Articles by: Tara

Facial Aesthetic Injections – The Don’ts

A continuation of yesterday’s Do’s post! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The Don’ts

  • Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours prior to any injections and 24 hours afterwards as this hugely increases the risk of bruising.
  • Avoid taking any blood thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen or any herbal pills. Please make sure that you consult a medical professional before stopping any medications.
  • Don’t do heavy exercise, extreme heat (such as saunas, very hot showers, sun beds) for 48 hours
  • Don’t touch the areas of injections for the next few hours, this includes applying make up, as tempting as it is. This will minimise the risk of infection. Hands and makeup are dirty and you could contaminate the piercings in the skin (small open wounds)
  • Don’t have any dental treatment (dental examinations are fine) 2 weeks prior to any facial aesthetic injections. Studies have shown this minimises the risk of infection.
  • Don’t massage the lips unless your practitioner has advised you to do so. Fillers are placed in precise locations to create the look and definition. If you massage the lips, this could displace the filler and therefore change the end result. If you have any lumps then contact your practitioner who can then guide you.
  • Don’t shy away from contacting your practitioner if you have any worries, concerns or queries. We’re here to make you feel comfortable with all aspects of treatment.

Facial Aesthetic Injections – The Do’s…

The Do’s

I thought I would write up a few Do’s when it comes to facial aesthetic injections, particularly lips as it’s the most popular treatment. This will hopefully allow anyone due to have treatment, get the best chance of healing and recovery. Don’ts will be available in a separate blog post tomorrow!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .

DO…

  • Take arnica tablets at least 2 days before, preferably for 1 week before, your treatment and for 1 week after. Take 2 tablets, 3 times per day. Before taking arnica tablets, please make sure that this does not interfere with any medications or pills you may already be taking.
  • Put ice on immediately after fillers for 5-10 mins. And then for 5-10 mins every 30-60 mins for the next 24 hours where possible. This will help reduce swelling. During the swelling, our body produces certain factors which will actually break down the filler, so for the best results, we want to minimise the swelling.
  • Stay hydrated with water, and I mean normal water. Do not think you are getting water with tea or coffee as they contain caffeine which doesn’t work in our favour. We need at least 2-2.5 litres per day my lovelies! Not only is it good for your overall health, it’s also great for lips, as it keeps them nice and plump. (The fillers attract/like water).
  • Sleep propped up, on the same night and night after you get treatment. This will help reduce the swelling the following morning
  • Keep lips moisturised with a good, preferably perfume free, lip balm or moisturiser. I personally use coconut oil on my lips at night time after gentle exfoliation for 1 minute. I find this really helps.
  • The most important DO – Make sure you are going to a fully trained, qualified and insured practitioner. Ask any and as many questions as you need to, before treatment. Make sure you read consent forms to know all of the potential risks involved and how your practitioner can help reduce these risks.
  •  Contact your practitioner if you have any concerns. They should be easily accessible to you, and in the majority of situations, be able to deal with your issues if any, directly.
  • Expect post operative discomfort, swelling and bruising and plan your social/work diary accordingly.
  • Apply Vitamin K cream to soothe redness and bruising.

Pores – what you can do to reduce them

What is a pore?

Pores are essentially tiny holes which are a structural part of our skin; some produce sweat, and some produce a natural oil called sebum. Oil releasing pores can become enlarged. The larger your pores, the more visible they are and when they become clogged with excess dirt or sebum, you may find yourself with acne, whiteheads or blackheads.

Why do I have large pores?

If you have large pores, it’s not your fault! There are only three known determining factors of pore size:

1. Genetics. If you have large pores, they have likely been passed down through the genetic line. People with fair and dry skin tend to have smaller pores.

2. Oily Skin. People who have naturally oily skin have larger pores. The more you stimulate your sebaceous glands, the more oil is produced, and the pores enlarge to expel this oil. Clogged pores also have the same effect

3. Age. As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity. This means it can no longer spring back to its earlier state after being filled with dead skin cells or sebum.

What can I do about large pores?

While you cannot get rid of naturally large pores, or shrink pores that have been enlarged by excess dirt and oil. You can visibly reduce the appearance of pores, and take preventative measures to stop them getting any larger.

My suggestions are:

1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise and water intake ensuring your skin is getting the right balance of nutrients and hydration.

