By Amy Lawrenson

This morning Dr Nick Lowe opened the doors of his Cranley Clinic to show me all the treatments he has to offer. As a beauty journalist this was a very exciting prospect, on a par with finally seeing a long awaited, critically acclaimed film for a movie fanatic.

I saw IPL, Fraxel, Zeltiq, Botox, Juvederm fillers, and more, being performed. I won't go into every treatment but I must say the idea of filler and Botox has always scared and intrigued me in equal measure. I'm a needle-phobe, blood tests are a big phobia for me (along with spiders and long-haul flying) but watching the treatments being performed by Lowe - who has such a kind bedside manner - dispelled any previous preconceptions I had.

The filler was injected below the temples to lift the nasolabial fold (the crease that runs from the nose to the edges of the mouth) and actually into the fold using a cannula - a very long needle. The small injections I was totally down with, even taking a picture (see below). The canula not so much but I was told it didn't hurt at all and I could see the patient was telling me the truth. The results of the filler were subtle but there was a real visible improvement straight after, while Botox takes anywhere between three and ten days to become apparent.

Lowe made a very important point that with all injectables, especially filler, it's best to go gently - less is more. It lasts around 18 months to two years but can be immediately dissolved using a particular enzyme if the results aren't to your liking.

The one treatment I was keen to actually book in for, on hearing about it from the team, was Zeltiq - a fat freezing treatment that has been proven to melt fat (yes, the cold liquifies the fat which goes against everything I thought I knew about freezers) before it is expelled via the lymphatic system. But after actually watching the tummy fat of a willing patient be frozen for an hour and come out of this large hoover contraption looking like a ready to defrost sausage, well I'll admit it I went weak and dizzy, I had to hot-foot it to the reception for a glass of water and a biscuit. I know exactly why I reacted that way (no one else did) because I have this weird thing with my belly button - no one can come near it. I could totally have the Zeltiq on my thighs, no problem.

At least I know, for me, exercise is definitely the only way to getting my stomach beach ready and that I won't be having anymore of those biscuits anytime soon.

If you'e thinking of booking in for any treatments, Dr Nick Lowe and his team are a good first stop for advice. You can find plenty of facts and information on the Dr Nick Lowe website...