Welcome to Skina Medical Aesthetics

Where science meets

the art of beauty

At Skina Medical Aesthetics, we believe that looking and feeling your best should never come at the cost of your health or your authenticity. Founded on the principles of clinical integrity, evidence-based medicine, and a deep respect for every patient we see, we are a Canadian medical aesthetics practice dedicated to delivering transformative yet natural-looking results.

Skina is a Norsk word meaning “to shine” — and that is precisely the philosophy at the heart of everything we do. To adopt Skina is to let your true vibrance radiate outward: your confidence, your wellbeing, your authentic self. We chose this name because we believe every person carries an inner light, and our role is simply to help it shine through.

Whether you are seeking relief from a medical condition, a subtle enhancement, or a complete skin transformation — you are in the right place. Welcome to Skina.
Skina Medical Aesthetics — Canada

Precision care.

Proven results.

From medical hyperhidrosis treatment to advanced facial aesthetics — we offer a comprehensive suite of clinically proven, evidence-based treatments delivered by qualified medical professionals.
Understanding the Treatment

What are Rhytids (Wrinkles)?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive, uncontrollable sweating that goes far beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation. It affects approximately 3–5% of the population and can profoundly impact quality of life, self-confidence, and daily functioning.

Unlike ordinary sweating triggered by heat or physical exertion, hyperhidrosis can occur at any time — even in cool conditions or at rest. It commonly affects the underarms (axillary), hands (palmar), feet (plantar), and face or scalp (craniofacial).

The condition stems from overactivity of the eccrine sweat glands, stimulated by the nervous system. In primary hyperhidrosis — the most common form — no underlying medical cause is identified, though it often runs in families.

Common Signs & Symptoms
💧Visible sweating without physical exertion
👕 Frequent clothing changes due to soaking
🤝 Avoidance of handshakes or physical contact
😟 Social anxiety or embarrassment
🖊️ Difficulty holding objects like pens or phones
🌙 Sweating during sleep or in cool conditions
👟 Repeatedly damp or soaked footwear
⚠️ Skin irritation or recurrent infections
The Treatment

Botulinum Toxin for Hyperhidrosis

Internationally recognised as one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for hyperhidrosis. Here is what to expect from your treatment journey.

01

Initial Consultation

Thorough assessment of symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. We confirm hyperhidrosis type and identify affected areas.

02

Personalised Plan

We map precise injection sites and calculate appropriate dosage for your anatomy. Topical anaesthetic cream may be applied for comfort.

03

The Procedure

Using a very fine needle, small amounts of Botulinum Toxin are administered into the treatment area. Typically takes 20–30 minutes and is well tolerated.

04

Results & Follow-Up

Results begin within 2–4 days, fully established by 2 weeks. A follow-up review ensures you are delighted with the outcome.

How does Botulinum Toxin stop sweating?

Botulinum Toxin works by temporarily blocking the release of acetylcholine — the neurotransmitter responsible for activating your sweat glands.

When injected into the skin overlying overactive sweat glands, it interrupts the nerve signals that trigger perspiration. The glands remain intact but dormant, producing a dramatic and sustained reduction in sweating.

The treatment is safe, reversible, and does not compromise your body’s overall temperature regulation.

 

82–87%

Average reduction in sweating in clinical studies

2–4

Days until initial results begin to appear

4–6

Months average before a repeat treatment

FDA

Approved for axillary hyperhidrosis since 2004

Clinical Assessment Tool

Hyperhidrosis Disease
Severity Scale (HDSS)

The HDSS is a validated, internationally recognised single-question scale used by clinicians to quantify the impact of sweating on daily life and to guide treatment decisions. Your score helps determine both the urgency of intervention and the appropriate treatment approach.

The single clinical question:

“How would you rate the tolerability of your sweating — and how often does it interfere with your daily activities?”

1

My sweating is never noticeable and never interferes with my daily activities.
Sweating is within normal limits. Treatment is generally not indicated at this level. Reassurance and lifestyle advice may be sufficient.
2
My sweating is tolerable but sometimes interferes with my daily activities.
Sweating is noticeable and causing some functional limitation. Topical treatments or antiperspirant therapy may be trialled. Botulinum toxin is considered if conservative measures have failed.
3
My sweating is barely tolerable and frequently interferes with my daily activities.
Sweating significantly impacts daily function, social interactions and professional life. Botulinum toxin injection is strongly indicated and has demonstrated high efficacy at this level, with published response rates exceeding 80%.
4
My sweating is intolerable and always interferes with my daily activities.

Sweating is severely disabling. Patients at this level experience profound psychosocial impairment and often avoid social and professional settings entirely. Botulinum toxin injection is the treatment of first choice; most patients achieve a score reduction of 1–2 points following a single treatment session.

An HDSS score of 3 or 4 is typically required for clinical diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis and represents the threshold at which treatment with botulinum toxin is both clinically justified and most likely to produce meaningful, measurable improvement in quality of life.
Understanding the Condition

What is Masseter Hypertrophy?

The masseter is one of the primary muscles of mastication — the powerful jaw muscle responsible for chewing. Masseter hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of this muscle, resulting in a visibly wider, squarer lower face and a range of uncomfortable physical symptoms.

The condition is often driven by habitual teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, which causes the masseter muscle to overdevelop over time. Stress, sleep disorders, or dental misalignment may also contribute.

Many patients seek treatment simultaneously for jaw pain and to soften the appearance of a heavy or square jawline. Botulinum Toxin addresses both concerns in a single, straightforward treatment.

