Kindly gifted, but honestly reviewed. *Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The treatments were provided, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Reviews published on Aesthetic Appointment are intended to be for information purposes only, and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns.*
There are lovely benefits to growing older, and I am definitely a “glass half full” gal, seeing the positive in life and counting my blessings. However, I’m also realistic regarding ships that have sailed, such as my collagen in my favourite organ: my skin. Notwithstanding my dedicated skincare ritual, the laxity that comes with every trip around the sun is real; ergo, any treatment that involves the word LIFT is like music to my ears, in fact, this latest one that I’ve experienced is called Harmony Clearlift!
At Dr Alastair Clark’s Sandton Aesthetic Institute, the solution to my problem involves optimal technology in the form of the Harmony XL Pro laser treatment.
What is it?
This is a multi-functional laser machine that treats a wide variety of skin conditions from fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, unwanted tattoos, photo damage, dull, uneven skin as well as my issue, laxity. It’s also effective in treating small veins and capillaries, redness from rosacea as well as melasma.
How does it work?
The laser emits high-energy light impulses that penetrate into the skin’s dermis- working below the surface of the skin, without affecting the epidermis, or the outer layer of the skin. This enables the stimulation of cell regeneration and collagen production. It targets pigmented areas very effectively.
Is it safe and are there risks?
My lovely therapist, Tracy Nkomo, is highly trained and very experienced with this medical device. My eyes were protected from laser beams with black goggles. A specialist like Tracy performing the treatment in a sterile medical environment is the way to go.
Is it painful and is there downtime?
My skin reacted quite quickly to the treatment, becoming red and in some areas blotchy, but the redness dissipated in a couple of hours. This is definitely not a pleasant procedure, where you listen to whale songs and drift into semi-consciousness: the snapping of the laser beams keeps you alert- but it’s bearable and numbing is not necessary.
The next day, I had miniature little dots in some places on the surface of my skin, which I covered easily with my tinted sunscreen.
Your skin might be different and may take a bit longer to recover, but according to Tracy, if there is any redness or swelling, it would disappear within a week to 10 days.
How long was the treatment?
This will vary from one person to another, depending on your skin condition. I did not have much pigmentation; Tracy was focusing on encouraging skin firmness in my face and neck. So, the treatment lasted around an hour- I had 3 treatments with 3 weeks in between to let the collagen build up, during which I used the Opalesce skincare range: Cleanser, serums and night cream.
Before and after treatment protocols
About 3 days before the treatment I stopped using any products containing retinols. Mild cleansing and keeping the area well hydrated afterwards is key, and no sun exposure. If you have any aesthetic procedures like botulinum toxin or fillers, rather schedule them 2 weeks before or after this treatment.
My Results
I tend to have realistic expectations when it comes to any non-surgical aesthetic procedure: in my 60s, my goal is to improve skin functionality and to attain the healthiest, most pleasant version of myself. Any improvement is a win and makes me feel confident, especially before an important event.
The realisation happened as I was randomly slapping on sunscreen a couple of weeks after the second treatment (at the same time reaching for my sneakers with my left foot- as I was taking the dog for a walk)- I noticed that my cheeks felt firmer and my neck was much improved in tone.
By the third treatment, I really felt and saw the difference, so I asked Tracy how long the effects would last… my collagen was back, and I wasn’t about to let it go again.
Dr Clark also reminded me that the benefits of this treatment come with time- in another few weeks, I would see even more improvement, as the collagen builds up in the skin.
Make it last!
The maintenance plan ideally would be 3x a year, according to your budget, but I would recommend having a consultation with your doctor who has a special interest in aesthetics, as everyone is unique!
The Harmony XL Pro Clearlift can be layered with other treatments to give you the best possible outcome.
For me, it certainly picked up the slack😉
For more information, visit www.sandtonaesthetics.co.za
About the author
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Since entering her 60s, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly sidelined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.