How & Why Does the Face Age? And What Interventions Actually Work?

We all hear about ‘ageing’, but what does it really mean?

Although most of us think of wrinkles as the main culprit of ageing, the reality is far more complex. The entire structure of the face, including skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles and bones change over time. Our cells do too, but that’s another story!

Before you read on – this information is not meant to shock or shame. If you want to improve your skin, or “look good for your age” (who doesn’t), it’s important to understand the science behind how we age. Once you (and your clinician), understands this, it allows us to tailor lifestyle advise, clinical interventions to the root cause.

What causes ageing skin?

Collagen Collagen is the mesh-like component that makes up around 75% of the skin. It gives skin structure and support and holds the landmarks of the face in position. With age, the number of collagen fibres decreases, and the ones that remain become less organised, weakening the tissues. This results in stretching of the skin, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and sagging jowls.

For women, collagen loss is accelerated in the years around menopause, when up to 30% of collagen is lost. This is compounded by the a tendency of skin to thin out and become more dry, due to oestrogen deficiency. This is why some women come to us feeling they have “aged overnight”, and why having regular collagen inducing treatment in perimenopause is so important.before menopause hits and throughout perimenopause is so important- bank the collagen while you have the oestrogen, and you’re future skin with thankyou!

Clinical interventions that increase collagen include: wearing sunscreen, using retinol, peels (especially in love with the Bio- Reeel), and collagen induction therapies such as laser and energy based devices.

I am a huge advocate of using heat based therapies (lasers and energy based devices) to stimulate collagen, because they stimulate a particular heat Shock protein pathway to improve your skin- this is way more effective than simple needling or peel as i some instances has exactly the same downtime. (In a perfect world, I use them both in one session!)

Low downtime laser facials are a great place to start if you want to stimulate collagen and work on your skin texture and tone. But you need to be consistent- start with one every 2- 4 weeks and then space it out to maintain your skin. Our clinics offer both the Laser Genesis (great for red, sensitive skin , pore size) and Spectar Q swicth laser (brightens skin, reduces pore size/congestion and pigmentation). Both these lasers are suitable for any skin type and can beused during pregnancy. High-Frequency Ultrasound using Ultraformer is another low downtime device to improve skin laxity and contour the skin. It’s the most well loved device in out clinic given it has no downtime at all!

If you are looking for more intense collagen stimulation, look at the Ultraclear laser. This is an ablative laser that can do anything from low downtime superficial laser peel (“3D Miracl”, with 1- 3 days of mild swelling and redness), to an intense ablative treatment for more significant concerns like deep lines and wrinkles, scarring pigmentation. It also has an amzing setting for facial laxity called “coring” (new to the laser world and why I love it!), which addresses skin laxity. This improves concerns such as lines and skin laxity around the eye , lip lines or neck sagging without surgery, and gives meaningful results. I usually combine Ultraformer and/or a Biostimulator with Laser Coring, and the resulrts are impressive! I am particularly excited about using this mode for patients after they have lost a lot of weight- it can be done anywhere on the body including the abdomen, arms and knees.

Last on the list are surgical modalities such as a facelift or neck lift. If you have significant skin redundancy, surgery is the gold standard treatment - it is the only modality that can remove excess skin. If you are wanting surgical results, or have severe concerns, please consider surgery, otherwise you might be wasting your money. Also, make sure you see a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon- I can let you know of trustworthy colleagues.

After years in this industry I can truely say that by using a scientific approach to ageing, being consistent and combining evidence based synergetic modalities, our clinic achieves natural-looking results that rival or even surpass surgical outcomes.

Fat All faces have fat compartments, and these areas of volume are vital to help support the skin and keep us looking healthy, particularly in the midsection (cheek and lower eyelid regions) and at the sides of the face (the temple and in front of the ear)

Unfortunately, as we age, or due to factors such as weight change, genes, medical illness, pregnancy and breastfeeding or medications, these fatty areas reduce in volume which leads to deflation, and “sunken” face. This leads to “tired-looking” eyes and contributes to jowl formation. Don’t ask me why we lose fat on the face and put it on in the middle- there is no justice! Catherine Deneuve famously quipped that “at a certain age, you have to choose between your face and your arse” …and to some degree this is true!

