1)Excessive Sweating

Injections into sweat glands block chemical signals and neurotransmitters from stimulating nerves, keeping them dry. Treatments have been proven to be very effective and results can last up to 8 months.

2)Writer’s Cramp and/or Musicians Cramp

Injections into specific muscles in the hand relaxes the muscles and stops them from cramping.

 3)Acne

Botox injections help with the over production of oil in the skin. An amount of botox so small is required that having this procedure for acne would still allow full facial movement.

4)Weight Loss

Gastric Botox is an outpatient, endoscopic procedure that uses an injection into the stomach muscles that cause patients to feel full quickly.

5)Overactive Bladder

Studies have shown that injecting a wrinkle relaxing injection into the wall of the bladder will stop the overwhelming urge to go to the toilet.

6)Drooling

Botox injections helps control excess salivation and is particularly effective for people with Parkinson’s disease and ALS.

 7)Migraines

Further studies have shown that injections into the face can block signals of pain that the brain send out by relaxing muscles in the head and making them less sensitive to migraines.

8)Neck Pain

Injections into specific muscles can block the signals that cause stiffening and muscle tightening, easing pain.

9)Cosmetic Uses

Botox is used for cosmetic purposes in predominantly the following areas: 

• Crows Feet
• Horizontal Forehead Lines
• Wrinkles around the nose
• Flaring nostrils
• Lip lines
• Jowl grooves
• Chin dimpling
• Eyebrow elevation

Vanquish

WHAT IS IT?

BTL Vanquish (ME) is a non-invasive fat-removal treatment which uses a form of energy called radiofrequency. This treatment is ideal in targeting areas such as the:

• abdomen
• love handles
• saddlebags
• inner/outer thighs.

BTL Vanquish treatment has the largest treatment spot size in the industry and calculates the settings required automatically, based on the patient’s fat.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The BTL device’s multipolar radiofrequency travels through hydrated tissue easily; however, the energy cannot travel through a poorly conducted layer (such as fat cells) which causes the tissue to heat up. As only the fat cells are targeted, there is no damage to surrounding tissue, blood vessels or nerve endings, therefore there is no downtime, no swelling, no pain or bruising. Simplified operator protocols ensure that results are consistent and deliverable. This is a walk in, walk out treatment that is pleasant to have.

We usually recommend a course of 4 treatments; however, everyone is different and some people may need an extra one or two treatments to get optimal results. During your consultation, your doctor will assess your and body concerns and discuss realistic results. From this you will have a recommended course length.

Results start to show 7-10 days after the first treatment, however generally people start to notice after their second treatment. Even after your final treatment, you may find your body is still changing up to a month after that last treatment.

Following a course of Vanquish you will find that your results are permanent as once we kill the fat cells, they cannot return. However, whether you see an increase in the remaining fat cells in your body is dependent on your lifestyle and other factors such as diet, how much you drink and whether you exercise or not. You may have removed the fat cells from your problem area, however you still have millions of fat cells remaining which are still susceptible to expansion.

SUITABLE FOR?

Anyone aged 18 upwards can have this treatment. It is suitable for anyone who wants permanent fat destruction without surgery. This treatment is also very appealing as it is fit for all skin types and colours; even tanned skin (fake or natural) can safely have this treatment. The ideal patient has mild to moderate adipose tissue to treat and is around 20 pounds of their ideal weight. There are some people who aren’t suitable for Vanquish due to certain health reasons. Your doctor will be able to discuss this with you in more detail.

RISK?

Vanquish involves little to no risk and is very safe. The treatment should not hurt at all with no anaesthetic being required. It is FDA cleared for deep tissue heating, circumference reduction & adipose tissue and has many clinical studies carried out by scientists and doctors to prove its safety and efficacy. There are also many clinics across the Globe who successfully use Vanquish on their patients and get fantastic results. Your doctor will have a certificate for practice, showing they have completed full training and are able to treat patients safely.

Exilis Elite

WHAT IS IT?

