Knife-free alternatives to cosmetic surgery

Grazia, Britain’s first weekly glossy magazine, has just published (18th July edition) the results of a fascinating survey it commissioned.  The survey questioned 1000 women, with an average age of 34, on their attitudes to cosmetic surgery and the answers that came back revealed the following startling facts:

• More than one in 10 British women has already had surgery

• More than half are planning to have something done in the future

The most wanted procedures are

• Liposuction 42%

• Botox 39%

• Skin resurfacing 37%

• Eyelid lifts or bag removal 29%

Among those that have had surgery an overwhelming “82% said that they felt more attractive and almost three-quarters agreed that it had improved their lives”.  The article also gives a balanced view on the risks associated with any surgical procedure and the survey revealed that “78% of those questioned fear something going wrong and half are nervous about scarring”.  The cost of some of the procedures is pretty mind blowing too!

Our view at SkinGenesis is that anyone considering surgery should also check out the non-surgical alternatives before making their decision, and I don’t mean the “non-surgical alternatives” in the Grazia article which are all topical preparations applied to the surface of the skin which have little chance of being effective.  On the other hand clinic based non-surgical treatments work deep in the structure of the skin and supporting tissue, and produce real and lasting improvements without any of the risks, inconvenience and cost of surgery.  And there really are effective alternatives to the ‘most wanted’ list above.

For example, instead of liposuction, SkinGenesis can offer targeted fat reduction using our no-needle mesotherapy technique.  Fantastically successful in shifting those stubborn pockets of fat this treatment is a quarter of the cost of liposuction, is pain free, carries no infection or anaesthetic risks and there is no recovery time – whereas you can expect 10 – 15 days off work for liposuction!  No-needle mesotherapy is also as a cellulite treatment.

Botox is a unique case as paralysing muscles seems completely at odds with our other treatments which work by stimulating and regenerating healthy, toned and smooth skin.  However, there is no doubting it is a very successful treatment and can be completely safe if carried out by properly trained and qualified clinicians.  We are carrying out a survey to gauge our own clients’ attitude towards it (see www.skingenesis.co.uk home page for details) and would welcome your views.

Skin resurfacing means different things to different people.  We all know that skin grows from the inside out and our view is that successful treatments must stimulate the natural production of new cells and collagen and elastin as well as exfoliate the dead cells from the surface.  Beware of laser resurfacing and aggressive peels which only bring temporary surface benefits despite considerable discomfort and unwelcome reddening.

We recommend 3rd generation microdermabrasion to gently exfoliate and stimulate both the lymphatic system and microcirculation beneath the skin.  To clear up pigmentation and blood based blemishes, and boost collagen and elastin production, we recommend intense pulse light (IPL) treatments.

When choosing a clinic for intense pulse light, do make sure the clinic is registered with the Healthcare Commission.  Finally, if loss of tone is the issue, we get great facial toning results with no-needle mesotherapy through which the active, natural formulations are delivered deep into the skin.  It is a universal truth that the quality, luminosity and smoothness of your skin are constant visible reminders of your health, fitness and wellbeing – so it pays to look after it and consult experts if you have any problems.

The final item on Grazia’s ‘most wanted’ list is eyelid lifts and bag removal.  As an alternative to surgery much can be done with the skin and toning treatments described above – and this is where topical preparations can really help as the skin is so thin in these areas.  SkinGenesis stock the excellent NV Perricone range of cosmeceuticals which include 2 eye area therapies which work in tandem to lift and tone and reduce the appearance puffiness and dark circles.

So there you have it!  These are true alternatives to expensive and risky surgery which really work.  A lot of our clients find their self confidence and self esteem rise fantastically as their treatment progresses.  The results come steadily and naturally, unlike surgery, so the successful treatment can be ‘their little secret’ if they so choose.