Month: July 2018

Botox is most famous for its remarkable ability to smooth out wrinkles, usually in the upper face – but soon, Botox could become a solution to a whole other kind of problem. You may already know that, at Revere, we can administer Botox for temporary relief from a variety of conditions including hyperhidrosis (excess sweating), overactive bladder syndrome and migraines. But, as a premiere Botox clinic on Harley Street, we’ve been excited to learn that Allergan, who own Botox, are testing its efficacy in treating a range of debilitating mental health issues.

Diagnoses of depression and anxiety are on the rise – whether because of increased willingness to speak out about mental health problems, better diagnostic methodology or because these conditions are simply becoming more common. According to MIND, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem over the course of one year. Mixed anxiety and depression has become the most common issue, affecting 7.8% of the population at any given time [1]. Worse still, according to the same source, 20.6% will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their life – clearly, this is a problem in grave need of being addressed.

While Botox may seem an unlikely formula for relief, trials of Botox as a treatment for depression and anxiety have shown early promise. A small-scale study of 74 people with major depressive disorder found that 52% of sufferers reported a drop in symptoms 6 weeks after being treated with Botox, compared to 15% of people given a placebo. Similar studies have gleaned similar results, with around 50-60% of people with depression benefitting from Botox [2].

These intriguing early results haven’t been fully explained, but it seems that Botox’s efficacy is linked to something called Facial Feedback Hypothesis, a theory which is gaining traction, especially amongst behavioural psychologists. In a nutshell, this theory suggests that our facial expressions influence our inner emotions, causing an emotional feedback loop where the brain fires out corresponding chemicals and hormones, perpetuating any feelings of depression or anxiety [3].

In tiny, precise doses, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles. In slightly larger doses, Botox can interrupt these signals to a greater extent, preventing expressions from forming and therefore interrupting the facial feedback loop. It is believed that this is how Botox reduces depression and anxiety in some people – and Allergan is currently testing the substance to see if it could help with other mental health issues such as social anxiety.

Of course, when we administer Botox cosmetically, we are careful not to use a dose which would inhibit normal facial expressions. We’re very skilled at tailoring the amount of Botox used to ensure that the skin looks naturally smooth and moves in a normal way. However, should Botox prove useful for depression and anxiety, our doctors will be equally skilled in administering the right amount of Botox for this purpose.

If you’re interested in Botox’s uses, cosmetic or otherwise, get in touch with our supportive team and we’ll be happy to talk you through its advantages and limitations.

[1] https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/#.WWjIe3XyuqA

[2] http://www.inquisitr.com/4323060/botox-cures-depression-anxiety-migraines-sweaty-palms-overactive-bladder/

[3] http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellor-articles/become-empowered-using-body-language-and-facial-expressions

Let’s face it: people change. Your taste in books, films and fashion is likely to develop over time; you’ll probably make new friends and form new relationships as you grow older. The same principle applies to tattoos. Perhaps the ink you got a few years back doesn’t have the same emotional resonance it once did, or maybe its quality has deteriorated. Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t have to live with a tattoo that you no longer want – and now, you don’t have to.

Revere is the first Harley Street cosmetic clinic – and the first clinic in the UK – to adopt Enlighten™, an advanced picosecond laser system that makes tattoo removal safer and more effective than ever before. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this cutting-edge technology, so you can approach tattoo removal with confidence.

What makes Enlighten™ different from other laser tattoo removal systems?
The Enlighten™ laser system is powerful and precise. While most laser systems use nanosecond laser pulses, Enlighten™ utilises short, high-powered picosecond laser pulses to quickly break down the ink particles in tattoos. A picosecond is one-trillionth of a second and is 1,000 times shorter than a nanosecond, and this short pulse duration allows for maximum precision in treatment.

Though tattoos can vary greatly in colour, size and ink density, picosecond laser pulses are able to target a wide variety of colours at depth. The Enlighten™ system’s strength and precision allow it to remove tattoos more completely and with fewer treatment sessions than other laser treatments on the market – and because it works on multiple wavelengths, it can treat all skin types and tattoo colours effectively.

