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BOTOX®
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BOTOX™
How does BOTOX™ work?
Botulinum type A, also known as Botox™, is a common anti-aging treatment that blocks the nerve impulses that create the muscle contractions responsible for creating expression lines on the face.
Treatment with botulinum type A (Botox™) can relax the muscles that cause expression lines, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming and improving the appearance of existing wrinkles caused by facial expressions.
Botulinum type A can be used in a treatment called "facial shaping" to help improve asymmetry or other facial conditions that result from muscle action.
What can I expect?
Injections
• The area to be injected will be cleansed, commonly with alcohol swabs.
• No anesthetic is necessary; however, you may request a topical anesthetic cream for your comfort.
• You may be asked to make specific expressions to identify facial muscle contractions.
• Several quick injections will be made in the region to be treated.
• The treated area may be cleansed again.
• The entire treatment process will take 10 to 15 minutes.
After Your Injections
• You may experience mild swelling or bruising from any type of injection.
• You may experience a mild headache after treatment. It is unlikely, but possible, that you may experience mild flu-like symptoms after your injections.
Results
• If this is your first time being treated with botulinum type A, or Botox™, you can expect your results to develop within 5 to 10 days after treatment.
• You will no longer, or only with great exertion, be able to make the expressions that have created the expression lines and resulting wrinkles on your face
• Treatment is temporary. Within 4 to 6 months you will see movement return to the treated area. If you do not repeat treatment, your appearance will return to its pre-treatment state.
Is Botox™ safe?
Botox™ Cosmetic is FDA approved for the treatment of expression lines, facial wrinkles and hyperhidrosis. When injected by a qualified professional is an appropriate medical setting Botox™ Cosmetic is extremely safe.
Is Botox™ toxic?
No. Botox™ is a natural occurring protein. Even in high doses it has not been found to contribute to botulism.
Can Botox™ treat headaches?
Botox™ is technically classified as a neurotoxin and has been used off label to treat migraines.
Is there an age limit for Botox™?
Botox™ for cosmetic purposes should not be administered to anyone under 18 years of age.
Who should not have Botox™ treatments?
If you are being treated for any neurological disorder, you should first consult your doctor. Some individuals with very lax facial muscles or excessive wrinkling may not be good candidates as the injections can cause ptosis, or sagging, rather than have a positive effect.
Dermal Fillers
How do dermal fillers work?
Dermal fillers are substances injected at varying depths within the skin and soft tissues to fill facial imperfections such as wrinkles, creases and concave scars, as well as to enhance the fullness, or volume and shape of facial tissue.
What can I expect?
Injections
The area to be injected will be cleansed, commonly with alcohol swabs. A topical anesthetic cream, icing to the injection sites or a local anesthetic via injection (such as a dental block) may be used for your comfort.
• Once your treatment region in numbed, injections in several locations will occur, placing the dermal filler where correction or volume enhancement is desired.
• Massage or manipulation the area may occur where the filler has been placed. The treated area may be cleansed again.
• You may be given ice or cold packs to place on the treated area to minimize swelling and bruising.
• The entire treatment process may take 20 to 30 minutes or more.
After Your Injections
Your enhancement will be visible immediately after your injections. However, due to swelling, you may look a little fuller than you might expect. This will improve rapidly over the next few days.
• You may experience mild swelling or bruising from any type of injection. Ice or cold packs can help to minimize swelling or discomfort.
• You can generally apply make-up over the treated area immediately.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers may result in 3 to 7 days of swelling, redness and post-injection bruising.
Results
Your results are visible immediately. However, due to swelling, you may look a little fuller than you might expect. This will improve rapidly over the next few days.
• The improvement from hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm™) begins to diminish within 6 to 12 months after treatment.
• The improvement from Radiesse™ begins to diminish within 12 to 24 months after treatment.
If you do not repeat treatment once your results have begun to diminish, or as directed by your doctor, your appearance will return to its pre-treatment state.
Are dermal fillers safe?
When prescribed by a properly qualified practitioner in an appropriate medical setting, U.S. FDA-approved temporary dermal fillers are extremely safe.
What are the potential risks associated with dermal fillers?
Risks include hematoma or blood pooling beneath the skin, and although rare, infection and necrosis or skin loss is possible. An unsatisfactory outcome is also a risk. Semi-permanent and permanent fillers may carry a risk of clumping (the particles form a granuloma or lump that can be felt or seen beneath the skin). Particles may also migrate or displace from the injection site. Injection of an anti-inflammatory may help to improve minor clumps or swelling.
What if I don't like my results?
