Skin, Tone & Texture Treatments

Skin Treatments that are Tools not Toys

Until two decades ago medical skin treatments were limited to and principally focused on skin conditions like acne and skin cancer. The number of cosmetic treatments researched and delivered to market over the past two decades (potentially) out numbers those produced by any other medical field. The 90’s through to now have and continue to be an age of dramatic cosmetic aesthetic treatment advancement.

If you choose to look the best you can for your age you are no longer limited exclusively to the “soft” end of the cosmetic market offered by beauty therapists, pharmacies and department stores. The options available to the public have opened up. The traditional skin care industry has been supplemented with an aesthetics industry as large as the beauty salon traditional skin care market. A medical aesthetics industry that compliments and improves on its older cousin.

The first step for all new clients is to assess and then develop an agreed “aesthetics” client skin plan. This plan is based on scientific analysis, derived from empirical data and or expert opinion of our registered nurses and university skin trained staff under and in conjunction with our internationally trained cosmetic doctor.

We specialise and only offer medical modalities that are “tools not toys”. Everything we offer not only is supported by peer validated scientific medical research but also formulated to provide focused effectiveness and bang for your buck. We work with, not against your current regimes. We operate in the pointy (non-surgical) end of skin treatment possibilities.

Fractional Skin Resurfacing

Fractional skin resurfacing also known as fractional non-ablative (erbium) laser is a proven tone and texture treatment which has much less down-time compared to comparable treatments.

The light energy is delivered to the skin at a wave length and depth to stimulate new collagen and elastin formation that is lacking or disrupted in the skin. The new collagen / elastin improve the skins look making it more youthful, increase tissue tightness to create better texture along with stimulating the replacement of damaged tissue (scarring etc).

We use Cynosure’s ICON™ “fractional non-ablative 1540nm resurfacing erbium ICON™ laser”. It is the only system FDA cleared for treatment of surgical and acne scars and treatment of stretch marks. The systems micro lens options allow for high speed, quick treatment or deeper penetration to reach imbedded scar tissue and stretchmarks.

Skin conditions that can be treated;

1. Stretch Marks (click here to read more)
2. Acne Scars (click here to read more)
3. Post Surgical and General Injury Scarring (click here to read more)
4. Photo Damage (sun damage) / Skin Texture Improvement (fine lines and wrinkles) / Pore Size Reduction / Skin Tone Improvement (click here to read more)

Stretch Marks (striae)

Stretch marks (striae) are commonly associated with pregnancy, weight gain or loss, swelling associated with significant injuries and growth spurts during puberty. These scars are disfiguring and can affect confidence.

Fractional non-ablative resurfacing particularly in conjunction with other modularities has been proven to lessen, soften and or remove marks.

Acne Scarring

Acne (acne vulgarus) is very common, affecting up to 70% of people at some point during their life. It is unsightly and often affects confidence during the important adolescent years and it can lead to permanent facial / body scarring.

We offer a comprehensive holistic range of treatments to reduce the severity and or eliminate the acne altogether, without resorting to conventional antibiotics and oral medications.

We focus firstly on the active acne utilising therapies including our Jan Marini medical grade products, skin needling (collagen induction therapy) and peels. Once the active acne has been satisfactorily dealt with, the treatment focus turns to improving the texture and tone and elimination of scar tissue using light laser therapy.

Post Surgical and General Injury Scarring.

Light laser therapy smooths out unevenness and reduces the intensity of scar colour and size. The key to a good treatment result is starting as soon as the stitches are removed. In addition, non ablative laser treatment will stimulate collagen production which will in turn soften and replace scar tissue or lighten scar tissue tone and texture.

Photo Damage (sun damage) / Skin Texture Improvement (fine lines and wrinkles) / Pore Size Reduction / Skin Tone Improvement

Light therapy stimulates the bodies general healing processes. This assists in repairing sun damaged skin and removing or reducing large pores. It’s completely counter intuitive to think you can repair sun damage with large amounts of light. The effects are immediate, the skin is stimulated into action and feels firmer and smoother, the skin tone becomes more even.

Price

Pricing is dependent on a number of factors including the treatment, the size of the area being treated, condition being treated, the clients medical history, skin type etc. As a guide treatments start at $100, average around $300, full treatments of whole areas can be as much as $550.

For an exact quote please organise a consultation. All consultation fees incurred are fully redeemable off any treatment performed within three months. The consultation, in the great majority of cases, is free.

Pico Skin Tuning

The focus lens array PicoSure® picosecond laser platform provides an exceptionally safe and fast resurfacing treatment which is a step less aggressive than our 1540 (non ablative laser) ICON™ treatment but can be performed more often.

