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.
An impaired skin barrier can cause inflammation and redness. This can be caused by stress on the skin some as extreme heat or cold, or products applied to the skin, as well as skin conditions such as Dermatitis, Eczema, and Psoriasis. Sometimes the skin appears angry and inflamed; other times dry and flaky, but sometimes the barrier breakdown can be more subtle in appearance.
To improve redness in these situations, we need to repair the skin barrier first before addressing any remaining redness.
Skin with Inflammation
Inflamed skin can be treated with:
pHformula CR Treatments
pHformula’s CR home prescription treatments have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to improve chronically red skin.
Chronic Redness Treatments can help skin with problems such as Flushing, Sensitive Blotchy Reactive Skin, Angry Inflamed Skin, Rosacea and Acne-prone skin.
Dermalux LED Light Treatments
Dermalux LEDis an excellent treatment for red skin. It helps improve inflammation and sensitive skin due to any cause, including skins with Acne, Rosacea and Eczema
Home Treatments for Redness
pHformula Prescription Home Treatments
pHformula has an extensive range of prescription products to treat red skin.
Vita D Cream: Vita D booster complex, Prebiotic complex, and the pHformula 24-Hour Moisturising complex. It is indicated for Photoageing and premature ageing, Acne, Atopic dermatitis Psoriasis, Impaired barrier and Inflammation
VITA B3 cream: 5% Niacinamide and 24-Hour Moisturising complex. It is indicated for Photoageing, Dark spots, Acne, Transepidermal Water Loss, Impaired barrier Inflammation
pHformula 24-Hour Moisturising complex consists of Shea butter, Avocado oil, Sesame seed oil, and Sunflower seed oil. Contains vitamins A,B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, D, E, F K. It also contains minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron as well as trace elements such as Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
SOS rescue oil This dual-phase S.O.S. rescue oil is a unique combination of oil blends and naturally sourced actives, infusing the skin with a healthy glow and youthfulness. Collagen production improves, helping soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin. Provides natural barrier protection for the skin.
SOS repair cream is an ultra-rich repair cream that helps to protect the skin against moisture loss, providing hydration and comfort to extremely dry or sensitized skin.
G.E.L. cleanse A gentle, soap-free cleansing gel for all skin types. Thoroughly removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance, leaving the skin fresh and clean. A gentle anti-inflammatory cleanser that reinforces the natural barrier of the skin and also thoroughly removes make-up, oil and impurities
Neostrata Redness Neutralizing Serum
Neostrata Redness Neutralizing Serum is a powerful anti-ageing treatment for red skin.
It helps restore and strengthen the skin’s important protective barrier and also helps to calm sensitive skin, such as Rosacea.
This light cooling serum is formulated with Neostrata Biocalm Complex, a blend of ingredients to target the sources of redness.
Instructions: Apply twice a day under moisturiser
6% PHA (Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid):
Gluconolactone is found naturally in the skin and provides antiaging and gentle exfoliating benefits without sun sensitivity. It acst as an antioxidant and also strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
Lactobionic acid is also part of the PHA family and is also non-irritating. It has a powerful hydrating effect and also helps strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier. It has some antioxidant properties and the benefit of other acids by improving the texture and thickness of the skin.
BioCalm Complex: Formulated to enhance the skin’s resistance to drying environmental stressors.
Willow Herb + Algae Extract: Known to provide antioxidant protection.
For best results, we recommend a Neostrata Cleanser, Moisturisers and SPF.
ZO Skin Health Redness System
The ZO Skin Health Redness System is a home treatment for Redness.
For best results, a ZO Skin health Regime is recommended
ZO Cleanser am and pm
ZO Oil Control / Toner
ZO Polish/ Scrub
ZO Daily Power Defence am and pm
ZO Rozatrol
Rozatrol is a serum for red, sensitized skin. It works to normalize skin by reducing excess surface oil. Exfoliating properties provide ultra-mild exfoliation to prevent the signs of premature aging.
Benefits of Rozatrol include
Advanced amino acid complex helps to restore skin to a more radiant appearance
Provides mild exfoliation to help smooth skin texture and even skin tone
Antioxidant protection helps minimize the appearance and feel of inflammation and damage induced by daily oxidative stress
Helps replenish hydration and support healthy skin barrier function
The Key Ingredients include:
Lactose, milk protein, brassica oleracea italica extract: Helps soothe skin through hydration, minimizing the appearance of red, sensitized skin.
Cheshire Lasers Shares Their Quest to Improve Under Eye Wrinkles:
Cheshire Lasers keeps investing in the latest under-eye treatments. Improving this area is challenging, and the results can be disappointing. We have so many successful solutions for treating or improving other areas of the face. However, the under-eye area has a different story.
Over the years, Cheshire Lasers has invested in numerous treatments and machines, hoping to find the latest best treatment for under-eye wrinkles. Sadly, many of them have not fully met our expectations. The treatments either don’t deliver consistently high-quality results in everyone, or they cause too much downtime or discomfort. This does not mean they do not work, because they do, but the results don’t work well in everyone or don’t meet the client’s expectations.
The more aggressive treatments work the best, but some of them can leave you bruised for a week or more, especially when a course of treatments are required.
Which treatments can improve under-eye wrinkles?
Cheshire Lasers offers all of the following Under Eye Treatments.
