Frequently Asked Questions by Patients in Edinburgh.

Before your appointment, pause retinol, exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) and benzoyl peroxide for around 3 days, and avoid sunburn, waxing or laser on the treatment area in the week beforehand. 

Remove makeup on arrival - we'll cleanse, but this helps ensure more time is free to focus on the facial. 

Afterwards, for the best results: leave the serums to absorb for at least six hours before washing your face, skip makeup for 24 hours if you can, avoid heavy exercise, saunas and hot showers for 24–48 hours, hold off on retinol and exfoliants for a few days, and wear SPF 50+ daily. Full aftercare guidance is provided at your appointment.

You are likely a good candidate if you have hollowing (sunken eyes) rather than puffiness.

• Ideal for: Deep grooves, volume loss, and shadows caused by hollowing.
• Not ideal for: Large "eye bags" (fat pads), severe skin laxity (loose skin), or dark circles caused purely by skin pigmentation (melanin).

No, they work in completely different ways. HA fillers restore lost volume and elasticity in the skin, smoothing out static lines and folds by physically filling them. Unlike anti-wrinkle treatments, which relax muscles to reduce wrinkles and lines caused by movement.

Yes. We use Nd:YAG settings that are kinder to melanin-rich skin; this may mean more sessions, but safety and outcomes come first.

No. The serum is applied to the skin during microneedling, so the actives travel through the microchannels the needles create. Injected exosome products are not licensed in the UK, which is why we do not offer them.

While the results are long-lasting, they are not permanent. The natural aging process and environmental factors will continue to affect your skin and hair over time.

No. We assess lesions before treatment and will not remove anything that needs further medical review. New, changing, bleeding, irregular or unusual lesions should always be checked by a dermatologist we recommend the service of The Mole Clinic who are co-located.

It may be suitable for small, localised fat under the chin, depending on your anatomy, skin firmness and expectations. A consultation will confirm whether Aqualyx® is appropriate if it needs to be used in combination with other treatments to achieve the desired result.
 

No. Every injectable treatment starts with a face-to-face assessment so your clinician can confirm suitability, explain risks and agree a plan with you.

The majority of the treatment cost reflects clinic overheads and the consumables required for the procedure. These expenses remain the same regardless of the size of the scar being treated, so discounts for small scars are not offered. 

However, with your consent, your practitioner can use any remaining appointment time to treat other areas of your face for overall skin rejuvenation. This allows you to benefit not only from scar reduction but also from improved skin texture and health in the surrounding areas.

Yes - a tampon is fine. However, if you’re more sensitive that week, we recommend you reschedule.

Yes. If your filler is hyaluronic acid (HA), it can be safely dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks the gel down. Results begin within minutes and continue over 24–48 hours.

No treatment can guarantee complete scar removal. Microneedling can help improve the appearance, texture and visibility of suitable scars over time, especially when delivered as a course. Significant reductions in visibility are achievable.

Sculptra® is an excellent volumizing treatment but isn't specifically designed for acne scars. It’s injected deeper than the layers where acne scarring typically benefits. Treatments like microneedling or HA fillers may be more effective for improving acne scar texture.

Tixel® is very effective for softening fine lines, smoothing acne scarring and improving overall skin tone and texture. However, it is generally not designed to create significant skin tightening or lifting across larger facial areas.

The main exception is the eyelid area, where noticeable tightening and lifting may be achieved, particularly for hooded upper lids.

For more significant lifting or tightening elsewhere on the face, we would usually recommend treatments such as Ultherapy®, PDO Threads or RF microneedling.

Yes, we frequently combine Botox and Profhilo® treatments in the same session. Together they can reduce wrinkles and create firmer skin for a more youthful appearance.

Vitamin A, particularly in the form of retinoids (such as roaccutane or tretinoin), is known for its skin-renewing properties and is commonly used to treat various skin concerns, including acne, and uneven pigmentation. However, there are certain considerations when using vitamin A products like retinoids alongside laser treatments.

