pHformula Antie-Ageing Treatments include home products, clinic prescription facials and resurfacing treatments. They can improve a range of skin problems, including fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and photoaging appearance. They brighten the skin as well as improve the elasticity, texture and tone of the skin.
pHformula Anti-Ageing Home Care
Cheshire Lasers highly recommends the pHformula anti-ageing home care products. You can use them on their own, but they work best when combined with the pHformula facials and resurfacing treatment.
The skin resurfacing home care kits contain fundamental products to enhance your overall results. The A.G.E. home care kit offers a complete skin resurfacing regimen for ageing skin and includes the following products:
Our pHformula Facial allows you to try our amazing pHformula products in a facial treatment using a combination of products specially chosen to suit your skin concerns.
pH formula products are between that of a cosmeceutical and a medical prescription treatment. Their philosophy is to treat the ‘inside out’ as their products contain a unique delivery system that allows them to target the cells deep in the skin.
The Facials involve the following steps:
Step 1:
Cleanse using EXFO cleanse. Provides gentle exfoliation.
Step 2:
Degrease the skin using SKIN primer. This will guarantee optimum penetration of other products.
Step 3:
(OPTIONAL) LED light therapy for 25 minutes. Red, blue and Infrared light provides increased energy to cells, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This also boosts the skin’s circulation, speeds up tissue repair and increases the production of new skin cells.
Step 4:
Exfoliation using DERMABRASION cream. Provides mild skin resurfacing to assist in cell renewal, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 5:
HYDRA GEL mask, PEPTIDE mask applied or the ADVANCED peel-off selected to treat your skin type and problems.
Step 6:
VITA C activator and power OR TDS Solution.
VITA C helps to improve uneven pigmentation and increases cell turnover.
TDS helps to firm, lift and revitalise delicate skin and to enhance collagen building and skin elasticity.
Step 7:
POST-recovery cream hydrates the skin but also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Step 8:
SPF 50+
pHformula Anti-Ageing Facial
Our pHformula resurfacing treatments include the A.G.E. solutions, which come in various strengths. We can choose a range of different products for each treatment according to your skin sensitivity. As your skin improves and becomes more tolerant of the treatments, we can layer more products to achieve optimal results.
How Much Are Anti-Ageing Facials and Resurfacing Treatments?
Marionette lines are creases that form from the corners of your mouth down towards either side of your chin. People often complain that they make them look sad, as the mouth turns down at the corners. They get their name as they resemble the appearance of marionette string puppets.
Why am I Getting Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines have multiple causes. They appear with advancing age due to volume loss in the face’s underlying structures. The commonest structures are bone and fat. As the face loses volume, gravity pulls the overlying skin down, and Marionette lines can start forming.
A contributing factor may also be the increasing strength of the muscles at the corners of the mouth, which pull the angle of the mouth down. Marionette lines develop more quickly due to lifestyle factors that reduce the skin’s collagen production, such as smoking and excess sun.
Are Marionette Lines Hereditary/Genetic?
You may have a genetic predisposition to developing marionette lines due to your underlying facial shape and the amount of volume loss you develop due to age. But as stated above, other factors also have an influence. Therefore, it is important to maintain the skin’s collagen levels by taking care of your skin, avoiding smoking and using sunscreen daily.
Will Marionette Lines Improve with Weight Loss?
Not usually; in fact, weight loss is usually a contributing factor in developing marionette lines. Weight loss can lead to volume loss in the face which then causes the soft tissues and skin to descend, causing the lines to look worse.
However, you may find that if you have gained a lot of weight recently, the distribution of fat around the face, particularly the jowl and neck area, may add to the gravitational pull of the lower face, making the Marionette lines more evident. In this case, weight loss may improve them.
Can Marionette Lines be Corrected/Treated/ Improved?
There are many ways to improve these lines, depending on the underlying cause and severity.
The area’s anatomy is complex, and treatment of this area will require a consultation first to assess the cause of your problem and give you a bespoke treatment plan.
The following treatments are the most successful, although for more severe lines, you may need a combination of several treatments for the best result:
Here at Cheshire Lasers, we only perform Dermal Fillers, Botox and Collagen induction therapies however, we will advise you if we feel other treatments are more appropriate.
How do Dermal Fillers Treat Marionette Lines?
Dermal Fillers can help improve this area in many ways.
Replace Volume Loss and Create a Lift
Dermal Fillers injected deep replace volume lost from the deep structures of the face, such as the cheek, chin and jawline. This creates support for the soft tissues of the face which can create a lifting effect that lifts the skin and improves the lines.
Supporting Sagging Skin
Dermal fillers can also improve the lines by injecting under them. Injections under the skin create a hydrating and plumping effect on the tissues under the lines, allowing the skin to support the sagging tissues below.
