Botox® injections

Botox® (botulinum toxin, type A) is injected into the muscles of the face, causing temporary paralysis and preventing the skin from wrinkling. This widely used procedure reduces the appearance of frown lines, forehead furrows and nostril flaring, and can also be used under the arms, or on the palms of hands, to prevent perspiration. It is important, however, to have the procedure carried out by a doctor with extensive experience. A treatment lasts between three to six months - and you can face the world immediately.

Restylane® and Perlane® injections (links)

This treatment uses Restylane® for wrinkle correction and lip enhancement, Restylane Fine Lines® for correcting thin, superficial lines around the eyes and mouth, forehead lines and mouth lines, or Perlane® for reshaping facial contours such as cheeks and chins, correcting deep folds, and also for volume augmentation of the lips. The injections can take as little as 30 minutes to perform - under local anaesthetic, if you prefer - and the treatment lasts for between six months and a year, while you're ready to face the world in a day or two.

Phenol chemical peel

This is the deepest of all peels: a phenol chemical solution is applied to the face to diminish deep wrinkles and even out severely sun-damaged skin by peeling away the skin's top layers. The treatment is not recommended for those with dark or oily skins and permanently increases sun sensitivity; pores may appear larger and the skin may not tan evenly after treatment. After a phenol peel, you can face the world in 10 to 21 days.

Microdermabrasion

A handheld device is used to scrub the skin with tiny crystals that reduce fine lines, spots and scars. The treatment increases skin elasticity and promotes the production of collagen; it is suitable for all skin types and can be performed by an aesthetician at a spa. Microdermabrasion requires five to 12 treatments to achieve the same results as a deep peel and works best on younger skin, but you can face the world immediately after a treatment.

Laser skin resurfacing

During this procedure, a CO2 or Erbium laser burns off the outer surface layers of the skin, causing new skin to regenerate. Resurfacing reduces wrinkles, scars, sun damage and superficial skin cancers. It permanently increases sun sensitivity, however, and there is a risk of uneven pigmentation patterns in darker skin types. You can face the world in one to two weeks after skin resurfacing.

Rhytidectomy (facelift)

A facelift targets deep wrinkles, sagging skin in the cheeks, and the excess skin and fat in the neck. Incisions are made within the hairline in front of and behind the ears, then the skin is surgically lifted and tightened. A rhytidectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis, but may require general anaesthesia . and you can face the world in 10 to 14 days.

Forehead or brow-lift

This procedure minimises forehead creases, drooping eyebrows, frown lines and hooding over the eyes. An incision is made just behind the hairline from one ear to the other, and the excess skin is removed and tightened. This surgery, the results of which are not permanent, is usually performed on an outpatient basis and you can face the world in seven to 10 days.

Otoplasty (ear surgery)

Otoplasty is usually performed to reduce the size and prominence of large ears. Incisions are made in the back of the ears to expose the ear cartilage, which is then sculpted or removed, after which the ears are folded back into the new position. Usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anaesthesia and sedation, the surgery is permanent and you're ready to face the world in five to seven days.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

This corrects drooping or puffy eyelids, bags, and circles. Small incisions are made in the upper and lower eyelids to relocate or remove excess fat, skin and muscle, and surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure carries a risk of dryness or irritation to the eyes, which would need additional treatment, but you can face the world in seven to 10 days.

Rhinoplasty (nose redefinition)

This permanent procedure refines the size of the nose by means of one of a number of different techniques. Short incisions are made inside the nose, along the cartilage and in the tissue of the nose, after which the size and shape are redefined. This surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis and you'll be ready to face the world in one to two weeks.

Cheek implants

In this procedure, incisions are made on the insides of the cheeks or under the eyelids and implants are inserted, creating greater definition and prominence in the cheekbones. Implants are permanent and the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Additional surgery may be required if the implants shift or become misaligned, but you're ready to face the world in a week.

Chin augmentation

Here a small incision is made on the inside of the mouth, where the implant is surgically inserted, giving the chin more definition. Results are permanent and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, but additional surgery may be required if the implant shifts or becomes misaligned. You can face the world in one week.

We arrange your consultation with a London consultant to help you decide before you come to South Africa