You’re back in the office and your colleague looks vibrant, relaxed, revitalised – like she’s spent a month in Bora Bora. When you ask, she says she just went to Lake Rotoiti for a few days.

Chances are, she’s taken advantage of the break to have a few very subtle tweaks made to her face, with the judicious application of Botox® and dermal filler like Restylane® and Juvederm®.

Skin Institute’s Dr Sarah Hart is a world-recognised appearance medicine expert, who has been a Botox® and Juvederm® International Advisory Board member since 2007. She has a special interest in performing Botox® and dermal filler treatments, and is renowned for creating natural results for her patients.

She says that increasing numbers of clients are asking to look like they’ve had an incredible holiday.

“People want to look like themselves, just well-rested, rejuvenated and good for their age. In summer, we see an increase in people keen to recreate that refreshed holiday appearance.”

The American Academy of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reports that cosmetic treatments increase by about 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, with facial-rejuvenation treatments becoming increasingly popular as stocking stuffers.

Here are Skin Institute’s other top insights for Appearance Medicine in 2017:

Botox® has been used for more than 20 years
“Botox® (Botulinum Type A Toxin) has been used to ease the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines for more than 20 years. It’s injected into the muscles underlying wrinkles, relaxing the muscles and smoothing the appearance of the overlying skin. Botox® takes effect in 3-4 days, and takes 10-14 days to achieve its full effect. Results should last approximately 3-4 months,” says Dr Sarah Hart.

Fillers come of age
“In the UK, the use of fillers has caught up with the previously more popular Botox®, and at Skin Institute we’re seeing rapid growth. Our experienced team can advise about injectable treatments like Botox® and dermal fillers, and how they can be used in tandem to achieve a beautifully rejuvenated, natural, refreshed looking you.”

Dermal fillers used at Skin Institute are made from hyaluranon gel, a natural component of skin, and stimulate the skin’s natural collagen. In the early days, overuse of fillers resulted in the infamous ‘pillow face’ look on celebrities, but fillers are now more refined and are used to treat the loss of facial volume while subtly lifting and contouring.

As well as being injected into wrinkles, they can be put into the top layer of the skin to improve hydration and elasticity, or at deeper levels to provide contour and structuring.  The lips and cheeks are the most popular areas to inject dermal fillers, with advanced techniques allowing other areas to be treated, such as the temples, jawline, and under eye hollows.

Those celebrities who look their age, but better, with gentle wrinkles and youthful, juicy skin? Fillers are the answer.

Hyaluranon fillers last approximately 6–18 months, and can also be removed immediately with a special enzyme, making them the safest filler option available.

The rise of ‘prejuvenation’
“Prejuvenation is a combination of prevention and rejuvenation. Our clients are getting younger, with women in their 20s becoming more educated and aware of their skin” says Emma Lindley, Skin Institute Appearance Medicine trainer and nurse.

“Skin care plays a very key role in this and is becoming increasingly important to the younger generation. They’re not afraid to take steps earlier on in life to ensure the health of their skin as they age. ‘Looking good for your age’ still rings true with this younger generation, but by starting earlier they’re setting themselves up for life.”

An increasingly holistic focus
“Rather than looking at a single area as a problem, there’s a much bigger focus on the frame and the canvas, in a holistic approach to treatments. The frame is the shape and contours of the face. The approach now is to enhance the attractiveness of the face, through improving symmetry and creating a more feminine facial shape. At the same time, the health and beauty of the canvas – your skin – is also part of the overall treatment.”

Expertise meets artistry
“There’s a growing awareness that the best results depend entirely on the person administering the Botox® and fillers. It’s the combination of professional expertise and artistry that creates a unique treatment plan to suit each individual’s face, gently restoring harmony and balance.

Skin Institute has a multi-disciplinary team, offering cosmetic and skin health treatments. Our specialised Appearance Medicine team of highly skilled doctors and nurses take a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, and will customize treatments to meet your needs.”