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Botox: The name we all know and love

Botox has been around for 30+ years, so it’s the name we know and it’s the wrinkle relaxer that we have come to love. But the reality is, since it was invented in 1989, 4 other wrinkle relaxers have come to market since. The one that compares most to Botox is called Dysport. But which one is right for you? We’re here to break it all down.

As mentioned above, Botox has been around now for 30+ years. First invented for medical conditions such as certain muscle rigidity conditions, migraines, and bladder spasming;it was discovered to minimize fine lines and wrinkles on the face, and has been all the rage ever since.

The name Botox comes from the protein, botulinum-toxin-a, which is the ingredient that temporarily paralyzes the muscles and is safe and effective at treating fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

It is FDA approved to treat wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes but used “off label” to treat many other areas. For example, the neck bands to reduce skin laxity of the neck skin, the chin muscle – to minimize dimpling, bunny lines – those pesky wrinkles we get when we scrunch our nose, the masseters for TMJ pain or clenching, above the lip to minimize those pesky lines above the lip or for a lip flip, to help the upper lip appear more full at rest. Additionally its used to treat a gummy smile, the frown muscles or DAO’s, the trapezius for neck tension – the possibilities are endless!

Dysport: the younger, hipper Botox

Dysport is newer to the scene. It was invented in 2009 and like Botox, it was used medically prior to being used aesthetically.

What most people love about Dysport is that it kicks in faster than Botox, usually 2-8 days, whereas Botox takes a full 2 weeks to kick in. Additionally, in a recent side by side study done comparing Botox to Dysport and it was found that Dysport has more of the protein per unit. What does that mean for you? The majority of patients think that it lasts them longer. Win win!

Dysport is used to treat all of the areas that Botox treats listed above.

What your appointment looks like

Whether you get Botox or Dysport, your appointment looks exactly the same. They are reconstituted a bit different but both are injected, with a tiny needle. When you leave the clinic there is a little bit of fluid right underneath the first layer of the skin. By the time you get home, that fluid is absorbed and it starts to work its magic.

Over the next 1-2 weeks, your muscles have a 10% decrease in muscle movement everyday, until its fully kicked in.

Once fully kicked in, the skin above the muscle is smooth and wrinkle free- chefs kiss!

How much downtime?

The wonderful thing about Botox and Dysport is that there is minimal downtime. You will want to avoid touching or manipulating  the area for 4 hours after your treatment, making sure not to bend over or lay flat for 4 hours after treatment, and you’ll want to avoid sweating until the next day.

The reason we have you take it easy the rest of the day is so that the product does not become displaced, and stays exactly where we put it. Displaced product could mean that Botox or Dysport could get into another muscle on the face, that we may not want to treat, and cause unwanted side effects.

How long will my results last?

Generally Botox and Dysport last 3 – 4 months. Most patients believe that one lasts longer than the other for them which usually dictates their preference. I generally recommend that my patients try both wrinkle relaxers/neuromodulators, and compare how long they get out of each one, and go from there.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effects that patients report are a headache and flu like symptoms, day of treatment, that usually last for the rest of that day and is gone by the next day. Swelling and bruising are rare but can happen. You will want to avoid anti-inflammatories like Aspirin, ibuprofen- Motrin, Aleve, Advil, fish oil and alcohol 3-5 days before your appointment to avoid any bruising or swelling.

Book your complimentary consultation with our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner to learn if Botox or Dysport could be the right treatment for you.

What’s the secret to NEVER needing undereye filler? PRF ladies and gentleman! But what is it? and whats the difference from PRP? All your questions answered, here!

PRP and PRF, two very popular buzzwords circulating in the aesthetic industry. But what are they? And what’s the difference? We’re here to answer ALL your questions!

