New Years Resolutions 2019

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Happy New Year from everyone at Snowberry Lane Clinic, we hope 2019 has started well for you and will continue to be a good year!

We’ve got some exciting plans for 2019, including a new member of staff who will be bringing some new treatments to the clinic so watch this space for more information!

This year we are starting our new year with the time honoured tradition of setting ourselves some resolutions, but as I’m sure most of you have experienced, it can often be really hard to keep them going so here are 5 simple steps to give you a better chance of making them stick:

  1. Keep the list as short as possible, focus is best – don’t spread your efforts too thinly. One goal achieved will feel better than ten missed targets.
  2. Break the overall goal into smaller bite-sized goals with deadlines where possible. This allows you to win small victories and feel a sense of achievement.
  3. Reward yourself when you complete things that contribute to the overall aim to help to keep you on track and motivated.
  4. Tell your nearest and dearest about your ambitions, this introduces accountability as well as support.
  5. Give yourself some grace if you slip up, treat failures as minor set-backs and steer yourself back on course, don’t use these hiccups as a reason to give-up all together.

Year on year the most common resolutions in the UK focus on fitness and weight loss which is why we are taking the time to let you know a little bit more about the weight loss treatments and procedures and the new Fitness Studio available at Snowberry Lane.

Frequently the way people approach their weight loss resolutions is to greatly reduce what they eat on a daily basis or eliminate certain food groups entirely. As you can imagine this is quite a shock to the system and is not ideal for everyone that tries it, often leading to people not being able to stick to the plan, or yo-yo dieting. We try to encourage more sustainable methods that include fitness and lifestyle changes. The first step to any treatment is always a consultation to determine the best treatment option for each individuals needs and aims. Below we outline some treatment options to give you an idea of what we can offer:

Alevere Weight Loss Therapy

This uses a combination of treatments as well as a food plan, which is personalised to your own situation. Alevere therapy helps you not only benefit from the treatments but understand more about how the body works which will help you in any long term weight loss goals you might have as well. As part of your subscription to Alevere you get unlimited access to our Fitness Studio. You can read more about Alevere weight reduction therapy here.

Fitness Studio

Our Fitness Studio opened last year and compromises of a convenient and safe space in which to work out using:

 Static Rowers
 Static Bikes
 Free weights
 Resistance bands
 Kettle bells
 Stepper

We currently have a New Years offer for any clients who are interested in signing up to a monthly membership for the studio. Give us a call on 01225 700072 to find out more.

Weight Loss Surgery

Our surgical options could be helpful to people who are concerned by the longer recovery times of traditional surgeries. Weight loss surgery options at Snowberry Lane are minimally invasive or non invasive and can therefore reduce recovery times considerably. You can read more about our weight loss surgery options which include Bodytite and Body Jet by visiting our dedicated weight loss surgery page here.

If you are looking for a bit of help or advice in regards to fitness and weight loss please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 01225 700072.

Christmas Gift List

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Now that Christmas is just around the corner we thought we’d share our last minute gift ideas that you can pick up at the clinic.

Gift Vouchers

For first-timers

If a friend or family member has spoken about wanting to come to the clinic, but hasn’t made that final step, then a £30 voucher for a consultation or contribution towards their first treatment is a very popular choice. Our gift vouchers are for any value and are valid for a year from the date of the purchase.

For old-timers

If you know someone who comes to the clinic for regular treatments then a voucher of any denomination to contribute towards their treatment cost could be a very thoughtful gift.

Stocking Fillers

Make-up

We have a 20% reduction offer on our last batch of BPC make-up as we are discontinuing the range, so pop in and grab a bargain today! We also have Jan Marini make-up, from pressed foundation to blushers, eye shadows and eyebrow kits that would be the perfect items to sneak into a loved ones stocking. BPC and Jan Marini are skin specialists, creating products rooted in skin care.

Moisturisers

We stock lots of lovely moisturisers including Epionce and Obagi that are an ideal gift for someone who likes taking care of their skin. Epionce is paraben and fragrance free so is suitable for sensitive skin types. Obagi products have been designed by medical skin care specialists so contain ingredients that help to combat certain issues like acne, sun damage and wrinkles too.