The PicoSure® produces a “photo mechanical” rather than “photo thermal” effect. It has a pressure wave as opposed to a heat delivery system. As a consequence, the PicoSure® performs each job on a fraction of the energy along with complete precision as to treatment depths. It’s a skin revitalisation that is unique and allows you to treat difficult conditions previously thought untreatable. It also allows frequent treatment of more common complaints safely e.g. skin resurfacing for general sun damage.

Skin conditions that can be treated;

1. Stubborn Sun and Age Spots (click here to read more)
2. Melasma (click here to read more)
3. Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) (click here to read more)
4. Acne Scarring (click here to read more)
5. Photo Damage (sun damage) / Skin Texture Improvement (fine lines and wrinkles) / Pore Size Reduction / Skin Tone Improvement (click here to read more)

Stubborn Sun and Age Spots

Age or sun spots are areas of pigmentation which can develop anywhere as a result of excessive or even limited sun exposure. Although they are not active skin cancers, they are disfiguring, unattractive, can be itchy and add years to the perceived age of your skin. These spots respond well to light laser therapies. Pico skin tuning allows exact targeting of difficult to move spots.

Melasma

Melasma is a brown pigmentation which can occur anywhere on the face. Although the exact cause is not known it commonly presents during pregnancy, in people of African, Asian and Middle Eastern descent, at the commencement of taking the contraceptive pill and during periods of hormonal imbalance.

The condition is difficult to treat. However, over time and with the appropriate treatment plan, it can be reduced and controlled. A personalised treatment plan is produced by our Cosmetic Doctor for each client based on the exact nature of each clients skin, medical history and the appearance of the melasma. This treatment plan usually incorporates one or a combination of our laser based treatments and pigmentation reducing topical products. The focus array Pico skin tuning is ideally suited to treat the condition due to its safety. It manages or eliminates unintended side effects from light laser treatment.

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) presents itself after trauma both minor and significant. Usually it appears as dark flat spots, more commonly in people of darker skin types but also in lighter skin groups and also as colours other than brown (pink, red or black).

The cause of PIH is trauma and its associated inflammation. The trauma is usually the result of conditions like acne, eczema, lichen planus, rash, blemish, surgery or poor cosmetic peel, laser and microdermabrasion treatments. The excessive pigmentation occurs as a result of cells reacting to the inflammation. The inflammation over stimulates the mechanism to produce melanin and in turn pigment.

As medical professionals we worry about PIH. It is not easy to treat effectively or quickly and therefore it is stubborn to attempts to have it removed. It’s one of the many reasons we are terribly specific about the protocols we establish, the rigid enforcement of training regimes and the monitoring of the implementation of our protocols in all treatments undertaken, by both clinic Directors.

Acne Scarring

Acne (acne vulgarus) is very common, affecting up to 70% of people at some point during their life. It is unsightly and often affects confidence during the important adolescent years and it can lead to permanent facial / body scarring.

We offer a comprehensive holistic range of treatments to reduce the severity and or eliminate the acne altogether, without resorting to conventional antibiotics and oral medications.

We focus firstly on the active acne utilising therapies including our Jan Marini medical grade products, skin needling (collagen induction therapy) and peels. Once the active acne has been satisfactorily dealt with, the treatment focus turns to improving the texture and tone and elimination of scar tissue using light laser therapy.

Photo Damage (sun damage) / Skin Texture Improvement (fine lines and wrinkles) / Pore Size Reduction / Skin Tone Improvement

Light therapy stimulates the bodies general healing processes. This assists in repairing sun damaged skin and removing or reducing large pores. It’s completely counter intuitive to think you can repair sun damage with large amounts of light. The effects are immediate, the skin is stimulated into action and feels firmer and smoother, the skin tone becomes more even.

Price

The pricing of specific conditions is dependent on the specific condition being treated, the size and position of the treatment along with other factors. For an exact quote please organise a consultation. All consultation fees incurred are fully redeemable off any treatment performed within three months. The consultation, in the great majority of cases, is free.

Skin tuning treatment prices are provided below. All prices are inclusive of GST.

FAQ (Fractional Resurfacing and Pico Skin Tuning)

1. Is limiting sun exposure prior to treatment important?
   For safety reasons for all 1540 non ablative treatments, as best you can, we ask that you eliminate sun exposure during the fortnight prior to treatment. Melanin created by the skin after sun exposure is picked up by the light emitted by the fractional 1540 hand piece and can produce hypopigmentation of the skin (light spots of skin). Our Skintel™ will pick up increased levels in melanin in the skin and change the ICON™ settings to suit, however, the consequence of this is a reduced treatment outcome.
   
