Blog Post

Botox and Fillers

Victoria Hayes • 4 April 2019

What questions to ask

It’s a daunting world, injectable beauty procedures, full of questions like 'where do I go?' and 'what will I look like?'.

It’s not surprising that people are firmly for, or against. I admire people embracing the ageing process who haven’t succumbed to the pressures of the stylised, magazine-led glossy image we’re supposed to aspire to. But on the other hand I can also understand why people do have work done, and done in the right hands by a skilled practitioner it can look natural and can be very safe. So, with that in mind I’ve put together some information to consider before booking an appointment for those interested or unsure.

The first thing to check is whether the person you're thinking of seeing is a member of The British College of Aesthetic Medicine, The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses or The British Dental Association. I wouldn’t personally (or recommend that you) go to a beautician that’s done a 1 day course! Yes, this is possible people! Get recommendations from friends or family members and see which one looks the most natural. Don’t be drawn in by fancy marketing or special offers. This is a serious business and any decent nurse/doctor/dentist will pride themselves on providing the best treatment at a professional price, no cost cutting. The initial appointment should be a free of charge consultation with no obligation. You should also ask about what type/brand of product they use? Also question whether it’s the best for you. Like most things, there’s a difference in quality for each product. The cheaper the product the less likely it’s going to last and/or can have varying levels of safeness. This can be a reason why prices vary so much. Also look at reviews of the clinic and/or individual online beforehand.

During the appointment

Does the room look clean? Do they look clean? If not run for the hills! A dirty environment is not safe or an acceptable one. You should never feel pressured into having anything done. Have they explained all the risks involved? The treatments are very safe in the right hands but go with your gut if you're not sure. It’s also important to feel comfortable with the person that’s doing the treatment; if you don’t, book to see someone else and shop around until you find the right person for you. Ask yourself, can you afford to keep the maintenance up (these things aren't a one shot deal!)? The doctor/nurse/dentist should be clear about costs and treatment frequency. Ask to see before & after photos of previous clients, do they look natural? I’ve seen injectables done so well it’s not obvious, even with my experienced eye, but I’ve also seen bad results, tight skin and cat like eyes with eyebrows lifted like the McDonalds arches! Too much is never a good look!

After the treatment

If you do decide to go ahead you should be given plenty of aftercare advice and further contact details in case you need any further consultations or advice. They should also ask to see you in a few weeks to review how the treatment has taken.

My personal view

I’m sure many people will disagree with me but I personally feel that you should only go to someone who’s working in the field of injectables full-time. There are lots of people providing these services on top of their existing full-time job or doing it part time and they will be trained, but it’s not a one size fits all service. There’s a skill in the technique that I feel is best performed by a professional that’s doing it day in day out, is an expert in their field. I've been surprised at the difference in effects the same product can look like being injected by different people, the worst having been done by a doctor doing it for additional income. I cannot stress enough, if you do go for it then do your research !

I hope that’s given you an insight in what to ask and what to consider. I’ve been working alongside an aesthetic (AKA cosmetic) nurse for over 12 years so if you’ve got any questions, please ask away & I’ll ask the expert.

I've got plenty more posts in the pipeline but if you’ve got a particular topic on skincare or makeup you’d like me to cover, please let me know.

Next up I'll be talking about eye shadow crayons.

