Sergio Galvan Photography

Dear Father Christmas can you please get rid of my wrinkles?

There’s a time in everyone’s life when they feel a bit creaky.

However hard you try and look after your skin, nature is one step ahead and shows you who is boss. A misspent youth sunbathing slathered in coconut oil? Burning the candle at both ends at University and beyond? Smoking, kids, weight loss, coffee? All the things which are fun will definitely not shy away from showing on your face in later life.

This year I celebrated my 44th birthday. Not a biggie, and I certainly don’t feel it.. But having split up with my partner earlier in the year, I knew it was a good a time as any to address my crinkles..

So, I booked in for a consultation with qualified practitioner and nurse, Kay Greveson at Regents Park Aesthetics in central London. I didn’t actually know what I wanted or needed in terms of modification, so I went straight to the top. The clinic is based just off Harley Street, and immediately made me feel like I was in hands of professionals.

The website promised Botox, Dermal Fillers, Non-Surgical Face lifts, Lip Fillers and Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty, so it was no wonder I was a tad overwhelmed. But after explaining my concerns with my upper lip crinkles, Kay advised that I needed to relax my muscles, so Botox would do the job for me.

Booking in for the procedure a week later, when I had a free diary in case of any bruising, I was excited and nervous.

D-day came and I was strangely excited. I knew that the results wouldn’t be instant, but this was the starting point for me getting all grown up! Seeing Kay again was like catching up with an old friend. She remembered it was my birthday and I felt really at ease as she went over the procedure. My problem area is just above my lip line is apparently very common, and I was promised that the procedure would be a couple of pricks, and take minutes.

Kay had a lovely bedside manner, and reassured me that she was starting with the lowest dose, so my fears of trout pout should be shelved! If I felt like I needed a little more, this could be applied in my post-treatment appointment in two weeks.

I was quite happy to start with a small dose, and the whole procedure of two injections took minutes, but I must admit it was a weird feeling. I was told that there might be a bit of bruising as the skin around the upper lip is tender, and talking/eating might be more of a challenge for the next couple of hours, but apart from that there is no down time! Perfect for me, as I headed home and didn’t speak to anyone for the next 12 hours!

I was watching my face like a hawk for the next week, and felt like I could see the wrinkles disappear before my eyes. Not very likely, as it was the muscles which were getting limper but I obviously took well to the procedure! When I returned for my check up, I was delighted to be told that it has worked as well as it should- no more needles needed! My smile should stay wrinkle free for the next three months, when I will definitely be back for another pop!

For more information check out the website www.regentsparkaesthetics.co.uk

Or call 0207 5804813 for an appointment.