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As we age our faces often become thinner, eventually taking on a gaunt, sunken-cheeked appearance.

This happens because we lose collagen as we get older. Collagen is the building block of skin, and as it diminishes so too does the plumped skin of our youth.

Collagen loss starts early. During our early 30s collagen production slows, and from this point our faces starts to lose volume.

How fast you lose collagen depends on genetics and environmental factors. If skin is exposed to too much ultra-violet light from the sun, collagen is lost more quickly. By our early 40s many of us will already be looking gaunt.

Thankfully, though, there are ways to restore lost collagen and re-plump skin. Here are our two favourite choices.

Sculptra

This treatment involves injecting a substance call poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) into the face. PLLA triggers fibroblast cells in the skin to secrete collagen.

PLLA has been used in surgical sutures for many years, so is known to be safe.

A few treatments are needed but over the coming months you will start to see a difference as the fibroblast cells produce more and more collagen, and youthful plumpness begins to return.

As it is your own collagen that is plumping up your face, it is completely natural.

Sculptra before and after

Sculptra plumps sunken cheeks

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

Another clever way to stimulate collagen, this clever procedure uses your own blood to improve skin texture and leave it looking younger, plumper and fresher.

A small amount of blood, taken from your arm, is spun to separate it into red and white cells and platelets.

It is the healing properties of the platelets that perform the magic when they are injected back into the face, neck or décolletage. The platelets help rebuild and repair damaged and aged skin cells quickly, and growth factors in the platelets stimulate collagen production, meaning plumper, younger-looking skin.

PRP was originally used by sports doctors, who found that injecting platelet-rich plasma directly into injured muscle or joints accelerated recovery.

Once again it is your own, natural collagen restoring plumpness. Plus, as it is your blood being used to stimulate the process, nothing artificial is added at all.

PRP improves chest wrinkles

PRP can rejuvenate skin on face, neck or chest

To find out more about Sculptra, PRP or any of our other cosmetic procedures and products, book a free consultation by calling 966 860 258.