Skincare Saviours – Review of Dr Tatiana Aesthetic Clinic
As someone about to hit the big 4-0, I decided it was time to start thinking about a proper skincare regime. This is after years of using face wipes to clean my face (sacrilege!), not drinking enough water and generally being a bit lax in the skincare department.
So I gratefully accepted the offer of visiting Dr Tatiana Aesthetic Clinic, in Marylebone. While I’ve had some nice facials in my time, I’ve never had treatments that cross over into more medical territory, so I was interested to hear what they had to say.
Before I rolled up, I checked out the clinic’s reviews online. They were impressive, with many people thrilled with the results of their treatments. And the clinic itself doesn’t disappoint. It’s in a grand mansion block off Baker St, with three new shiny treatment rooms, filled with light and beautiful flower displays. While you shouldn’t judge a place on these things alone, it all felt reassuringly expensive – somewhere you’d be comfortable to have some “work” done.
The highly qualified staff are a great advert for the place too, all looking immaculate, radiant, with fabulous skin.
I had an initial consultation with their skin specialist, Magda. She said while my skin texture and tone was good, it was losing some elasticity, she could see the start of jowls (ouch) and my slightly sunken temples revealed my age. Feeling a bit like Skeletor’s long lost sister, I was grateful when Magda recommended a number of treatments, including a red carpet facial for my upcoming birthday, then a series of other treatments at a later date, which could include fillers, micro needling or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).
For the uninitiated, micro needling involves a mix of vitamins, amino acids and peptides, nucleic acids and skin hydrators being injected into the skin. It’s form of controlled skin injury that switches on the skin repair mechanism. As the skin repairs, builds new collagen and elastin resulting in tighter, plumper and healthier skin. It’s great for a skin boost before an event, as well as acne scars and wrinkles.
PRP (also known as the vampire facial, made famous by Kim Kardashian) requires you to give a blood sample which is then whizzed in a centrifuge, separating the blood into red blood cells and concentrated platelets. The red blood cells are discarded, and you’re left with concentrated platelet rich plasma. This is then injected into your wrinkles or scars. It all sounds like it’s straight out of Transylvania, but it promises to encourage your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and naturally smooths and tightens the skin.
I decided initially to have the red carpet facial, a few days before my 40th, as there is no downtime for this treatment. Nurse Emily talked me through every step, which is designed to improve skin texture, smooth fine lines and boost radiance. Overall it was very relaxing, apart from when the exfoliating acids are applied, which stings a bit, but nothing unbearable. Hell, I’ve been through child birth twice, so this was a breeze.
My skin immediately looked more glowing and felt really smooth and clean. You need to wear minimum factor 30 for the week after the treatment to avoid any sun damage – which is good practice all year round anyway.
Over the next few days, my chin peeled very slightly, but I don’t think anyone else would have noticed. About a week after the treatment my skin looked more even and my make-up seemed to glide on more easily. My glowing skin gave me a confidence boost and I decided to wear a floor length gold dress to my birthday bash (a bold choice) and I felt fab. Thank you Dr Tatiana and team – truly London’s skincare superstars.
- Carla O’Shaughnessy blogs at www.jabberwock.me
