the ISLANDS AESTHETICS

A healthy, optimally functional skin is a naturally good-looking skin.

Skin, as an organ, has many different functions. Dysfunction is caused by ageing, bad habits like smoking and moisturiser abuse, and the effects of a harsh environment like UV damage. Some symptoms of poor skin health include uneven pigmentation, sensitivity or dryness, laxity (looseness), thinning and acne breakouts. Our goal at the Islands Aesthetics is to restore healthy skin function, relieve symptoms, and as a bonus

The Islands Aesthetics is driven by patient outcomes, not product sales. We view aesthetic procedures as investments, and strive to make those investments as cost-effective as possible, while still ensuring that tangible outcomes are achieved. As qualified and skilled professionals, we charge for our time and expertise, instead of making a profit on large margins on products. In fact, we aim at the Islands Aesthetics to be the best value-for-money aesthetics clinic in the region.

Minimally invasive procedures are preferred methods of treatment because they are by definition less traumatic and therefore less painful. That said, because the areas we treat are richly supplied by nerve endings, we can’t promise that procedures will be absolutely painless. Superficial procedures tend to be more painful because that is where the skin’s nerve endings lie. Certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others, with the most sensitive being the lips. Puncturing the skin with a needle can be described as a stinging or pinching feeling, but it is very brief. When working on the deeper structural deficits of the face, you should not feel any pain, but rather a sensation that is often described as “weird” or “tingly”.

At the Islands Aesthetics, we take considerable effort to ensure a comfortable experience. Before your treatment, Dr Pierre will discuss anaesthetic (pain-relief) options with you, including skin-numbing creams, local anaesthetic and in some cases, conscious sedation. If your pain is intolerable during the procedure, he will immediately stop and address it. There’s no need to worry as we are well-equipped to manage and control pain.

The worst side effects to expect from a minimally invasive procedure are swelling, tenderness and bruising. These are side-effects that sometimes cannot be avoided, however, to mitigate these effects, we use best-practice techniques and the correct equipment.

If you do experience any unexpected adverse effects, Dr Pierre will talk you through managing it step-by-step. He will also give you an emergency number to call before you leave and an idea of what to expect should an emergency arise. Rest assured that all adverse effects are treatable, as long as an intervention is made in time. Dr Pierre is always on stand-by for his aesthetic patients and can be contacted for emergencies at any time.

It is safe to travel by any means after treatments. However, certain procedures are best done while you are available locally, in case a short-term reassessment or review is necessary. Share your schedule with Dr Pierre during your consultation so he can help you plan treatments accordingly.

Yes, different treatment modalities can be combined during a single session. The fundamental rule is that these modalities should not interfere with each other’s mechanism of action. For example, facial treatments that rely on physical manipulation of the structures of the face should be done before a procedure that relies on precise product application.

You can discuss the specifics of your case during your consultation with Dr Pierre. You can also check the botulinum toxin and fillers FAQS for pre-care and post-care instructions.

Most treatments in the field of medical aesthetics and plastic surgery yield temporary results. This is mainly due to the physical properties of the products that are used, but also because the aging process never stops, and needs continuous attention. It is also much safer to use non-permanent products. This means that repeat treatments are inherently necessary to maintain the effect.

The frequency of each treatment depends on each person’s unique anatomy and physiology, the area of treatment, and the specific product used. During your consultation, Dr Pierre will address the lifespan of your procedure and when you can expect to return for a touch-up.

No, aesthetic treatments are not covered by medical insurance.

Yes, diet plays an especially important role in skin health. The age-old adage “you are what you eat” also applies to the skin. Specifically, a diet high in refined carbohydrates tends to cause worse skin inflammation, leading to worsened acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. Refined carbohydrates are commonly found in white flour, white bread and white rice, pastries, sodas, snacks, pasta, sweets and breakfast cereals.

Diets rich in antioxidants help to improve similar skin problems. The best antioxidant sources are fruits and vegetables. Some good choices include blueberries, raspberries, apples, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, eggplant, and legumes like red kidney beans or black beans.

