Our lips thin with age and demonstrate less fullness and projection when viewed both in front and in profile This process is called soft tissue atrophy and commonly affects the lips and corner of the mouth. As these areas become less plump, they wrinkle more easily and the mouth develops a “mouth frown”, a very ageing sign. Another ageing sign are smoker’s lines or vertical lip wrinkles in the skin on the top lip resulting from the constant use of certain facial expressions such as pursing lips, chewing, sipping from a straw or bottle and even talking. These wrinkles can become evident form an early age especially if one has an overactive muscle around the mouth.

Creating natural looking improvements in the lip area often requires a combination of treatment modalities.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic, our Nurse Consultant has over 20 years experience in creating natural looking improvements aroud the lips and mouth. ‘ Treatments should always look natural and not over-done”.

“We often combine a combination of treatments to the lip and mouth area, in order to achieve a natural looking lips” says Sue Ibrahim, “and ageing lips require a very gentle touch”.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standards of care.

Click here to read what our patients are currently saying about treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Book your free consultation today!

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Eye Rejuvenation is a common area of concern for some women

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic, Sue Ibrahim often recommends a combination of treatments to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes.

Skin Fillers can be used to fill out treat troughs, hollows underneath the eye. This is a specialist treatment that Sue Ibrahim has a lot of experience in.

Mesotherapy delivers essential nutrients into the skin, including Hyaluronic Acid. These nutrients help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Within weeks, you will notice an improvement in the elasticity of the skin in the under eye area. The skin will look and feel less fragile. The skin will brighten in appearance.

Endymed 3 Deep treatment also helps to firm the elasticity of the skin around the eyes and is often recommended for patients who are not suitable for skin fillers or mesotherapy.

Plasma Soft Surgery is recommended for women that have loose skin around the eye area, who do not wish to go down the surgical route. This treatment is suitable for the eyelids.

Plasma soft surgery can be used alongside other treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic

Our EndyBleph Fractional Skin Rejuvenation is also a popular choice of treatment for those who require skin tightening around the eye area.

Why Choose Elan Medical Skin Clinic?

Our lead practitioner, Sue Ibrahim, has over 30 years experience in dermatology. For the past 18 years, she has specialised in cosmetic dermatology. And, because Elan Medical Skin Clinic is a fully registered medical clinic, you can rest assured that your eyes and face will be in a safe pair of hands.

How much does treatment cost?

Becuase everyone has slightly different concerns, your first step in to book Free Consultation with Sue Ibrahim. She will be able to discuss with you which combination of treatments will suit both your budget and your expectations. Why not take a look at what our clients are currently saying about us on our Live Review Page.

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Whether you are concerned about a suspicious mole, or keen to keep a close eye on all your skin changes, our Nurse Consultant in Dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex can provide you with the reassurance that you will receive the correct diagnosis in a timely fashion. Appointments for skin cancer screening or mole checks can normally be booked within a few days. For the small number of patients diagnosed with skin cancer, a proactive approach is more likely to lead to less treatment and an improved cosmetic and overall outcome.

Skin Cancer Screening is more than just checking moles with a naked eye

When should I get my moles checked?

If a mole has changed recently, or it has suspicious features, your GP will arrange referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has a special interest in skin cancer. This service is available in the NHS, although waiting times to be seen in a clinic can be many weeks, or privately if you have medical insurance or want to pay for treatment. Mole removal is advised if you have noticed a mole that:

• Has increased in size
• Has changed in colour
• Is over 7mm in size
• Has an irregular shape
• Has an irregular colour
• Is inflamed or oozing

Although the majority of moles that present with these clinical signs will not be cancerous, a small proportion will contain malignant cells and may require further treatment following initial mole removal. Black or dark brown moles may be a sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer that can result in patient mortality. If you have noticed any of the above features you should consider seeking medical advice.

Skin Cancer Screening

This service is for anyone with concerns about new or growing moles. This involves a detailed examination of your moles, and a complete skin examination, to give you peace of mind and ensure early detection of any problems.

Skin lesions being checked using a special piece of equipment called a dermatoscope

One-Stop Mole Removal

This fast-track service is for anyone that wants a mole removing because it is suspicious of cancer or they feel it is unsightly. You can book an appointment at our Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex. Moles removed within the clinic will be sent to a pathologist for interpretation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can book your skin cancer screening appointment by going to our online booking form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

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It’s all about the eyes.

