FACE UP TO THE NEW YEAR

THE buzz around 2013’s anti-ageing breakthroughs, advancing technologies and latest surgery trends has begun. LESLEY REYNOLDS explains what’s on the horizon.

Cover up

Forget BB (blemish balm) creams, this year will be about CC (complete correcting) creams.

These have all the benefits of a BB but also neutralise red, dull or tired-looking skin.

Launches coming soon include L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique (loreal-paris.co.uk) and Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting Moisturiser (olay.com).

Cheat time

Revance is a wipe-on Botox for frowns, crow’s feet and wrinkles. It will still need to be administered by a doctor and although not yet available in the UK you can expect to hear a lot about it this year.

New techniques for facelifts mean droopy brows, cheeks and jowls can be repositioned without going under the knife.

The Silhouette Lift is performed under local anaesthetic and uses an ultra fine needle. Stitches are placed in underlying skin tissue and the incision is concealed in the hairline.

Results are immediate and last up to five years. Downtime from three to five days, cost from £2,800. Contact: 020 7436 4441.

Smooth lumps

The Playtex Lift tackles the axillary fold, the bulge of excess skin between the outer breast and inner arm which becomes prominent in tight-fitting clothes and push-up bras. Bespoke liposuction under local anaesthesia removes excess skin leaving a scar hidden in the armpit. Following the procedure a tight upper garment is worn for three weeks to minimise swelling. Contact: 0844 879 4980.

Boost youth

Unlike lasers or chemical peels the new Portrait System Facial Treatment uses plasma energy (ionized nitrogen gas, similar to a microwave oven) to induce collagen growth, treat ageing, scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

These have all the benefits of a BB but also neutralise red, dull or tired-looking skin

Treatments cost from £900. Contact: energistgroup.com.

Radio Frequency (RF) procedures are advancing. These deliver energy into the skin, heating collagen without damaging the surface resulting in tighter, smoother skin. The latest Fractora and intraCel treatment combines RF energy with microneedling to stimulate collagen and improve tone and texture.

Up to three treatments are needed, each costing from £400. Contact: harleystreetskinclinic.com.