Our goal at the Islands Aesthetics is holistic beauty, not just removing isolated lines. That’s why we rarely single out specific areas to treat wrinkles. Rather, we assess your overall needs and consider the skin quality changes and structural anatomical changes that contribute to excessive wrinkles. Our holistic approach ensures you get the best results, and look more relaxed and youthful. Our treatments also include skin cleansing, a comprehensive skin-health analysis, and a personalised aesthetics plan. BOTOX® is priced at R80/unit and is used as per your tailormade treatment plan. As a guide, consider budgeting around:

• R4000 – R6000 for holistic, full-face treatment
• R6000 for armpits (to treat excessive sweating)

The aesthetic effects of botulinum toxin last on average for 3 to 4 months, but may vary depending on the condition of your skin, the area treated, the amount of product used, the injection technique and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking. For the best results at treating and preventing facial lines and wrinkles, aim to have treatments done every 4 months. When you have treatments for excessive sweating, you can expect the effects to last for 8 to 12 months.

One week before your botulinum toxin treatment, try to avoid using aspirin, or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, swelling and/or fever, such as medicines that contain diclofenac, mefenamic acid, indomethacin or ibuprofen. You can ask a pharmacist or Dr Pierre whether your medication includes any of these ingredients. Taking this measure can reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at the point of injection on treatment day.

There are no other specific pre-care instructions, but if this treatment is your first visit, you need to share your medical history with Dr Pierre beforehand. Mention any current conditions, as well as details of any allergies you have or medications you are taking. There is no need for an allergy test unless advised so by Dr Pierre.

Following a botulism toxin treatment:

• For 4 hours – do not lie down or do strenuous activities such as exercise. Try avoid doing anything that increases the blood flow to the injection area.
• For 12 hours – avoid extreme facial expressions, alcohol consumption, and applying make-up.
• For 24 hours – do not rub or massage the treated areas as this could influence the effect of the product.
• For 2 weeks – avoid direct sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas.

Don’t worry about tiny bumps or marks after your treatment – these will go away within a few hours. And remember, it can take between 3 to 14 days for the results of your treatment to take full effect after a procedure.

One of the many benefits of minimally invasive procedures is the lack of down-time afterwards. In most cases, there may be short-lived discomfort and swelling in the areas where work was done, but this can easily be alleviated using some ice applied to the swollen area. Remember, never apply ice to bare skin – also use a covering like a cloth.

There are only a few absolute contra-indications (medical conditions that restrict or prevent a treatment being carried out). Botulinum toxin treatments are not recommended if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have a neuromuscular disorder, such as Myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
• You use Warfarin (a medication commonly used to treat blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism).
• You’ve had previous allergic reactions to botulinum toxin or any other constituents.
• You have a skin infection at the proposed site of injection.

Chat to Dr Pierre if you have concerns about any of these conditions.

Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA) – a naturally-occurring substance found in skin. HA made in a laboratory is sterile and it is not seen by your body as a foreign substance. Fillers are only temporary because enzymes in your body eventually break down the HA molecules. However, this is preferable over permanent fillers, which often lead to complications later on.

The answer depends on what type of hyaluronic acid is used the filler. Generally speaking, fillers can last anywhere between 6 and 24 months. Without getting too technical, certain fillers are more viscous (physically tougher) than others, and so they take longer to get broken down (a natural process that occurs in your body). Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, different filler consistencies are used to achieve the best-looking result that will last the longest.

Remember, if you want to maintain the effect, you will need top-ups because no treatment can indefinitely halt the ageing process. Ask Dr Pierre when he recommends scheduling another appointment.

One week before your filler treatment, try to avoid aspirin, or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, swelling and/or fever, such as medicines that contain diclofenac, mefenamic acid, indomethacin, or ibuprofen. You can ask a pharmacist or Dr Pierre whether your medication includes any of these ingredients. Taking this measure can reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at the point of injection on treatment day.

Because JUVÉDERM dermal filler is a non-surgical treatment, there is minimal recovery time. For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages. This will help to minimize the risk of temporary redness, swelling and itching.

There are no other specific pre-care instructions, but if this treatment is your first visit, you need to share your medical history with Dr Pierre beforehand. Mention any current conditions, as well as details of any allergies you have or medications you are taking. There is no need for an allergy test unless advised so by Dr Pierre.