Frequently Asked Questions

Neurotoxins (Botox Cosmetic/Jeuveau/Xeomin) FAQs:

What should I AVOID prior to treatment? Avoid taking Aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve, Celebrex, Fish Oil, Gingko Biloba, St. John's Wart, Primrose Oil, garlic, ginseng, and high doses of Vitamin E for 7-10days prior to treatment, as these may increase risk of bleeding and bruising at the treated site(s). Regular multi-vitamin and Tylenol is permitted (if not contraindicated). Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24hrs prior to treatment, as this may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the treatment site(s). Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal creams in the area(s) to be treated. If you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face/lips, make sure to inform your practitioner one week prior to your appointment; this will allow us adequate time to prescribe a medication to prevent an outbreak.
Are there any Contraindications? Myasthenia Gravis, Allergy to Botulinum Toxin, Neuromuscular Disorder, Pregnant or Breastfeeding, and/or allergy to Human Albumin, or active infection near/at the site of injection.
Does the treatment hurt? There is little to no discomfort during the injection treatment. No more than a little pinch. We offer topical numbing if you are anxious about discomfort.
Is there any downtime? Most clients return, directly, to work/school/day-to-day activities following treatment. We do advise that you refrain from any excessive/strenuous physical activity, saunas or sunbathing for at least 24hrs, no rubbing/massaging face for at least 4hrs or application of makeup over the injection sites for at least 12hrs.
How long before seeing results? Botox Cosmetic: You can often see results in as little as 1-3days with full effects in about 14days; Jeuveau: You can often see results in as little as 2-3days with full results in 4days; Xeomin: You can often se results in as little as 3-4 days with full effect within 30days.
How long does it last? Botox Cosmetic: In general, it can last 3-4months or shorter, in that 2month range. It is common for first timers to notice that it may not last as long, initially, but may last longer after the second treatment; Jeuveau: Can last anywhere from 5-6months; Xeomin: Can last between 4-6months.
How much do I need? Every person/face is different. A consultation with our experienced ARNP injector will allow us to accurately quote how many units you will need to achieve your desired result. There is no pressure to purchase anything at the time of consultation.
I just had a treatment & do not see results you were hoping for. Can I come back for more treatment? We request that all clients come back for a reevaluation [and possible touch up] 14days post treatment. Re-treating before the 14days may result in facial asymmetry, as full results cannot be properly observed before then.
Are there any complications? You may experience pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site, headache or flu-like symptoms, droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows, crooked smile or drooling, watery or dry eyes, infection sat the injection site. Allergic reaction to neurotoxins is not very common. If you experience hives, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing dizziness, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat contact your practitioner/911.
What should I avoid after treatment? Do NOT rub or massage the treated area(s), avoid makeup, if possible, avoid sleeping on your face the first night, do not exercise or partake in any strenuous activity for 12hrs, avoid alcohol for 24hrs, avoid excessive caffeine before and after appt., do NOT have any beauty treatments on your face i.e. facials, facial massage for 2wks, avoid exposure to strong sunlight, very cold temperatures and saunas for 2wks.
What are the Do’s? Frown repeatedly for about 1hr, immediately following the treatment, keep upright for 4hrs, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration which can negatively affect recovery.
Is it reversible? No. It is not reversible, but it is not permanent and will fade away in a few months.
How long before I need to return for my next treatment? This can vary from every 3-4months, depending on the individual and how they metabolize the neurotoxin. The more treatments received the less often an individual needs to return, again dependent on the individual’s metabolism.

Dermal Fillers (Belotero Balance+/Juvederm Collection/Radiesse+/Restylane/Revanesse Versa+ & Lips+) FAQs:

What should I AVOID prior to treatment? Same as listed in the Botox section above and including 2 days prior to Lip Filler, avoid topical products Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid or any anti-aging products.
Are there any Contraindications? Active infection near the site of injection, known allergy/hypersensitivity to the material or the lidocaine mixed in the syringe of the filler (Zyderm, Zyplast, Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast and certain hyaluronic acid filler , Artefill), glabellar necrosis, allergy to lidocaine (collagen, hyaluronic acids), scars in area of injections, active inflammation process in the injection area/site(s), diabetes, pregnancy & breastfeeding. Contraindications for Lip Fillers: Infectious disease (HIV, STIs, AIDS, Chronic Hepatitis, etc), blood diseases, clotting problems (hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, anemia).
Does the treatment hurt? Depends on the individual’s pain tolerance & the location of where the filler is being injected. Discomfort levels vary. We use a medical strength topical numbing agent to make all filler injections as comfortable as possible. Most people report no more than mild discomfort.
Will I be bruised or swollen? You may notice some swelling, bruising, red needle puncture marks, asymmetry, tenderness and/or itching in the area(s). These are common issues and should resolve over the next few days to weeks. We provide pre-post care instructions to you to minimize your chances of bruising as best we can. We will provide ice to you after your appt. to help bring the swelling down and can advise you on natural supplements to aid in this proves as well. We encourage you to follow up with us if you have any concerns.
Is there any downtime? Typically, there is little to no downtime and you are free to go back to work and resume most of your daily activities right away. It is generally recommended that you avoid intense/strenuous physical activity for the first 24-48hrs. However, it is important to understand that you allot a full week for recovery before attending any big event after receiving filler and you will need to be careful for 24-48hrs to allow time for the fillers to settle in properly.
Will results be seen immediately? While results can be instantaneous given that filler treatments cover a larger area than neurotoxins. But it is important to remember that you will have swelling or bruising that persists for a while, especially in the lip region. Final result will be seen at about 4wks after treatment. We request that you return in 4wks (except for cosmetic emergencies like infection or vascular occlusions, which should be seen immediately). Assessing prior to the 4wks is not useful as there is often a small amount of swelling still present.
How long does it last? This is case-specific. It will always depend on what product you purchase and the area(s) being treated, as well as how quick your metabolism is. As a general rule, fillers last between 6-12months.
What should you avoid after receiving filler treatment? Avoid exposing the area(s) to intense heat (saunas, tanning salon, sunbathing). Avoid touching the area(s)/face for 6hrs. Avoid rubbing, massaging or putting pressure on the treated area(s) for the first few nights i.e. sleep on your back, if possible. Avoid bending/leaning forward. Avoid strenuous activity for 24hrs. Avoid alcohol for 24hrs. Do NOT use Retinols/Vitamin C therapy, AHA or oil based make up for 24hrs. Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy-based treatments & dermabrasion for 2wks after treatment.
Are there any complications? Possible cosmetic complications include vascular occlusion and infection. Vascular occlusions mostly occur in the treatment chair and the practitioner will be able to see that it is happening and treat it, immediately. An area may turn white or there may be an area of skin that looks like fishnet stockings or there may be skin discoloration in a distant area that was not injected. There may be an area that has small blisters on the skin. If you see any of these things on your skin, you should call your practitioner immediately. Early infection may occur after a few days after the treatment. You may notice some increasing redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, heat, nodules or pus. If this occurs, contact your practitioner.
Is filler reversible? All fillers we use are Hyaluronic Acid-based fillers, which are reversible. In the unlikely event that you want to dissolve some of your filler, this can be done in the office.

Microneedling FAQs:

What is a Microneedling treatment? Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure, using a mechanical handheld device with very fine needles, that create micropunctures into the skin that stimulate your skin to produce more collagen and elastin to heal the small puncture wounds and thereby resulting in more youthful and bouncy skin.
What is it recommended for? It is used to help rejuvenate, brighten, retexture, tighten loose & sagging skin, remove scarring & stretch marks & improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What should I avoid prior to treatment? Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, cigarettes as they increase your risk for bruising and swelling. Avoid Topical Retinoids, if product(s) used contain high levels of vitamin A, topical acids like AHAs and BHAs, topical exfoliants, whether chemical or physical, Accutane, Ibuprofen, Advil, and Motrin, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Omega-3 supplements such as Fish Oil. Avoid excess sun a week prior to the treatment, sunburn, laser treatments, hair removal treatments such as shaving, waxing, hair removal creams, and electrolysis.
Are there any Contraindications? Active acne, rosacea, especially inflammatory lesions, active herpes labialis or other localized infection in the treatment area(s), including warts, moderate to severe chronic skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, open wounds, or wound-healing issues.
Does it hurt? This is dependent on the individual and how sensitive your skin is. We utilize medical strength topical numbing cream to minimize any discomfort.
Is there any downtime? There is no downtime and can return to work/school or your regular activities. Be aware that healing usually takes about 24hrs.
How soon will results be seen? Some clients see a smoother, brighter and more radiant complexion after just a few days. However, most see results in around 4-6wks.
What should you avoid after treatment? Avoid partaking in activities that will heat yp your skin i.e. strenuous physical activity/exercise, hot tub, jacuzzi, sauna, sunbathing for 2days after treatment. You will be given after-care instructions.
Are there any complications? A risk that commonly occurs is skin damage i.e. bleeding, bruising, redness, tightness, itching & peeling and these typically go away without any treatment after a few days or wks.
How many treatments are needed? In order to see/get full results, you should get at least 4 treatments that are spaced out every 4-6wks and then once every 6-12months for maintenance.