Frequently Asked Questions

Dermal fillers are a range of different substances that are injected into lines and wrinkles to ‘fill’ these deficits in the skin and create a more pleasing appearance.

This will vary depending on the product used and on the individual. On average the effects should last between three to six months.

We routinely use a topical anaesthetic to ensure that there is minimal discomfort during the injection of fillers.

It depends on the areas being treated and how much product is required. It is usual for the procedure to take between 45 minutes to one hour.

With some fillers there is an immediate difference in appearance to the treated areas, but, this is not usually the final result. It will take the product a couple of weeks to settle before the end result is seen.

As with all treatments at Snowberry Lane Clinic any risks will be thoroughly discussed with you prior to the treatment. The injection of fillers is only carried out by Nursing or Medical staff who have received specialist training.

Eyelid operations are carried out under ‘twilight’ anaesthetic. Your eyelids will be anaesthetized with local anaesthetic.

Both of the eyes will be padded for at least one hour and on removal of these pads you will need to put cold packs onto your lids to reduce any bruising. Because of this you will not be permitted to drive yourself home after the procedure so please make alternative arrangements. Any stitches used in the procedure are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.

This procedure is virtually pain free and it is unlikely you will even need Paracetamol.Your eyelids will feel a little uncomfortable for the first week after your operation but this should quickly settle. They may also feel gritty or watery but this can be easily alleviated with painkillers such as Paracetamol. There could be some bruising and swelling around your eyes, the amount of which varies from person to person and should only last a couple of weeks.

The wounds from eyelid surgery generally heal ver ywell and are not usually noticeable to other people. In some patients with very oily skin they may take longer to settle and to fade but can be easily hidden with make-up. If pulling down of the eyelids (ectropian) happens after surgery it is nearly always temporary and will settle as the swelling goes.

The risk of having an operation on your eyelids is small and although bleeding, infection and healing problems can occur, they are rarely serious. We recommend taking Arnica for a week before and after the procedure to help reduce bruising.

It is advisable not to take Aspirin two weeks before and the week after your operation and you should not smoke on the day of your operation. Modern anaesthetics are very safe and before your operation you will be seen and assessed by the anaesthetist who will discuss the possible risks.

In time, loosening and bagginess of the eyelids can slowly come back, although this normally takes several years and varies from person to person. If you have any concerns about the result of your eyelid surgery, then you can return to the clinic to see your surgeon.

The heat and energy from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair sitting in the hair follicle. The more pigment the hair has i.e. the darker in colour, the more effective the treatment is.

A Comfort levels vary between individuals, but overall, it causes only minimal discomfort. If any discomfort is experienced during treatment a topical anaesthetic can be applied to help alleviate this.

A Laser hair reduction is a permanent reduction in the re growth of hair to the treated area.

Yes. The levels of laser energy are calculated according to each individual's skin type and monitored closely during treatment. All laser personnel are trained nursing or medical staff with additional training in laser treatment.

The length of time per treatment depends on the size of the area treated. It can take as little as five minutes for a small area.

For any hair reduction we recommend a course of six to eight treatments at six weekly intervals. Results are achieved at varying rates between individuals. A visible reduction in re growth has been reported after as few as three treatments in some individuals while others can take longer.

The laser is used to treat the whole area affected by acne. The laser helps to reduce sebum production in the skin and also helps to destroy the bacteria that causes spots and acne.

This treatment is usually well tolerated by all ages of client.

On average it will take 20-30 minutes to treat the full face. This can be increased or decreased according to the size of area affected. An initial course of four treatments is recommended.

As with any skin treatment for acne it is very important to allow the treatment time to work and become effective. However, some clients have reported a visible reduction in the severity of eruptions, within as little as two weeks. It is advisable to maintain an effective skincare regime at home following laser treatment for acne. The Nursing staff will also be happy to advise on a suitable regime for you to continue to improve the condition of your skin. Regular evaluations, at no extra cost, will be carried out to ensure the treatment is working for you.