Most people have heard of Botox; it is excellent for treating what they call dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movement. Botox works by temporarily paralysing the muscles that create your wrinkles and fine lines. Treatment of these muscles causes the muscles to relax and the wrinkles soften.
Botox is very effective at muscle relaxation (it starts working within a few days), and as long as you do your research and go to a recommended experienced medical practitioner, you won’t end up with the ‘frozen face’ you see in some celebrities.
Botox helps with dynamic wrinkles, commonly known as crow’s feet, but it does not work so well if your concern is directly under the eye. This is because these lines are usually due to loss of collagen and elasticity of the skin and not just repetitive movement.
Cheshire Lasers offers a wide range of injectable treatments that stimulate collagen in the skin to improve skin texture and elasticity under the eyes. They can also help improve puffiness and dark circles and are now more popular than tear-trough injections.
They all involve a course of treatments and can deliver fantastic results. We also still provide tear trough treatments but these are only suitable for certain patients depending on their problem.
Most other under-eye anti-ageing treatments involve damaging your skin to make it heal, repair and then regenerate. The results last for varying lengths of time. Generally, the more aggressive the treatment, the better the results and the longer they last.
There are various ways to damage the skin surface:
Ultraformer MF2 causes injuries just under the skin using ultrasound energy. The high-intensity energy can be focused at the depth we want, causing injury to the collagen. It does not damage the visible upper layer of skin cells known as the epidermis, so there is little downtime.
This treatment could cause some bruising if you are unlucky. It can also cause a bit of redness, which usually goes after an hour or two. Sometimes it can cause slight swelling, which generally lasts hours or a few days if you are unlucky. Ultraformer MF2 usually requires a course of 3 treatments, sometimes more. It is currently the most popular treatment at Cheshire Lasers. The results are typically visible one month after your first treatment, but the result of collagen remodelling, tighter, younger-looking skin can take three months to be fully appreciated.
The ThermaClinic eye treatment, the Endymed eye treatment, uses radiofrequency technology to heat the skin to around 40 degrees Celsius, which is about the same temperature as a hot shower. The collagen in the dermis layer of the skin is heated to a level where it will contract. This brings on healing and repair, producing new collagen, which remodels and tightens naturally over time.
The CACI Eye Revive
The CACI Eye Revive Treatment involves low-level radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen, and it then opens up the skin channels of the skin to encourage penetration of hydrating products from the eye revive mask. It soothes tired, puffy eyes, reduces dark circles, lifts hooded eyes and yes, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
A one-off treatment can lead you to a refreshed look and is great before a special event. However, a course of treatments delivers the best results.
Radiofrequency Microneedling involves puncturing tiny holes into your skin which then delivers an electric current to the collagen layer. This energy damages the skin and underlying collagen to create newer, younger looking firmer skin. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so it is only moderately irritating, despite how it sounds.
The cons: It takes 4-24hrs for the redness to settle. 3 treatments every 5 weeks may be needed for best results, which include brightening, smoothing and fine-line reduction. Although you can take things slowly and have a treatment every few months.
Laser
Resurfacing lasers create trauma to your skin. The most popular one is a CO2 laser. This is often fractionated in small dots to reduce the amount of trauma to the skin and the downtime. There are some downsides to Laser treatments. Your skin will look and feel badly sunburned for a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the intensity of the treatment. It then goes sandpapery texture for a week or two. The results can be fantastic as long as you are prepared for the downtime. No pain no gain as they say! This treatment is not currently available at Cheshire Lasers. Why not visit The Consulting Room website to see who provides this treatment near you.
Plasma Devices use Plasma Energy to create trauma to your skin. The downside is the immediate side effects including, swelling and reddening over the treated area for at least 2-3 days. The healing process will include crusting (which should be left to fall away naturally) over the course of about 7-10 days. Sometimes you can be left with residual inflammation/redness of the skin for weeks after treatment. This treatment is, therefore, more popular for the upper eye area where it can be covered rather than under the eye. Find out more about Plasma here.
How do I know which under-eye rejuvenation treatment is for me?
Injectable treatments run the risk of bruising and swelling after each treatment. Some of the treatments can help the under-eye dark circles as well as the fine lines.
The more ablative treatments such as CO2 laser and Plasma may require fewer treatments but have a longer downtime and can be more uncomfortable.
The Ultraformer is a compromise as it is quite aggressive in the deep layers of the skin. However, it rarely causes downtime. It can be uncomfortable, but the treatment is quick to perform, so any discomfort is over quickly.
CACI Eye Revive is a very relaxing, enjoyable treatment, but a course of 10 treatments is required once or twice a week.
RF Microneedling is an excellent treatment with excellent results and very little down time. However due to the cost of the disposable equipment, it is more expensive to perform and is only cost effective if you are considering a full face or face and neck procedure.
Radiofrequency is also a more enjoyable treatment which feels a bit like a hot stone massage for the face. Maintenance is recommended every six weeks after an initial course of 6 to 8 treatments.
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in the skin, so the skin loses its capability to bounce back when we move and make different facial expressions. Facial expressions are important, but they do put a strain on our skin and its supporting collagen and over time, can cause dynamic wrinkles.
Smoking, sun exposure, diet and genetics also influence how the skin ages.
One study shows that smoking 30 cigarettes daily will add 14 years to your skin!
