Natural Looks

By: Hayley Dagger
Created on 16th February 2010

The experts at Ramsay Health Care UK explain how it is possible to get a natural look without surgery

The 'Noughties' saw the dramatic rise of non-surgical facial treatments, not only in the UK, but globally. With the introduction of a wide range of successful dermal fillers and the cosmetic licensing of popular wrinkle relaxing injections, it has been the decade that has realised the scalpel is not the only route to regain a youthful, fresh look.

Despite the current recession non-surgical treatments have continued to rise in popularity and accessibility, taking a step away from the stereotypical 'celebrity-only treatment' to be considered an everyday element of a woman's beauty routine.

A report by the market research company Mintel in 2007 estimated that 577,000 cosmetic operations and treatments are carried out in Britain annually - the equivalent of more than 1,500 a day. Dermal fillers and other non-surgical treatments have continued to have the biggest increases, accounting for 472,000 of the total. This compares with the 300,000 procedures reported in 2005, of which 230,000 were nonsurgical.

An innovative approach

Improving technologies and innovations have been integral to the continued rise in popularity of non-surgical options, with advances ensuring higher levels of patient satisfaction and a much reduced need for surgery. The temporary nature of non-surgical options, in addition to the lack of downtime post-treatment, has played an influential role in increasing their appeal versus surgical options.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers have been one of the significant 'Noughties' advances. Most dermal fillers used in the UK today are temporary products, with hyaluronic acid fillers being the most widely used. A little known fact is that hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance in the human body, and with age the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases.

Juvéderm from Allergan is a popular range of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that improve the skin's resilience, elasticity and smoothness, replenishing the face to its natural fullness and vitality. A key benefit of theJuvéderm range is the addition of lidocaine, an inbuilt anaesthetic that provides a gentle injection
experience for the patient.

Where to go

It is important to see a practitioner or clinic that offers a wide range of non-surgical treatments so a treatment plan can be tailor-made to you. At
Ramsay Health Care we also offer the ever popular wrinkle relaxing injections which differ from dermal fillers in that they work in a precise way to relaxthe specific muscles that cause frown lines, creating a temporary smooth and improved appearance between the brows. Optimum results can be achieved when combining dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxing injections for a total facial rejuvenation experience.

We also offer chemical peels, which use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Chemical peel treatments are most beneficial for individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.

Choosing a practitioner

With the market for non-surgical treatments broadening every year, it is vital that patients only seek treatment from a well-trained health care provider who has extensive knowledge of the product and who has the qualifications necessary to evaluate and determine the best treatment for each individual patient.

If you are seeking non-surgical treatment, then it is important that you do your research and be equipped with the knowledge and necessary questions to ask in your initial consultation.

As we welcome an exciting new decade in non-surgical innovation, both men and women can expect to see further advances that will ultimately ensure more choice in obtaining the naturally refreshed appearance they desire.

Frequently asked questions about dermal fillers

How long does treatment with dermal fillers take?

The treatment itself takes 10-15 minutes, however this does not include consultation time.

Is dermal filler treatment painful?

Treatment with Juvéderm ULTRA is a gentle experience due to the addition of the anaesthetic lidocaine.

What are the risks involved in treatment with dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injected using a fine needle, and there is a risk of slight bruising, redness, bleeding or discolouration at the area that has been
treated. These side effects are temporary.

How long do the results last?

The results of dermal fillers can last up to 12 months.