Skin Sensitivity and Risk of Irritation:
Vitamin A, especially in its more potent forms like prescription retinoids, can make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. Laser treatments, depending on the type and intensity, can also cause some level of skin irritation, redness, and peeling as part of the healing process. Using both retinoids and undergoing laser treatment simultaneously can increase the risk of severe skin irritation and potentially prolong the healing time.

Increased Risk of Side Effects:
Combining retinoids and laser treatments can potentially increase the risk of adverse side effects, such as burns, blisters, or changes in pigmentation. The combination of already sensitive skin due to retinoid use and the effects of the laser treatment can be too harsh for the skin to handle.

Disrupted Healing Process:
Laser treatments work by creating controlled damage to the skin's surface, which then triggers the body's natural healing response, including the production of new collagen. Using retinoids during the post-laser healing phase could interfere with this process and may not allow the skin to heal as effectively or efficiently as it should.

For this reason your aesthetician may ask you stop using vitamin A skincare for a specified time period pre and post laser or IPL treatment.

Though extremely rare, vascular occlusion is a serious risk that requires immediate medical attention. In the most severe cases, this can lead to vision loss. This is why it is critical to choose a healthcare professional with specific training in under-eye anatomy to perform the treatment.

Microchannel facials are usually comfortable, as the needle depth is less than 1.5 mm. Most people describe the feeling as a light scratchiness, and your practitioner will adjust the settings to keep you relaxed. Anaesthetic cream isn’t used at this level, as it can interfere with the tiny microchannels and reduce how well the serums absorb.

For deeper collagen-induction microneedling, a numbing cream is applied to make the treatment more comfortable. In certain advanced treatments, such as scar work, your practitioner may also use a small local anaesthetic injection to ensure you stay at ease throughout.

No. The treatment is non-invasive and generally described as very relaxing. You may feel a gentle warmth during the Radiofrequency step or a slight tingling during the Microcurrent step, but it is not painful.

Our skilled medical team use topical or local anaesthetic on the areas to be treated to ensure your comfort. While the treatments are painless some aspects of the PRP application, such as injections around the eyes or the amount of blood visible, can cause anxiety, but our medical assistants will be on hand to comfort and calm you.

Yes! You can purchase digital cards or presentation packs at the clinic - to find out more visit the gift card section.

Most people find Ultherapy Prime comfortable, though some areas may feel more intense than others. You may experience a warming or tingling sensation as the ultrasound energy is delivered. Your practitioner can adjust the intensity, and taking over-the-counter pain relief before treatment can help if needed.

Currently ingredients for polynucleotide products are created from highly purified DNA extracted from the sperm of farmed salmon. 

The DRVICTORIA™ Clinic is independently regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and accredited by Save Face, ensuring our treatments, team, and safety standards meet the highest professional and medical aesthetics standards.

We are sorry that you are unhappy with an aspect of our service. We welcome the opportunity to address and resolve the issue. Please first seek to discuss the issue with your practitioner or our clinic manager. If you are still unhappy then please read our complaint process.

To return a parcel, please send it to 32 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PY with "signed for delivery" and appropriately insured. we can not be held responsible for any loss by couriers.

To file a formal complaint, please click here to submit your concerns.  

Apply 1–2 sprays per area of concern once a day by placing nozzle directly on the scalp while spraying. After spraying, massage solution into scalp for 30–60 seconds. For best results, apply in the evening and allow solution to remain on the scalp overnight. 

They work at different depths. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen deep beneath the skin, making it better suited to lifting the brow, jawline and neck. RF microneedling works more superficially, improving skin firmness and texture, and usually needs a course of sessions. Some patients benefit from both at different stages, your clinician will advise what fits your skin and expectations.

Dermal fillers are usually lab-made hyaluronic acid (a substance that also occurs naturally in skin). A PRP Bio-Volumiser is different: it uses your own plasma, gently heated to form a soft, natural gel that can be placed to support volume.

Because it comes from your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low. And unlike dermal fillers, it contains growth factors which help skin-quality as well as subtle volumising. In addition there is no risk of dermal filler migration.