The risks associated with laser treatment will be explained to you and discussed in detail during your consultation. These risks are minimal and all laser operators at Snowberry Lane Clinic are either Nursing or Medically trained with additional training in laser treatment.

The laser hand piece targets the different colours in the tattoo. The pigment in the colours absorbs the heat and energy from the laser and the colour is broken down and destroyed by the body.

Yes. This is a permanent treatment.

The length of time it takes per treatment depends on the size of tattoo. For small tattoos this can be as little as a five minutes per session.

Comfort levels vary between individuals, but overall, this treatment is well tolerated. If any discomfort is experienced during treatment a topical anaesthetic can be applied to help alleviate this.

For tattoo removal, a course of between six to eight treatments at eight weekly intervals is recommended to achieve desired results. A visible difference in the appearance of the tattoo can usually be seen after as little as one treatment.

The risks associated with laser treatment will be explained to you and discussed in detail during your consultation. These risks are minimal and all laser operators at Snowberry Lane Clinic are either Nursing or Medically trained with additional training in laser treatment.

Laser photo rejuvenation is a combination of laser treatments used to treat the signs of ageing. It utilises both lasers to improve the appearance of the skin and stimulate the body’s production of collagen and elastin, both of which decline with age. It addresses any uneveness in skin tone caused by sun damage and broken vessels and can help to reduce pore size and fine lines.

The changes caused by the laser treatment are permanent but cannot stop the ageing process! However the action of the laser from this treatment is still actively working within the skin for up to 12 months following the completion of the treatment.

Each treatment takes between 45 - 60 minutes. A course of six treatments is recommended at four weekly intervals to achieve the optimum effect.

Some improvements may be visible following the first, and each subsequent treatment, but, the desired results are usually achieved after a course of six treatments.

The risks associated with laser treatment will be explained to you and discussed in detail during your consultation. These risks are minimal and all laser operators at Snowberry Lane Clinic are either Nursing or Medically trained with additional training in laser treatment.

The laser is used to target each individual vessel to be treated. The heat and energy from the laser is absorbed, by the haemoglobin in the blood, within the vessels. This causes the walls of the vessel to become sticky and adhere onto themselves. Over a period of approximately five days the body breaks the vessels down they are destroyed.

Yes. Providing the post treatment guidelines are followed, the damage caused to the vessels should be permanent. It is often necessary, however, for leg veins to need more than one treatment for the desired cosmetic appearance to be achieved.

As with all treatments comfort levels vary between individuals. As a routine part of this procedure a topical anaesthetic cream is applied 15-20 minutes prior to treatment to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

The length of time per treatment depends entirely on the size of the area and complexity of the vessels being treated. Subsequent treatments need to be at eight weekly intervals.

It is often possible to see an improvement after one treatment, however, several treatments are often necessary to achieve the desired cosmetic result.

The risks associated with laser treatment will be explained to you and discussed in detail during your consultation. These risks are minimal and all laser operators at Snowberry Lane Clinic are either Nursing or Medically trained with additional training in laser treatment.

The technique of Medical Microdermabrasion is perfectly safe and painless. The treatment has been used to treat millions of patients over the last ten years bringing fantastic results. There are no side effects and it can even be slotted in during your lunch hour!

The technique of Medical Microdermabrasion is perfectly safe and painless. The treatment has been used to treat millions of patients over the last ten years bringing fantastic results. There are no side effects and it can even be slotted in during your lunch hour!

The technique of Medical Microdermabrasion is perfectly safe and painless. The treatment has been used to treat millions of patients over the last ten years bringing fantastic results. There are no side effects and it can even be slotted in during your lunch hour!

Medical Microdermabrasion is ideal for diminishing or eliminating the following skin conditions: • Blackhead or whitehead spots • Fine lines and wrinkles • Sun damaged skin • Acne prone skin • Superficial age spots • Hyperpigmentation • Oily skin • Dry or patchy skin

The cost will depend on the length and number of treatments and will be discussed at your initial consultation.