   For procedures using the PicoSure® we ask that you minimise sun exposure during the fortnight prior to treatment. Our view is it’s better to prepare thoroughly and gain the maximum benefit from the treatment than to have a half effective treatment based on settings altered down for safety reasons.
   
   
2. Am I able to apply make up directly after the treatment?
   It is our preference that the application of make-up post treatment be kept to a minimum. Our concern is not so much for the make up but the cleansers required later to remove the make up that can be much harsher on already irritated skin. Application of sun screen immediately and for the fortnight post treatment is mandatory.
   
   
3. How long will the procedure take?
   The treatment time is completely dependent on the size of the treatment area. Generally, treatments take around one hour. Post treatment we will apply calming skin peptides, sunscreen and cooling. This increases patient comfort, treatment effectiveness and also reduces the skins recovery period. We ask clients to allow 30 minutes for post recovery in the clinic.

Click here for pre and post treatment instructions.

To achieve the best outcomes requires proper and considered planning (i.e. a cosmetic medical consultation) and preparation. Before you build you prepare the ground and so too is it true with your skin. If you want to maximise the effectiveness of skin treatments then it’s prudent to properly analyse, clean and prepare the skin before you embark on any treatment schedule. Lay good foundations and your building will require less maintenance and remain stronger, longer.

Analyse (Metis Skin Analyser)

Our eyes see skin through a filter that averages and assesses all visual aspects at once including skin texture, shape, emotion and expression. At the same time as we are visually assessing the face in front of us, we are also normally talking and concentrating on our exchange. Using a skin analytical tool like the Metis Skin analyser allows you to examine skin tone and texture, exclusively and in detail, without these other distractions and without clinican subjectivity. As opposed to an opinion, an analytical tool provides the “cold” truth based on the data collected in absolute isolation to all other stimuli.

Metis Skin Analyser allows us to look past the skins surface and provide simple to understand feedback in a visually enhanced form that allows easier identification of defects and deterioration. Skin tone issues below the surface that would not become evident for some time are revealed, the prevalence of pores and their significance made clear, blood capillaries hidden by makeup are highlighted.

As a tool it provides insight, for both clinician and client, at a level far better than otherwise possible. More importantly, each session allows you to create a base line then digitally retain it so you can later accurately and clinically assess the effectiveness of treatments you have undertaken.

FAQs

1 How long does it take?
The actual assessment made by the machine is both painless and quick. We ask clients to allow between 15 to 30 minutes for the review. After facial images have been taken and processed our skin clinician will provide a detailed review of your skin, provide a skin treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. It’s this second part that takes time.

2 Do I get to keep the results?
The Metis Skin Analyser provides a report which we e-mail to clients. We hold copies of patient reports, however, for privacy and also for house keeping most results are discarded after an appropriate period of time.

3 What is the cost?
A large percentage of our treatments include a free Metis Skin appraisal as part of the treatment cost. The skin review in these cases is effectively free. If the skin analysis is provided in isolation and by itself, we charge $50 (including GST) per session.

Clean, Hydrate and Replenish (Bio-Penta®)

We all regularly, with good results, clean our skin at home. Why or what reason would you have to pay for a clean to be done at our or other business premises? In our case the reasons are simple. We have wide functionality commercial quality equipment and consumerables operated by university trained skin technicians that can deliver superior results to those achievable at home. In summary what we offer is diamond and peptide, in comparison what you do at home is effectively the equivalent of scrubbing brush and soap. That statement is not meant to denigrate your home cleaning regime which is time efficient and quality maintenance. Our statement is highlighting the benefit derived from combining the best available supplies, techniques and equipment, and operating these same things by qualified trained skin staff technicians. What you do at home is good. What we can do in our clinic is provide a much higher level of clean, better broader hydration and replenishing of your skin.

The Bio-Penta® system and our associated protocols provide for:
a) Cleaning and lifting of foreign matter along with dead / weak / dysfunctional skin cells including significant removal of debris below the surface of the skin using high pressure water in a pure and semi sterile environment.
b) The use of light to stimulate and or break down structures and organisms and in doing so deliver healthier skin.
c) Deliver microcurrent and ultrasound to the skin to promote development of healthier structures and skin tone.
d) Infuse agents into the skin to hydrate and replenish.

Clean, Hydrate and Replenish Treatments

Hydro / Microdermabrasion Express
Cost: $89.00
Treatment time: 30 minutes

A treatment formulated to fit into a lunch time break and or for the time poor / people “on the go”. It’s a mini version of the deluxe facial tailored to provide the maximum benefit possible from a 30 minute treatment. It’s not a standardised “one size fits all” arrangement but tailored to your skin and concerns including exfoliation, LED and infusion. There is no downtime so you can resume your daily activities immediately post treatment.