There are two types of UV rays present in sunlight. UVB, which is responsible for giving you sunburn and UVA. It is the UVA rays that are responsible for DNA damage and ageing of the skin.
Sugar may also contribute to premature ageing through the process of glycation. Glycation can cause damage the skin tissues over time and may make you more prone to having fine lines and wrinkles.
Genetics and our DNA can also play a role in ageing. Often if your parents and grandparents have great skin, you will, too. However, if they have skin issues like big pores and acne-prone skin, you may also be more susceptible to these issues.
How to prevent wrinkles?
Avoiding smoking, limiting sun exposure and cutting down on sugar will all help to improve your skin health. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and including oily fish, like salmon, will also improve your skin health. Vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables will boost your overall health and give you a glow from within. Hydration is also crucial to keeping your skin healthy and clear, so ensure you are getting enough water throughout the day, too.
Some serums and creams are designed for the eye area that can help prevent more wrinkles.
Dr Johnson Discusses Jowl Treatments at Cheshire Lasers:
Learn why we get jowls, the available treatments, and how we can help you achieve the best results at Cheshire Lasers!
Cheshire Lasers provides a wide range of jowl treatments that work in various ways. When considering which treatment is right for you, it is important to understand why your jowls have developed in the first place. Different treatments address different problems, and some people require a combination of treatments for best results.
Why do we get Jowls?
As we age many changes occur which lead to the soft tissues of our face descending down to form jowls.
Facial bone and fat loss reduce the volume in our face, so the soft tissues are no longer supported.
The skin loses collagen and elasticity.
Fat can develop in the jowl area, which pulls down the soft tissues due to its weight.
The depressor muscles in our lower face become hyperactive and pull down the skin.
At Cheshire Lasers, we often see people concerned about their jowls who are looking for treatments. When considering which jowl treatment is right for you, we advise you to consider the following:
Is the treatment invasive or not?
How effective is the treatment?
Is there any potential side effects?
Does the treatment hurt?
How many treatments you will need (especially if you have a busy schedule)?
How long do the results last?
Do you need maintenance treatments?
What is the cost of the treatment?
What treatments are good for Jowls?
CACI Jowl Lift
The CACI Jowl Lift is a non-invasive effective treatment for the jowl area. It works by targeting muscle laxity and muscle overactivity around the jawline. Using electrical stimulation this treatment retrains the muscles, lifting, firming and refining the jawline. It takes approximately 15 minutes/ treatment.
A course of 10 treatments are required but they are not expensive. After this, we recommend a maintenance treatment every month to keep the results long term. There is no downtime and side effects are very rare.
This treatment works well in most people, but works less well if you have very heavy jowls with large amounts of fat deposit.
Radiofrequency is a non-invasive effective treatment for skin laxity which can help improve the jowl area. It works by stimulating collagen in the skin making it firmer and plumper it also improves skin tone and texture.
A course of 6-8 treatments are required. After this, a single treatment is recommended every 6 to 12 weeks to maintain the results long term. There is no downtime and side effects are very rare.
We have two radiofrequency treatments available:
ThermaClinic – Great for full-face treatments which take an hour.
Endymed – A more intensive treatment with an innovative jowl shaper handpiece designed to tighten the skin and mobilise the fatty area of the Jowl. A treatment takes 40 minutes.
Ultraformer Jowl Lift and Tighten Treatment
The Ultraformer is a slightly more aggressive treatment which reduces the fat in the jowl area and stimulates collagen to give a lifting and tightening effect. High focused ultrasound energy is used to injure the collagen and fatty layers under the skin. This induces fat loss and also stimulates healing and collagen production.
Often only one treatment is required which can take around an hour. The treatment is uncomfortable but most people tolerate it without any problems. 10% of people may experience bruising after treatment but usually, there is no downtime. The results last 12 to 24 months when you may then opt for a second treatment.
Mid Face and Jawline Volumisation involves injections of Dermal Fillers or collagen stimulators into the areas where volume has been lost. By replacing the volume the soft tissues in the face reposition reducing sagging and lifting the jowls. Each face is different and will require a bespoke treatment plan but often the cheek and or jawline need treating.
You may need between one to three treatments depending on the amount of volume loss. 20% of people may get bruising or swelling but there is usually no downtime.
Thread Lift treatments are more invasive, they can cause bruising and several days downtime. A single treatment is usually required The ideal patient is someone with good skin quality; neither too thick or thin and mild to moderate sagging in the mid-face. Patients do less well if they have excessive skin in the mandibular region associated. If they have very thin or thick skin or have a lot of fat in the jowl area.
This treatment involves surgery it is the gold standard treatment for treating the jowl area. It has considerably more downtime than the treatments above and is not reversible. Cheshire Lasers does not provide facelift cosmetic surgery for the jowls.
At Cheshire Lasers, we provide various treatments to improve the lines and other signs of ageing around the lips/mouth area. This area is also known as the “Perioral area”.
The lines in this area vary from person to person.
Some people have fine superficial lines or skin texture changes on this skin surface. Others have smooth textured skin but deeper lines due to collage and fat loss in the tissues supporting the skin. Others have both changes.
Cheshire Lasers’ Favourite Treatments for Lip Lines Include:
Everyone ages differently in various ways, depending on a wide range of factors. When deciding on the best treatment for you, we need to assess the causes of the problem; this will then help us decide on the best solutions.
