7 minute read
Like Mother Like Daughter
The journey of a mother and daughter who both tried radiofrequency microneedling treatment for the first time to improve their skin quality
No matter your age, you probably want to look the best version of yourself. That’s what 57-year-old Jackie Brown and her 32-year-old daughter Sinead Burrell desired. The mother and daughter duo both had their own insecurities when it came to their appearance. For Jackie, it was the impact of years of insomnia – a lack of sleep can have serious consequences on our ageing and appearance with affects such as paler skin, more wrinkling, dark circles and more skin sag, according to research. “I wanted a physical and emotional boost and for illnesses not to be so evident on my face. Ultimately I was hoping to look brighter, not as fatigued and tried looking,” she explains. As an acne sufferer, Sinead was conscious of the repercussions of years of damage and scarring to her skin, noting, “I wanted a more even complexion without having to wear makeup and for my skin to look tighter and more radiant.” They started researching possible treatments and came across Judy Murray’s recent transformation with Morpheus8 – a radiofrequency microneedling procedure which promises to tighten, lift and smooth the skin. The treatment is seriously trending right now, and with results like Judy’s, there is no wonder why it’s popular! Impressed with her new look, Jackie and Sinead found Aspire Clinic in Reading which was promoting this treatment online and met with aesthetic nurse prescriber and clinic founder and director Jenny O’Neill to see if the treatment would be right for them – it was a journey they wished to embark on together so they had each other for support.
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What is radiofrequency microneedling?
This is a clever treatment that combines two effective technologies into one powerful tool to kick start your skin into rejuvenating, tightening and lifting itself. It works by inserting tiny needles that bring heat into the skin to create controlled trauma, triggering the body’s healing and skin firming response, boosting collagen and elastin and tightening the skin at a deep level, so results are long lasting. “The brand I use, Morpheus8, is a revolutionary treatment that’s suitable for all skin types and ages. It’s ideal for those suffering from skin laxity, especially in the lower face,, and for those who would like a more youthful, brighter, tighter appearance, like Jackie and Sinead,” says nurse Jenny. Skin texture, tone, quality and pores will also improve, and the skin will become more supple, smooth and soft. It was the most appropriate treatment for both Jackie and Sinead, nurse Jenny says, adding, “I knew its versatility would get them both to their end goals and immediately addressing the areas that they both wanted to tackle. For Jackie it was about combatting the skin laxity that comes as part of the ageing process, whereas for Sinead it was about getting that longed-for feminine definition and skin quality.”
Experiencing radiofrequency microneedling
A thorough consultation is always the first step to a treatment like radiofrequency microneedling, because it isn’t for everyone. Nurse Jenny asked about their reasons for coming in to see her, about their medical and treatment history, and explained their different options. “We felt really at ease,” Jackie reflects, “The process of the Morpheus8 treatment was thoroughly and clearly explained to us and how it would help both of our different concerns.” After having two weeks to reflect on the consultation and treatment, Jackie and Sinead came back to the clinic for their treatment. First, the skin on the face and neck was cleaned and numbing cream was added because the treatment can cause some slight discomfort. During the treatment, nurse Jenny gently placed the Morpheus8 device onto the skin across the face and the neck, which released the needles and radiofrequency heating energy. Jackie says, “It did hurt a bit, but for an extremely short time – nurse Jenny was amazing at keeping me distracted and kept me updated throughout the procedure which made it more bearable.” After the Morpheus8, Jackie and Sinead experienced a Dermalux LED light therapy treatment using the Tri-Wave programme, which combines three lights to trigger your body’s natural cell processes to speed up skin repair and rejuvenate. Jackie and Sinead were in the clinic for a total of two hours for the treatment. For optimum results, Jackie and Sinead had the recommended course of three Morpheus8 treatments each, so came back into the clinic two more times for a similar experience. “On the second session, which was about four weeks later, I had a lower threshold to pain,
57-year-old Jackie
Before After Before After
57-year-old Jackie Brown before and after Morpheus8 treatment on the face and neck. Results show a lifting effect and skin quality improvement
32-year-old Sinead
but Jenny picked up on this and she took time to talk to me about it, adapting the treatment to suit,” Sinead reflects. After each treatment, the pair were given a soothing cream to calm the heat and redness of the skin, which they kept on for 24 hours. It’s common to experience redness after this treatment for a few days. They were also advised to avoid the sun to prevent hyperpigmentation (see p.26) and makeup to prevent infections. “I left the clinic with a big smile because I was glowing!” exclaims Jackie.
32-year-old Sinead Burrell before and after Morpheus8 treatment on the face and neck. Results show improvement in acne scars and skin texture.
The results say it all
Research show a strong connection between physical appearance and self-confidence, and Jackie certainly resonates with this. “The results of this treatment have had such a positive effect on my mental wellbeing. I feel fantastic because it’s like seven years of insomnia haven’t been part of my life. I looked like me, but instantly I looked fresher, which is the exact result I was after,” she says.
For Sinead, she now feels more confident in her own skin. “Everybody tells me I don’t look as tired and my skin looks really fresh. This is huge for me as before people would tell me I looked good ‘despite’ my uneven complexion and acne scars. I have so much more confidence and I don’t wear as much makeup, which in turn is even better for my skin!” Going through the treatment journey together was also a positive experience, Jackie and Sinead reiterate. “I enjoyed seeing my mum’s genuine pleasure with the results. I was so pleased in that the clinic worked hard to make sure this was an experience we could enjoy together; it’s a bit like a luxury spa experience with actual results!”
Jenny O'Neill, nurse prescriber, Aspire clinic, Reading IG: @aspireclinicberks
Practitioner perspective
Radiofrequency microneedling using the Morpheus8 device has been a hugely popular treatment with my patients who want to see noticeable improvement to their skin laxity, as well as quality and texture. Although we treated Jackie and Sinead’s faces and necks, it can also be used on body areas like the chest, upper arms, tummy and thighs to produce firmer, smoother contours with lifted and hydrated skin. I’ve found it is particularly effective on hooded eyes and eyebags and has formed a new niche treating ‘Zoom chin’ and jowls. Jackie and Sinead were so delighted with their results that they have both started to go further on their aesthetic journey with other treatments that complement the Morpheus8 results. They are looking at dermal fillers to redefine the facial structure, IPL using the Lumecca device for skin pigmentation, botulinum toxin to smooth the fine lines and wrinkles, Profhilo to boost the skin’s hydration and HydraFacial – a six step medicalgraded facial that leaves the skin radiant – it’s basically a gym for the skin! At my clinic, the price of Morpheus8 treatment for the full face and neck is £2,900, which includes a course of three treatments and a review of the final results at 12 weeks. Prices vary from clinic to clinic; it was reported that Judy Murray paid £4,500 for her Morpheus8 treatments. Results are designed to last for two years, but as we continue to age, Jackie and Sinead were advised to have a maintenance treatment annually to maintain optimum results.