Does Enlighten™ remove tattoos completely?
For the most part, Enlighten™ removes tattoos entirely. However, ink colour, quality and depth can vary greatly, and some may tattoos be more difficult to clear than others. During your consultation, we will examine the area in question and discuss the likely outcome of your treatment.

How many sessions are needed?
Multiple sessions may be necessary to remove the ink that is deposited deep in the skin, but the exact number of treatments will vary according to the size, composition, depth and ink colour of the tattoo. That said, we’ve seen outstanding results after just two sessions.

Will laser tattoo removal leave a scar?
Following an Enlighten™ treatment, you may experience some redness and swelling, but these side effects are temporary. Enlighten™ does not scar the skin.

Does Pico laser tattoo removal hurt?
Patients may feel some discomfort during treatment. Many compare the sensation of tattoo removal to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. A topical or local anaesthetic can minimise any discomfort.

At Revere, we’re known for maintaining the highest standards and tailoring each of our treatments to suit the individual. Whether we’re lending subtle definition to the face through dermal fillers or remodelling the skin with a revitalising EndyMed treatment, we bring the utmost care and attention to every procedure – and you can rest assured that we employ this same approach during our Enlighten™ treatments. Interested in tattoo removal? Enlighten™ can ensure that the canvas of your skin keeps up with your ever-evolving lifestyle. Get in touch with the team at Revere today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about our innovative laser system.

If you suffer from rosacea, you know that it is more problematic than just the occasional bit of redness in the face. The inflamed skin and flushing that accompany the condition can cause embarrassment and discomfort, and even a specialised skincare routine doesn’t always help symptoms subside. Fortunately, Revere Clinics offer the VBeam laser treatment, a method of skin rejuvenation that effectively treats rosacea and a multitude of other skin conditions. Read on to learn more about this market-leading treatment and how it helped transform one patient’s skin from rosacea-red to clean and clear.

Helen Hoffmeister came to us seeking a solution for her rosacea. ‘I have always been very self-conscious of the redness and have worn makeup and cover up nearly every day of my life,’ she said. ‘It was through an online search of treatments for rosacea that I found Revere.’

As a premier Harley Street cosmetic clinic, Revere is on the front lines of non-invasive treatments for a number of skin conditions, including rosacea. After meeting with Helen, our professional team determined that the VBeam laser treatment was the most effective method for addressing her rosacea, so we created a bespoke treatment plan involving three VBeam sessions.

The VBeam laser treatment uses Pulse Dye Laser technology to deliver an intense but gentle burst of light to the skin, targeting the haemoglobin or melanin in the area that is responsible for conditions such as rosacea. It can treat a variety of other pigmentations and irregularities, as well: redness, flushing, spider and thread veins, sun damage, age spots, red scars, stretch marks and more can all be visibly reduced with this impressive laser technology. In addition, it can be used to lessen the bruising that sometimes accompanies cosmetic procedures.

The VBeam treatment requires minimal downtime and is generally painless. Before treatment, we measure the amount of melanin in your skin so that we can adjust the laser power to your specific needs. This helps us avoid under- or over-treatment. According to Helen, the first session felt like ‘small, short, fast flicks to the skin,’ while the second session was a bit more intense. ‘The third session was calmer, like the first,’ she reported. ‘The staff at Revere were all helpful, friendly and comforting, making the whole experience quite at ease.’

Helen’s final verdict? ‘I am extremely happy with the results. I have no redness or spots. I no longer need special makeup or cover up and I even go to work with no makeup most days.’ Her experience with VBeam is just one of many instances in which our patients are able to improve their look through our effective treatments. ‘I love how clear my skin is and am so happy I found out about this treatment,’ said Helen.

Whether you seek to renew your skin with VBeam, soften wrinkles with dermal fillers or refresh your look with any of our other safe, effective treatments, Revere’s skilled aesthetic physicians can help you achieve the results you desire. Get in touch with us today for a complimentary consultation, and experience the bespoke cosmetic care that our patients rave about.