Plasma Rich Growth Factors – Hair loss and skin rejuvenation.

PRGF For Hair Regrowth – by Laura Davies

Hair loss or hair thinning is not something I have ever had to worry about. With an abundance of extremely thick hair it might seem bizarre as to why I decided to treat people who are suffering with various types of Alopecia. I trained many years ago as a Dental Nurse and have seen the profession develop beyond belief. Moving with the times and for personal reasons I went on to train as a Counsellor and obtained my degree. I specialised in helping phobic dental patients make it into the chair which was extremely satisfying. I also worked for the NHS as a Counsellor until I was struck by bereavement.

Part of my training lead me to qualify as a phlebotomist in order to take bloods for patients who were having PRGF treatment for dental procedures. For years, I have been blown away by the incredible results PRGF has in oral surgery and keen to learn more about its uses in medicine and cosmetics I contacted BTI (The Biotechnology Institute, the founders of this pioneering technology).

Under the wing of BTI and Needle Concepts I went on to train in mesotherapy with a view to applying the technology to promote hair re-growth and for skin rejuvenation. I have some very close friends who have struggled to come to terms with hair loss and thinning, both men and women. Although it is far from being a life-threatening disease, the psychosocial impact of hair loss can provoke stress and a significant decrease in quality of life.

So how does it work?

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) is a technique used to regenerate bone and soft tissue using a small amount of your own blood. The plasma, which contains all the healing and stem cells is separated from the blood and injected using a special pain free method into the scalp. PRGF permits the body to take advantage of the normal healing at an accelerated rate. The platelet-derived growth factors function to assist the body in repairing itself by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new hair growth. The more growth factors released into the area, the more stem cells simulated to produce new anagen hair follicles.

For best results we advised a minimum of three treatments four to six weeks apart with an annual boost to continue to stimulate growth factors to prevent further hair loss and to stimulate new hair growth.

The treatment is safe, convenient and non invasive. It takes around an hour to include preparation and treatment. There are some patient’s we cannot treat (this will be discussed at an individualised consultation) but they are few and far between.

Red Carpet Facial

Our most luxurious facial, ideal for a big event – wedding, graduation, big Birthday!

What is a Red-Carpet Facial?

The Red-Carpet Facial @ Aesthetics Shrewsbury, is our signature facial. It combines the power of cryotherapy and AlumierMD luxury medical skin care products for both professional use in surgery and at home. Also known as ‘Frotox’ due to its ability to tighten and smooth the skin.

Cryotherapy cleanses and massages the skin using targeted jets of cold (liquid Co2) which gradually lower the temperature of the skin to around 4’c. This is called Thermal Shock. The body’s natural response to rapid cooling causes an immediate increase in the flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the area.

This non-invasive procedure exfoliates dead cells, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and promotes natural collagen production, skin hydration and overall sense of wellbeing.

The Red-Carpet Facial is perfect for all skin types even sensitive and breakout prone skin types closes pores without reactions or further breakouts. It’s especially effective on skins with inflammatory conditions like acne and rosacea.

What to expect during treatment?

The treatment is over 2 sessions 2 weeks apart and last for about 45minutes each time. Your skin is thoroughly prepped and cleansed to remove makeup, moisturisers and any toxins that are naturally present on the skin. Once the skin is clean and dry the cryotherapy machine (KaasenLife by Trucryo) is used which sprays dry Co2 over the face to reduce the skin temperature and allow thermal shock/Cryolypolisis to occur. It’s noisy and very cold but not uncomfortable. Unlike other facials it’s not the most relaxing experience the results are worth it.

We then apply an Enzyme retexturing treatment (mild achemical peel) which is massaged onto the skin to aid lymphatic drainage, moving along all the toxins and tension in the facial muscles. The Enzymatic Peel is a highly effective exfoliator that combines 10% lactic acid with fruit enzymes bromelain and papain to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Aloe vera extract calms inflammation and redness, while sodium hyaluronate, vitamin B5 and gluconolactone hydrate and soften skin for a supple and radiant complexion.

