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Skin

Skin Needling VS. Botox

When it comes to transformative skincare treatments – Skin Needling is at the top of the list!

You’re on the quest for younger-looking, more radiant skin. And the options available to you are plentiful, many with incredible results. But with so many amazing treatments currently available, it can become confusing, overwhelming, and lets face it.. expensive.  

For a treatment that improves the appearance of the skin and face, Botox was crowned king a long time ago. Then over time and in more recent years fillers and laser treatments have become increasingly popular in the skin space. 

Personally, I like to keep things as simple as possible. Skin Needling is recognised as a fantastic way to not only give you that youthful glow, but to really improve the health and functioning of your skin.  And with little downtime, no toxic chemicals and at a low cost – it is hands down my skin treatment of choice. 

But what is right for me may not be suitable for you.  So, for the purpose of this article, let’s look at Skin Needling vs. Botox… and which one could work for you. 

WHAT IS BOTOX AND HOW DOES IT WORK? 

Botox is a drug that weakens or paralyses muscle.  It can help to treat some medical conditions but is more widely known for its ability to smooth the appearance of the skin by reducing wrinkles.  

Botox doesn’t treat the surface of the skin, instead it is injected into the underlying muscle, partially paralysing it.  The restricted movement of the muscle smooths the appearance of skin by stopping fine lines and wrinkles being able to form.  

Depending on your desired results, how frozen you want your face to be, and how many mL of Botox your cosmetic injector administers, you may still have movement and expression in your face. 

Botox Injection

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST? 

You will notice the effects of Botox fade over time and results will generally last between 3-6 months. 

DOES BOTOX HURT? 

The level of discomfort associated with Botox injections varies from patient to patient.  With a topical anaesthetic Botox injections can be virtually painless.  But even without numbing, pain is minimal. 

You may feel a little pinch at the injection site but it’s quick and with an experienced injector you may not even notice it at all. 

There is no downtime with Botox, however you may experience some bruising and swelling which can last for several days. 

HOW MUCH DOES BOTOX COST? 

A single Botox treatment can be costly. Anywhere between $300 to $1000 depending on the area/s being treated and how many units are required.  

A single unit can cost between $9 and $15 and if we look at treating the forehead as an example, you may require up to 20 units.  

As the effect of Botox is temporary, there is a repeat cost every three to six months if you want to maintain the results. Despite the ongoing costs, Botox procedures remain popular in Australia and according to the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS), Australians are spending a whopping $350m on Botox treatments each year! 

Now let’s take a look at Skin Needling… 

WHAT IS SKIN NEEDLING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?  

When it comes to transformative skincare treatments, Skin Needling is at the top of the list.

Skin needling (also referred to as micro-needling) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure based on the skin’s own ability to repair itself.

The procedure involves using a device with tiny needles drawn across the skin to create microinjuries which encourage the body’s innate ability to regrow and repair the skin through its normal physiological processes.  This healing response releases growth factors and triggers the production of collagen and elastin improving the skins texture and structure leaving the skin rejuvenated, firm, smooth and more youthful in appearance. 

Skin Needling is also referred to as collagen induction therapy, which can:

  • Improve skin cellular turnover
  • Firm and tighten skin tone
  • Clear up and smooth the complexion
  • Minimise hyperpigmentation and age spots
  • Improve the appearance of acne scarring 
  • Strengthen a fragile capillary network
  • Improve skin’s overall structure

Skin Needling is not an aggressive procedure, and if performed correctly does not damage the epidermis long term, and there is virtually no risk of scarring or infection. 

Skin Needling

HOW LONG DOES SKIN NEEDLING LAST?  

Skin Needling is designed to provide incremental results and has shown long-term benefits from as little as three treatments.  

As Skin Needling stimulates and renews the skin, results do not fade or wear off as they do with other cosmetic procedures.  The health of your skin will start to improve within a week of your first treatment with a more noticed radiance, textural and fine line improvement increasing over the following 4-6 weeks.

You will benefit most from a series of treatments four weeks apart for six months from which the results will then build and can last up to years with the correct skincare and Skin Needling maintenance to maintain your glowing results! 

DOES SKIN NEEDLING HURT?  

There is some discomfort associated with Skin Needling, however, the application of a topical anaesthetic prior to the treatment can be very helpful. 

The level of discomfort will also depend on your pain threshold and a variant of other factors like where you are at in your cycle, if you’re tired/hungry etc. 

Immediately after treatment you may experience redness and minor swelling.  Once the anaesthetic wears off your skin can feel warm and a little stingy. 

HOW MUCH DOES SKIN NEEDLING COST? 

Skin Needling prices can range up to several hundred dollars per treatment. 