Sun cream

We also carry lots of different sun creams and hydrating moisturisers with factor 30SPF and above that would be perfect if you know someone who’s already dreaming of their trips away in 2019 or even if you know someone who’s chasing some winter sunshine!

Hopefully we’ve helped with a few simple ideas, all of which are available from the clinic for a stress-free shopping experience!

Give us a call on 01225 700072 if you’d like to chat to someone, or pop in and say hello! We look forwards to seeing you!

Mole & Cyst Removal

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Moles and cysts are extremely common and often harmless, so unless they are causing irritation or cause for worry they can be left alone.

However, there are many reasons why people may be interested in getting some information about mole or cyst removal. For some the reason may be cosmetic and if you have an issue that is affecting your confidence that can be dealt with in a quick and safe manner, it makes perfect sense to give serious thought to that solution. Other reasons to consider a removal can include raised moles or cysts making tasks like shaving more difficult or they can become uncomfortable if they catch on clothing.

The most significant reason that people are interested in getting moles removed is the slight chance of the mole developing into Melanoma, a dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. Looking out for any changes in the size or colouration of the mole are important because the earlier you catch it the better chance you will have of having it dealt with. There are ways of preventing cancerous moles developing the main one being protecting yourself from the sun. Covering up and wearing high factor sun screen protection can help cut the risks of skin cancer so it’s important to consider this every single day, UV is still present even when it is cloudy outside.

Using state of the art Radio surgery techniques Snowberry Lane Clinic can offer an efficient, safe and relatively painless procedure to remove these lesions and produce great results. Whether it is for cosmetic reasons or for convenience it is an option that can be discussed with our experts. If it is for a more concerning reason you can be assured that our experts will be able to offer you assistance and advice to make sure you get the treatment and information that is required.

To read more about mole removal at Snowberry Lane Clinic click here.

 

Winter Skin Care Tips

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Now the colder weather really is setting in, it’s officially the time of year when your skin is more prone to dryness as the temperature drops and the heating is turned up. To combat this we wanted to share our top skin care tips to help you keep your skin looking and feeling good.

  1. Reduce the temperature of you shower

When it’s cold, the temptation is to crank the temperature up in the shower to warm up. However, washing in hotter water strips your skin of it’s natural oils that it needs to stay nourished. The best thing to do is to turn the tap the other way and make your shower a little cooler to help lock in those all important oils.

  1. Exfoliate to keep skin soft and promote circulation

Exfoliating your whole body will not only help combat dry skin, but also helps promote good circulation. We recommend exfoliating in the evening when your skin is most receptive, working the exfoliator in a circular motion concentrating on key areas such as heels, knees and elbows.

Make sure you chose an exfoliator that does not contain microbeads (small plastic beads) as these are incredibly bad for the environment, another one to avoid is apricot kernels, they sound great because they’re natural, but they are too rough and can cause more damage than good, (a body brush is a good option).

At Snowberry Lane Clinic we offer Microdermabrasion treatment if you’re looking to refresh your face. This treatment uses medical grade crystals to gently remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin, read more about it here.

  1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

During winter your skin is even thirstier than normal, ensure you moisturise using a high quality moisturiser that is SPF 15 or higher (as you can still get sun damage in winter). We have a great range of Obagi products that are designed by medical professionals to ensure the best results.

We recommend moisturising straight after you shower or bathe to help capture the moisture on your skin after you wash. For best results, pat yourself dry, rather than rubbing all of that precious moisture away. To combat dryer area like heels, knees and elbows, moisturise just before bed, you can even go one step further and wear cotton gloves and socks after moisturising to lock it in!

For more advice on skin care during winter or treatments that will help keep your skin looking it’s best this winter give us a call on 01225 700072 to talk to one of the team or e-mail us at enquiries@snowberrylane.co.uk

New Fitness Studio

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We like to offer the most effective treatments and provide the best possible service, so let us introduce you to our brand new Fitness Studio to help complete the new you!

Newly opened, our Fitness Studio brings a selection of popular gym equipment to the convenience of the doorstep of the clinic.

Equipment includes:

  • Static Rowers
  • Static Bikes
  • Free weights
  • Resistance bands
  • Kettle bells
  • Stepper

Membership is available to all clients, we’re running an introductory offer if you sign up for 12 months and pay upfront you’ll get 12 months for the price of 10.

