Skin and injectables - Do they go hand-in-hand?

During the consultation processes of all my patients I always get asked this common question "How long will [antiwrinkle injections/fillers] last for?" and the answer is...

IT DEPENDS

I know, you're gonna say "What a cop out answer!" but hear me out on this...

Not everyone is the same when it comes to the longevity of their injectable treatments and let me tell you why - this is because of a number of variables and lifestyle factors and choices the individual does in their day to day life.

Longevity of these treatments from what I have personally seen are the following:

- Metabolism - I see a number of cross fit athletes probably every MONTH to do their antiwrinkle injections - why? Because their metabolism is at PEAK level - meaning whatever they put into their body whether it be food, medication and yes, even injectables - their body will eat this up for energy.

- Medications - Prior to even getting injectables, we always ask what current medications are you taking - this is because some medications can alter the lifespan of your anti-wrinkle treatments and even render them ineffective!

- Lack of hydration - Now, if you've read my blog on drinking water, you now I am a big advocate of this - this not only helps that we keep the moisture levels up in the skin, BUT! Your filler will love you for it as it is made out of a Hyaluronic Acid Gel - which carries 1000 times its weight in water molecules resulting in plumper lips, hydrated skin, and helps the filler to live a little longer!

Now that I've told you the reasons that affect longevity, let me list some ways in which we can help them live longer:

- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

- Use your moisturiser - Hydrated skin is healthy skin! And this will help showcase your antiwrinkle treatment and dermal filler treatment ten-fold. This will further enhance the results of your treatment. - Retinol - Good ol' Vitamin A - this is a godsend in the battle of the effects of anti-ageing. The use of Vitamin A ensures that skin cells have a turn over of 28 days (as we age, this cellular turnover gets longer and longer which means less collagen + less elastin = ageing skin) and ensures the surface of the skin is smooth, retain its plumpness and glow.

- Sun protection - A must in the heat and sun over here in Australia, the sun is unforgiving and it doesn't discriminate against anyone. Sun exposure can deplete the skin of it water, cause pigmentation and premature ageing skin! To troubleshoot a host of issues, including loss of elasticity, pigment changes, and wrinkle formation, apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily.

Hopefully these tips are useful to you. And if you have any other questions or suggestions about anything I should write about next, shoot me a message! Stay beautiful

Nurse K x