FAQ

 

Dermal Injections

 

How do Botox and Xeomin work?

Botulinum toxin is called a neuromodulator.  It interferes with transmission of the nerve impulse to muscles and stops the muscle working for a period of time. To be used effectively, it must be placed at a correct dosage into the correct muscle. There are many facial muscles, and it is the contraction of these that is responsible for facial wrinkling.

 

What areas of the face are Botox and Xeomin used?

These dermal injections can be used to treat wrinkles, worry lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.  They are most often used in the upper third of the face.

 

What's the difference between Botox and Xeomin?

Botox consists of two protein subunits surrounded by a protein coat.  Xeomin consists of the two protein subunits without the protein coat.  These have equal potency and are used in the same concentrations and dosages.  Botox is supplied in a freeze-dried form and must be kept refrigerated before and after reconstitution (when saline is added to make it a liquid).  Xeomin is supplied as a powder that does not need refrigeration until it is reconstituted.

 

How do Juvederm and Belotero work?

Dermal fillers Juvederm and Belotero contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs throughout the body and skin. When injected, these dermal fillers are injected in the dermis just deep to lines/wrinkles to diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face.  

 

What areas of the face are Juvederm and Belotero used?

Fillers can be used to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles and improve the appearance of recessed scars. 

 

Are the injections painful?

Most people tolerate the injections very well. They are delivered through very fine gauge needles. However, topical local anesthetic may be applied to the areas prior to treatment for patients who are more sensitive. 

 

How long will it take to see the full effect of my treatment?

With Botulinum toxin injections, patients begin to see some effect in the first week and the full effect in about two weeks.  With dermal filler injections, patients can begin to see results immediately. 

 

How long can I expect results to last?

With Botulinum toxin injections, patients can expect optimal results to last between three to four months.  With dermal filler injections, patients can expect optimal results to last between six and 12 months. 

 

What are the common side effects of dermal injections?

Botulinum toxin injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced doctor. The most common side effects include swelling or bruising at the injection site, headache or flu-like symptoms. If the medication spreads into adjacent tissues it may cause problems such as eyelid droop, cockeyed eyebrows, crooked smile, dry eye or excessive tearing.  We recommend against injection when you're pregnant or breast-feeding, since the effects on the baby aren't known.

 

Can Botulinum toxin spread in my body and paralyze me?

Although very unlikely, there is a possibility that the effect of an excessive dose of botulinum toxin may spread to other parts of the body and cause botulism-like signs and symptoms.   Botox and Xeomin both carry a "black box" warning on their labels that includes the risk of distant spread and death.  This has not been observed at the minute doses used in treating facial wrinkles.

 

Thermo-Lo

 

What is Thermo-Lo?

Thermo-Lo is a radiofrequency current that is attracted to the water in various skin conditions. It uses a tiny probe on or just under the surface of the skin to dehydrate the problem area, causing the body (over a few days) to exfoliate the dried skin that removes and clears the skin of the condition. The procedure is minimally invasive, is virtually painless and requires no down time.

 

What is the Thermo-Lo Procedure Like?

The probe is applied precisely to the area to be treated. Most clients experience a warm pricking sensation. This is more noticeable in sensitive areas around the lips and nose. A topical anesthetic is applied prior to treatment to minimize any discomfort.  The length of time often requires 15-20 minutes preparation with a topical anesthetic applied to the skin in the areas to be treated. The amount of skin conditions to be treated determines the length of time required for treatment.

 

How is Thermo-Lo Different From Electrolysis and IPL?

Thermo-lo technology stays on the top layers of skin, the epidermis. Electrolysis works into all three major skin layers (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue).  Most pulsed light treatments can penetrate both the epidermis and dermis, which in turn can cause temporary or even permanent damage on the skin, often this treatment is unavoidable in affecting areas not needing treatment.  The advantage of Thermo-Lo is that it is not affecting deeper layers and is safe for all skin types. 

 

What Results Can You Expect?

Results can be seen with a single treatment and in most cases are immediate and are often permanent. Some lesions may require more than one treatment.  When treating acne scarring, the results may take 8 to 12 weeks to allow new collagen to form.

 

Is there any downtime with Thermo-Lo?

There is very little downtime, and side effects are very minimal and very manageable. You will notice some fine scabbing after a few days in the area treated, at this time can be covered with makeup. This will resolve in about 7-10 days, it is ideal to combine this treatment with Fraxel Laser Treatment, allowing the patient to recover at one time and gain the benefits of both treatments for optimal results!