Finally, the skin is treated with AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum which is a lightweight serum that boosts hydration and enhances the skin’s natural hydrolipid barrier with sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide (vitamin B3). Skin will be left soft, smooth, firm and hydrated – illuminous!

Is Cryotherapy safe?

There is a risk of ‘frostnip’ – damage to the surface layer of skin which is not permanent, but we prevent this by keeping the device moving at all times. The KassenLife device has lasers fitted that are able to detect the skin temperature in real time and is programmed to cut out if the temperature falls too low. Ultimately Cryotherapy is non-invasive and risks are minimum.

What to expect after treatment?

Immediately after treatment your skin may be a little pink – this is normal and usually clears within a few minutes.

We encourage you to drink lots of water to encourage the toxins out of your system efficiently.

You will also be given a customised AlumierMD kit containing full size skin care products depending on your skin type and needs which we will ask you to use every day. The kit comprises of three simple steps – cleanser, serum and sunscreen.

Your skin will look immediately radiant – Red Carpet ready! Over the course of the two weeks following treatment the immediate radiance is met with incremental improvements – reduced pores, reduction in fine lines, firmer skin and an overall glow.

Follow up care.

A further treatment as described above is carried out two weeks later and you are encouraged to continue with the home care until the products run out – around 3-4months. Your skin will continue to improve following this boost leaving you with a clear radiant complexion.

Fat Freeze

More information on one of our most popular treatments.

How does Fat freezing work?

The treatments are powered by cryolipolysis – a medical treatment used to destroy fat cells. A device called KassenLife (by Trucryo) sprays liquid Co2 (dry spray) which is extremely cold onto the skin causing thermal shock. The thermal shock causes apoptosis or cell death of subcutaneous fat tissues.

Does is hurt and what are the risks?

Treatment doesn’t hurt although the cold can make it a little uncomfortable, some people say it feels ‘a little spiky’. While the risks are minimal there is a risk of ‘frostnip’. The KassenLife device has built highly sensitive temperature sensors which indicate to the practitioner what temperature the skin is at all times and should the temperature fall too low the device automatically cuts out so the chances of trauma are minimal.

How many treatments do you need?

A minimum of five treatments are recommended for best results. On your first appointment, we talk through all the risks,complete the consent and discuss which areas you are concerned about. If you are medically able and wish to go ahead that day we can do this, your following appointments are made between 2-7 days apart. Appointments are thirty minutes but treatment time is much less than this depending on the number of areas being treated. The treatment is non-invasive and there are no limits to how many you can have.

How long do the effects last?

You will see a change immediately after treatment -the skin will feel tighter and firmer. Throughout the course of treatment this will continue. You will need to drink a minimum of 2ltrs of water a day to encourage the toxins out of your system. The targeted fat is destroyed for good but even with liposuction if you do not maintain a healthy diet/lifestyle there is the risk that you will reproduce more fat.

What areas can be treated?

The KassenLife device can target both small and large areas with ease including; stomach, back, arms, thighs, buttocks, jawline/chin, breast.

How much does it cost?

A course of five treatments cost £250

Skin health: Tips and tricks to keep your skin in tip top condition!

Skin health: Tips and tricks to keep your skin in tip top condition!

The skin is the largest organ in your body and it plays a vital role in detecting hot and cold, regulating your temperature and protecting you from infection. It’s vitally important you look after it and give it the respect it deserves.

Here are some tips we have put together in honour of Septembers Skin Care Awareness Month.

Eat the right foods and drink water

It is imperative to eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, melons, berries, nuts and avocados help your skin feel and look refreshed.  Drink PLENTY of water. Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water a day. The body can then flush out the toxins that can cause issues with the skin.

Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals on the skin

Washing daily with drying soaps can cause irritation and soreness. We would recommend finding the right cleanser for your particular skin type.