Clinical treatments that improve fat pad loss include judicious use of dermal fillers, injected Biostimulators, fat grafting, and plastic surgery. I’m a big fan of a specific Biostimulator product that replaces volume as well as improving the collagen in skin, especially for patients with a heavier skin or jawline. It’s known as the “Needle of Youth” in China due to it’s ability to refine skin tone, reduce laxity and improve volume concerns.

I also recommend that any procedure that addresses volume loss should begin with a laser or energy based device to improve the integrity of the skin FIRST. This will mean you need less volume (less expense) but also the results will much more natural and lifted. The skin holds everything in place- don’t ignore it! I was always taught by my aesthetic mentors to “lift then fill”) to minimise overfilling and bloating the face. And, despite what the filler companies may tell you, fillers do not lift… they fill.

Ligaments Skin is anchored to the facial skeleton via ligaments. As we age, these ligaments slacken and gravity pulls them down, causing the cheeks, and eyelids to descend ( “my face is falling down”), contributing to jowl formation and a sagging neck and jawline.

Currently, the best non surgical intervention to improve ligament laxity is HIFU (High Frequency Focused Ultrasound). This where the Ultraformer 3 is in its element, and the reason why we love it so much. The Ultraformer 3 has revolutionised the HIFU world with the introduction if the 4.5mm cartridge, that heats and tightens the aponeurosis and ligaments that sit above our above our facial muscles,

Although the gold standard treatment for laxity is a surgical facelift, for most people, this is not attainable due to the cost. However, the Ultraformer 3 is a viable alternative for mild to moderate skin laxity, especially when used early and regularly. Most plastics surgeons have a device like Ultraformer, which again is a testament to the validity of the technology, and many surgeons will advocate an annual treatment to maintain surgical results.

Bones Just like the bones in our hips and back, our facial bones shrink and become more porous with age.On the face, this is most notable around the eye socket, the base of the nose, and the chin. This contributes to the look of “tired eyes”, drops the tip of the nose, and pulls the mouth and chin downward.

There are several interventions to manage these issues- firstly start with a High G prime (strong) volumiser , and address structure. Have you have ever heard of the “Liquid FaceLift”?? - this is a technique we can use with injected volumising agents to improve structural support. I do use this technique and recommend a top up every few years. I also use neuromodulators (products that soften muscle movements) to reduce overactive muscles in the lower face. Make sure you see someone who knows what they are doing if they are treating the lower face as these are tricky areas.

Finallu, and most importantly, don’t forget your cells.

Metabolic Health

We are organisms composed of cells, and as we age, our cellular function declines. This is the underlying cause of ALL of the issues above, as well as the cause of chronic diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular disease and frailty.

We now know that we CAN improve cellular function through our daily habits, such as prioritising sleep, eating a nutrient dense diet and avoiding processed food, exercising daily and connecting to other humans and yourself. Don’t just be busy all the time!

I am very passionate about addressing metabolic health, hormonal dysfunction and lifestyle choices with all my patients- freezing and filling won’t make you look younger! Metabolic function is the foundation of healthy skin and disease prevention, and should be your first priority if you want to “age well”.

If you want to talk or learn more about your skin and ageing, hormones or skin concerns, please book a consult with my team. We really are all experts in our field and we are extremely passionate about supporting our patients obtain real results, not just have a facial.

Having a consultation with an experienced practitioner is THE most important aspect of any treatment, as it will allow your clinician to formulate a bespoke plan based on your concerns, your clinical issues, and your budget.

✨ Clear Rosacea, Redness& Inflammation Quickly with the Excel V Vascular

The Excel V vascular laser offers the gold standard in dermatological care, addressing redness, rosacea, and skin inflammation.

Utilising both 532nm and 1064 nm wavelengths, the Excel V system focuses on the hemoglobin porphyrin within blood vessels. The laser energy is absorbed preferentially by hemoglobin, causing the targeted vessels to collapse and eventually be cleared away by the body's immune system. This process results in clearer, more even-toned skin with no invasive procedures.

The Excel V laser treats a large variety of skin concerns including sun damage, rosacea, acne and acne scarring, surgical and traumatic scars, and r congenital vascular conditions, without excessive pain, bruising or swelling.

