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Claire Brayford |
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I had always dreamt of the perfect complexion, and being able to leave the house makeup free and ready for any close up - but so far had yet to achieve it. I had tested every facial treatment going - microdermabrasion, IPL, Oxygen facials - but I was always left disappointed when each one barely scratched the surface. So when I head about the Smartxide Co2 Laser system, the latest in tissue rejuvenating laser technology, I figured I had nothing to lose. I went to meet Dr Aamer Khan, co-founder of Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, and one of the most respected cosmetic doctors in London, and his wife Lesley, who has worked in the beauty business for the last two decades. I knew I was in safe hands. The thriving clinic is booked back-to-back with everyone from pop-stars to teenagers all with one thing in common – problem skin. At my first consultation, Dr Khan discussed my expectations and explained that the treatment works by firing a CO2 laser in very precise bursts in a matrix pattern across the skin. Tiny holes are created which stimulate collagen production, forcing the skin to repair and regenerate. However, unlike more traditional lasers, the surrounding skin is left untreated to ensure a more rapid recovery. Everything from wrinkles to acne and scarring to sun damage can be improved, and will continue to improve, for many months following the treatment. Lesley was also on hand to answer any questions and give a warm, and reassuring welcome. The clinic prides itself on its accessibility – and the couple have been known to make VIP housecalls to many of their celebrity clients in need of some discreet botox or a skin peel. Lesley was also keen to stress that this was an invasive treatment and I would be very red for several days afterwards. Happy to proceed, Dr Khan took a Visia complexion scan of my face which measures the percentage of sun-damage, bacteria, wrinkles and texture of my skin. And a week later, on Saturday morning, I was booked in for my treatment. I was feeling a little nervous, but as I lay back on the white toweled bed to have my face cleansed and the topical anesthetic applied, Lesley helped me to relax. If you have ever had IPL, this is several notches more painful. It felt like a sharp sting and took around 20 minutes to complete. Afterwards my face was scanned again and my skin looked like it was covered in tiny white dots. That evening, my boyfriend could barely tell I had had anything done, the next day, however, was a different story. I looked like I was suffering from the severest sunburn and my face was also quite hot and itchy. Dr Khan had advised dabbing it with soothing spring water and salt with a surgical swab. By Monday, my face had begun to scab and I was beginning to wonder how I was ever going to go back to work. By Wednesday, it was still very red, although the first traces of fresh pink skin could be seen beneath. By Friday, I was just about ready to go out and face the world. At my next appointment a week later, the results were there in black and white. My Visia scan showed that the wrinkles around my eyes had totally disappeared, and the texture, bacteria and sun damage had improved by a third. Six months later and my skin has kept on improving. Looking back at old photographs I am amazed at how much sun damage I had, all of which is now gone. My pores are radically more refined and I have an even complexion, which I am happy to show makeup free. Yes it was uncomfortable, and as my boyfriend pointed out, I did look like Hell Boy for a week, but as they say, beauty is pain, and this is one facial treatment definitely worth enduring. Treatment starts at £900, contact Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, visit www.harleystreetskin.co.uk or call 020 7935 0986 |
