Non-surgical facelift is on the rise. Whilst Botox is great at reducing facial wrinkles, combating skin laxity and sagginess is even more crucial in achieving that youthful appearance.
“The aesthetics industry is growing exponentially and there are many new devices released on the market every day.” Says Dr Marwa Ali, advanced aesthetic doctor to many famous faces, “It’s important to choose a device that is reputable that is backed by clinical based research and chose a practitioner that is experienced who can deliver safe and optimal results. Everything is user-dependent and in the right hands you can get fantastic results.”
Look no further to see what the experts say about their choice of energy-based treatment for skin tightening and lifting.
Sofwave™ — Dr Sophie Shotter
Named “Top Injector” by Tatler, Vogue and Bazaar UK, Dr Sophie Shotter is the founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic and a firm believer in the result SofWave™ brings: “Sofwave™ is a new, clinically proven, non-invasive approach to rebuilding collagen for lifting the eyebrow, submental tissue, and neck, and for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Delivering ultrasound energy beneath the skin to only one depth — 1.5mm (i.e. just below the surface of the skin) — where collagen is most abundant, Sofwave™ creates a more uniform effect without damaging the outer layers of skin or the deeper tissues such as muscles, facial nerves, fat, and blood vessels. “Sofwave™ is also a much faster treatment than others available and less painful which makes the skin firmer and more youthful in appearance after.” Says Dr Shotter.
So who would be the perfect patient for Sofwave™? “They are typically in their 30s or older, concerned by the signs of mild to moderate skin ageing but are not considering injectable treatments or surgery. The potential patient should have some degree of fine lines and wrinkles or laxity (loss of elasticity).” Dr Shotter further explains that Sofwave™ is also a good option if you have experienced weight loss or had injectable treatments such as dermal fillers, collagen stimulators or anti-wrinkles treatment (Botox) in the past and are looking for something more that stimulates your natural collagen and elastin to help lift and tighten the skin.
Although there is little to no pain and no downtime, Dr Shotter advises that minimal, manageable discomfort may be present, and patients may resume their daily activities quickly post treatment whilst avoiding hot water, facial massage and injectables for approximately 4 weeks.
You can book to speak with Dr Sophie Shotter at both 10 Harley Street, London and Illuminate Skin Clinic, Kent.
Ultracel Q+ — Dr Marwa Ali
When it comes to dos and don’ts with energy-based devices, Dr Marwa Ali does not hesitate: “The consultation is the most important part of preparing the patient. A thorough assessment to ascertain if the patient is a good candidate and whether this is the correct treatment option for them is imperative, and a bespoke treatment plan is also made for each individual as no face is the same.”
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Radiofrequency have been used to effectively lift and tighten skin for decades in the aesthetic industry, and Dr Ali believes that the Ultracel Q+ take results to the next level as it combines both of these well-established energy modalities: “the combination therapy is the way forward in patient treatment to achieve excellent natural looking results.”
The UltracelQ+ can be used to help reverse signs of ageing and sculpt the face through collagen stimulation to tighten and lift (by contraction of deeper tissue), as well as through fat reduction in unwanted stubborn areas such as the double chin (sub-mental area). For the majority of patients only one treatment a year is sufficient to achieve effective results, and most patients report little to no discomfort.
Known for combining treatments to achieve the best possible results for her patients, Dr Ali often combine Ultracel Q+ with other treatments such as injectables and other energy-based devices including the INTRAcel (which combines microneedling and radiofrequency) and laser treatments such as Stellar M22 by Lumenis.
You can book for a consultation with Dr Marwa Ali at the Harrods Wellness Clinic, London.
Thermage FLX — Dr Gylina Selezneva
Based in Dr Rita Rakus Clinic in Knightsbridge, London, Dr Gylina Selezneva is loved by her clients for her vivacious personality and expert knowledge in all things energy-based. “Dr Rita Rakus is a pioneer of non-invasive aesthetic medicine and skin tightening is by far one of our most requested treatments.” Says Dr Selezneva: “What I love the most about my approach is that I can personalize my treatment plan according to patient’s needs and concerns.”
Most of the reputable skin-tightening equipments and devices are available at the Dr Rita Rakus Clinic, but Dr Selezneva’s favorite is Thermage FLX, the newly launched radio frequency device with upgraded technology. “Aesthetics is a minefield and it’s so important to have the trust of your patients. The only way to do so it to achieve great results using the safest, most up-to-date devices.” Says Dr Selezneva in selecting the right treatment based on individual patient needs. “Our patients come to us because they trust us to choose the safest way to address their concerns, treatments are results driven and so is my approach — most of our treatments have no downtime or even pain. Of course most importantly having an aesthetic treatment performed in a medical clinic by a highly trained medical doctor is the gold standard of aesthetics.”
You can book a consultation session with Dr Gylina Selezneva at the Dr Rita Rakus Clinic located in London’s Knightsbridge, opposite Harrods.
Exilis — Thérapie Clinic
“The several options available now to help safely lift and tighten skin on the face and the body using different energies include radio frequency, laser, ultrasound and combinations of them.” Says Dr Farah Kanji, BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng) at Thérapie Clinic. With 65 clinics in the UK and a further 100 clinics launching over the next two years, Thérapie Clinic is one of the fastest growing medical aesthetic clinic in Europe. “At Thérapie Clinic, Exilis is the choice for excellent results; firming, lifting and tightening the face safely with no downtime.” Combining two powerhouses: radio frequency and ultrasound, this treatment helps the skin renew its own elastin and collagen from within — responsible for firmness and plumpness — over the course of around 4 treatments with two-week gaps in-between.
You can book your consultation with Thérapie Clinic at www.therapieclinic.com.
What To Do Post Treatment
To ensure long-lasting result and the best possible outcome, taking good care of your skin post treatment is as important as selecting the right treatment and doctor.
“Following any type of energy based treatment the goal is to support the body with the detoxification of the by-products of treatment while also enhancing the collagen stimulating benefits.” Says Dr Nina Bal, founder of Facial Sculpting Clinic and one of the most popular experts in GetHarley’s network of prestigious aesthetic doctors. “I recommend internal supplements to support the body on a cellular level (good collagen products are LYMA and Skinade) and topically I recommended medical grade skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid for hydration and peptides to boost collagen. Medical grade skincare products provide the perfect core base routine to use post treatment to decrease inflammation, speed up healing and ensure the new collagen and elastin production is protected/amplified.”
“There are a few at-home skincare tips that you can use in order to aid collagen production.” adds Dr Ash Soni, founder of The Soni Clinic and a fully qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained in both the US and the UK. “The first of the products is retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives and work by upregulating the cells that are responsible for collagen production and inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen (collagenase). My favorite retinoid to start with would be the Skinbetter Science alpharet overnight cream. Ensure that you wear an SPF diligently when you are on a retinoid as it increases your skins sensitivity to sunlight, and also one must avoid this if pregnant or breastfeeding.
An amazing vitamin C serum is not only beneficial as an antioxidant, but it is also great for collagen production as it stimulates the enzymes that produce it. My recommended vitamin C serum would be Obagi Professional C-serum 10-20%. I would always start off at 10% if you are new to vitamin C, but this is a great product that everyone must have on their skincare shelf. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is also an effective skincare product that helps to boost collagen production within the dermis of the skin. A recommendation for Niacinamide is by Allies of Skin (Prebiotics and Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster).”
You can book for a skincare consultation for post treatment advice with Dr Nina Bal and Dr Ash Soni here at www.getharley.com.
