#Joanne Reviews... RENEW AND REJUVENATE

was a professional establishment, each floor in the building has its own speciality, all of which have assigned doctors and consultants. The building also houses a 352 Healthcare Clinic (owners of two, five-star Kingsbridge Private Hospitals located in Belfast and Sligo). With the rising popularity of skincare treatments more and more establishments are offering them to willing clientele, but it is vital to find a skin clinic that is reputable and that the treatments are carried out by medical professionals.

the process again – like Gerard, she was very professional yet extremely personable. Gerard, Victoria and their Healthcare Assistant Theressa Irwin made me feel at ease throughout the whole process. Getting any type of injection can be quite daunting, but they made everything so straightforward, it didn’t even faze me at all.

Whether it is recently turning thirty or the fact I am getting married next year, something has been ignited in me that I want to take care of my skin, now more than ever. Let’s be honest, we all want to present the best versions of ourselves especially on momentous occasions such as weddings, as we will look back on the photographs for years to come.

I will admit, I have been quite lucky with my skin. My years of teenage acne are past me, and as an avid applier of SPF I have been fortunate to not have too many signs of ageing just yet – apart from the odd laughter line, but those are the best sort to have!

I knew I wanted to try something different to boost my skin and make it the best it could be – I just didn’t know what I wanted, or needed. This is where Cosmetech came in and guided me in the right direction. Cosmetech is a renowned and accredited skincare clinic specialising in both non–surgical procedures and skin surgery, providing everything from anti-wrinkle injections, to thread lifts and dermal fillers.

I went along to the Maypole Clinic in Holywood to meet with consultant, Gerard Smith to get expert advice on what treatment would suit me best. On arrival I knew instantly that Cosmetech

My requirements for the procedure were that I wanted something to rejuvenate my skin, lasted longer than the typical facial but wasn’t invasive. I know some of my peers are opting for anti-wrinkle injections at our ripe old age of 30, claiming that prevention is better than cure, however I did feel quite smug when Gerard noted my skin didn’t need that type of help yet – the SPF must be working! What he did suggest was the new kid on the block in skincare –Profhilo, an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment that boosts skin hydration and stimulates the production of collagen for plump, dewy and youthful skin. This sounded like the perfect treatment for me.

The treatment is so quick that I agreed to have my first session straight away. The procedure consists of ten injections of the jelly-like hyaluronic acid, which is injected into the cheek and jawline area of the face. Each injection only lasts about 10 seconds, so although it does give a sharp, stinging sensation – it is over so quickly that any pain is very much bearable.

Another benefit of this treatment is that there is no downtime necessary, I was able to drive home straight after and there was no pain or discomfort for the rest of the evening. There were slight visible signs of where the injections had been administered – I would describe it as looking like small bee stings, but they had all completely disappeared by the next morning.

It is recommended that two sessions of the treatment are needed for the best results, so I booked in for my second session eight weeks later and before I knew it, I was back for round two. This time I was in the equally safe hands of Dr Victoria McAfee who chatted through

Unlike anti-wrinkle injections and other semi-permanent treatments, Profhilo has a more gradual process for developing results as it takes time for the hyaluronic acid to stimulate new collagen growth. It typically takes 2-4 weeks after the second treatment for the full results to be seen. Although, if skin rejuvenation and luminosity is what you desire, then the wait is worth it. After my treatment I noticed my skin was looking smoother and gave off a lovely glow… people who didn’t even know I had anything done were giving me compliments on my skin, a good indicator that it worked!

What I liked about this treatment is that it was subtle – it doesn’t change the shape of your face, instead it uses hyaluronic acid (which is naturally produced by your body anyway) and improves the quality of your skin, making it smoother and brighter. It was like an injectable moisturiser, which went directly into the skin layers rather than just sit on the top of the skin… and did I mention it lasts for up to six months!

For more information on Profhilo or other skin treatments visit www.cosmetech.co.uk

5-7 Shore Rd, Holywood BT18 9HX 028 9042 3200

Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr. Chris Hoo specialises in the removal of cosmetic moles and skin tags. In the vast majority of cases all of these lesions are benign. But if there is any clinical concern about the nature of the lesion it can be sent off for testing.

Q & A with Chris Hoo

Q: How are skin lesions removed?

“In most cases these can be done under a local anaesthetic. If there are no concerns about its nature they can be either shaved off, or excised. Some skin lesions can also be treated by freezing the skin – termed cryotherapy. All options are discussed with the patient beforehand.”

Q: Does it hurt having these removed?

“Since these are treated under local anaesthetic it shouldn’t! The worse bit is having the injection of anaethetic, which many patients describe as a mild stinging sensation. Cryotherapy does not even need an anesthetic.”

Q: How long does the procedure take?

“This depends on what’s being done, but most procedures take between 15 and 30 minutes or so.”

Q: Can I drive home afterwards?

“That depends on you! If you are the sort of person who can drive home after a filling at the dentist then there should be no reason why not. But if you are a bit squeamish, it’s best to bring someone with you. They can at least tell you how brave you were, even if they don’t need to drive!”

Q: What about aftercare?

“If stitches have been necessary these are generally removed after 5 – 7 days. For best results a combination of steristrips and scar massage are required and which you need to do will be discussed.”

Q: Will I have a scar?

“Scarring is an inevitable consequence of surgery in anyone’s hands, so yes. But of course the whole point is to be cosmetic and so everything is designed to minimise this. It’s best to consider this as replacing one cosmetic blemish with another one, which should be much better. But it is unrealistic to expect an invisible scar no matter who your specialist is.”

For further information or to book aconsultation please call Cosmetech on 028 90423200 or visit www.cosmetech.co.uk

Surgical Skin Clinic

Same Day See And Treat Service

Other Treatments Available include:

Cyst Removal

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Split Earlobe Repair

Facial Threadvein Removal

Thread-Lifts

Dermal Fillers

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

EarBuddies (Ear Correction for Babies)

Aqualyx - Fat Dissolving Injections

Pinnaplasty

Skin Biopsy

Mole Removal Tag Removal