Sometimes lesions can be corrected in a few vascular laser sessions alone. Other conditions, such as rosacea, are complex and need a multi- modality approach. Dr. Grant integrates the ExcelV laser with other medical-grade treatments such as LED Healite, Corrective Peels, prescription medication and medical grade home care to address not just the surface symptoms of redness, but the underlying causes of skin issues, integrating lifestyle and medical options to clear the skin. This comprehensive method ensures a more effective and sustainable outcome for patients dealing with persistent redness and rosacea.

Advantages of Excel V Laser for Rosacea and Redness

The Excel V laser treatment is known for its rapid and visible improvements in skin appearance, often noticeable after just 2 sessions. This quick process is ideal for those looking for fast relief from redness and vascular concerns.

Medical treatment + vascular laser for rosacea + sun damage

Medical Treatment + Vascular laser for redness & sun damage

Merging Laser Therapy with Holistic Methods

Dr. Grant tailors her treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring more effective and sustainable outcomes. Patients often find that this holistic approach not only improves their skin's appearance but also boosts their overall well-being. By treating the skin from the inside out, this methodology fosters a healthier, more balanced complexion and improves long term control.

What to Anticipate During and After Treatment

Before your treatment begins, your therapist will assess your skin and discuss your specific concerns, tailoring the laser settings to your skin for optimal results. You will be required to wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser's light. The process is generally quick, and the non-invasive nature means no downtime, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after your session. Cooling will be used before and after the procedure to minimise overheating the skin.

The duration of the treatment varies depending on the size and number of areas being addressed, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. Post-treatment, you might experience some redness or slight swelling, bruising or a feeling of mild sunburn. These side effects are generally short-lived, subsiding within a few hours to a couple of days.

To optimise results and minimise potential side effects, please follow the aftercare instructions provided, including avoiding sun exposure, applying prescribed topical treatments, and keeping the treated area clean and moisturised. While some vascular lesions may improve almost immediately, others will gradually fade over the next several weeks. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This ensures you achieve the best possible outcome in managing redness, rosacea, and other vascular issues.

venous lake reduce in one session by dr jemima grant

Nasal telangiectasia due to sun exposure and chronic steroid use. reduced in 2 sessions by DR jemima grant

All our Dermal Clinicians at Thrive are University qualified therapists, not beauticians. They will provide a safe and evidence based assessment of your skin concerns, and in most cases test patch the skin prior to a full treatment. Fast track referral to Dr Grant will occur where indicated

Our Excel V vascular laser is located at The Santuary by Thrive in Unanderra. A consultation must be booked prior to treatment. Please ensure your skin is not tanned with artificial tan and has not been exposed to excessive sun, sun burn or environmental exposure in the 2 weeks prior to your treatment.

Addressing Sun-Damaged Skin: Why the new UltraClear™ Laser is the Ideal Treatment for You This Season

UltraClear™ laser represents a significant advancement in laser skin resurfacing technology, offering a comprehensive solution for various skin concerns. Utilizing cutting-edge "cold" laser technology, it provides precise treatment with minimal thermal damage, making it safer for all skin types, including those with darker complexions. The laser's versatility allows it to address a wide array of issues, such as sun damage, pigmentation, enlarged pores, lines and wrinkles and skin laxity, with fewer side effects and reduced downtime compared to traditional CO2 and erbium laser treatments.

UltraClear™ targets specific areas of the skin with exceptional precision, promoting collagen regeneration and improving skin texture and tone. The technology's innovative approach ensures a more comfortable experience for patients, significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of the treatment and getting you back to work sooner.

​UltraClear™ laser caters to a diverse range of patients, regardless of age, skin tone or gender. Whether you are a teenager grappling with acne scars or in your 80s seeking meaningful skin rejuvenation, this treatment offers tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

The ability of UltraClear™ to treat both superficial and deep layers of skin at the same time makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to address a variety of skin concerns in one session, with less downtime, saving time and money.

Hormonal changes during menopause or during hormonal treatment for breast cancer can significantly impact the skin, leading to dry, fragile skin and skin laxity. This causes accelerated ageing especially in the under eye area, jowl formation and crepeiness in the neck. The UltraClear™ laser provides an effective solution for all of these concerns, by stimulating collagen regeneration, helping to maintain skin integrity. This can be done with successive low downtime 3D Miracl treatments, addresses the root cause of skin ageing by promoting collagen production, thereby improving skin texture and elasticity.

