Alongside the obvious non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox and Dermal Fillers, there are several alternative and highly-rated treatments that will do your skin, face and body wonders and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg! Treatments are fast becoming more affordable these days, with clinics all over the UK vying for peoples’ custom; however, it’s best to bare in mind, there are still cowboy beauticians out there who are causing real damage to the faces’ of people who are looking for cheap solutions to keeping up their appearance, so we always advocate seeking the advice of medical professionals and draw on experienced aestheticians to perform your tweakments.
Microneedling Facial
This type of facial involves using a small roller covered in tiny, sharp spikes that punch lots of small holes into the skin. Sounds a bit rough doesn’t it? Though one of the main reasons Microneedling is a highly regarded treatment is down to the stimulated collagen the skin produces as a wound-healing response on the epidermis, prompting cell renewal, which in turn firms the skin. Furthermore, the skin’s absorption rate is higher when products are directly applied afterwards.
Cost: £90 upwards
Skin Peeling Facial
A non-invasive treatment that removes the top layer of skin from your face, improving complexion by freshening up the skin’s surface. Forget about old school chemical peels which left you gasping in horror once you had a glance at your own reflection, then instant regret when wondering if your face would ever be the same (think SATC when Samantha turns up to Carrie’s book launch with bright red tomato skin); the new modernised facial peels of today are subtle, leaving no trace of soreness. They are often performed as one component in a multipart facial AND they don’t need a week’s worth of recovery time either. Skin peeling facials are used with acid to dissolve the bonds that are holding old, dead skin cells onto the skin’s surface. The dead skin cells then slough off, leaving fresh skin beneath – even the peeling is subtle. You can also opt for varying skin peel levels to suit your needs, for example – there are superficial, medium depth and deep peels available.
Cost: £120 upwards
Hydrafacial
Like a deep-cleansing reset for the face, the Hyrdafacial is a good place to start if you’re having doubts about injectables. Leaving the skin looking fresh, glowing and very clean, this type of facial cleanses and exfoliates the skin through a water-jet pen device which gently blasts water onto the surface of the skin to get rid of old dead skin cells. Afterwards a glycolic acid peel is applied to soften the impurities that cause blocked pores and the pen then sucks away the softened gunk, and simultaneously, performs a lymph-drainage massage – who doesn’t want a two-in-one facial? This leaves the skin a lot smoother and more receptive to vitamins, peptides and hyaluronic acid that boost complexion and plump out fine lines and wrinkles.
A soothing red light is part of the final step that both calms the skin and further stimulates collagen production. Hydrafacials are also amazing for removing those nightmare blackheads due to the extra thorough cleansing, exfoliation and AHA acid usage.
Cost: £140 per session, packages vary
Dermaplaning
Having your skin shaved with a free-hand scalpel may not sound ideal, however this facial treatment is an advanced yet gentle form of facial exfoliation that makes your skin look rejuvenated and glowing. There’s a reason it’s so popular with celebrities and supermodels alike; the removal of peach fuzz vellus hair and the top layer of dead skin cells with an ultra-fine scalpel not only makes your skin feel extra smooth and look camera ready but will also allow products to absorb better and quicker allowing makeup to glide on perfectly. Do make sure to apply sunscreen daily as Dermaplaning makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays!
Cost: from £150 per session.
Cryolipolysis
Cryo – freezing and lipolysis, granted not the easiest to pronounce, but this fat destruction treatment is a lot more simple and less invasive than you think. Freezing fat may sound like a bizarre way to try to reduce fat, but it’s been scientifically proven that temperatures below 4ºC kill fat cells and are permanently removed from the body through lymphatic drainage. Cryolipolysis is considered a safer, non-invasive alternative to surgical liposuction and doesn’t require anaesthetic; the freezing device head is placed onto the skin area with gel pads and vacuums the chunk of fat, cooling to 4ºC or lower. After 30 minutes, the chilling chamber is released and the practitioner massages and reshapes the almost frozen lump of fat back into shape. Bruising is expected afterwards which can last up to 2 weeks and the body’s cell-disposal process may also take 3–6 months in total. Drinking plenty of water each day (2 to 3 litres) will help the body get rid of the fat cells alongside regular exercise. CoolSculpting is a specific brand of fat freezing technology AND there are VARIOUS UK registered clinics who provide this treatment.
Cost: £80 upwards depending on area size.
No-Needle Lip Plumper
Lip plumping without fillers you say? You heard right, The Perk no-needle lip plumper is a pen like device used to temporarily plump lips without injectables. This treatment removes the dead skin cells whilst replenishing the lips with antioxidents such as peppermint oil and wheat proteins, leaving smooth and perfectly primed lips. This is a short-term treatment lasting up to a week max, however its a much more cost-effective alternative to fillers and you can’t overdo it, plus you won’t end up with any form of bruising, swelling or pain afterwards. You’re given a tube of aftercare solution to be applied at least twice a day – it’s a great short-term fix before a party, but don’t expect lips to swell to double the size.
Cost: around £65
Non-surgical Brazilian Bum Lift
Want a perky round behind without going under the knife? Well the Non-surgical Brazilian Bum Lift could be a safe and more affordable solution. Not only does the procedure tighten the skin but it also reduces cellulite and lifts sagging cheeks through the use of Tri-Polar radio frequencies that melt pockets of fat. In combination with a vacuum roller that penetrates layers of malleable subcutaneous fat, it contours the buttocks while reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s a painless procedure, with some claiming it to be quite relaxing and you can even do it on your lunch break!
Cost: from £79
HIFU Facelift
A revolution in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, the HIFI facelift has a unique ability to penetrate the dermis and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer. As a non-invasive procedure, the HIFI uses multiple beams of ultrasound that targets deeper layers on the skin, creating points of thermal energy by heating tissue below the surface, causing it to contract and tighten while also forming new collagen fibres. SMAS is the same layer which is tightened during conventional facelift surgery, however unlike surgery, HIFU is more affordable and requires no time off work.
Cost: ranging from £100 to £200
Radio Frequency Skin Tightening
You will be surprised at how effective this non-invasive, clinically proven treatment can be at reducing the signs of ageing and giving you younger, healthier looking skin without the need for surgery. Performed on the face and other desired areas of the body, radio frequency energy is used to heat the skin with the purpose of stimulating cutaneous collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines and loose skin. Reaching temperatures of up to 40ºC, expect zero discomfort during the session with only a little redness following the procedure. A definite treatment to get in your lunch hour!
Cost: £120 upwards
