FAQ

The visible effects of facial aging are the progressive changes you see when you look in the mirror – including loss of skin elasticity, sagging, forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s-feet, smile lines, lip lines, marionette lines – the lines framing your mouth – as well as changes to the color and texture of the skin and loss of volume.

Facial aging usually begins in your 20s when the firmness of your skin begins to decrease. Wrinkles, blemishes, and sunspots may also start to appear, becoming more pronounced with age. Of course, changes vary from person to person.

Facial aging is caused by both internal and external factors. Internal (or chronological) factors happen over time and are caused by genetics and the natural aging process. External (or environmental) factors are things in the world around you, including sun exposure, smoking, pollution, gravity, facial expressions, and sleep position. All of these factors can contribute to changes in the skin, as well as changes in facial bones.

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 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.

Any authorized health care professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic, however ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, otolaryngologists, or other cosmetic physicians are generally more experienced.

Your doctor will determine exactly where to administer several tiny injections to achieve the best results. 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 should last up to four months.

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. Your physician may choose to use a local anesthetic cream or ice to minimize this. 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.

No. BOTOX Cosmetic will make you look young and fresh, not frozen. Botex will relax the muscles that produce frown lines, but it will not impair your facial expressions.

No. BOTOX Cosmetic is ideal for erasing wrinkles that result from muscle contractions. Crows’ feet and frown lines are the best examples. Wrinkles in other areas, such as the cheeks, are better suited for chemical peels and fillers.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is contraindicated in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Do not exceed the recommended dosage and frequency of administration of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Patients with neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of clinically significant systemic effects including severe dysphagia and respiratory compromise from typical doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic for cosmetic purposes may result in the formation of antibodies that may reduce the effectiveness of subsequent treatments with BOTOX® Cosmetic for glabellar lines or other indications. However rare, the potential for antibody formation may be minimized by injecting with the lowest effective dose given with the longest feasible intervals between injections.

RADIESSE filler is a safe, FDA-approved dermal filler that gives you both immediate and long-lasting results. RADIESSE filler stimulates the body to produce new collagen and restores a healthy, natural look. This convenient treatment restores and/or corrects the signs of facial lipoatrophy, including sunken cheeks and indentations, in people with HIV. RADIESSE filler is made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel and is injected into the skin through a minimally invasive procedure.

RADIESSE filler works below the skin’s surface, stimulating the body to produce new collagen and creates a natural look that lasts. RADIESSE filler fills in facial indentations. In an FDA clinical study using RADIESSE filler, no serious adverse effects were reported.

Yes. RADIESSE filler is the first FDA-approved one-year filler for facial lipoatrophy in patients with HIV. Thousands of physicians have been trained to provide RADIESSE treatment. Through years of rigorous industry research and independent research worldwide, RADIESSE filler has been proven to be safe and effective.

If you are an HIV-positive patient with facial lipoatrophy (facial wasting), you may be an excellent candidate for a RADIESSE treatment. Talk to your HIV care physician for more information.

RADIESSE filler is unlike any other FDA-approved dermal filler. It is a compound comprised of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), combined with a water-based gel. With RADIESSE filler, the results are immediate and long-lasting – without the need for frequent office visits.

RADIESSE filler is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, quick, and minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Typically administered in a physician’s office, with the use of a local anesthetic, RADIESSE treatments have little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities soon after treatment.

The results are immediate. RADIESSE filler continues to deliver results as it stimulates the body to produce new collagen. Results may last a year or more, without the need for frequent injection sessions. Since results may vary, be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor.

With RADIESSE filler you achieve immediate results. However, because each patient is different, your physician may recommend a touch-up treatment.

RADIESSE filler is long-lasting and does not require frequent injection sessions. The treatment is customized for each patient, so the price varies. In general, the cost of RADIESSE filler is comparable to similar procedures. Consult your HIV care physician for a treatment plan to restore your healthy, natural look

Normal, injection-related reactions such as mild irritation, redness, swelling, itching, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site may occur. These conditions typically resolve themselves.

RADIESSE filler is biocompatible. You do not need to undergo skin allergy testing prior to treatment. However, if you believe you are having an allergic reaction to RADIESSE filler, seek medical attention immediately.

No. Treatment results are relatively long-lasting, but not permanent. Over time the tiny calcium-based microspheres gradually break down into calcium and phosphate ions, which are safely and naturally absorbed into your body, leaving your own collagen in their place.

The Restylane products work instantly to create youthful contours and grace. You will see results immediately.

You may have some swelling, bruising, or tenderness. These are mild and typically resolve within two weeks.

Perlane is injected into the skin using an ultra-fine needle. Numbing medicines may be discussed to maximize your comfort.

Perlane is a natural cosmetic filler. Botox is a drug that relaxes muscles that produce frown lines. Both are very effective in creating a more youthful appearance.

LipoDissolve causes the cell wall of fat cells to break down, allowing the fat to be released, metabolized, and excreted.

It depends. With the right body type, with small to medium fat deposits, LipoDissolve can create dramatic results, the same as surgery,

The application of the medicine is not painful. Some patients say they feel a mild burning or stinging sensation when the light is applied, but it subsides immediately after the treatment.

The recovery period is short, with mild to moderate redness for up to two days. For the first 24 hours after treatment, the patient must strictly avoid sunlight.

While every patient is different, Sciton SkinTyte typically improves skin appearance by 75-90%.

No. Sciton Skintyte does not help frown lines, wrinkles, or puffiness around the eyes. It instead creates tighter, more youthful looking skin by increasing the body’s production of collagen.

