- The Observer, Sunday February 12 2006
There comes a time in later life when permanently grinning like a banshee to disguise the blanket-stitch lines around the mouth is simply not enough. So it was with a feeling of unrelieved joy that I found myself one afternoon lying back on a couch in a central London clinic while Marie let rip with a syringe full of Restylane. This little miracle worker is the Polyfilla of the beauty trade. It is injected under the skin and comes in various strengths depending on what needs plumping out (it can now do backs of hands, decolletage and cheekbones).
Marie, a trained nurse (you need to be medically qualified to wield the needle) is also something of a sculptress and explains how each jab has a knock-on effect to the neighbouring bit of your face. The effects should last for eight-12 months.
I can't pretend it didn't hurt but the numbing cream is pretty effective - it's about on a level with a rigorous session at the dental hygienist. I wouldn't advise socialising afterwards - I looked like a pincushion but it faded after a couple of days and under concealer it didn't show.
Is it worth it? Oh yes. The lines round my lips have gone, and the corners of my mouth have lifted
· Cost of an hour's treatment: £400. Freephone Restylane information line for clinics and advice: 0800 015 5548. Fiona and Marie, LPSA, 30 Devonshire Street, London W1 (020 7908 3773)