With minimal downtime and a high safety profile, UltraClear™ allows women to achieve long-lasting improvements in their skin’s health and appearance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to counteract the visible signs of hormonal aging.

customised advanced ultraclear treatment.

UltraClear™ laser stands out due to its capability to safely treat a broad spectrum of skin tones, including Asian, Indian, Aboriginal and African - American complexions. Traditional lasers often come with risks like scarring and pigmentation changes, especially in darker skin tones. UltraClear's™ advanced technology significantly reduces these risks,  minimising discomfort and residual thermal damage, resulting in fewer side effects and increases the safety of ablative treatments in skin of colour.

Men's skin often presents unique challenges, such as enlarged pores , thick oily skin and acne scars. UltraClear™ accommodates the robust nature of male skin, providing powerful resurfacing to the face, as well as body areas such as the face, back and trunk.

Another advantage of UltraClear™ for men is its ability to deliver consistent results with fewer sessions. This is ideal for men who may not want to commit to a prolonged treatment regimen but still desire effective, long-lasting outcomes. The laser's advanced technology ensures minimal discomfort during and after treatment, making it a practical choice for busy individuals who wish to minimise downtime.

Aging and sun exposure can lead to significant skin damage, including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The UltraClear™ laser is designed to address all of these issues in one session.. with healing in just 4 to 7 days.This short recovery period makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking to improve their skin and get back to work or their soical life quickly.

UltraClear™ works by targeting both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin in one session. resurfacing superficial skin, removing sun spots and pigmentation whilst also promoting collagen production and cell turnover. This dual action results in smooth, clear skin, as well as improving deeper lines and wrinkles, pore size, radiance and tone. ​

For individuals dealing with loose skin after significant weight loss, the UltraClear™ laser offers an effective, non-invasive option. The laser has a specific setting that makes UltraClear™ particularly adept at tightening and firming loose skin without the need for surgery. To further enhance the results, UltraClear™ can be combined with biostimulatory injectables, offering a holistic approach to skin rejuvenation. This combination method promotes a natural look, avoiding the overly filled appearance that can result from other treatments. Expect results in 2- 3 sessions over 6 months.

​Sensitive areas like the eyelids, neck, and décolletage often require special consideration due to their delicate nature. Traditional laser treatments can pose risks, such as excessive heat, resulting in scarring. UltraClear™ laser minimises thermal damage, making it safer for use in these sensitive areas.Additionally, the UltraClear™ laser promotes collagen production, which helps to restore the skin's natural elasticity and firmness, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

We encourage you to book an appointment with Dr Grant prior to deciding if Ultraclear is the treatment for you. She will review your concerns and customise a treatment specific to your concerns, as well as discuss appropriate skin preparation and post care, which are essential components of a successful treatment outcome.

Please contact our clinic on info@thriveskinclinic.com.au or call us on 0404123781 to make an appointment.

IPL & Laser Safety - Regulate From The Ground Up!

Would it shock you to know that in NSW, you can buy and use a laser /IPL machine with NO training, NO industry regulation, and NO oversight? I know it’s shocked everyone I’ve ever told!

To date, anyone in NSW is able to purchase an IPL/laser or energy based device with NO TRAINING. These people do not need a degree in health, medicine, dermal science or physics… It’s absolutely dumbfounding and highly dangerous! What I’m really saying is that you can go out and buy yourself a machine, label yourself a laser technician and in NSW it is PERFECTLY LEGAL to do so! Moreover, there is no industry body that oversees training, skill, knowledge, or even that the machine you’re using is in working order!

Okay, now that I’ve scared you… Sorry… What does this all mean for you, the consumer? I’ve put it primarily down to RISK.

• A lack of regulation has led to a crisis in patient care, such that IPL and laser complications are now one of the top reasons for medico-legal claims in NSW.

• Regulation in the laser industry is, at present, in its infancy and still has a long way to go to regulating ALL medical grade devices.

• Safety and regulation is left to the practitioner, it is a voluntary exercise and one that the consumer should look into BEFORE undergoing treatment.

