Anti-Ageing News Archives - URimage @ Clarendon Wellness

PDO Mono Threads & Thread lifts

Mono threads are a type of PDO filament which can be inserted into the skin in a mesh-like pattern, to help increase skin tightness. The procedure is known for being minimally invasive. 

So what can this type of procedure help treat? 

  • Forehead lines
  • drooping eyebrows
  • sagging jowls
  • ageing skin

The procedure works by lifting things like sagging skin tissues by inducing collagen production through the filament inserted into the skin. 

Once inserted into the skin, the threads activate collagen synthesis to gradually tighten and rejuvenate the skin. This provides the skin with a tighter feel and appearance and more of a youthful look. Typically, around 10-30 mono threads are used to treat an area.

There are different types of thread procedures which are non-surgical alternatives.

Mono Threads

Mono threads, as mentioned are smooth threads without barbs. Between 10-20 of these threads can be inserted into the skin to help encourage skin tightening and rejuvenation. The threads are attached to an “anchoring point” of the scalp or face. Mono threads however, are said to tighten the skin but not significantly lift it which is why they are typically combined with cog threads for more lifting effect.

Cog Threads

Cog threads, like mono threads are also barbed however, from the underside of the skin. These barbs form a structure which lifts the sagging tissue. Unlike mono threads, cog threads do not need anchoring points and so are easier to target certain areas. This type of treatment is said to be the most effective non surgical treatment for face lifting.

Screw Threads

Screw threads usually consist of one or two threads intertwined together around the inserting needle. Screw thread has a great effect on giving volume effect on sunken area of the skin. 

So, is the process painful?

Patients may experience minimal pain during this procedure which can be numbed with local anaesthetic, and some tenderness may be experienced after the first few hours but this is a lot less than what a more complex surgical face-lifting procedure would cause.  

This a more convenient, quick and safer treatment to many surgical procedures whilst still delivering the best results. 

PRP (platelet rich plasma)

PRP is a treatment used widely in the cosmetic and beauty industry to support healing through the extraction of the patients blood.

Why is blood needed?
Blood mainly consists of a liquid known as ‘plasma’ which consists of small solid components made up of red and white blood cells, in addition to ‘platelets’. Platelets are commonly known for their ability to clot blood however, they also contain hundreds of proteins known as ‘growth factors’.

These growth factors help promote healing as they encourage cells to migrate towards an injured or affected area in the body. As a result of this, there are several things PRP is used for as shown below:

PRP can be used to treat tendinitis, partial tendon tears, ligament injuries and osteoarthritis.

PRP can be used for hair restoration for those suffering from baldness and Alopecia.

PRP can be used for facials to improve the appearance of skin (also known as the ‘vampire facial’ as used by Kim Kardashian).

Recently, dentist have been using PRP treatment to increase cell growth.

So, how exactly does it work?

There are a few steps taken from the time you extract the blood to inserting the solution in to the patients problem area.

Step one:

Around 30-60 mm of blood is collected, usually from the patients arm, similar to a simple blood test procedure.

Step two:

The extracted blood is then placed into a rapidly rotating machine known as a centrifuge, where the platelet rich plasma is separated from the other components in the blood. This usually forms a ‘gold’ layer on top of the blood.

Step three: 

The platelets are then injected into the injured or area in need e.g bald spot, tendon, gums etc. Ultrasound guidance is generally used for accuracy.

These help to stimulate recovery or restoration by:

  • Enhancing collagen production
  • Increasing tendon stem cell production
  • Activating tendon cells to produce collagen
  • Stimulating blood flow
  • Making cartilage more firm and resilient

In addition to improving the appearance of skin, healing injuries or restoring hair growth, there are several other benefits to having PRP treatment done.

  • PRP helps to reduce scarring: For people who have been through surgeries, such a face lift surgery, PRP can be used to help decrease the appearance of these scars as well as tackling acne scars.
  • PRP can help you gain a speedy recovery. PRP therapy increases the number of platelets in the tissues, which can help speed healing for a faster recovery after surgery.
  • PRP is 100% natural. No chemicals or foreign substances are used. It is just your OWN blood.
  • No going under the knife/ it is a non-invasive procedure which means it is less painful, quicker and more affordable.
  • PRP reports to have lasting effects, so it is a good investment.

