Dr Martina shares her thoughts on ‘Tweakments’ and shares her own personal treatment journey
We all know that looking after your skin can make you feel great, so before you begin contemplating any kind of procedure it’s important to get your skincare basics right.
A good skincare routine is essential to help you look your best and may just help you avoid the need for treatments in the future. I’ve recently written a blog on Winter Skincare that shares an effective skincare routine during the colder months.
However good your skincare is, even the best routine has its limitations and sometimes we need to go beyond that outer layer of skin to really achieve the difference you’re looking for.
What is a tweakment?
A ‘tweakment’ or aesthetic treatment, is a minimally invasive procedure. It can give amazing corrective results without the need for more complex surgery. You still look like you, just rejuvenated, and it’s surprising the difference a small ‘tweak’ can make to your self-confidence.
Tweakments can provide a boost exactly where you need it, whether that’s, tightening your jawline, plumping your cheeks or enhancing your lips. This level of minimally invasive surgery is perfect for correcting a bump on the nose, non-symmetrical lips or eyebrows, thin lips, dull skin and so much more.
Interestingly, I see more patients now opting for a ‘tweakment’ over more intrusive plastic surgeries and I believe it’s down to balance. These less invasive procedures are perfect for enhancing or correcting a part of the body, whilst achieving a natural look at the same time. The difference between ‘you look great’ and ‘I hardly recognise you’.
Tweakments are a perfectly placed stepping stone between that great skincare routine and full cosmetic surgery. The advances in this area of aesthetic treatments have been huge, non-surgical options have become the go-to for those looking for results without going under the knife.
So, if you think a ‘tweakment’ might be the thing for you, here are my top five tips to consider before you take the plunge.
1. Know what you want
What is it you want to achieve from your treatment? This is the biggest question, and one that only you can answer, having a clear picture of the result you’re after can ensure alignment when discussing with your chosen doctor.
Inspiration is great, social media, actors on TV and the opinions of friends and family are all helpful, but the final decision is for you alone. It sometimes helps to list what you do and don’t like about your appearance to highlight what your top priorities really are.
2. Find the right doctor
A good doctor should not tell you what you need to have done, they should be asking what it is you’re unhappy with and want to improve. Take your time researching online reviews and videos from several practices, ask around for recommendations and don’t just plump for the first doctor you see. Just like buying a house, no matter how exciting it is don’t get carried away, keep your end goal in mind to find the best match to deliver that.
At your consultation your doctor should be assessing whether you are seeking treatment for the right reasons. They want to be sure that you’re not vulnerable and taking a decision which you may later regret. If you meet them and don’t feel confident that they’re the right fit for you, then it’s fine to walk away and try someone else.
Most importantly, make sure that whoever you choose are properly trained. Facial aesthetics such as Botox and Dermal Fillers require a skilled practitioner. You should be looking for a certified doctor who performs treatments regularly. My credentials can be found easily on my website.
I am a qualified Dental Surgeon with extensive experience in implant dentistry and Postgraduate Diploma from The Royal College of Surgeons (Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng). I also completed the Level 7 Certificate in Injectable Aesthetic Non-Surgical Interventions Certificate and I am currently studying towards MSc in Clinical Aesthetic Non-Surgical Interventions. I feel very passionate about my job and always thrive to provide the very highest standards of care during all stages of delivering cosmetic injectables.
3. Build that trust
With any cosmetic procedure, you and your doctor are a team, you need to be able to talk openly, discuss what you want to do and listen to all the options available. Sometimes, the best treatment for what you want to achieve may not necessarily be what you were expecting. It’s your doctor’s job to advise you on this, which is why it is important you find someone you trust.
Many doctors are happy to share before and after pictures of previous patients they have treated for the same procedure to ensure the results are in line with your expectations. If they don’t offer to share them, feel free to ask. Most of us are proud of our work and enjoy nothing better than sharing it with prospective clients (and anyone else who will listen!)
4. Knowledge is power
Although the procedure is being carried out by the doctor, it’s your body and it’s important to have a clear understanding of what the procedure will involve and any ingredients they may use. I spend a lot of time with my patients explaining exactly what I’ll be doing, because I want them to feel as comfortable as possible. I want them to know exactly what we’re putting into their body so there are no surprises afterwards.
5. Keep things natural
Good procedures should be so subtle that friends and family aren’t sure what’s changed in your appearance, they just know ‘you look great.’
There are so many bad examples of filler work around us (think trout pout), however, I am proud to create plumper lips – the ‘perfect pout’ for those who come to me wanting more enhanced lip definition.
These days patients are seeking to preserve a more subtle natural look rather than visibly altering their appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections and fillers are often the most popular treatments and we offer a full range of treatments that help people create a fresher and more youthful version of themselves - I look forward to sharing some new treatments in my next blogs.
Ok, it sounds like good advice, but would you ever take the plunge?
I’m a firm believer in practising what you preach, and I think the best way for me to be able to help any of my patients is to really understand how our treatments work. Not only do I feel more confident and feel happy about my appearance, it helps me advise and support my patients on their journeys too.
I am passionate about learning absolutely everything there is to know about the aesthetic treatments we offer at REclinic, so I can thoroughly answer questions and give real answers, not just what I’ve learnt in training. If you are wanting a little bit of help to take a few years off your appearance and look fresher, then they’re a great option to consider.
You can read more about the multiple aesthetics treatments I’ve had in my recent blog post.
When can I book myself in!?
I am proud to offer a selection of the very latest treatments at REclinic, which you can find out about on our website.You can book a free consultation with me at REclinic where I spend time listening and discussing options
Where is REclinic?
Our clinic is in a stunning barn, with gorgeous interiors and a relaxed vibe. We have ample parking too!
We are situated just outside Bicester, in the beautiful village of Stratton Audley, our state-of the-art clinic is a short drive from the M40. Our patients travel from neighbouring Brackley, Banbury, Oxford and Witney as well as further afield from Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and London.
Wherever you’re based, we’d love to welcome you and help you get the perfect results you’re after.
If you would like to book a FREE consultation with Dr Martina please get in touch via our contact page.
Follow us on social media to see before and afters, patient journeys, informative stories, and to find out more about the other treatments we offer.