I’m confused. Which treatment should I have?
April 2024 by Dr Rachel Tallent
There are so many treatments available, especially collagen stimulating ones. How do you know which one is best for you? Well the first thing to do is to book a consultation, everyone’s face is different and there is no one size fits all. But beyond that, if you want to have an idea in advance, here are some of the pros and cons of treatments:
Dermal fillers are the original treatment for filling lines and volume replacement. They are great for lip and cheek enhancements, as well as filling deeper lines directly. You can be more precise with these. Down time includes some swelling the day of treatment, and potential bruising can last up to 2 weeks. Lasts 3-18 months depending on where it is used.
Profhilo came along next, which is great for fine lines and crepey skin, especially on the neck. It works by hydrating, they call it the injectable moisturiser. The benefits are you only have 10 injection points, therefore less risk of bruising, but you get little bumps under the skin which can last 24 hours. 2 treatments a month apart, lasts 6 months.
Radiesse is a collagen stimulating dermal filler. The gel filler component dissolves after 3 months, but the collagen stimulating effects kick in at 6-8 weeks, and then lasts for 9+ months. This is great for someone who has lost a lot of volume, and in a dilute form as a wash for fine lines and crepey skin. You can be quite swollen for the first 24-48 hours but bruising is minimal because a cannula is used.
Polynucleotides are the new kids on the block. These are a form of regenerative medicine, that work with your own cells to stimulate collagen production. They are great for fine lines and crepey skin, and are especially useful for thin skin under the eyes and the neck. They involve lots of tiny injections, so the risk of bruising is higher, and can be more painful because so many injections are involved. The results are worth it for the down-time. Initial 2-3 treatments 3-4 weeks apart, then 1 repeated 6 monthly.
Skin boosters are the final option. These are a form of dermal fillers that are very thin and hydrating. The one we use at Tallent Medical is Belotero Revive and this contains additional glycerol, which works hand in hand with the hyaluronic acid to boost the hydrating effect. You get a glow after a week. It can be used around the eyes. This is probably better for slightly younger skin, that would like a glow and to target fine lines. Involves little injections, so risk of bruising is higher, and forms little bumps for up to 24 hours. 1 or 2 treatments a month apart, then repeat 6 monthly.
As you can see, there are lots of options, and sometimes more than one will suit you, but it may come down to how much down-time you can afford. Contact us to make an appointment, or for more information.
