Gabriela Heath Mua

Turning 49 is one thing, but losing 40kg? That completely changes the game for your skin and collagen. To be honest, my skin took a massive hit from the weight loss, so I took matters into my own hands—literally.

I used these Minerva PDO/PCL threads on myself to stimulate deep collagen induction and fight that dreaded post-weight loss laxity. (And yes, the smallest gauge came with blunt cannulas that I actually couldn't use on myself—proof that even as an injector, you have to know your limits and work within your own anatomy!)

As a medically qualified injector, doing this on my own face is one thing—I know the exact vectors, depths, and safe zones. But please hear me loud and clear: this is not a DIY treatment. I share this to show you what I do personally to keep my skin taut and healthy as I age, but I would never recommend anyone without medical training try this at home.

Your skin is precious. If you're navigating skin changes after major weight loss, let's chat about safe, professional alternatives that actually work. Drop a '🧬' if you're curious about my skin recovery protocol

This post is for education only. Do not try this at home as a novice❗ Risks include visible ridges, palpable threads, asymmetry, infection, and vascular injury.

If you want thread lifting, see a qualified professional — an injector or a doctor.

I am 49. I want to look younger, not older. That is why I choose medical-grade collagen induction over surgery or filler for now. But I choose safety first — for myself and for anyone reading this.

Education, not inspiration❗

What is collagen induction therapy with Tornado Screw PDO threads?

Collagen induction therapy means placing absorbable sutures into the skin to trigger your own collagen production. No lifting. No filler. Just biostimulation.

I chose this because I recently lost 38 kg. I am 49. Age already slows collagen. Weight loss adds sagginess. I want to look younger, not older, without surgery or fillers just yet.

Bruising after threads is normal. I use arnica cream to help mine fade faster. Most injectors use anesthetic cream on their patients before treatment. I did not use any because I am ok with the pain. You can choose either.
PDO (polydioxanone) sutures are absorbable surgical threads. When placed into the skin, they trigger your body to build new collagen along the thread path. No lifting — just biostimulation.

Tornado Screw threads have a spiral texture. That means more surface area, more controlled inflammation, and more collagen over time.

I used 26G 60mm threads, made in Korea (high standard). I placed them in three areas:

Lateral cheeks — to support the skin that wrinkles when I smile. Jawline — to add definition. Under the chin — to tighten mild laxity.

I also did microneedling one week ago (1.0 mm, 16-pin). These threads are an add-on, not a replacement. Both work together.

I worked sterile. Gloves. Chlorhexidine. Aseptic technique.

But here is the most important part.

I am a qualified injector, a qualified phlebotomist, and currently studying medicine. I performed this on myself after years of training. You should not❗

This is for education purpose only❗

Stepping back into the wax pot after a few years ... and honestly, it felt good. 👏

I’m a makeup artist by trade, but before that, I trained as an advanced cosmetologist. Skin is skin, and taking care of it is where a good foundation starts

No sets, no cameras today, just a clean wax, smooth legs, and remembering why I love this side of the craft.

Sometimes the best work isn’t on a film set. Sometimes it’s in the small moments of feeling useful, skilled, and back in your element.

Here’s to keeping all the skills sharp. 🕯️

Music by

10+ years. Netflix, HBO, BBC, Amazon Prime. BAFTA Crew. Trained with the best. No ego. Just work. 🎭

I'm open for 2026 – TV, film, commercials, fashion editorial or advertising. UK-based. On-site or hybrid.

Specialties: Beauty • SFX • Prosthetics • Wigs • Barbering • Makeup design • Crowd & Dailies

📩 [email protected]
🌐 filmandtvmua.com (link in bio)

If you're hiring or know someone who is, please share or tag below. Grateful for this community.

If you want to learn SFX Makeup in your own time at home or transition from beauty makeup to SFX then my book is for you.

Packed with step by step demos on various makeups and how to work with wax, latex, silicone, fake blood, prosthetics. You learn a bit of history about makeup. Teaches you how to build your kit, color theory, sanitisation, contraindications and tips in how to break into the Film and TV industry.

Available for purchase as paperback or kindle version on and or

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Links in my Linktree.

Im so glad to see how the edit is turning up.

Designing hair and makeup for the feature film Floverr I can say was one of my most challenging jobs due to the amount of hair, wigs, makeup and costune changes had and I'm so glad I've been part of such an amazing project and cant wait to show you unedited pictures.

A huge thank you to my team Raine Rafter, Maxine Crew and Anna Cichon for taking up this challenge with me and supporting me along the way

Directed by Anita Undeep
DP:
Colourist:
Assistant Colourist:
Photochemical Emulation: Kodak
Camera: RED Komodo

Created with .node and .ai

Exec Producers:
Written by:
Produced by:
Directed by:
Production designer:
Costume design: Anna Bevan

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