PRP has many benefits and with the rise of non-surgical procedures, it is an affordable alternative to treat several problems. Below is a video demonstrating the process a little more for a PRP facial (vampire facial).

Want great results? Be a regular!

When we think about exercise and the results we want to gain through exercise, we know that it takes several weeks or months even, of exercise to start seeing results. Whilst you may feel great from the very first workout, in order to see change, this needs to be consistent.

In the same way, our treatments are guaranteed to give you the best results, but it is important to note that more than one treatment is going to be needed to help optimise the results you achieve.

Below are some before and afters taken overtime.

All treatments were carried out over several weeks which ensures that you are getting the best out of what you invest in URimage.

Like anything, time is needed to allow progress. At URimage, we offer packages from up to £89 per month, including a free taster treatment and weekly treatments and sessions as part of each package which means within weeks, you can see the results you are after.

With technology being non-invasive, this is not only affordable, but also pain free with no room for any damage to the skin or vessels like many surgical alternatives have a risk of.

All our skin treatments and body treatments as listed on the website offer these weekly sessions. But as well as the fact that treatments are more than once, this prolongs the lasting effects the treatments have. If a clinic offers ‘results’ in one session, the chances are this will not be long-lasting and eventually, those wrinkles, dark circles or acne scars will become apparent once again.

Invest in you, and start a membership to gain access to weekly treatments/top ups and the lasting effect this will bring.

What you don’t know about fillers

Fillers have become increasingly popular these days and are now more affordable and common, with celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Katie Price even being regular users of derma fillers. However, amongst all the popularity, there are actually several reasons why fillers should actually be avoided and rather, a non-invasive style of treatment be used.

To begin with, it is important to understand the actual use of fillers. Fillers are typically synthetic substances that are injected into problem areas such as skin folds, lines and tissues to reverse ageing and provide facial fullness. Also known as Dermal Fillers, these can also be used to plump up cheeks, tackle acne scars, smile lines, or be used as implants (for lips, cheeks etc).

But did you know? these fillers can actually leave holes in your biology? Fillers can inflame the nodules in your skin which can lead to excessive bumps and holes on the skin tissue. If this does occur, not only does it change what your skin will look like, these bumps and holes can only be removed through complicated surgical procedures. Surgery to correct bad surgery? is it worth it?

This is of course one of the many other negatives that having fillers has…

     Cheek filler gone wrong

Did you know?

When fillers are used in areas such as the under eye or cheek area; areas where fillers are not typically meant to go, this can lead to the filler producing excessive fluid like water, leading to swelling. Fillers can also lead to infections at both an early or later stage of it being in your body. This can depend on the hygiene of the place the procedure is carried out at, or that your body has reacted negatively to the foreign materials injected within it. More seriously, if a filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, this could transport around your body, blocking the blood vessels relating to your brain, eyes or heart. If this does happen, you could potentially suffer a heart attack, stroke or permanent blindness. Fillers can also get messy and move from one area to the other leading to unwanted bumps and puffiness in areas that you do not want fillers to be in, and if this filler does happen to move around to places where the blood flow is blocked, this can lead to tissue death.

Other extremely common side effects include:

  • redness
  • swelling
  • pain
  • bruising
  • itching
  • rash

So what are the alternatives?

At URimage, we offer several skin treatments however, the most effective to replace the need for fillers are skin peels and Dermabrasion treatment, offering the same results as fillers, whilst being non-surgical, affordable and pain free.

At URimage, we offer a exfoliating Dermabrasion technique, which uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin, usually on the face. This can help tackle fine lines, sun damage, acne scars and uneven skin textures without leaving holes or unwanted substances in your skin like fillers do. Our skin peel treatment helps to exfoliate dead skin and refine pores, this treatment stimulates new cell growth and collagen production, helping to reveal clearer, fresher and brighter skin. Our skin peel also removes the top layer of dead skin encouraging fresh, new skin to grow beneath. This in combination with our HIFU facial is a much greater and safer alternative than any filler treatments.