ProFractional therapy deeply penetrates the body with very little damage to surrounding tissue. This allows for effective collagen remodeling with minimal risk.

Most patients get back into their routines immediately after treatment and completely heal in a few days. Patients must avoid direct sunlight after the procedure.

Laser hair reduction permanently disables the selected hairs. However, it cannot remove 100% of the hairs in an area. The laser can remove coarse hairs; finer hairs can be removed with additional laser therapy and electrolysis treatment.

Laser hair reduction permanently disables the selected hairs. However, it cannot remove 100% of the hairs in an area. The laser can remove coarse hairs; finer hairs can be removed with additional laser therapy and electrolysis treatment.

Most patients need 6-8 treatments spaced 8-12 weeks apart. Treated hair should fall out within 3 weeks of each treatment.

Spider veins are enlarged veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. They look like tree branches or spiderwebs and appear on the legs, hands, and face. They are completely harmless.

No. Sclerotherapy on veins in the hands and face is painful and the results are variable. Laser therapy is a better option for these veins.

Most peels take between fifteen minutes and one hour, depending on the area being treated.

The more superficial peels need to be repeated several times over a course of months. The deeper peels need to be performed once. You will likely need more treatments as time progresses. Typically, the deeper peels last longer.

What is the difference between restorative peels and chemical peels?
Restorative peels are gentler than chemical peels. They remove fewer layers of skin and require no downtime.

It’s the best of both worlds—the thoroughness of a chemical peel and the gentleness of a restorative peel. And it is touched with Pure Gold’s distinct attention and care to detail.

Apeele’s provides a high-quality and consistent chemical peel with minimal complications, such as scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Apeele can create dramatic facial change. Depending on the depth of the peel, additional care may be taken after the procedure to ensure maximum benefit.

Chemical peels usually contain between 10-20% alpha hydroxy acid. Doctors can use peels with up to 70% alpha hydroxyl acid. This treatment will last from 2-5 years.

Alpha hydroxy acid is water soluble and beta hydroxy acid is oil soluble. This means beta hydroxy acid is better on oily skin with whiteheads and blackheads. Alpha hydroxy acid is better on thickened, sun-damaged skin.

This procedure is performed thousands of times per year with no complications. However, like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and discomfort.

No. Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss technique. Ideal candidates have already reached their target weight but still have large amounts of abdominal fat or loose skin.

The back lift is perfect for individuals who have excessive sagging skin in their upper and middle back. It does not remove fat but tightens skin and creates a more attractive contour.

Back lift incisions are designed to be in the bra line. They are easily hidden by a bra or bikini.

Blepharoplasty refers to an eyelid lift. It corrects the sagging skin on the upper lid. If a patient has low brows, they will need a brow lift. Blepharoplasty cannot help lower eyelids that are puffy due to allergies.

The incisions are made in the natural crease of the upper lid and just under the eyelashes or inside the eye. The incisions heal well and are almost imperceptible. Patients are given a local anesthetic before the procedure begins.

In a standard brachioplasty, a permanent scar extends from the elbow to the underarm. In a mini-brachioplasty, a semicircular scar is concealed in the underarm.

Sometimes. If a drain is used, the patient is instructed on its use and care.

Patients usually gain a few pounds, depending on the extent of the procedure. This will be covered during the consultation.

On average, silicone breast implants last 16 years. Saline breast implants only have to be replaced if they deflate. The merits of each will also be discussed during the consultation.

It depends. If patient is careful with his or her skin and body and protects from the sun, a brow lift can last for ten years. If a patient is not careful, the brow lift will last a maximum of five years.

Friends and family often remark on a pleasant change in the patient’s face. There is no loss of personal identity—only a rejuvenation.

The patient is not advised to sit for one week after the procedure so the area is not stressed.

The side effects of the procedure include bruising and swelling which resolve on their own.

Typically, bruising and swelling resolve within 2-3 weeks. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.

Patients with facial hollows or depressions and sagging jowls are excellent candidates for FAMI. Anyone who wants long term rejuvenation and a softer appearance should consider FAMI.

Lips usually swell after the procedure. The effects of the filler alone become apparent in a few days.

There is a risk with all cosmetic fillers. The fillers used now in lip augmentation, however, are usually well received by the body.

Liposculpture can achieve spectacular results. It can reduce the degree of cellulite but it cannot eliminate it entirely.

Liposuction is the wholesale removal of fat by suction. Liposculpture takes the entire body into consideration and removes the right amount of fat to achieve a balance.

The incisions are placed behind the ears and around the back into the hairline. There may be another incision under the chin.

Patients will see results very soon after the procedure. The effect is subtle and very flattering.

A patient’s thighs will be tighter and more youthful after the procedure. The degree of change will depend on each particular body.

No. Liposuction will not achieve the same effect as a thigh lift.

A silhouette lift subtly creates a youthful appearance using absorbable materials. It can last for up to four years.

The ideal candidates for this procedure are over 40 and want a shapelier, younger definition to their thighs.

Vaginal rejuvenation is for women who want increased muscle control after childbirth or surgery, or are experiencing vaginal relaxation. The procedure takes about an hour with moderate pain and discomfort lasting a few days.

It is best to refrain from sexual intercourse for six weeks after this procedure.

Acne is best treated by gentle exfoliation and daily cleansing. This facial puts patients on the road to healthy, vibrant skin.

Yes. Patients are encouraged to ask these questions and can be given direction.