Hydro / Microdermabrasion Deluxe Facial
Cost: $179.00
Treatment time: 75 minutes

Designed and tailored to address your skin and your concerns the deluxe treatment is a full facial using all of the treatments available from the Bio-Penta® platform in an arrangement and sequence to optimise your outcomes. It includes a diamond and hydro-micro exfoliation, LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, skin cocktail infusion and a hyaluronic skin plumping mask. There is little or no down time post treatment.

Vascular

Destroy the unhealthy without affecting the healthy

Fine vascular systems of the skin like other vascular systems throughout the body, fail for a number of reasons. While damaged vascular structures are harmless in the great majority of cases, the ones in the skin are unsightly. With light therapies you signal to the body its time for them to go. Targeting and causing trauma to the damaged vascular structures signals to the bodies repair mechanisms its time for the vascular structure to be removed and replaced with new heathy tissue.

Our light therapies are able to help treat small vein abnormalities. Large vein issues need to be addressed by other external medical specialities. Our ICON™ platform can treat:

1. Facial Veins (small) aka Spider Veins (click here to read more)
2. Rosacea (click here to read more)

Facial Veins (small) aka spider veins

Facial spider veins are common in both men and women. They are unsightly and are difficult to hide. The veins (also called telangiectasia) are often a response to sun damage, too many good times (alcohol), genetics and or poor skin care.

The veins are easily targeted by our ICON™ optimised pulse light platform. The ICON™ produces light energy at a wave length which interacts with the haemoglobin in the vein, killing the cells and destroying the blood vessel which collapses in on itself. Its instantaneous, here one minute, then gone the next. The body's normal healing process then clears the destroyed vein. Surrounding tissue is unharmed.

Regrettably, while we can easily treat most veins quickly the underlying cause for the spider veins original appearance will still exist in most cases. If the cause is not also treated, retreatment will be required periodically to address the return of more veins.

Rosacea

Rosacea (acne rosacea) is characterised by inflammation, flushing, yellow headed pimples and in men an enlarged and bulbous nose. It is a type of non-contagious skin inflammation that typically only affects the face. It’s also difficult to treat with most conventional rosacea medications, which are at best only moderately successful at controlling the inflammatory reaction.

OPL (optimised pulse light) from our ICON™ platform together with other modalities, specifically topical biological active products can eradicate or control this unsightly problem.

Pigmentation

Caused by light; treated by light.

Sun and Age Spots

Age or sun spots are areas of pigmentation which can develop anywhere as a result of excessive or even limited sun exposure. Although they are not active skin cancers they are disfiguring, unattractive, can be itchy and add years to the perceived age of your skin. These spots respond well to light therapies. ICON™ is able to send large amounts of light energy to the spot causing darkening, breaking up the pigmentation and stimulating the bodies immune systems to remove the remaining particles.

Birthmarks

Our OPL (optimised pulse light) ICON™ machine is used to remove or reduce birth marks. We can treat smaller less significant birthmarks. Larger and delicately positioned birth marks where we don’t have the protocol or experience to treat will need to be referred to a relevant specialist in Melbourne or Sydney for light treatment.

Lack of technology or treatment options is no longer the principal reason for people to live with a birth mark. For most, they see the birth mark as part of their identity and its removal completely unnecessary. It’s now a matter of personal choice in most cases.

Price (Vascular and Pigmentation)

Pricing is dependent on a number of factors including the treatment, the size of the area being treated, condition being treated, the clients medical history, skin type etc. As a guide treatments start at $75, average around $250, full treatments of whole areas can be as much as $350.

For an exact quote please organise a consultation. All consultation fees incurred are fully redeemable off any treatment performed within three months. The consultation, in the great majority of cases, is free.

FAQ (Vascular and Pigmentation)

1. Is limiting sun exposure prior to treatment important?
   It’s important for safety reasons to completely (as best you can) eliminate sun exposure during the fortnight prior to treatment. Melanin created by the skin after sun exposure is picked up by the light emitted by ICON™ can produce hypopigmentation of the skin (light spots of skin). Our Skintel™ will pick up increased levels in melanin in the skin and change the ICON™ settings to suit, however, the consequence of this is a reduced treatment outcome. Our view is it’s better to prepare thoroughly and gain the maximum benefit from the treatment than to have a half effective treatment based on settings altered down for safety reasons.
   
