Enhanceskin

7 Buxton Square
Nelson
Tel: 03 548 8216
Email Us

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Autumn Skincare – Products, Treatment and Nutrition

Autumn is knocking at the door in Nelson… So it’s time to think about switching up your skincare for the season ahead and addressing any signs of sun damage.

autumn skincareProduct we ❤️… PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum – Your Autumn Skincare Saviour!

Plump and firm skin through increased hydration with this advanced hyaluronic acid formulation. This smoothing blend provides deep, long-lasting hydration on three levels: on the surface, deeper in the skin and by increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production.
  • Instant hydration and smoothing on the surface of the skin.
  • Deeper hydration and fine line reduction with the addition of hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
  • Proprietary blend HA-Pro Complex™ encourages the skin to create its own hyaluronic acid, resulting in long-term anti-ageing and hydration.
  • Suitable for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, red and reactive skin types, impaired barrier function and ageing concerns.

Treatments to Save Your Skin…

Lower humidity levels and autumn winds can dry out your skin leaving it flaky, cracked, itchy and red. As you light the fire or switch on the heating, the dryness can get worse, and when you take a long soak in the bath to warm up, contrary to what you may think, you’re stripping your skin of even more moisture!

Thankfully, at enhanceskin, we can help SYS (Save Your Skin) improving both texture and appearance with minimally invasive treatments.

Solutions can include, IPL Skin Rejuvenation, Fractora Fractional Resurfacing PLUS, Platelet Rich Plasma Growth-Factor (PRP), Micro-Needling, and our always popular Medi Facials.

Remember we offer a FREE, cosmedical consult, so contact us to book yours and save your skin, or say goodbye to summer sun damage.

Skincare from the Inside Out!

The human microbiome is getting more and more recognition, in particular, the role it plays in health and healing in the human body. It is made up of a complex ecosystem of billions of beneficial bacteria that work simultaneously to maintain good health and a strong immune system.

Your diet plays a big part in establishing gut health and supporting your microbiome’s good bacteria. Not only will this help with your gut, all the vitamins and minerals are going to help build beautiful skin cells.

Ensuring that you are consuming lots of nutritious fruit and vegetables that are full of antioxidants, is a great way to prep your skin for Autumn. Foods that are vibrant in colour, reds, blues, purples, all contain large amounts of free-radical fighting antioxidants and flavonoids, which help to repair and protect our delicate skin cells.

Berry smoothies, green tea, garlic, turmeric, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes are just some of the foods that can help you achieve beautiful, radiant skin. Think of these as part of your internal skin care regime.

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Sun Damage Remorse? It’s time for IPL!

It’s that time of year again… Are you looking in the mirror only to be confronted by signs of sun damage? Dark spots, red veins and other pigmentation changes are just the start of the aging process caused by too much sun. But there is good news! As you start to hibernate in the cooler months IPL skin rejuvenation can be best used to treat this sun damage safely and effectively.

Before commencing IPL you will have an initial consultation with Lacey, our Registered Nurse to determine if it’s the most suitable treatment for you. If it is, we’ll discuss the timing for your first session, because IPL shouldn’t be carried out for two weeks after sun exposure, and indeed, you will need to use sunblock as part of the preparation.

sun damage IPL

If you’ve not experienced this skin rejuvenation treatment before it’s effectiveness comes into play as intense pulsed light is selectively filtered to different wavelength bands to work on different lesions within your skin. The light is only absorbed into dark structures, melanin (the pigment or dark spots), and haemoglobin found in the capillaries (redness and veins). These structures are heated and cauterised. After 3 – 5 sessions you’ll see a gradual and continual improvement of your skin tone, with a more even colour throughout.

If your skin has significant sun damage you will need ongoing ‘top up’ treatments, perhaps each winter, because we haven’t cured you of your sun damage. After treatment you should continue with a healthy regard for the sun, as sun exposure can increase the risk of side effects or pigment coming back. You should also talk to Lacey about medical grade home skincare. Vitamins A and C will help to protect your skin against further UV damage, lessening the chance of oxidising the skin and creating freckles and age spots.

