The art of a facial consultation in aesthetic medicine is a vital foundation for achieving beautiful and natural-looking results. At Self Aesthetics, I prioritize a comprehensive consultation process, understanding that every face is unique and requires a tailored approach. Afterall, you don’t want to look like someone else, just a fresh version of yourself. At least this is what I want for myself and that’s the message I get from my patients. A key part of this process involves examining the natural changes in the structure and composition of the face as it ages, including bone resorption, fat pad misplacement, and skin collagen reduction. With this knowledge, we can make informed decisions on which treatments or products will best serve you.
One of the first aspects of a consultation involves understanding the role of bone resorption, which is the gradual loss of bone density that occurs with age. Bone frames the face, providing support and shape to our features. As bone density decreases, the face can lose its youthful structure, causing the skin and muscles to shift downward. Knowing this allows us to consider options that can restore volume and lift, which in turn creates a more refreshed and balanced appearance.
Another critical component of facial aging is fat pad movement and shrinkage. Over time, facial fat pads naturally diminish and shift, leading to changes in contour and the appearance of hollowness or sagging in areas like the cheeks and under-eye region. By understanding where these shifts occur, we can target the right areas with volumizing treatments, aiming to replenish lost volume and restore youthful proportions without over treating.
The skin itself is also affected by age-related changes, including a decrease in collagen and elasticity. Collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s structure and firmness, starts to decline in our 20s at a rate of approximately 1% per year. This decrease contributes to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Emphasizing the importance of “collagen banking”—or taking steps to support collagen production early on—can help delay these signs of aging. Ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C are known to stimulate collagen, and regular use of these in a tailored skincare regimen can have significant long-term benefits. Your skincare routine does not need to be lengthy or difficult. I have some great solutions in the Redox Skin range.
At Self Aesthetics, I believe in supporting healthy skin at a cellular level. By encouraging cell communication through the right skincare ingredients, we can improve the overall health, function, and appearance of the skin. This foundational approach to skincare not only enhances the effects of in-clinic procedures but also helps maintain results over time.
That said, aging naturally and choosing to do nothing at all is always a valid choice. Embracing the aging process and taking pride in each stage of life can be empowering. My goal at Self Aesthetics is not to create unrealistic transformations but to help you feel confident in your appearance, whether that means opting for treatment or celebrating natural aging.
A thorough consultation at Self Aesthetics will cover each of these elements: bone structure, fat pad movement, skin health, and collagen banking. We take the time to discuss your unique goals, answer questions, and provide honest recommendations on treatments and skincare that suit your needs. My philosophy is rooted in enhancing natural beauty and promoting skin health, so you can look and feel your best at every age. Remember I want people to stare at you because they can’t work out what we have done not because they can!