Moulded to Perfection

Created on 03rd August 2008

Lisa Jennings looks at the Rubicon Moulding Mask, a tried and tested alternative to facelifts that is still producing great results ten years after it first hit the UK

Facelifts are one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, topped only by breast augmentation and eyelid surgery. This comes as no great surprise: you wear your experiences on your face: stress, pollution and the general rigours of everyday life all take their toll. But if you're intimidated by the idea of going under the knife, there's an alternative treatment that will still take years off you without the need for general anaesthetic or risk of unsightly scars.

The Rubicon Moulding Mask has been available from Rubicon Medical for ten years. Founders Karen Haddon and Janet Elkins were so impressed by the procedure that it inspired them to found their company. Haddon says, "the Rubicon Moulding Mask has been known to take up to thirty years off a patient, and is the most effective age defying treatment we've encountered in our many years in the business." In addition to providing a youthful glow, the mask is also good for removing acne scars, skin stains and discolorations.

The concept is simple. A surgeon applies the formula to a patient's face, gradually building up a carefully contoured mask with layers of silk strips. Once the mask is applied, the patient then rests for 32-38 hours while it works its magic. During this time, the patient should avoid speaking as much as possible so that the facial muscles remain inert. This helps to ensure the smoothest possible result.

Removing the mask

After the mask is removed, the patient's face is cleansed and treated with an antiseptic powder and cream. This task is repeated over the next few days, during which time the patient can either go home or stay at the clinic depending on their preference. Either way, the patient should continue to limit their talking, and eat only liquidised food to ensure that the facial muscles move as little as possible. Some patients report an added bonus of losing a few pounds as a result of this enforced diet, so you really could see a whole new you emerging after your treatment.

After seven days of cleansing and treating with antiseptic, the patient moves on to having liquid paraffin applied six times per day until the mask naturally comes off. This generally happens by day ten, revealing your new, younger-looking self. If the mask doesn't come off naturally, a cream and cotton wool mask is applied for 8-12 hours to ease removal.

After the treatment, the patient's face and skin will look rejuvenated. Bruising and swelling are minimal, and redness subsides rapidly after proper application of the aftercare products which include sun block.

The patient's perspective

Gemma Cross recently tried the Rubicon Moulding Mask, and is an advocate. "I'm delighted. Having had other cosmetic surgery this is by far the most beneficial with wonderful skin tone and tightening."

Another ex-patient and devotee is Sally Carr. She says, "I looked around at all the options available but found the Moulding Mask was the only one that would give me the natural look I was after on a long-term basis. Ten years on I'm still over the moon with the results."

The Rubicon Moulding mask has a number of benefits: there's no incision or cutting of the skin, meaning that you don't need general anaesthetic. There's minimal pain, just a little discomfort. Another major advantage of the procedure is that it avoids the ‘rubber ball tautening effect' that some facelifts can give: rather than looking like you've been lifted, you simply appear up to twenty years younger. And having all your life experience but looking like you did twenty years ago must surely be a winning combination?
CSMUK