage to surrounding tissue, as it is only delivered to the target area in a focussed application that avoids the epidermis.

We advise that Ultraformer works best on those who are experiencing skin laxity or sagging on the face and jaw, with some fine lines and wrinkles. Every patient we see has to have an initial consultation before any treatment goes ahead to determine suitability for treatment. This also allows you to talk to your clinician regarding your expectations for treatment, and to ask any questions you may have.

Dermal Filler

HA dermal filler is a great treatment for reducing the appearance of facial lines. Facial lines are often caused by volume loss within the face and thinning of the facial tissue which is often a result of ageing. Restoring lost volume in the face is a great way to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in a subtle way.

Dermal filler is made up of hyaluronic acid which is found naturally throughout our body and is necessary for our body to function. The role of hyaluronic acid is to increase and maintain the moisture levels within the skin, stimulate the production of elastic and collagen and promote the skin to consistently regenerate and heal. Overtime, hyaluronic acid levels within our skin starts to decrease which can cause the common signs of ageing such as the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles becoming prominent.

Restoring the lost levels of hyaluronic acid directly into the areas of lines and wrinkles is the best line filler for face treatment. Hyaluronic acid increases volume in the skin which fills the lines and/or wrinkles resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of areas. Numbing cream will require an additional 20 minutes to apply before treatment.

You may experience redness, bruising and swelling following your treatment which should subside within 1-3 days.

Filler dissolves naturally over time. Your practitioner will discuss the associated risks and side effects with you during your consultation.

Dermal fillers are non-permanent with results lasting between 4-9 months depending on your metabolism and the type of filler. Lip fillers tend to break down slightly faster, lasting between 3-6 months. Some filler types offer more permanency, lasting up to a year. Longevity varies from patient to patient.

You may experience swelling and bruising around the injection site which should subside within weeks.

Chemical Skin Peels

Chemical peels are a great way to freshen up dull, tired skin and help with problems such as fine lines, pigmentation and acne marks as well as sun damage. They are also a way to roll back the years and reveal tighter, younger skin without too much downtime, restoring that glossy glow we tend to lose as we age. A chemical skin peel varies in strengths, depths, and ingredients to help fight acne scarring, and to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting the growth of new cells.

Some ingredients within the peels will also remove excess oil from the skin and kill acne-creating bacteria, making it suitable for ongoing acne management. We offer several types of skin peels at Harley Street Injectables that will help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The treatment begins with a consultation where your practitioner will assess your skin to decipher your skin conditions and the best course of treatment.

Certain peels like Cosmelan may require skin preparation with the use of at-home products in the lead up to your appointment. Your practitioner will prescribe a list of recommended products that will be suitable for you or provide you with the appropriate preparation kit.

If we’re treating you with a Cosmelan peel, we’ll require you to use a prepping de-pigmentation kit before your initial treatment to prepare your skin for the peel.

During your treatment, your practitioner will double cleanse and prepare the skin by applying a barrier cream around sensitive areas and remove all sebum to aid penetration of the acids.

Following this, we will apply the peel of choice and leave it on for a few minutes before neutralising or removing the peel. A neutraliser will prevent the acid from working on the skin, whereas a removal wipe will leave the acid active on the skin to continue improving the complexion following treatment.

Chemical skin peels are suitable for anyone who is looking for overall skin rejuvenation and an improvement in skin tone and texture. Or, those who have:
  • Acne
  • Acne scars
  • Pigmentation and sun-spots
  • Moderate wrinkles or fine lines
  • Rosacea
  • Large or open pores
  • Crepey skin

The duration of the treatment will depend on your custom needs. Some peels may be left on for longer, depending on your needs and tolerance to treatment. Typically, it’ll take around 30 minutes.

Chemical skin peels vary in strength and substance and are either superficial, medium or deep depending on your skin concerns and skin type.

The acids and other active compounds react with the skin and dissolve the outermost layers of the skin to reveal a fresher, clearer and brighter complexion. Chemical skin peels also promote collagen and elastin growth that will encourage healthier skin.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate, hydrate and tighten skin.The technique uses very fine needles to deliver a series of injections into the middle layer (mesoderm) of skin. The idea behind mesotherapy is that it corrects underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage.

Mesotherapy is an injectable treatment that delivers a custom combination of skin-enhancing ingredients to your complexion.

During your consultation, we will discuss your skin concerns to determine which formulation the nurse will administer through your Mesotherapy treatment. It will usually contain a blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids.

Before your treatment, we may apply a topical numbing cream to your skin.

Through a series of fine injections, a bespoke blend of peptides, growth factors and antioxidants are delivered into the mesoderm (the middle layer of the skin) from between 1-4mm beneath your skin to improve skin quality and function.

This treatment takes approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour.

The skin’s barrier function plays a vital role in protecting your skin from environmental aggressors such as pollutants, UV damage and irritants. When working optimally, your skin counteracts the harmful free radical damage that scavenges your healthy skin cells. However, with natural ageing, sun damage and other external forces, your skin cell barrier function weakens.

Lipids made up of cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acid form the barrier to prevent microrganisms and irritants entering the skin and protect it from Transepidermal water loss. When the skin barrier is weak, the skin can become dry, irritated and inflamed.

Mesotherapy is one way to encourage the restoration of your skin cell barrier function and restore your natural moisturising factors, to help bring your skin back to optimal health.

With over 60 different ingredient combinations, we can adapt the Mesotherapy to your skin’s needs. With an efficient transportation system and a surge in skin-loving ingredients, skin cell function improves, and the skin repair barrier becomes more resilient to environmental aggressors and other ageing factors.