In No Scalpel Vasectomy, the surgeon makes one tiny puncture with an instrument which is then used to gently stretch the opening it has made so that the vas deferens can be reached and blocked using the same method as conventional vasectomy. The new procedure can be carried out without the need for actual incision. There are no sutures so the wound heals far more quickly leaving no scar.

Dr Gabriel has over 10 years experience employing this technique and offers no-obligation consultations to discuss all aspects of the procedure. Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered in this leaflet.

You should be able to return to light work the day after the procedure. Although please allow 2-3 days to be on the safe side. If your job is very physical or involves heavy lifting, a week off work is recommended.

There is a little discomfort with the local anaesthetic and once this has worn off any pain felt is only slight and can be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

The actual procedure will only take 10 to 15 minutes, but please allow 45 minutes overall.

After the vasectomy, you will be given notes about what to expect. It is advisable to ask someone to drive you home.

As with any operation there may be bruising and infection which is rarely serious and settles with time. Current evidence shows there are no side effects, in particular there is no increased risk of prostate cancer, testicular cancer or heart disease. Your sexual function is unaffected and indeed there is some evidence that sex may be better without the worry of unwanted pregnancy.

The current advice is that the failure rate for No Scalpel Vasectomy is 1:2000 (female sterilisation has a failure rate of 1:200). However, it is the most effective method of contraception available.

After the procedure there will still be active sperm in your system and we recommend you continue sexual activity with your partner using other methods of contraception until they are cleared. Once you have submitted two consecutive clear samples at 16 and 20 weeks after the procedure, we will let you know that the operation has been a success and other methods of contraception are no longer required. We will ask you to post your samples directly to the lab (you will be provided with postal bags). You may be asked for a third or fourth sample. This is nothing to worry about, even if the lab finds one dead sperm in a sample it will not give the all clear.

There will be a marginal reduction in the volume of your ejaculate after the operation, You’re unlikely to notice this difference.

A laser beam is targeted at the area of pigment I.e. ‘sun spot’, ‘age spot’, or birth mark. The pigment absorbs the laser heat and energy and this destroys the pigment. It is then either broken down by the body or, over a short period of time, ‘flakes off’ the surface of the skin.

Yes. The damage caused to the pigment is permanent. However, it is usually necessary to have more than one treatment to achieve desired results.

This procedure does not often cause any pain or discomfort. It is often described as a ‘prickly’ sensation.

This depends on the size of the area to be treated. Treatments can take as little as five minutes per session.

Initially, following treatment, the treated area appears darker in colour. This can usually be covered with make up. Within approximately ten days this area then begins to fade or ‘flake off’ the surface of the skin.

The risks associated with laser treatment will be explained to you and discussed in detail during your consultation. These risks are minimal and all laser operators at Snowberry Lane Clinic are either Nursing or Medically trained with additional training in laser treatment.

PDT is a treatment used to treat non melanoma skin cancers and pre cancerous skin lesions. These include conditions such as; actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease and basal cell carcinomas.

PDT is unique in that it targets only the abnormal cells, therefore providing the best possible cosmetic result with no need for surgery or stitches and no damage to the surrounding skin.

Cream is applied to the affected area(s) and left in situ for three hours. During this time you are able to leave the clinic and carry on with your daily routine while the cream is being absorbed by the abnormal cells. After a period of three hours you return to the clinic and the area is exposed to a red light. It is the interaction of the red light with the abnormal cells (that have absorbed the cream) that causes their destruction. The exposure to the red light takes less than ten minutes.

It is normal to experience some discomfort while the area is being prepared for the application of the cream and also during the exposure to the infra red light, but, this is isolated to the lesions being treated and is usually very well tolerated. It is possible to use local anaesthetic and water for cooling, where needed, to make the procedure more comfortable.

