I started Derma Fillers young, at the age of 33. My initial experience, with a less-established practitioner wasn't positive for me; however, I walked away, intuitively feeling there was potential in this form of cosmetic procedure. I took some years off and re-approached Dr.Sophie, after seeing her profile online and was truthful about my concerns and nerves yet willing to give it another try. She was so kind, non-judgemental, even told me to 'go-away' and think about proceeding but I trusted her manner and approach and a couple of years later, I am absolutely thrilled. I have mentioned to her, that the feedback I received on her work, was instant; literally 'walking around' in my local community, from the first tweak she made, I knew it had made an impact: I still feel that way. We have a longer-term plan, I see her every 6 months and we build on the structure which has now been supported by the properties of the filler substance/s she uses. I feel Dr. Sophie has an 'expert', 'holistic' approach, so that the work becomes an investment and 'part of your face' and thats what I personally feel: that it has re-constructed in a subtle way, the structure I lost over time, within reason. At its very best, this type of care, enhances your self-esteem, adds to your life and becomes a relief, a precious part of your skin-care, and essentially a joyful experience x

I wanted, ideally, a lower (mini) facelift using local anaesthetic but I was messed around by a clinic fairly close to me and the next nearest clinic was either London (lots of money I didn't have) or Bristol which is 5 hours drive. So after researching, I opted for a Silhouette Threadlift in Kent with Dr Sophie Shotter at the Illuminate Skin Clinic. I agree with her thoughts that too many clinics/practitioners misrepresent (hopefully not intentionally) what is involved with this procedure, so customers perhaps have unrealistic expectations. Many places call this procedure 'non-invasive' but it IS invasive if only minimally. The practitioner has to push a cannula and 'barbed' thread through the tissues of your face - there is going to be some bleeding, bruising, and swelling. That's normal. The fact that we need a local anaesthetic should give some of this away! The bruising and/or swelling will last for a couple of days to a couple of weeks depending on the individual. Yes it can be done in an hour but to claim that you can go straight back to work, as if no-one will notice anything and all is well, is perhaps misleading. The other thing to know is that the results aren't (of course) as 'dramatic' as a surgical lift and won't last as long. I had mine done about 18 months ago and I am probably back to where I was before the lift now which isn't bad considering I have aged another 18 months too. I wish it was cheaper so I could afford to repeat it. Unfortunately, the cost of the threads dictates some of the pricing. However, Dr Sophie explained ALL of this to me so I was under no illusions about the procedure. I think this procedure is worth it IF you are in safe hands and under no illusions - I can recommend Dr Sophie Shotter and Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent. I would give 5 stars if it didn't cost so much.