OUR TREATMENTS

BOTOX®

Cosmetic is a FDA-approved treatment for moderate to severe wrinkles of the forehead, crow’s feet, and glabella—commonly known as “eleven lines.” It has revolutionized the way we age and prevents and corrects the formation of wrinkles.

SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT BOTOX

It is the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines look better in adults. Botox ® is also FDA approved to treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating.

• It’s a quick 10-minute treatment with minimal downtime.

• You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines.

• It delivers predictable, subtle results, so you look like you, only with less noticeable facial lines.

During your appointment your unique muscle activity is assessed and treated based on science-backed evidence to immobilize your muscles. Numbing is usually not needed and most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure.

Results can start to be seen around 48 hours but usually take 7-10 days to see a difference with final results visible at two weeks. Bruising although unlikely, is always a possibility when injecting into the skin. Botox bruises are usually tiny and disappear in a day or two. Post-care usually includes refraining from laying down for 4 hours, no physical exercise for 24 hours, and no make-up at injection sites for the remainder of the day.

LaseMD

Produces side-effects that are standard for the procedure. The intensity and duration of your side effects depends on the treatment intensity and your individual healing characteristics. Generally, patients who are treated more aggressively experience more intense side-effects that last longer. All of these side-effects are NORMAL.

SWELLING: You will notice most of the swelling on the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling usually lasts two to three days.

REDNESS: Most redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks. If you wish, you can apply makeup immediately after treatment to minimize the redness.

DRY SKIN: Your skin may feel dry, peel, or flake. You may notice a ‘sandpaper” texture a few days after treatment. This is the treated tissue working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is generated.

SMALL DARK DOTS: LaseMD treatment causes destruction to microscopic cylinders of skin which then exfoliates during the healing process. In individuals with heavily pigmented skin, or in areas where sun damage has produced pigmented lesions, these microscopic wounds, known as MENDs, contain large amounts of melanin and can appear as ‘bronzed skin’. On the face, the MENDs will shed within seven to ten days. Off the face, it may take as long as three weeks for MENDs to shed.

COLD SORES: If you have a history of cold sores, you must take Valtrex- Twice per day for 7 days

SCRUBS, TONERS, GLYCOLIC ACID, AND RETIN A.

Your skin will be sensitive for the first week or so after treatment. Do not use products that will cause irritation during this time. Do not use abrasive scrubs, toners, or products that contain glycolic acids or Retin A. Read the product labels.

BLEACHING CREAMS

Discontinue use of your bleaching cream while your skin is tender. Restart your bleaching cream 10 DAYS AFTER TREATMENT to help suppress the melanocyte activity—the process responsible for creating brown spots.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR INJECTABLES APPOINTMENT

While injectable treatments are fast, relatively painless, and require very little recovery time, it is always beneficial for patients to understand how these treatments work before opting for them and some general guidelines regarding dermal filler treatments.

DERMAL FILLER TREATMENT GUIDELINES (APPLIES TO ALL INJECTABLES)

Dermal Filler injections (Juvederm products, Restylane products, Radiesse, Belotero, Sculptra, Also includes Botox and PRP/PRFM injections) carry the risk of bruising if you are taking certain supplements or medications and even if you are not taking anything, the procedure holds a risk for bruising so please plan accordingly.

To reduce this risk, please note the items on this list and discontinue at least 3 days (7 days if time permits) before your appointment for injections. Cannula injection techniques have dramatically reduced the incidence of bruising but you can further reduce bruising possibility by following these recommendations.

MEDICATIONS TO DISCONTINUE 3 DAYS BEFORE TREATMENT

(7 DAYS IF TIME PERMITS)

• Aspirin

• Prescribed blood thinners ****

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve)

• St. John’s Wort

• Omega 3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)

• Vitamin E

• Ginger

• Ginkgo Biloba

• Ginseng

****if you have been prescribed Aspirin or any prescription Blood Thinner, do not discontinue unless permitted by your prescribing physician. Cold Sores: If you have a history of cold sores, ask us about pre-care instructions and we never inject if you currently have a cold sore.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF INJECTABLES

Overall, the side effects of injectables are relatively minor (one of the reasons why injectables have become so popular).

Common effects from filler include:

Bruising: Although we take every measure to reduce bruising, the face is extremely vascular. The potential for bruising truly is 50%. Arnica gel can decrease the bruise duration.

Redness. Please refrain from using makeup for 24 hours after injections.

Tenderness. You may take Tylenol if necessary.

Swelling: You will notice most of the swelling the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes and the lips. To minimize swelling apply cold compresses to the treatment area for 10 minutes every hour. Sleep elevated the first night. Use several pillows for elevation. If you are a stomach sleeper, try to sleep on your back the first night. Take Arnica Montana and/or Bromelain supplements, which can be found at your local pharmacy or herbal supplement store. We also have Arnica in our office.

