Linda Briggs Cosmetic Surgery & Dentistry

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Limited Edition - September 2003 - Injectable treatments

Aesthetic treatments - mostly anti-wrinkle injections taking just -minutes at a clinic - are becoming big business, especially in affluent Essex.

Recent research by the makers of Restylane, one of the most popular 'tissue fillers' say women, and some men, seek an emotional lift as well as a physical beauty lift, especially in low periods of their lives.

"At 50,1 started to get things in the post like cheaper insurance offers and Saga Magazine and I don't feel like that.  I feel young and fit," said Anita, 51. "Having treatments will not make me look like 30 again, but at least they make me feel much happier in myself."

Others said having cosmetic treatment made them feel vain, and that they were judged as shallow or self-indulgent.

"Its our culture.  It's frowned upon to be so vain and self-centred that you have these treatments done, whereas in the States it is no big deal.  It is all about feeling good about oneself."

Mark Gittos is a cosmetic surgeon with clinics in Brentwood as well as in Harley Street, London.

He said: "Aesthetic treatments are about confidence.  We all take a shower or a shave, and it's a little extension of that -feeling happy in our own skin, which gives us confidence both at work and socially."

Injections to the forehead can get rid of those deep lines which can make you look grumpy and old.  Some treatments freeze the muscles, while it hers fill out the soft tissue, stretching the skin.  A session of injections, depending on here, what and who, can cost anything from £250 to thousands of pounds.  The treatment takes a few days to work, and can last for up to six months.

Restylane client Debbie, 36, said: "You can go and spend £400 on super creams so easily but I prefer to use less expensive cosmetics, and have a treatment once a year because you can see the effects straight away - it's good value for money."

Side effects are rninimal with anti-wrinkle treatments, says the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. Patients might suffer a slight stinging sensation as the injection is performed, and around two in every hundred patients can suffer very temporary eyelid or eyebrow paralysis.  Headaches, numbness or bruising can occur, but are not common.

It is important not to rub the area, to avoid exercise, and to stay sitting or standing for at least four hours after the treatment.

The association says muscle relaxing injections do not set off any allergic reactions.

It also points out that dermal fillers, such as Collagen and Restylane have been used since the 1970s, but new products are constantly being introduced.  Regulations have not kept pace with these developments, so it is important to be aware that some new products may have only had limited tests.

Bad news stories, such as actress Lesley Ash and her swollen lips, have given a jolt to potential customers for cosmetic treatments.

How can you be sure that your chosen practitioner is qualified to handle one of your best assets?

The British Medical Council has a list of plastic surgeons, but so far has no register of 'aesthetic' specialists.

Usually we choose a specialist from the experience of our friends, but the secretive nature of aesthetic treatment means personal recommendations are hard to come by.

Ex-special police constable, Linda Briggs, was 45 when her 35-year-old sister got married.  Being mistaken for the mother of the bride, Linda suddenly realised she was very unhappy with her looks, and was determined to do something about it.

She found a distinct lack of information.  After surgery on her face, neck, eyelids and eye bags, laser treatment and anti-wrinkle treatment, then skin treatment, Linda decided to set up her own data base to help others choose practitioners.  Her website, and her full story, is www.Lindabriggs.co.uk.

Essex specialist Patrick Bowler set up the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors two years ago to make sure the industry was safe and ethical.

Dr Bowler, who practices at Brentwood's Court house Clinic, said: "Cosmetic procedures can have serious implications when handled incorrectly.  It was vital to regulate the industry, for everyone's benefit."

The association will provide a list of trained doctors and their specialities, at the same time as being a body of education and support.

It claims: "We aim to reduce unwarranted and undesirable aspects of cosmetic medicine's reputation and gain the respect enjoyed by all specialist branches of medicine."
 

Penny, a PR executive from Colchester, had anti-wrinkle treatment on a weekend's break at a health spa.

"I'm only in my 30s, and didn't have a big problem with wrinkles, but wanted to get rid of the growing furrow between my eyebrows.

"I probably would not have gone on my own to a special clinic, because it would seem too indulgent, but at the health spa there were lots of other women who I felt wouldn't judge me."

After a long presentation and an hour's personal consultation with aesthetic specialist to the stars, Ces Solagrande, Penny had injections to disperse her frown lines and crows feet.

"It hurt a little more than I expected," she said, "and there was a tiny crunching sound as the stuff went into my skin!  It was a bit of a trial, to see what it would feel like.  And the pain wouldn't stop me having it again, although I doubt if I will have it again."

After six months Penny is very happy with the effects, especially that her face has remained expressive, and her frown lines have stayed away  As the muscles are frozen by the injection, they relax out of the old frowning habits, so even when they come back into action, the frown lines will be less distinct.

"1 don't regret having the treatment," Penny added, "but I would still be embarrassed if everyone knew." (which is why her name has been changed!)