Botox is a neuromodulator that works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles on the face. By targeting specific areas, we can promote a smoother, more relaxed, and refreshed appearance. Botox is one of the most commonly used, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments available today. It is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime. 

Botox is approved by the FDA for the temporary treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet lines. It can also be used to strategically lift the eyebrows, add subtle fullness to the lips (lip flip), and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

The amount of Botox needed will depend on the area(s) being treated, individual anatomy, muscle strength, and the desired level of post-treatment movement. The following are typical doses per area: 

Frown lines- 20 units

Forehead lines- 20 units

Crows feet- 24 units

The treatment itself only takes about 15 minutes, but we block 30 minutes for the appointment to allow adequate time for a comprehensive consultation. 

Most clients begin to see results within 48 hours post treatment, with optimal results being achieved after 2 weeks. For this reason, please consider your timeline plan your treatment accordingly. 

Typically, a Botox treatment will last about 3 months. This varies from client to client and depends on a variety of factors including individual metabolism, activity level and response to the medication. 

Dynamic lines are the lines on your face that are present only when you enlist the involved muscle(s). Static lines are present even when the muscle is at rest. Over time, dynamic lines may develop into static lines. Botox is most effective for the reduction of dynamic lines, but with repeated treatments, also helps to soften the appearance of static lines. Botox is especially effective when used in combination with other aesthetic treatments such as the use of Vitamin A products, micro-needing, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

The most common side effects of Botox are minor discomfort and bruising at the injection site. Less common side effects may include headache, flu-like symptoms, temporary asymmetry of facial features, dry eyes, or eyelid ptosis. Very rare, but serious side effects include migration of the product to unintended areas which may cause vision problems, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing. There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect away from the injection site when Botox is used at the recommended doses to treat frown lines, crow’s feet lines, and/or forehead lines.

Botox is not recommended as a cosmetic treatment for people younger than 18 years old. Botox should not be used for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; people with neurological or autoimmune disorders including, but not limited to, ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome; people who have an allergy to albumin or those who have an allergic reaction to Botox in the past. Please discuss with your healthcare provider if you are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics, muscle relaxants, or blood thinning medications.  

If you are not happy with your treatment, please contact me to discuss. Often, adjustments can be made to fine tune your results. Any necessary adjustments will be made no sooner than 2 weeks following your initial treatment to ensure that adequate time has passed for the product to take effect. In the worst case scenario, your Botox will wear off in a few months.

To avoid migration of the product to an unintended area it is recommended that you do not lie flat or rub the area of injection for 4 hours post-injection. Avoid vigorous exercise or exercise that involves inverting such as yoga 24 hours post treatment. Other aesthetic treatments such as microneedling should be postponed for 1-2 weeks following your Botox injection. Tylenol and/or Arnica Montana may be used for any post treatment discomfort or bruising. 

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure in which a specialized device is used to create tiny holes in the skin. These micro-injuries serve a twofold purpose. First, they allow for the efficient delivery of topical products to the deeper layers of the skin where they are most effective. Secondly, the micro-injuries stimulates collagen production and growth factors through the body’s natural healing response. The increased collagen and elastin production and stimulation of growth factors assist in the remodeling of damaged cells in the area. Over time, this improves the overall texture and elasticity of the skin.

Microneedling is safe for all skin types and most people are good candidates for treatment. You should postpone your treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection of the skin, open wounds , cystic acne, a bleeding disorder, a history of keloid scarring, or an autoimmune disorder. Please discuss any ongoing health concerns or past surgeries in the area being treated with your medical professional. You should postpone treatment if you are currently taking Accutane or have received Botox, dermal fillers, or laser treatments to the area in the past 2-4 weeks. Consider temporarily stopping the use of retinol products or blood thinning medications prior to treatment (please discuss this with the prescribing physician).  

Microneedling improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, large pores, uneven skin tone/sun damage, stretch marks , and surgical scarring. Microneedling stimulates the production of new growth factors, collagen, and elastin thereby improving the overall texture and elasticity of the skin.

The microneedling treatment itself typically takes 30-60 minutes. We block a 2 hour slot for the appointment to allow adequate time for a comprehensive consultation, as well as pre-treatment numbing.  

We apply a medical grade numbing cream to the skin 20-30 minutes prior to treatment but you may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure.

There are minimal risks associated with microneedling. As with any compromise of the skin, there is a slight risk of infection. Other risks include keloid scarring or hyperpigmentation. To avoid complications, please discuss any health conditions with your provider during your consultation and follow all post-treatment recommendations. 

Following treatment, you can expect redness and a warm, tight feeling of your skin, similar to a sunburn, for 24-48 hours. Most clients return to their regular activities within 24 hours.

During the first 24 -48 hours after a microneedling treatment, you should avoid touching the area, sun exposure, vigorous exercise, swimming pools, saunas or hot tubs. You may wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser, but avoid scrubbing or the use of harsh products. You should avoid anti-inflammatory products during the first 48 hours of treatment, as these may interfere with your body’s natural inflammatory process. 72 hours post treatment, you may return to your usual skin care routine, including the use of retinol products. Tiny scabs may form on the skin during the first week. It is important to let them fall off naturally; do not pick at scabs.  

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Nano needling , also known as deep serum infusion, is a procedure that uses a pen-like device to “push” products to the deeper layers of the skin, increasing their effectiveness. The procedure is painless and leaves you with glowing skin. No downtime is required.

With LED light therapy we use a panel that emits specific wavelengths of red and blue light to aid in cellular regeneration and healing of the tissues of the body. Light therapy is helpful in calming irritated skin and promoting collagen production. The treatment is relaxing and requires absolutely no downtime.

Skin Classic is an effective treatment of a variety of skin irregularites including skin tags, cherry angiomas, broken capillaries and seborrheic keratosis

More information to come…