The negatives outweigh the positives that fillers have and with non-surgical solutions available for the same problems, it is safer to choose these as not only will the results be better, but the procedure will be a lot safer.

What is a ‘Micro-current Non-surgical’ face lift?

With age, weight gain, lifestyle or environmental factors, our facial muscles can tend to lose elasticity which can cause fine lines or a sagging chin; something that is a lot harder to target when trying to loose weight or when working out. A sagging face can cause you to look older than you are and can often make you look tired even if you may not feel tired physically.

At URimage we specialise in providing an effective non-surgical micro current face lift to reduce sagging chins and to visibly tone the skin, giving your face more of a contour.

What is Micro-current therapy?

This type of process has been researched into and developed for over 20 years, used popularly in the beauty industry to help enhance the appearance of skin tissue. As well as being highly effective it is a non-surgical process which means it is a quick and affordable alternative and pain free whilst still delivering results.

Did you know? this type of therapy is used by various big names like; Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Cliff Richard and many more.

How does it work?

Originally used to treat facial palsy, This process involves zapping small electrical currents in to your face to help tone and tighten facial muscles. At URimage we have a highly trained specialist who carefully carries out this procedure with precise movements, targeting the problem area and because of it’s low intensity, this process does not cause a physical or visual contraction of the muscle. Cotton buds are then used on the surface of the face to help transmit the micro-current energy to the facial muscles helping to restore tone and elasticity in the face.

Micro-current therapy also:

•   re-educates muscles
•   increases blood and lymph circulation
•   enhances the penetration of the active ingredients of skin care formulations
•   increases the production of collagen and elastin
•   increases protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis and cell membrane transport

At URimage we offer several packages which include regular Micro-current Non-Surgical Face Lift treatments. Whilst results can be noticed from the first treatment, it is recommended that top ups are performed regularly to achieve the best results.

Invest in yourself and consider a Micro-current face lift today as the benefits are not just physical, but can improve your internal systems too.

Book a FREE taster treatment today and find out more about why a micro-current non-surgical face lift is for you.

Why Consider A Lymph Cleanse?

Did you know that our lymphatic system can become clogged overtime? Our lymphatic system is a vital part of our bodies as it is the network of tissues and organs which helps to flush out toxins, waste and any other unwanted material. If our lymphatic system remains congested, this can lead to a build up of toxins resulting in acne, bad breath and even weight gain.

But how can someone tell if their lymphatic system is clogged?

There is actually a long list of symptoms that could show that your lymphatic system is clogged. These are:

  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness
  • Itchy and dry skin
  • Bloating
  • Breast swelling with each cycle
  • Swollen glands
  • Stubborn weight gain
  • Cold hands and feet

There is also a long list of reasons why our lymphatic system can become clogged in the first place. These are:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Injuries
  • Constipation
  • Environmental toxins
  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Ageing

So, what can URimage do to help?

At URimage, we offer a lymph cleansing treatment to help tackle fatigue and improve your general well-being, de-congesting the lymphatic system.

This is done through a process known as pressure therapy.

Pressure therapy works by putting air pressure on different parts of the body, compressing and decompressing numerous times to initiate lymphatic stimulation. This therapy works well to improve the circulation system, in addition to improving our immune system and can also help with digestion problems, if pressure is applied to the abdomen region. Pressure therapy also works well for those who wish to slim down as this, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise can be a lot more effective than dieting or exercise alone. Pressure therapy can also help eliminate cellulite as it drains the liquids, toxins and fats which cause this.

So, as well as the fact this treatment can de-congest our lymphatic system, there are numerous benefits to having this done and with the guidance from our expert team at URimage, in just a few sessions, you will begin to notice the results.

The lymphatic system is a vital part of our bodies and is often overlooked, at URimage we know the importance of this and work to treat these issues to improve your quality of life.

