When it comes to facing the ageing process, Dr Essaad Awad is a firm believer in holding back the years for as long as possible! And she’s in the right business too.
For Dr Awad runs an exclusive cosmetic clinic in Canford Cliffs, specialising in the latest non-surgical, anti-ageing procedures.
“The majority of my clients are aged between 40 and 60 but I wouldn’t offer any treatment that I haven’t tried myself first,” she says. And although she won’t reveal her age, she certainly looks a good advert for her Pour Moi clinic. “I will admit to having Botox, skin fillers and treatments like Thermage,” she says.
Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening radiofrequency treatment which stimulates collagen production.
“Thermage is excellent — it is one of the most effective anti-ageing treatments to date as long as the skin still has its elasticity — it gives you the jaw line you have always wanted without surgery!”
Dr Awad says she is not ashamed to admit that she has used cosmetic procedures to turn back the years.
“I feel it is my time now. Like many working women I have raised two children on my own, put them through university — they are both now successful in their chosen careers — so I feel I have done my bit. I want to be able to look in the mirror and feel good about myself.”
Dr Awad feels that if you look good it helps you to feel good too to face life’s problems.
“I like to practise what I preach. I have had some low spells in my life and it does give me a lift to have a cosmetic treatment. But if you are going to spend a lot of money on skin fillers and treatments, I always say it is imperative to have good hair and skin first.
“I always advise my clients to take care of their skin, to exfoliate and moisturise and to use sun block. A mild skin peel can help with regeneration and microdermabrasion removes dead skins cells and gives you a glow for two weeks.
“It is also important to drink plenty of water especially in winter because central heating is very drying for the skin. Once your skin dries out it will lead to wrinkles.” Dr Awad adds: “Forget growing old gracefully. I intend to grow old disgracefully — that’s always been my motto!