Microdosing is being tipped as a big trend in aesthetics for 2020. The injection technique sees multiple small quantities of toxin, dermal filler or skin boosters injected superficially to only target the skin rather than the structures underneath.
One of the first branded treatments to be associated with the trend is Aqua Gold Fine Touch, a small handheld vial topped with 20 super-fine screw thread microchannel needles. The needles are coated in 24-carat gold and are used to deliver a bespoke serum cocktail into the skin, mixed by the practitioner at each appointment depending on the client’s skin needs.
Stamping the device across the face creates thousands of micro-infusion sites, allowing the serum to get to work on indications including skin texture, pore size, redness, oiliness, acne scarring and skin tone, subject to the product used.
I had my treatment with Dr Nina Bal at her clinic, Facial Sculpting, in London’s Chelsea. After talking though any concerns I had with my skin, Dr Nina decided to use her go-to cocktail of neurotoxin to shrink pores, skinboosters for hydration, hyaluronic acid dermal filler for firmness; and mesotherapy vitamins C and E for glow. Lying back on the reclined treatment couch, I felt next to nothing as Dr Nina quickly but firmly stamped the device over my face, massaging in any excess serum when she finished.
My skin looked instantly fresher and plumper, which is to be expected immediately after a needling treatment, but as the days and weeks went on up to about four weeks, I could still see a clear difference in the radiance and clarity of my skin and felt confident enough to forgo make-up for much of that period. I also noticed a significant reduction in my nasolabial lines; and the pores in the oiler areas of my face that usually produce blackheads or spots were definitely clearer and smaller.
I can see how the treatment would be very popular with high disposable-income patients before a period of special events, and it’s fantastic as an all-round skin health treatment without any downtime.
Although a perfect example of what micro-dosing can achieve, Aqua Gold wouldn’t replace traditional injectables or skin boosters for patients who regularly have these treatments; and with prices starting at £350, it’s more likely to be an occasional add-on for clients that already spend.
A word of warning for practitioners interested in offering Aqua Gold Fine Touch – the brand’s official UK distributor and training provider Venn Healthcare has made Aesthetic Medicine aware of copycat devices sold over the internet from marketplace sites. These appear to be white-label imitations and do not, according to Venn Healthcare, have 24-carat gold needles or spiral threads, and are possibly not sterile. All enquires should be made via Venn Healthcare directly.