Some people may only need one method of treatment to address their concerns; however, some people need a combination of treatments. The longer you have had the lines and wrinkles around the mouth and the more damaged the skin texture is, the less effective the results are, and the more treatment you will probably need.
To help find the right treatment for you, we recommend a consultation.
At the consultation, we will assess your lip lines and decide if you have perioral volume loss or if skin texture is the cause. It may be that both areas need addressing.
We will also discuss the treatments available to you, the costs involved, how effective the treatments are, the risk and benefits, and any downtime you might experience. We will also advise you on maintaining the results following your treatment. The consultation should help you make an informed choice about the method of treatment you would like to try.
What causes the lines and wrinkles in the Perioral area?
Women tend to age in this area more than men, as over time, they tend to lose all of the fat in the perioral area with age. This fat acts like a mattress under the skin and gives a plumping effect. As the fat goes, the skin is then sat on the muscle, which means the dynamic lines of movement are visible.
Facial expressions such as pursing the lips cause dynamic lines. These lines are usually more obvious in people that smoke; however, they are often are seen in non-smokers who have the habit of repeatedly using their muscles for their facial expressions.
Dr Teri Johnson specialises in “Dermal Filler Lip Rejuvenation” a treatment that gently restores ageing lips and improves the perioral area.
Dermal fillers are one of the most effective treatments for more significant volume loss in the perioral area. The use of Dermal Fillers helps to subtly replace lost volume and hydration in the lips. Dermal Fillers also reduce the perioral (smokers’ lines) that develop due to loss fat loss and collagen loss. The filler plumps out this area so the skin has a soft support structure to sit on, this way the lines from the movement of the muscles underneath are no longer visible.
Dr Teri has spent many years perfecting using different Dermal Fillers to suit different peoples needs.
Treating the perioral area with Botox reduces the movement of the orbicularis oris muscle. This treatment is usually reserved for people who overuse these muscles and often hold a pursed-lip expression when relaxed.
If a Botox treatment is overdone in this area, it can lead to problems with speech, eating etc. When performed correctly, this usually does not happen. However, it is common to be aware of slight mouth weakness for a day or two when the Botox first kicks in.
This treatment can be performed in combination with a Dermal Filler treatment. However, the two procedures are best performed a few weeks apart.
The Neogen treatment provides excellent results rejuvenating in this area. It targets the deeper supporting tissues, stimulating collagen and improving the deeper lines in the lower skin layers while also targeting the upper layer, reducing the surface fine lines and texture.
At Cheshire Lasers, we use Dermaforce to deliver RadioFrequency (RF) Microneedling. This advanced treatment combines microneedling with Radiofrequency (RF) technology to effectively treat many cosmetic concerns, with excellent results. It can target multiple layers deeper in the dermis to stimulate collagen to reduce and support deeper lip lines. It also can target more superficial skin cells to resurface the skin and target stubborn lines engrained in the skin’s surface.
Our Ultraformer MF2 treatment is an alternative to injectable treatments for replacing lost volume under the skin with collagen. The ultrasound causes trauma to the dermis and stimulates collagen production, which develops over a few months. The plumping effect under the skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles after a course of treatments. The result with this treatment varies as everyone’s collagen production is different.
A second headpiece can be used during this treatment to address the epidermis (the top skin layer of skin) to help stimulate increased cell turnover. We tend to use this for those people suffering from thickened lines on the top layer of skin. (Stratum corneum)
Radiofrequency is an alternative to out Ultraformer treatment. It is less aggressive and less uncomfortable; many people report that it is a pleasant, relaxing experience. A course of 6 to 8 treatment are often required for optimum results.
This treatment stimulates collagen under the skin for a plumping effect but also helps fine lines in the top layer by stimulating cell renewal. Again, results with this treatment vary as everyone’s collagen production is different.
Microdermabrasion works on the top layer of skin (stratum corneum) by exfoliating the dead cells on the top layer, which are often dull, dried out and creased. The treatment encourages faster cell turnover and allows new, less creased and less dehydrated cells to replace them on the surface. We recommend a course of at least three treatments to see the benefits.
Microneedling works on the top layer to stimulate cell renewal, improving skin texture. It also works in the dermis to stimulate collagen and plump out the dermis under the skin.
This treatment has more downtime than most of the others.
Costs for this treatment are similar if treating one area or the full face, so we usually recommend a full-face rejuvenation for cost-effectiveness.
At Cheshire Lasers, we regularly review our treatments, protocols, and client results.
We now combine microdermabrasion and radiofrequency to give lovely lip line improvements with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
The following shows a before and after a course of treatments using this combination.
Cheshire Lasers often receives enquiries asking how we can help treat scarring and acne scars.
Dr Teri Johnson discusses the various treatments available for scars and how they work.
What are Scars?
Scars develop after trauma to the skin; this can be due to an injury, post-surgery, or skin conditions such as acne. They are a natural part of the body’s healing process and occur when the skin’s deeper layers are damaged. This results in the formation of fibrous tissue to repair the injury. Scars may vary in appearance, texture, and size, depending on factors such as the type and severity of the injury, individual healing characteristics, and the scar’s location on the body.
When it comes to acne scarring, any type of acne spot can lead to scarring, but it’s more common when the most serious types of spots (nodules and cysts) burst and damage nearby skin. Scarring can also occur if you pick your skin or squeeze a spot, so it’s important not to do this.