To help you come to terms with sun damage remorse we’ve put together some winter special packages:

IPL  – Nose and Cheeks: This is very popular treatment for both men and women targeting red veins. Normally $250 per treatment. Winter special – 3 for $600.*
Full Face IPL: To treat pigmentation changes. Normally $350 per treatment. Winter special – 3 for $900.*

*Appointments must be booked and paid for at time of initial consultation.

 

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Prevent Wrinkles – Habits to make and break…

Aging is part of life, and as we get older, our skin loses its elasticity resulting in wrinkles and fine lines. Like many things in life, when it comes to these signs of aging, prevention can come before cure… If you want to prevent wrinkles here are a few everyday habits that you should make and break!

 

Prevent Wrinkles

3 Habits to MAKE to help prevent wrinkles.

  • Wear sunscreen (every day!) – If you don’t like the feeling of sunscreen on your face, call in to try some PCA Skin Weightless Protection. It’s light, doesn’t feel cloggy, you can wear it under makeup and it will revolutionise the way you feel about facial sunscreen.
  • Sleep more – You really do need your beauty sleep! At night, energy and cellular functions focus on repair and recovery, thus preventing wrinkles.
  • Stress less – The stress hormone, cortisol, elevates your blood sugar; this causes glycation which damages collagen and elastin, the proteins that smooth and plump your skin.

3 Habits to BREAK to help prevent wrinkles.

  • Stop smoking – You don’t need us to tell you that there is nothing good about smoking. Every time you smoke a cigarette you are breathing in carcinogens and toxins that damage your organs, the largest organ being your skin! The repetitive motion of puckering your lips will cause wrinkles around your mouth, we think the only time you should be puckering up is for a kiss!
  • Quit sugar – If there is an excess of sugar in your body, protein molecules can cross link with sugar molecules, creating new sugar proteins. These are called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGES). As your body doesn’t recognise these AGES, they can lead to inflammation in the skin. The proteins in your skin that are most prone to glycation are the same ones that make a youthful complexion so plump and springy, collagen and elastin. Once the AGES have formed, they gravitate toward this dermal collagen and elastin, and the more AGES produced, the more collagen is compromised. The effects at cellular level of your skin’s structure may result in wrinkling, loss of elasticity, stiffness and accelerated ageing.
  • Sip don’t suck – Ditch the straw and water bottle, and pour your water into a glass instead. Repeatedly pursing your lips to drink through a straw or from a water bottle, will cause wrinkling around your mouth, these lines become more pronounced as you age and your skin weakens.

If you feel that your bad habits may have caught up with you, we can help!

Botox, a natural, purified protein, can be used to soften fine lines or wrinkles caused by facial expressions, stress and sun exposure, creating a smooth, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can be used to fill the fine lines around the mouth, and are also effective in treating frown lines, forehead lines, smile lines, and crows feet.

Call to book your FREE, no obligation cosmedical consultation to find out how we can help.

We also stock an advanced range of skin care products, these prescription strength products can help with aging skin. Products containing Vitamin C, such as Aspect Dr Active C Serum, can improve your skin tone, texture and firmness. And products containing Vitamin A, like Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus Serum, assist with cellular turnover, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, aging and sun-damaged skin.

 

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Focus on IPL skin rejuvenation.

This time of year is an excellent time to address your skin concerns and sun damage with IPL skin rejuvenation. So, in this article we wanted to answer some of your frequently asked questions around one of our most popular and effective treatments

IPL

What exactly is IPL?

IPL stands for ‘intense pulsed light’. This practice is used for the treatment of pigmented spots, freckles, and sun damage, small veins and capillaries, rosacea and hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. The IPL machine releases an extremely strong light, which can be selectively filtered to different wavelength bands to work on different lesions within the skin.

What can I expect to happen during my IPL treatment?

