Festive Fix vs New Year Nurture

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 06th December 2010

Determined to look divine at the Christmas party? Or planning to turn over a new leaf in the New Year? Top aesthetic practitioner Dr Rita Rakus gives you the lowdown on the best quick fix treatments for now, and the ones to keep you looking lovely in the long term

Festive Fix

1. What: Pellevé

Why: An eye and lip area treatment that produces on the spot results

You might have the knockout dress and shoes, but if you’re worried your face is letting you down this festive season, investigate the Pellevé Wrinkle Reduction System.

Dr Rakus’s clinic in Knightsbridge is the first official centre in the UK to offer this great treatment. It fits into the busy run-up to the festive period because it produces immediately noticeable results with very little downtime – any redness will reduce within a few hours – and it’s quick; a Pellevé eye treatment can be done in as little as 15 minutes.

Dr Rakus: “We call Pellevé our Perfect Party Pick-up because even if you’ve got a big event that very night you can have the treatment the same day for instant results with no downtime.”

2. What: Lip enhancement

Why: Natural-looking, fuller lips

Dr Rakus is rightly known as the ‘London Lip Queen’, so if you want the perfect pout to pucker up under the mistletoe, then investigate a temporary lip enhancement with a hyaluronic acid dermal filler such as Juvéderm Ultra.

The product should last up to twelve months so you’ll be able to enjoy a year of great-looking lips.

Dr Rakus: “I recommend that if you have never had your lips filled before, you should always have your treatment at least a week in advance of a big event in case you need to get any topups, or have a reaction, which is very rare.”

3. What: Cell Shock Facial

Why: A pioneering facial treatment that is truly non-invasive but produces great results

If you’re unsure about embarking on an invasive treatment so close to the festive period, then consider the latest antiageing facial treatment to hit the market.

Malvina Fraser, head beauty therapist and facialist at Dr Rakus’ clinic, is the first to offer the exclusive new Cell Shock Facial, which combines medical micro-needling and live cell serum.

Malvina Fraser: “This is a huge advance in the noninvasive cosmetic treatment of ageing and helps to regenerate the skin, boost elasticity and also reduce wrinkles.”

New Year Nurture

1. What: Thermage

Why: A non-surgical procedure that can tackle the whole face

Gravity usually affects the whole face and not just one particular area, but until now it has been hard to find a treatment that could tackle multiple lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

Unlike injections or fillers, Thermage works across your entire face (and body), including forehead, eyes, nasolabial folds, jaw line, jowls and under the chin. Its unique radiofrequency technology safely heats the skin’s dermis to stimulate collagen, smooth and tighten skin and decrease wrinkles.

Dr Rakus: “Immediate benefits are visible, but what’s fantastic about Thermage is that new collagen production continues for up to six months posttreatment and results may last for years.”

2. What: Fraxel re:store

Why: A breakthrough skin resurfacing treatment that can tackle a range of skin problems

As the ageing process takes effect, it is rare to just be suffering from one particular problem; skin concerns are usually a combination of wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven tone, sun damage, open pores and texture.

With the Fraxel re:store it is possible to turn back the clock on your skin as it produces both deep and superficial resurfacing.

Dr Rakus: “Although there are few risks and minimal downtime, it is ideal for the New Year when patients can take care of their skin to get the best results. It is important to limit sun exposure during the healing phase and for several months after.”

3. What: LipoSonix

Why: An effective, noninvasive procedure that tackles the waistline dilemma

No matter how much you diet and exercise, most of us suffer from areas of fat on the abdomen that will just not go.

Utilising high intensity focused ultrasound to target fat cells, LipoSonix can produce an average reduction of 2cm after a single, one-hour treatment.

Dr Rakus: “Once the fat has been targeted, it is eliminated naturally by the body so most people see maximum results eight to 12 weeks after treatment. This is ideal for that post-Xmas period after the excess of the festive season.”

To enhance your lip treatment, Dr Rakus has launched a range of lip products:Plump and Prime, to smooth fine lines and helps colour stay in place/’Candy’ Lipstain, a pretty pink lipstain that contains SPF/’Dr Rita’ Lipstick, the must-have red lipstick