Lip Swelling: The initial swelling after treatment to the lips may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for up to 10 days and the lips can look somewhat ‘uneven’ during this time. After the swelling has subsided, you will be able to see your true results. It takes time for hyaluronic gels to integrate into the tissue. Please trust the process.

It is recommended to allow a full week for recovery before attending any big event after filler. With neurotoxin (Botox), the patient is typically fine to attend social engagements the same day since the side effects are usually limited to 30-60 minutes of temporary swelling at the sites of injection.

TREATMENT OPTIMIZATION

Common side effects associated with injectables can be minimized by following these tips:

• Always follow the instructions provided by your injector, both before and after treatment.

• Remain in an upright position for 4 hours following injection.

• Avoid sleeping for 4 hours to avoid inadvertently rubbing or pressing the treatment area.

• Arnica supplements can be taken to minimize bruising.

• On the night following your treatment, sleep with your head elevated (propped up with an extra pillow) to help with swelling.

• Avoid bending over, straining, and aerobic exercise for 4 hours post procedure.

• Do not massage treated areas after treatment unless specifically instructed to by your provider.

• Limit your exposure to sun and heat until swelling/redness fully subsides.

• Address any swelling after filler by lightly applying a cold compress to the treated area for 10 minutes every hour.

• Tylenol can be used to address pain/tenderness.

• Avoid other treatments like facials or chemical peels for at least 1 week following injection.

• Call your injector if you experience persistent severe pain at the injection site or blanching of the skin.

EXERCISE EFFECTS

Unfortunately, people that are avid workout-aholics may go through toxin and filler more quickly. There is no “fix” for this (and please don’t stop being active) but if you take precautions to not squint or scowl while working out (easier said than done) then you might not have as bad of an effect. One easy attempt is to wear hats or sunglasses while outside to avoid the strain of the bright sun.

MICRONEEDLING

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a pen-like handpiece that contains 14 fine needles that repeatedly pierce the skin (don’t worry, you’re numbed topically). This creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin’s natural wound-healing process while minimizing cellular damage. Wound healing is regulated by a complex signaling network consisting of growth factors and cytokines.

Microneedling reduces the signs of aging; skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating new collagen and elastin production. Microneedling can be used anywhere on the body, and the procedure is safe for all skin types and skin colors. The result: effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.

Procedures take about 30 minutes, depending on the area treated and the desired results. Due to their minimally invasive nature, microneedling sessions usually require little downtime recovery time for patients.

MICRONEEDLING PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Do not exercise the day before or for 24 hours after the injection treatment.

• Avoid medications such as: Aleve, Advil, ibuprofen, cold remedies, Vitamin E or aspirin 5 days prior to treatment.

• Avoid Retin-A, chemical peels, injectable fillers or Botox for 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Notify medical staff if you have had cold sores. You will require an anti-viral prescription to avoid any breakout after treatments.

• The procedure cannot be performed if you have open cuts, wounds, abrasions, or are currently experiencing any acne or cold sore breakouts.

MICRONEEDLING POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• What to expect:

  • Day 1: Skin will be red and flushed after micro-needling, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may occur. Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours. If you had PRF/PRP applied during your treatment, please do not wash you face until the morning.

  • Day 2: A red or pink hue persists like moderate sunburn. Swelling and slight bruising may be more noticeable on the second day. Minor scratches may be visible. Apply moisturizer as needed and SPF every 4 hours.

  • Day 3: Skin can be pink or normal color. Swelling subsides. The skin can feel dry or tight. A slight outbreak of acne or milia (tiny white bumps) is possible. Please keep skin clean. Light peeling usually occurs in about three days and will be replaced with brand new skin.

• Wash with a gentle cleanser using your fingers only. Gently massage the face with lukewarm water. Remove serum and other debris such as dried blood. Do not scrub, use a wash cloth or a Clarisonic brush. Cleanse treated areas twice a day. Do not use exfoliating products for 72 hours.

• Cold compresses may be applied following treatment for comfort. If neck or décolletage are treated, the redness might last slightly longer.

• Apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream or Benadryl spray or gel on treated areas to reduce itching or redness.

• You may apply Arnica Montana up to 7 days after each treatment to decrease bruising and inflammation.

• Do not exercise for 24 hours after treatment; no strenuous exercise for the next 48 hours.

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or showers until redness is gone.

• Continue to avoid sun exposure to the treatment areas and apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF (minimum of 30). Apply it at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and repeat after every two hours of sun exposure.

• After 2-3 days you can return to regular skin care products or as soon as it is comfortable to do so. Mineral makeup may be applied the following day.

• Avoid waxing, facials, Botox, injectable fillers or any other skin care treatment for two weeks after your procedure.

• New cell regeneration requires at least 6-8 8oz. glasses of water a day (if you already drink that, increase by 2 glasses).

• If skin becomes painful, swollen, red or inflamed, please notify us immediately as this may represent an infection or allergic reaction that may require treatment.