Nervous of Needles?

Created on 10th September 2009

Dr Tracy Mountford of The Cosmetic Skin Clinic explains what can be done to soothe needle-phobic patients as well as rounding up needle-free treatments that are ideal for first-time procedures

Being nervous of needles is a common fear which we are very used to dealing with at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic. Even if you don't mind needles, having treatments involving them can sometimes be incredibly daunting. 

For those treatments which do involve injecting, we have a successful tried and tested method to relax patients. This team approach involves relaxing the patient from the minute they enter the clinic. A warm welcome and offer of refreshment while completing any paperwork is the first step in building a confident relationship between patient and practitioner.

If you are having procedures such as a dermal filler or muscle relaxant we always use a topical anaesthetic cream on the areas to be treated; this gradually numbs the skin over a half-hour period ensuring a comfortable treatment experience.

At your first consultation your aesthetic practitioner will take a full medical history and assess your skin and facial features.
Many patients present with one particular issue but it may be that another area on the face is causing an imbalance. During the first meeting we will explain all the treatment options available and whether the likely results will match your expectations. We also give you a treatment plan that you can understand.

It is important that you never feel under pressure to have any treatment done; always ask for literature to read and to see before and after pictures of the actual work carried out at the clinic; better still attend a clinic open evening and speak to current patients first hand.

Above all do what makes you feel comfortable. It is at your initial consultation that the majority of patients are completely put at ease as you become more informed about the results and procedures that are available.

Product industry leaders are well aware of patient perceptions of needle-related treatments and have spent many years researching into formulating pain-free products to address this issue. Two highly respected companies within the industry have recently launched a product containing a numbing agent, ideal for patients nervous of needles.

The particular dermal fillers contains lidocaine which is a local anaesthetic which helps reduce any discomfort during treatment.
Allergan have launched Juvéderm® Ultra, and this has been closely followed by Q-Med with Restylane® Lidocaine.

Most treatments can be administered in as little as 15 minutes using the smallest of needles. Indeed most patients carry on with their day to day commitments such as business meetings, lunches or shopping without it being obvious that anything has taken place!

Dr Tracy Mountford's needle-free recommendations

Thermage^TM
Skin smoothing, tightening and contouring without surgery - this radiofrequency treatment has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. You can achieve fantastic results on the face as well as the body.

Ideal candidates for Thermage^TM treatments for the abdomen are patients with stable bodyweight, good muscle tone but with that telltale post-pregnancy crepey tummy. Facial Thermage^TM is no alternative to a facelift, but with just one treatment, results can leave the skin looking smoother and more lifted with the added benefit of underlying anti-ageing properties.

Medical microdermabrasion
This is a simple treatment from Derma Genesis that leaves skin looking younger, softer and more radiant. This is achieved by exfoliating the skin and stimulating new collagen growth. As well as for patients wanting a general skin improvement, ideal candidates are also individuals with acne-prone, blotchy skin with fine lines and large pores. Most patients actually feel and see a difference after just one or two treatments but schedule additional treatments to increase this improvement.

Skin peels
Chemical peeling is exactly what it says - peeling of the skin using a chemical. It removes the outer layers of the skin, which freshens the skin, removing some sunspots and rough scaly patches, and reduces freckles, irregular pigmentation and fine wrinkles. Peels can be performed regularly but you need to speak to your practitioner to get a personalised treatment plan.

IPL (Photorejuvenation)

This is a pulsed light treatment from Lumenis which addresses the tone/colour of the skin, as well as stimulating the skin's natural collagen. This treatment clears up redness in the skin and darker areas of the skin such as sunspots and sun damage. This skin rejuvenation treatment really does deliver all-round improvements to the skin. Expect between 3-6 treatments for most cases.
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