Common Signs & Symptoms
🦷 Teeth grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep
😣 Jaw pain, soreness or facial tension
🤕 Frequent headaches or migraines
👂 Earache or a sensation of fullness in the ear
😴 Disrupted sleep due to nocturnal clenching
🪥 Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth
↔️ A visibly wide, heavy or square lower face
🔒 Difficulty fully opening the jaw (trismus)
Why Patients Choose This Treatment

Two benefits.
One treatment.

Functional Relief

Relieve Pain & Protect Your Teeth

By relaxing the masseter muscle, Botulinum Toxin significantly reduces the force generated during teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Patients typically report marked improvement in jaw pain, morning headaches, and facial tension within the first few weeks — while also protecting teeth from long-term erosion.

Aesthetic Contouring

A Softer, More Sculpted Jawline

By relaxing the masseter muscle, Botulinum Toxin significantly reduces the force generated during teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Patients typically report marked improvement in jaw pain, morning headaches, and facial tension within the first few weeks — while also protecting teeth from long-term erosion.

"Less tension. Less bulk. More you."

The Treatment

What to Expect

A minimally invasive treatment delivered with precision. Here is your complete journey from consultation to final results.
01

Clinical Consultation

We assess jaw anatomy, symptom history, and aesthetic goals. The masseter is examined at rest and under contraction to determine the appropriate approach.

02

Personalised Dosing

Dosage is calibrated to your muscle size and desired outcome. Larger masseters typically require a higher dose for adequate relaxation and visible contouring.

03

The Procedure

Precise injections are administered directly into the masseter muscle on each side. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes. Discomfort is minimal; no anaesthetic is required.

04

Results & Review

Functional relief begins within 1–2 weeks. Visible jawline slimming develops over 4–6 weeks. A follow-up review ensures optimal results.

How does it work on the masseter?

Botulinum Toxin temporarily blocks the neuromuscular signal that causes the masseter to contract, preventing acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction.

Without the nerve signal, the masseter cannot generate its usual force. Grinding diminishes, clenching eases, and over subsequent weeks the muscle itself gradually reduces in size.

The treatment is entirely reversible, with neuromuscular signalling resuming naturally over time.

1–2

Weeks for functional relief from bruxism to begin

4–6

Weeks for full jawline slimming to develop

4–6

Months duration before repeat treatment is needed

0

Days of downtime — return to normal activities immediately

The Muscle In Action

How the Masseter Contracts —
and Why It Can Damage Teeth

The masseter is one of the most powerful muscles in the human body relative to its size. Watch how repeated, forceful clenching generates compressive forces that, over time, wear, fracture and ultimately break teeth — and why reducing its bulk with botulinum toxin can protect your dentition as well as reshape your face.

Key Facts About Masseter Force

200 lbs

Average bite force generated by the masseter during normal chewing

600 lbs

Peak bite force achievable during sleep bruxism — three times normal chewing load

8 hrs

Duration of sustained low-level clenching possible overnight for bruxism sufferers

80 %

Of patients report significant reduction in jaw pain and clenching after botulinum toxin treatment

How Clenching Damages Teeth
During bruxism, the masseter and temporalis muscles fire simultaneously, compressing the upper and lower dental arches. This repeated, high-force compression causes enamel micro-fractures, progressive tooth wear and flattening, cusp fractures, cracked tooth syndrome, and in severe cases, complete crown fracture. The forces generated can also overload dental implants and damage porcelain restorations. Reducing masseter bulk with botulinum toxin directly limits the maximum contractile force available, protecting the dentition without affecting normal chewing function.
Understanding the Condition

What are Rhytids (Wrinkles)?

Rhytids (Wrinkles) is the clinical term for wrinkles — the fine lines and creases that develop in the skin as a natural consequence of ageing, repeated facial movement, sun exposure, and environmental factors. They are broadly categorised into two types: dynamic and static.

Dynamic rhytids form as a direct result of repetitive muscle contractions beneath the skin — such as frowning, squinting, smiling, or raising the eyebrows. Over time, these repeated movements etch visible lines into the overlying skin.

Static rhytids are present even at rest and develop as the skin progressively loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid with age. Botulinum Toxin is most effective for dynamic rhytids, offering a smooth, natural result that preserves full facial expression.

Common Signs & Symptoms
🤔 Forehead Lines. Horizontal creases that form with eyebrow elevation
😠 Glabellar Lines (“11s”).Vertical frown lines between the eyebrows
😊 Crow’s Feet. Fine lines radiating from the outer corners of the eyes
👄 Perioral Lines. Vertical lip lines caused by pursing movements
🙁 Marionette Lines. Downward lines from corners of the mouth
🦢 Neck Bands (Platysma). Vertical cords and horizontal lines on the neck
Brow Lift. Subtle brow elevation through targeted relaxation
😬 Bunny Lines. Scrunching lines on the sides of the nose
The Treatment

Botulinum Toxin for
Facial Rejuvenation

A minimally invasive treatment delivered with precision. Here is your complete journey from consultation to final results.
01

Facial Assessment

We evaluate your facial anatomy, muscle activity, and skin quality at rest and in motion. Your aesthetic goals are discussed in full to create a personalised treatment map.

02

Personalised Dosing

Injection sites and dosage are individually planned to soften lines while preserving natural expression. We never over-treat — subtlety and balance are our priorities.

03

The Procedure

Ultra-fine injections are placed precisely into the targeted muscles. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return immediately to normal activities.

04

Results & Review

Results emerge over 3–5 days and are fully visible at 2 weeks. A complimentary review appointment is included to assess your result and address any asymmetry.