  • Before commencing IPL you will have an initial consultation with Lacey, our Registered Nurse to determine if it’s the most suitable treatment for you. If it is, we’ll discuss the timing for your first session, because IPL shouldn’t be carried out for two weeks after sun exposure so you need to be using sunblock as part of the preparation.
  • When you come for your first treatment appointment we’ll cleanse your skin and a cold gel will be applied to your skin to help improve conductivity.
  • Using the IPL, we will fire short bursts of light onto each patch of your skin. It feels a bit like a rubber band being flicked onto your skin (at worst). Following treatment, we’ll cleanse your skin and apply the all important sunblock.

How many IPL treatments will I need?

Occasionally you will see significant change after just one treatment. Over the course of 3-5 treatment sessions, most people see a gradual and continual improvement of their skin tone. The total number of required sessions varies depending on the condition of your skin and your skin type.

Does IPL hurt?

It’s probably fair to say that there is a degree of discomfort. Individual experience varies. Sometimes clients are a little shocked when they feel the first burst of the laser on sensitive areas of the face. But once you know what to expect the treatment is fairly easy to bear and over fairly quickly, with most treatments taking no more than about 30 – 45 minutes, including skin preparation and post treatment care.

Is there any downtime after IPL?

Because it works on lower layers of the skin, IPL leaves the top surface unscathed so you can immediately apply makeup and return to your daily activities. Your age spots and pigmentation will darken initially following treatment. After around 7-10 days these darkened spots will flake off leaving a clearer, more youthful appearance.

Is IPL safe?

Treatment is generally safe and effective for most skin types and colours, except for very dark skin. We will often do a test patch prior to any treatment to determine the best settings for your skin and reduce the risk of any side effects. Expect to have a patch test at your initial consultation, and return for treatment a week or so later.

How long will the great results from my treatment last?

People with significant sun damage will need ongoing ‘top up’ treatments, perhaps each winter, because we haven’t cured you of your sun damage. After treatment you should continue with a healthy regard for the sun, as sun exposure can increase the risk of side effects or pigment coming back. As per our mantra… You should wear your recommended sun protection every day.

Phone now for your complimentary cosmedical consultation.

 

 

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Skincare advice you might give your younger self…

If you could turn back the clock would you have any advice to give your younger self about skincare?

Cosmedical

We posed this question to some of our nearest and dearest and here are a few of the answers that came back to us.

  • I’d use sunscreen every day!
    Anybody who knows Doctor David will know that this is his mantra… Protection is always the first step in aging gracefully… Sadly, our younger selves didn’t always appreciate the importance of prevention. If you didn’t reach for the sunscreen on a daily basis in your youth and your skin is now showing the tell-tale signs of aging, don’t despair – we can still help. Talk to us about IPL – Intense Pulse Light – Skin Rejuvenation and Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing, both of these highly effective treatment options can help you turn back the clock on historic sun damage. It’s also never too late to get into the habit of applying sunscreen every day, if this isn’t part of your routine, start now!
  • I wouldn’t forget my neck, décolletage, and hands…
    When we’re younger our skincare routine is often focussed on the face alone; however the neck, décolletage, and hands are areas that can show early signs of aging. Again we have treatment options that can help to restore your skin around these areas, come and talk to us. Remember that if you book your FREE, no obligation, cosmedical consultation with Lacey during June, you’ll receive a complimentary Aspect Dr skincare kit*(Value $130) when you commence your treatment plan.
    *While stocks last.
  • I’d use serums more than moisturisers.
    Moisturisers should be used as an enhancement to serums. Moisturisers, alone do not add moisture to your skin. At best, a moisturiser used on its own will make your skin soft. For healthy, glowing, hydrated skin, you can’t afford to skip the serum.
    Serums are secret weapons against the ravages of time. Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Young skin is full of vitamin C, but aging skin loses this nutrient over time. It’s never to early to give your skin a boost, we recommend Aspect Dr Active C Serum to improve your skin tone, texture and firmness. Vitamin A (sometimes known as Retinol) is a key ingredient that can connect to almost any skin cell and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell… Not magic… Just science! We recommend Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus Serum. It assists in cellular turnover, refines pores, regulates oil production, enhances skin texture, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, aging and sun-damaged skin. Call in and talk to us about our advanced range of skincare products from Aspect Dr and PCA Skin – which has a combined Vitamin A and C product, PCA A & C Synergy Serum, that David, Rob and Lacey are all great fans of; unlike many commercial products these companies invest in science rather than packaging, so they really do what they say they do on the packet.

