We may live in straitened times but one luxury that women – and, increasingly, men – seem unwilling to cut back on is cosmetic surgery. Latest figures from the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons show demand has risen for every type of procedure – with more than 43,000 carried out last year. Here the experts describe the seven most requested new treatments…
WHAT IS IT? A hand-held device delivers radio-frequency (RF) waves via hair-fine needles that puncture the skin. This heats the lower layers, stimulating production of collagen– the protein that gives youthful firmness. Sometimes it needs to be performed under local anaesthetic. Cosmetic surgeon Angelica Kavouni says: ‘The Fractora system I use can help tighten bingo wings, jowls and bellies.’ It also treats stretchmarks.
DOWNSIDES? Patients can be red and swollen for days. Plastic surgeon Charles Nduka says: ‘There is little data on the long-term skin-tightening effects of any RF system and some barely show an effect at all.’ Dr Nick Lowe, who uses the INTRAcel system, adds: ‘Ask your doctor if the system they use has safer insulated needles so the heat is delivered accurately, and where the needles do not penetrate the skin at an angle, as this can possibly cause burns.’ COST: From $800 a session. Three treatments may be needed.
Know more about Skin Tightening Treatment – Intracel.….