As with all treatments at Snowberry Lane Clinic any risks will be thoroughly discussed with you prior to the treatment. PDT is only undertaken by the Nursing or Medical staff who have received appropriate additional training in this area.

This product is based on hyaluronic acid, which is one of very few substances that is identical in all species and tissue types, Hyaluronic Acid, binds water in your skin to lift and restore the skin's natural elasticity and volume. Restylane works together with the body’s own hyaluronic acid and joins forces to create volume and smooth out wrinkles.

Restylane is commonly used for wrinkle correction, lip enhancement, deep folds, smile lines and thin superficial lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead. It is also used for shaping facial contours such as the cheeks or chin and lip augmentation.

The treatment is performed in the clinic by injecting Restylane into the desired area with a fine needle. This gives natural volume to the treated area and because no pre-test is needed it takes less than 30 minutes. The needle is very fine so the discomfort is usually minor, however anaesthetic creams can be used to reduce the pain of the injections especially in the lips.

How long the effect of Restylane treatment lasts is very individual.The results will last from 4 -6 months depending on age, skin type, and activity. However, we know that for the majority of the patients treated about 50-80% of the effects remain after 6 months. Most patients choose to have a further treatment within a year since the hyaluronic acid in both products will dissolve over time.

There may be a mild burning sensation with the injection and some patients may experience redness in the treated area but this will resolve in 1-2 hours after treatment. Due to neither product being extracted from animals there is no risk of an allergic reaction.

SmartLipo uses a fine canula (1mm. diam.) to deliver a safe, powerful laser to heat fat cells, causing them to break down. The fat deposits are simply absorbed by the liver and disposed of naturally. At the same time, the laser seals-off minor blood vessels and stimulates collagen production to give a smooth, sculptured finish.

SmartLipo is perfect for eliminating the common ‘problem areas’... tummy, knees under-arms, buttocks, back, chin etc. The overall result depends on the severity of the area to be treated, but dramatic improvements are usually seen approximately 6 weeks after treatment - with final results in about 4 months. Although new to the UK, SmartLipo has been in use in Italy for some two years, with an impressive track record.

This depends on the size and severity of the area to be treated. Dr. Gabriel will advise on this during your initial consultation.

One, two or three areas can be treated at a single session. Example; Lower abdomen, jawline and ‘love handles’ would be classed as three areas.

Minor brusing or discomfort may occur in the short term. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection.

No. A local anaesthetic is applied to the area to be treated and the procedure is virtually painless.

In normal circumstances there is no health risk associated with the SmartLipo. As a GP, Dr. Gabriel will give you an initial consultation to assess suitability.

Overall cost depends on the extent of the treatment. Again, this will be discussed during initial consultation.

Snowberry Lane Clinic was set up by Dr. Rupert Gabriel and Ann Gabriel, a qualified nurse, in 2003. Dr. Gabriel belongs to the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors and lectures and teaches other doctors. He is the first doctor in the UK qualified to train in SmartLipo and is the only doctor in the UK to be chosen to contribute to the international arena in SmartLipo.

There is minimal if any discomfort and there is no need for local anaesthetic, or creams.

The treatment is fast and the fractionated laser allows the skin to recover quickly. There may be some redness for two days , which quickly disappears.

How long does treatment take? SmartXide is one of a number of ‘lunchtime’ treatments available from Snowberry Clinic. Usually a course of treatments are required two to four weeks apart.

The SmartXide treatment causes a rapid tightening of the skin reduces blemishes and softens irregularities and scarring . It also stimulates collagen production, giving the skin a plumper look and feel. The collagen produced helps to prolong the effects of the treatment, and gives a more even result.

Each vessel is targeted individually with a laser beam. The haemoglobin, which is found in the blood within the vessels, attracts the heat and energy from the laser beam. This causes the walls of the vessels to become sticky and adhere together. Over a period of approximately 48 hrs the body breaks these vessels down and destroys them.