Now for the good news… Thrive Skin Clinic ensures that the only staff in our clinic who are allowed to even touch the IPL machine are our registered nurses, dermal clinicians, and Dr. Jemima Grant, who have ALL had the necessary and ongoing safety training needed to provide our clients with the best in care. We are not shy in saying that we have put a significant amount of money and time into staff training, machine servicing, and ongoing education. This doesn’t take into account the years of study our doctors, nurses and dermal therapists have spent at university or obtaining post graduate studies in physics, chemistry and basic skin science. Our equipment is medical grade (powerful) and TGA approved. While it is much more expensive to invest in this equipment and education, for us it's is a no brainer -  patient safety comes FIRST. Burning clients, blindness and scarring are UNACCEPTABLE outcomes for us.

Our clinical model is such that our medical director, Dr. Jemima Grant, ensures oversight to ALL clients. In practical terms, this means that Dr. Grant is available to advise, research current evidence, and can reach out to her aesthetic peers to provide safe protocols for clients. As an example, it is occasionally difficult to know the cause of pigmentation, the optimal laser setting, or to know what medications and medical issues are going to effect a treatment. In these instances, it is better to delay treatment, seek help and try a few test patches before proceeding. Or sometimes, it is safer to not treat at all.

Increasingly,  we are referred clients presenting with issues from other salons and clinics with laser and IPL related complications. The main issue we see is post-inflammatory pigmentation, where the face or body responds to a heat treatment with unsightly, dark pigmentation. Another issue we all too often hear about is blindness (YES! Blindness!) from NdYag laser. Lasers and IPL machines are not toys! As a community, we all need to speak up about this to try and improve patient safety. Regulation is under review, but it has taken years to achieve mere discussions… Unacceptable, really.

We believe that the best way to increase patient safety is to educate our client population: a grassroots kind of regulation! So, this is our #TopFiveTips that you can take with you if you choose to have an IPL or laser treatment in NSW.

1. Ask questions about the machine

   • “Is this machine approved for use in Australia?”

   • “How often is this machine serviced?”

   • “What kind of a machine is this, is it a medical grade machine?”

   • “Do these eye protectors comply with current industry standards?”

   If your technician can’t answer these simple questions without hesitation, it’s time to get out! It’s not worth playing with fire (literally) when it comes to your skin.

2. Ask questions about the technician

   • “What kind of training have you had in this field?”

   • “Do you have your laser and IPL safety certificate?”

   • “Can you show me evidence of your ongoing education and training?”

   If your technician can not show sufficient evidence that they are fully qualified for the job, you know what to do!

   Get out of there… It’s just not worth it!

3. As a patient, have you been thoroughly assessed?

   • Has the technician assessed your skin using the Fitzpatrick Scale?

   • Has your technician assessed your current medications, allergies, and medical issues?

   • Has your technician told you the risks or contraindications of your treatment?

   If your technician does not ask you a few simple questions to assess your suitability for treatment, you should reconsider! It’s important that your technician knows what is going on with your skin and health! This can effect the treatment outcome and it may not be in a positive way… These treatments aren’t cookie-cutter treatments! They rely on unique settings and patient care when it comes to an ongoing treatment plan.

4. Spot test?

   A spot test is when we check a small area of the skin to ensure laser or IPL settings are safe and optimised for your skin. For those of you with lighter skin, this is less important but still optimal if you’d like to do so. For those of you with darker skin tones or of Asian, Indian, Aboriginal or Mediterranean backgrounds THIS IS ESSENTIAL. These are the clients we are seeing weekly who present with dark scarring on their face and body from inappropriate settings… Not ideal!

5. Consider the cost

   You should always consider the cost of your safety. The cost of treatment should be the last point of order on your checklist! Yes, treatment might be $5 but have you weighed up how viable this price is? Will your cheap treatment cause you more financial pain in the long run? Please make sure you weigh up all your options before proceeding with treatment!

Let’s be clear - This post is not a rant stating that all laser technicians must be doctors and nurses. This is not the case at all! In fact at Thrive Skin Clinic, our medical team therapists work and collaborate all the time and our dermal therapists who are all extremely proficient at laser and IPL. Laser safety is not about operator’s background, but about training, experience, and the clinic culture of support and ongoing education to keep us clinician’s accountable and patients safe!

