At this point, we’re all familiar with the likes of Botox and Profhilo, but there are plenty of other tweakments to speak to your doctor about if you’re thinking of having something done. “It’s very easy to get into a rut and just have the same thing repeatedly,” says Dr Sarah Tonks, one of London’s leading aesthetic doctors, from her clinic in Knightsbridge. Any good practitioner will start with a proper consultation to understand exactly what you’re hoping to achieve before talking you through your options, and while their recommendation may simply be to carry on with your usual forehead Botox and Profhilo sessions, it may also include more innovative uses of existing products or lesser-known treatments. Dr Tonks shares her favourites, below.
Radiesse for jawline definition
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that are most commonly used to restore volume to areas of the face, Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxylapatite, a naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite. Although it’s used in the same way as an HA filler, Radiesse is stiffer in consistency and therefore provides stronger scaffolding for areas like the jawline. Practitioners also like it because it tends to stimulate more of the body’s own collagen production than regular fillers. Plus, because it’s a biostimulator, it can be diluted with saline and used like a skin booster to address other issues such as crepiness on the neck.
Belotero Revive for skin rejuvenation
While most of us are familiar with Profhilo, it’s not the only skin booster that experts rate. “Belotero Revive [can be used] anywhere, including the neck, face, chest, hands, elbows, abdomen and bum,” explains Tonks. And it’s not just good for improving the appearance and quality of skin either. “Although it’s [used] for skin luminosity and textural improvement, it’s also been shown to have a positive impact on pigmentation for up to nine months,” she adds.
Aptos threads for skin ageing
If mild to moderate sagging is your issue, you might want to consider threads, which support the structure of facial tissues while also stimulating your own skin renewal processes such as collagen production. Despite what you may have heard about them, Tonks is a fan and insists they’re a brilliant option for many patients. “I always say forget what you know about threads,” she explains. “First, you’re totally numb when you have these. There’s no pain, no overpulling or ruching [and] most people look decent immediately afterwards.” The Aptos threads she favours are made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLACL), a naturally occurring substance that is biocompatible and gradually dissolves in the skin over time. “They’re great for people who are starting to see mild to moderate signs of ageing, but the younger you start, the better, as you’re banking that collagen.”
Lower face Botox for facial balance
If you, or your doctor, are only using Botox to address lines on your forehead and around your eyes, then you’re missing a trick. “Lower face Botox is completely underrated and most patients don’t realise what it can do for them,” says Tonks. Whether it’s used to address chin dimpling, reverse downturned mouth corners, do a Nefertiti neck lift or a Lip Flip, lower face Botox is a real insider secret. “It’s good because it makes sure the face looks harmonious,” she adds. “If you just treat the upper part, it can sometimes look like people have two different faces. This is a way to bring both together. In my opinion, if you’re doing upper face, then you should be doing lower as well.”
This article was originally published on Vogue.
