Take good care of yourself with Vale Life’s guide to healthcare in the Vale

HEALTH & WELLBEING

My hands are really starting to show the signs of ageing, with veins and wrinkles becoming more visible. I’ve heard there are non-surgical treatments that can improve volume and look more rejuvenated. Can you suggest any treatments, and what are the results like?

A lot of women (and some men) spend a lot of money on creams, moisturisers and sometimes even plastic surgery to give the appearance of being younger. Many concentrate on the face but a quick glance to the back of the hands usually tells you a person’s true age.

A range of non-surgical hand treatments are now available, aimed at skin rejuvenation at a deep cellular level. The treatments aim to replace hyaluronic acid which is lost during the ageing process, hence rehydrating the skin and instantly improving its elasticity and tone. The lost hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin using micro-fine needles (with some fillers having in-built local anaesthetic). For optimum results, I’d recommend 3 sessions 3-4 weeks apart, with maintenance treatments every 4-6 months if required. The treatment cost depends on the area treated and the type of dermal filler used, but ranges from £200-£300 per session or a flat rate of £500-£800 for all 3 sessions.

The results, like most cosmetic procedures are dependant on who is providing the treatment. At Vale Healthcare we use only qualified medical professionals to administer these treatments thus ensuring the highest level of care.

Mr Kelvin Gomez
Consultant General & Breast Surgeon
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There seems to be more and more coverage around breast screening and it’s benefits/risks. I wondered - can I self-refer for a mammogram?

A mammogram is an excellent way of checking the breast tissue but it involves radiation, albeit a very low dose. It is therefore very important that it is used appropriately which is why a GP or consultant referral is required.

Referral for a mammogram will depend on several factors, including your age. In younger women, the breast tissue is more glandular and dense, making subtle changes less apparent on mammograms. Therefore, other imaging tests such as ultrasound and/or MRI are used first in younger women.

For a full evaluation of any breast problem, it is essential that imaging findings are interpreted together with clinical breast examination findings, plus any other tests that the specialists determine are necessary. If you have any concerns you should see your GP or visit a consultant - Vale Healthcare run a Rapid Access Breast Care Clinic where you can receive a consultation and any appropriate diagnostic tests within 48 hours.

Dr Philippa Young
Consultant Radiologist (specialising in breast imaging and diagnosis)
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I’m experiencing palpitations but understand this is a common problem, should I be worried?

Heart problems are a great source of anxiety and worry for individuals of any age, but palpitations are very common and usually benign.

If there is no other cardiac history, there is usually nothing to worry about; they may just represent an extra heart beat which is normal.

If the palpitations are frequent or prolonged, or if they are associated with light headedness, breathlessness, chest pain or blackouts then you should see your GP as you may be referred to a Cardiologist for further investigations. These could include blood tests, electrical heart tracings, heart rhythm monitors, and/or echocardiograms (ultrasound heart scans). In some cases palpitations are completely curable through drug and/or ablation treatments.

Vale Healthcare offers a Rapid Access Cardiology clinic - Appointments can be made within 24 hours enabling a full cardiology consultation and access to any necessary tests, all delivered on-site at the Cardiff Bay Clinic.

Dr Richard Anderson
Consultant Cardiologist

Vale Healthcare Cardiff Bay Clinic, Celtic Gateway, Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff CF11 0SN 029 2083 6714 www.vale-healthcare.com