PRP vs PRF? Whats the difference?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) are both components of your own blood. We draw your blood in the office, spin it down and separate the Red Blood Cells from the Platelets. PRP is the more popular of the two, it was the first of the two to become popular and has thus, been around longer so you have likely heard of it before. Better known as “The Vampire Facial,” it was popularized and marketed all over social media after Kim Kardashian posted a selfie after her treatment. As science would have it, it was found that when you spin the blood at a slower speed, for a finite period of time, you get something a little different and a little more powerful, now better known as PRF. The first real difference is that PRF has 2000% more growth factors than PRP. What does that mean for you skin? More growth factors means more collagen production and collagen is the fountain of youth. The other main difference is the way in which the blood is spun in the centrifuge to create either PRP or PRF. PRF needs a slower speed time and a specific angle to create the extra magic and most PRP centrifuges cannot spin PRF, so it’s important that your provider has the ability to correctly centrifuge your blood to create the PRF. When PRF is spun, it creates less volume but more growth factors, rich in white cells and fibrin matrix, which play a very important role in stimulating collagen.

This is important, especially when treating the delicate under eye area, which is the most popular area to treat with PRF. Less volume means, less swelling, but more bang for your buck, in terms of the amount of collagen being produced. Yes please! The other important difference between PRP and PRF is that the slower speed time needed for PRF, also does not disrupt the cells as much, creating more pure growth factors which means, more pure and simply more collagen production. Another reason most are moving away from PRP is that  in order to separate the red blood cells, from the PRF, the PRP tube has a plastic barrier that, when drawing up the PRP, plastic also makes its way into the injections, meaning when you are receiving a PRP treatment, you are also being injected with microplastics. YUCK!

Which areas can I treat with PRF?

The most popular uses for PRF injections are to rejuvenate the undereye area, for hair growth/the hairline, it can be applied topically after microneedling, injected into the lips for a more subtle lip plump, if you aren’t ready for fillers and has also become increasingly popular for joint rejuvenation and injuries.

What to expect

A PRF treatment, from start to finish takes about an hour, with numbing time included. Our practitioner will numb your skin for about 20 minutes and then thoroughly cleanse your skin prior to the treatment. While you are numbing, your provider will draw your blood and spin it in the centrifuge. The great thing about PRF with an advanced practice medical provider, at our clinic, is that they can treat to the deepest layers of your skin, so you get the most out of your treatment.

After the treatment your skin will be red and swollen, but because of the numbing time, you are very comfortable during the treatment. PRF itself, is a liquid, so most patients enjoy the swelling after treatment, as it fills in any hollowing that you may have underneath the eyes. In the week after your treatment, the growth factors are absorbed and the magic starts to happen.

What is my recovery like?

After the treatment, you will want to avoid exercise, use of the sauna or any heat of any kind for the rest of the day. Heat can damage the growth factors and honestly, with this treatment, the more swelling means more collagen stimulation! The next day, the swelling is improved, and may be worse on the side that you sleep on, but as you get moving and hydrated, swelling improves as the day goes on. You can resume your retinol and any active products the day of your treatment.

When will I see any results?

The majority of patients see results immediately after treatment, and claim that their skin looks smoother, plumper and more hydrated with a natural glow. Depending on your skin concerns, you may need multiple treatments, for example if your skin has any scarring from acne, darker pigment or extensive sun damage, you’ll likely need multiple treatments. Your practitioner will come up with a treatment plan for you to address any and all concerns you may have.

Interested in learning more about PRF? Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner to learn more about PRF and see if it could be the right treatment for you. Ready to experience the benefits of PRF? Book Now!

In a world where beauty standards evolve constantly, the quest for youthful, radiant skin remains timeless. While there’s an abundance of skincare products promising to turn back the clock, sometimes a more profound approach is needed. Enter Sculptra Aesthetic, a revolutionary treatment offering a unique solution to combatting signs of aging. Find out why Sculptra is becoming a go-to choice for those seeking lasting rejuvenation.