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Sun Damage? Treatments you should consider right now…

Our mantra at enhanceskin is protect, rejuvenate and enhance. Sun protection is essential every day, (summer and winter, indoors and outdoors), but you need to seriously ramp it up when you’re enjoying the great outdoors lifestyle we’re lucky enough to enjoy here in the top of the South.

We live in a perfect region to enjoy everything summer has to offer, with beaches, cycling and walking tracks aplenty. But unless you have been rigorous in your dedication to protecting your skin, there’s a chance you may be hanging on to a holiday souvenir you didn’t want. The aesthetic signs of sun damage are unmistakable, and dark spots, red veins and other pigmentation changes are just the start of the aging process caused by too much sun.

But there is a ray of (UV free) light at the end of the tunnel, because here at enhanceskin we can help you turn back the clock on historic sun damage. If your skin has started to show signs of pigment change or you’ve started to notice red veins then you should consider the following treatments.

  • IPL – Intense Pulse Light – Skin Rejuvenation
    Light is used to selectively treat pigmentation, red veins, or both. This brief treatment requires no downtime and after a course of 3 to 5 sessions will give a 70 to 80 percent improvement in appearance such that hopefully you no longer need to hide under makeup! Read more about IPL – Intense Pulse Light Skin Rejuvenation HERE.
  • Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing
    This procedure uses fractionated Radio Frequency energy to rejuvenate and resurface the skin. It is able to slow the effects of ageing and restore your skin. It’s perfect for reducing red and brown spots and fine lines, but has the added benefits of tightening your skin and improving the overall skin texture. This does require some downtime, but it is the gold-standard in resurfacing treatment options (equivalent/better than Laser!) Some results can be seen immediately, but typically results are seen a couple of weeks after treatment and continue up to three months after treatment. You can expect to have between 1 and 4 Fractora sessions. Read more about Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing HERE.
  • Home Skin Care
    Most people benefit from medical grade skin care include Vitamins A+C and Pigment Reducing solutions as well as or instead of in house treatments.

Call us now to book your complimentary cosmedical consultation to find out what would work best for you.

 

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Focus on Fractora

Here at enhanceskin we offer two types of Fractora treatments.

  • Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing PLUS, and
  • Fractora Firm

Lacey Boyd

Both treatments utilise Radio Frequency and research shows this technology stimulates the production of collagen and elastin; both of these proteins begin to decline with age. But what’s the difference between the two? Here’s Lacey to explain….

 

 

 

 

Fractora Fractional Resurfacing PLUS

What does it do?

The radio frequency targets collagen and elastin encouraging their production, this happens from the micro injury that is caused by the pins/needles encouraging the replenishment of the skin cells to repair.

Where is it used?

This treatment can be used to treat the skin on arms, hands, face, neck and décolletage.

How will it help?

  • Reduce fine or deep lines
  • Tighten
  • Reduces red veins and brown spots
  • Improve skin texture
  • Reduce acne scarring
  • Address enlarged pores

How soon will I see results?

Subtle changes can be seen at your 2 week follow up and ongoing improvement through the next few months.

How many treatments will I require?

You should expect to have between 1 and 4 Fractora Fractional Resurfacing PLUS sessions over a year. No more frequently than a month apart. One week afterwards is set aside for healing. Vitamin A will be prescribed for a month pre Fractora treatment.

Fractora Firm

What does it do?