While scars are permanent, they often fade and become less noticeable over time but may still remain visible.
Which Treatments Help Scars?
At Cheshire Lasers, we provide the following treatments for acne scarring:
Laser Treatments: can be ablative and non-ablative.
Punch techniques
Sometimes, for best results, a combination of treatments is required.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotide therapy is a new way to treat scars. It involves injecting special substances made of DNA and RNA into the scar tissue. Here’s how it works:
Makes Skin Stronger: These substances help the skin make more collagen, which is like a building block that makes skin stronger and helps scars heal better.
Helps Skin Repair: PN therapy helps damaged skin repair itself faster, making scars look better over time.
Reduces Redness and Itching: Scars can be red and itchy because of inflammation. PN therapy can help calm down this inflammation, making scars less red and itchy.
Makes Skin More Flexible: Scars often feel tight and stiff. PN therapy can make the skin more flexible by adding more collagen so scars feel softer and move better.
Improves Scar Colour: Sometimes, scars are darker than the surrounding skin. PN therapy can help lighten the colour of scars, making them blend in better with the rest of the skin.
Polynucleotide injectable treatments are safe with very little downtime. They work well in combination with other treatments to enhance the results.
Overall, they strengthen the skin, helping it repair faster and reducing redness and itching. It’s a simple treatment that can make a big difference for people with scars.
Microneedling, also known as skin needling, involves using small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin. These small contact points encourage the body to create a wound-healing response. The needling also can break down old scar tissue and stimulate the production of new skin cells. New collagen and elastin grow as the skin repairs to give a smoother, plumper skin surface.
This treatment also improves skin texture leading to smoother skin and reduces pores size and fine lines. Microneedling can also reduce pigmentation, which is sometimes seen with some scarring.
Before and after three microneedling treatments for acne scars at Cheshire Lasers.
This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The combination treatment is much more effective than microneedling on its own. The radiofrequency energy heats the tissue in the region of 55 – 65°C and, depending on the depth, it stimulates cell renewal, new collagen, increased hydration and also skin resurfacing. The heat is more effective at stimulating fibroblast action, which is responsible for healing and repair.
Radiofrequency Microneeding is a more aggressive treatment than normal microneedling; however, surprisingly, the downtime is often much less. Here at Cheshire Lasers, we have found that fewer treatments are usually needed to deliver the same results.
Carboxytherapy is also a good treatment for treating acne scars. A tiny needle is used to inject Carbon dioxide into the scar. The same needle can also be used to gently subcise deeper scars, which allows blood to pool under the affected area. The blood clot helps form connective tissue, which pushes up the rolling scar so it’s level with the rest of the skin’s surface. Carboxytherapy also increases blood flow to the scar promoting healing, reducing redness and stimulating collagen and elastin production. The result is smoother, fresher, more healthy-looking skin.
Carboxytherapy can cause bruising but otherwise has very little downtime.
The following research paper compares carboxytherapy with microneedling.
Microdermabrasion involves deep exfoliation of the top layer of skin. Your skin will look red after treatment but will soon settle down.
Although this treatment claims to treat scars, it only helps with minor superficial scars, such as mild surface acne scarring.
You will need a course of treatments for the best results.
Other Treatments for Acne Scarring
The following treatments are also options for treating scars. These treatments are not available at Cheshire Lasers. However, we can recommend local clinics that provide them.
TCA CROSS treatment
TCA CROSS treatment involves the application of trichloracetic acid at high concentrations to the base of a scar. This causes trauma to the scar tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response that stimulates the production of new collagen. After each treatment, the scar gradually fills in from the bottom up and reduces in appearance.
This treatment is very useful for various Acne scars, including ice pick, box and rolling scars. It can also help with chickenpox scars and enlarged pores
You can also consider Laser treatment to treat mild to moderate acne scarring. There are 2 types of laser treatment:
Ablative laser treatment – where lasers cause skin trauma and remove some scar tissue, to produce a new, smooth-looking area of skin. This treatment can have significant downtime.
Non-ablative laser treatment – where lasers are used to stimulate the growth of new collagen (a type of protein found in skin), which helps to repair some of the damage caused by scarring and improves the appearance
Punch techniques
Punch techniques are surgical methods that can treat ice-pick scars and boxcar scars. There are three types of punch technique:
Punch excision – used to treat mild ice pick scars. The scar is surgically removed, and the wound is sealed, leaving smoother and more even skin.
Punch elevation – used to treat boxcar scars. The base of the scar is surgically removed, leaving the sides of the scar in place. The base is then reattached to the sides but lifted up so it’s level with the surface of the skin. This makes the scar much less noticeable
Punch grafting – is used to treat deep ice-pick scars. As with punch excision, the scar is removed, but the wound is “plugged” with a sample of skin taken from elsewhere on the body.
Surgical Subcision
Subcision is a surgical treatment which can treat deep rolling scars. The upper layer of the skin is removed from the underlying scar tissue, allowing blood to pool under the affected area. The blood clot helps form connective tissue, which pushes up the rolling scar so it’s level with the rest of the skin’s surface.
Once subscision has been completed, additional treatments are usually needed to improve the appearance of the scar further.