Understanding Sculptra Aesthetic

Sculptra Aesthetic isn’t your typical dermal filler; it’s a collagen stimulator. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that work by adding volume to specific areas, Sculptra works gradually by stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production. Sculptra is a rejuvenating solution containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic substance that kickstarts the body’s natural collagen synthesis.  Collagen, the protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, diminishes over time, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Often times, the first signs of aging are the presence of the Nasolabial fold, that indicates that your face has last volume int he midface. This is the perfect time to start Sculptra, as it addresses this by replenishing lost collagen, restoring a more youthful appearance from within, providing a natural and gradual transformation that allows you to age gracefully.

The Treatment Process

Before the treatment process, our board certified Nurse Practitioner will provide a consultation to assess your concerns, discuss expectations, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

On the day of your treatment, our skilled Advanced Practice Practitioner administers Sculptra in series of injections strategically administered to target the areas that are of concern to you, such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline. The number of sessions required varies depending on individual factors, but most patients undergo a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. The PLLA micro-particles are strategically placed to stimulate collagen production in the targeted areas. The procedure is relatively quick and has minimal discomfort, thanks to anesthetics in the treatment itself as. well as topical numbing cream that stays on for 20-30 minutes prior to treatment.

Over several weeks, collagen synthesis is stimulated, and the treated areas begin to regain lost volume.

What sets Sculptra apart is the natural and subtle enhancement it offers. Friends and family may notice a refreshed and revitalized appearance, but the gradual results ensure that your secret stays safe. Unlike abrupt cosmetic interventions, Sculptra allows you to age gracefully without any telltale signs that you had an aesthetic treatment done.

What is Poly-L-Lactic Acid and how does it stimulate Collagen Synthesis

The key player in Sculptra’s transformative capabilities is poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance. PLLA has been used in various medical applications for years and is renowned for its safety and efficacy.

When injected into the skin, Sculptra’s PLLA micro-particles act as a scaffold, encouraging the body to produce collagen adjacent to those scaffolds. Sculptra restores the skin’s underlying structure by jumpstarting collagen synthesis, resulting in a natural and youthful appearance.

The Benefits of Sculptra Aesthetic

1. Natural-Looking Results: Unlike traditional fillers that can sometimes create a “done” or overfilled appearance, Sculptra delivers subtle, natural-looking results. As collagen production increases gradually, the skin rejuvenates from within, producing smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
2. Longevity: While some fillers offer immediate results that fade over time, Sculptra’s effects are long-lasting. Many patients enjoy the benefits of their treatment for up to two years or more, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
3. Versatility: Sculptra isn’t just for targeting specific wrinkles or folds. It’s versatile enough to address various concerns, including volume loss in the cheeks, hollow temples, and undefined jawlines. This versatility allows for comprehensive facial rejuvenation and contouring.
4. Minimal Downtime: For those with busy lifestyles, downtime is often a concern when considering cosmetic procedures. With Sculptra, downtime is minimal, with most patients able to resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Some temporary side effects, such as swelling or bruising, may occur but typically subside within a few days.
5. Stimulates Collagen Production: Perhaps the most significant advantage of Sculptra is its ability to stimulate collagen production, addressing the underlying cause of aging rather than just masking its effects. By kickstarting your skin’s natural collagen production, Sculptra promotes long-term skin health and vitality.

Is Sculptra Right for You?

While Sculptra Aesthetic offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to determine whether it’s the right choice for your individual needs. Ideal candidates are typically in good overall health with realistic expectations about the treatment outcomes. Additionally, those seeking gradual, natural-looking results with long-lasting effects are prime candidates for Sculptra.

Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your suitability for treatment and address any concerns you may have.

Final Thoughts

In a world inundated with beauty products and treatments, finding one that delivers noticeable, long-lasting results can be a challenge. Sculptra Aesthetic stands out as a game-changer in the realm of facial rejuvenation, offering a unique approach to combating signs of aging from within.

Whether you’re looking to restore lost volume, improve skin texture, or redefine facial contours, Sculptra may just be the solution you’ve been searching for. With its natural-looking results, longevity, and minimal downtime, it’s no wonder why more and more individuals are turning to Sculptra to unlock their youthful radiance.

Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner to learn if Sculptra could be the right treatment for you.

By Karina B. Shepard, MSN, ARNP-C