FAQs
Botox
What is Botox?
Botox is a highly purified preparation of botulinum toxin A, a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is injected as a treatment into very specific muscles, in very small amounts. It blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, thereby paralyzing (relaxing) them. It is used cosmetically to flatten and soften wrinkles.
Is Botox considered safe?
Botulinum toxin in small doses – such as those used in the application of Botox – are considered safe. In fact, only 36 cases of adverse effects associated with cosmetic use were reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1989 and 2003.
Common Botox side effects may include:
• muscle weakness near injection site
• you may have some issues with swallowing if platysmal bands are injected
• muscle stiffness, neck pain, pain in your arms or legs
• blurred vision, puffy eyelids, dry eyes, drooping eyebrows
• dry mouth
• headache, tiredness
• bruising, bleeding, pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given
These common side effects can occur and should subside within a few days of your treatment.
When can I start Botox?
Preventative Botox can start as early as your early twenties. Once your dynamic lines start occurring over time and age, they don’t bounce back as easily and start creating static lines. Those lines will soften and go away if you start early enough.
How soon after treatment does Botox start working?
Studies have shown that neurotoxin effects start as early as 3-4 days after treatment. However, maximum results take around 10-14 days to show.
How long does Botox last?
The effects usually last between 3-4 months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. However, the lines and wrinkles may appear to look less pronounced than they did before your treatment. Muscles do shrink once treated.
How much does Botox cost?
This varies for each client’s needs. The cost is usually calculated by $ per unit.
How long will my appointment take?
If this is an initial consult appointment, it should take a maximum of 45 min.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
How do I know if I am a good candidate for PRP?
Talk to your physician for a proper diagnosis and to create a treatment plan.
How does it work?
It creates tiny punctures in the skin surface. These micro injuries then initiate a wound healing affect to stimulate the production of new collagen and Elasticity of the skin.
How many treatments are required?
Treatment will vary based on your need. Initially, your provider map recommend several treatments spaced 1 month apart. After the initial treatment, many physicians suggest maintenance treatments 2-3 times per year.
Is the PRP for hair restoration process time consuming?
No, collecting the PRP usually only takes 10-15 minutes. The PRP treatment itself often takes about 15-20 minutes. In total, the entire process takes less than an hour!
Does the procedure hurt?
There may be some sensitivity. However, most physicians utilize effective anesthetic solutions, such as cold ambient air or a topical analgesis to minimize any potential discomfort. Talk to your physician about the right option for you.
Is there any recovery time?
There is no downtime or a long recovery process. You may take a warm shower the evening of the treatment. In addition, it is advised to avoid using any harsh dyes or chemicals on your hair for 48 hours.
Is this a cure for baldness?
PRP is not a cure for baldness (Androgenic Alopecia). The genetic medical problem will always remain. However, there is great evidence that regular treatments can significantly slow down the effects of Androgenic Alopecia and even work to increase hair density.
When will I see results?
Patients have reported experiencing clear brighter and refreshed looking skin after one treatment. For optimal results a series of 3 to 6 treatments every four weeks is recommended.
What areas of the body can I treat?
The E pen can be used to treat the face neck body and is safe for most skin types.
Dermal Fillers
How long do dermal fillers last?
Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last from approximately 8 to 14 months.
Lip fillers don’t last as long as facial fillers because we are always using our mouth to talk, eat, drink etc.
Is there anything I need to avoid before receiving fillers?
Here are the Pre-instructions:
Avoid all medications or any consumption of anything that contains blood thinning agents. Things such as Ibuprofen, Green tea or St. John’s Wort for approximately 3 days before your appointment.
No dental work within the last two weeks of filler this include cleaning.
You must wait 6 to 8 weeks to receive fillers if you’ve had any type of dental or facial surgery.
No alcohol the night before.
No exercise the day of the procedure and the following day.
What are the risks associated with fillers?
There is a very rare risk of vascular occlusion, which means blocked blood vessel.
If this was to occur, there is a vascular occlusion protocol that we follow to unblock the vessel with a dissolving agent called Hyaluronidase.
What are the post care instructions associated with fillers?
Ice areas after procedure to reduce swelling and bruising
Take Tylenol if needed to relieve discomfort.
Sleep upright with the help of a couple of pillows, the night of the procedure and the following night.
Do not touch the treated area for about 4 to 6 hours to avoid a chance of infection.
What do I do if I noticed a lump on my lip after receiving fillers?
It’s normal to see some small bumps after your filler and most of the time they settle nicely after a couple of weeks. Wait about three days after the procedure, then try to massage the lump out. If you are unable to massage the small lump you can always call me and come into my office, and I can massage it out for you.
I just took my Covid vaccine, can I come in for a treatment?
You must wait 4 weeks after receiving the vaccine before your filler appointment.
You will also have to wait 4 weeks to take the Covid vaccine if you have just had fillers.