Exilis elite is a new technology that uses radio frequency energy to tighten skin while reducing fat and signs of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a non-surgical procedure that stimulates the breakdown of fat cells and collagen remodeling (for skin tightening).

Exilis Elite is commonly used on the following areas:

• Stomach (including muffin tops and love handles).
• Outer and inner thighs.
• Buttoks
• Jaw line and jowls.
• Neck
• Around the eyes.
• Inner and outer arms (including bingo wings).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Exilis Elite uses a combination of radio frequency energy, ultrasound and skin cooling in order to deliver controlled heating to target deep tissue.

The applicator uses focused thermal (heat energy) to disrupt the collagen fibres deep within the skin. The aim is to raise the temperature at the skin surface to 40-42 degrees for five minutes in each area to achieve collagen tightening. This is because collagen has a tripe helix structure which begins to unravel when heated. Over time, the healing process encourages the production of new collagen fibres, smoothing the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The new collagen helps to tighten loose of slightly sagging skin, giving an overall more youthful appearance, and the collagen network is strengthened and stimulated improving skin texture.

SUITABLE FOR?

As long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any serious health concerns (e.g., liver, kidney or heart disease, cancer etc.), skin diseases or active infections in the area proposed for treatment, there are few medical reasons why you should not undergo this treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, you may need to take medication before treatment can be done.

If you have a pacemaker or any other implanted metal (e.g., hip joints) or electronic device (e.g., internal defibrillator) then you will not be suitable for the Exilis treatment due to the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the body which could heat up these items. If you are planning a treatment to the facial area then metal dental braces may be a contra-indication for treatment due to the path of the radiofrequency from the treatment site to the grounding pad.

This treatment is not advised for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

If you have had ablative laser skin resurfacing or a deep chemical peel in the area to be treated in the last 3 months then you will be advised to wait before commencing an Exilis Elite treatment. If you have been treated with Accutane in the last 12 months you will also be advised on a delay before you start your Exilis programme.

RISK?

Risks and side effects are generally minimal.

The applicator has a built in thermometer so there is no risk of overheating. The function called ‘layered advanced cooling’ allows the practitioner to precisely control the heat and level at which the energy is delivered determining whether the superficial skin layer or deeper tissue is targeted. As the settings on the device must be attuned to the area of the skin that is being treated. you it is vital that you get the procedure done with a qualified medical practitioner to avoid any mistakes. For example, if you are treating areas around the eyes and your doctor uses Exilis settings meant for the abdomen, this could potentially cause skin damage because too much energy will be delivered to the treatment site.

You may notice some pinkness or redness to the skin immediately following the treatment but this typically subsides within 15-30 minutes. Skin may be slightly tender to the touch for a little time afterwards, but this is not always the case. If you are experiencing any sensitivity it can be treated with over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain-killer medication.

Very rare risks reported include numbness, swelling (oedema), blistering, scarring, allergic reactions and nausea.

Comparison

	Exilis Elite	Vanquish
Cost	Depends on the area being treated however treatments can start from approximately £300 per session.	Depends on the area being treated however treatments can start from approximately £250 per session.
Results	Visable results can generally be seen after one treatment, with more prominent results seen 2-3 months following treatment. The longevity of the results will depend on your genetic predisposition to ageing and your lifestyle; you may need top-up treatments to maintain the results.	Many patients have reported seeing improvements in as little as 3 weeks. However, this of course varies from patient to patient Providing that you do not put on any weight, the fat reduction achieved through Vanquish can be long term.
Pain	The Layered advanced cooling function means that the treatment is comfortable at the surface of the skin. During the treatment your skin may feel slightly warm however there will be no pain or bruising.	As the heat is only targeting the fat cells, it does not damage any surrounding tissue. This makes it a pain-free experience for most patients. Many people liken the sensation to being under an electric blanket. However, some people have noted a little bit of tenderness the next day.
Downtime	There is no downtime with this procedure. There may be temporary pinkness or redness in the skin for about 20-30 minutes that quickly subsides. Since there is no downtime or special care required once you leave the office, you can carry on with the rest of your day’s activities immediately following treatment. It is recommended that you partake is some sort of light exercise for 30-40 minutes following treatment in order to maximize results if the body is being treated for fat removal.	After a Vanquish treatment you may see some reddening of the skin, which should dissipate rapidly and your treatment area will feel warm. Some people find some heat remains for up to a couple of hours after treatment but it is barely noticeable. This is a walk in, walk out treatment.
Pre-treatment care	It is important that you are very well hydrated before, during and after your Exilis treatment to achieve maximum results.	It is important that you are very well hydrated before, during and after your Vanquish treatment to achieve maximum results.