One advantage of most injectable treatments is that they are temporary. If you don't like the results they will diminish in time. A hyaluronic acid based filler like Juvederm can be more rapidly diminished (in weeks rather than months) with the injection of a substance called hyaluronodase in the treatment region.
Is there an age limit for dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes should not be administered to anyone under 18 years of age.
Can dermal fillers be used on skin of color?
Hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm™, are generally appropriate for skin of color as these are colorless gels that should not be visible under the skin or alter the skin color.
Will I be able to feel the filler once injected into my skin?
In the first few days after injection, the treated area may feel a little firm; however, this should rapidly improve. In general, a dermal filler should not be felt under the skin. However, there is the risk with semi-permanent or permanent fillers of particles clumping together and forming a granuloma that may be felt or seen under the skin. This risk is increased if a dermal filler was not properly injected.
Are there other forms of dermal fillers?
Your own fat can also be used as a dermal filler. Substances that are not specifically approved as dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes and substances that are not properly branded, named and defined as dermal fillers approved by the FDA risk your health and your beauty.
Chemical Peel
What is a chemical peel?
A glycolic peel is a safe and painless exfoliation process that removes a micro-thin top layer of skin. This form of skin rejuvenation uses glycolic acid to remove damaged cells on the top layer of skin. Removal of damaged cells stimulates cell division that results in plumper, healthier young cells. It smoothes and softens the skin, diminishes fine lines, decreases acne outbreaks, evens out skin tone coloration and lightens hyperpigmented areas.
How long do the treatments take?
Mild glycolic acid-based peels take about 20 minutes with the actual length of peel contact with the skin of approximately 5 minutes. Some peels may require hours on the skin so you may be sent home with solution actually still on the skin.
What can I expect?
The solution is applied to the skin and patients usually note a burning sensation similar to a sunburn during and after the procedure. As with any exfoliation or resurfacing, it is important to use sunscreens, because the skin is more susceptible to injury by the sun. You may begin to peel, flake or scale immediately after the procedure to several days after the peel. Some people may not peel at all whereas some people will stay red for days. Your practitioner sill discuss a skincare regimen that will help maximize the results of your peel.
Where can peels be performed?
The glycolic peel can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands and even the arms and legs.
How many treatments are needed?
For optimal effect it is recommended that glycolic peels are performed weekly for six weeks.
Am I a candidate for a chemical peel?
You are a good candidate for a chemical peel if you are interested in preventing the signs of aging and premature wrinkling, you have discoloration, age spots, dull or unhealthy looking skin, rough texture, large pores, acne, skin lesions, or sun damaged skin.
Matrix Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
How long does Fractional CO2 Laser treatment take?
Treatment with the Fractional CO2 laser takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the area(s) that are treated. If a repeat treatment is required, this is usually performed at least 2 months later.
What are the pre-care instructions for the Fractional CO2 Laser?
Typically, we ask that you discontinue the use of retinoic acid products and glycolic acid products for 3 to 4 days before your Fractional CO2 laser treatment. In addition, we will prescribe an antiviral medication which is taken 1 day before your procedure. It is also wise to stay out of intense sunlight for up to 1 week prior to your treatment.
How much discomfort can I expect?
There is minimal if any discomfort with this treatment. A topical anesthetic is all that is used. This is applied for 30 to 60 minutes on the treatment area(s). If you are anxious, we can prescribe and anti-anxiety medication regimen which can be taken 1 to 2 hours before your procedure. Someone must drive you to and from the office if this regimen is prescribed. Pain usually is described as a moderate sunburn, which can easily be controlled with ice and medications such as Motrin™ or Advil™.
How long will I stay red?
The advanced technology of the Fractional CO2 laser allows the skin to recover quickly. There can be some minor redness and peeling of the skin. This quickly disappears within a matter of days. Redness can persist for up to two weeks.
What about post-op care?
We recommend a very nice post laser kit that we supply after your treatment.. It is important to stay out of intense sun for at least one week after your treatment. We also recommend that you initiate a low dose corticosteroid medication to minimize swelling which occurs in most instances. Concealing makeup, e.g. Jane Iredale™, can be used to minimize redness. Again, the beauty of the Fractional CO2 laser is that one is closely healed by 7 days postop.
How long will the effects of the treatment last?
Fractional CO2 laser's effects can be seen for several years. Repeat treatments are sometimes required but this is determined on a case by case basis. In our experience, patient satisfaction has been extremely high for this procedure.
Hair Removal
What is the IPL Laser Hair Removal process?
