BOTOX(R) / DYSPORT(R) / XEOMIN(R)

What is it? 

Botox(R)/Dysport(R)/Xeomin(R) are names for a type of botulinum toxin. The word “toxin” sounds scary, but the amount we use is so small that we can use it safely. This “toxin” stops our nerves from telling our muscles to contract, reducing the lines of facial expression.

Why do we use it?

As our muscles contract, our skin begins to form wrinkles that deepen after years of repeated use (think of the area between your eyebrows). Administering this toxin will temporarily stop the muscles from contracting. When this occurs, it will decrease the appearance of wrinkles and allow the body to begin repairing the wrinkled skin. 

Does it hurt?

We use a tiny needle to administer the toxin, which makes the procedure very tolerable.

Is there any down time?

No, but we do ask you to refrain from vigorous exercise during the day of treatment.

How long does it last?

The treatment can last 3-5 months.

What are the risks or side effects?

This is a safe procedure, but risks and side effects are possible. For first-time patients, 10-15% can get a headache that can last about a week. This headache can be treated with NSAIDs and usually does not occur with subsequent treatments. You could also experience a heavy feeling of the eyebrows, flatter eyebrows, drooping of the eyelid or lips, or a feeling of weakness in the muscles. We will discuss the treatment, risks and possible side effects in detail during your visit.

Fillers

• Restylane Silk
• Resytlane
• Restylane Lyft
• Juvederm Ultra

What are fillers?

Fillers are what we use to restore volume. Fillers come in many varieties, with the most common being hyaluronic acid. This is a naturally occurring substance in our body that provides the fullness/padding under our skin. Fillers are most commonly used in the temples, cheeks, under the eyes, in and around the lips and in the hands.

Why do we use them?

As we age, the bone structure in our face begins to diminish, causing us to lose the underlying structural support we had in our youth.  We start to notice that our cheeks don’t project like they used to, or the area below the corner of our mouth seems to cave in. Additionally, we have fat pads in the face that begin to shrink, which also contributes to the sagging and loss of fullness in our face.

By adding fillers, we can restore the structure and padding lost over time and recreate our facial foundation, giving patients a more youthful look. 

Does it hurt?

Depending on where we inject, there can be some discomfort. For example, when we fill the lips it can be uncomfortable, but when we fill the cheeks, it is virtually pain-free.

Is there any downtime?

No, though you may have swelling and bruising.

How long does it last?

The duration depends on the type of filler and the location in which it is being used. Generally, fillers can last anywhere between 6-12 months.

What are the risks or side effects?

The most common side effects from fillers are swelling, bruising and tenderness. On occasion, patients can develop infections or suffer an allergic reaction to the filler, which will need to be dissolved. Additionally, small papules can develop under the skin (granulomas), and we have ways to combat this. In rare circumstances, patients can develop blindness or necrosis of the skin if the filler is injected into an artery. We will discuss the treatment, risks and side effects in detail during your visit.

VBEAM(R) LASER

What is a Vbeam(R) Laser?

Vbeam(R) is a vascular laser that uses a short pulse of light to treat blood vessels, causing them to diminish in size or completely disappear.

What is it used for? 

Vbeam(R) treats redness of the face, port wine stains, rosacea, telangiectasias (small vessels on the face and legs), angiomas, stretch marks, scars and bruising. 

Does it hurt?

Each pulse of the laser feels like a rubber band snapping. Some patients tolerate this quite well, whereas others need topical numbing medication and cool air.

Is there downtime?

The laser usually causes redness and swelling that can last from a few days up to a week. If we are treating larger blood vessels, you can also get bruising that can last up to two weeks. 

Are there any restrictions?

You should avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours after treatment, so the body does not try to re-open the blood vessels that we target. It is extremely important that the skin is not exposed to the sun, as this can result in pigment abnormalities.

How many treatments are necessary?

You will need a series of treatments that are performed every four weeks to achieve the desired results. The are a couple reasons why this is necessary:

Your body has numerous blood vessels making a single treatment insufficient to treat all of the vessels.

Your body’s job is to heal itself. With that said, the body will try to repair some of the vessels that are targeted with each treatment. Though it will not be able to heal all of the vessels, some will return and will require additional treatment. 

What are the risks or side effects?

The most common side effects are redness, bruising and swelling. Less common side effects and risks include pigment changes (darker or lighter skin) and  ulceration overlying a vessel.

CO2RE(R) FRACTIONAL RESURFACING LASER

What is the CO2RE(R)?

CO2RE(R) is a state-of-the art carbon dioxide laser that uses energy to create small wounds in the skin in order to promote collagen production and remodeling. 

In traditional CO2 treatments, the laser removes entire skin layers, requiring significant healing times and incurring many risks.  The CO2RE(R) is a “fractionated” laser, which means it leaves some areas of intact, healthy skin in place,  decreasing the healing time and risks. Imagine aerating your lawn — the holes are the treatment area of the laser and the untreated grass is the normal skin remaining. For pre- and post-operation instructions follow the link below:

When is CO2RE(R) used?

The CO2RE ® is extremely versatile, treating scars, wrinkles, age spots, uneven tone and texture, sun damage and precancerous lesions. The treatment will provide you with skin that looks rejuvenated, smoother and healthier overall. 

Does it hurt?

Without proper precautions, the laser would be uncomfortable — so we always prepare! After taking oral medication, you will have topical numbing in place for an hour prior to the procedure. Anesthetic will then be injected under the skin, and eye shields will be inserted. During the treatment, we use cold air to assist with pain control. 

Is there downtime?

Yes. Most patients can go back to work after 7-10 days. During this time, you will have strict instructions to follow for wound care and avoidance of the sun.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes. You will need to avoid sun prior to the procedure and during the entire healing process. Additionally, the laser cannot be used on all skin types. 

How many treatments are necessary?

One to two treatments are usually sufficient to achieve the desired results. Should you desire less downtime, we may need to perform multiple, less aggressive treatments.

What are the risks or side effects?

You will have redness, swelling and peeling of the skin. Risks include pigment changes (lighter or darker skin), scarring, infection, reactivation of herpes, acne flares, persistent redness and lines of demarcation. We will discuss the treatment, risks and side effects in detail during your visit.

Vbeam(R) is a vascular laser that uses a short pulse of light to treat blood vessels, causing them to diminish in size or completely disappear.

KYBELLA(R)

What is Kybella(R)?

Kybella(R) is an FDA-approved injectable substance called deoxycholic acid used to dissolve fat cells under the chin, vanishing the notorious “double chin.” 

Does it hurt?

The injections sting. Many patients experience transient numbness and tingling in the treated area that can last four to six weeks. We suggest you take ibuprofen (600mg) one hour prior to your procedure to decrease pain and swelling.

Is there downtime?

There is no downtime, but most patients experience significant swelling under the chin that can last a few days. This can be helped by applying ice after the procedure, but cannot be completely avoided. Patients may also develop bruising.

How many treatments are necessary?

Most patients require two to four treatments, depending on the amount of fat we are treating. These are performed every four to six weeks until we have achieved the desired results. 

How long does it last?

This is a permanent treatment. Once the fat cells have been dissolved, the body eliminates the fat cells and does not produce new cells in that area. 

What are the risks or side effects?

The most common side effects are temporary swelling, tenderness, bruising, pain, numbness/tingling and induration (“hardness”) of the treated area. In rare cases, you can develop a sore/ulcer at an injection point, have difficulty swallowing, or nerve injury that results in an uneven smile. These rare side effects will resolve over time.