So I've been struggling with sore and chapped lips and dry skin recently. I have lots of excuses why but ultimately I know I've not been taking my own advice and staying well hydrated. Going to spend the weekend making an effort to drink more water and hopefully getting these lips into an acceptable condition for next week! What are your beauty/health worries this week?

While the weather is not what we are hoping for summer it is still essential to keep the skin hydrated with plenty of water and protected with sun cream. Two of the cheapest yet most effective ways to keep youthful looking skin!

I'm delighted to announce that Ellie McGowan has now completed her dermaroller training and is available for bookings. Please contact skin to book an appointment for radiant looking skin this summer.

One of the biggest worries client wanting their lips done have is whether it is going to look natural or "obvious". I always focus on a natural enhancement and as such we get beautiful results like the one below.... but I have to give my client the biggest props for being stunning to start with!

A wonderful client selfie received today because she is so happy with her lips! (Reproduced with permission)

Fantastic testimonial received out of the blue this weekend from a client who had her lips done over a month ago.... "I'm getting compliments on my lips everywhere I go and the best thing is that they don't realise I've had fillers 😂. Thank you!"

Fantastic testimonial received this week from a client: I am a professional practitioner who was seeking advanced aesthetic non-surgical procedures and was recommended Dr Rachael Coates through one of my colleagues. The treatment, service and individual care was first class. I felt confident my treatment would be ethical and of the highest standard. I have not been disappointed and further treatment using the teoysal products have left my skin looking younger and radiant. If you are seeking a personal, professional and confidential service I strongly recommend you contact Dr Rachael Coates. Carole A

Keloid scars and aesthetic procedures: Keloid scar formation is unpredictable but more common in those with more densely pigmented skin types and more commonly over the abdomen, clavicles and earlobes at the site of piercings. Any trauma from a simple scratch to an operation can cause a keloid scar and prevention is easier with cure as they are tricky to treat. The big question is then; is it safe to have injections of botox or fillers when you have other keloid scars? With a small (30G) needle, good technique and no overfilling the trauma to the skin should be minimal thus reducing the precipitating factors for scar formation. It does however not eliminate the risk. There is a central "T" area on the face which is often spared even in "at risk" individuals. So that isn't an answer! I personally would recommend weighing up risk vs benefit. Given that aesthetic procedures are by definition taken to improve appearance I would be cautious to proceed with anything which may induce harm in the form of a complication with an unsightly scar. For some clients the distress of their current appearance may be sufficient that they wish to proceed despite the risk. In this instance I would recommend a special extra detailed consent including the specific discussions surrounding potential for keloid formation and to ensure that the client has access to an experienced clinician whom feels that the risks posed in that specific case is very low. Some clinicians recommend a trial injection in a more inconspicuous area such as infront of the ear. Advice: Exhaust all non-invasive treatments and lifestyle changes prior to resorting to injections. Inject with extreme caution and in highly selected informed patients only.

We are delighted to be working with Teoxane products at the forefront of aesthetic practice. Keep an eye out for information over the coming weeks about the unique properties and indications for use of the Teoxane range. We love it and we are sure you will too!