Beauty Tweakments

With the variety of tweakments now available (think fillers, Botox and cutting-edge laser treatments), it’s much easier than it used to be to lift, plump and undo some damage. These are just some of the procedures that deliver great results without the downtime.

- Christina Pitt

'There is no set or defined age at which one should start with anti-ageing measures,’ says Skin Renewal Institute general practitioner Dr Lilliana Lulli. ‘All of these procedures are best used as preventative tools. If you can identify where issues are going to arise then start doing something about it. The earlier you start, the better the results are going to be, and the longer the effects.’

As impressive as the results can be in some cases, it’s also important to manage your expectations. ‘Most of my patients don’t expect to come out looking like teenagers,’ says dermatologist and Dermalaser founder Dr Ian Webster. ‘But those with very deep wrinkles are a little disappointed. I’m always very honest about what these procedures can do. I usually under-promise and over-deliver to avoid that disappointment.’

NON-ABLATIVE LASER TREATMENTS

Going for a laser procedure can sound like something out of Star Wars, but in reality, the treatment is far less fantastical.

‘Laser treatments are skin rejuvenation procedures that resurface the upper layers of the skin,’ explains Dr Webster. ‘There are two types of lasers in common use: ablative and non-ablative lasers. The gentler non-ablative lasers allow for quicker healing, whereas harsher ablative lasers tend to be more effective. Ablative lasers aren’t really used in South Africa because they are quite aggressive and vaporise the whole top layer of the skin, leaving it quite raw and painful.’

What they treat: Moderate sun damage, minor scars, mild to moderate wrinkles, skin texture