The IPL process uses intense pulsed light to gently remove unwanted hair, putting an end to routine shaving and waxing. IPL treatments leave your skin looking and feeling smoother and silkier. This patented technology transcends the older, painful hair removal treatments to deliver long lasting results. IPL's wide beam treats larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face rather than treating one hair at a time. Best of all, IPL treatments are a safe, fast, gentle and effective alternative method for hair removal.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you may require for optimal long-term benefits depends on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density and your hair's growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence it's growth. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience.
IPL slows the growing capacity of follicles in the growth cycle at the time of the treatment. Since some hair follicles may enter their growth cycle after your treatment, three or four treatments may be required to deliver optimal results.
Note: Removing hair does not make it grow back thicker, darker or quicker.
The opposite is usually the case. IPL treatments may cause hair to come back slower and thinner.
How does the IPL process differ from electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal?
Electrolysis is a much slower process. With electrolysis, a needle is actually inserted into each hair follicle, one at a time. Once inserted, an electric shock burns the follicle to retard growth.
IPL hair removal treatments only use intense pulsed light energy. This is unique because it is relatively painless and unlike the laser hair removal process, IPL works equally well on most skin pigmentations without removing any of the pigment. IPL hair removal can also safely and effectively eliminate hair of all colors: blond, red, brown, black and even white.
With the IPL process, your practitioner can gently treat hair in sensitive areas such as the lip or nipples while maintaining a healthy, normal appearance of the surrounding tissue.
Treatments can last from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the area being treated. IPL hair removal treatments are relatively painless, yet effective. What about after treatment? After your treatment, the area is cleansed and you can return to your normal activities immediately. Your practitioner may recommend that you use a specially formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regime especially formulated for your skin type. The use of sun screen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun.
IPL Skin Rejuvenation
How do IPL Photo Facial Rejuvenation treatments work?
Today's new light technology delivers precise dosages of energy to the skin. During your treatment, light energy is gently delivered through
a special handpiece to the targeted area. Levels of energy specific to your treatment are used to maximize your improvement. Once delivered, the light energy is absorbed by the targeted damaged tissue.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the area treated, there will be a series of five to eight treatments. Treatments usually take from 15 to 30 minutes.
Does IPL Photo Facial Rejuvenation hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation to be like the snap of a rubber band on the skin as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Some patients opt to have a topical anesthesia. After treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.
Who are the best candidates for IPL Photo Facial Rejuvenation?
The best candidates have:
• red, flushed faces
• sun-damaged skin
• hyperpigmentation
• enlarged pores
Are IPL Photo Facial Rejuvenation treatments safe?
Yes. Advanced light systems have been used safely for millions of treatments worldwide. These systems treat only the targeted tissues, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. However, some bruising or redness may occur.
What results can I expect?
After only one treatment, your skin will have a more even tone with a smoother look and feel. Sunspots will initially become more prominent, many will flake off within one week. Pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size. These improvements will steadily increase with each treatment. Patients with rosacea will see a progressive decrease in redness with every treatment.
What will recovery be like?
Post-operative discomfort is almost nonexistent. After treatment with most light systems, the treated skin may appear a little flushed and capillaries may seem to be more visible. The flushed look soon fades away, and the capillaries appear to vanish, leaving the skin looking younger. It's that simple.
Following any treatment, you should follow your doctor's instructions, avoid any harsh skin cleansers and use sunscreen.
ZERONA®
How does it work?
Through clinical studies it has been demonstrated that the Zerona® low level laser stimulates the fat cell to emulsify (liquefy) the fat within the cell. Then the liquefied fat moves from inside the cell through a temporary pore formed in the cell membrane to outside the cell where it is in the interstitial space until absorbed by the lymphatic system. This results in millions of fat cells becoming smaller so inches are reduced off the waist, hips and thighs. The fat cells are not injured in any way by this process.
What can I expect at my appointments?
You can expect 40 minutes to relax, read or do absolutely nothing. The Zerona® treatment is completely painless. There is no heat or any sensation whatsoever while being treated. Each treatment you will be met by your physician or technician who will position the laser at the desired areas of the body, he/she will step out for 20 minutes while the front of your body is treated and then will return to reset for the backside of your body for an additional 20 minutes. After you are done you can get back to your normal activities immediately with absolutely no downtime, nor pain, swelling or any discomfort. This is a symptom –free process except for losing unwanted inches.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
It is not recommended that you miss an appointment. Prior to starting the Zerona® treatment, it is important that you are committed to the recommended lifestyle protocol which includes at least 6 treatments, every other day for 40 minutes and not to exceed 72 hours between treatments. If more than 72 hours intervenes, some of the fat may be uptaken by the fat cells again.