4 major benefits to drinking water

Did you know? as we get older, our cell permeability becomes lower. The less hydration our skin absorbs, the more leather like and dry it becomes leading to more fine lines and wrinkles. The texture of leather has zero permeability which is why with older skin, it is almost impossible to absorb moisture properly.

At URimage, we use a combination of advance technology treatments to repair the skins ability to absorb moisture, through the restoration of hylaronic acid within the skin, to provide the natural ability to keep skin hydrated as and when needed.

Drinking water is such an important element to every human beings diet; in fact, studies suggest an amount of 2 litres of water should be consumed per day- something relatively easy to achieve but often neglected or substituted for juices or hot drinks.

The benefits to drinking water are endless, but there are 4 key benefits that drinking water has.

Water contributes to flushing out toxins

Water can contribute massively to how toxins are flushed out of our bodies. A build up of toxins can cause acne, brain fog, bloating and many more unwanted problems.

So how does the body flush out these toxins? this actually comes down to our bodys’ lymphatic system. Our lymph nodes contain lymphocytes, which evaluate and destroy the harmful toxins in our body ensuring that the waste products in our body do not build up or congest our tissues. But where does water come into this? Well, water makes up 95 percent of our lymph fluid and the less hydrated we are, the less ‘fluid-like’ this fluid becomes which can cause lymph congestion and therefore slow down how our body flushes out toxins. The more hydrated we are, the better our lymphatic system can work to flush out these toxins.

Water helps with weight loss

Did you know that our bodies feel hunger and thirst in the same way? so next time you think you’re hungry, have a few glasses of water – you might just discover that you were actually thirsty as opposed to being hungry! Water is also a good way of suppressing hunger – something beneficial when trying to lose weight. Several resources suggest drinking a glass or two of water before eating a meal allows you to feel fuller leading to eating less. Studies reveal that a group of people who drank water before a meal ate 75 to 90 calories fewer compared to not consuming any water before a meal – it would take 15 minutes of fast cycling to burn 75 calories through exercise!

Replacing any drinks you have for water also helps reduce your calorie intake as water contains 0 calories, compared to an average cup of coffee with 2 teaspoons of sugar and milk, containing around 79 calories.

It is equally as important however, to exercise and partake in some form of cardio on a regular basis as this will help with our blood circulation. If you think about mountain rivers in comparison to slow moving rivers, you will notice how mountain rivers are a lot more cleaner than still rivers. This is because the fast pace of the water helps clear out any dirt or pollution as opposed to a slow moving river which instead, stores all of this. Our bodies work in the same way! the more we move and exercise, the cleaner and less ‘polluted’ our bodies will be.

Water improves the way your skin looks

Drinking water is said to help brighten your complexion causing you to ‘glow’, as well as helping to prevent acne because of the fact water flushes out bacteria from within.

Whilst our skin relies heavily on water for rejuvenation, it is worth keeping in mind that not just ANY water will work. Did you know? that sweetened water or ‘flavoured water’ for example, can negatively impact the skin. These contain high levels of sucrose and artificial sweeteners which can cause breakouts in addition to bloating and stomach problems and so, this kind of water is seen as a big taboo when it comes to the health of your skin.

In recent years, the phenomenon of alkaline water has grown. Our skin is made up of many cells, the ability to absorb hydration through these cells is known as ‘cell permeability’. Cell permeability is said to be 70% higher if the water is alkaline as alkaline water contains antioxidants that prevent the growth of ‘cell damaging, free radicals’ therefore slowing down the ageing process.

Water puts you in a better mood 

One of the main causes of fatigue is dehydration. Our body looses water through sweat, tears and urine and if this water is not supplied back to our bodies this can tire them out slowing down activity and how fast our immune system works. Dehydration can lead to a higher level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our bodies, therefore drinking a good amount of water can help to balance this leading to feeling less stressed out when hydrated and essentially in a better mood.

Water also helps to run your internal system better so when you feel good inside this can affect your mood positively on the outside. Because water is known for providing energy, this allows people to want to become more active and energetic positively impacting their mood.

Confidence and health is important to URimage and drinking the right amount of water can contribute to this massively, it is important to ALWAYS stay hydrated.