At Cheshire Lasers we use A Lynton Q-Switch Laser for Tattoo Removal. Made locally in Holmes Chapel by Lynton Lasers, it uses the most advanced technology for Tattoo Removal. Q switch lasers are the only type of laser that are safe and effective for the removal of tattoos.
Not all lasers are the same and not just any laser can safely remove tattoos.
What type of Tattoos can our Lasers fade?
Our laser can fade away tattoos of various size and colour. Tattoos are of two main types: the Indian ink amateur tattoo or the multi-coloured, professional tattoo.
What colour Tattoos can it fade?
Single-colour tattoos usually respond best to laser tattoo removal. Multi-coloured, professional tattoos are much more difficult to eradicate completely.
Black, blue and red colours in the tattoo respond best to treatment, but green, yellow and purple pigment can be more difficult.
Green coloured tattoos may require different lasers for successful treatment and we may need to recommend a specialist clinic with a ruby laser to remove this colour.
At Cheshire Lasers Tattoo Removal is popular for people who:
Wish they had never got a tattoo
Who are looking to fade a tattoo for a new design
Need to remove a tattoo to help pursue a career
What happens during a Tattoo Removal Treatment?
Active Q-Switch Lasers that generate a high powered beam of laser light in an extremely short pulse are the most suitable lasers for tattoo removal treatment. The light is absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, breaking them down into smaller pieces, enabling your natural immune defences to absorb and disperse the ink. A gradual fading of the tattoo occurs over a series of treatments.
The skin is cleaned and the laser applicator is passed over the tattoo releasing quick pulses of light. You will hear an audible clicking noise as the ink particles shatter. After treatment, we will apply a dressing to keep the area clean and dry.
What does it feel like?
Most clients describe the sensation as similar to a hot pin prick or the flick of an elastic band. Whilst mildly uncomfortable, most people tolerate the treatment well. A skin cooling device may be utilised to reduce any discomfort.
How does the skin look after a Tattoo Removal treatment?
An instant whitening of the skin occurs but this generally fades quickly. The area is likely to feel tender for a few hours and can be red and swollen for up to 48 hours. Initially, the tattoo is unlikely to look any different but will fade over 4 to 8 weeks as the body breaks down and disperses the pigmentation.
What is the recovery period?
Some tattoos can graze or blister, if so make sure you left to heal naturally. After your treatment, we will apply a dressing. Keep the area dressed and covered until the area heals. This is important if you develop blistering or grazing, it is also important not to not pick the area while it is healing.
Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or larger blisters may form.
Changes to skin texture and scarring is possible, though very uncommon and is more likely if grazes are not allowed to heal naturally. There may be loss of natural tanning ability in the area treated which usually improves with time.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on a number of factors such as the density and colour of the tattoo and the age of the tattoo. Amateur tattoos can be quick to remove, taking 1 to 6 treatments, whereas professional tattoos vary considerably and can take up to 15 treatments. We recommend you have your treatments every 6 to12 weeks.
Treatment can take 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.
At Cheshire Lasers we also provide Tattoo fading for clients who wish to alter a part of their tattoo.
The size of your pores is determined by your skin type. Large pores are more common if you have oily or thick skin. Pores become larger and more noticeable if they become congested with sebum the oil we produce to protect the skin. A combination of old dead skin cells and sebum can block the pores and then oxidise into a black plug known as a blackhead.
As we age pores get larger! This is due to the loss of collagen that occurs with the ageing process, which provides support to the skin and its structures. The more support is lost, the more pores dilate and appear bigger.
Which Treatments Remove Large Pores?
Unfortunatley there is no treatment available which will remove large pores for good.
You can only improve / reduce them and you will need to continue with treatments to maintain the results.
Good skincare can make a big difference there is a lot that you can do.
Products that reduce oiliness, unclog pores, stimulate cell renewal and stimulate collagen can all help reduce the size of pores. Also, you must avoid products that clog pores and make them bigger.
Here are our top tips for reducing large pores at home:
Do:
Use an exfoliating cleanser for at least a minute twice a day, ideally one containing salicylic acid, which is great for unclogging pores, glycolic and lactic acid are also good. We love ZO Exfoliating Cleanser
Use a Pore Refiner use products that target pores specificaly. Use daily on the areas more prone to large pores. We love ZO Instant Pore Refiner apply to pore prone skin daily to help shrink the appearance of pores and prevents congestion.
Apply a hydrator with a gentle retinol or retinoid to reduce oil production and speed up cell turnover . We love ZO Daily Power Defence it suits all skin types of all ages and won’t irritate sensitive skin or clog oily skin.
Use a Sulfur, Charcoal or Clay mask once or twice a week to draw out the oils and impurities from your skin. Our favourites are ZO Skin Health Sulfur Masque and Medik8 Clay Mask
Do not:
Overuse moisturisers, they slow down cell turnover and compact dead cells in the pores, which then enlarge.
Don’t try to cover up the problem with foundation or powders because again it can compact dead cells.
Avoid using fake tan. The tan stains the sebum and dead cells in the pores making them appear more visible.
Microdermabrasion is a facial treatment that blasts your skin with tiny crystals sanding off and removing dead skin cells. This treatment removes just the top surface of the skin and unclogs pores and blackheads. It also helps reduce fine lines and stimulates collagen which gives the pores more support.