How is it different than liposuction?
Liposuction is an invasive procedure that removes the entire area of fat cells from deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. Liposuction can be accomplished either with the use of general anesthesia, or with IV sedation, or totally by local anesthesia. In contrast, the Zerona® treatment is a 100% non-invasive that uses a low level laser applied externally to stimulate the fat cell and emulsify and release fat. There is no use of anesthesia, nor any pain, gels, creams, numbing agents, needles and no downtime.
How is it different from other "non-invasive" body slimming techniques?
The Zerona® laser is the only completely safe and effective non-invasive treatment for body slimming on the market today. There is no possibility of injury. No technician will be pushing on you or using any device against your body. You simply lay beneath the Zerona® lights.
Is there any downtime?
Absolutely ZERO downtime. During the treatment you will feel no discomfort, no anesthesia will be used and you can assume normal activities immediately following each treatment.
Are there any limitations to what I can do if I’m using Zerona®?
No. During the 2 week treatment period you can continue your normal activities. It is strongly recommended that you commit to and follow the treatment protocol: stay hydrated (8-10 glasses of water a day), continue to eat healthy and exercise (walk at least 30 minutes a day) and abstain from alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine interfere with the lymphatic process to remove fat and metabolize it which can decrease your results.
What areas of the body can I use Zerona® on?
The Zerona® treatment can be used effectively on essentially every part of the body where localized fat deposits exist that are resistant to diet and exercise. Most patients start with treating the waist, hips and thighs which can all be targeted in 1 treatment. Other areas include upper arms, bra-line fat, inner knees, back fat and buttocks.
Is it covered by insurance?
No, Zerona® treatments are considered elective and are not covered by insurance.
Is it safe?
Yes, there is no risk involved in using the Zerona® low-level laser therapy and it is considered a safe alternative to invasive procedures such as tumescent liposuction and lipodissolve and other non-invasive devices like the Accent, VelaShape, and Thermage ,which rely on heating the tissue and can cause discomfort. None of these have the proven data showing how fat cell size is reduced like the Zerona®. The Zerona® treatment is 100% non-invasive and causes no bruising, scaring and zero downtime. During the treatment you will feel no discomfort, no anesthesia will be used and you can assume normal activities immediately following each treatment.
Is it safe if I have a medical condition such as diabetes?
Yes, with two exceptions. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, Zerona® should not be used. Additionally, if you have a pacemaker, this treatment may not be for you. There are no known detrimental risks but potential unknown risks may exist. Zerona® may not be as effective on patients with diabetes or thyroid disorders where the metabolic system is potentially impaired.
Are there any side affects?
A. No. The treatment process is completely non-invasive and there are absolutely no side effects beyond loss of inches and fat.
How long has the Zerona® laser been used?
The Zerona® has been used in studies since 2008 and has been used by physicians in practice since early 2009. The same Erchonia® Low Level Laser technology has been used to safely assist with tumescent liposuction since 2001 as it is proven to cause fat to be released from fat cells immediately prior to liposuction surgery. From this important experience, the Zerona® technique was developed for effective, totally non-invasive body slimming.
Is it effective?
Yes, with the Zerona® treatment and by following the recommended guidelines for success, we saw an average loss of 3.64 inches reported in our clinical trial on the waist, hips, and thighs.
How long do results last?
By maintaining a healthy diet and exercise you can expect long-term results. Zerona® is especially ideal for 2 types of people: those that are already following a healthy diet and lifestyle and want to remove localized pockets of fat or drop body fat % OR those who want to use the Zerona® and the recommended lifestyle protocol to "jump start" their slimming efforts as motivation for maintaining a healthier and slimmer lifestyle.
Can I do the procedure multiple times? And how soon after my last treatment can I do a second treatment?
Yes, with additional treatments you can expect to see improved results. You can start an additional series of Zerona® treatments immediately following your last treatment. Speak to your technician or physician about any discount programs that may apply.
How soon after pregnancy can I do it?
It is recommended that you wait until after your last postpartum visit with your doctor (usually 6 weeks after birth) to begin your Zerona® treatment. It is not recommended if you are breast feeding.
How long does it take to begin seeing results?
Some can see results after only a few treatment sessions as their clothes fit more loosely. Many actually see the difference after 4-6 sessions. Family and friends often notice the difference, too, within the 2 week Zerona® program.
Is everyone a good candidate for the Zerona® treatment?
Most are good candidates. Even people who are not overweight can lose inches. Be sure to discuss your health background with your physician and ask any questions about your particular areas of concern.