FAQs

Q: What products do you use for anti-wrinkle treatments?

A: At Esthétic Skin, we use Azzalure®, Botox®, Bocouture® and Alluzience®. These botulinum toxin treatments temporarily relax targeted facial muscles to soften expression lines. Your clinician will recommend the most suitable product following consultation.

Q: How long do anti-wrinkle treatments last?

A: Results typically last 3–4 months, although this varies between individuals. To maintain results, repeat treatments are generally recommended every 3–4 months, depending on individual needs and clinical assessment.

Q: Is there any downtime after anti-wrinkle treatments?

A: Downtime is minimal. Mild redness, swelling or bruising may occur and usually settles within a few days. Avoid rubbing treated areas and follow your clinician’s advice regarding exercise and other activities for the first 24 hours.

Q: How does HydraFacial differ from a traditional facial?

A: HydraFacial uses Vortex-Fusion technology to cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities and infuse hydrating serums. Unlike traditional hands-on facials, it combines these steps in one machine-assisted treatment.

Q: How often should I have a facial?

A: Facials are generally recommended every 4–6 weeks, depending on your skin type, concerns and treatment plan.

Q: Is there any downtime after a facial?

A: Most facials involve little to no downtime. Mild redness or sensitivity may occur, particularly following extractions, but usually settles within a few hours.

Q: What are dermal fillers?

A: At Esthétic Skin, we use Teoxane® products, including the Teosyal® range. These hyaluronic acid-based fillers restore volume, enhance facial contours and soften lines while maintaining natural-looking results.

Q: How long do lip fillers last?

A: Lip fillers typically last 6–12 months, depending on the product, individual metabolism and lifestyle. Maintenance treatments can be arranged as required.

Q: Is there any downtime after lip fillers?

A: Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are common and generally improve over several days. Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat and alcohol for the first 24–48 hours, or as advised.

Q: How soon will I see results from lip fillers?

A: Results are visible immediately, although swelling can affect their appearance. The final result is usually assessed after approximately 2 weeks.

Q: What are skin boosters?

A: Skin boosters are injectable treatments designed to improve skin hydration, texture and elasticity without significantly changing facial volume or contours.

Q: How many skin booster treatments will I need?

A: Most plans involve 2–3 sessions, often spaced around 3-4 weeks apart. The schedule depends on the product and individual skin concerns.

Q: Is there any downtime after skin boosters?

A: Downtime is usually minimal. Temporary redness, swelling, injection bumps or bruising may occur and generally settle within a few days.

Q: What is the difference between the skin boosters we offer?

A: Some injectable skin treatments focus on hydration, while others support skin repair or stimulate collagen production. Your clinician will recommend an appropriate option after assessment.

Q: How does laser hair removal work?

A: Concentrated light energy targets pigment within hair follicles, damaging their ability to produce new hair and providing long-term hair reduction over a course of sessions.

Q: Do I need a patch test?

A: Yes. A consultation and patch test are required to assess your skin type, suitability and response to the laser. A test patch is required 7 days prior to starting full treatment.

Q: How should I prepare for laser hair removal?

A: Avoid waxing, plucking, bleaching and hair removal creams for at least 2 weeks beforehand. Shave as instructed and avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and tanning for 4 weeks before treatment.

Q: How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?

A: Most clients require approximately 6–8 sessions, often spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Intervals vary by area, and maintenance may be needed.

Q: Is there any downtime after laser hair removal?

A: Temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling around follicles may occur and usually settles within 24–48 hours. Follow advice about heat, exercise and sun exposure.

Q: Are laser hair removal results permanent?

A: Laser treatment provides long-term hair reduction rather than guaranteed permanent removal. Occasional maintenance sessions may be needed.

Q: How does microneedling work?

A: Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries, stimulating the skin’s natural healing response and supporting collagen and elastin production. It can improve texture, fine lines and scarring.

Q: How many microneedling sessions will I need?

A: A course of 3–6 sessions spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart is commonly recommended, depending on individual concerns.

Q: Is there any downtime after microneedling?

A: Redness, sensitivity and mild swelling are common for 24–72 hours. Temporary dryness or flaking may also occur.

Q: When will I see results from microneedling?

A: Initial improvements may appear within a few weeks, with further changes developing over 3–6 months as collagen remodelling continues.

Q: How do chemical peels work?