Under eye dark circles and crepey dehydrated eyelid  skin

Some patients presenting with dark circles or a loss of volume in the area below the eye have thin, sun damaged eyelid skin, rather than a deep volume loss. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic, we often recommend a course of Eye Booster Treatments, to hydra rejuvenate the thin eyelid skin, which pumps the lower eyelid to improve the apparent ‘tear trough’. An eye booster treatment helps to rejuvenate the thin lower eyelid skin, which can worsen the illusion of under-eye shadows.

Tear Trough Fillers. What to expect….

The tear trough is the area between your cheek and lower eyelid. As we age, we lose volume in this area, sometimes causing under-eye dark circles to appear. An effective tear trough treatment, performed by highly skilled doctors and nurses, can restore the lost volume, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

The injections are usually painless, after suitable topical anaesthesia for 15 minutes. When treating the skin under the eyes, tiny amounts of filler are injected using a very fine needle or cannula. It is normal for the eyes to look swollen and bruised for 3-7 following treatment, but we can recommend products that can cover this up and most people are able to resume their daily routine straight away. The full results of treatment can be seen over 1-4 weeks following treatment.

As the fillers we use are bio-degradable, the fillers will break down over time, which means that repeat treatments are normally required every 6-12 months.

Potential temporary side effects of our Eye Booster Treatment

• Bruising and redness of the skin at the site of the injection
• Swelling and Lumpiness
• Allergic reaction

Tear Trough Filler Cost

Prices are a guide, we will calculate your treatment during your consultation

• Eye Boost from £450

Why visit Elan Medical Skin Clinic for this procedure:

Our nurse consultant has almost 20 years’ experience of injecting skin fillers. Using advanced injection techniques, most clients report that treatments with Sue Ibrahim are quick, painless and produce instant results. As an expert in her field, Sue will carefully consider your facial structure and profile to naturally enhance your appearance. Read what our clients are currently saying about their treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic

If you would like to ask our Medical Director & Nurse Consultant, Sue Ibrahim a message, by all means do. We provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your consultation. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, all new patients receive a thorough consultation and medical assessment prior to treatment.

How do I request a consultation?

You can either give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to book and pay for your consultations via our online store. One of our reception team will then confirm your appointment by phone or email, whichever you prefer.

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Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a medical procedure in which injectable fillers, most commonly hyaluronic acid, are used to alter and shape a person’s nose without invasive surgery. It is a safe, non-invasive alternative to the traditional rhinoplasty and is sometimes referred to as the ‘3o minute nose job’.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic facial procedures, but many patients are worried about they may look after surgery. As a new alternative to nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty), small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the nose to straighten and soften sharp angles, fill depressions, or change the shape of the tip of the nose to give it a lifted appearance. This quick technique results in better symmetry and more defined nose contours.

If it is the shape of your nose, rather than its size, that is causing concern then a non-surgical rhinoplasty is an excellent, affordable option for those who want to change the shape of their nose without invasive surgery, as there is no excessive downtime, no general anaesthetic and no prolonged healing. The patient retains complete control over the procedure, as they are able to see the results unfold as the injections are administered.

This procedure is less expensive than a surgical nose job (rhinoplasty) and can be reversed via hyalase injections should the result not be in line with expectations. Unlike a surgical rhinoplasty, the non-surgical results are immediate and can last up to a year.

The following conditions are easily treated with a non-surgical rhinoplasty:

• Bumps or deformities on the bridge of the nose
• A nose that is not symmetrical.
• A nose bends to one side or is out of shape.
• A flat nose with no shape.

It is normal practice to do the treatment over 2-3 sessions, to gradually add the filler, so as not to cause build up of excessive pressure. The procedure is extremely safe but you may experience a small amount of bruising or swelling, and some redness at the needle entry points.

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Have you ever had Botox? Who treated you? Would you recommend them?

Do lip fillers hurt? How to choose the best filler?

Do you think I need cosmetic surgery?

Facebook chat group discussing cosmetic treatments.

The group is moderated by our team of skin experts at Elan Medical Skin Clinic, but it is your group. We are just there to ensure all posts are genuine and not offensive. We do not allow advertising in our group but you can certainly tell people where not to go for a cosmetic treatment if you feel that you were treated badly or if you feel that you had wasted your money.

Cosmetic treatments can be expensive, they can also be extremely cheap. We believe that you shouldn’t merely choose a cosmetic practitioner based on price. Choose a cosmetic clinic based on the experience of others, check out reviews and don’t forget to ask the right questions?

Is this practitioner a Cosmetic Doctor, a Surgeon or a Nurse?

