Tweakments are all those non-surgical cosmetic procedures that you have heard of – such as Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatment and skin peels. With a rise in their popularity especially among the 20-something celebrities opting for ‘fillers’, a growing number of practitioners and salons offering these than ever before, we decided to get up close and personal with medical expert and co-founder of Face Clinic London, Dr Anita Kapoor. She help us separate the facts from fiction when it comes to injectables and IVs in particular.
A Q&A on fillers with Dr Anita Kapoor, Face Clinic London
Q
What’s on the spectrum of natural injectables?
A
“Unfortunately, there are no “natural” injectables. However, the main ones used are Botulinum Toxin A, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) dermal fillers or Hyaluronic Acid bio-remodelling agents.
Q
What are the most common cosmetic injectables?
Botulinum Toxin is used to paralyse muscles which cause dynamic/mobile lines-mainly in the upper face-frown/forehead/crows feet-these expression lines tend to become noticeable at rest as we age and the skin produces less collagen,elastin and hyaluronic acid. HA injections are used to restore volume lost through the ageing process and gravity. They can be injected in the cheeks, nasolabial (nose to mouth) lines, marionette area (around the mouth) jaw area (to define the jaw and help with jowls) the temple area (to restore the depression which tends to form in this area as we age) the lips or chin to define and add volume.
Bioremodelling agents such as Profilo are designed to improve elasticity, hydration, firmness and the skin’s natural glow, by stimulating the production of collagen. This is the most “natural” type of treatment in terms of results, so it’s becoming more popular with younger people.
Q
How long do fillers typically last?
A
This really depends on the area injected, as the filler is broken down by movement. For the lips, which we’re constantly moving, it may last between 4-6 months. For the cheeks, filler tends to last around 12 months but it could last even longer than this.
Q
What can go wrong?
A
There are a few serious complications, its important to go to a reputable clinic with trained health professionals. Save Face is a professional standards authority recognised by NHS England and the Department of Health. It holds a register of reputable clinics so that you can ensure the person treating you, the environment in which you are being treated and the products used to treat you have met a robust set of standards.”
Dr Anita Kapoo from Face clinic London
The pros
- Relatively painless compared to having surgery
- Quick to perform means you’re in and out in under 30 minutes
- Little to no downtime or time off work needed
- Cheaper than surgery in the short run
- Results are only temporary, and wear off over time
The cons
- You might experience bruising
- Expect a degree of swelling
- Only a short-term solution
- The cost adds up over time
- The effects can be addictive
- There can be serious complications, so be safe.
If after reading this you’re still unsure about dabbling in cosmetic procedures, then fear not. There are plenty of less evasive anti-ageing alternatives out there, which can both prevent the first signs of ageing and treat fine and dehydration lines and improve elasticity. Prevention really is better than cure, and one of the best things you can do to keep ageing at bay is to slather your skin with a high SPF every single day.
Reach for oils rich in vitamins, omegas and anti-oxidants, as found in A-Game which also combines Hyaluronic acid and ceramides for additional plumping and anti-ageing benefits. See this post here for our approach to formulating A-Game. Learn how it’s packed with:
- Vitamin A, which helps to stimulate the skin’s collagen production
- Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant which also plays a key role in supporting collagen synthesis and protecting skin from environmental stressors
- Chia seed oil, the richest plant source of Omega-3, which helps to protect and plump the membranes around the skin cells
- Hyaluronic acid and Ceramides which are excellent for plumping the skin, improving elasticity and smoothing away fine lines and dehydration lines.
A Q&A on IV injections with Dr Anita Kapoor, Face Clinic
Q
Can you overdose on vitamin therapy?
A
“You can’t overdose on the IV vitamins as they are all water soluble, so any excess is removed safely by the kidneys. However, as with anything, it’s best to discuss your specific requirements and concerns with the doctor prior to having the drip.
Q
What are the benefits over oral vitamins?
A
Studies show that many people may be deficient in vitamins and micronutrients, despite having a good diet and even taking oral vitamin supplements. This might also be due to problems absorbing vitamins from the gut, which is more common than you might think.
Q
Which vitamins are injected in IV vitamin therapy?
A
There are many different vitamin formulations for specific concerns, such as performance booster, immune booster, fat burner, ATP-Energiser with additional shots added in for specific concerns e.g Glutathione, B-complex. For example, an immune boosting treatment might include vitamins such as Lysine, Cystiene, Ornithine, Taurine, Sodium Chloride, Vitamins B1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. This cocktail of vitamins help to increase energy levels, improve mental clarity and overall performance of the body.”
Dr Anita Kapoor of Face Clinic London London is a Medical Doctor. She co-founded Face Clinic London in 2009 and continues to work as an NHS GP. Anita has a special interest in dermatology and facial aesthetics.
This article was part of our Halloween series on intimidating beauty topics. If you loved this article, you’ll love our bi-weekly newsletter – sign up here .