By Mikie O’loughlin

Copyright rsvplive

A new wave of transparency is taking over the beauty world, with celebrities speaking openly about cosmetic treatments. Kylie Jenner recently sparked the trend, prompting others to share their own experiences.

Former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh revealed receiving treatments like polynucleotides has helped enhanced her appearance on her social channels.

Lindsey Lohan and Kris Jenner have also been very honest about the work they have had done.

Read more: TikTok trending nasal tanning drops are a shortcut to health ‘disaster’ expert warns

Read more: Doctor warns against viral TikTok ‘no moisturiser’ eczema treatment

However, there is a lot of confusion over the various treatments that exist and how they would work for you and your skin.

What’s the difference between Botox and Polynucleotides? Is microneedling or laser facial the best for you? As summer fades and party season approaches, interest in injectable treatments surges.

To help clients prepare with confidence, Thérapie Clinic offers expert tips for choosing the right options ahead of the social season with its ultimate guide to aesthetic treatments to answer the most common questions from the public.

Botox (Anti-Wrinkle Injections)

“Anti-Wrinkle Injections (also known as Botox) are an extension of good skincare. They work by relaxing specific muscles of facial expression that are associated with tiredness, stress and aging. The treatment is tailored and bespoke to every individual patient to create a fresher, more youthful look in a very natural and subtle way.” – Dr Thomas Cryan, Cosmetic Injector at Thérapie Clinic

What is it – Anti-wrinkle Injections is a treatment using Botox, a muscle relaxing product that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lasting from 3-6 months depending on the client, the treatment is quick with results appearing as little as a week after the treatment. This has become the most popular treatment at Thérapie Clinic, with hundreds of clients getting Anti-wrinkle Injections every week in Irish clinics.

What to expect – An initial consultation which, once approved, will be followed by the treatment administered by a qualified medical professional. Thérapie Clinic is doctor led so clients can really trust they are in the best hands. The treatment itself is relatively painless as Thérapie Clinic use the finest needles that make light impact to the surface of the skin while delivering the treatment to its fullest potential. There is no downtime with many clients getting the treatment on their lunch break from work.

Best for – Smoothing skin, fine lines and giving clients a refreshed and well rested look. Best for forehead, crow’s feet and can also help those with teeth grinding and so on by injecting into the jaw area, which relieves symptoms of grinding and TMJ.

Polynucleotides

What is it – Polynucleotide injections are regenerative skin treatments that use DNA fragments (typically derived from trout or salmon sperm) to boost skin repair, collagen production and hydration. The treatment is more commonly known as the Salmon Sperm Facial and hugely popular with celebrities including the likes of Kim Kardashian.

What to expect – An initial consultation which, once approved, will be followed by the treatment administered by a qualified medical professional. The treatment involves multiple small injections into the skin. There may be mild swelling, redness or bruising for a couple of hours. Results develop gradually over weeks as skin regenerates. Typically, 3 treatments would be required for best results.

Best for – Skin rejuvenation, improving hydration, elasticity and overall texture. Particularly beneficial for ageing, dull or sun-damaged skin. The treatment is one of the very few that can treat the under eye area, which is notoriously difficult to treat as the skin is thin and sensitive, however Polynucleotides can produce great results for those who suffer from dark circles or baggy under eyes.

Laser Facial

“The Thérapie Laser Facial is a non-invasive treatment that uses fractional laser technology to rejuvenate and resurface the skin, which makes it ideal for those who want to reduce early signs of aging, and improve texture, achieve glowing skin and enhance their complexion with minimal downtime” – Kayleigh Hawkins, Clinic Trainer and Laser, Skin and Body Specialist ROI

What is it – The Laser Facial uses Clear + Brilliant an advanced fractional laser technology to address uneven skin tone, pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. By working beneath the skin’s surface, it rejuvenates from within, helping to delay early signs of aging and delivering noticeable results from the very first session. This treatment is clinically proven to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of skincare products. In studies, 81% of participants reported feeling more confident in their skin after undergoing Clear + Brilliant. It has also been shown to improve overall skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and brighten the complexion.