Lip fillers aren’t permanent. Your body gradually breaks down the hyaluronic-acid gel and, because lips move a lot, results typically last around 6–12 months. We recommend a review at 6–9 months to plan a repeat treatment.

Most patients see the best results from a course of 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by a review. A single session can be a good post-procedure boost after laser or plasma treatments.

You'll see glowing, fresher-looking skin immediately after a single facial, perfect as a pick-me-up or before an event. 

The lifted, toned look from microcurrent is temporary at first and builds with repetition, while the firming effects of radiofrequency develop gradually over weeks as the skin responds. For longer-term results, we recommend a course of at least 3 facials spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by regular maintenance. Your aesthetician will suggest a plan based on your skin and goals.

You'll see an immediate difference post treatment and most people notice fresher, more hydrated-looking skin for around one to two weeks. But Hydrafacial® works best as a routine rather than a one-off. 

To maintain results we recommend a treatment every four to six weeks, in line with your skin's natural renewal cycle, so each session builds on the last. Many of our patients alternate treatments to match their skin through the year Radiance Ritual during the summer and Calm & Soothe during the winter. 

Ask your practitioner to suggest a schedule based on your skin, your goals and your budget - no pressure, just a plan that works for you.

Some treatments can give an early glow, but most regenerative results build gradually over 4 to 12 weeks as your skin responds. The best outcomes usually come from a course rather than a single treatment.

One week before: avoid laser or IPL treatments on the area. 

Three days before: pause tretinoin (vitamin A), retinol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid products. 

Afterwards: avoid active ingredients (retinol, glycolic acid, exfoliants) for 3–5 days, keep skin well hydrated, avoid heat, saunas and intense exercise for 24–48 hours, and apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily to protect your fresh skin.

Plans change - we understand. Please give at least 48 hours’ notice, so we can offer your appointment to another patient. 

If you booked online, use your confirmation link to cancel. Short on time? Text us and we will be in touch to reschedule. 

Start with a Skin Analysis. It helps identify your skin priorities and gives you a visual benchmark, so you are not guessing between treatments or buying products that may not suit your skin.

If you find computer and internet technology more of a barrier than a help when trying to communicate - then simply call our reception on 0131 226 9610 and explain your feedback and it will be sent to the relevant team member.

Seek a consultation to determine the best solution for you. Typically IPL treatments are better in treating specific thread veins or spider veins where the IPL will remove the offending capillaries.

However, if you are a perimenopausal women then IPL on its own will not strengthen your skin barrier for long term results and so a treatment combination maybe a good solution.

For young men and women with mild facial redness a HydraFacial Platinum facial with the ZO Rozatrol booster is likely to be a good starting point.

No. Aqualyx® is designed for small, localised fat deposits. It is not a treatment for general weight loss where GLP-1 injections are more suitable.

Botox is ideal for softening lines caused by facial expressions, such as frown or smile lines. For deeper or static lines that remain at rest, dermal fillers may be a more suitable option. It’s not suitable if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions. Your clinician will review your medical history to ensure safety and suitability.

Electrolysis is widely recognised as a method of permanent hair removal because it treats the individual hair follicle.

However, results take time. New hairs can appear because of hormones, medication, age, genetics or untreated follicles entering a new growth phase.

This is why a planned course of treatments gives the best long-term outcome.

Hyperhidrosis can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and a good starting point to deal with the situation is to seek medical advice from your GP who can perform tests to rule these out.

Hydrafacial® is safe for virtually all skin types and tones, making it accessible to everyone. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Active cold sores, severe acne, psoriasis and exczema.

If you have a diagnosed skin condition such as rosacea, speak to us first. Calm & Soothe is designed to be gentle, but we'll always confirm a treatment is right for your skin before going ahead.

Light-based treatments work by targeting pigment, so suitability depends on your skin type and tan. This is exactly what your consultation and patch test establish. Our dual-wavelength laser includes a 1064 nm Nd:YAG, which extends safe treatment options across a wider range of skin tones - your practitioner will advise what’s right for you.

