Myth-Buster Masterclass
Three expert practitioners debunk some of the most common misconceptions in aesthetics
“I can get my injectables at a party”
NURSE TRAILL SAYS:
I love a party as do most people, but parties are for socialising, dancing and having fun with your friends! Adding a medical prescription treatment, such as injectables like botulinum toxin or dermal fillers, into this mix is just not a vibe and not a cocktail that should be together in my opinion. Even though you might technically and legally be able to get your treatments from a party, this puts you at a higher risk of experiencing complications or infections as they are not carried out in sterilised environments. Consult with a registered medical professional such as a nurse, dentist, or doctor face-to-face in a regulated clinic during your own time, with a clear head and a list of questions for the best and safest outcome and experience.
“Only feminine men can get cosmetic treatments”
MR SHOAIB SAYS:
This is simply not true! We all want to look our best and both men and women find themselves in this position, but seeking cosmetic treatments is not unmanly or ‘feminine’. The most common treatments for men include rhinoplasty (nose surgery), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and liposuction, which are vastly different to the treatments women are interested in.
There are several reasons men will attend a cosmetic surgery clinic, but they are usually to change the effects of ageing, and to normalise their appearance. Often men will leave antiageing treatments for longer
"Chemical peels are great as they can be tailored to patients, in terms of the depth of the treatment, types of ingredients and pH making them perfect for you and your skin!" Dr Uliana Gout
than their female equivalents, but it is common for men to have procedures to address facial and eyelid sagging and to correct some of the changes we see in our bodies with ageing. Liposuction to the chest wall is also common in middle-aged men, so that they can still feel comfortable taking their children swimming and on holiday, for example. I see quite a few men who feel their nose is disproportionate or feel their appearance has been adversely changed with trauma and therefore are simply looking to normalise their appearance.
“Chemical peels aren’t for certain skin colours”
DR GOUT SAYS:
False! Chemical peels are a number one treatment for many individuals of all skin colours, except for some people who suffer with certain skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis, as this may cause further irritation to the skin. Chemical peels are great as they can be tailored to patients, in terms of the depth of the treatment, types of ingredients and pH making them perfect for you and your skin! However, one precaution to be mindful of is that darker skin types do need an in-depth consultation as well as specific peel ingredients as darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). To put it simply, anyone wanting to boost their skin radiance, collagen induction, reduce pigmentation, and improve their wrinkles will benefit from chemical peels. We all deserve good skin – so let’s start investing our time into the right treatments!
NURSE TRAILL SAYS:
Chemical peels are phenomenal if the right peel is used for the right skin issue and skin tone. Most skin types are suitable for skin peels, but I would advise going in ‘low and slow’ rather than ‘high and fry’ with a skin assessment and consultation first, especially if you have skin of colour, hyper or hypopigmentation, underlying health issues, are taking certain prescription drugs, or have super sensitive skin. This is because the skin can react badly to even a tiny bit of stimulation so the mildest form of peel is recommended. I like my patients to do skin preparation with an at-home skincare regime before, during and after the treatment for long-lasting results.
“After a facelift, I won’t need injectables or laser treatments”
MR SHOAIB SAYS:
This is a common misconception! A surgical facelift alone will address drooping muscles and fat pads in the face and the procedure aims to elevate them. During a facelift, we open the skin and raise a skin flap to get access to the fat and muscles. These are elevated and anchored to the upper parts of the face to achieve a reduction of jowls, tightening of the facial fat pads and facial muscles. As we age the fat pads lose volume and descend to a lower position. Whilst a facelift will elevate these, the volume will slowly deplete unless additional treatments are performed to address this.
Fillers add volume to the fat pads and restore some of the youthful fat that we lose because of ageing, whereas botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles which can become overactive as we age and reduce fine lines by weakening the muscles. A facelift, or even a brow lift, will not address the muscles which cause us to frown with as much effectiveness as botulinum toxin.
Lasers can improve skin quality, and this also deteriorates with the ageing process. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, collagen and elastic fibres, our pores thicken, and our skin shows pigmentation from environmental factors and sun exposure. A facelift simply tightens the skin and removes some of the issues, however, a laser works on the skin itself to reverse ageing signs like pigmentation, and gives us clearer, smoother, and more youthful skin. I often use the analogy that when you buy an expensive car, you take it to the dealer for a service every year, to ensure it lasts as long as possible! Similarly, after a facelift, you should still get regular treatments to help maintain the results for longer. Read more about facelifts on p.50.
“The spots on my face are a result of acne”
NURSE TRAILL SAYS:
Not all spots are equal! Some are caused by acne which we can all get regardless of age and gender, and some can be a symptom of rosacea. If you don’t have blackheads but have spots, it could be rosacea and not your typical acne. Rosacea is commonly seen on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead and may co-exist with acne. Rosacea usually begins with flushing which can lead to persistent redness to the face. For darker skin patients, rosacea might appear as pimples and hypersensitivity (which means that the skin might be easily irritated by external aggressors such as UV radiation or the application of cosmetic products). Sufferers of rosacea are cautioned against using common acne treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acids), topical retinoids, chemical peels, toners, and products containing alcohol, as the ingredients are too harsh and can aggravate the condition more.
My advice would be to book in for a skin assessment and consultation at a medical skin clinic or with a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan to get the best results for you and your skin.
"Rosacea is commonly seen on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead and may coexist with acne" Nurse Frances Turner Traill