Microneedling is another way to reduce pore size. This treatment uses a needling device to create thousands of tiny holes in your skin. The healing process stimulates the release of growth factors and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, giving firmer skin, which supports the pores so they appear smaller. This treatment also helps resurface and smooth the skin’s surface, which also helps reduce pores.
A skin peel can smooth the surface of the skin making pores appear less noticeable. Cheshire Lasers offers a wide variety of skin peels. Choose from a milder peel which gives little or no downtime but are less effective and the results are short-lasting. Or a more aggressive peel which gives more peeling and more downtime and the results can last a few months. Many people opt for a course of mild peels and step up in strength until they achieve good results and then have a maintenance treatment every month or two.
The Hydrafacial is famous for its properties for unblocking pores. The treatment jet washes the skin with products which exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells. It then applies a product containing glycolic and salicylic acid to soften blockages in the pores, and then a vacuum removes the softened gunk. Finally, the Hydafacial applies a combination of vitamins, peptides, and moisturising hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin and reduce wrinkles if you have any!
Radiofrequency (also known as RF), involves heating up the skin layers to stimulate collagen production. A course of 6 to 8 treatments can tighten and brighten the skin providing support for the pores, which can reduce their appearance.
Botox is known for its use to freeze facial muscles and reduce sweating. However, it is now also being used to reduce the production of oil in the skin. Injections of tiny doses of Botox are placed into the surface of the skin, and this causes a temporary reduction in sebum production which can reduce pore size in some people.
Dark circles appear under the eyes for many reasons and may simply be a genetic condition. ‘Periorbital hyperchromia’ – is a technical name that refers to the area around the eye socket caused by excessive pigmentation and is one of the most common reasons for circles under the eyes seen in all ages.
Other people have the appearance of dark circles just due to their anatomy and the shape of the structures around the eyes. In certain lights, shadows are cast in any hollows and under any protruding eyelids or eyebags, which make the area look dark.
Other causes of Dark Circles include:
Dehydration of the skin cells makes dark circles more noticeable.
Simply drinking more water can bring about a marked reduction in the circles. Sometimes a topical B5 serum is needed to improve the skin’s hydration.
Stress / Lack of sleep: can make the skin appear more sunken or make eye bags look puffier, which can make dark circles more noticeable.
Drinking alcohol: The consumption of alcohol allows the small blood vessels in the skin to dilate or expand, so dark circles under the eyes may become more prominent. Dehydration also occurs, which adds to the problem.
Ageing: As people age, their skin becomes thinner due to a reduction of fat and collagen, making the blood vessels beneath it more noticeable, which thereby makes the area under the eyes appear darker. In addition, the ligaments under the eye weaken and in some people the fat loss causes the skin to sag and create a tear trough and sometimes a bag. These create a shadow on the skin, creating the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Pigmentation: The eyelids’ skin is often darker than that of the rest of the face. But in some people, this can be more pronounced. This can be genetic or caused by environmental factors. The most common cause is sun exposure. Pregnancy, hormones and trauma to the skin, such as excess rubbing of the eyes, can also increase pigmentation. A good SPF eye cream is recommended if you are at risk of high sun exposure.
Vascular congestion: This is an area containing many small blood vessels. In some people, these are congested, causing a somewhat purple discoloration. Patients who suffer from allergies could get venous congestion under the eye creating dark circles.
What can be done to improve dark circles?
To improve dark circles, you first need to understand the cause.
After this, the key is to work out if the causes are treatable or not. You can not change the shape of someone’s face however some simple causes can be improved.
Treatments to be considered include:
Concealer
The right coloured concealer applied in the right way can make a massive difference to dark circles. If you struggle to do this, it is worth booking in with a reputable makeup artist who can teach you how to do it more effectively.
Avoid Dehydration
Sometimes drinking more water or applying a B5 serum for hydration is all that is needed.
Treatments to reduce pigmentation:
Topical treatments can be applied to gently lighten the skin and an SPF can be applied to prevent further pigmentation for any sun exposure.
Collagen Stimulation using Radiofrequency technology can also be effective using the Endymed 3D Deep or ThermaClinic these treatments are relaxing and non invasive with no downtime but a course of 6 is required every 1- 2 weeks.
The CACI Eye Revive is a three step treatment that stimulates collagen using radiofrequency and also by infusing products in to the skin that hydrate stimulating new collagen. It can give a temporary improvement after one treatment but for best results a course of treatments is recomended. It is also a great way of boosting the eye area before a special event.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the latest anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation procedures available and has the power to trigger your body’s own tissue regeneration potential. PRP is a naturally occurring component of your own blood. It encourages skin rejuvenation by stimulating the growth of your own collagen. It also improves the blood supply to the tissues and greatly improves skin tone and texture. PRP also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, all by stimulating your body’s own regeneration systems. PRP can be injected all around the eye to stimulate collagen and elastin. The regeneration process is gradual and natural and takes 2-3 months to develop after a single treatment. Two to three treatments, 2-3 months apart are recommended for most people for significant results.
Tears develop due to soft tissue volume loss in the cheek and eye area. The ligaments of the lower eyelid weaken and the bony area under the eyelid becomes accentuated. This can also lead to the appearance of lower eyelid fat pockets (eye bags), and both of these changes can lead to a dark shadow or hollow beneath the eyes and can cause a tired appearance.