It can be suitable when the correct technology, settings and patch testing are used. We assess your skin type carefully before recommending treatment.

Yes. It is derived from the umbilical cords of free-ranging, organically raised red deer in New Zealand. These cords are normally discarded after birth, so no harm comes to mother or calf. 

The stem cell proteins they contain share similarities with human proteins, making them highly effective in supporting skin repair and regeneration.
 

Plasamage is suitable for most skin types, but it may not be recommended for darker skin tones due to the risk of hypopigmentation. Your practitioner will advise you on whether this treatment is right for you during your consultation.

For pronounced hyperpigmentation patches and thread veins we would recommend laser and IPL treatments as a more effective solution.

A key advantage of PRP is that it uses a concentrated portion of your own blood, so the chance of an allergic reaction is very low. Because it’s prepared and used within a controlled clinical setting, the risk of disease transmission is also very low . 

However, like any injection-based procedure, there remains a small risk of bruising, temporary soreness, or infection, which is why sterile technique and medical protocols matter.

PRP also has a long track record outside aesthetic medicine. Some NHS services offer PRP in musculoskeletal settings, and it’s widely discussed in sports medicine  with high-profile athletes such as Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal publicly linked to PRP during injury recovery.

It's suitable for most skin types and tones. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Aspirin (salicylate) allergy
• Open wounds, active cold sores or active dermatitis

Your aesthetician will always review contraindications before treatment.

Yes. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a general term for ultrasound skin tightening, whereas Ultherapy is the original, patented version. Ultherapy includes real-time ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see and target the exact layers of skin. This precision makes it safer and more effective than copycat HIFU machines.

Expect mild redness for a few hours, similar to standard microneedling. Most  patients find it settles faster with the serum applied. Most people return to normal activities the same day and wear makeup from the next day.

Yes. Ultherapy Prime has been proven safe through extensive clinical studies and millions of treatments worldwide. It uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen in the deeper layers of your skin without damaging the surface.

Choose Préime® if:

You want more than a cleanse-and-glow such as lifting, firming, muscle toning or serum infusion. Préime's RF, microcurrent and ultrasound steps go beyond what a hydro-facial alone can do, making it the stronger choice for ageing skin, laxity and skin-quality goals.

Choose Hydrafacial® if:

Your priority is a budget friendly, fast, deep cleansing, extraction and hydration with a same-day glow or you have sensitive skin seeking gentle peels with redness booster serums.

CoolSculpting is the only medically approved cryolipolysis device proven to be safe and achieve results. Copycat machines pretend to offer a similar service but at best produce poor results and can cause frostbite and permanent skin damage.

All medical treatments carry risks such as headache, mild bruising, or temporary asymmetry. Your practitioner will discuss these and how we minimise them at consultation.

IPL and laser rejuvenation can help improve the appearance of sun damage, redness, thread veins and uneven skin tone, usually through a course of gradual treatments.

A skin analysis reveals your skin condition, hydration levels, pigmentation, redness, and pore congestion using advanced light imaging.

One of the benefits of PDO threads is their temporary nature. If the results don’t meet your expectations, the threads will dissolve naturally over 6 months and you will continue to age naturally. Unlike surgery where you are stuck with the result.

A soft hyaluronic-acid gel used to enhance shape, hydration and symmetry of the lips. It integrates with your tissue and is naturally broken down by your body.

The procedure involves a series of small injections into specific sites across the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and shoulders to key areas where migraines often originate. The treatment session is quick, usually taking 15–20 minutes, with minimal discomfort.

Both create micro-channels to stimulate collagen. Standard microneedling focuses on skin renewal, texture, tone and pores, and is often combined with PRP, exosomes or polynucleotides. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy in the deeper layers, so it is usually chosen when firmness and early laxity are the main concern. Your practitioner will recommend the right option, or a combination, at consultation.
 