   
2. Am I able to apply make up directly after the treatment?
   It is our preference that there is no post treatment application of make up. Our second preference is that the post treatment application of make-up be kept to a minimum. Your usual make regime can occur post treatment to allow you to return to work, however, its our preference that post treatment make up be minimal. Our concern is not so much for the make up but the cleansers required later to remove the make up that can be much harsher on already irritated skin. Application of sun screen immediately and for the fortnight post treatment is mandatory.
   
   
3. How long will the procedure take?
   The treatment time is completely dependent on the size of the treatment area. Generally, treatments take around 45 minutes. Post treatment we will apply calming skin peptides, sunscreen and cooling. This increases patient comfort, treatment effectiveness and also reduces the skins recovery period. We ask clients to allow 30 minutes for post recovery in the clinic.

Click here for pre and post treatment instructions.

Platelet Rich Plasma

Take good from one place; return it to another where its needed more.

While the use of “platelet rich plasma” (PRP) treatments in the field of aesthetics is relatively new, its use generally in medicine, (particularly orthopedics), has occurred for more than thirty years.

The concept is simple, extract one’s own healing factors from a healthy part of the body, concentrate them and then inject them directly at the site they are needed.

Plasma is the part of our blood which is rich in platelets. Platelets are important for clotting and repairing damaged tissue. Platelets release ‘growth factors’ as the clot is formed. This growth factor attracts and stimulates stem cells to repair and produce new healthy tissue. Tissue and the surrounding skin texture and tone improve.

Plasma is obtained directly from your own blood and concentrated by a centrifuge machine. As your own blood is used, there is no danger of disease transmission or allergic reaction and little down time. The only side effect of the treatment can be the appearance of some localised bruising or spotting at the injecting sites and some discomfort during the procedure.

Be warned. The “vampire facelift” term is being incorrectly used to describe beauty salon treatments and cosmetic ingredients. PRP, as described in this document, is performed by a Cosmetic Doctor or a Registered Nurse in a medical setting after a full medical consultation and skin assessment have been performed. The procedure involves the extraction of your platelets/ plasma and injecting them back into your skin. This is the real thing, not a cheap imitation.

What is the Process?

1. Consultation with our Cosmetic Doctor. Prior to proceeding to treatment, you need to have a consultation where our Cosmetic Doctor can review your medical history and perform an examination. The Doctor needs to ensure you are a good candidate and will benefit from the treatment. There are a limited number of pre-existing conditions, predominately blood related that can preclude you from treatment. The cost of the consultation is fully redeemable against any treatment costs incurred within three months of the consultation. For the great majority of people the consultation ends up being free.
   
   
2. Treatment.
   1. Anaesthetic. Depending on your pain tolerance / preferences, the first step is the application of tropical anaesthetic. Most patients opt for no numbing of the skin. If you are having anaesthetic skin numbing you will need to arrive 30 mins prior to your appointment.
   2. Pre-treatment check. On arrival you’re checked to ensure there are no significant changes to your circumstances that would prohibit your treatment proceeding. Including checking that you have ceased medications (if relevant), as advised by our medical practitioner.
   3. Extract blood. A sample of your blood is obtained. No different to providing blood at the pathology centre for medical testing.
   4. Concentrate the blood and extract platelets. Your donated blood is centrifuged in the room while you wait. The concentrated platelet solution is extracted and prepared for injecting.
   5. Organisation and preparation of injecting sites. Our Cosmetic Doctor from his notes and inspection of the skin determines the sites that most need tissue renewal. These sites are marked. The skin is then sterilised.
   6. Injecting. The predesignated sites are injected with the platelet rich plasma by the Cosmetic Doctor / Registered Nurse.
   7. Post treatment.
      • First hour. Immediately post treatment we treat you with calming agents (cooling and peptides). Your skin will appear a little blotchy. You are monitored. Basic foundations are available for your use, however, if possible, our preference is that no make up be applied until at least the next day. You leave when you are ready.
      • Day one. You may have a little spotting and occasionally some patients experience a small amount of localised bruising. Your skin will have the appearance of slight sun burn. There may be slight discomfort. If required, you can take paracetamol four hourly. You will get a follow-up call to check on your progress from one of our cosmetic registered nurses. The growth factor has been released and the tissue building / repair process has started.
      • Week one. All side effects of the procedure will have disappeared. You will get a follow-up call to check on your progress from one of our cosmetic Registered Nurses. Tissue renewal and collagen production is in full swing.
      • Week two. Injected platelets have been at work increasing collagen and overall skin health for the last two weeks. Newly produced collagen plumps the skin and reverses some of the visible signs of aging.
      • Week three. Within two to three weeks, for most patients, their skin will feel and appear firmer and have a healthier more vibrant glow. The improvements continue over the next 12 months as newly produced collagen continues to improve the overall appearance of the dermis.

