Fast-track Beauty

The latest non-invasive procedures can swiftly leave you looking brighter, tauter and years younger in time for your Big Day, says Anjana Gosai

If you’re having regular facials but your skin is still not looking as perky as you desire, or perhaps you’re putting in the can be the best option for the pre-wedding results you demand. Thanks to a new generation of tools and techniques doctors can now smooth lines, fade discolouration and melt unwanted fat in a matter of hours. The best thing about this new breed of subtle procedures is that they are comfortable, there’s no recovery time and the effects are so discreet, that you’ll simply look like a tweaked version of yourself.

FACE TIME

As we turn 30, the body’s firming collagen and moisturising hyaluronic acid stores begin to deplete, which means our skin can start to look thinner, lined and less taut. Plus, accumulated sun exposure can lead to the formation of hyperpigmentation on the skin, which can be just as ageing as wrinkles.

Dull, Dry Skin
Make-up will sit better on smooth skin. The Egyptian Facial (£250, drdavidjackclinic.com) with Dr David Jack will leave your complexion looking fresh and radiant. The three-step facial includes a bespoke fruit acid peel to dissolve dead skin cells. Next comes dermaplaning, where a tiny scalpel is used to shave away peach fuzz followed by a nourishing vitamin facial.

Refresh dry and tired looking skin with Profhilo (www.profhilo.co.uk). Unlike fillers, this unique injectable does not alter the volume or shape of the face, making it a great entry point for those looking to try tweakments. The fluid hyaluronic acid gel is injected into five areas of the face where it spreads under the skin, forming a water-binding layer to give the complexion a juicy glow that lasts for several months. It also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin giving skin a firmer, springier feel.

Pigmentation
Removing blotchy pigmentation can instantly brighten up and even out the skin. Dr Amiee Vyas’s signature DSP Method (doctoramiee.com) consists of an in-depth skin and lifestyle consultation followed by a carefully-designed plan consisting of a combination of medical-grade skincare and chemical peels that are tailored to your skin tone and needs – so there’s no risk of irritation.

Fine Lines
For tighter and perkier skin, you won’t be disappointed with Dermafrac (dermafrac.co.uk), which calls on crystal-free microdermabrasion to buff away dead cells and shift impurities followed by vacuum occlusion to pull the skin into contact with hundreds of microneedles, while infusing it with a serum. The needling action pierces the skin, creating pathways for the serum to penetrate deeper. Expect to emerge with smoother and tighter skin after just one 45-minute treatment.

Lax Skin
If you are a smoker or sun-worshipper, skin laxity may be visible in your early 30s, and it is difficult to treat with skin care. Tissue-tightening radiofrequency treatments such as Pelleve (from £1200, drritarakus.com) is an effective fix. Pelleve involves the use of a pain-free, radiofrequency-emitting wand, which heats the lower layers of the skin to firm the area and smooth crinkles. Results are instant and users have seen impressive results around the eye, brow and mouth area after just one session. Sunken cheeks can be lifted with the HarmonyCa (allerganaesthetics.co.uk) – a new hybrid injectable containing hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa). The hyaluronic acid particles work deep within the skin providing an immediate lifting effect, while the CaHA support the body’s own collagen production, so new collagen fibres start to form. 

If you’re worried about ending up with chipmunk cheeks, show the doctor a picture of yourself in your 20s, so they can see how you looked and then try to replicate that.

Dark Circles
If you’ve tried every eye cream under the sun, but are still not noticing a difference in your dark circles, then you may be expecting too much from your skincare. As we age, the fat just under the skin diminishes, and this exposes the underlying deep fat pad. This creates a hollowing effect, that casts a shadow. Ophthalmic plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr Sabrina Shah Desai has developed Eye Boost (www.perfecteyesltd.com). She delivers nano-droplets of dermal filler Restylane Vital Light into the eyelid skin and tear trough area (the area below your lower eyelid and above your cheek) to restore lost volume, which reduces the appearance of dark circles.