Dr Vikram Swaminathan is the lead for Aesthetic at Virgin Care Private, and has years of experience in helping people feel good and look great through non surgical aesthetic procedures, skin health and rejuvenation.
Dr Vikram has blogged for Birmingham Updates about Aesthetic myths and truths:
For the last seven years I have had the pleasure of meeting many different people from around the country and beyond, all seeking the same things for their face: age related symptom management or aesthetic enhancement. The world of non-surgical cosmetics is constantly evolving and as the years pass advancements with products have allowed me to reach these goals.
As a Faculty member for Aesthetics at the Royal Society of Medicine and Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, I have had the opportunity to be exposed to many interesting products, devices and experts in the field. Although the tools continue to improve, many people are still unaware of what is out there, the treatment options available and the reality of results. The boundary between reality and augmented reality is very much blurred by the rise of social media. Artificial filters are applied and images adjusted so that individuals are happier with their appearance. Sometimes I find myself battling these images, presented by my clients in clinic asking “I want this please.”
I have decided to write this blog with the aim to answer a few of these common questions I encounter in clinic, hopefully it will help clarify what is out there and what can be realistically achieved:
What is Aesthetics?
Aesthetic medicine is an encompassing term, covering non-surgical cosmetic treatments. This varies from skin treatments such as microneedling to the injection of products in and under the skin, to even laser based device therapies to help specific age related signs and symptoms. The key here is that treatments are non-surgical and aim to treat a person’s aesthetic concerns.
What is anti-wrinkle treatment and how does it work?
Anti-wrinkle treatments can vary from using skin products to the injection of Botulinum toxin and other rejuvenative agents. Botulinum toxin, a muscle-relaxing agent, is one of the most popular options. It is used to relax the underlying muscle causing lines related to your facial expression. Results slowly develop over 14 days, aiming to soften and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
What is Botox?
Botox is one brand of Botulinum toxin available in the U.K. and has been used to treatment line and wrinkles on the face for over 10 years. You may not be aware but these products have been used in hospitals and other medical settings for much longer than they have in aesthetics: treatment of bladder problems, excessive sweating and migraines are just a few of the conditions managed by the use of botulinum toxin.
What is a dermal filler?
Many different companies make dermal fillers. When I last checked there were over 150 different products available. There are volumising, hydrating and biostimulator types, to name a few. Most of these products are not permanent. There is even the option to take your own fat and transfer this to another area, known as autologous lipotransfer. Whichever filler is used, the reason is often to either enhance a feature (such as lips) or correct for signs and symptoms of ageing (such as loss of cheek volume or jawline). It is often best to stick with widely known products and techniques as they have had the most use in various people, with an associated longstanding track record of safety and efficacy.
How do dermal fillers work?
These biocompatible agents are injected under the skin to immediately improve your aesthetic concern. They are very good at softening the signs of ageing and enhancing facial features. The effects naturally fade over time.
Aesthetics is just one of our many services here at Virgin Care Private. We offer ‘feel good care on demand’ and the whole purpose of aesthetics is to make you feel good because you look good.
If you decide that you would like to explore the potential for aesthetic treatments, feel free to get yourself booked in for a free of charge consultation. You can book or make an enquiry online or call us on 0300 247 0121.
We will review your history, concerns, goals and come up with a treatment plan together. And treatment doesn’t cost the earth!
In my next blog I will address your questions on what it is like to have this treatment.
Virgin Care Private, based on Edmund Street in the city centre, is Virgin’s new on demand health and well-being service and is inspired by Virgin Care’s decade of experience supporting the NHS. It is offering same-day GP appointments and specialist consultant and therapy services, including dermatological, physiotherapy, counselling, health check-ups, aesthetics, sexual health checks and treatment, plus many more.
Click here for more information on the service offered.
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