FAQ and Price

1. Who is a good candidate for PRP Facial Stem Cell Stimulation?
   The treatment is ideal for individuals of almost any age who are looking for gradual but noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone and colour, with minimal or no downtime. PRP is not effective in treating;
   a) advanced wrinkles and or severe scarring; and
   b) cannot be provided to patients with skin diseases (Systemic lupus erythematosus, porphyria, allergies), cancer, chemotherapy, severe metabolic, anaemia and systemic disorders, and abnormal platelet function (i.e. blood disorders) underlying sepsis.
   
   
2. How painful is the procedure?
   In terms of all cosmetic procedures we do, PRP is on the top (or near it) for treatment discomfort. If you don’t take up the anaesthetic option you will be able to honestly say “I have earned all the benefit I got from this”. The author suggests the extra 30 mins of your time to have your skin thoroughly numbed prior to treatment to be completely “worth it”.
   
   
3. What is the cost?
   From $350. The cost is determined by the area(s) and size of the areas treated. A comprehensive / more significant treatment could be as much as $550 (e.g. a full face). Our Cosmetic Doctor can give you details at your consultation.
   
   
4. How many treatments are usually required?
   For the best results we recommend between three (3) to four (4) treatments performed a month apart.
   
   
5. How long does a treatment take?
   The treatment itself takes around 30 mins. If you require numbing cream you will need to add another 30mins to the treatment time for application of the numbing agent and time to allow it to work.
   
   
6. How long can I expect the skin improvement effects from PRP to last?
   Patients can usually expect a noticeable difference in their skin from one week and can expect a difference in skin tone / texture for up to eighteen (18) to twenty four (24) months. Obviously, the effect of your treatment on improving your skin will depend on your personal circumstances. Your general health, how your body heals, whether you smoke or not and how you treat yourself e.g. whether you use daily sunscreen etc all contribute to determining the overall benefit you get and how long you get to enjoy that benefit.
   
   
7. What conditions is PRP used to treat?
   While PRP is a good “general” “all round” treatment that can be used to improve skin tone and texture it is particularly useful and more effective in treating:
        a. Premature aged skin due to sun damage.
        b. Improve skin texture in the cheek, mid face, back of hands and décolletage, areas;
        c. Improving and or reducing the significance of acne scars;
        d. Treatment of periorbital rim cosmetic complaints e.g. fine lines / crows feet;
        e. Improvement of the jaw line including reducing the appearance of fine lines around the mouth; and
        f. Treatment of sagging of the neck and or face.

Skin Needling

Kick your repair mechanisms and tell them bluntly "get to work".

Skin needling is essentially the process of initiating a mass call out of the bodies repair mechanisms for the smallest and simplest of reasons. Its the equivalent of calling on the whole army to help settle a parking dispute. The benefit from this mass call out is additional replacement of old tissue with new healthy tissue massively and disportionally to the injury caused. The body repairs the controlled micro trauma skin needling punctures and also the surrounding tissue.

Needling remoulds the skin by creating thousands of microscopic channels which activate the body’s normal tissue injury healing processes. Growth factors are released and new collagen is produced repairing both the puncture points and also replacing abnormal tissue, including scars. The new tissue expands into and over pores and uneven acne marks.

Not all needling is the same. Doctor based cosmetic clinics have access to medical, as opposed to beauty, needling supplies. We can offer automated high end world latest needling technology, longer needles and settings that provide greater penetration, operated by Registered Nurses in a medical setting. Our clinic uses the state of the art, Dermapen 4.

Skin needling is suitable for a wide range of skin conditions and can be used on anyone of any age, gender, skin colour or background. It is useful in treating acne scars, post-operative scars, injury scars, hair loss, fine lines, individual deep lines, loose skin, wrinkles, stretch marks and to rejuvenate skin. It is quick, safe, cost effective and able to be used on any part of the body.

Price

The initial treatment involves both a “needle” and “treatment” fee. The price to purchase your own re-usable needle bundle is $40. Treatments start at $100 and can be as much as $300. The price involved for any treatment is dependent on the size of the treatment area, your medical history, whether peptides or stimulants are added to the treatment and your skins general preparedness.

Sclerotherapy

Demolish the old and build the new.

In our climate, feeling that you are unable to dress in a manner that exposes your legs due to unsightly surface veins is both unfortunate and unnecessary. Sclerotherapy, the process of injecting veins with a sclerosing agent to remove unsightly insignificant vein structures is relatively inexpensive, non-evasive, carries low levels of complication and pain.