Even oily skin needs moisture

Use a moisturiser with natural ingredients in such as Vitamins A and E, Aloe Vera and Oatmeal. With oily skin people tend to avoid moisturiser as they feel this will make the oily situation worse, the opposite it actually true. Trying to dry your skin out often makes your skin produce even more sebum (the skins natural moisturiser). We love AlumierMD’s hydra light moisturiser which contains Hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide and peptides.

Sun protection is vital, not just for your skin health but for general health too

Sun protection factor 30, is the single most important (and simple!) thing you can do for your skin to keep it young and healthy looking. Sun burn in childhood increases your risk of skin cancer in adulthood, but we still need to protect ourselves from burning as adults too. You wouldn’t put any of your other organs at risk of burning, so why would you put your skin at risk?

Use a broad spectrum (protects against both UVA & UVB rays) sun protection factor 30 or higher. If you would like more information on how to choose a sun screen please read this article .

Clean your make up brushes

People tend to overlook this simple trick, but if your brushes are clogged with bacteria and dead skin cells (which they will be if not washed regularly) then you are putting your skin at risk of clogged pores and breakouts. Wash them with baby shampoo or a foaming cleanser once weekly and leave to air dry.

Sleep

Go to bed early, it’s not called beauty sleep for no reason! Almost half of us are only sleeping six hours a night. (Sleep Council ‘Toxic Sleep’ survey, January 2011). When we don’t achieve our 8 hours a night, the body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol, which starts off an inflammatory type response in the body and plays havoc on our skin. Also if you suffer with breakouts /congested pimply skin, changing your pillow case every few days can help.

Exfoliate regularly

The skin regenerates itself every 28 days. To help shed off the top layer of skin, exfoliate it with regular chemical peels and you can maintain your results with a great home care routine. This should include a gentle daily AHA/BHA exfoliant. Also replacing moisture with a hyaluronic acid based serum, ideally containing a medical strength quality peptide to reduce fine lines and wrinkles will really help the skins appearance. Exfoliating will help to reveal younger, plumper looking skin cells underneath, but don’t head for abrasive or harsh scrubs which are not only bad for the environment but also for your skin.

Vitamin C&E

Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. As time passes, scientists and skin specialists are realising the importance of Vitamins C & E applied topically to strengthen the skin, promote resilience and reduce ageing and pigmentation. No Vitamin C serum is better than AlumierMD’s Everactive C&E. Its unique patented technology allows the full strength 15% L Ascrobic Acid (the maximum the body can absorb) to be delivered into the skin.

Please click here to find out why we think it is the most powerful and effective serum on the market today.

Aesthetics – The Story So Far…

Aesthetics – The Story So Far…

The Aesthetics clinic is owned and operated by Janine Lewis, who is a qualified and experienced nurse.

The idea of Aesthetics began in 2016 when Janine’s husband, a local tattoo artist, suggested how many people are unable to have their unwanted tattoos covered up due to the dark nature or sheer size of their existing artwork. Having always had an interest in Aesthetics, Janine embarked on a Manchester University accredited course in Advanced Laser Aesthetics. The course covered skin anatomy and physiology, identifying different skin conditions, principles of safe laser operation, medication contraindications, tattoo removal, pigmentation treatment, thread vein treatment and IPL hair removal amongst other laser treatments available with dermatologists.

Initially the business was going to be just the clinic owner Janine in a separate room in her husband’s studio. However, as Janine discussed the idea with friends and colleagues, interest grew and there were more enquiries about other treatments she may be able to offer. This is when the idea of a purpose built clinic was born.

Building work made a quick start in June 2017 and opened in the September of that year. Since then Janine has embarked on an OFQUAL regulated Level 7 (Master Degree level) course in Injectable Medicine with Harley Academy and continues to expand on her knowledge.It is now currently a three roomed purpose built clinic with three practitioners offering Cryotherapy, Dermal fillers, Consultations for wrinkle relaxing treatments, Chemical peels, Microblading, Semi Permanent Make Up, Plasma Rich Platelets (PRGF hair loss and Vampire Facials), Tattoo Removal and IPL Hair reduction.