This relaxing and non invasive radio frequency facial increases collagen and elastin production.

Where is it used?

This treatment can be used to treat the skin on the face and neck.

How will it help?

  • Treat sagging skin on the entire face
  • Treat a lack of definition in certain areas, such as forehead, crows feet, upper eyelids, lower eyelids, nasolabial folds, jowls, smile lines and neck.

How soon will I see results?

You will begin to see results around 3 months after your final treatment. For faster results Fractora Firm can be used in conjunction with other treatments, facials, injectables and/or fillers.

How many treatments will I require?

We recommend that weekly sessions are performed over six weeks, currently we offer a seventh treatment complimentary.

 

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3 Anti Aging Myths

Screen Shot 2015-11-06 at 3.55.06 pm

When it comes to skin, the causes and effects of aging and how to help prevent premature aging, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around out there.

So we thought we’d share three common myths that you deserve to know the truth behind.

 

  1. Myth: It’s all in the genes.
    Fact: Whilst it’s true that genetics will play a role in how you age. The reason your grandmother had great skin may have been because she limited her sun exposure, got eight hours sleep a night or ate a diet rich in antioxidants. What we’re saying is that behaviours have a far greater influence over genetics on how your skin ages.
  2. Myth: A moisturiser used alone will prevent wrinkles.
    Fact: Moisturisers, alone do not add moisture to your skin. At best, a moisturiser used on its own will make your skin soft. For healthy, glowing, hydrated skin you should also use Vitamin C (in the morning) and Vitamin A/Retinol (in the evening), in the form of serums; these will feed your skin from below, where a moisturiser is unable to penetrate. That said, don’t throw your moisturiser out just yet… Moisturisers do make a great barrier from harsh elements, and provide additional help when the skin is very dry.
  3. colorscienceMyth: Sunscreen is just for sunny days.
    Fact: Sunscreen should be worn every day… Summer, winter and every day in between! Remember, harmful UV rays can reach skin indirectly; through reection when you’re under a sun shade or near a window; plus indoor lighting can also be harmful. Regular make-up doesn’t protect you either… We do, however stock Sunforgettable® Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 a water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen that makes protecting your skin easy, 365 days a year. Perfectly portable and easy to reapply, it offers powerful SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection with sheer, natural-looking coverage.

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5 New Year Resolutions to save your skin!

Happy New Year from all of us at enhanceskin!

 

2016

You may have made your New Year resolutions or set some personal goals. These shouldn’t be a chore or difficult to achieve, and whatever you’ve chosen to focus on you should ensure that at the end of 2016 you’ll look back and feel great about the decisions you’ve made.

In 2016 we want to help you have healthy, fabulous skin, and to look the best you possibly can, so we’re sharing five new year resolutions that will help SYS (Save Your Skin).

  1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! – Our mantra is “Protect, rejuvenate and enhance” and it all starts with sunscreen… Not just for sunny days, be sure to wear your sunscreen every day come rain, shine or anything in between. We love PCA Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45. This broad spectrum sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection with the technology of ultra-sheer zinc oxide and a blend of additional sunscreen ingredients. It also contains the important antioxidants silybin, also known as milk thistle, and caffeine. Its unique quick-absorbing and light finish makes Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ideal for patients with oily or breakout-prone skin and those who dislike the feel of traditional sunscreen products.
  2. Use a skincare product that contains Vitamin C – This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Young skin is full of vitamin C, but aging skin loses this nutrient over time. It’s never to early to give your skin a boost, we recommend Aspect Dr Active C Serum to improve your skin tone, texture and firmness.
  3. Use a skincare product containing Vitamin A – Another name for Vitamin A is Retinol, this key antioxidant ingredient can  connect to almost any skin cell and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell… Not magic… Just science! We recommend Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus Serum it assists in cellular turnover, refines pores, regulates oil production, enhances skin texture, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, aging and sun-damaged skin.
  4. Turn back the clock on historical sun damage – We offer clinic based treatments that can rejuvenate your skin and reduce pigment or red veins caused by too much sun. These include MediFacials, IPL – Intense Pulse Light – Skin Rejuvenation and Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing. Read more about how these treatments help HERE.
  5. Try something new… Botox! – If you’ve not experienced the results that Botox offers, consider this simple non-surgical procedure as a way forward in 2016. Botox (Botulinum toxin) softens the fine lines or wrinkles caused by facial expressions, stress and sun. Botox is a natural, purified protein that relaxes the facial muscles that cause problem wrinkles, creating a smooth, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. Contact us for your FREE cosmedical consultation.