Can marionette lines be filled?
Yes, dermal fillers can add support to the facial structures, which, in turn, can help reduce Marionette lines. Fillers can also be added directly into the lines more superficially.
How can Botox Improve Marionette lines?
If you have overactive muscles pulling down the lower face. Botox is a treatment option; it reduces the downward pull at the corners of the mouth, which can help reduce the appearance of Marionette lines and create a subtle lift to the corner of the mouth.
How do Collagen Induction Therapies Improve the Lines?
Collagen induction therapies such as skin boosters, polynucleotides, microneedling, chemical peels and radiofrequency microneedling can help tighten the skin and improve skin quality. Full-face treatments deliver the best results as they can create a general lift that reduces the marionette area’s downturn and improves the skin’s support in the problem area.
Before and After Marionette Line Treatment with Dermal Filler
Content created by Dr Kyra Drinann at Cheshire Lasers Clinic, Middlewich.
Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst MBCHB MRCGP is a GP trained in Medical Aesthetics. She is registered with the GMC and is from Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.
Dr Hazlehurst trained with the Harley Street Institute in anti-wrinkle (Botox) injections and dermal fillers in Medical Aesthetics in 2022 and, since then, has attended multiple treatment courses to perfect her knowledge and skills. She joined the Cheshire Lasers team at Cheshire Lasers as an associate in January 2024. She owns her own business, Dr Hazlehurst Aesthetics, focusing on high-quality, natural results to boost natural-looking beauty.
£50 taken off the price of your first treatment with her.
She can perform selected treatments at the same time as the consultation. ( Skin lesion removal and Botox)
Electrocautery
Removal / Treatment of Skin Lesions such as Skin Tags, milia, Sebaceous Hyperplasia, Xanthelasma, Dermatosis Papulosa nigra, spider naevus/ Campbell de Morgan spots and thread veins
One or Two Lesions /one small patch of thread veins
£140
Follow-up treatments for one Lesion
£80
Additional Lesions
£80 extra for each one.
Depending on size and amount.
Under Eye Rejuvenation Treatments: Polynucleotides vs Fillers
Are you confused about under-eye injectable treatments?
Dr Teri Johnson explains the difference between two popular eye treatments, the pros and cons, and which concerns they treat the best.
Advantages of Polynucleotide (PN) Treatments:
Polynucleotides are often the most popular treatment for treating the under the eye. This is due to their regenerative nature, which provides natural-looking results perfect for addressing the problems seen under-eye area.
Here are some reasons why PN treatments may be favoured above tear trough fillers under the eye:
Tissue regeneration:
PN treatments stimulate the body’s natural regenerative processes, promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation. This can help improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance under the eyes, addressing concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.
Natural results:
PN treatments can provide more subtle and natural results than tear trough fillers, which can sometimes lead to overfilling or an unnatural appearance. By enhancing the body’s natural collagen production, PN treatments can yield more subtle and gradual improvements that blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin.
Non-invasive approach:
PN treatments are typically administered through minimally invasive injections, making them a preferred option for individuals who prefer non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures. This can result in minimal downtime and reduced risk of complications compared to tear trough fillers, which involve the injection of dermal fillers into the delicate under-eye area.
Long-term benefits:
While tear-trough fillers may provide immediate results, their effects can be temporary, requiring repeated treatments to maintain the desired outcome. In contrast, PN treatments can yield more sustained and long-term benefits, promoting natural collagen production and skin regeneration.
Safety profile:
PN treatments generally have a favourable safety profile, with minimal risk of adverse reactions or complications when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. This makes them a safer option for individuals concerned about the potential risks associated with tear trough fillers.
Disadvantages of Polynucleotides
While polynucleotide (PN) treatments have shown promising results in skin rejuvenation, there are disadvantages that individuals should be aware of before undergoing this procedure.
Limited immediate results:
Unlike some other cosmetic procedures, the results of PN treatments are not immediately apparent. It takes time for the body to respond to the treatment and for the desired improvements in skin texture and appearance to become noticeable.
Temporary nature of results:
While PN treatments can stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation, the results are not permanent. To maintain the desired outcomes, individuals may require multiple treatment sessions over time, which can involve ongoing time and financial commitments.
Varied individual responses:
The effectiveness of PN treatments can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as skin type, age, and overall health. Some individuals may experience more significant improvements than others, and the degree of response may not be predictable.
Cost considerations:
PN treatments can be relatively costly, especially when considering the need for multiple treatment sessions to achieve and maintain the desired results.