For information on pricing simply call to speak to one of the team who can book an induction with one of our instructors: 01225 700072

 

 

Introducing our newest treatment: the non-surgical facelift HIFU

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HIFU is unlike any other non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment, it uses thermal energy in the form of multiple beams of ultrasound to stimulate collagen, which helps to contract and tighten the surface of the skin. HIFU is specially designed to penetrate the dermis as well as the superficial muscular layer, which is deeper than other treatments are able to penetrate. This superficial muscular layer is the layer which is tightened during traditional facelift surgery, however, as HIFU is non-invasive the downtime is significantly reduced and the cost of treatment is much lower.

What areas can be treated with HIFU?

  • Fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead
  • Frown lines
  • Crow’s feet and smile lines
  • Cheeks
  • Double chins
  • Neck and jowl area

What to expect during and immediately after treatment

HIFU treatment takes 30-90 minutes, during treatment it is common to experience some discomfort and a tingling sensation depending on the intensity of the ultrasound. Most commonly only one to two sessions are required.

Immediately after treatment, the skin is likely to appear red for a few hours, some clients experience slight swelling and tenderness for up to a week after treatment. The areas can be calmed with ice packs if required, further advice will be given during the consultation and in the aftercare paperwork.

Normally some improvement can be seen within 3 to 4 weeks following treatment, with further improvements developing for up to six months. Results ordinarily last for 6 months or more.

Tixel in the Press

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It seems that everyone’s talking about Tixel, with two recent articles in prominent magazines. The first is a full page spread in the September issue of Good Housekeeping, where beauty director Eve Cameron tries the treatment herself, focusing on her eye area. She concludes:

“So does it work? The skin under my eyes is tighter and there’s a lift on the lids, where the skin also looks less crepey. My crow’s feet appear less pronounced, too. It’s subtle, but I can definitely see the difference. I’m almost tempted to try the full-face version…”

(Good Housekeeping September 2018 page 70)

The second article is in the October issue of Tatler magazine:

Top tips to help keep wrinkles at bay

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At Snowberry Lane Clinic we have over a decade of experience in helping our clients look and feel their best. Some of our most popular treatments include procedures that help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, there are some top tips we’d like to share to help you keep your skin in great condition, some are easier than others and some we’re sure you know already but just in case:

  • Avoid Frowning where possible, this sounds silly we know, and could go hand in hand with avoid all facial expressions including smiling and laughing (to reduce laughter lines) but we just like the idea of reducing the negative – frown less, smile as much as you like – smiling is brilliant!
  • Try not to sleep on your stomach or side profile where possible, again easier said than done, but when you are able, and if it’s comfortable for you, try and sleep on your back.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye area vigorously, the most common time this would happen is when removing make-up with cotton pads or a face wipe. Instead try a gentle face wash with a very soft facial cloth and work the make-up off slowly and gently – gently is key.
  • Avoid excessive sugar consumption – sugar causes dramatic spikes in the body’s insulin levels, which in turn leads to the breakdown of elastin and collagen. Interestingly, reduction in sugar consumption also helps to reset your palette, so over time your sweet tooth won’t be so sweet and your sugar cravings will fade.
  • Reduce sun exposure, perhaps the most obvious one, we all know by now that excessive sun exposer damages the skin, so we recommend wearing a moisturiser with SPF 30+ every day and SPF factor 50 during summer and in hotter climates.
  • Stop smoking – this is important, not only for your skin, but your general health.
  • Avoid chronic stress – this one can be difficult, obviously we all try and avoid stressful circumstances where possible, sometimes stress finds us and there’s nothing we can do about it. But when under stress, work on managing it as best you can, things like meditative breathing and mindfulness are great techniques for staying peacful.
  • Get Sufficient sleep, again this isn’t always something we can choose to do, but getting into a regular pattern of going to bed and waking-up at them same time each day can help.
  • Don’t use drinking straws – this is probably the easiest of all, avoid straws, not only do they create lines around the mouth over time but more often than not they are made of plastic, and reducing our use of plastic is good for the environment too – win win!

Clearly, even doing all of these things without fail every day, would not prevent wrinkles from forming completely, however they are useful little tricks to help your skin look its best for as long as possible and some of them have additional benefits too!