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Sun Damage Solutions – Part 2

In our last blog post, we talked about Sun Damage Solutions and how to address the results of too much sun, seen in pigment or red veins, with doctor prescribed home skin treatments. You can read the article HERE.

If you choose to take this path in order to turn back the clock on sun damage, you will undoubtedly see results, but they won’t be immediate.

For faster results you might like to consider a clinic based treatment. There are several options to consider:

MediFacials

These will supercharge your home care prescription by encouraging cellular turnover and through deeply cleansing embedded dirt and impurities. We suggest 4 to 6 thirty-minute sessions with essentially no downtime.

IPL – Intense Pulse Light – Skin Rejuvenation

Light is used to selectively treat pigmentation, red veins, or both. This brief treatment requires no downtime and after a course of 3 to 5 sessions will give a 70 to 80 percent improvement in appearance. Read more about IPL – Intense Pulse Light Skin Rejuvenation HERE.

Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing

Screen Shot 2015-05-08 at 3.55.12 pm

This procedure uses fractionated energy to rejuvenate and resurface the skin. It is able to slow the effects of againg and restore your skin. It’s perfect for reducing red and brown spots and fine lines, but has the added benefits of tightening your skin and improving the overall skin texture. This does require some downtim, but it is the gold-standard in resurfacing treatment options. Some results can be seen immediately, but typically results are seen two weeks after treatment and continue up to three months after treatment. You can expect to have between 1 and 4 Fractora sessions. Read more about Fractora – Fractional Resurfacing HERE.

HEALTH INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE

enhanceskin is an Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society for
Endovenous Laser Treatment and
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

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PAYMENT OPTIONS

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We are pleased to offer our patients a convenient way to pay for their healthcare needs.
With 12 months no payments and no interest* on treatments $200 and over, you can get the treatment you want, when you want it.
Talk to us about this payment option and begin your treatment today!

Apply for Pre-approved Finance
*12 months no payments and no interest (“Payment Holiday”) is available on Q Card Flexi Payment Plans. Minimum spend $200. Account Fees may apply. A $55 Establishment Fee for new Q Cardholders and a $35 Advance Fee for existing Q Cardholders will apply. Q Card Standard Interest Rate applies to any outstanding balance at end of Payment Holiday. Offer is ongoing. Q Card lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.

What our clients say

“I can't believe it - I have 2 legs back with no pain” – Shirley

“I can heartily recommend laser, less pain and back to work!” – Denise

(after EVLT Varicose Veins)
“First summer in years I have been able to wear shorts” – Daryl H

(after EVLT Varicose Veins)
“Best thing is I've had no cramps since the day of my vein treatment” – Robert P

(after EVLT Varicose Veins)
"My restless legs have gone" - David

(On the evening following his varicose veins procedure)
"That was so much less scary than I thought it would be" - Vivienne

(Following EVLA varicose vein treatment)
"I don't know why I didn't do it years ago" - Carolynne

(Following the removal of numerous skin tags)
"That was easier than going to the Dentist" - Alistair

(after EndoVenous Laser Ablation of his Varicose Veins)
“That was so less scary than I thought it would be. You’ve changed my life” – Awhina

(after EVLT Varicose Veins)
“The weight came off, my skin firmed up and the few stretch marks I had started to fade. I would recommend TiteFX to anyone struggling to shed those last couple of kilos, it's a miracle treatment”

How the sun sees you