How does Botulinum Toxin smooth wrinkles?

When injected into targeted facial muscles, Botulinum Toxin temporarily inhibits the release of acetylcholine — the chemical messenger responsible for triggering muscle contraction.

With the muscle at rest, the overlying skin is no longer repeatedly folded and creased, allowing existing lines to soften and preventing new ones from deepening. The surrounding muscles remain fully functional, preserving natural expression.

Results typically last 3–4 months. With regular maintenance, many patients find results extend as the targeted muscles gradually weaken from reduced use.

3–5

Days for initial results to begin appearing

2

Weeks for full results to be visible

3–4

Months typical duration of results

0

Days of downtime — resume normal activities immediately

Understanding the Treatment

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth static lines and folds, enhance facial contours, and rejuvenate areas of the face that have lost fullness with age. The most widely used and clinically validated fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) — a substance naturally present in the skin, joints, and connective tissue.

As we age, we progressively lose facial volume, bone density, and soft tissue support. The skin thins, collagen diminishes, and fat compartments deflate and migrate — producing hollowness, sagging, and deepened folds. Dermal fillers address these changes by restoring structural support and hydration from within the skin.

When performed by a skilled practitioner, dermal fillers produce beautifully natural results — enhancing your features without altering your fundamental appearance. Our approach is always one of restoration and balance, never excess.

Treatment Areas
💋 Lip Enhancement. Augmentation, definition, and hydration for naturally beautiful lips
😊 Cheek Augmentation. Restoring volume and lift to the mid-face for a youthful contour
👁️ Tear Troughs. Softening dark circles and hollowness beneath the eyes
🫦 Nasolabial Folds. Smoothing the lines from nose to corners of the mouth
🔲 Jawline Definition. Sculpting and sharpening the jawline for improved facial structure
⬆️ Chin Projection. Enhancing chin shape and projection to balance the facial profile
🌿 Temple Hollowing. Restoring volume to sunken temples for a fuller, more youthful appearance
Hand Rejuvenation. Replenishing volume to ageing hands to reduce the appearance of tendons and veins
🌊 Skin Hydration (Skinboosters). Micro-injections of HA to deeply hydrate and improve skin quality
The Treatment

Natural results.
Expertly delivered.

A minimally invasive treatment delivered with precision. Here is your complete journey from consultation to final results.
01

In-Depth Consultation

A full facial analysis assessing facial proportions, volume distribution, skin quality, and your desired outcome. We discuss product selection and set realistic, honest expectations.

02

Treatment Planning

A bespoke plan is created detailing areas to be treated, product choice, volume, and technique. Topical anaesthetic is applied to maximise comfort prior to the procedure.

03

The Procedure

Filler is administered using fine needles or blunt-tipped cannulas depending on the treatment area. Most procedures take 30–60 minutes. Results are visible immediately, refining further over 2 weeks.

04

Review & Aftercare

A review appointment at 2 weeks allows us to assess the final result and make any refinements. Our team is available for any post-treatment queries.

How do hyaluronic acid fillers work?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with a remarkable capacity to bind and retain water — up to 1,000 times its own weight. When injected into targeted areas of the face, it physically restores volume, lifts overlying tissue, and hydrates the skin from within.

Modern HA fillers are cross-linked to varying degrees, giving them different textures and lifting capacities suited to different anatomical areas — from the delicate periorbital region to the structural support required for cheek and chin treatment.

HA fillers are fully reversible using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which rapidly dissolves the product if required.

Instant

Volume restoration — results visible immediately

2

Weeks for swelling to fully resolve and results to settle

9–24

Months typical duration depending on area and product

100%

Reversible — dissolvable with hyaluronidase if required

Understanding the Treatment

Microneedling with SkinPen

Microneedling — also known as collagen induction therapy — is a clinically validated skin regeneration treatment that harnesses the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to improve skin texture, tone, and overall quality. SkinPen by Crown Aesthetics is the world’s first FDA-cleared microneedling device, and the gold standard in professional microneedling treatment.

The SkinPen creates thousands of precise, microscopic channels in the skin using a sterile, single-use cartridge of fine needles. This controlled injury triggers the skin’s natural wound-healing cascade — stimulating the production of new collagen, elastin, and growth factors without causing significant damage to the surrounding tissue.

The result is progressive, natural-looking improvement in skin quality — reducing the appearance of scarring, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and the fine lines associated with ageing. Unlike ablative treatments, microneedling is suitable for all skin types including darker skin tones.

Skin Concerns Treated
🔴
Acne Scarring
 
🌟
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
 
🟤
Pigmentation & Uneven Tone
 
🫧
Enlarged Pores
 
💧
Skin Laxity & Loss of Firmness
 
🌿
Stretch Marks
 
☀️
Sun Damage & Rough Texture
 
🌸
Rosacea & Redness
 
🔵
Surgical & Traumatic Scarring
 
Overall Skin Dullness
 
🪞
Post-Procedure Refinement
 
💫
Melasma (with appropriate protocol)
Why SkinPen? Why Patients Choose This Treatment

The world's first
FDA-cleared microneedling device.

Clinical Standard

FDA-Cleared & Clinically Proven

SkinPen is the world’s first FDA-cleared microneedling device, supported by published clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Its single-use, sterile needle cartridge eliminates cross-contamination risk — a critical distinction from lower-grade alternatives. Each cartridge is used once and discarded, ensuring the highest standard of patient safety at every treatment.
Treatment Versatility

Precision Depth Control for Every Skin Concern

SkinPen’s adjustable needle depth — ranging from 0.25mm to 2.5mm — allows the clinician to precisely target different skin layers depending on the concern being treated. Superficial settings address pigmentation and fine lines; deeper settings stimulate collagen remodelling for scarring and laxity. This versatility means a single device can be used safely across all skin types and treatment goals.