2. Avoid touching your face (unless you’re applying skin care products or you’re cleansing). Bacteria on your fingers can transfer into pores and help clog them, we don’t want this!

3. Washing the face both morning and evening, and after exercise.

4. Choosing water-based creams. Using oil-based creams (including natural oils such as coconut oil) can mix with dead skin cells and clog up pores. You should be moisturising daily.

5. Choosing gel-based or oil-based cleansers. Slightly different to the above point in terms of oil, but face oil actually dissolved better in oil than in water, so this is why.

6. Exfoliating regularly at home – once to twice per week. It is important not to exfoliate more than twice a week, however. Although exfoliation keeps the pores unclogged, they can look bigger if the skin becomes too dry.

7. Applying a clay mask once to twice per week to help unclog pores

8. Always removing makeup before sleeping, or when exercising

9. Changing your pillowcase regularly – a trap for bacteria and makeup and products left on our faces!

10. Wearing sunscreen/ using SPF daily (even in the winter!) UV and pollution cause free radicals that break down the collagen and elastin in skin, making the skin less tight and pores therefore look larger. Some SPFs can be shiny and this can make pores appear more prominent, therefore using a primer that contains SPF, or foundation (if you wear it) containing SPF are good options

11. Using a cream containing retinoid – retinoid cream helps boost cell turnover, including collagen and visible results can be seen in a few weeks. This is due to it’s ability to increase skin’s collagen production while also decreasing it’s oil production.

12. Using products with salicylic acid – Salicylic acid (a BHA) is oil soluble, meaning it’s able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris. Glycolic acid – glycolic acid (an AHA) does the same thing but not as deep. Lactic acid also works in the same way as glycolic acid but is slightly weaker. You can find products that contain both BHAs and AHAs.

13. Dermaplaning (an exfoliation treatment which also removes ‘peach fuzz’ hair – known to trap dirt and oil). Dermaplaning can be booked on our website.

14. Microneedling – This is a non-invasive skin treatment to pierce the surface of the skin causing controlled micro-injuries, which prompt the skin’s healing response. This can reduce the appearance of large pores. Microneedling also allows better penetration of skincare products, which means what I’ve mentioned above (such as acids and retinoid products) will work more effectively! A double whammy!Microneedling can be booked on our website (under dermarolling).

15. The million dollar facial – includes both dermaplaning and microneedling in one treatment, alongside a hyaluronic acid mask and lymphatic drainage massage. A treat for your face! You can book this via our website.

16. Chemical peels – an in-office treatment which improves the appearance of pores and skin overall, over time. Chemical peels can be booked via our website.

17. “Botox” – Recent studies have shown that “botox” can help reduce the size of pores. The term ‘Poretox’ was created for this treatment and is starting to become more widely used and heard. “Botox” reduces sebum production by around 30 per cent, which can reduce the appearance of pores by around 18 per cent. Consultation is required to decide whether this would be suitable for you first, and other treatments may be recommended as preparation before “Botox”. Consultations can be booked online via our website.

18. Laser treatment – This stimulates the skin’s deepest layers to smooth and plump complexion. Consult a dermatologist for these treatments.

 

How to prepare for treatment

To best prepare for your treatment, and minimise swelling and bruising we recommend:

  • Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve one week prior to injections.
  • Avoid supplements, including St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E for one week prior to injections.
  • Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid 2 days prior
  • Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or hair removal cream on the area to be treated for 2 days prior.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior.
  • Start taking Arnica a few days prior to the procedure. (This is not required, but can help to lessen bruising).
  • If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores. Please let us know if you are prone and we can offer advice.
  • Dr Tara cannot treat you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any ingredients, or suffer from neurological disorders.

Please inform us if you have any questions about this prior to your treatment.

Who is Dr. Tara?

Dr Tara is a fully qualified dentist and advanced facial aesthetician. Tara studied dentistry at Kings College London, where she was inspired by her head and neck anatomy tutor to study administering advanced facial treatments such as fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Tara graduated with honours in her dentistry course and immediately went on to study a range of advanced facial and skin treatments.

Since, Tara has built up a loyal and satisfied client-base and has treated hundreds of clients in recent years. At Enhance By Tara we encourage you to do your research and ask as many questions as you need to to feel comfortable booking your appointment.

Send us a direct message on social media, or visit the contact us page to send us an email!

Watch the below video to get to know me even better!