Generally, a patient will need around ten sessions to see optimal results. The number of treatments required will vary from patient to patient, depending on the patient’s skin concerns.

These sessions are usually weekly for the first month, every two weeks over the second month, and sporadically from then onwards depending on how your skin responds to treatment.

Clear & Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant ® is a gentle treatment that uses fractional laser technology to address and prevent the early signs of aging skin. The Clear + Brilliant® Perméa handpiece treatment is optimized for improved skin tone and texture and enhanced skin permeability which can result in enhanced absorption of skincare products when applied immediately after treatment. Without downtime or side effects, Clear & Brilliant purifies your skin and deeply cleanses it from the inside, leaving it looking clear and radiant.

Clear + Brilliant®works by creating hundreds of thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin, which replaces damaged skin with healthy looking tissue and yields younger-looking skin.

The treatment will start with a consultation where we will discuss your treatment goals. Based on the assessment, we will devise a bespoke programme for you.During the treatment, the practitioner will use a hand-held device to make passes over the skin. In some cases, the practitioner may numb the skin first. Following the treatment you will be advised of aftercare.

Clear + Brilliant®treatments are great for women and men who are looking to prevent* and fight the early signs of aging or maintain their youthful appearance.

Approximately 45 minutes.

Within a week or two after one treatment, your skin will start to feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. Results can last for months depending on age, skin condition, and how you protect your skin.

IPL

The ETHEREA IPL-Sq® System uses the latest advances in light treatment technology to offer reliable and predictable skin improvement treatments. It promotes collagen production, helps to remove unsightly blemishes and restore a smooth, even complexion. It can be used on a range of skin types and is ideal for treating problems such as skin laxity and wrinkling, sun damage, acne and some types of pigmented and vascular lesions.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® uses light energy in the form of intense, ‘broad-spectrum’ light bursts that penetrate the skin. It employs various filters to refine the light energy, depending on the target. In this way, it is capable of treating a range of conditions.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® Photo Rejuvenation can make a dramatic difference to the appearance of your skin. It can help restore a blotchy, ageing appearance to a more even, youthful and creamy complexion.

Etherea IPL-Sq® uses advanced technology that automatically determines the correct wavelength. The pulse of light passes through the surface of the skin (without damaging it) and is delivered precisely to the target, promoting a wound-healing process in which the skin rapidly produces new, undamaged skin cells.

The Etherea IPL-Sq® Difference

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® uses state of the art SQUARE-WAVE PULSE® technology, which, unlike other IPL systems, delivers completely even bursts of controlled, micro-processed energy. This minimises unwanted effects from variations in the energy impulse, and provides a more reliable outcome.

If you have sun damaged akin, acne vulgaris, pigmented or vascular lesions, it is likely that Etherea IPL-Sq® photorejuvenation will help you significantly. However, your practitioner will confirm the best treatment for you after a thorough examination of your skin.

IPL treatment should not be performed on skin that has been recently sun-tanned, or over-exposed to the sun.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® treatment is non-invasive, so most people can experience cosmetic improvements quickly, with minimal risk and downtime. Laser skin resurfacing is used for more serious skin problems, such as significant sun damage. It is invasive, due to the fact that the surface of the skin is removed during the treatment, so it requires significant recovery time, and there is a greater risk of complications. Your practitioner will advise you regarding the best treatment option for you.

For best results, most people need a series of 3 – 5 treatments, each spaced about a month apart. The exact number of treatments will depend on the nature and extent of the problem being treated. You will be able to see some improvement after each treatment, until you achieve the desired result.

Morpheus 8

As we begin to age, the body loses the ability to produce collagen and elastin as it once did, resulting in a loss of skin volume and firmness. Morpheus8 is a revolutionary method of skin tightening which rebuilds and reinforces the underlying structure of your skin through microneedling combined with radiofrequency (RF) technology.

The Morpheus8 by InMode applicator features 24 coated pins, which will penetrate the subdermal tissue to trigger a healing response that ‘rebuilds’ your skin. At the same time, the radiofrequency energy will heat up the surface of skin to promote collagen production. Together, the two help to contour, smooth and renew your complexion.

Before your treatment, a numbing cream or local anaesthetic is used to ensure you’ll only experience minimal discomfort throughout.

Downtime is minimal. You should avoid applying makeup or touching your face for up to 24 hours post-treatments. Minor redness may be visible for up to one week.

For the first 3 days after Morpheus8 keep your face as dry and clean as possible. Wash only with lukewarm water, gently pat dry treated skin until it heals. Make sure your hands are clean when touching the treated area.

Protect your skin with broad spectrum physical SPF (at least SPF 30, better SPF 50) at all times from 3 days after the procedure.

From 3 days after Morpheus8 treatment.

We recommend taking Arnica 3x daily orally for 7 days before your Morpheus8 treatment, it will help to reduce the risk of bruising.

A week before treatment, discontinue any irritant topical products like Acids, Retinol, Vita C or scrubs as well as any NSAID medicines (if your medical condition allows) such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen that interfere with normal blood clotting a week before treatment.

We also don’t recommend any abrasive treatments like laser/microneedling or harsh facials as well as prolonged sun exposure, fake tan or sun-beds (any active tan) 4 weeks before.
Numbing cream will be applied in the clinic 45 minutes before the treatment.

Please arrive to your appointment with clean skin, no lotion, make-up or oil.

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