A: Selected exfoliating acids remove dead skin cells and encourage renewal, helping improve tone, congestion, pigmentation and texture.

Q: How often should I have a chemical peel?

A: Light peels can typically be performed every 4–6 weeks, depending on the formulation and your skin.

Q: Is there any downtime after a chemical peel?

A: Mild redness, dryness, sensitivity or flaking may occur for several days; downtime depends on peel strength.

Q: Will my skin visibly peel?

A: Not necessarily. Visible peeling varies, and the amount of flaking does not indicate treatment effectiveness.

Q: What aftercare is recommended following a chemical peel?

A: Use gentle skincare and daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50. Avoid excessive sun, heat, exfoliants and picking at peeling skin; follow individual aftercare advice.

Q: What is an Apex Lower Facelift?

A: A surgical procedure designed to address lower-face and jawline laxity, improving definition while maintaining natural-looking proportions.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: Typically 2-2.5 hours, followed by approximately 30 minutes of monitoring before discharge.

Q: How much is the consultation?

A: A consultation is required to assess suitability. Consultations cost £250, with a £50 non-refundable deposit to secure your appointment.

Q: Will I need follow-up appointments?

A: Yes. Follow-ups monitor healing. Stitches are typically removed after 7 days by Mr Coombes or Nurse Charlotte and a 6-week review appointment.

Q: What should I expect immediately after surgery?

A: Swelling, bruising, tightness and discomfort are common in the first 24–48 hours. Elevate your head, take prescribed medication and follow wound-care and cold-compress instructions.

Q: How should I care for my incisions?

A: Keep incisions clean and dry as instructed. Avoid makeup, creams and skincare near the wounds until advised.

Q: How long will swelling and bruising last?

A: Swelling often peaks within 48–72 hours and improves over 2–3 weeks. Bruising may settle within 10–14 days; recovery varies.

Q: Are there any activity restrictions?

A: Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and excessive bending for approximately 2–3 weeks. Gentle walking is encouraged. Do not drive while taking sedating pain medication.

Q: How should I sleep after surgery?

A: Sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 2 weeks; avoid sleeping on your side or stomach.

Q: When can I wash my hair?

A: Hair washing may be possible after 48 hours if approved by your surgeon. Avoid hot showers, steam rooms and saunas for at least 2 weeks.

Q: Are there any dietary restrictions?

A: A soft, balanced diet is recommended initially. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for at least 1 week.

Q: Can I smoke after my facelift?

A: Avoid smoking and nicotine products for at least 4 weeks after surgery, or longer if advised, because nicotine impairs healing.

Q: When can I return to work?

A: Many patients return within 7–14 days, depending on recovery and their work.

Q: What sensations are normal during recovery?

A: Temporary tightness, numbness, tingling and changes in sensitivity may improve over weeks or months.

Q: When should I contact my surgeon?

A: Seek urgent medical advice for sudden or severe swelling, increasing pain, persistent bleeding, fever, discharge or unusual skin discolouration. Rapidly worsening swelling or bleeding requires immediate assessment.

Q: When will I see my final results?

A: Results become clearer as swelling settles; final results may take several months. Outcomes vary.

Q: What is upper blepharoplasty?

A: Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and, where appropriate, fat from the upper eyelids. It can improve the appearance of heavy or hooded eyelids, creating a more open, refreshed eye area.

Q: How should I prepare for my procedure?

A: Follow the pre-operative instructions provided by your surgical team. Inform your surgeon of any medications, supplements or changes to your health. Arrive with a clean face, free from eye makeup, false eyelashes and contact lenses.

Q: Can I eat and drink before surgery?

A: Eating and drinking is recommended. Your surgical team will provide specific guidance before your procedure.

Q: Should I take any supplements before surgery?

A: Your clinic may recommend supplements such as Skinade collagen or Arnica. Always inform your surgeon about any supplements you take and only use those approved by your surgical team.

Q: Will I need someone to collect me after surgery?

A: Yes. Arrange for someone to collect you following your procedure, as you should not drive immediately afterwards.

Q: What should I prepare for my recovery?

A: Have cold compresses, sterile gauze, preservative-free eye drops and sunglasses available. Use eye drops and dressings only as directed. Preparing a comfortable sleeping position with extra pillows is also recommended.

Q: What should I expect immediately after surgery?

A: Swelling, bruising, tightness and mild discomfort are common during the first few days. These symptoms may initially increase before gradually improving as healing progresses.

