The Clinic Lisburn Road, Belfast

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We all associate spring with new life and regeneration but sometimes we forget that it’s important to focus on reviving the skin too. Our skin goes through a lot on a day-to-day basis, such as exposure to pollution, lack of sleep, stress and dehydration. While our skin does its best to naturally combat these inevitabilities by repairing its cells every day, this process takes its toll over time, especially on the face. Despite the lotions and potions and thorough, regular exfoliation, a debris of dead skin will be left harbouring underneath the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, which can make the skin appear dull, dry and drained. Treating the skin to a chemical peel is often the most effective way to regenerate and resurface your skin, giving it newfound life and vibrancy. Epionce Peels The chemical peel treatment is a simple procedure whereby a solution is applied to the skin causing a removal of its upper layers. This removal or peeling of the top layers induces collagen and promotes regeneration of fresh and unblemished skin. A chemical peel will improve the skin’s complexion, giving a vibrant skin appearance and softening fine lines and wrinkles. Founder of The Clinic, Jackie Donnelly, is renowned across Northern Ireland and the UK as a leading skin expert. She says: “While a chemical peel completely redefines the skin, it can leave the skin a little sensitive temporarily, so spring, ahead of summer’s harmful rays and busy social calendar, is an ideal time to engage with this non-surgical treatment. “We offer a wide portfolio of peels which allows us to match a treatment to a client’s needs. Different skin types require different peels, so it’s always worthwhile having a consultation first. However, everyone can benefit from a peel – whether the goal is to achieve glowing, vibrant skin or treat acne-prone areas.” Dermal Fillers Whilst chemical peels are suitable for both mature and young skin, Jackie suggests that dermal fillers are ideal for aging skin and explains that as we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity. She says: “Unfortunately that supple, full complexion we took for granted when we were younger begins to fade as we age. From our late twenties onward, our bodies stop producing collagen and elastin which are required for a youthful look. “Dermal-fillers are one of our most-popular treatments thanks to their non-invasive, instant effects. Our clients have seen that fillers not only temporarily halt, but can in certain instances reverse, the ageing process.” The treatment injects tiny amounts of cruelty-free, hyaluronic acid into the skin or lips making the skin’s surface appear ‘plumped up’ and diminishing lines and wrinkles for a fresh appearance.

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Who makes New Year’s resolutions, only to have given them up by the 31st of January? Make yourself a resolution that you can keep up this year, by booking in for the refresh treatment you’ve been dreaming of at The Clinic. After the indulgent festive season, our skin can feel tired, lacklustre and even a bit lumpy. Let the expert hands of the experienced practitioners at The Clinic help bring a New Year glow back to your skin by booking in for a tried and tested treatment! From Tip to Toe! Endermologie® What is endermologie you ask? For anyone who wants to slim and firm their body, reduce cellulite and release fat from stubborn areas, endermologie is the treatment for you. Here at The Clinic, clients particularly love this treatment to help smooth and contour their legs. Using a hand-held, massaging head that rolls over, gently kneads and sucks the target area, this natural and painless stimulation of cells is like no other treatment and will give you tangible results in as little as three sessions. Whilst results vary from person to person, surveys have shown 67% of women have seen a reduction in their cellulite and 71% have experienced an increase in firmness – who wouldn’t want those results after an indulgent festive season? Local woman Cathy Martin has tried and tested this treatment. She enjoyed greater energy and felt better overall, as well as seeing a reduction in lumps and bumps around her bottom and hips – never a bad thing! Epionce Skin peels and facials The effectiveness of Epionce has been proven in double-blind clinical trials conducted by independent, nationally recognised research organisations. If you want to make real, lasting and noticeable improvements to your skin, Epionce peels, facials and products are the way forward. Formulated with potent botanical ingredients in proven concentrations and combined with a highly effective delivery system, the Epionce system has been created with to provide a healthy foundation from which to build. To maximise the effects of the Epionce system, regardless of which step of the system you choose, here at The Clinic we recommend combining it with derma blading to leave you with glowing, healthy skin. Derma blading is an innovative technique for exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin. Using a special surgical instrument, fine facial hairs and dead surface skin cells are removed to give you a fresher, smoother appearance and most importantly, to increase the skin’s ability to absorb active nutrients from the Epionce range. The Clinic is offering clients an amazing 20% off both of these treatments, when you book in January 2019! Simply call the salon and reference this article to enjoy the discount. All procedures are administered by a fully qualified aesthetic practitioner. Prior to any treatment, the team at The Clinic will discuss any questions or concerns you might have.