"Stimulate. Regenerate. Reveal."

The Treatment

Your SkinPen Journey

A progressive treatment programme delivering cumulative improvement with every session. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
01

Skin Consultation

A thorough assessment of your skin type, concerns, medical history, and suitability for microneedling. We may recommend a patch test and pre-treatment skincare protocol to optimise your results.

02

Skin Preparation

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied 30–45 minutes before treatment. The skin is cleansed and a sterile serum applied to facilitate smooth gliding of the device across the treatment area.

03

The Procedure

The SkinPen is passed methodically across the treatment area in multiple directions. Treatment depth is adjusted to the specific concern and area. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.

04

Results & Review

Skin will appear red and flushed for 24–48 hours — similar to mild sunburn. Visible improvements develop progressively over 4–6 weeks as new collagen forms, with best results seen after a course of 3–6 treatments.

How does microneedling stimulate skin renewal?

The microscopic channels created by the SkinPen’s needles trigger the skin’s natural wound-healing response in three sequential phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling.

During proliferation, fibroblasts migrate to the treated area and begin synthesising new collagen and elastin fibres. In the remodelling phase — which continues for several months — this new collagen matures and reorganises, progressively improving skin texture, firmness, and the appearance of scars and lines.

Because the channels are microscopic and the epidermis remains largely intact, the skin heals rapidly with minimal downtime.

24–48h

Typical recovery time — mild redness and sensitivity

4–6

Weeks for initial collagen remodelling to become visible

3–6

Sessions recommended for optimum results (4–6 weeks apart)

All

Skin types suitable — including darker Fitzpatrick skin tones

o1

Fun Facts — Botulinum Toxin

From Sausage Poison to the World’s Most Popular Aesthetic Treatment

💉

One of the most remarkable journeys in the history of medicine — from a deadly food-borne toxin to a treatment with over 20 approved indications worldwide.
1820s
The First Clue — “Sausage Poison”

German physician Justinus Kerner was the first to systematically study botulism after outbreaks linked to poorly preserved sausages in Württemberg. He coined the term Wurstgift — “sausage poison” — correctly identifying that the toxin blocked muscle contraction via the nervous system. Remarkably, he speculated in writing that controlled doses might one day have therapeutic uses — nearly 170 years before this would be proven.

1895
The Bacterium is Identified
Belgian microbiologist Emile van Ermengem isolated Clostridium botulinum after a botulism outbreak among musicians in Ellezelles who had eaten contaminated ham. His work established the scientific foundation for all future research — and earned him a permanent footnote in both microbiology and aesthetic medicine.
1940s–1960s
Purification, and the First Medical Vision
Scientist Edward Schantz purified botulinum toxin type A in crystalline form at Fort Detrick, Maryland — initially in the context of wartime research. In the 1960s, ophthalmologist Dr. Alan Scott began exploring whether minute doses could treat strabismus (crossed eyes) by precisely weakening overactive eye muscles, marking the first serious medical application of the toxin.
1978–1989
First Human Injections and FDA Approval

Dr. Scott conducted the first human trials of botulinum toxin for strabismus in 1978 with highly encouraging results. In 1989, the FDA granted the world’s first approval for botulinum toxin type A — for strabismus, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm. The era of therapeutic botulinum toxin had officially begun.

1987 — The Accidental Discovery

The Moment That Changed Aesthetics Forever
Canadian ophthalmologist Dr. Jean Carruthers was treating a patient’s blepharospasm when she noticed the injections around the eyes appeared to smooth the overlying forehead wrinkles. The patient famously asked why she didn’t inject the rest of her forehead. Dr. Carruthers discussed this with her dermatologist husband Dr. Alastair Carruthers, who began systematic trials for cosmetic wrinkle reduction. Their landmark 1992 paper launched the entire field of cosmetic botulinum toxin.
That 1992 paper described just 17 patients. Today, botulinum toxin is the single most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the world — with over 9 million treatments administered annually in the United States alone.
2002
FDA Approves Cosmetic Use
The FDA approved botulinum toxin type A (Botox®, Allergan) for the cosmetic treatment of glabellar lines — the frown lines between the eyebrows. This legitimised cosmetic botulinum toxin within mainstream medicine. Allergan was subsequently acquired by AbbVie in a transaction valued at approximately US$63 billion.
2004
Hyperhidrosis — A Life-Changing Medical Application
The FDA approved botulinum toxin for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, demonstrating greater than 50% reduction in sweating in the vast majority of patients. This approval cemented its role as a serious medical treatment far beyond cosmetics.
TODAY
Over 20 Approved Indications
Botulinum toxin is now approved for chronic migraine, overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, upper limb spasticity, and more — as well as multiple cosmetic applications. It remains one of the most researched pharmacological agents in history. At Skina Medical Aesthetics, every treatment is grounded in this rich clinical legacy and administered with the same precision that has characterised its development from the very beginning.