The sclerosing agent, after injected, damages the vein structures causing them to collapse on themselves. The redundant damaged structure is then removed naturally by the body. Blood flow that existed in the vein is automatically diverted to other healthier structures.

The first step is to locate and sclerose the feeder. We do the feeder first for two reasons a) we don’t want to miss the feeder, which can be less obvious once other branches of the vein are sclerosed, and b) it’s important to neutralise the source of spider veins so as to ensure other branches don’t immediately inflame post procedure.

We only treat small superficial veins usually referred to as spider veins and there is a limit to the number of spider veins that we are able to treat. More significant vascular conditions e.g. veraguas veins non-superficial spider veins, deeper veins will need to be referred too and managed by a vascular surgeon.

FAQ and Price

1. What is the cost?
   Our cost philosophy is to provide affordability and value in all the cosmetic treatments offered by our clinic. We believe all treatments should be affordable to all and our prices should reflect value and general market conditions. That said, this is a medical procedure using a controlled substance. We operate and focus only on determining whether there is a “need” and “benefit” for and from, respectively, this treatment. Once these criteria have been satisfied our focus turns to the safe treatment and post treatment support of clients using the best available protocols and most experienced staff. At the consultation our Cosmetic Doctor will provide details of the cost of the procedure. The decision to proceed or not is entirely up to the patient.
   
   Nb we are a conservative, principled, medical run and operated professional clinic that takes client and legal obligations and responsibilities seriously. The medications in question are covered by the rules and regulations of the “Drug, Poisons and Control Substances” Act. Heavy penalties apply for misuse of these substances. If used inappropriately or in untrained hands these injectables can result in “life changing” consequences for the patient. It is illegal to induce any treatment on the basis of price! No treatment will occur unless and until we have established on medical grounds both a “need” and “benefit” for the patient from the treatment. It is on this basis that we refrain completely from discussing costs directly in open forums like this. Consultation with our Cosmetic Doctor carries a fee of $100, however this fee is completely redeemable off any treatment carried out after consultation (straight away and or up to three months from the date of the consultation).
   
   
2. Can I afford to lose these veins?
   The veins sclerosed are not functional or have minimal functionality. Once damaged and inflamed these veins lose the ability to effectively do the job they were intended to do. Removing them makes aesthetic and also medical sense. Bumping an area of your skin which has a high concentration of spider veins is more likely to bruise and bleed, compared to normal skin. Our cosmetic doctor will only sclerose veins where it makes medical sense to do so.
   
   
3. A friend told me that her sclerosed veins returned.
   While we can guarantee that the sclerosed veins are gone forever there is a medium probability that the condition which caused the initial inflammation of the small veins still exists and that new spider veins over time will appear. It’s a matter, in most cases, of accepting the process of management and removal of spider veins will continue for the remainder of your life.
   
   
4. Is there a pre and post treatment protocol?
   Yes and unfortunately it is reasonably onerous for the first month post treatment. All patients will be required to wear a compression stocking(s) for a period of one month post treatment. The compression stocking(s) needs to be left intact and in place for not less than three (3) days post treatment. On day four (4) you can remove your stocking(s) for showering. After showering the stocking(s) has / have to be reapplied. For the remainder of the first week post treatment the stocking(s) must remain on day and night other than for showers. On the eighth day the stocking(s) only need(s) to be worn during the day and can be removed for sleeping. The day routine needs to be maintained for a further two weeks or until your second treatment session or up to a three week review appointment where your Cosmetic Doctor indicates that the stocking(s) no longer need(s) to be worn. At the end of your post treatment period most people burn their stocking(s) rather than try to wash them, for obvious reasons. In addition to the “wearing of a stocking(s)” requirement you will need to walk continuously post treatment for a period of not less than one (1) hour. You may not be too happy during the post treatment period but you will be fitter, more tolerant of people with odour and look great at the end of it.

Peels

Pulling back the curtain to start the next scene.

Lifting of damaged skin along with associated imperfections including debris, dead skin and foreign bodies, supplements or is a necessary precursor to, and improves the outcomes of other treatments. A peel in itself is also an effective treatment for many skin conditions.

We use Jan Marini skincare technology medical grade peels. Jan Marini’s peel formulations are all scientifically evidence based. This means the peels are at strengths and have the components necessary to make them both as effective and as safe, as is possible.

Our peels address conditions including inflammation, acne, rosacea, sun damage, impaired barrier / dryness, general ageing imperfections and assist in remodelling skin texture.