A saliva-based DNA test that analyses key genetic markers linked to hair loss. The goal is to help understand:

• Why you're losing hair
• How your body might respond to different types of treatments

It examines genetic variations that influence:

• Inflammation of the scalp
• Hormonal sensitivity (especially to androgens like DHT)
• Oxidative stress (damage from free radicals)
• Vitamin and nutrient metabolism
• Blood circulation in the scalp

This gives insight into what’s really going on beneath the surface of your scalp.

For benign lesions, no special preparation is necessary. 

However, for warts or verrucae, we recommend in the days leading up to your appointment:

1. Soak the lesion: Place the wart or verruca in a bowl of warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes.
2. Gently exfoliate: Use a pumice stone or emery board to scrub the lesion lightly until the skin becomes rough. This helps the nitrous oxide penetrate deeper during the treatment, increasing the chances of successful removal.
3. Be cautious: Avoid over-scrubbing. Stop immediately if you notice any bleeding, as you don’t want to cause discomfort or create an open wound.

This preparation helps improve the effectiveness of the treatment to achieve faster results. 

Prior to your Tixel® treatment your skin must have been free from an active tan for 3 weeks. On the day of appointment you should attend with the treatment area free from makeup and fake tan.
 

Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, or scabbing at the treatment site. 

Rarely, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening) may occur, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones.

There’s no set age, but most patients start in their late 30s to 50s, when loss of collagen production starts to show. Starting earlier can help maintain firmness, while later treatments can still deliver impressive lifting and tightening.

Click to read the Scottish Government's guidance of Duty of Candour.

HydraFacial and Préime DermaFacial are popular for a fresher, more radiant look with no downtime. Safe and popular quick pick-me-ups pre-event.  If you have deeper concerns, we may recommend a course or combine treatments.

For most people with dark or pigmented hair, laser is the better first choice: it’s faster, covers large areas efficiently and is usually more comfortable than electrolysis.

Electrolysis suits white, grey and very fair hairs that lasers can’t target, but it treats hairs one-by-one, so it’s slower and often more time-consuming (and therefore pricier).

The radiofrequency and micro-current applications in a Préime DermaFacial are popular for gentle plumping and tightening skin with no downtime. The results are noticeable but subtle. To maintain results a course is recommended.

PRP is considered a very low risk treatment because it is autologous (your own blood). However, it may not be suitable for individuals with:

• Platelet dysfunction syndromes or low platelet counts.
• Active infections at the treatment site.
• Certain systemic cancers or chronic liver disease.
• Heavy smokers (as smoking significantly reduces the quality of your platelets). 

In these circumstance exosomes or polynucleotides may be a better solution.

We are a Verified Hydrafacial Provider, ensuring that we exclusively use authentic Hydrafacial machines and consumables. Our aestheticians are expertly trained by Hydrafacial, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional results tailored to your skin's unique needs.

Yes, hair thinning is incredibly common, especially for women in their 30s, 40s and beyond. In fact, around 40% of women over 40 in the UK will experience some form of hair loss.

The causes vary. For many women, it’s a combination of factors like:

• Hormonal changes (peri-menopause, menopause, post-pregnancy)
• Stress or illness
• Iron or vitamin deficiencies
• Genetics (female pattern hair loss)
• Changes to your thyroid or scalp condition

Once we understand why your hair is thinning, there are targeted treatments that can help slow the loss - or even reverse it.

No - Our approach focuses on softening lines while preserving natural expression.

Downtime varies. Ultherapy usually has little to no visible downtime. Thread lifts can involve swelling or bruising. Plasmage and microneedling may involve redness, swelling or visible healing for several days. Your practitioner will explain the likely recovery for your treatment.

Expect light redness immediately after treatment, most people are comfortable heading back to work the same day.

Over the following two to five days you may see gentle flaking, particularly around the nose and chin. This is a normal part of renewal, not a sign anything is wrong.

Don't pick or exfoliate flaking skin, let it lift naturally. You can wear light, non-occlusive makeup from the next day, though we recommend letting your skin breathe for the first 24 hours.