For many of us, 1 January marks a new beginning. It’s a great time to re-evaluate and make positive changes. But Rita Rakus says just because another year has passed, it doesn’t mean that you have to look a year older.
Non-surgical treatments are of the most in-demand at the moment, achieving impressive results with little to no down time. Many offer instant results, which are non-drastic and improve over time, leaving you to appear naturally youthful and radiant.
Body Beautiful
Exercising more regularly and cutting down on bad food choices are often at the top of our list of New Year resolutions. However, despite this hard work, many of us are still left with problem areas, which, frustratingly, do not respond so well to diet and exercise. This can be determined by our hormones, a result of lifestyle factors such as stress, or determined by our genetics. To address this, a range of ground-breaking technologies are available for the body. Body-Jet EVO offers an alternative to traditional liposuction treatments, and has recently been launched at my Knightsbridge clinic. This innovative body sculpting solution uses a gentle jet of water to simultaneously dislodge and remove fat from the body. The procedure is safe, effective and easy, offering outstanding results with minimal risk of irritation and sensitivity. What’s more, Body-Jet EVO requires a shorter treatment time than traditional methods, allowing for faster patient recovery.
Another body sculpting option is Thermage, a radiofrequency treatment that achieves effective results on the tummy, arms, thighs and face to safely tighten skin and contour the body. This non-invasive, FDA-approved procedure, which is known as the ‘Knifeless Facelift,’ requires only one treatment session. My clinic is the fifth busiest Thermage provider in the world and I have twice been given the prestigious Black Diamond Award by Solta Medical. Thermage works by using radiofrequency energy to heat up the collagen network deep in the skin, causing the skin to tighten. This stimulates the production of new collagen over the next few months, so results improve over a two to six month period. Skin is left tighter and smoother, with wrinkles and lines softened to give a more youthful appearance.
Youthful Resolution
If you have resolved to fight the signs of ageing this January, Pellevé could be the solution for you. My clinic was the UK’s first official treatment centre for this ground-breaking non-invasive solution which achieves an instant lift. Pellevé uses radio frequency technology to heat the deep layers of the skin, causing them to contract, tighten and ultimately produce new collagen. This is great for tightening fine lines and wrinkles, especially in the delicate eye area, and you’ll instantly notice an overall improvement in skin quality and firmness. Results continue to improve with time, and there is no down time, so the treatment can be carried out shortly before a special event.
Face Time
The start of a new year is a joyous occasion, but juggling family, friends and a busy social calendar can also make it one of the most hectic. If you’ve decided to take a little more ‘me’ time this year, the HydraFacial is the perfect pampering treatment. It’s the only procedure to simultaneously combine cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and antioxidant protection. To ensure the best possible results, this bespoke treatment can be tailored to your own personal skincare needs. No wonder, then, that the HydraFacial is a pre-red carpet essential for stars like Matthew McConaughey. Treatments are quick, relaxing and effective: a 50-minute session combines gentle but deep exfoliation with hydrating, antioxidant rich serums. This has the unique ability to remove dead skin cells, while drenching the new skin with moisture to provide an immediate glow without any reddening or down time. The results have been deemed superior to other more aggressive facial treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
With blocked pores and blackheads removed, the complexion is left bright and appears well-rested: following the treatment, skin is radiantly clean, moist and polished. The complexion is also immediately perfected, with fine lines diminished, hyper-pigmentation reduced and congestion cleared away. Smooth results and hydration can be seen for up to seven days, while a course of six weekly treatments is recommended to maintain the treatment.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and rejuvenated 2014!
For more information please visit www.DrRitaRakus.com