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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When Profhilo is injected into the neck and jowl area of the skin, we can create a durable lift and tightening of the skin over the next few weeks. After just two-three sessions there is a further gradual tightening of the skin with restored firmness.

Profhilo is a revolutionary new concept in injectable skin treatments as it is not a skin filler.

“When is filler not a filler? When it’s Profhilo, one of the new breed of beneath-the-skin moisturising treatments, which has to be one of the quickest and most effective cosmetic fixes I have ever tried” Alice Hart-Davis in  The Telegraph

Neck Rejuvenation at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex

In some cases, we combine Profhilo with Botox in the neck and jowl area to further improve the contours of the jaw and the signs of ageing in the neck.

For some patients skin tightening treatments would be recommended for neck skin laxity in conjunction with, or instead of Profhilo.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has almost 20 years’ experience in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine and was runner-up in the National Safety in Beauty Awards 2016. Sue Ibrahim has also been nominated and is in the finals of the Aesthetic Nurse of The Year category 2018.

All new patients receive a full consultation and medical assessment before their neck rejuvenation treatment. Your cosmetic consultation includes a general assessment of your needs and a discussion about the range of treatment options available, both at Elan Medical Skin Clinic and those available elsewhere.

We will work with you and are here to help you make the right decision.

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

Give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 today to book your Aesthetic Consultation with our experienced Nurse Practitioner.

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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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Essex skin expert from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh debunks the myths not based on scientific evidence

Before you reach for yet another glass of water, Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim would like to shed some light on some of the skin fads out there.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh we do not offer new technology or recommend certain skin care regimes until there is a wealth of clinical evidence to show they are safe and the results are clinically proven. Here are some myths that have no evidence base behind the advice.

Skin fad no.1 – drink 2 litres of water a day

It is claimed that drinking two litres of water a day is the amount we should drink for optimal health. This much water is said to benefit us in many ways from flushing away harmful toxins from our bodies, reducing lines and wrinkles, clearing acne, to helping us lose weight and fighting infections, among others.

But according to American paediatrician Aaron E. Caroll from Indiana University, there’s absolutely no science to back up the idea that we should be drinking eight glasses of water a day, and there never was.

In the New York Times in 2015 he wrote: “Contrary to many stories you may hear, there’s no real scientific proof that, for otherwise healthy people, drinking extra water has any health benefits.

“For instance, reviews have failed to find that there’s any evidence that drinking more water keeps skin hydrated and makes it look healthier or wrinkle free.”

The myth is widely believed to have started way back in 1945 in a food and nutrition board recommendation that was misquoted. News reports at the time – and since – seem to have left out the vital part that explains that the prepared foods we eat are likely to include most of the water we require.

Just think of all the foods we consume that include fluid, from fruit and veg, to soups and juices. And that leads us to the next myth…

The fluid we drink must be water

Nope, also not true. In fact there is loads of evidence to suggest that tea, coffee, fruit juice, alcohol, soup, stews all add beneficial fluids to our bodies. Yes, you did read that correctly – that includes tea, coffee and alcohol (in moderation).

We had previously been told that drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol would dehydrate us and were diuretic. This means that they cause our bodies to expel more liquid than we have taken on. Science has debunked that myth time and again but it is firmly rooted in our beliefs.

If we feel thirsty it’s too late

In fact, a 2002 review by physician Heinz Valtin from Dartmouth University in the US found that we feel thirsty exactly when we are supposed to. So, if you feel thirsty listen to your body and drink something. And please remember that if you are exercising or battling an illness, you may very well need to drink more than usual in order to alleviate your thirst.

Contact us

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

Coming soon – Read our next blog for more myth debunking…

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Let’s understand what causes ageing skin

Many things cause our skin to age. Some things we cannot do anything about; others we can influence. One thing that we cannot change is the natural ageing process. It plays a key role. With time, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. The medical term for this type of ageing is “intrinsic ageing.”

Let’s look good for our age

We can influence another type of ageing that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term for this type of ageing is “extrinsic ageing.”

• The sun – UVA and UVB rays are present 365 days per year. USA rays can penetrate through four inches of glass. So think about this when you are sitting next to a window in the office or driving in your car.
• Smoking –  I know, we are all told how smoking is bad for your health but smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. Why, because the toxins in cigarette smoke replace the oxygen content of your blood.
• Alcohol – Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older. So drink alcohol in moderation and for every alcoholic drink, drink two glasses of water. This will help to re-hydrate you.
• Unhealthy diet – Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin ageing. Findings from research studies also suggest that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate ageing.
• Lack of exercise – Findings from a few studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
• Over Moisturising – Believe it or not, over moisturising the skin will send your skin cells to sleep. When your skin is slightly dry, your skin cells react by producing more collagen. If you over moisturise the skin, you will be inhibiting your own collagen production. Use a sunscreen in the morning instead! Mind you, it needs to be a UVB and UVA Sunscreen of at least factor 30 for it to really protect your skin.
• Skin Scrubs –  Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin ageing process. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin. Some anti-ageing products prescribed by a dermatologist may burn or sting. When using a prescription anti-ageing product, this can be okay.

Even people who already have signs of premature skin ageing can benefit from making lifestyle changes. By protecting your skin from the sun, you give it a chance to repair some of the damage. Smokers who stop often notice that their skin looks healthier. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of ageing has on our skin.