Is this a registered medical clinic? If so, who is the clinic registered with?

Will I be offered a free follow-up appointment?

And most of all, does has this practitioner demonstrated that they are competent to carry out the procedure I am about to have? If something doesn’t feel right then do not go ahead with treatment on the same day as your consultation. Do more homework.

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As we get older, the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) that we all naturally have in our bodies decrease. Our skin looks drier, loses its firmness and its youthful glow, resulting in what skincare specialists call ‘skin laxity’. Profhilo has been voted ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ in 2016 and ‘Best Skin Enhancement Device’ in 2015 within the aesthetics industry.

Profhilo is a bio-remodelling and stimulatory product which works to remodel your skin. Although based on hyaluronic acid technology, it is not a volumising dermal filler. Profhilo uses their proprietary HydroLift® Action (bioregenerating effect in the epidermis & the remodelling action of the dermis) by integrating the levels of endogenous hyaluronic acid and it is able to optimise the HydroLift® Action thanks to a slow, long lasting release of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

As a stabilised product Profhilo lasts in the skin around 28 days. During this time the stimulation of 4 different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of HA, at the same time it improves skin tone, texture, hydration and radiance. Profhilo counteracts skin laxity through a remodelling action of collagen and elastin fibres. It creates volume in the tissue where it is needed due to its high spreadability Therefore we cannot say that Profhilo is a skin booster as it also has a significant tightening / lifting effect on the tissue.

Profhilo Bio-remodelling treatment at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex

The product, once injected integrates within the tissue to:

• increase firmness and elasticity
• increase facial fullness with a tightening and lifting effect

In studies on Profhilo the following results have been obtained:

• After 4 weeks from treatment – improvement in lines & tightness of the skin
• After 8 weeks from treatment – definite lifting and tightening of the skin, more hydrated, in better health, increased firmness & elasticity

Why Choose Elan Medical Skin Clinic

Profhilo is registered as a medical device and as such, it should only ever be administered in a clinical environment by experienced medical practitioners. It should not be injected by beauty therapists or those claiming to be medical aestheticians.

Sue Ibrahim has over 30 years experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She opened Elan Medical Skin Clinic 20 years ago and has many years experience in injectable facial fillers. Take a look at what our patients are currently saying about us: Read our Reviews

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Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Essex was named Runner-up Nurse of the Year 2016 in the Safety in Beauty Awards – fingers crossed for this year!

Our Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim has been shortlisted in the Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards 2018 in the category of Aesthetic Nurse of the Year.

Sue, founder of Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, is delighted to have reached the finals of the highly acclaimed awards event.

The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards are dedicated to recognising and paying special tribute to the many outstanding businesses, professionals, brands and service providers in the beauty and aesthetics industry.

They highlight those going the extra mile in dedication and excellence and those in pursuit of the highest standards of safety in an industry frustratingly tainted by the rogue minority.

The Awards Ceremony and Inaugural Rainbow Gala Ball will take place on Saturday 7th July 2018, at 6.45pm at the luxury 5 Star Montcalm Hotel in Marble Arch.

“It’s that time of year again, when we celebrate the companies, individuals and brands doing things right in the aesthetics and beauty industry,” said organisers.

“Since launching The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards three years ago, they’ve become a prestigious and highly acclaimed event, and we’re proud to be presenting a fourth year of awards.

“2018 will see 12 recipients awarded with Diamond Accolades, followed by our final star award for Outstanding Career. We’ll end the ceremony and commence a glamorous evening of celebration, with an explosive carnival of colour, including music, and first class entertainment.”

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The secret to soft, natural lips with Restylane

Both Restylane Kysse and Juvederm Volbella provide soft, natural looking lip enhancements and Sue Ibrahim, our Nurse Practitioner has over fifteen years experience in creating beautiful lips using Restylane, in fact Restylane was the first synthetic filler around 15 years ago.

What kind of product is Restylane Kysse?

It has been specially designed and formulated for injecting into the lips for enhancement and contouring of thin looking lips, the cupid’s bow, or to simply add fullness. It is structured to withstand the range of mouth movements and all Restylane products are completely broken down within the skin over a period of months, eventually leaving no trace of the filler.

Soft, natural looking lip enhancement performed by Sue Ibrahim

How safe is treatment with Restylane?

Providing you are treated by a qualified and experienced doctor or nurse practitioner, you should be in good hands.

Most of our clients only report slight swelling following treatment which normally resolves within a day or two. Occasionally, a small bruise may be seen at the injection site but this normally fades within a week.

