After the summer sun has long disappeared and the cooler weather begins, our skin can appear lax, crêpey, dry and dehydrated and not just on our faces. Other visible areas which succumb to mild or excessive sun-damage include the neck and the decolletage. This happens due to the increased loss of substances within the skin, responsible for elasticity and hydration, such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Once the summer is over and the skin has been exposed to UV rays during this time, we can look in the mirror and wonder what to do, to rejuvenate the neck and chest area.
Fortunately there is an injectable substance which helps to replace lost HA and encourage new collagen and elastin formation, for revitalised, tighter, toned and glowing skin and Dr Anita Dhunna uses this as part of her treatment portfolio, with huge success, not only on the face, but on the body too. This treatment is called Profhilo®.
What is Profhilo®?
Profhilo® is an injectable, bio-regeneration, skin rejuvenation treatment that stimulates the body’s own hyaluronic acid (HA) production by replacing lost HA which has been destroyed by over-exposure to the sun in holiday season, as well as the natural ageing process. When injected in to areas such as the face, neck and decolletage, Profhilo® helps to counteract sun-damage such as sagging, crêpey skin, lines, wrinkles and dehydration. Profhilo® is not a dermal filler, but works with the skin on a cellular level to help the skin produce more vital collagen.
Can I have a Profhilo® treatment for sun-damaged skin on the neck and decolletage with Dr Anita Dhunna?
Before any treatment can take place with Dr Anita Dhunna at her South Woodford clinic, we will request that you attend a pre-treatment consultation, so that the doctor can assess your skin quality and discuss your concerns. It’s important that she understands what is bothering you about your skin, before treating you, so she can really target the problem with an effective solution and this well may be Profhilo® if you have sun-damaged, dehydrated skin.
How many treatments of Profhilo® will I need for sun-damage of the neck and decolletage?
Profhilo® is usually delivered in 2 treatments, one month to 6 weeks apart. You should start to see significant results around a month after your second treatment, though many patients can see results much quicker. Some patients who are experiencing significant sun-damage, may require a third treatment, 4 weeks after the second session, but this will be discussed with you, in your pre-treatment consultation with Dr Anita Dhunna.
Is there any downtime with a Profhilo® treatment for the neck and decolletage?
As with any injectable treatment, there are some minor side-effects which can be experienced and this is also true of a Profhilo® treatment for the neck or decolletage areas. These side-effects can include some slight bruising, tenderness and minor swelling. In very rare cases there can be allergic reaction, infection or nerve damage. However, Profhilo® is a very bio-compatible substance and involves fewer injection points than many skin rejuvenation treatments, so the side-effects are usually very minimal, as is the downtime with this treatment. There are some aftercare protocols that you should follow, after your Profhilo® treatment for the neck and decolletage. These include:-
• Avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Avoiding hot baths, steam rooms or saunas for a few days
• Avoiding UV light exposure if bruising or prolonged swelling occurs
When will I see results from my Profhilo® treatment for sun-damage on the neck and decolletage?
Most patients notice a change in their skin quality and laxity on the neck and decolletage, at around 4 weeks after the initial treatment. Optimal results can be seen around a month after the second treatment session. Over the months that follow, your skin should start to appear more youthful, smoother, more radiant and glowing and any fine lines and wrinkles which have appeared, should be less visible. Results can last anything from 9 to 12 months, before another treatment is required.
Whether it’s sunny or not, it’s extremely important to maintain a good skincare regime on all visible, exposed areas of skin, to maintain a healthy complexion and the results of your Profhilo® treatment. Using a high-factor SPF all-year-round, as well as being sensible when the sun is out, can lengthen the time your results are visible and will help your skin to stay youthful-looking for longer.