We are hugely proud of what we have achieved in the last two years including an award for Aesthetic Clinic of the Year for the entire midlands area! We look forward to expansion and growth in the next five years but always maintaining our personal, professional touch.

 November 2018

Laser Tattoo removal – What should I consider before going ahead?

Laser Tattoo removal – What should I consider before going ahead?

Tattoos have been around or many many years. It was in 1898, when the aristocracy of Europe had got into tattooing their skins in a big way. Then, as now, we Brits were at the forefront of the craze.

Techniques have changed over the years and we now rarely see the old “stick and poke” method being used, but more modern machinery to more accurately control depth of ink and I hasten to add, some tattoos can be pretty spectacular!

It is estimated that one in five people in the UK have a tattoo. If the tattoo has been researched thoroughly, most people are happy with their designs. However, it’s been estimated that a quarter of those with a tattoo regret having one done – and that’s where Nurse Practitioner Janine can help!

Laser tattoo removal is a really effective way to remove unwanted art work from your body. The procedure involves passing an ND Yag laser over the area of skin where the tattoo sits. The process works by breaking down the pigment in your skin, allowing the smaller ink particles to be absorbed by the body bit by bit. Tattoo removal takes multiple sessions (generally more than 12!) and how many depends on a variety of factors including the colour of the tattoo you wish to be removed and your skin type.

It is an effective treatment and can create some amazing results, however there are some things that you need to be aware of and consider before going ahead with laser tattoo removal.

We’ve put together a list of 7 key things you need to consider before getting laser tattoo removal:

  1. Before getting the treatment you should be aware that tattoo removal can never be completely guaranteed. In some cases the tattoo might only partially fade, leaving behind a partial pigment. This can, in some cases, even look like a scar. We cannot know the contents of the ink that has been used, it has been reported that traces of acrylic have been found in some tattoo inks. This will not be removed with laser. Some medical conditions and/or medications make tattoo removal unsafe, so your Nurse will check your medical history thoroughly to ensure we don’t take unnecessary risks.
  2. The location of your tattoo can also have an impact on the result of treatment. Tattoos that are located on the more sensitive parts of the body can be harder and (sorry to say) more painful to remove. Tattoos located closer to the heart have better circulation and so will often heal quicker.
  3. It may be difficult for your practitioner to give you an accurate time-scale and number of treatments required for the tattoo removal as each tattoo and each person responds differently to treatment. Once you have undergone the first treatment they will be able to advise more on this but you must be aware that we (or any other practitioner) can’t guarantee results. If you are getting married you need to be aware that it can take 2 years to remove a tattoo as sessions are 8 weeks apart minimum.
  4. The colours in your tattoo can also effect the treatment results as different lasers may be needed, which operate at different wavelength of the colour spectrum. Some colours may be harder to remove than others. Your practitioner will be able to advise you more on this at consultation. Generally, white and yellow pigments are nearly impossible to remove.
  5. Following strict after-care is important to maximise the results of your treatment. You should also be aware that the treatment area may be red, blistered, raised or slightly swollen after treatment (don’t panic this is normal!) and so it is important to keep the area clean an away from any  sun. We recommend the use of 100% Aloe Vera Gel post procedure. However, your practitioner will go through all the after-care advice with you at the consultation stage plus at each visit. Smoking and anti inflammatory medication can have a negative impact on tattoo removal results .
  6. Some pigment used in cosmetic tattoos, may appear darker after treatment due to the oxidisation process. Don’t panic- this can usually be corrected with follow up treatments. Reddish / Brown pigments are particularly susceptible to this so can be very obvious with eyebrows!
  7. Tattoo removal is generally more effective in tattoos that are over a year old. The older the better for best results. We cannot undergo tattoo removal on tattoos that are under 2 months old – minimum.

Laser tattoo removal really is an effective way to remove unwanted art work from your body. We just think its important that you are well informed before going ahead with any treatment. If it’s something you are considering then come and see us for a consultation and we will be able to advise you further after having a good look at that unwanted tatt!!