Aesthetic Education
WRINKLE RELAXER (BOTOX®)
Stop fine lines in their tracks! Wrinkles are caused by the repetitive contraction of the muscles that allow us to make facial expressions. Botox® helps prevent new wrinkles from forming and can also make existing ones appear less pronounced.
Botox® can be used in various areas of the face and neck to lift the eyebrows, contour the face and nose, reduce teeth grinding, relieve neck tension, and slim the neck. It can also treat excessive sweating. Additionally, small doses around the upper lip can create a subtle, temporary enhancement called a lip flip, making the top lip appear fuller without dermal fillers.
Recommendations prior to Botox®
1 week prior:
Avoid taking vitamin E, Turmeric, Omega-3 fish oil, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort. Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin and Aleve.
Common side effects after Botox include:
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
- Bruising at injection site
- Numbness and tingling at injection sites
- Feeling of pressure or fullness at injection sites
- Mild headache
DERMAL FILLERS
As we age, facial fat, bone, ligaments, and muscle gradually weaken and shrink, leading to volume loss, sagging skin, grooves, under-eye hollows, thin lips and marionette lines.
Strategic placement of dermal filler in the face replaces lost volume and provides support the overall structure of your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Recommendations prior to dermal fillers
If you have a history of Herpes or cold sores, an anti-viral is required. Please call our office for a prescription.
1 week prior:
Avoid taking vitamin E, Turmeric, Omega-3 fish oil, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort as well as aspirin and other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin and Aleve.
SCULPTRA® and Radiesse®
Keep them guessing!
Sculptra® and Radiesse® are injectable non-fillers that stimulate your own body to produce collagen. Sculptra® works gradually to smooth out facial wrinkles and enhance skin tightness, leaving you with a refreshed appearance. The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Radiesse® is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a smooth gel and provides immediate lift and contour, and over time, it encourages your body to produce new collagen for longer-lasting structural support. With either treatment, you may begin noticing subtle changes in your appearance 3-6 weeks after the treatment. Full results become apparent after 3-6 months and can last up to 2 years.
Recommendations prior to Sculptra® and Radiesse®
2 weeks prior:
Avoid facial treatments, such as microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and chemical peels.
1 week prior:
Avoid taking vitamin E, Turmeric, Omega-3 fish oil, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, and garlic supplements as well as Aspirin and other NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin and Aleve. Avoid topical use of retinoids and glycolic acid.
24 hrs prior:
Avoid intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Avoid smoking as it can impair healing.
Avoid vaccines of any kind and Dental work
Weight loss with glp-1 injectables
Our comprehensive weight loss clinic is overseen by a licensed Nurse Practitioner ensuring that all aspects of the program are safe and appropriate for your unique health status. Sustainable weight loss has been proven to improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. Additional benefits include improved energy levels, better sleep quality, and increased confidence, all which promote long term well-being.
Important information about GLP-1s
- GLP-1s may decrease the effectiveness of birth control.
- We strongly advise using 2 methods of birth control while taking GLP-1s
- Use of this medicine during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects.
- We recommend that you discontinue use of GLP-1s for at least 2 months prior to planning a pregnancy. This allows enough time for the medication to clear from your system and reduces potential fetal exposure in early pregnancy.
MICRO-NEEDLING
Micro-needling, or collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the top layers of the skin. Unlike chemical peels, micro-needling promotes skin regeneration from within. Micro-needling can improve a variety of skin concerns ranging from skin laxity, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), fine lines (wrinkles), enlarged pores, deep acne scars, and even stretch marks! When applied to the scalp, micro-needling helps promote hair growth.
A numbing solution is applied prior to the treatment to alleviate discomfort. After micro-needling, the skin may appear red and slightly swollen for a few days, but there is minimal downtime, and most people can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
Recommendations prior to Micro-needling
- Discontinue Retinoids & Exfoliants: Stop using retinol, tretinoin, glycolic/salicylic acid, or other exfoliating products.
- Pause Blood-Thinning Medications/Supplements: If approved by your provider, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and similar products to reduce bruising risk.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Do not tan or allow your skin to burn. Microneedling cannot be performed on sunburned or irritated skin.
- Delay Other Treatments: No waxing, chemical peels, or laser treatments in the treatment area.
48–72 hrs before:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support healthy skin.
- Avoid Alcohol: This helps reduce inflammation and the chance of bruising.
- Limit Caffeine: Too much can increase sensitivity.
Day of treatment
- Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.
- Do not apply any products the morning of your appointment unless directed by your provider.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing, especially if the treatment area extends to the neck or décolletage.
EYELash Growth Stimulation
Bimatoprost is the first FDA-approved prescription treatment to grow fuller, longer and thicker eyelashes. This powerful solution is believed to prolong the active growth phase of lashes, although the exact way it works is still unknown.
On clean skin and after removing contact lenses, if applicable, you will place one drop of Bimatoprost nightly along the base of the upper eyelashes using the applicator. You should not apply Bimatoprost to the lower eyelash line and any excess solution outside the upper eyelid margin should be blotted dry with a tissue or other absorbent material.