The lowdown on non-surgical beauty treatments

Microneedling

Micro Dermal Needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that has gained significant traction in recent years for its ability to treat a variety of skin conditions; including post-acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and even hair loss.

Microneedling is performed using a medical-grade automated pen or fine disposable sterile needles to create tiny, temporary vertical incisions into the epidermal layers of the skin at high speed, explains Deborah Minnaar, Senior Aesthetician at TITE Medispa by Camelot. “It’s important to note that aestheticians are only permitted to work at epidermal depth, whereas doctors can work deeper to a dermal layer," Minnaar says. By creating these incisions, a cascade of healing processes is triggered ultimately stimulating the fibroblast cells which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin- both essential for optimal skin health and a youthful appearance.

If the prospect of multiple needle wounds sounds slightly ominous to you, know that the punctures are more like pin-pricks that enter only surface-level deep and are relatively painless. “A little discomfort may be experienced when working on the boney areas such as the forehead or the eye area and a topical anaesthetic may be applied to the area being treated prior to the procedure to help minimise skin sensitivity,” says Minnaar.

Post-treatment

It’s normal to experience some mild to moderate redness around the area which has been worked on, much like a mild sunburn, says Minnaar. “Slight swelling and sensitivity can be felt and this generally subsides within 12 to 48 hours post-treatment. It is, however, important to note that each person may react differently to the treatment, and more accurate guidelines can be offered after a personalised consultation is completed with the client on their current skin condition and skin history.”

Allow your skin to recover on the day, don't wash the skin or expose it to high heat and sweat too much. Instead, Minnaar suggests you load up on skin-loving products like hydrating serums and don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you head out.

What results can be expected?

Immediately after the treatment, noticeable changes can be seen, such as increased luminosity as well as a plumper and more radiant skin tone, says Minnaar. “However, in the long run - and with regular treatments - you could see even more of a difference in your skin including refinement in texture as well as a reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.”

Fad or valuable?

Dermatologists and skincare gurus, like Rashmi Patel from Rashmi’s Beauty & Spa, have been singing the praises of this treatment. However, it’s important to note that as with all beauty treatments, pairing your Microneedling with a solid skincare routine as well as topical treatments infused with hydrating, soothing and protecting ingredients as well as antioxidants is a must.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are injectable substances designed to erase wrinkles, augment lips, enhance volume and restore the youthful contour of the face by plumping up the area. The most common, safe and effective filler is one made with Hyaluronic Acid. “Naturally occurring in the skin, a HA infused filler is the go-to filler option many doctors worldwide choose,” says Bernice Wolmarans, Senior Skincare Specialist at Dr Nerina Wilkonson + Associates, a private medical aesthetics clinic. “Apart from adding volume, an HA filler is also able to deliver nutrients to the skin to retain moisture, resulting in softer, plumper skin,” she says.

Post-treatment

Considering HA is found naturally in the body, the risk of adverse side effects are unlikely. That said, as with all facial injections, there’s always the chance of redness, swelling, or slight bruising.

Results

“The full results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect. The results will last for an average of 12 - 18 months, depending on the condition of your skin, the area treated, amount of product injected, injection technique and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking,” says Wolmarans. 

Fad or valuable?

When it comes to dermal filler it’s important to note that no treatment can halt the ageing process completely, Wolmarans says. After about six months, your body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid fillers. So, you would need top-up treatments once or twice a year to maintain the look. However, this is good news if you just want to try fillers once or twice, since the effects will fade away without any long-term risks.

Vampire Facial

The name Vampire Facial sounds spooky – but it’s actually a very exciting anti-ageing treatment that’s gaining popularity.

Dr Leila Sadien, Doctor, Intuitive Healer, Shaman and MD at Renascent Health (an integrative and aesthetic medical centre as well as beauty clinic and healing centre) says this is one of her all-time favourite treatments. “Instead of using unnatural substances to fill, remove or reduce wrinkles, the Vampire Facial harnesses the very powerful, natural healing ability of your body to reduce the signs of ageing. Giving you a fresher, firmer and more youthful appearance in a more natural way,” she says.

How does it work?

Dr Sadien further explains that during the treatment, your aesthetic doctor draws some of your blood then places it into a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. This platelet-rich plasma, which is dubbed the golden serum because it’s filled with all-important growth factors, is then inserted into the deeper layers of the skin on your face using a microneedling device. “Once inside your body, the platelets get to work, stimulating and teaching your skin to regenerate and heal accordingly. This gives you brighter, healthier and more youthful-looking skin,” she says.

Post-treatment and results

Because the Vampire Facial uses only your own platelets, there’s no risk of allergies or adverse reactions. Patients could experience some mild redness and swelling due to the tiny micro-needles, but this resolves without intervention within 24-48 hours. 

Fad or valuable?

Renee De Wit, Hair and Makeup artist and beauty content creator praises the healing and regenerating powers of this treatment. “By far one of the best non-invasive procedures, the Vampire Facial brightens my complexion, improves my skin’s texture and leaves my complexion looking more luminous,” she says. She also notes that multiple treatments may be needed for optimal results and that treatments should be performed no more than once a month.

Botox™

Still one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the industry, Botox™ is an injectable, purified protein (Botulinum Toxin Type A) that is able to inhibit muscular contractions thereby creating smoother, tightened skin.

How does it work?

Before you start your treatment, your aesthetician or doctor may use ice or a topical numbing cream to numb the treatment area before injecting the muscles in your face. “Botox™ is mainly injected into the facial muscles that are responsible for forehead lines, frown lines and crows feet preventing them from contracting, minimising visible lines and preventing new ones from forming”, says Minnaar. 

Post-treatment and results

The treatment requires minimal downtime, so you can return to your daily routine immediately. You may begin to notice a visible smoothing of lines within 24 to 48 hours with results “that generally lasts 3 to 6 months, but may differ based on each individual and the number of units that were administered," says Minnaar.

Fad or valuable?

Ziyaad who receives regular Botox™ treatments loves how Botox™ preserves his skin and stops line development. “Consistency is key so I visit my aesthetician every 6 months to get a top-up." 

Minnaar agrees, “regular treatments administered by a qualified doctor are a must if you wanting to maintain firmer skin.”

Take note

No matter how many procedures you try, these treatments won’t give you the results you’re seeking if you don’t properly care for your skin. Building the best skincare routine for your skin type, applying sunscreen 365 days a year and incorporating effective anti-ageing treatments and serums such as Retinol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide will all help increase new cell turnover, plump up your skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and also protect your skin from sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Try these:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream 
REN Radiance Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules 
Clinique Smart Night MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com