Q: How can I reduce swelling and bruising?

A: Use cold compresses during the first 48 hours as instructed by your surgical team. Sleeping with your head elevated is recommended to minimise swelling.

Q: How long will swelling and bruising last?

A: Swelling usually improves significantly within 1–2 weeks, although some residual swelling may persist longer. Bruising can remain visible for approximately 2 weeks or more, depending on individual healing.

Q: How should I care for my eyes after surgery?

A: Use prescribed ointments as directed. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eyelids, and follow your surgeon's instructions for cleansing and wound care.

Q: When will my stitches be removed?

A: Stitches are usually removed approximately 7 days after surgery, unless otherwise advised. Attending your scheduled follow-up appointment is important to monitor healing.

Q: How should I sleep after upper blepharoplasty?

A: Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few nights to help reduce swelling and support recovery.

Q: When can I return to normal activities?

A: Light daily activities can usually be resumed within a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending and straining during the early recovery period, following your surgeon's advice.

Q: When can I wear makeup and contact lenses again?

A: Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses for approximately 2 weeks, or until your surgeon confirms the area has healed sufficiently.

Q: When can I drive after surgery?

A: You should only resume driving when your vision is completely clear, you are no longer affected by medication or ointments that may blur your vision, and you can safely control your vehicle.

Q: When can I swim after surgery?

A: Swimming should generally be avoided for approximately 4 weeks, unless your surgeon advises otherwise, to minimise irritation and infection risk.

Q: How should I protect my scars?

A: Once the incisions have healed, protect the scars from UV exposure using sunglasses and appropriate SPF as advised by your surgeon. Scar appearance generally continues to improve over several months.

Q: When will I see my final results?

A: Initial improvements become visible as swelling and bruising settle. Final results can take several months to develop as the tissues heal and scars mature.

Q: What is Fractional CO₂ Laser treatment?

A: Vjuve MD fractional CO₂ laser creates controlled microscopic treatment zones to stimulate renewal and collagen production, helping improve texture, fine lines, scarring and uneven tone.

Q: What areas can be treated?

A: Fractional CO₂ Laser can treat various areas of the face and body, including the full face, forehead, mid and lower face, around the eyes (periorbital), around the mouth (perioral), neck, décolletage and selected body areas affected by scarring or stretch marks.

Q: What skin concerns can Fractional CO₂ Laser treat?

A: Fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, uneven texture, pigmentation, sun damage and certain types of skin laxity.

Q: Do I need a consultation and patch test?

A: Yes. A consultation and test patch are required before the first session to assess suitability and response. A personalised quotation is provided after assessment.

Q: How should I prepare for treatment?

A: Avoid retinol, exfoliating acids and other active skincare for 5 days; avoid sunbeds for at least 10 days, excessive sun and fake tan. Disclose medication, medical history and cold sores.

Q: What happens during treatment?

A: The area is cleansed, then the handpiece passes over the skin. You may feel warmth, prickling or snapping.

Q: How long does treatment take?

A: Usually 30–60 minutes, depending on the area.

Q: Is Fractional CO₂ Laser painful?

A: Warmth, stinging or prickling may occur. Your practitioner will discuss appropriate comfort measures.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: Some clients notice improvements after one session; others benefit from a course, depending on the concern and response.

Q: Is there any downtime after Fractional CO₂ Laser?

A: Yes. Redness, swelling, dryness and flaking are expected. Visible healing commonly takes 7–14 days, but deeper treatments may need longer.

Q: What should I expect during healing?

A: Early redness, warmth and swelling may be followed by bronzing, dryness and flaking around days 4–7. Pinkness and sensitivity can persist beyond 2 weeks.

Q: How should I care for my skin after treatment?

A: Use only recommended products. Avoid picking, exfoliation, heat and strenuous exercise during healing. Protect the area from sun and apply SPF when your practitioner advises.

Q: When can I wear makeup again?

A: Once the skin has healed sufficiently and your practitioner confirms it is safe.

Q: When can I resume my usual skincare routine?

A: Restart retinol, acids and other active products only when healing is complete and your practitioner approves.

Q: When will I see results?

A: Initial improvements may appear after approximately 2 weeks, with continued collagen-related changes over several months.

Q: How often can I have Fractional CO₂ Laser?

A: Frequency depends on intensity, treatment area and recovery. Repeat sessions may be considered after approximately 6 months when clinically appropriate.