Thanks for reading! X

by Victoria Bickerton 4 January 2025
Did you know our skin loses about 1% of its collagen production every year after age 20? We live in an era where advanced skincare science offers groundbreaking solutions for ageing skin. AnteAge Growth Factors represent one of the most innovative developments in regenerative skincare, using our body's natural healing mechanisms to rejuvenate skin cells. At my Alsager clinic in Cheshire, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations through these specialised growth factors. From enhanced collagen stimulation to significant wrinkle reduction and improved pigmentation, these cytosignals work at the cellular level to restore skin health. We'll explore how AnteAge Growth Factors function, their scientific foundation, and their specific benefits for various skin concerns. Let's dive into the science behind this revolutionary approach to skin regeneration and discover why it's becoming a cornerstone of modern skincare treatments. The Science Behind AnteAGE Growth Factors The foundation of AnteAGE technology lies in the remarkable properties of bone marrow stem cells. They’ve discovered that these cells are uniquely powerful because they naturally command tissue repair throughout the body. Unlike other stem cell types, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess exceptional versatility, capable of transforming into various cell types to combat injury and inflammation. In the laboratory process, they culture these cells in carefully controlled conditions to produce specific bio-signals for skin repair. The stem cells used, come exclusively from young, healthy, pre-screened adult female donors, ensuring the highest quality source material. The key components of the technology include: -Epidermal growth factor (EGF) family -Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) -Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) What makes their approach unique is the bio-identical nature of these growth factors. They create proteins with molecular structures identical to those found naturally in human bodies. While some recombinant growth factors are included to supplement the natural proteins, the core strength lies in the bone marrow stem cell-derived factors. Through their specialised culture process, they’ve developed a method to harness these communication pathways, creating products that effectively reach the dermis through liposomal technology. This ensures the microscopic molecules can slip between epidermal cells to reach skin-repairing cells, maximising their regenerative potential. Mechanism of Action in Skin Regeneration When we examine how AnteAGE growth factors work in skin regeneration, we're looking at a fascinating cellular communication network. The process begins at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), where basal keratinocytes act as master communicating cells in our skin. These cells release specific growth factors and cytokines that coordinate behaviour across all skin cells. AnteAGE MD's growth factors work through multiple pathways: -Cell Signaling Enhancement : Growth factors derived from bone marrow stem cells function as command and control centres for healing -Inflammation Control : The solution contains pro-healing, anti-inflammatory growth factors that reduce recovery time by 40-50% -Barrier Function : The addition of hyaluronic acid provides rapid re-hydration and volume enhancement in upper skin layers -Collagen Production : The growth factors attach to fibroblasts, instructing them to produce collagen naturally rather than through forced injury The keratinocytes at the DEJ, when properly stimulated, coordinate with other skin cells, including dermal fibroblasts. This communication network ensures proper skin regeneration and repair, leading to improved texture, reduced pore size, and balanced moisture levels. Clinical Applications and Benefits Clinical experience with AnteAGE growth factors has demonstrated remarkable versatility across various skin concerns. I’ve observed that a single microneedling treatment combined with growth factors can restore the amount of collagen typically lost in an entire year. The treatment benefits are both immediate and long-lasting: -Enhanced Recovery : Reduces post-treatment redness and downtime by up to 50% -Rapid Results : Many users notice visible improvements within just 4 days -Sustained Impact : Most patients experience significant changes within 30 days -Long-term Benefits : Prevents new signs of ageing with continued use I’ve successfully used AnteAGE to treat multiple skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation. The treatment's effectiveness is particularly notable when combined with other procedures, such as Micro-needling and chemical peels—clinical studies show improved skin tone and elasticity within just five weeks. My professional protocols typically recommend one treatment session per month for three to six consecutive months. The growth factors work by instructing the skin to regenerate as it did during younger years, targeting the root cause of ageing rather than just surface symptoms. Conclusion AnteAGE Growth Factors represent a significant advancement in regenerative skincare, backed by robust scientific research and proven clinical results. My experience at The Renew Skin Clinic demonstrates how these specialised growth factors, derived from bone marrow stem cells, effectively restore skin health through natural cellular communication pathways. Research supports the remarkable benefits I’ve observed: reduced recovery time, enhanced collagen production, and significant improvements in skin texture and tone. These growth factors stand out for their versatility and compatibility with various treatment modalities. Whether used alone or combined with procedures like micro-needling and RF treatments, they consistently deliver impressive results for concerns ranging from fine lines to uneven pigmentation. Ready to experience the transformative effects of AnteAGE Growth Factors? Book an appointment via the website to start your personalised treatment journey. I will create a tailored plan addressing your specific skin concerns, using this groundbreaking technology. Science continues advancing our understanding of skin regeneration, and AnteAGE Growth Factors lead this progress. Their ability to work with our body's natural healing mechanisms makes them an essential tool for anyone seeking effective, science-based skincare solutions. FAQs Q1. What are AnteAge Growth Factors and how do they work? AnteAge Growth Factors are specialised proteins derived from bone marrow stem cells that enhance skin regeneration. They work by stimulating cellular repair pathways, promoting collagen and elastin production, and reducing inflammation, effectively rejuvenating the skin at a cellular level. Q2. How quickly can I expect to see results from AnteAge Growth Factor treatments? Many users notice visible improvements within just 4 days of treatment. Most clients experience significant changes within 30 days, with continued benefits observed over time with regular use. Q3. Are AnteAge Growth Factor treatments suitable for all skin types? Yes, AnteAge Growth Factor treatments are versatile and can be used to address various skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation across different skin types. Q4. How do AnteAge Growth Factors compare to traditional skincare treatments? AnteAge Growth Factors often provide better results than traditional treatments due to their anti-inflammatory profile and ability to target the root cause of ageing. They can reduce post-treatment recovery time by up to 50% and are particularly effective when combined with other procedures like micro-needling or laser treatments. Q5. How often should I undergo AnteAge Growth Factor treatments? Professional protocols typically recommend one treatment session per month for three to six consecutive months. However, the exact frequency may vary based on individual skin concerns and goals, so it's best to consult with myself for a personalised treatment plan first, but typically I'd recommend 3-6 treatments for those with advanced skin ageing and deeper set wrinkles.
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