As medical director of The Cosmetic Skin Clinic with clinics in Buckinghamshire and Harley Street and a practising cosmetic doctor with over 20 years experience, I have seen a steady and increasing demand for non surgical treatments. I have been privileged to be part of an industry that is able to help both men and women look fresher, younger and more rejuvenated.

The technology now available to the non surgical market means that consumers of all ages have so many choices accessible to them to help combat the signs of ageing. With all this choice also comes a myriad of dilemmas. We all know what bothers us most when we look in the mirror, but how do we find out what treatment we need and where to go for help?

Finding an experienced medical practitioner is the most important first step; don’t be led on high street promises of discounted treatments, no price can be put on experience and safety. Personal recommendation is a good starting point, as is a doctor who is a member of the BACD (The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors) and ideally check if the clinic is registered and regulated by the care Quality Commission. Your consultation is the most important part of your initial visit to a clinic; you should have plenty of time to discuss all treatment options and expected outcomes, the initial cost and any maintenance that is required. Ask about your practitioners experience and take time to see before and after photographs and never feel pressurised in to having any procedures. We are bombarded with stories of rogue practitioners performing botched treatments in an industry which is largely unregulated; you can really help to protect yourself by visiting a well respected and experienced clinic.

Here are some of my top treatments for this year!

Restylane Vital

This treatment is still one of my favourites and one of the most popular treatments for last year, and I predict it will be even more popular in 2009.The natural hydrating properties of Restylane Vital make it the obvious choice for all those skin areas that take on a rough dehydrated or crêpey appearance. These areas typically include the face, neck, and décolletage as well as the backs of hands. It plumps up the skin in a way that creams and other moisturisers simply cannot do. Restylane Vital moisturises skin from deep within and is actually now proven by clinical studies to work preventatively to stop lines forming. Its sister product Restylane Vital Light, recently launched the latter part of last year, is excellent for younger more sensitive skin.

The Natural Brow Lift

There is a trend now for low dose Botox in the brow, “Mini Botox”. For those who want a very natural look but still want the anti ageing and preventative benefits of Botox, this is the ideal treatment.

The Y Lift

The Y Lift is a technique for lifting and volumising the face. Natural beauty is a careful balance of features and this procedure subtly enhances the cheeks, restoring lost volume and width to the face instantly creating a rejuvenated lifted effect. Combined with carefully placed filler in the lower face, a non surgical mini-lift is achieved.

Nefertiti Lift

This is a treatment which can tighten and redefine the neck and jaw line restoring an elegant and more youthful look using carefully placed Botox in the neck muscles.

Fractional laser skin rejuvenation

This is increasingly used to treat all skin types and delivers dramatic skin improvement on the face and body with rapid recovery times.

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