Both Vanquish ME and Exilis are terrific devices made by BTL. There is some overlap between them; they both use a form of energy called radiofrequency and both require multiple treatments for optimal results. To achieve the best results for burning fat and tightening areas of the skin, we would recommend using Vanquish ME and Exilis Elite as a combined treatment.

Cleanser is the most vital part of your daily skincare routine and should be carried out twice a day. In the morning, cleansing will help to wake you up and in the evening it will remove your makeup and any dirt/bacteria that your face may have picked up throughout the day.  According to a recent survey carried out by Boots, nine out of ten women are confused as to what skincare products they should be using which is not helped by the huge variety of products on the market all claiming to perform miracle results. In order to simplify things, we have suggested our favorite cleansers for each different skin type and budget, all of which are available in store here at IPSA.

What is my skin type?

1. Normal Skin

Normal skin is soft with a smooth even tone. This is because there is good circulation and there will not be any traces of excess oil.

2. Oily Skin

Oily skin will leave blots of facial oil on tissues, especially from cheeks, the nose and forehead. This is due to overacting glands producing more oil than necessary.

3. Dy Skin

Dry skin is often flaky and feels tight after being wiped. This is due to a low level of sebum and the inability to maintain oil easily.

4. Combination skin.

With combination skin, oil is produced around the nose, and forehead ( T Zone) but not on the cheeks, mouth or eyes.

5. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be inflamed or irritated easily, this  can be caused by skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema or allergies.

	Picking your cleanser	Our High End Reccomendation	Our Budget Reccomendation
Normal Skin	Look for lightweight cleansers with hydrating properties.	DECLÉOR Aroma Cleanse 3-in-1 Hydra Radiance Smoothing & Cleansing Mousse (£30, 200ml).	La Roche-Posay Toleriane Foaming Gel Cleanser (£12.50, 150ml).
Dry Skin	Look for a cleanser with special hydrating care, packed full of moisturising ingredients.	NUXE Reve de Miel Gel Nettoyant et Demaquillant Visage Face Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel (£14.50, 200ml).	La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream (£12, 200 ml).
Oily Skin	Look for a cleanser that does not strip moisture from your skin as thorough cleansing is imperative to remove impurities that come along with this skin type.	Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser (£32, 250ml).	La Roche-Posay Effaclar purifying cleanser gel (£12, 200ml).
Combination Skin	Look for a cleanser that will moisturise the dry areas on your face without making them oily.	Nuxe Micellar Foam Cleanser with Rose Petals (£14, 150ml).	Avene Cleansing Foam (£12.50, 150ml).
Sensitive Skin	Look for a cleanser that is mild and gentle containing soothing ingredients as sensitive skin can be easily irritated and must be treated with care.	Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (£32, 250ml).	Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion 200ml (£15, 200 ml).

1)Wash your face 

In the summer months a skincare is required that hydrates your skin, keeps it clean and, free of dust and sweat throughout the day. Many people experience breakouts in the summer months due to an increased amount of sweat and dust on their skin, in order to avoid this splash your face with water (no need to use a face wash ever time) at least 3-4 times a day.

2)Exfoliate

Doctors highly recommend exfoliation as an additional method of keeping your face clean is to exfoliate once or twice a week. This is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can result in excess oil and clogged pores.  Having a regular exfoliation routine will help your skin look fresh and healthy.