At Cheshire Lasers, we treat Tear Troughs with the following:
At Cheshire Lasers, we use hyaluronic acid Dermal Fillers to treat tear troughs. These fillers slowly break down over time, and in most patients, results can last a year. You may need a top-up procedure to achieve the best results.
Depending on your anatomy and your medical practitioner’s preference they may use Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero or Teosyal Redensity 2 a filler designed especially for the tear trough area.
PRP treatments for the under eye and the upper eyelid lead to stimulation of your own collagen and elastin and regeneration of new healthy skin tissue for gradual, natural and real results that improve in the 2-3 months following a single treatment.
We recommend two to three treatments, 2-3 months apart. PRP injection treatments below the skin in the under-eye area do not have immediate results. Unlike Dermal Fillers, which are instant, PRP is resorbed by your body within 2-3 days. There is then a gradual tissue regeneration which continues for months. You see the final results 3-4 months after each treatment. PRP treatments improve fine lines, texture, loose skin, loss of volume, deep wrinkles and some pigmentation.
Treatments to improve Eye Bags:
We can do very little at Cheshire Lasers to help with eye bags. In most cases, the best treatment is surgery.
Some of the treatments mentioned above can help, but the results are subtle and will not last long without regular treatments to maintain results.
The CACI Eye Revive is our favourite non-surgical treatment for eye bags. It can give a temporary subtle improvement and is worth trying. If it helps, it is an excellent way to boost the eye area before a special event.
What can I do at home to enhance my results?
The skin under the eye is the thinnest of the face. As we age, the blood vessels underneath become visible and create a darkened reflection. Investing in an Eye Cream: that includes Retinol, Peptides, Caffeine, and Antioxidants is key. Retinol works by exfoliating dead skin cell leading to collagen production. Peptides applied topically send “signals” to through the skin to prompt the formation of new collagen. Caffeine constricts blood vessels which reduces puffiness and redness. Antioxidants (ex: Vitamin C or Green tea) offer powerful protection from the sun and also brighten the skin.
At Cheshire Lasers, we have various acne treatments and products on offer, to create a programme that will meet your individual needs.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common disorder of the skin’s sebaceous glands that results in clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, spots, inflammation of the skin and sometimes scarring.
Acne occurs when the sebum is not able to pass through the hair follicle; this happens because the cells of the follicle walls are shed too fast and clump together, blocking the opening of the hair follicle so the sebum cannot get through; bacteria then starts to build up and grow in the area creating an acne lesion. It is most commonly found on the face, chest, and back. It can have a real impact on your confidence and the way you feel about yourself.
Acne Treatments available at Cheshire Lasers:
Skin Care Products
There are several options for treating acne; it is important that good skincare products are used before starting any clinic treatment. For some clients, products can reduce acne with no need for treatment.
Products ranges available to purchase at the clinic for treating acne are:
The ZO Skin Health Products are our favourite Acne skincare treatment. If you book a consultation with one of our aestheticians, we can give you a few small samples to try.
Oral Supplements to Help Acne
At Cheshire Lasers, we have seen amazing improvements in acne following oral treatment with supplements. We certainly recommend you consider treating your skin from within.
Vitamin A, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements are very effective. These acne treatments are highly recommended if you have acne on larger areas of the body such as the back, chest and arms.
Cheshire Lasers recommends the following Acne Treatments / Supplements:
Dermalux light therapy can be used to reduce redness and inflammation and reduce active acne. This popular and effective treatment is great on its own but even better combined with the ZO Peel above.
Should these be recommended at your consultation, you would need to see Dr Teri Johnson for a face to face consultation to discuss these preparations.
How do I know what treatments / Products I need?
Before any treatment can be carried out, we recommend a full consultation. We will identify your concerns and go over the treatments you have tried in the past. We will want to know the treatments you have tried from your GP, Dermatologist and other clinics. A medical history will need to be discussed to check that the most appropriate treatments are recommended. To make sure your medical history and medication will not contraindicate the treatments.
We can then discuss your best treatment options and the most likely outcomes. We may even advise you to go back to your GP for treatment with them.
Who should I see about my acne at Cheshire Lasers?
For mild to moderate acne:
One of our Aestheticians can help you.
A 30-minute consultation is £25.
They will perform a skin analysis to assess your skin and can then recommend skincare, facials, hydrafacials, dermalux light, peels and or microdermabrasion.
Should you purchase any skincare or arrange any treatments the £25 consultation fee is deducted from the cost of your treatment.
For Moderate to Severe acne or acne that does not respond to treatment:
If you have not done so already, we highly recommend you see your GP, who can prescribe a range of topical or oral treatments. You may even need a referral to a dermatologist for resistant cases.
If you have gone down that route and are still struggling, we recommend you book an appointment with Dr Johnson.
A 30-minute private consultation is £50.
She will discuss the treatments you have had over the counter and on prescription from your GP and Dermatologist, as well as skincare products you have tried.
She can recommend the treatment(s) / products she thinks would most likely help. If necessary, she can prescribe items from the Obagi Clenziderm system or the ZO Medical Product range. Sometimes, she may recommend you see your GP again so they can prescribe alternative treatments for you or recommend you see a Dermatologist.
Rozatrol is a serum for red, sensitized skin. It works to normalize skin by reducing excess surface oil. Exfoliating properties provide ultra-mild exfoliation to prevent the signs of premature aging.