IMAGE: © THRIVE SKIN CLINIC

An Introduction to Injectable Biostimulators with Dr Jemima Grant

2024 will be remembered as the year Biostimulators took hold of the aesthetic market. But what are they? How are they different to dermal filers, and what is their place for patients wanting to acheive beautiful skin as they age? Dr Jemima Grant give us her independent advice including why she uses them routinely in her practice.

What are Biostimulators?

Biostimulators (AKA Injectable Collagen Stimulators) are substances that are injected into the skin, causing a low grade inflammatory response, and inciting an increase in natural collagen production. After a few months, the injected material decays into carbon dioxide and water, leaving a matrix of your own collagen behind to support your facial structure.

The most well known Biostimulators are PLLA (poly - L- Lactic Acid “Sculptra” ), PCL (polycaprolactone “Ellanse” and some soon to land in Australia) and Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA). 2024 will see a host of new kids on the block, notably Rejran ( a polynucleotide, based from salmon DNA), which I won’t be talking about today (but I’m excited by this product to fact that it’s a low risk treatment that can be used to improve skin quality on the forehead and under the eyes).

What do Biostimulators Do?

Collagen Stimulating treatments increase collagen in the skin, and in doing so improve concerns such as skin laxity, thinning skin and scarring. Used at different depths, and in different dilutions, these treatments can also improve facial volume and skin laxity on the neck, decolletage and body.

How are Biostimulators different to Dermal Fillers ?

Dermal fillers are comprised of Hyaluronic Acid, a gel like substance that attract water. These substances are injected into the skin, drawing water into the area and improving facial volume through hydration.

While dermal fillers have their place in aesthetics, it’s primarily for volume restoration, not improving skin quality. While I am a fan of fillers, I have a measured approach - I use HA fillers if indicated, matching the rheology (composition) of the product to my patients skin type and their clinical concern, and always in combination with home care and other procedures. Used in this way, the impact can be natural and long lasting.

However, in many instances, fillers are over used and inappropriately applied - this has lead to large amounts of filler being injected, leading to strange, alien looking and puffy faces - they have too much hydration in their skin.

This is why I now incorporate Biostimulators in my practice - as they not only improve volume, they increase collagen in the skin, leading to improvements such as thicker more resilient skin, improvements in skin laxity and reduced pore size and acne scarring.

How are Biostimulators Injected?

Biostimulators are injected with a needle or cannula. I predominantly use cannula technique as this reduces bruising risk and has an improved safety profile for my patients.

What are the Risks Associated with Biostimulators, and how is this differnt to HA Fillers?

Like most things in life, the greatest strength of Biostimulators (natural collagen induction) is also their greatest weakness.

Because Biostimulators increase in your own collagen, the results are not reversible (e.g. if you don't like the look of them). This is in contrast to Traditional Hyaluronic acid based Dermal Fillers, which can be dissolved with an enzyme (Hyaluronidase) if needed.

Moreover, in the rare case of a vascular occlusion (where the injected product blocks a n artery in the face), or causes an inflammatory lump post treatment, these concerns can be very difficult to treat. While these risks are uncommon, you need to accept them as part of the consent process, and this means understanding the risks, how they are treated, and what your injector is doing to mitigate these risks.

With more clinics starting to offer these treatments, I do urge patients to fully inform themselves about the risks and benefits of Biostimulators, and be aware of some important aspects of care such as the experience and medical oversight of the clinician performing the treatment, their background grasp of facial anatomy and their experience with Biostimulators. This is not a treatment you should undertake using a groupon voucher. Read my blog on Questions to Ask Before Having a Biostimulator Treatment to get some tips on choosing the right clinician to treat you.

What are the Benefits of a Collagen Stimulator Treatment?

While there are some increased risks with Collagen stimulators, there is also a host of benefits.

For one, these type of treatments address the most important root cause of ageing skin- which is a reduction of collagen in the skin. Fillers don't do this, and repeated use or overuse of fillers can lead to an overfilled, puffy face. The results of Collagen Stimulators are very natural, due to the fact they increase your own collagen levels in the skin, and do not cause puffy or overfilled look.

What is the Normal Treatment Plan for Injectable Collagen Stimulators?