What to expect – Highly trained skin specialists use precise laser pulses, this non-invasive procedure stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles before they become more prominent. Clients may experience some mild redness followed by dryness which is the skin healing itself, for a few days post treatment. Results become visible after a number of sessions, depending on the client’s needs.

Best for – Preventative aging, improving skin brightness, minimizing pores and evening out tone and texture. Ideal for younger skin or those new to laser treatments.

“Potenza is an advanced skincare treatment that combines microneedling with radio frequency to stimulate collagen production, tighten skin and improve texture, making it ideal for clients seeking a non-invasive solution for wrinkles, skin laxity and overall skin rejuvenation” – Kayleigh Hawkins, Clinic Trainer and Laser, Skin and Body Specialist ROI

What is it – Potenza is a radiofrequency micro-needling treatment designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin tone and texture. Combining radiofrequency and microneedling creates impressive results for clients.

What to expect – Tiny needles deliver radiofrequency energy into the skin, creating micro-injuries that triggers a natural healing response. The skin’s healing process creates the production of collagen and elastin. Mild redness, swelling and sensitivity may occur for a few hours. Results appear over several weeks to months. For best results, 3 treatments are required, 4 weeks apart.

Best for – Skin tightening which is particularly effective for the neck and jawline, reducing fine lines, acne scars and overall texture improvement. Suitable for most skin types.

Dermal Fillers

What is it – Dermal Fillers is a Cosmetic Injectable treatment that restores volume, enhances facial contours and reduces the appearance of wrinkles by filling in areas with lost volume.

What to expect – An initial consultation which, once approved, will be followed by the treatment administered by a qualified medical professional. Filler is injected into targeted areas to add volume and smooth wrinkles. Results are immediate, with minimal downtime.

Best for – Enhancing facial features such as cheeks, chin, jawline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and tear troughs

Lip Fillers

What is it – A type of dermal filler specifically designed to add volume, shape and definition to the lips.

What to expect – An initial consultation which, once approved, will be followed by the treatment administered by a qualified medical professional. The practitioner will start by numbing the lips, before injecting the filler into specific areas of the lips to achieve the desired fullness and shape.

Best for – Individuals looking to enhance lip volume, define lip contours or achieve a more balanced facial appearance.

What is it – The biostimulator is lauded as ‘The Liquid Facelift’. Sculptra is a revolutionary injectable treatment that delivers gradual, natural-looking results. FDA-approved and clinically backed, Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible substance that works deep within the skin to stimulate collagen production the key to firmer, more youthful skin.

What to expect – Sculptra is administered through deep dermal injections by a trained medical professional to stimulate collagen production and restore facial volume gradually. It is injected using a fine needle or cannula in specific patterns, typically over 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.

Best for – Sculptra is ideal for those experiencing age-related volume loss and can be used to enhance multiple facial areas, including the cheeks, temples, jawline, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Depending on the client, results can last from 7 months to 2 years, with 89% of clients saying they look younger .

“Cosmetic injections at Thérapie Clinic have become incredibly popular. This is down to a few points, one Thérapie Clinic is doctor led which really gives clients peace of mind, but also people are generally more educated on what cosmetic injections can do for appearance and self-confidence when administered correctly. We see people of all different ages come in; it really depends on their personal needs.

“Our most popular treatment is Anti-Wrinkle Injections (or Botox as most would call it), which people mainly get in three areas – forehead, between eyebrows and crow’s feet. The subtle treatment takes just a few minutes and has no downtime with quick results, so a real standout treatment from a client perspective.

“More recently we are working with DNA boosters such as Polynucleotides, which help skin regenerate at a cellular level for improvements in texture and so on. Really, we encourage anyone who is interested in cosmetic injections to do their research, come in for a free consultation and discuss their needs.

“All of our client plans are bespoke, so a client will have a really tailored aesthetics plan and we go on that journey with them,” Dr Raymond Seedhoo, Cosmetic Injector at Thérapie Clinic.