Located on Cheltenham High Street, doctor-led clinic Thérapie offers a range of aesthetic treatments, including dermal fillers, administered by its highly trained team of medical professionals.
SoGlos sits down with expert cosmetic injector, Suzanne, to discover how Thérapie offers safety, self-confidence and stunning results.
What are the most common concerns people requesting dermal fillers have when they come for a consultation?
Dermal fillers are very versatile and we have many different types of fillers at Thérapie, so we can treat most concerns.
What are some of the dermal filler treatments available from Thérapie and what do they do?
We can use hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in all areas of the face, as well as on the neck, decollete, hands and arms, to treat lost volume and the appearance of fine lines.
We also have things like Sculptra, which is a calcium-based biostimulator that's designed to stimulate your skin's natural collagen production, so it's a little bit different from your usual dermal fillers. It lasts a lot longer, and while it doesn't fill a lot of volume, it can lift and tighten the skin so it's a good choice for older skin. Biostimulators are also popular for people who are looking for a more natural option to fillers.
We've got polynucleotides as well, which are designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production and we're having really good results with that.
We have hybrid fillers which combine hyaluronic acid and calcium, to give contour and longevity. For luminosity and radiance, there are skin boosters, too.
The science behind all of these products is amazing – and it's getting better and better.
We're becoming quite a specialist in the use of biostimulators. The Sculptra product we use, for example, is not something which can be dissolved – it lasts for around two years before it's absorbed – and it's so popular, people really trust us with it.
These kinds of treatments seem to be growing in popularity, especially for younger people, why do you think that is?
I think it's for radiance and skin texture. Polynucleotides especially can be used for more than just cosmetic purposes, we treat a lot of acne scarring and rosacea – there's a lot going on with young skin and polynucleotides tend to calm everything down.
If people have got really dry skin, we can use skin boosters to hydrate.
So, it's more about trying to get your skin in the best condition it can be.
With weight-loss treatments becoming more common, can fillers help with lost volume related to weight loss, too?
We get a lot of clients who have had weight-loss treatments and lost a large amount of weight, which then shows in their face.
Things like Sculptra and fillers can help build the volume back up in the face and restore their natural look, helping them look like themselves again.
Are fillers suitable for most people?
Nobody under 18 can have treatment, but there's no upper age limit. I've treated people who are 70, 80, 90 years old. As long as they're fit and healthy and have no pre-existing diseases, there shouldn't be any problems with them having treatment.
We welcome everybody, men and women – around half our clients are men of all ages.
Is there any aftercare or downtime required after having fillers?
Polynucleotides can give you some redness, lumps and bumps, but these should be gone within a day or two.
Lip filler can cause swelling the following day, but within a week they should be back to normal.
With dermal fillers in the face, you can pretty much carry on as normal, as long as you're not going to the gym, sauna or having sunbeds. We recommend taking it easy on the day, but the downtime is minimal.
What does a typical treatment plan look like?
Everything starts with a consultation – getting a good medical history, explaining what you're going to do, and what results they can expect. We prepare, give people plenty of time, and do all we can to make it a relaxing and pleasant experience.
We have music, we have little stress balls to squeeze, so it shouldn't be scary at all.
These procedures also shouldn't be painful – and we use numbing cream to help with that.
Polynucleotides and skin boosters take time to work – we recommend a course of three treatments for polynucleotides and skin boosters, administering lots of small amounts to give the results we're looking for. While you won't see instant results, it will happen over time – and be worth the wait!
With hyaluronic acid fillers, you get immediate results. Whether it's replacing lots of lost volume, or just a little bit, you get an instant lift.
The main thing you get is confidence. People come in because they look in the mirror and see something that they don't like. Being able to treat those concerns, they feel a lot happier and more confident. And I think confidence is what it's all about.
It is very rewarding. You feel quite humble, it's a lovely job.
Why is it important for people to come to clinics like Thérapie, where injectors are medically trained and highly qualified?
It's very important. Anybody can train to become an injector and set themselves up to offer treatments, but if you don't know your anatomy and where you're injecting, if you don't fully understand the product, or if you don't know what to do if something goes wrong, that's where you can get problems.
Knowing your anatomy is absolutely essential – the right product in the right place. And injectors need to be able to deal with any adverse events, and rectify anything which could go wrong.
You're very safe coming to Thérapie clinics. Thérapie trains all staff intensively and we have loads of experience. It's not often that something does go wrong, but if it does, you're safe and we know what to do.
We have thousands and thousands of people that are happy with their treatments and have brilliant results. The worst that we've had is someone fainting!
Transparency is a really important part of treatment at Thérapie as well. You know what's going on, what to expect, and if there are any problems at all, there's somebody here every day who'll see you.
We provide that full sense of aftercare, and there is always somebody there if you need them or if you've got any worries or concerns – and that's the kind of reassurance people need.
How can people book a consultation at Thérapie?
To book a free consultation at Thérapie Cheltenham, visit therapieclinic.com/locations/cheltenham.