1820

Year the toxin was first described — over 200 years of science

7

Distinct serotypes of botulinum toxin — only Type A and B used medically

20+

FDA-approved medical indications today

9M+

Cosmetic treatments per year in the USA alone

o2
Fun Facts — Dermal Fillers
The Surprisingly Ancient Art of Volume Restoration

The desire to restore facial volume and smooth away lines is far older than syringes and hyaluronic acid. Here is the unexpected, sometimes alarming, and ultimately triumphant history of dermal fillers.
1893

The World's First Filler Injection

SkinPen is the world’s first FDA-cleared microneedling device, supported by published clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Its single-use, sterile needle cartridge eliminates cross-contamination risk — a critical distinction from lower-grade alternatives. Each cartridge is used once and discarded, ensuring the highest standard of patient safety at every treatment.

Early 1900s

Fat Grafting — The Elegant Idea

Surgeons began harvesting fat from one part of the body and re-injecting it elsewhere — the same autologous fat transfer technique still used today. The concept was sound but results were unpredictable; reabsorption rates were inconsistent and the technique required significant surgical access. The fundamental principle, however, was correct, and modern fat grafting remains one of the most natural and longlasting volume restoration approaches available.
1940s–1960s

Liquid Silicone — Promise and Peril

Liquid medical-grade silicone was injected widely in Japan and later the United States for facial augmentation, breast enlargement, and body contouring. Early results appeared remarkable. Long-term outcomes were not. Silicone migrated, formed granulomas, and in some cases caused severe systemic reactions. Its direct injection for cosmetic use was ultimately prohibited by the FDA. Some women who received industrial (non-medical) silicone injections in the mid-20th century suffered permanent disfigurement.
1981

Bovine Collagen — The First Modern Filler

The FDA approved Zyderm, the first commercially available injectable collagen filler, derived from bovine (cow) sources. Skin testing was required due to allergic reaction risk — patients had to wait 4 weeks after a skin test before treatment. Results lasted just 3–6 months. Despite its limitations, bovine collagen established the concept of injectable aesthetic medicine and proved that minimally invasive volume restoration was both safe and commercially viable.
1989 — The Revolution

Hyaluronic Acid Changes Everything

Swedish biochemist Endre Balazs first extracted and purified hyaluronic acid in the 1950s for use in eye surgery. By the late 1980s, researchers discovered that stabilised (cross-linked) hyaluronic acid gels could remain in tissue for months rather than days. Restylane, the world’s first HA filler, was approved in Europe in 1996 and by the FDA in 2003. Unlike collagen, it required no allergy testing, produced immediate results, and crucially — could be dissolved with hyaluronidase if anything went wrong. This reversibility transformed the safety profile of aesthetic medicine entirely.
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally throughout the human body — including skin, joints, and eyes. A 70 kg adult contains approximately 15 grams of HA, with roughly one-third in the skin alone.
TODAY

A Global Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

The global dermal filler market exceeded US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass US$12 billion by 2030. Hyaluronic acid fillers account for approximately 80% of all procedures globally. The most popular treatment areas are lips, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and tear troughs. Over 4.3 million filler procedures were performed in the USA alone in 2022 — making it the second most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure after botulinum toxin.

1893

First filler injection — paraffin, with disastrous results

15g

Hyaluronic acid naturally present in the average adult body

80%

Of all fillers today are hyaluronic acid — reversible with enzyme

4.3M

Filler procedures performed in the USA in 2022

o3
Fun Facts — Microneedling
Ancient Wounds, Modern Science
🔬

The principle of creating controlled injury to stimulate healing is thousands of years old. Microneedling’s journey from ancient acupuncture to NASA-validated technology is one of the most fascinating stories in aesthetic medicine.

Ancient Origins

Acupuncture — The Earliest Needling

Traditional Chinese medicine has used needles to penetrate the skin for therapeutic purposes for over 3,000 years. While acupuncture was not developed with collagen induction in mind, modern research has confirmed that the needle puncture itself triggers local tissue repair responses — including the release of growth factors and inflammatory mediators that stimulate fibroblast activity. The ancient practitioners did not know why it worked. We now do.
1995

The Scientific Foundation — Orentreich's Discovery

Dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich and his son David published a landmark paper describing “subcision” — the use of a needle inserted beneath depressed scars to break fibrous attachments and stimulate new collagen. This was the first peer-reviewed scientific evidence that controlled needle injury could produce meaningful skin remodelling. It established the scientific credibility that would fuel the development of modern microneedling devices.
1997

The Dermaroller is Invented

German plastic surgeon Dr. Desmond Fernandes — troubled by the limitations of laser resurfacing and chemical peels — began experimenting with needles to induce collagen production without ablating the skin. He created the dermaroller: a drum-shaped device studded with hundreds of tiny needles. His 1997 paper “Minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction” was a pivotal moment, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in scarring, wrinkles and skin texture through collagen induction therapy (CIT).
The Science

Why Injuring Skin Makes It Better

Each needle penetration creates a microscopic wound channel that triggers the skin’s natural repair cascade: platelet activation releases growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF); fibroblasts migrate to the wound site and begin synthesising new collagen and elastin; epidermal stem cells in the hair follicles proliferate to resurface the microchannels. The epidermis remains largely intact (unlike laser or chemical peels), dramatically reducing downtime while producing genuine structural skin improvement over 4–6 weeks.

