Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medical Aesthetics?
On the broadest level, medical aesthetics are medical procedures aimed to improve a patient’s cosmetic (aesthetic) appearance. Medical aesthetics treatments are non-invasive to minimally invasive and are generally administered in a med spa or doctor's office.
In the spectrum of beauty treatments, medical aesthetics finds itself nestled between aesthetic treatments and surgical treatments.
While aesthetic services focus on more cosmetic, minimally invasive treatments. It’s key to remember that medical aesthetics are MEDICAL. Med aesthetic treatments require a high level of training and understanding of physical anatomy to be safely and effectively administered.
Toxin injections such as Botox/Xeomin/Dysport/Jeuveau and dermal fillers are not over the counter, and should only be administered by a trained nurse or physician
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a rejuvenation treatment that uses the patient's own blood to stimulate collagen production. The growth factors in PRP are considered safe and natural, as it is derived from the patient's own body. It is also used for joint rejuvenation, hair regrowth, urinary incontinence in women, and erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease in men. PRP injections are a popular choice for those seeking anti-aging treatments without extensive skin treatments or plastic surgery. Properly performed by a trained professional, PRP injections are safe and effective.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Although many of our treatments deliver visible results in just one session, some aesthetic goals require more. In other cases, you may want to consider regular “upkeep” visits for things like wrinkle reduction to keep your skin looking its best over time. Toxins such as Botox generally last 3-5 months, with continual upkeep the results will last longer over time. Dermal filler in the face generally lasts 12-18 months. PRP depends on the area being treated the desired outcome which varies from patient to patient.
What is the difference between Neurotoxins (such as Botox) and dermal fillers?
These are two of our go-to categories of medication in the clinic and often work well together to achieve the results our clients are looking for.
Botox is the proper name of a particular injectable medication that is part of the neurotoxins family, which also includes other medicines like Dysport and Xeomin. They all work similarly to clear fine lines and wrinkles and give some lift to the eyebrows. Neurotoxins are also a very effective treatment for jaw pain because of TMD (in the TMJ joint), by relaxing the masseter (chewing) muscles on either side of your jaws.
Dermal fillers are a different kind of medicine entirely; They are largely composed of a molecule called hyaluronic acid, and they can both replace volume loss and create volume that was never there before. Hyaluronic acid is already made by our bodies and present in skin, but the quantity diminished over time resulting in loss of volume and loss of hydration as we age.
Results with expertly prescribed and placed dermal fillers range from subtle to show-stopping: We can give height to cheekbones, increase the size of lips, erase smile lines, and restore lost mass in the temples
What are the risks I am taking in receiving these treatments?
It’s important to remember that medical aesthetic treatments are still medical treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the medical professional who is providing the treatments is appropriately trained, licensed, and performed in a clinic environment where they can handle any adverse situations, should they occur. Many risk factors depend on a person’s health and medical history, anatomy, and genetics. Our doctor is a board certified general and vascular surgeon with 40 years’ experience who understands the implications of any risks involved in your treatment. As a result, we have an in-depth consultation with each patient, which we revisit throughout the treatment journey. We then ensure that you are made fully aware of any risks that might be involved in your specific treatment recommendation so that you can make an informed and educated decision on whether to proceed or not.