3)Use products that allow your skin to breathe naturally

The thick creams that you use in winter should only be used (if at all) on the very dry areas of your body such as your feet during summer. Replace them with lighter lotions and serums such as a water based moisturizer.

4)Follow your routine (and if you don’t have one, make one!)

During in the summer months the constant moving in and out of air conditioning can cause your skin to dry out (not to mention the heat etc). It is imperative that you follow a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising before you go to sleep.

5)Wear Sun Cream

A sun cream with a minimum SPF of 30 is recommended and should be applied half an hour before heading out into the sun. If you are swimming you should re apply several times throughout the day. Sun cream is vital as it minimizes sun related spots and can even help delay the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

6)Protect your eyes and lips

Make sure that your eyes are covered with sunglasses when in direct sunlight and protect your lips with an SPF lip balm to ensure they don’t get burned or chapped.

7)Use Face Mists

During the summer months carrying around a cooling face mist with antioxidants allows you to not only cool down your skin, but also sooth and strengthen your skins outer later.  Try keeping your face mist in the fridge overnight so that it is extra refreshing the next day.

8)Don’t Scratch!

Bug bites can look horrible for weeks and itch after they become inflamed, after being bitten use a cream with Hydrocortisone until itching resolves to prevent any further visible damage to your skin.

9)Battle your breakouts

Reduce the acne bumps caused by heat and humidity with a mask at home once a week.

10)Look after your hands

We should not forget that the skin on our hands Is just as prone to wrinkle and hyperpigmentation as our face. Its vital to use a hand cream with SPF to avoid sun damage.

What is micro-needling?

Micro-needling, also known as collagen induction therapy involves the creation of invisible micro-point punctures in your skin, the majority of which are just temporarily driving your pores open. Whilst this does not sound appealing, the procedure is virtually painless and unbelievably effective as your body perceives the micro injuries as damage to your skin, which in turn stimulates the cycle of the creation and release of the growth factors that initiate the production of both elastin and collagen.

What is a Dermapen?

A Dermapen treatment is an advanced non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to reduce wrinkles, , large pores, heal acne, surgical and burn scars as well as rejuvenate and tighten the skin.

A dermapen is a medically engineered and developed skin needling device that utilise 12 surgical grade micro-needles that deliver effortless and effective skin needling. Dermapen’s unique operation means that dramatic, long lasting results are attainable whilst facilitating the fastest procedural downtime for patients.

Dermapen has won numerous awards including the Best Skin rejuvenation device at the 2012 Las Vegas Aesthetic show and has become the most used device for vertical needling procedures by surgeons, dermatologists, doctors, nurses and skin therapists.

Uses of Micro needling with Dermapen

1)Fine line and deep wrinkle reduction.

The ability of micro-needling to stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin which have long been established as the key elements of new, youthful looking skin has led to this procedure being internationally acclaimed as the most powerful treatment for stopping aging in its tracks and preventing new fine lines and wrinkles from forming.

With just a few sessions, due to its ability to trigger the generation of new skin cells, micro-needling will noticeably reduce fine lines, crow’s feet and, deep wrinkles on the forehead.

2)The repair of visible Acne and Trauma scars

During the micro-needling procedure, your skin is tricked into repairing itself beyond the formation of scar tissue, whereas in normal circumstances, your skin would usually assume that scars, stretch marks and wrinkles are already fully repaired. The results are a visible reduction in the redness of the marks and the diminishing of their appearance.

3)Reversal of sun damage of pigmentation. 

Studies have shown that repeated unprotected ultraviolet exposure, even for short periods at a time, breaks down collagen. In addition, as we age, collagen production in the skin decreases and the combined effect of sun and age has a detrimental effect on our skin. Through the stimulation of collagen growth with micro-needling you can not only reverse sun damage, but discoloration including the hyper pigmentation that comes with melasma too as micro-needling with Dermapen allows for the re-balancing and regulation of melanin production creating a more even and uniform skin tone.

4)The shrinkage of pores.

Microneedling does not actually enlarge your pores, despite this being quite counter-intuitive. The increased production of collagen i and around your pores as a result of the treatment causes them to plum and appear shrunken, if not closed.