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With the Christmas party season nearly upon us, it’s time to think about your Christmas look. Whilst there is time yet to shop the Christmas party outfit, now is the time to think about any lip augmentation that you really want for Christmas! Step in Belfast’s own ‘Lip Queen’ Deborah Elwiss-McNally. Based in The Clinic, on the bustling Lisburn Road, advanced aesthetic practitioner Deborah works with a range of dermal fillers to provide treatments that will transform your lips. At The Clinic, a choice of non-permanent, reputable dermal fillers such as Juvéderm, Restylane Lip and Volbella are available, dependent on your needs and with over 25 years’ experience Deborah can consult and advise on the best option to get you ready for any party pouts or to pucker up under the mistletoe! What are Dermal Fillers & how do they work? Dermal Fillers are used to enhance the natural look of your lips. By injecting small amounts of hyaluronic based products in to the lips, lips are left feeling healthier, softer and more hydrated but most importantly, fullness and definition is restored. As well as plumping up your pout, these injectable fillers can also help reverse a downward smile, add volume to thinning lips and smooth out vertical lines that extend from the lip’s border, targeting what is commonly known as smoker’s lines or those that extend downward from the corners of the mouth, also known as marionette lines. What filler should I go for? One of the most popular lip-enhancing fillers offered by The Clinic is Juvederm. Young, healthy skin contains large quantities of a substance called hyaluronic acid. As we age, sunlight and other factors can reduce the amount of this substance in our skin, causing a loss of structure and volume, creating unwanted facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, and less voluminous lips. Juvederm is a hyaluronic-based gel, that, when injected into the targeted area, such as the lips, it acts like a natural hydrator, volumizer and cell protector by replacing the hyaluronic acid that the skin has lost over time. How long does it take & how long will results last? Unlike surgery, you do not have to take time out of your busy schedule to allow for long treatment and recovery times, meaning you can be in and out of The Clinic within the hour and return to your daily activities. Usually, only one Juvederm treatment is required for optimal results and lips will appear enhanced almost immediately, leaving you ready for the festive season. Whilst how long the results last are dependent on the person, for most it can last up to a year, if not longer. What is the next step? Book a one to one consultation with Deborah at The Clinic, who will discuss and advise on the most suitable treatment for your skin type and requirements before you embark on your dermal filler journey.

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Sugar and spice will only get you so far this Valentine’s Day With one of the most romantic days of the year looming, Love Hearts are the quintessential sweet treat to give or receive on Valentine’s Day. Analysing each one, figuring out whether it is relevant to us, a friend or a significant other, often distracts us from paying ourselves the attention we need. This annual celebration is all about sharing the love with our nearest and dearest, but I think there is no better time to love ourselves and focus on what could make us feel, and look, better. We have a range of treatments at The Clinic that won’t take long to work their magic in time for that romantic dinner, or night in front of the TV on the 14th! Luscious Lips Lips are one of the most sensual features of the whole body and a perfectly kissable pout can really enhance our look. Our top of the range selection of dermal fillers offer products to restore fullness, improve definition and help lips appear healthier to achieve your desired look. We always suggest that you allow a few days before meeting your Valentine to get this treatment. However, the injectables last up to four to six months transforming even the thinnest of lips into a healthy pout. Love your skin Romantic lighting can only get us so far as crows’ feet and those tell-tale lines can bely our age, or simply give an unwanted first impression for a special date night. Anti-wrinkle injections can really lift your whole face by brightening your eyes and are easily the most popular non-surgical for being virtually pain free and safe. The injections relax the facial muscles reducing excessive facial movement on specific areas of your face. Results will be visible within three to seven days, lasting anywhere between four to six months, revealing a natural, rejuvenated and softer look. Yes to the dress If you suffer from thread or spider veins on your legs and have an LBD burning a hole in your wardrobe, Sclerotherapy is the ideal treatment. The procedure is simple, effective and painless and combats the appearance of the veins which usually appear near the surface of the skin. One treatment could be sufficient or a few over the course of a few weeks, the vessels fade and are almost undetectable, just in time for your special evening, allowing you to say yes to wearing THAT dress.

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How can we harness the power of hydration? Jackie Donnelly highlights… As we age, our skin tends to lose its structure and volume due to the gradual breaking down of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. We are now in a position to give it a boost thanks to a new product and treatment we have introduced at The Clinic. Earlier this year, global cosmetics giant Allergan launched VOLITE by Juvéderm which has only just landed in the UK. A revolutionary injectable treatment, VOLITE improves skin quality with a clear focus on hydrating the skin to smooth out fine lines and improve elasticity. Ideally suited for those wanting to improve the overall quality and radiance of the skin, VOLITE also reduces the appearance of acne scarring and plumps and hydrates the skin with almost immediate results. As the latest treatment made available at The Clinic, Lisburn Road we have answered a number of important questions. What is Juvéderm VOLITE? Juvéderm VOLITE is an innovative skin conditioning injectable treatment containing Hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. The treatment has been designed as a superficial treatment to improve the look of your face, neck, décolletage and on the back of hands by improving skin smoothness, elasticity, hydration and the overall quality of the skin for up to nine months. Why should I use Juvéderm VOLITE? Are you wanting to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin and acne scarring, or diminish fine lines and wrinkles? VOLITE’s key ingredient, Hyaluronic acid, hydrates the skin, increases elasticity and smoothes the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, dramatically enriching the texture, tone and luminosity of the skin, repairing scarring or blemishes. How does it work? A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin and then small droplets of Hyaluronic Acid are introduced into the skin by injection. The gentle plumping effect as a result means brighter, smoother skin, softening wrinkles and tightening pores, while being more natural looking than competitor products. How long does the treatment last? The effects of VOLITE last up to nine months, eliminating the need for multiple treatments, and is suitable for all ages and skin types. What should I do to prep myself for Juvéderm VOLITE? We advise our clients to avoid the use of alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment and to inform us of any medication you are on. An important point to note is that you cannot receive this treatment if you have taken the medication, Roaccutan, within the last six months or if you are on a course of antibiotics. Are there any side effects? Following your treatment, you should avoid alcohol consumption for 12 hours, no exercise for 48 hours, don’t apply make-up to the area for 12 hours and avoid extreme sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures and saunas for two weeks.