Advantages of Tear Trough Fillers
Tear trough fillers are a popular choice for addressing hollowing under the eyes. This is due to their ability to provide immediate and visible skin lifting. Tear trough fillers are preferred under the eye for the following reasons:
Immediate results:
Tear trough fillers provide immediate volume correction by filling the hollow under the eyes. This quick and noticeable improvement is highly desirable for individuals seeking immediate results.
Targeted Lifting of Hollowing:
Tear trough fillers lift depressions under the eyes, reducing the appearance of under-eye hollows.
Customisable treatments:
Tear trough fillers allow for precise and customisable treatments tailored to the unique anatomical needs of each patient. A suitable individual filler can achieve a natural lift to improve the hollow under the eye area.
Disadvantages of Tear Trough Fillers
While tear trough fillers can effectively treat under-eye hollows, there are disadvantages to their use. It is, therefore essential for individuals considering this treatment to be aware of these factors.
Risk of complications:
While tear trough fillers are generally safe, there is a risk of potential complications. These include the common ones such as bruising, swelling, redness, or infection at the injection site. However, in rare cases, more severe complications like vascular occlusion can occur. An occlusion can cause skin ulceration and facial tissue damage, rarely lead to blindness.
Need for a high level of expertise:
For a successful tear trough filler treatment, you need a practitioner with experience. They need an excellent understanding of facial anatomy and understand how and where to treat delicate under-eye area. In inexperienced hands, there is an increased risk of improper placement, asymmetry, or overfilling, leading to an unnatural appearance.
Risk of nodules or lumps:
Individuals may sometimes develop small nodules or lumps at the injection site following tear trough filler treatment. You can sometimes massage these away, but your qualified practitioner can also dissolve them.
Filler Migration:
Tear trough fillers can migrate, causing unwanted swelling and puffiness in the nearby area. This can occur days to years later, and the swelling can last several years unless it is dissolved with hyaluronidase. Even when the treatment is performed in the most experienced hands, filler can easily migrate from the injected area. No barrier holds the filler in the tear trough area, so it can move outside of the hollow area over time.
Longevity of the Filler.
While tear trough fillers offer immediate results, it is essential to note that their effects are temporary, typically lasting anything from six months to a year. However, some filler can remain in the treated area for several years. In fact, some MRI studies have shown filler can remain even five years after treatment.
In contrast, PN treatments may offer longer-term benefits by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation. Polynucleotides do not stay in the skin for long and do not cause side effects later down the line. Should they migrate, they simply stimulate rejuvenation/revitalisation in the area.
How do you decide which treatment is for you?
The choice between tear trough fillers and PN treatments depends on individual preferences and their specific concerns. A comprehensive consultation with a specialist who understands the treatments can help determine the most suitable treatment. They will need to examine you, assess your anatomy and concerns and discuss with you how best to achieve your aesthetic goals.
At Cheshire Lasers, the following Doctors and Nurses perform Polynucleotide treatments and tear-trough fillers. If you are considering a treatment, we recommend you book a consultation with one of them to assess your concerns.
AQUALYX™ is a solution developed for the non-surgical reduction of localised fat under the skin. It is an injectable solution that dissolves fat and is biocompatible and biodegradable. it provides a form of injection lipolysis, also known as lipotherapy or intralipotherapy.
Aqualyx is a compound solution from the deoxycholate family. It works as a slow-release system, which results in minimal side effects. Deoxycholic acid has been used in various fields of human medicine since its discovery. Present also in the human body; deoxycholic acid emulsifys fats for absorption in the intestine.
It has been available internationally since 2009. The manufacturer advises that 2,000,000 vials have been used for patient treatments in 40 countries worldwide.
Aqualyx is manufactured by the Italian firm Marllor and was first launched in the UK in 2013.
It is a medical device that was given a European CE Mark in December 2012.
How does Aqualyx work?
After injecting Aqualyx solution into the fatty area of concern, the cell membranes become more permeable. The fat cells then start to balloon and break up, leading to the drainage of microdroplets of fatty liquid into the body. The body then metabolises or excretes the fat.
What happens during treatment?
After injecting local anaesthetic in the treatment area, the Aqualyx solution is injected into the problem area.
How long does an Aqualyx treatment take?
The time taken for a treatment session will depend upon the size of the area.
Treatment can take between 30 – 60 minutes
How many Treatments will I need?
Most people require 2 – 8 treatments, four weeks apart. Some people may, however, see significant results after 1 or 2 sessions.
Treatment for smaller fat pockets underneath the neck and chin, for example, may require 1 – 3 treatments, while treatment for fat pockets on the hips and thighs may require eight treatments.
Which areas can Aqualyx treat?
Aqualyx can treat stubborn fat pockets in a number of areas that are difficult to remove through diet and exercise alone.
Body areas include:
Hips
Outer Thighs
Hips ( love handles)
Stomach
Arms
Facial areas include:
Double Chin
Jowls
Aqualyx is not a weight loss solution.
