FAQ

Cellulite occurs primarily in women but sometimes in men as well. Cellulite is caused by uneven tension within the hypodermal layer of fat, creating an uneven skin surface and dimpling. Hypertrophied adipocytes, trapped lymph and poor circulation all contribute to the cellulite phenomenon.

The VelaShape II combines gentle light and radio frequency energies (elōs™) with mechanical rollers and vacuum suction to manipulate the superficial fat tissue layer that contributes to cellulite. The heat from the light and RF energies increases metabolism of this fatty layer and shrinks the size of fat cells. The mechanical rollers and vacuum suction act on the blood vessels to increase circulation to the local area, as well as massaging the skin to achieve a smoother, less dimpled surface appearance.

*In clinical studies, patients report an average reduction of 1 inch post treatment. In clinical trials, the average range of circumferential reduction was 0.5 – 3 inches.

Gradual improvement of cellulite in treated areas. Most patients notice re-contouring of areas such as saddlebags, love handles which are measurable by a reduction in circumference or girth. Added benefits of treatment include improved circulation and relief from muscles aches in the treated areas. In clinical studies, patients report an average reduction of 1 inch post treatment. In clinical trials, the average range of circumferential reduction was 0.5 – 3 inches.

The treated area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short while, and may feel warm for several hours after treatment. One can resume normal activities immediately.

The treated area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short while, and may feel warm for several hours after treatment. One can resume normal activities immediately

Most patients find VelaShape treatments comfortable – like a warm deep tissue massage. There is some pinkness to the skin and the areas feel warm for a short period of time after a completed treatment session. Normal activities may be resumed the same day.

Treatment is safe and effective for all skin colors and can be performed even on tanned skin. There are no long-term health hazards from light or RF energies. Excessive tanning from the sun, sun-beds, or tanning creams should be avoided two weeks prior to treatment.

Anyone who wants improvement of the appearance of cellulite in the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. Contouring of unwanted bulges and disproportionate fatty areas is also a benefit of VelaShape treatments. The effects of body contouring and reduction of girth for some patients may be enhanced by compliance to healthy lifestyle.

A BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is a simple, nonsurgical procedure that smoothes the deep, persistent lines between your brows that develop over time. One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form and keeps them relaxed up to four months. BOTOX® Cosmetic has been widely tested. Now it’s approved by the FDA. The results are dramatic and apparent within days. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of the men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their brow lines as moderate to better. For many, BOTOX® Cosmetic virtually “erases” these lines. Unlike surgery, BOTOX® Cosmetic is fast, simple, and minimally invasive, with little to no downtime or recovery. Most people return directly to work or normal activity following treatment. Within days, they report looking more natural and relaxed. With BOTOX® Cosmetic, they’ll know you’ve done something, they just won’t know what.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is not magic. It’s medicine, the result of years of careful research and testing. Allergan’s BOTOX® product is the only one of its type with over 10 years of success in treating patients with a variety of conditions. With dosing specific to treat frown lines, this same product is now available as BOTOX® Cosmetic. BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your appearance or make you look like you’ve had “work done”. It will not make you look 20 years younger. Because it’s highly localized and administered intramuscularly, its effects are usually confined to the region of injection, and BOTOX® Cosmetic does not remain in your body indefinitely.

If doing all you can to look your best is important to you, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be for you. If reducing those tough lines between your brows would make you feel more approachable, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be for you. Thousands of appearance-conscious women and men have already discovered the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Not just models and movie stars, but ordinary people—teachers, mothers, and business people from all walks of life.

No anesthesia is required, although some doctors may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Discomfort is minimal and brief—most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. It is unlikely you will develop significant side effects, although some people may develop slight temporary bruising at the injection site, which can easily be covered by makeup. You may resume normal activity immediately. Within days, you’ll see a marked improvement which may continue to improve for as long as a week and should last up to four months.

BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the overactive muscles whose repeated contractions cause the lines between your brows to form. So you can frown, smile, or look surprised—without the furrows, creases, and wrinkles. The most common side effects are headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used if there is an infection at the injection site.

Any woman or man who is concerned about the appearance of their frown lines can consider BOTOX® Cosmetic. Treatment can be used by people from ages 18 to 65. Our physicians can help you decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause lines to form. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles. The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are usually confined to the injected region; it does not travel throughout the body.

Discomfort is minimal and brief. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

No. Your lines gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance.

BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts up to four months.

When considering your facial aesthetic options, you’ll find that BOTOX® Cosmetic is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2000 survey, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures, ranking 7th in the 9 most widely-used procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Pricing will be discussed during individual consultation. Injections are customized to individual patient needs and concerns and thus prices may vary between patients.