Stevie J. offers an exclusive membership, allowing you to have monthly treatments at an affordable price, visit www.steviej.com.au for details.

SKIN NEEDLING VS. BOTOX 

  • Skin Needling and Botox are suitable for all skin types – which treatment you choose depends on your needs.
  • Both treatments achieve different results, so rather than replacing each other, they can complement one another! 
  • Botox works by paralysing the muscles, Skin Needling stimulates collagen production – together they are an anti-aging powerhouse! 
  • Both can be used for preventative-aging.
  • If your goal is to improve not only the appearance, but the condition of your skin, then Skin Needling will be perfect for you.
  • If you’ve got stubborn deep wrinkles, Botox is great to treat the facial muscles that deepen the wrinkle. 
  • Skin Needling really does give you a healthy ‘glow’ that people notice.

It is recommended to wait 2 weeks after having Botox before having Skin Needling.  Or if you have your Skin Needling first, allow your skin to heal up to 7 days before having Botox injectables. 

Are you ready to invest in one of the best beauty treatments you’ll ever have?

If you are ready to start your Skin Needling journey and would like to discuss your concerns and membership options, I am offering you a complimentary 15-minute consultation.  Connect with me on Instagram or make a booking online here.

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Lips

Why Lip Blushing is the new Lip Filler

Cosmetic trends are continuously changing, but plump lips are ALWAYS in – am I right?

They’ve actually been ‘in’ for over 100 years. Since the early 1900’s they were experimenting with injecting things like fat, liquid paraffin, and bovine collagen (that’s right, from cows) into peoples lips to achieve the bigger pout that’s deemed as more attractive and sexier. Wild, I know!  

Thankfully the non-surgical treatments, techniques and results have evolved exponentially since then. Fast forward to today, non-surgical and less invasive treatments are more accessible, more affordable and come with little to no downtime.

The attention to facial aesthetics continues to increase, fleshy lips are still glorified, and that plumped pout isn’t so difficult to get anymore.

Cue the Lip Blush. Which, dare I say, is here to replace the infamous lip filler.

What is Lip Blushing?

Only the trendiest of trendy cosmetic enhancement treatments right now! Lip blushing is a type of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing that softly defines and fills in your lips to give them a constant wash of colour, like a really good tinted lip balm.  

This evolved treatment involves implanting pigments into the lips with the use of a tattoo machine and water-based inks (often vegan).  It is similar to lip tattooing that’s been around for many years, but uses new techniques, more sophisticated pigments and improved tools that are gentle to the skin.  The result is much more natural looking lips without harsh lines.

Lip blushing helps to define the lip border, correct asymmetry and enhances your natural lip colour, leaving you with fuller healthier looking lips.

You will hear the same treatment called Lip Tint, Lip Staining, Lip Tattoo, Full Tint and “Candy Lips”. And if the name ‘Candy Lips’ isn’t enough for you to want to drop everything & get some right now, let’s learn more..  

How long does lip blushing last?

Typically lip blushing will last for 12-24 months depending on your skin type, health and your lifestyle. Factors like your age, metabolism and sun exposure can affect the longevity of the colour. Your lips will slowly fade over time returning to their natural hue.  It is recommended that you refresh your lip blush tattoo every year if you would like to prolong the lip shade that you want.

How much does lip blushing cost?

The cost varies and mostly depends on the cosmetic tattoo artists level of skill.  Do your research!  Check the artists Instagram, look for healed result photos, DM their clients for an honest opinion on their experience. Read reviews.  

Typically you can expect to pay between $450 and $900.

Does lip blushing hurt?

A tattoo on your lips does sound painful right?!  With the use of a topical anaesthetic cream, you should find the treatment comfortable and, in most cases, painless. It is a very delicate and gentle procedure, and the level of discomfort depends on an individuals pain threshold and a variety of other factors (hot tip ladies – plan your appointment away from THAT time of the month!)

So how could Lip Blush replace Lip Filler?

History has shown that there will always be a place for augmentation of the lips, however Lip Blushing accomplishes similar affects to Lip Filler but with results that will last a lot longer.  The treatment is less invasive and is low maintenance.

Lip Blushing fills out your natural lips which will make them look fuller simply by being defined and enhanced with pigment.  It can change the appearance of the shape of the lips, enhancing symmetry, covering uneven pigmentation or scars, defining the border and cupids bow and giving the illusion of fuller plumper lips.

There is a high chance that after having lip blushing done you will no longer feel the need for filler at all. You will literally just gloss & go! I think I just heard your lips (and your bank balance) sigh in relief.   

Are you ready to invest in one of the best beauty treatments you’ll ever have?

Stevie J. specialises in the Lip Blushing cosmetic tattoo technique and is your absolute go to for your new lips. Connect with her on Instagram or make a booking online here.