 

 

Primary source: American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine

Special Feature: Lip Fillers

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In the article below we outline everything you need to know if you’re thinking about getting your lips enhanced with Dermal Fillers.

Do your research:

Research the clinic thoroughly, although discounts and offers that save you money can be attractive, when it comes to your body we believe that you shouldn’t short change yourself. A well-trained and experienced practitioner will be able to ensure that the results are as subtle and natural looking as possible working with your proportions.

The most common side effects are bruising, redness and tenderness but there are also important vessels in this area that can be effected by the treatment if it is not carried out properly. It’s very important that the practitioner has a thorough understanding of the anatomy and therefore knows how to avoid permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Considerations before you commit to treatment:

It’s important to understand this is an invasive procedure with risks, and although some media channels may portray it as a treatment that can be completed in your lunch break, any prospective patient should consider the possible serious risks before making a final decision.

Consider the long term cost implications, fillers need to be maintained on average every 4-6 months, so make sure that is affordable for you if it’s something you’re seriously considering.

There’s very little downtime. The actual procedure itself takes about 30-60 minutes and after treatment you can resume your day-to-day routine. However, especially if it’s your first treatment and you’re unsure how your body will respond, it’s best to give yourself some recovery time in case of a reaction or bruising.

In the build up to your appointment:

Ten days leading up to your appointment should avoid all blood thinners such as: asprin, anti-inflammatories, fish oil and vitamin E. This is because blood thinners can increase your chances of bruising and bleeding. Twenty four hours before your appointment it is also advised to avoid alcohol or caffeine as this will help to limit swelling. We recommend Arnica tablets, a homeopathic remedy that helps to reduce bruising, although if you take blood thinners or have had blood clots in the past, please seek further advice from the Doctor.

If you have a history of cold sores, we recommend that you take cold sore prevention medication two days before the procedure as injections in the lip area can trigger a cold sore. It is not possible to carry out this treatment if the client has an active cold sore.

The Treatment:

Start gradually, if you’re new to lip fillers, start with a minimal amount of volume, this will allow you to build up volume more gradually over time if requires and won’t leave you with over-filled lips.

A small amount of bruising and bleeding at the site of injection is totally normal and expected, bruises should fade after five to seven days after treatment.

Occasionally Fillers can cause bumps and lumps beneath the surface of the skin. This can be corrected, so if it’s something you experience get in touch with your practitioner.

Results:

Results are quite quick to show through and in most cases you’ll see increased volume straight away. However some of this can be down to swelling from the injection so make sure you allow 24-48 hours to go down before evaluating the full effects.

Corrections and reversals:

We use hyaluronic acid fillers, these are not permanent, which means they break down over time and must be topped up to maintain them. This also means that they can be corrected by being dissolved with the injection of a special enzyme if you are not pleased with your results.

Post Treatment:

Following treatment you should not apply any pressure or make-up to the area for 12 hours. You should also steer clear of any activities that increase blood flow to your head for 24 hours. Prolonged exposure to UV light should be avoided for two weeks following treatment.

For further information or to make a booking for a consultation please give us a call on 01225 700072.

Special Feature: Thread Veins

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This week on the blog we’re talking about removing and reducing the appearance of thread veins. Thread veins are simply broken down blood vessels or capillaries, which can appear as red, blue or purple threads beneath the surface of the skin. They are very common and can appear anywhere on the body most often on the legs, arms, back of the hands and around the upper cheek area.

How can we help?

At Snowberry Lane Clinic we offer two treatment options to help deal with the issue of thread veins.

Laser treatment:

In some cases we use medical lasers to help break down thread veins to reduce their appearance. The Laser works by penetrating the skin with light energy to work on the veins without affecting the surface of the skin. During treatment the laser energy will be focussed on the target area and will cause the unwanted capillaries to collapse and break down, over time they will dissolve away, reducing the appearance and in some cases removing it completely.

Microscleratherapy:

Microscleratherapy utilises a medical solution that is injected into the target area to cause the veins to deteriorate, restricting blood flow to the vein and causing it to fade and in some cases disappear. This treatment is designed to encourage the body to naturally repair and that’s why some patients can have light bruises near the treated area. Within a few days this dies down and after a few weeks patients are left with uniform colouring around the skin.

If you’d like to learn more you can request a call back from Snowberry Lane by clicking here.