As the founder and lead aesthetician at London and Surrey Aesthetics in Crystal Palace, London, I have encountered a myriad of myths and misconceptions surrounding aesthetic treatments. I have seen first-hand the transformative impact that these treatments can have on individuals’ confidence and overall well-being. However, misinformation can deter prospective clients from exploring the potential benefits of aesthetic treatments. In this article, we will debunk common myths and provide a clearer understanding of what to expect from various aesthetic procedures.
Myth 1: Aesthetic treatments are only for women
One common misconception is that aesthetic treatments are reserved exclusively for women. This could not be further from the truth. Globally there has been a steady increase in the number of male clients seeking aesthetic treatments to improve their appearance and boost their self-esteem. Many popular procedures, such as Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling and hair restoration, are highly effective for both men and women.
Myth 2: Aesthetic treatments are painful
While some discomfort is to be expected with certain treatments, modern advancements in aesthetic medicine have made it possible to minimize pain during procedures. Topical anaesthetics, certain devices, and expert techniques such as cannula, employed by our highly trained staff at London and Surrey Aesthetics, ensure that our clients experience minimal discomfort during their treatments. We have many different options that do not require needles for those who prefer not to have invasive treatments.
Myth 3: Aesthetic treatments result in an unnatural appearance
A common concern among potential clients is that aesthetic treatments will result in an unnatural or “frozen” appearance. When administered by an experienced and skilled professional, aesthetic treatment should enhance your natural beauty and provide subtle, natural-looking results. At our clinic, we take pride in our personalized approach, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs and desired outcomes of our clients. 1 ml of filler for example is the size of an average blueberry, so with careful placement of filler, it is very unlikely to cause you to look ‘done’. The bigger issue, if often people not realising how much filler is required to rejuvenate the face fully if there are signs of aging. Some clients can have 8-10mls of filler and look refreshed, with some people not even noticing their transformation because it looks so natural. So they will get compliments like ‘you look really well’, or ‘you look great’ but they can’t quite figure out why!
Myth 4: Anti-wrinkle treatments are dangerous and toxic
Anti-wrinkle injections have been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002 and has an excellent safety record when administered by qualified professionals. The medication is derived from a purified protein, which works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines. The doses used in aesthetics are extremely low as they are diluted well. When used in the appropriate doses by an experienced practitioner, anti-wrinkle injections are a safe and effective option for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and achieving a more youthful appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections have been extensively studied in a variety of patients too, not just in aesthetic uses. For muscle spasticity in those with neurological disorders, much higher doses with stronger versions of the medication have been used over many years, with minimal side effects.
Myth 5: All dermal fillers are the same
Dermal fillers are a diverse group of injectable substances used to restore volume and fullness to various areas of the face. While some dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, others may contain calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or other materials. Each filler has its unique properties and is suited for specific purposes, such as enhancing lip volume or correcting deep facial wrinkles. At London and Surrey Aesthetics, we carefully select the most appropriate dermal filler for each client based on their individual needs and desired outcomes. We generally only use hyaluronic acid fillers due to their ease of dissolving should a reaction occur or any other complication.
Myth 6: Aesthetic treatments are only for aging skin
Aesthetic treatments can benefit individuals of all ages, addressing various concerns from acne scars to sagging skin. While some treatments are specifically designed to target signs of aging, many others can be used as preventative measures or to address other skin imperfections. Those patients with acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin issues, for example, can be very badly affected by their skin conditions. Modalities which treat and prevent these problems, can transform their confidence and self-esteem. Our clinic offers a wide range of treatments, including chemical peels, radiofrequency/electroporation, profhilo, expert skin care, LED and microneedling, which can improve the appearance of your skin at any age.
Myth 7: Aesthetic treatments are expensive and unaffordable
While certain aesthetic treatments can be costly, many affordable options are available for clients with varying budgets. The reality is, non-surgical options are still considerably cheaper, with less risks than surgical options. At London and Surrey Aesthetics, we provide competitive pricing and offer package deals.