Yes. Providing that post treatment guidelines are adhered to. This is particularly important during the first 48 hours following treatment. For those vessels that are treated successfully the damage is permanent. However it is possible for others to appear over time, or, due to predisposing factors. Subsequent vessels can be treated as and when they appear in order to maintain a good cosmetic appearance.

This treatment is not usually uncomfortable for clients. It is often described as an ‘unusual’ sensation and sometimes ‘prickly’.

The length of time per treatment depends entirely on the size of area that is being treated and how extensive the damaged vessels are.

It is sometimes possible to see a difference immediately following the first treatment. However, some vessels may need more than one treatment in order to achieve the desired result.

The risks associated with laser treatment will be explained to you and discussed in detail during your consultation. These risks are minimal and all laser operators at Snowberry Lane Clinic are either Nursing or Medically trained with additional training in laser treatment.

VelaShape™ features the revolutionary elōs™ combination of Bi-Polar Radiofrequency (RF), Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical Massage. The combination of infrared and conducted RF energies precisely heats the dermal and the hypodermal tissue within the target treatment area. The precise heating ensures a safe, effective, fast treatment with no downtime. Vacuum and specially designed rollers for the Mechanical Massage smooth out the skin to facilitate safe and efficient heat energy delivery. By doing this, it increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers. The result: • Gradual smoothening of skin's surface with a noticeable reduction in cellulite • Circumferential Reduction, with noticeable reshaping of the treated area

In a clinical multi-center study, 85% of the treated areas have reported Circumferential Reduction of thighs of at least 1cm; ranging up to 7.2cm in reduction.

VelaShape™ features the revolutionary elōs™ combination of Bi-Polar Radiofrequency (RF), Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical MassMost patients see gradual and cumulative results throughout the treatment programme. Some of the benefits you can expect to see are: • Gradual smoothening of skin's surface with a noticeable reduction in cellulite • Circumferential Reduction, with noticeable reshaping of the treated area

Here are some of the reasons why you can trust the VelaShape™ procedure* : • First and only FDA-cleared non-invasive medical solution for Circumferential Reduction* • Virtually painless non-surgical and non-invasive treatment resulting in no downtime - you can return to your daily activities immediately following treatment • The precise heating of the targeted treatment area ensures a safe and effective treatment • Effective on all skin types and all skin colors • Uses no drugs and has no side effects

*The safety and effectiveness of the VelaShape™ technology has been demonstrated through multi-center clinical trials.

The cost of VelaShape™ treatments varies from person to person.

VelaShape Treatment price is based on: • Patient response to the treatment • Degree of cellulite • Body fat

The overall results depend on the severity of the area to be treated, and rely to an extent on no dramatic change to weight during the course of treatments. Results can be seen as the course of treatments progress, often taking between 6 to 8 weeks.

This depends on the size and severity of the area to be treated. On average, a course of treatments may require twice weekly visits over a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

Each session will take approximately 30 minutes. There is no down time, so patients can resume their normal activities immediately following each treatment.

In the majority of cases there are no side effects. However, occasionally there may be some short-term reddening of the area that has been treated though there is no discomfort.

There is no pain associated with the VelaSmooth treatment.

There is no risk to health associated with the VelaSmooth procedure. Side effects are minimal, if any, and there is no need for time off work before or after each treatment.

The costs will depend on the extent of the treatment, and the number of treatments required. This will be discussed at your initial consultation prior to commencement of any procedure.

All VelaSmooth procedures are carried out under the careful supervision of Dr Rupert Gabriel (Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors), a practicing GP. Patients are treated in modern facilities at the Snowberry Lane Clinic in Melksham, using state of the art equipment. All patients attend an initial no obligation consultation with Dr Gabriel where he will be happy to answer any questions and advise on the best treatment for each individual case. VelaSmooth is just one of a number of non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures offered by Dr Gabriel at the Snowberry Lane Clinic.