There is so much conflicting advice out there

If signs of ageing skin bother you, you may ask a beauty therapist for advice. However, this may result in you spending a lot of money on treatments and cosmetic creams that make no difference to your skin at all.  Why not consult a dermatologist instead? Yes, you will have to pay for a consultation, but you may end up spending a lot less money in the long run. Why? Because prescription skincare contains the right amount of active ingredients that are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

Treated by Sue Ibrahim, these photographs were taken four weeks apart.

If you are worried about the effects the ageing process is having on your skin, then why not book in to see Sue Ibrahim. With over thirty years working within the medical and cosmetic dermatology sector, Sue has helped thousands of women and men improve the texture and appearance of their skin. Her professional but friendly approach is well known throughout the industry. Sue will never sell you any treatment that you do not need. As a Nurse Consultant in Dermatology she has won a number of industry awards and constantly receives a string of positive reviews about the treatment and service she provides.

Book your consultation today!

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BOTOX ® is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin can cause a form of muscle paralysis known as botulism, which is usually associated with food poisoning. Even though one of the most serious complications of botulism is paralysis, scientists have discovered a way to use it to human advantage. Small, diluted (weakened) amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles, causing controlled relaxation of the muscles.

Frown lines? What frown lines?

The FDA approved such usage in the late 1980s when it was discovered that BOTOX® could stop ailments such as blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus (lazy eye). Cosmetic doctors and cosmetic nurses have been using BOTOX® for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. BOTOX ® is approved for treatment of frown lines on the forehead, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), and axillary hyperhidrosis (increased sweating of the armpits). Within the past few years, new products that have similar preparations have been introduced into the UK market and have been well-received by patients.

We will refer to the toxin as BOTOX® from here on out, but please know that this includes all of the formulations that we use at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex :

• Bocouture ®
• Azzalure ®

How does BOTOX ® work?

BOTOX ® blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles. The injected muscle can no longer contract (tighten) as forcefully, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften.

BOTOX ® can be used on the forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines (lines in the nose), chin (for dimpling), skin bands on the neck, and around the mouth (for smoker’s lines and down-turned corners of the mouth). Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity often will not respond to BOTOX®. It is important to re-emphasise that BOTOX® is NOT a facial filler (that is, it does not fill existing wrinkles) – it merely relaxes the muscles that are creating those wrinkles.

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Join Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for our open evening on October 31st 4pm – 8pm.

Find out more about PRP skin rejuvenation and Silhouette Soft thread lifting at our open evening

You and a friend are welcome to join our lovely team at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex for an informal social evening on October 31^st 4pm – 8pm.

Our Open Evening is an ideal opportunity for you to meet Sue Ibrahim and her team and have a chat with our new award-winning GP, Dr Alex Tran and Amy, our laser therapist.

You will be able to find out more about our new, highly effective facial rejuvenation treatments, PRP stem cell injection therapy and Silhouette Soft Thread Lifting.

There will also be a free prize draw to win a selection of our exclusive DermaActive products.

There’s no need to book – we look forward to seeing you at our intimate and cosy Rayleigh skin clinic.

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Platelet Rich Plasma skin therapy is now available at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London.

Soften wrinkles, smooth your skin’s texture and tone, and promote the growth of collagen with Platelet Rich Plasma skin therapy at Elan Medical Skin Clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London.

PRP skin therapy is the latest rejuvenation technique to be added to our comprehensive list of facial treatments. As well as skin rejuvenation, PRP stem cell injection therapy is ideal for curbing hair loss and treating osteoarthritis of the shoulder, knee and ankle joints.

We are delighted to introduce our experienced, award-winning practitioner who will be performing PRP therapy at Elan Medical Skin Clinic. Dr Alex Tran has been a GP for 17 years and over the last five years he has developed a keen interest in aesthetic medicine.

Dr Alex says: “I believe when my clients look better, they feel better – which makes it all the more worthwhile to strive for the best results. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to aesthetics and my primary aim is to enhance a client’s beauty without compromising safety and always striving for the most natural-looking results.”

What does PRP stem cell injection therapy involve?

A small amount of blood is taken and placed into a centrifuge to separate the red and white blood cells from the platelets and plasma. Platelets help tissues heal and regenerate and when injected into specific areas, encourage your own collagen to grow, tissue to regenerate and your skin to tighten and rejuvenate.

For patients with thinning hair, PRP may actually stimulate the hair follicles to grow and produce thicker and healthier looking hair. Patients with osteoarthtitis of knee, shoulder and ankle joints may also benefit from PRP therapy as injections of stem cells into the worn joint have been shown to encourage regrowth of cartilage and reduce pain and stiffness. Success rate in improving osteoarthritis joints is around 80-90% and the results are long lasting.

For skin rejuvenation, PRP therapy may also be combined with mesotherapy where a cocktail of vitamins and minerals are injected under the skin to obtain even better results.

How long does Platelet Rich Plasma skin therapy take?

The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes and because your own cells are used, there is very little chance of a negative reaction. There’s no downtime and most people experience no pain during treatment as a numbing cream is used. Results are usually seen within three to four weeks.

What happens next?

If you would like to ask our Medical Director & Nurse Consultant, Sue Ibrahim a question, 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 Clinics in London and 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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