How long do the results of Aqualyx last?
The results of an Aqualyx treatment are permanent if you don’t gain weight.
Once the fat cells are broken down, they don’t reappear.
However, the procedure is only permanent if you follow a healthy diet and exercise frequently following treatment. If you regain weight, it is likely that the fat pockets will reappear. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, the results should be permanent.
Side effects & risks of Aqualyx
People treated with AQUALYX will typically experience minimal side effects when compared to more invasive procedures, such as liposuction.
After each treatment, expect the following in the treatment area for four to six days:
swelling
redness
skin irritation
tenderness
slight bruising,
Some people may need to take over-the-counter pain relief to ease the initial discomfort
The manufacturers report no major side effects from AQUALYX.
Contraindications for Treatment
As long as you are generally healthy and don’t have any skin diseases or infections in the area treated, there are few medical reasons why you should not undergo this treatment.
We do not recommend AQUALYX for the following conditions:
pregnant
breast feeding.
lipodystrophy
infection
acute illness
blood thinning medication
diabetes
severe allergies
autoimmune diseases
acute or chronic skin diseases in the affected area
lymphatic disorders
renal disorders
keloid scarring
any other severe organic diseases.
Your suitability for treatment will be assessed during your consultation with Dr Hazlehurst.
After Care Advice
Avoid direct heat (sauna, sun etc) and severe cold and swimming pools for three days.
CACI add-on treatments
( Available with Classic CACI or Super CACI)
Add on CACI Hand Treatment £20
Add on CACI and Biorepeel Hand Treatment £60
Add on a Face Biorepeel for £60
Add on a Face Hydrotone Hydrating Mask £12
Add on an Eye Revive Treatment for £42
How do you Remove Semi Permanent Makeup and Microbladed EyeBrows?
At Cheshire Lasers, we use our Lynton Lumina Q Switched laser to remove semi-permanent makeup eyebrows and micro-bladed eyebrows. This is the same machine we use for removing conventional tattoos. Unfortunately, it is not possible to remove eyeliner or lip liner this way.
Can you Correct an Area Instead of Removing the Entire Brow?
Depending on your concern, we can treat small areas to correct your eyebrows, or we can treat the whole eyebrow.
How does Laser Semi Permanent Makeup Removal Work?
The laser cracks the semi-permanent makeup pigment tattooed into the skin to create smaller pigment particles. The body then breaks down these smaller particles and removes them slowly over time.
How often will I need Treatment?
We normally recommend a treatment every 6 -12 weeks. This depends on how quickly you want it to fade.
How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
Most people need between 3-6 treatments. This will depend on whether you want the pigment to fade or go completely.
Unwanted Effects from Laser Semi Permanent Makeup Treatment?
The commonest unwanted reactions often seen after laser treatment of semi-permanent make-up are:
eyebrow hair reduction
a change in the colour of brow pigment
Approximately 10% of the eyebrow hairs can be destroyed due to the laser treatment. Although we move these hairs out of the way during the removal process to prevent this as much as possible. In most cases, these hairs grow back, but the outcome varies from person to person. Eyebrow hairs can also temporarily go paler, but you can tint these a week after the treatment.
The laser oxidises the pigment in the skin during treatment; when this occurs the pigmentation can change colour. Depending on the pigment, it can go darker in colour, or the colour can change to an orangey/rusty colour. Once the pigment is oxidised it can then be treated in subsequent treatment.
What Will My Brows Look Like After Treatment?
You may see frosting and whitening of the pigment immediately after treatment, it is also common to see some pinpoint bleeding and some swelling. The reaction usually settles after 1-2 weeks.
How long Before I can Have Further Semi Permanent Makeup?
After laser treatment, we recommend you wait 8-12 weeks before commencing treatment.
Please ask us the exact time we recommend you wait as this will depend on many factors.
How soon after my Brow Treatment can you remove my Brows?
It is common for us to get an enquiry a day a or two after a brow treatment. This may be because the results are asymmetrical, poor shape, too dark, or just a poor result.
Given that brows are central and frame the face, even minor technical errors can be impactful, leading patients to seek rapid corrective treatment.
Unfortunatly we need to wait a minimum of 6–8 weeks after the original treatment before commencing laser removal.
Why is this delay is necessary?
The epidermis must be fully restored to reduce the risk of blistering, scarring, and dyspigmentation.
Cosmetic pigments oxidise and settle over several weeks; treating too early can cause unpredictable colour shifts (e.g., red, orange, or yellow).
Swelling and erythema post treatment increases the risk of adverse effects.
Brows often appear darker for 7–14 days post-procedure; premature removal may be unnecessary.
How Much is Laser Treatment of Semi Permanent Makeup?