A single SkinPen microneedling session creates approximately 1,500–2,000 microscopic channels per square centimetre of treated skin — each one a precisely controlled wound that triggers a targeted collagen response.
NASA CONNECTION

Space Research Validates the Mechanism

Research conducted for NASA on wound healing in microgravity environments provided independent validation of the collagen induction mechanism. Scientists studying how astronauts’ skin healed in space confirmed the same growth factor and fibroblast cascade that microneedling exploits. NASA’s wound healing research has since informed the development of advanced microneedling protocols and has been cited in clinical literature supporting the treatment’s efficacy.
2015

SkinPen — The World's First FDA-Cleared Device

In 2015, Crown Aesthetics’ SkinPen became the first microneedling device to receive FDA clearance — a significant distinction from mere registration or listing. The FDA clearance was granted for the treatment of acne scars on the face in adults, based on a rigorously controlled clinical trial demonstrating statistically significant improvement in 90% of subjects. The SkinPen uses a single-use sterile needle cartridge, eliminating cross-contamination risk entirely and setting the clinical standard for the category.

3,000

Years of needling-based therapy, from acupuncture to CIT

1,500+

Microchannels created per cm² in a single session

90%

Of subjects showed significant improvement in SkinPen's FDA trial

2015

Year SkinPen became the world's first FDA-cleared microneedling device

04
Around the World
Weird & Wonderful: Cosmetic Treatments from Around the Globe
🌍

From nightingale droppings to electric current, from snake venom to 24-carat gold — humanity’s pursuit of beauty has produced some genuinely extraordinary treatments. Here are some of the world’s most unusual, surprising, and surprisingly effective cosmetic rituals.

🐦
Japan · The Uguisu Facial

Nightingale Droppings

The uguisu no fun ("nightingale droppings") facial has been used in Japan for centuries — traditionally by geisha and kabuki actors to remove heavy theatrical make-up and brighten the skin. The droppings are collected from nightingales fed a specific diet, UV-sterilised, dried and powdered. They contain guanine (an amino acid) and natural enzymes that exfoliate dead skin cells. The treatment was famously popularised in Western spa culture and can cost upwards of US$180 per session in New York. The smell, guests report, is best described as "earthy."

🔬
Israel · Snake Venom Massage

Live Snake Massage

At the Ada Barak spa in northern Israel, guests can receive a massage using six live non-venomous snakes — king snakes, corn snakes, and milk snakes — ranging from small to large. The larger snakes are said to produce a deep-tissue kneading effect, while smaller snakes provide lighter sensation. Proponents claim the experience relieves muscle tension and anxiety. Ada Barak, who launched the treatment in 2013, reported that guests who overcame their initial apprehension frequently described profound relaxation. Sessions cost approximately US$70.

Global · Microcurrent Therapy

Electricity for Your Face

Microcurrent facial therapy delivers imperceptibly low levels of electrical current (measured in microamperes — millionths of an ampere) to facial muscles and tissue. The technology originated in medical rehabilitation for Bell's palsy and facial muscle re-education in the 1970s before migrating to aesthetics. Proponents call it a "non-surgical face lift." The current is said to stimulate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in cells, theoretically accelerating tissue repair and temporarily increasing muscle tone. Celebrities including Jennifer Aniston and Brie Larson have publicly credited microcurrent devices. The science remains active and evolving.

🥇
Global · Luxury Spas

24-Carat Gold Facials

Gold has been used in skincare since Cleopatra allegedly slept in a pure gold mask to preserve her complexion. Modern 24-carat gold facials — available at luxury spas globally for US$250–US$1,000+ — use nano-gold particles claimed to stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity. Some high-end products (including La Prairie's Cellular Cream Platinum Rare at ~US$1,000 per jar) contain platinum alongside gold. The science is modest; the luxury experience is not. The Japanese brand SK-II's gold sheet masks became a cult item among K-beauty devotees in the 2010s.

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South Korea · Placenta Therapy

Sheep and Horse Placenta Injections

Placenta extract injections — using proteins derived from porcine (pig) or equine (horse) placenta — are popular anti-ageing treatments across South Korea, Japan, and Russia. The treatment is claimed to stimulate cell renewal, improve skin hydration, and reduce fatigue. In Japan, the pharmaceutical-grade porcine placenta extract Laennec is prescribed by clinics as an injectable liver treatment and anti-ageing therapy. South Korean beauty products containing placenta extract are widely available in pharmacies. The efficacy evidence is variable; the market enthusiasm is not.

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China · Fire Cupping & Huo Liao

Setting Your Face on Fire (Briefly)

Huo liao — fire therapy — involves soaking a towel in alcohol and a "special elixir," placing it on the face or body, and briefly igniting it before smothering the flame. Practitioners claim it stimulates circulation, treats dull skin, and combats signs of ageing. The treatment has been offered at Chinese spas and clinics for centuries. Western dermatologists view the practice with significant scepticism and concern; burns and complications have been documented. It remains popular in certain regions of China despite repeated medical warnings.

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Global · The Vampire Facial

PRP — Your Own Blood, On Your Face

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) facial therapy — immortalised as the "Vampire Facial" when Kim Kardashian posted a blood-smeared selfie in 2013 — involves drawing the patient's own blood, centrifuging it to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma, and either injecting it or applying it topically in conjunction with microneedling. PRP contains high concentrations of growth factors (PDGF, TGF, VEGF) that accelerate tissue healing. PRP is well-established in orthopaedics and sports medicine; its aesthetic applications have growing (if still maturing) clinical evidence. The Instagram reach, however, was immediate and global.

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Chile · Snail Facial

Live Snails on Your Skin

Snail slime — or mucin — has become one of the most commercially successful ingredients in K-beauty skincare. Live snail facials, originating in Chile and popularised through Japan and South Korea, involve allowing live giant African land snails to traverse the face, depositing their mucin trail directly onto the skin. Snail mucin contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and copper peptides — all recognised by dermatology for wound healing and skin hydration benefits. The ingredient has now been validated in multiple peer-reviewed studies and is found in mainstream skincare products globally.