5) Increased Product absorption.

Not many people know that only four to eight percent of the serums (or any other skincare that you use) actually penetrates your skin. Many studies have confirmed that this treatment improves the ability of topical medications to penetrate your skin more efficiently which allows you to fully reap the full benefits of any product you chose to use. This is because the invisible holes that are created in your skin during the procedure are ready to absorb products in a way which clogged pores cant.

Benefits of micro-needling with  a Dermapen

1. Allergic reactions and side effects are unlikely to ensue, as the skin-needling process does not require the use of injections.
2. The procedure is minimally invasive.
3. The procedure requires a minimum amount of down time. Most patients can resume normal activity immediately after their treatment. Your skin post-procedure may be red and flushed, similar to the aesthetic appearance of a moderate sunburn. Skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch may also be experienced on the areas that were targeted for the procedure. However, these symptoms are temporary and will diminish greatly after a few hours post-treatment, and within the next 24 hours, your skin will be restored to its initial state and completely healed. After 3 days, there will be little or no evidence that you have even undergone treatment.
4. All skin types and colours can receive micro-needling safely. As the melanin producing cells remain intact with this procedure, as does your epidermis, during skin-needling, there is zero risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Why chose micro skin-needling with a Dermapen over other treatments?

1) The Dermapen has very low risks associated with treatment compared to the dermal roller.

Prior to the invention of the Dermapen the most commonly used device for collagen induction therapy was the dermal roller. The Dermapen uses the same principle but rather than a rolling action, it moves needles in and out of the skin at a rate of roughly 1000 times per second. This means the issue of the rolling injury to the skin caused by use of a dermaroller that can occur is avoided.

2) The Dermapen is less painful than dermal rollers.

Dermapen carried out a study of 60 patients who suffered with acne scarring who had previously used dermal roller treatment. After Dermapen treatment, the patients unanimously felt that the procedure was much less painful than the dermal roller.

3)The Dermapen requires less downtime than dermal rollers.

The patients from the aforementioned study also unanimously agreed that post treatment downtime was much shorter. This means that you can get to your busy life shortly!

4)Dermapen produces better results than dermal rollers.

Participants in the study treated by the Dermapen felt that their atrophic acne scarring had improved to a greater extent than when treated by a dermal roller.

5) Dermapen can be used on anyone regardless of skin colour or type.

Certain invasive operations (such as laser resurfacing) are not recommended for those with Asian or African American skin due to the potential risks of pigmentary changes, delayed wound healing, and scarring. Therefore, skin-needling has the greatest advantage over other skin treatments; these potential dangers are highly unlikely due to the epidermis remaining intact both during and post-procedure.

Treatment origins of the Dermapen

• The use of needles for therapeutic benefit can be traced back as far as the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100BCE) with the traditional Chinese Medical practice of acupuncture. The insertion of acupuncture needles to specific body points rebalances the flow of energy in that area. In the same way cosmetic acupuncture stimulates the flow of blood and muscle activity rebalancing the area that is being treated.
• In 1995, 2 American doctors pioneered Subsicion where a hypodermic needle was inserted into depressed scar tissue or areas of deep wrinkle activity, pooling the targeted area with blood and triggering a wound healing response.
•  In 1997, the 2 Canadian doctors who pioneered Needle Dermabrasion noted that facial scar tissue that had been cosmetically tattooed to match surrounding skin tone started to promote natural re-pigmenting, retexturising and, reduction in the initial scar tissue one to two years after treatment.   This proved that even with a colourless tattoo gun the production of melanin cells and re pigmentation can be achieved.
• Due to the 1997 discovery, German doctors created the first model of what is now known as a dermal roller which contained anywhere up to 600 needles. However, the mechanical action of rollers resulted in an ‘arcing cut’ penetration, which results in unnecessary pain and tissue destruction.
• In 2010 the first Dermapen was created by an Australian Medical Developer and since then has become the main tool used for micro skin-needling surpassing the old outdated tools used prior to its invention.