Mission Fresh Face Stage 1 - Deciding on Which Procedures and More Importantly Which Clinic?

 These are examples of PRP 

I'm 55 and have never really considered any kind of plastic surgery, Botox, fillers, etc. I remember a dear friend of mine who is a plastic surgeon saying that I didn't need it and most of his patients needed psychotherapy not endless procedures. Which I think was his way of saying he thought I seemed pretty happy and confident with my own face. But that was 10 years ago now and I think he might another opinion although I think the message is grow old gracefully (which is not the same as naturally) which is exactly what I hope to do with a little help from my new dermatologist friend.

Having seen so many women go completely over the top, pumping their faces up like alien- like muppets I was pretty sure that was not a route I wanted to go down. I had one friend who had so many ridiculous surgeries that her body was constantly out of proportion, ie. tummy tuck emphasizes your big ass, lipo on your thighs makes your calves look big, lipo on the arms that then need surgery to cut away the excess skin so you have tram lines up both arms is borderline psychotic. Especially when it's elective, not life threatening surgery for a woman who is a Marks & Spencer size 16.

So even though God is kind and as you age your eyesight starts failing so you can't see the rages of time on your face. Then the moment of startling truth when you get your first specs on and all becomes apparent - you are wrinkling at a rapid pace. I have certainly noticed more lines after menopause (just another wonderful thing to look forward to, NOT). In the past few years I have been scrutinising the faces of some of my 'worked on' friends and family and they look pretty darn good, very natural looking, just lovely and fresh faced. So that's the mission: Fresh Face. 

I have started my research and watched my dear beautiful 'guinea pig' friend have her eyes done (upper and lower lids) plus PRP and she looks great. Now I have been motivated to at least try PRP and a Spectra facial to give me a more youthful glow, at least that's what the ad says and what I am hoping for. 

Now the upside is there are so many clinics out there due to this new vane obsession we have bought into - which means clinics are in competition, which means reduced prices. So that was the second thing I noticed; the prices are irresistible, the first thing I noticed is that I may be the only person I know that hasn't had a nip, tuck, filler, peel, plumping or Botox. That is about to change. 

There are some excellent offers around but it is always wise to have recommendations for doctors and clinics. My first appointment for PRP and/or Spectra is next week at a beautiful clinic, which has eased my worry slightly as there is nothing more unnerving than walking into a place resembling Al Dohama animal clinic in Al Rai especially if the treatments are for you and not your pooch.

Bear with me the clinic and prices will be shared with you once I have undergone the procedure and can give you the two thumbs up...

SO WHAT IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA?

 PRP is an injection treatment whereby a person’s own blood is used. A fraction of blood is drawn from the individual patient into a syringe. This is relatively a small amount compared to blood donation. The blood is spun in a special centrifuge to separate its components (red blood cells, platelet rich plasma, platelet poor plasma and buffy coat). The platelet rich plasma and buffy coat are first separated and then activated with a small amount of calcium chloride which acts as an activation agent and scaffold to keep the PRP where the injector intends to treat. Platelets are very small cells in your blood that are involved in the clotting and healing process. When PRP is injected into the damaged area it causes a mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As the platelets organize in the treatment area, they release a number of enzymes to promote healing by attracting stem cells and growth factors to repair the damaged area. As a result new collagen begins to develop. As the collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the damaged area. In short, this treatment adds volume to your skin and stimulates the cells to reproduce. The procedure takes about 1 hour.

PRP’S SAFETY

PRP has been well-known for over 20 years for its wound healing properties and its proven effectiveness has extended across multiple medical specialties. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is cutting edge therapy in the field of cosmetic enhancements. Although the procedure is relatively new in aesthetics in the U.S., PRP has been recognized as an effective treatment in sports injury, diabetic ulcer treatment, and orthopedics to name a few.  PRP’s emergence into aesthetics and skin rejuvenation began in 2004 in Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and many other countries around the world.

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BENEFITS OF PRP

Along with the benefit of using your own blood therefore eliminating allergies, there is the added advantage of mobilizing your own stem cells for your benefit. PRP has been shown to have overall rejuvenating effects throughout the body.

PRP can be used to treat:

► Epidermal Thinning and Volume Loss in the Face, Neck and Décolletage

► Fine Lines and Wrinkles

► Circles, Bags and Discoloration in the Eye Region

► Vertical Lip Lines

► Active Acne and Acne Scars

► Sexual Dysfunction for Men and Women

► Stretch Marks

► Hair Loss

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CONTRAINDICATIONS

PRP is extremely safe for most individuals between the ages of 18-80. Parental consent is required for patients under 18. There are very few contraindications however; patients with the following conditions are not candidates: cancer or undergoing chemotherapy, severe metabolic and systemic disorders, abnormal platelet function, chronic liver pathology, anti-coagulation therapy, sepsis or systemic use of corticosteroids within 2 weeks of procedure.

RESULTS

Results are generally visible at four weeks and continue to improve gradually over ensuing months (3-6). Current results may last 18-24 months. Of course all individuals are different so there will be variations from person to person.

And this is Spectra or The Hollywood Peel..

This is a one of a kind photo-enhancer based laser treatment that is performed only using the Spectra ™ laser.

This procedure is popular amongst Hollywood actresses such as Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian etc thereby gaining its name: The Hollywood Peel.

The procedure is safe on most skin types and is a fantastic way to brighten up your skin without the longer downtimes associated with other procedures!

What are the benefits of this procedure?

*Brightens and tightens your skin for a natural, well-rested look

*Improves skin tone, texture and elasticity

*Shrinks pores

*Improves melasma and other signs of sun damage

*Reduces all types of acne

*Controls sebum production

*Reduces redness from inflammed acne

How is the procedure performed?

LWDLIK - I'm so excited to try it, which is something I never, ever thought I'd ever say. I shall keep you posted.