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France · Wine Therapy

Bathing in Red Wine

The Caudalie Vinothérapie® spa in Bordeaux — opened in 1999 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas — pioneered wine therapy, offering treatments including barrel baths filled with red wine, grape seed scrubs, and wine-based massage oils. The polyphenols in grape seeds — particularly resveratrol — are potent antioxidants with documented anti-inflammatory properties. The Thomases worked with Nobel Prize-winning professor Jacques Masquelier, who had identified grape seed oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in the 1940s. Caudalie's skincare line, built on this research, is now sold in over 100 countries.

Why Choose Us

References & Scientific Citations

All treatment claims, FDA approval statements, and clinical outcomes presented on this website are grounded in peer-reviewed research, regulatory documentation, and published clinical data. Citations are organised by treatment area.

 

💧 Hyperhidrosis & Botulinum Toxin for Sweating

1
FDA approval for primary axillary hyperhidrosis (2004) — botulinum toxin type A reduces sweating by >50% in the majority of patients.
Naumann M, Lowe NJ. Botulinum toxin type A in treatment of bilateral primary axillary hyperhidrosis: randomised, parallel group, double blind, placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2001;323(7313):596–599. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7313.596
2
The HDSS (Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale) as a validated patient-reported outcome measure; HDSS ≥3 as the clinical threshold for treatment.
Naumann M, Lowe NJ. Botulinum toxin type A in treatment of bilateral primary axillary hyperhidrosis: randomised, parallel group, double blind, placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2001;323(7313):596–599. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7313.596
3
HDSS scale validation as a clinical research tool; 4-point scale correlating with objective sweat production measures.
Strutton DR, Kowalski JW, Glaser DA, Stang PE. US prevalence of hyperhidrosis and impact on individuals with axillary hyperhidrosis: results from a national survey. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(2):241–248. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.12.040
4
FDA approval for primary axillary hyperhidrosis (2004) — botulinum toxin type A reduces sweating by >50% in the majority of patients.
Heckmann M, Ceballos-Baumann AO, Plewig G; Hyperhidrosis Study Group. Botulinum toxin A for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). N Engl J Med. 2001;344(7):488–493. doi:10.1056/NEJM200102153440704
5
Botulinum toxin for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis; treatment considerations and efficacy.
Lowe NJ, Glaser DA, Eadie N, et al. Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: a 52-week multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;56(4):604–611. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.01.009
🦷 Masseter Hypertrophy & Botulinum Toxin
1
Botulinum toxin injection for masseter hypertrophy produces measurable reduction in muscle bulk and jaw contour within 4–8 weeks.
Kim NH, Park RH, Park JB. Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of hypertrophy of the masseter muscle. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(6):1693–1705. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181d0b70d
2
Volumetric reduction of the masseter muscle using MRI and ultrasound measurement following botulinum toxin injection.
Smyth AG. Botulinum toxin treatment of bilateral masseteric hypertrophy. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1994;32(1):29–33. doi:10.1016/0266-4356(94)90091-4
3
The masseteric bite force in bruxism patients (up to 600 lbs / 270 kg); normal bite force range approximately 200 lbs / 91 kg.
Tortopidis D, Lyons MF, Baxendale RH, Gilmour WH. The variability of bite force measurement between sessions, in different positions within the dental arch. J Oral Rehabil. 1998;25(9):681–686. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2842.1998.00293.x
4
Association between masseter hypertrophy and bruxism; role of botulinum toxin in both functional and aesthetic management.
Ondo WG, Simmons JH, Shahid M, et al. Onabotulinum toxin-A injections for sleep bruxism: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Neurology. 2018;90(7):e559–e564. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000004951
5
Botulinum toxin for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis; treatment considerations and efficacy.
Lowe NJ, Glaser DA, Eadie N, et al. Botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis: a 52-week multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;56(4):604–611. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.01.009
✨ Botulinum Toxin for Rhytids (Facial Lines & Wrinkles)
1
Foundational 1992 paper by Carruthers & Carruthers establishing cosmetic botulinum toxin for glabellar lines — the paper that launched the field.
Carruthers JD, Carruthers JA. Treatment of glabellar frown lines with C. botulinum-A exotoxin. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1992;18(1):17–21. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.1992.tb03295.x
2
FDA approval of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox® Cosmetic) for glabellar lines (2002) and crow’s feet (2013) — pivotal trial data.
Allergan Inc. Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) Prescribing Information. Irvine, CA: Allergan; 2023. Available at: accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/103000s5358lbl.pdf
3
Mechanism of action: botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary chemodenervation.
Dressler D, Bhidayasiri R, Bhidayasiri CF. Pharmacology of therapeutic botulinum toxin preparations. Disabil Rehabil. 2012;34(24):2126–2137. doi:10.3109/09638288.2012.660598
4
Association between masseter hypertrophy and bruxism; role of botulinum toxin in both functional and aesthetic management.
Klein AW. Contraindications and complications with the use of botulinum toxin. Clin Dermatol. 2004;22(1):66–75. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2003.11.010
5
Prophylactic use of botulinum toxin to prevent deepening of dynamic rhytids over time.
Wollina U, Goldman A. Botulinum toxin A in aesthetic medicine. Clin Dermatol. 2019;37(5):389–397. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.07.012
6
Total number of cosmetic botulinum toxin procedures annually in the USA (9 million+); global market statistics.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Report. Arlington Heights, IL: ASPS; 2023. plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf

💉 Dermal Fillers & Hyaluronic Acid
1
FDA approval of Restylane® (NASHA hyaluronic acid) for nasolabial fold correction (2003) — the first HA filler approved in the United States.
Carruthers JD, Carruthers JA. Treatment of glabellar frown lines with C. botulinum-A exotoxin. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1992;18(1):17–21. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.1992.tb03295.x
2
Hyaluronic acid naturally present in adult human body (approximately 15g in a 70 kg adult; one-third in skin).
Stern R, Asari AA, Sugahara KN. Hyaluronan fragments: an information-rich system. Eur J Cell Biol. 2006;85(8):699–715. doi:10.1016/j.ejcb.2006.05.009
3
Reversibility of HA fillers using hyaluronidase — the safety advantage that distinguishes HA from permanent and semi-permanent fillers.
DeLorenzi C. Complications of injectable fillers, part 2: vascular complications. Aesthet Surg J. 2014;34(4):584–600. doi:10.1177/1090820X14525035
4
Mechanism of action of cross-linked HA fillers: hydrophilic gel expansion, tissue integration, and duration of effect (6–18 months depending on product and site).
Kablik J, Monheit GD, Yu L, Chang G, Gershkovich J. Comparative physical and chemical properties of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35(Suppl 1):302–312. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.01046.x
5
Prophylactic use of botulinum toxin to prevent deepening of dynamic rhytids over time.
Grand View Research. Dermal Fillers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Type, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024–2030. San Francisco: Grand View Research; 2024. grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/dermal-fillers-market
6
Lip augmentation with HA filler: evidence-based safety, technique, and patient selection.
Lafaille P, Benedetto A. Fillers: contraindications, side effects and precautions. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2010;3(1):16–19. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.63222
🔬 Microneedling — SkinPen & Collagen Induction Therapy
1
SkinPen: the world’s first FDA-cleared microneedling device (2015) — FDA clearance for acne scars on the face in adults, based on controlled clinical trial.
Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: a review and practical guide. Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(3):397–404. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001248
2
SkinPen pivotal trial: 90% of subjects showed improvement in acne scar appearance; statistically significant at all time points.
Stern R, Asari AA, Sugahara KN. Hyaluronan fragments: an information-rich system. Eur J Cell Biol. 2006;85(8):699–715. doi:10.1016/j.ejcb.2006.05.009
3
Mechanism: percutaneous collagen induction — platelet growth factors, TGF-β, PDGF, VEGF stimulation; fibroblast migration and new collagen/elastin synthesis.
DeLorenzi C. Complications of injectable fillers, part 2: vascular complications. Aesthet Surg J. 2014;34(4):584–600. doi:10.1177/1090820X14525035
4
Original subcision paper by Orentreich (1995) establishing the scientific basis for controlled needle injury to stimulate collagen.
Orentreich DS, Orentreich N. Subcutaneous incisionless (subcision) surgery for the correction of depressed scars and wrinkles. Dermatol Surg. 1995;21(6):543–549. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.1995.tb00259.x
5
Prophylactic use of botulinum toxin to prevent deepening of dynamic rhytids over time.
Grand View Research. Dermal Fillers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Type, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024–2030. San Francisco: Grand View Research; 2024. grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/dermal-fillers-market
6
Downtime comparison: microneedling vs ablative laser resurfacing — intact epidermis and reduced recovery period.
Aust MC, Fernandes D, Kolokythas P, Kaplan HM, Vogt PM. Percutaneous collagen induction therapy: an alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;121(4):1421–1429. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000304612.72899.02
🏛️ Regulatory Approvals — Quick Reference

1989

FDA

Botulinum toxin type A for strabismus, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm

2002

FDA

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox® Cosmetic) for glabellar lines

2003

FDA

Restylane® (first HA filler) for nasolabial folds

2004

FDA

Botulinum toxin type A for primary axillary hyperhidrosis

2010

FDA

Botulinum toxin type A for chronic migraine

2013

FDA

Botulinum toxin type A for lateral canthal lines (crow's feet)

2015

FDA

SkinPen® — first microneedling device cleared for acne scars

2021

FDA

Botulinum toxin type A for forehead lines and crow's feet (additional labelling)

Why Choose Us

The Skina Standard

We combine clinical excellence with a genuinely patient-centred approach — so you feel confident, informed, and well cared for at every step of your journey with us.

🎓

Medically Qualified Practitioners

Our team are fully trained medical professionals with specialist expertise in aesthetic medicine, injectable treatments, and skin health. You will never be treated by someone without appropriate clinical qualifications.

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Evidence-Based Protocols

Every treatment follows rigorously validated clinical protocols. We use only licensed, pharmaceutical-grade products and devices — dosing and technique decisions are guided by clinical evidence and individual patient assessment.

💬

Honest, Unhurried Consultations

Your consultation is dedicated to understanding your concerns, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring you feel fully informed and empowered — never pressured. We will always tell you when a treatment is not right for you.

🛡️

Comprehensive Aftercare

Our care doesn't end when you leave the clinic. Every patient receives detailed aftercare guidance, a follow-up review, and direct access to our team for any questions or concerns at any stage.

Tailored to You

No two patients are identical. Treatment plans, dosage, product selection, and technique are all carefully individualised to your anatomy, skin type, and personal goals — maximising efficacy, safety, and satisfaction.

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Discreet & Professional Environment

Our clinic provides a welcoming, discreet, and entirely judgement-free environment. We understand that aesthetic and medical concerns are personal — your privacy and dignity are always respected.

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This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments are subject to a full clinical assessment and suitability review. Results vary between individuals.