As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. But, with Juvéderm injectable gel, you don’t have to just sit back and let it happen! Approved by the FDA, Juvéderm injectable gel is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds — the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvéderm is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases Juvéderm injectable gel under the skin to provide a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm compared to a collagen-based dermal fillers.* And, almost 90% of all Juvederm study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm injectable gel and another dermal filler* preferred Juvéderm! In addition, Juvéderm injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvéderm injectable gel offer a safe and effective nonsurgical wrinkle treatment option for smoothing facial wrinkles and folds. In fact, they are the fastest growing nonsurgical aesthetic procedure in the United States according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. But all dermal fillers are not the same!

If you’re interested in being treated with this nonsurgical wrinkle treatment option, you should know the advantages of choosing Juvéderm injectable gel:

• “next-generation” filler: Juvéderm is a “next-generation” non-animal dermal filler that is made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance that plays a vital role in hydrating your skin and replenishing its natural volume. No allergy skin tests are needed prior to receiving treatment.
• Advanced technology for long-lasting results: Juvéderm injectable gel employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results. This advanced manufacturing process also creates a smooth consistency gel that flows consistently and easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel. Juvéderm is the only facial filler available with this smooth consistency gel formulation—other existing hyaluronic acid fillers are made of granular consistency gels.
• Proven safety and effectiveness: Juvéderm is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in persons of color.
• Quick and easy procedure: Juvéderm injectable gel is a nonsurgical physician-administered treatment that requires no allergy skin test and minimal recovery or downtime.

Juvéderm injectable gel is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment.

Juvéderm injections are eased under the skin using a fine needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis—the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis—to add volume and diminish wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm injectable gel is used most effectively for those wrinkles and folds in the lower third of your face, like your “laugh lines,” “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds), or “marionette lines” (oral commissures).

Juvéderm is a “next-generation” filler. It is made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to hydrate and add volume. Hyaluronic acid may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm injectable gel works to correct this by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and folds.

Juvéderm employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results. This advanced manufacturing process also works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin during the injection process and provides a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know!) Juvéderm injectable gel is the only filler available with this smooth consistency gel—other existing hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are made of granular consistency gels.

Because Juvéderm injectable gel is a simple, nonsurgical treatment, there is minimal recovery or downtime after your Juvederm treatmentWhat can I expect after Juvederm treatment?

With Juvéderm, there is minimal recovery or downtime after the treatment. For the first 24 hours following Juvederm treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize the risks of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites. After the treatment, some temporary injection-related reactions may occur, including redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period.

You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. Most patients need one Juvederm treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing, and the results last up to 6 months or more. However, results may vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental “touch up” treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results

Laser treatments help to combat the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, loss of collagen and elastin integrity leading to skin laxity and sagging of skin along with pigment and texture irregularities from sun and other environmental harmful agents These treatments include IPL for targeting pigment lesions and superficial vascular lesions as well as heating underlying collagen to encourage cellular turnover at the surface. Near infra-red Skin Tightening applies deeper dermal heating while sparing the surface encouraging collagen remodeling to firm and lift, reducing sagging and lax skin. Newer technology applies fractional ablation (micro-wounds) to the deeper dermis sparing the surrounding skin, stimulating both deep remodeling and superficial resurfacing with very minimal down time (3 days) while special care is required.

Because the action of laser skin rejuvenation is non-ablative (does not remove any skin) there are many benefits over other traditional laser procedures. The laser treatment is quick and offers little to no downtime; you can immediately return to your normal activities. There is minimal discomfort and a very low risk of any complications. Patients will experience progressive improvement over several months for a fresh, natural look. Laser skin rejuvenation is compatible with a whole host of other cosmetic procedures so that maximum results can be achieved.

Collagen provides the support network to our skin. As we age, the collagen breaks down, causing fine lines and wrinkles. The laser works by stimulating collagen production. As the new collagen is generated, lines and wrinkles are decreased. Additionally, years of sun exposure can cause discoloration, large pores and pigmented or red and brown areas (freckling) on the skin. These pigments serve as targets for the laser and the laser energy is selectively absorbed by these targets, destroying them while sparing the surrounding skin. Patients report and studies have confirmed that this procedure results in a refreshed radiant appearance, smoother skin texture, even skin tone, and a decrease in pore size. Those with difficult acne scarring will also notice a marked improvement.

Laser skin rejuvenation is a gradual process. Usually patients need 4–6 treatments spaced at 3–5 weeks apart. Many patients choose to return for touch-up treatments after the initial treatment session ends.

The laser can be used to rejuvenate many body areas including face, hands, neck and chest.

This procedure eliminates the recovery associated with other ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments. Laser skin rejuvenation does not remove any surface skin or cause any visible effect beyond a mild to moderate redness, which usually fades within an hour after treatment. No specific care is needed after treatment, although you may be asked to avoid sun and some skin products for a period of time after the treatment.

