May at Skin Deep Clinic saw the first and second of six study days I have booked for 2019! If you know me well, you know I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to aesthetics… If there’s a way I can improve on my practice, learn a new technique or test a new product, I’m going for it!
A Grand Day Out
On Monday 13th May the alarm scared me awake at 4.40am and I made my weary way to London for a day-long anatomy course. I’m really honoured and privileged to get a place on any course taught by world-renowned plastic surgeon Mr Dalvi Humzah and Lead Nurse Educator / Nurse Practitioner Anna Baker. In my opinion they offer the most valuable aesthetics courses in the UK – maybe even the world! They are at the forefront of facial aesthetics, and the education they provide is of enormously high quality and detail.
The Eternal Student
But Wendy, I hear you cry, if you’re already qualified to inject, why go back on training courses?
Well, I visit these courses for a few reasons. Firstly (and fundamental to me sleeping peacefully at night) I treat days like these as an update, to check I am still treating safely. It is also an amazing opportunity to see the latest discoveries regarding the anatomy of our ageing faces, and have my injection techniques observed and critiqued. There’s nothing like being personally coached by true masters of the craft. It also served to remind me that I’m not good at 19 hour days anymore at age 47!
BACN Regional Meeting
So on to the second study day… On Wednesday 22nd May at Birmingham’s Motorcycle Museum I met with nurses from all over The Midlands at BACN’s regional meeting. (In case you don’t know, BACN stands for the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, a fantastic organisation of which I’m a proud member.) This is always an enjoyable day, as it allows me to meet fellow nurses and for us to pour our collective thoughts, queries and experiences together.
HA Derma UK
I was particularly pleased that HA Derma were showcasing IBSA’s product range there. Although I’m already a huge fan of their products (you will know this if you have met me, or seen my social media) I do love a re-fresh.
They had chosen to demonstrate their newest product Viscoderm® Hydrobooster and due to a short notice model cancellation I stepped up to the mark! I’ve been using this product since late last year but not had opportunity to have treatment myself…
Under the needle
And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised at how comfy the treatment was given I’m a bit of a wuss where needles are concerned (yes you read that right… it makes me a more patient injector, I promise!). One light shined straight into my eyes (made mental note to check own clinic for this) and I was reminded of how warm it gets as the pulse quickens. That and my gurgling stomach made the experience a true busman’s holiday… er, aesthetic nurse’s holiday? Basically, it’s always useful to lie on the couch and be on the receiving end of the needle now and again to be reminded of the patient’s experience!
Viscoderm® Hydrobooster
Now, about this Viscoderm® – it’s been with Skin Deep Clinic for a few months already, but I do get a lot of people asking what exactly it is. Well, it’s neither Botox® nor a filler. It treats superficial lines and wrinkles, like Botox®, but it’s made out of Hyaluronic Acid, which is the key ingredient of Aliaxin® dermal filler range and Profhilo®!
However, it doesn’t add volume, it stretches and hydrates. The best way to describe it would be that it reaches the wrinkles other treatments don’t and complements the above treatments well.
The results
One syringe covered visible lines to my forehead, crow’s feet, vertical lip lines and a little to the mid face. Using the finest of needles and local anaesthetic cream, this treatment involves numerous injections but I hardly felt anything. Twenty-four hours later and I have one small bruise and a few red marks but, in all honesty, that’s to be expected when you’re putting needles into your face!
I’ll check the outcome in eight weeks and decide whether a repeat treatment is needed to complete the effect or whether one will be sufficient.
Time to relax
After all that, I’ve needed a bit of time to unwind and process all the new knowledge that’s been crammed into my brain – and there are four more study days to come this year! So I’ve been relaxing in front of the TV the last few nights – I am completely fascinated by Sky TV’s Chernobyl and ITV’s Hatton Garden (just in case you think I’m obsessed with aesthetics!).
I hope you enjoy following my adventures, and that it’s reassuring to know that I’m dashing back and forth learning the latest in aesthetics to bring to you the clinic and to you, my lovely clients.
Wishing everyone a fabulous Bank Holiday Weekend! Until next time,
Wendy