In general, after a consultation with my patients, my approach is to start with 2- 3 sessions every 6 weeks, (depending on your age and the severity of your skin concerns. The older you are, or the more severe your skin laxity or concerns, the more treatment you will need, every 6 weeks. with a maintenance session of 1- 2 vials every year. Financially, Collagen Stimulators work out to be the most cost effective injectable treatment as they last up to 2 years and the impacts are cumulative.

For all the reasons above, I prescribe Collagen Stimulator Injections for most of my long term patients over time, in combination with medical grade home care, in clinic treatments, hormone therapy and lifestyle advice to provide a consistent and holistic approach to age management.

Questions to Consider before having a Biostimulator Treatment

Injectable Biostimulator Treatments have risks and are not suitable for all patients, which is why a consultation is essential prior to considering this type of treatment.

With these types of treatments on the rise, here are some guidelines and questions you should be asking your provider before proceeding with a treatment.
It’s your face, not a facial - you are allowed to ask these questions and legally, you should be fully informed!

Start with a Consultation

All good clinicians will start with a medical assessment and thorough initial consultation including examining your face. Thi is also an opportunity for you to “get their vibe” and see if you align with their aesthetic look and values. Trust your instinct. Nobody “needs” medical aesthetic treatments., they should be a choice to empower you, not a substitute for insecurity or a silver bullet for your self esteem - treatments are just skin deep. They don’t make you a better person.

It’s also a good sign if you feel excited and ready to make the next step after your consultation.

However, if you leave feeling undermined, devalued, rushed or pressured into a treatment - or worse - with a host of issues you never thought you had, this is a a red flag.

What is The Experience of your Clinician?

Only an experienced clinician with advanced training skills should be injecting you with a non reversible agent such as an injectable Collagen Stimulator. This is an advanced treatment. This means at least 2 years of full time injecting, advanced training in anatomy, the ability to use different techniques such as a cannula and needle, and hopefully ultrasound training if they wish to inject high risk areas of the face.

Do they understand your Medical History and risks of the treatment?

The clinician should understand what things increase your risk of an adverse effect after a treatment- this means assessing your medical history, medications and surgical history. Your prescribing doctor or Nurse Practitioner should be having this conversation with you, as they have extra training in prescribing and medical knowledge. A regular nurse is not qualified to have this type of discussion with a patient.

What is Their approach to managing risks and complications for nodules occuring after Biostimulators?

Different Biostimulators have different risks, including the risk of nodule (lump) formation. You should ask them what product they are using, what dilution they are using, what the risk of inflammatory nodules is with their chosen product, and how they would manage a complication such as a nodule if it arose.

Again, your prescribing doctor or nurse practitioner needs to have this discussion with you as it involves specific knowledge that is not in the scope of practice of a Registered Nurse.

What is the risk of vascular occlusion and how would your clinician manage a vascular occlusion?

All practitioners should have an “emergency kit” in their clinic which contains an algorithm for managing an unexpected urgent event or complication. You should ask to see it.

Some areas of the face have a higher risk of blood vessel blockage than others. You should know if these areas are being injected, and how your clinician will mitigate these risks.

For example, in my practice, I use Ultrasound prior to injecting a higher risk area, change my technique according to evidence based protocols, and attend independent education annually to keep up to date with the ever expanding medical aesthetics industry. The staff that work with me undergo a stepped approach to injection area, starting with showing competency for a lower risk area before moving on. This is based on peer reviewed (but unfortunately not enforced) protocols - as we have no overarching oversight from a governing body that assesses competency.

While all of these things don’t give me, 100% coverage, they also provide me with the confidence to deal with any concerns. My medical degree and 20 years of experience as a doctor also help me to assess potential concerns independently.

What are the alternatives to Biostimulators?

It is now mandatory for all injectors to inform you about the options for treating your clinical concern. This includes not doing the procedure, non invasive options such as topical treatments and energy based devices/ lasers, different injection modalities options.

The most satisfying consults I have with my patients occur when we come up with the best options for them- and yes, sometimes that involves me opting out of treatment, referring for a surgical lift or blepharoplasty or just simply being honest that I can’t help them with their issue.

As always in medicine, YOU should be at the centre of the consultation, not the clinicians bank balance! Honesty is what brings patients back, and earns you more referrals than any Google Adword campaign!