We don’t do peels for the sake of doing peels. Peels like all treatments need to be on the back of a thorough clinical assessment of each individuals skin. A need for the treatment and measurable benefit from it, both need to be identified prior to treatment. Pre and post treatment readiness and support, respectively, of the skin through a tailored treatment plan are essential so as to maintain and also enhance the skin's integrity and results.

Treatments

Analyse, Clean, Hydrate and Replenish

To make a journey requires understanding where it will start, the point it will end and preparation to make it happen.

To achieve the best outcomes requires proper and considered planning (i.e. a cosmetic medical consultation) and preparation. Before you build you prepare the ground and so too is it true with your skin. If you want to maximise the effectiveness of skin treatments then it’s prudent to properly analyse, clean and prepare the skin before you embark on any treatment schedule. Lay good foundations and your building will require less maintenance and remain stronger, longer.

Analyse (Metis Skin Analyser)

Our eyes see skin through a filter that averages and assesses all visual aspects at once including skin texture, shape, emotion and expression. At the same time as we are visually assessing the face in front of us, we are also normally talking and concentrating on our exchange. Using a skin analytical tool like the Metis Skin Analyser allows you to examine skin tone and texture, exclusively and in detail, without these other distractions and without clinican subjectivity. As opposed to an opinion, an analytical tool provides the “cold” truth based on the data collected in absolute isolation to all other stimuli.

Metis Skin Analyser allows us to look past the skins surface and provide simple to understand feedback in a visually enhanced form that allows easier identification of defects and deterioration. Skin tone issues below the surface that would not become evident for some time are revealed, the prevalence of pores and their significance made clear, blood capillaries hidden by makeup are highlighted.

As a tool it provides insight, for both clinician and client, at a level far better than otherwise possible. More importantly, each session allows you to create a base line then digitally retain it so you can later accurately and clinically assess the effectiveness of treatments you have undertaken.

FAQ and Price

• How long does it take?
  The actual assessment made by the machine is both painless and quick. We ask clients to allow between 15 to 30 minutes for the review. After facial images have been taken and processed our skin clinician will provide a detailed review of your skin, provide a skin treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. It’s this second part that takes time.

• Do I get to keep the results?
  The Metis Skin Analyser provides a report which we e-mail to clients. We hold copies of patient reports, however, for privacy and also for house keeping most results are discarded after an appropriate period of time.

• What is the cost?
  A large percentage of our treatments include a free Metis Skin appraisal as part of the treatment cost. The skin review in these cases is effectively free. If the skin analysis is provided in isolation and by itself, we charge $50 (including GST) per session.

Clean, Hydrate and Replenish (Bio-Penta®)

We all regularly, with good results, clean our skin at home. Why or what reason would you have to pay for a clean to be done at our or other business premises? In our case the reasons are simple. We have wide functionality commercial grade quality equipment and consumerables operated by university trained skin technicians that can deliver superior results to those achievable at home. In summary what we offer is diamond and peptide, in comparison what you do at home is effectively the equivalent of scrubbing brush and soap. That statement is not meant to denigrate your home cleaning regime which is time efficient and quality maintenance. Our statement is highlighting the benefit derived from combining the best available supplies, techniques and equipment, and operating these same things by qualified trained skin staff technicians. What you do at home is good. What we can do in our clinic is provide a much higher level of clean, better broader hydration and replenishing of your skin.

The Bio-Penta® system and our associated protocols provide for:

1. Cleaning and lifting of foreign matter along with dead / weak / dysfunctional skin cells including significant removal of debris below the surface of the skin using high pressure water in a pure and semi sterile environment.
2. The use of light to stimulate and or break down structures and organisms and in doing so deliver healthier skin.
3. Deliver microcurrent and ultrasound to the skin to promote development of healthier structures and skin tone.
4. Infuse agents into the skin to hydrate and replenish.

Clean, Hydrate and Replenish Treatments

Hydro / Microdermabrasion Express

Cost: $89.00

Treatment time: 30 minutes

A treatment formulated to fit into a lunch time break and or for the time poor / people “on the go”. It’s a mini version of the deluxe facial tailored to provide the maximum benefit possible from a 30 minute treatment. It’s not a standardised “one size fits all” arrangement but tailored to your skin and concerns including exfoliation, LED and infusion. There is no downtime so you can resume your daily activities immediately post treatment.

Hydro / Microdermabrasion Deluxe Facial

Cost: $179.00

Treatment time: 75 minutes

Designed and tailored to address your skin and your concerns the deluxe treatment is a full facial using all of the treatments available from the Bio-Penta® platform in an arrangement and sequence to optimise your outcomes. It includes a diamond and hydro-micro exfoliation, LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage massage, skin cocktail infusion and a hyaluronic skin plumping mask. There is little or no down time post treatment.