Of course, there are risks associated with any skin or lip filler, like temporary palpable lumpiness has been noted after injection. Localised reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature have been reported in about 1 in every 2000 treated patients. Redness, tenderness and rarely acneform papules may occur. In addition in rare cases (in less than 1 in 15,000 treatments) granuloma, superficial necrosis and urticaria have been reported. This is the reason why these procedures should only be carried out by registered medical practitioners in an inspected clinical environment.

Natural enhancement of the upper lip using Restylane

How can you reassure me that Elan Medical Skin Clinic is the right place to come for my Restylane treatment?

Firstly, Sue Ibrahim is a registered nurse, with over 30 years experience in dermatology and almost twenty years working in the medical cosmetic environment. She was also runner-up in the national ‘Nurse of the Year’ Safety in Beauty awards in 2016.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic has been around since November 2000 and during this time, Sue Ibrahim has performed thousands of skin fillers using Restylane and Juvederm.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic is also registered and inspected by The Care Quality Commission and by Treatment You Can Trust. Both of these organisations are backed by the Government in the UK.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic also provides a live feed, so you can view exactly what our clients are currently saying about us. Click here to see our reviews.

If you would like to speak to one of our staff about booking an appointment, please click here.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Essex skin expert Sue Ibrahim debunks skin care advice for using moisturisers and detoxing.

In our last blog, Sue Ibrahim, a nurse consultant dermatologist and medical director of Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, stressed the importance of only believing scientifically proven advice. This time she takes a look at general skin care tips including using moisturisers and detoxing.

Moisturisers

Look at most moisturising creams and you will find scientific claims splashed across them but do they stand up in the face of scrutiny? Sadly, most don’t, says Sue.

Given the widespread use of moisturisers there are surprisingly few good quality studies into their success. Even the term moisturiser was dreamt up by marketeers and does not have a scientific or medical basis.

Dry skin is about lack of water, not oil

Rod Tucker, a community pharmacist, published an article in 2011 in the Pharmaceutical Journal. He identified the following:

• There is a lack of good quality clinical trials on moisturising products but there is evidence of benefit from using moisturisers in eczema and psoriasis.
• Some evidence suggests that long-term use of moisturisers on normal skin may have adverse effects, such as increased sensitivity to irritants.
• Emollients fill in rough spots and make skin feel smooth but don’t affect the water content.

Sue’s advice is that if you have normal skin, moisturising is not necessary.

An article from Harvard Medical School identified the following 6 tips for better-hydrated skin

1. Turn down the thermostat. Hot air tends to be drier than cooler air.
2. Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can help. The problem is that moisture may be soaked up in walls and furniture or disperse rapidly, depending on how airtight your home is.
3. Take warm, not hot, baths and showers. Hot water whisks away the fatty substances in the skin that help it retain water. Some doctors recommend bath oils. You can also use bath oil as a post-bath moisturiser by rubbing yourself down with a teaspoon of it diluted in a couple cups of warm water.
4. Use a mild soap. Cleansers like Cetaphil are an alternative to soap.
5. Wear loose clothing. Clothing that binds and rubs can dry out skin.
6. Stay protected. Cold, windy air is very drying, so bundle up and wear warm mittens or gloves to protect your hands.

Detoxing

The very term detox has been misappropriated and used for marketing all manner of pills, potions and worse! The term detox is used in a mainstream healthcare for the process of weaning drug-dependent patients off their drugs.

In alternative medicine, detox has acquired a dramatically different meaning. In an article in the British Medical Bulletin in 2012 said it “describes the use of alternative therapies for eliminating ‘toxins’ from the body of a healthy individual who is allegedly being poisoned by the by-products of her own metabolism, by environmental toxins or (most importantly) by her own over-indulgence and unhealthy lifestyle (e.g. alcohol, cigarettes and food).” It refers to this type of detox as ‘alternative detox’

Alternative detox can include:

• various alternative diets
• a number of herbal, vitamins, minerals and other ‘natural’ supplements
• various forms of chelation therapy
• electromagnetic devices
• colonic irrigation and enemas
• skin bruising
• sauna and other means of inducing extensive sweating
• homeopathic remedies
• ear candles

It goes on to say that “The principles of AD make no sense from a scientific perspective and there is no clinical evidence to support them. Music to the ears of many, whose New Year resolutions may consist of all manner of alternative detoxifications!

Contact us

For skin care advice that is firmly back by scientific evidence, contact Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

For more evidence, read this.

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