The Alma family of lasers used for skin rejuvenation are some of the safest lasers on the market today. In the hands of our trained professionals, the lasers offer a safe and effective treatment with very little risk of complication. Patients can be safely evaluated and treated.

Laser skin rejuvenation is not painful. Many describe the feeling as a tingling sensation. Anesthesia is usually not necessary, but you may request a topical cream depending on your own experience.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non-chemical, non-invasive method of skin resurfacing that utilizes fine crystals to provide effective exfoliation and rejuvenation of the superficial layers of the skin. When a more aggressive treatment is necessary, vacuum pressure can be increased to evenly penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Increasing the blood supply provides nutrients necessary for skin regeneration, repair, and increased cellular turnover. In return, improving the skins’ elasticity and texture, as well as balancing the pigment.

The skin is washed to remove excess oil and dirt. Then, a medical professional targets a stream of fine sodium bicarbonate crystals over the area. The crystals abrade away old, dead skin cells, which the vacuum then picks up with gentle suction. This promotes the growth of collagen and new, rejuvenated skin. Moisturizers and sun block are then applied to the treated area.

Initially 5 to 8 treatments spaced 7-10 days apart are recommended for most people. Acne scars and or discolorations may require more treatments. Monthly maintenance treatments every 2 or 3 months may be necessary to maintain results.

Microdermabrasion is a safe and common procedure. Unlike laser resurfacing or chemical peels, this procedure is not traumatic and therefore there is little to no downtime to allow for healing and recovery. But, as always, provide your full medical history and follow your pre and post-treatment instructions.

YES!! A few patients do notice their skin feeling tight immediately after the treatment as if the skin has been exposed to the sun or wind. You might experience a slight dryness of the skin depending upon your skin type. An effective moisturizer is applied after the treatment to prevent this drying of the skin. The skin might appear slightly red for the remainder of the day. Additionally, the patient is asked to refrain from using makeup on the day of the treatment to give the skin chance to breathe and regenerate itself.

Initially, you may feel a very mild scratching sensation as the crystals make contact with the skin. As the treatments continue, this experience compares to a deep massage. Mild redness may occur for ½ an hour to one day depending on the aggressiveness of the program.

One of the advantages of Microdermabrasion is that it has no downtime*. You can return to your normal routine.

*The results may vary for different people.

Because microdermabrasion requires no anesthesia and leaves the skin slightly flushed for just a few hours the nickname “lunchtime face lift” has been coined by patients because of its quick recovery time. Microdermabrasion is an excellent option for people who cannot take time off from work for the deeper chemical peels or laser therapy treatments.

Our Medical-Grade Microdermabrasion equipment provides a gentle alternative in facial rejuvenation. It has proven to be effective in the treatment of the following conditions:

fine lines; enlarged or clogged pores; mild acne and complexion issues; sun damage; superficial age spots; scaly skin lesions also called keratoses; hyper-pigmentation; uneven skin tone; oily skin; dry/patchy skin; acne scarring; black/white heads; stretch marks; and dull, lifeless skin. In addition, most patients experience dramatic improvements in the color, tone, and texture of treated areas.

In general, microdermabrasion results in thicker, healthier, more youthful looking skin. Over the course of a full set of treatments, the body will produce new layers of skin containing higher levels of elastin and collagen. This, in turn, improves the complexion and gives the skin a more radiant, vibrant glow.

Microdermabrasion results are usually immediate and noticeable. Results improve with multiple treatments and vary depending on your individual skin quality.

A Microdermabrasion facial treatment lasts approximately half an hour. Additional time is required for added areas.

The ideal candidates for microdermabrasion are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections and realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do. Microdermabrasion works well for damaged skin, whether affected by acne, sun damage or aging; and skin of any type or color.

• Less time
• Less discomfort
• Quick recovery
• No disruptions to normal activities
• Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are most effective on the face; but not as safe and less effective on the neck, chest and hands. Microdermabrasion is safe and effective on the face, hands, chest, neck, knees and even elbows.

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people who have deep scars, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, a recent herpes outbreak, warts on the face, skin cancer, active acne (stages 3 and 4), sunburns or active rosacea, eczema, an auto-immune system disorder, or unstable diabetes. Pregnant women should not undergo microdermabrasion. Individuals with deep scars, facial creases, or other moderate-to-severe skin defects should consider a stronger treatment such as a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, although it may be mildly uncomfortable. Tightness and heat are common effects and quickly fade. The feeling is often compared to a cats’ tongue licking your face.

Lasting effects are dependant on proper skin care. Additional treatments will renew your youthful appearance. A series of six treatments over a few months is recommended for best results, followed by regular maintenance treatments.

Microdermabrasion is designed for minor imperfections and general improvement. Those with very large or dark spots, moderate to deep wrinkles and serious scars should seek an alternative treatment.