Injectables FAQs
Some people still associate Botox with botulism, but it is actually a protein derivative. No one has ever gotten botulism from Botox. It is FDA approved and has been used successfully for over 20 years both medically and cosmetically. Many patients believe Botox will give them a frozen face, devoid of all expression. This will not happen if the injector is cautious and understands the individual’s facial anatomy. Muscle structure and strength MUST be assessed. Dosage varies from patient to patient based on the strength of their muscles and desired outcome. New Botox patients return in 2 weeks from their initial treatment to assess the results and determine if additional Botox is needed.
The other misconception from new patients is that fillers do not last. Most filers last well over 12 months when the appropriate amount is injected.
This is a reasonable assumption, but misleading if you think about it. As we age our face changes, Where you need filler when you are 40, will not be where you need it at 45, 50 and beyond. Fillers don’t age with you–they are static, not dynamic. In fact, there was a permanent filler on the market for a while but practitioners quickly realized its long term effects were not aesthetically beneficial. The popularity of cheek implants have waned for exactly that reason. As you age, they begin to slip from their original position as the face loses elasticity and volume. The temporary and semi-permanent nature of today’s fillers (8 months to 2 years) should be viewed as an advantage
Botox and dermal fillers are primarily used in facial rejuvenation, but it might surprise you what other areas truly benefit from them. As we get older, the skin on our hands becomes thin and less elastic. Veins are pronounced and the hands themselves can appear bony. In less than 20 minutes, you can take 10-15 years off hands with fillers.
Botox is most commonly injected to correct wrinkles. However, Botox can also be used for rosacea, acne, teeth grinding, and perspiration (face, feet, hand, or armpits).
You don’t have to worry about requesting certain products. Products change all the time and sometimes the newer ones are not necessarily better. Find someone whose recommendation you can trust. There is no “one best filler” on the market–but there is a palette of fillers that will optimally suit you. Maybe your friend got Restylane, but that doesn’t mean it is right for your particular concerns. This is why patients should seek a practitioner who is experienced with many different types of injectables. Simply put, the injector is more important than the injectable. Every injector gets the same product, but application is key. My consultations take extra time because I view them as an opportunity to educate my patients on what-why-where and how much product it will take to accomplish their goals.
It doesn’t have to be. From patient to patient, there is a wide range of tolerance for discomfort. Because of that, I always err on the side of “chicken.” Seriously, my philosophy is that comfort during the procedure is as important as a great result. By using a variety of topical and oral medications my patients feel very little if any pain. I recently trained an office and it never occurred to them to use numbing for injectables–so that might be the majority. I may go above and beyond, but I consider it my role to make things as comfortable as possible. I find numbing and then injecting very slowly is less traumatic. I also mix lidocaine with epinephrine and sodium bicarbonate with some dermal fillers. This closely mimics the PH in our bodies and lessens the discomfort. My sessions last longer because of the prep, but it is well worth it for those who anticipate having to suffer.
The most common after effects are slight bruising and swelling and even those are patient dependent. Avoiding aspirin, Advil,–any anti-inflammatory or blood thinners will certainly minimize bruising. Lyndsay, my patient coordinator reminds our patients 2 weeks prior to their appointment about products to avoid. Our patients leave with a specially formulated topical cream that counteracts bruising. We also advocate the use of certain herbal remedies that work.
There is a big difference, however, between a side effect and a complication. There are real complications to consider. An untrained or careless injector can cause eyelid droop, tissue death, nerve damage, hematomas or even blindness. This is the reason I am dedicated to continuing education beyond that which manufacturer reps provide. I stay educated and cautious. The best way to avoid complications is to choose your practitioner very carefully.
Another way to ask this is, “Are you getting what you paid for?” If someone is diluting their syringes or trying to treat a larger areas than is reasonable with the amount of filler you will get an abbreviated result. Longevity and dosage are related. Done properly, Botox lasts 3-4 months and fillers last 10 months to 2 years. Be an educated consumer. Botox advertised for $99 is probably diluted at best.
The other question to ask is, “…compared to what?” Injectables are less than the cost of plastic surgery but more than creams that pretend to deliver the same results and don’t. If you are on a budget, consider doing the area of highest concern and wait a few months to treat the next area. But treat each area adequately. My patients rely on me to help them budget over time and prioritize for impact.
Finally, understand you are not paying for product, but for the experience, training and artistry of the injector. The price may be higher for an expert injector, but the cost of putting your face in untrained or careless hands is more than anyone can afford.
That depends upon the amount of filler and number of areas you want to treat at one time. You should allow 30 minutes for the topical anesthetic to take effect. I have found the slower I inject, the less bruising my patients experience so avoid anyone who equates good results with speed. An hour to an hour and a half is average for fillers. Botox only, 45 minutes to an hour.
There is no doubt there are some (not all) dermatologists and plastic surgeons who are great injectors. Surgeons specialize in surgery, and dermatologists in a myriad of skin conditions. Many are busy with their specialty and simply don’t have time. My expertise is predicated upon singular focus, advanced credentials and doing a lot of injecting. Having said that, I will never practice independent of a licensed physician. Aligning myself with two prestigious board certified aesthetic surgeons – Dr. Hill in Oklahoma City and Dr. Constantine in Dallas gives patients extra confidence.
Realistically, most people can benefit from noninvasive or minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, but some are surgery candidates so it is important to manage patient expectations. In general, a facelift lifts, fillers volumize, and neuromodulators relax. One cannot substitute for the other. Filling pockets of loose, sagging skin with more and more filler will not lift the face–it will only make it look bizarre. This is why the term “Liquid facelift” is an oxymoron (and the reason many look like a caricature of themselves.) However, Botox and dermal fillers are a powerful complement to plastic surgery. It is the combination of surgery and volume replacement that will inspire a more youthful appearance. Even if fat grafting is done to replace lost volume, so often fillers are used to refine the result.
Celebrities have never been a trusted barometer of good choices. All the money and fame in the world doesn’t guarantee an optimal outcome. Keep this in mind: overdone, underdone, or done wrong will all look “done.” I’ll add that you can also tell when someone has had nothing done. They just look their age–or older. Understanding balance and proportion is paramount. That is why injecting is an art form. Knowing the right product and its optimal application and dosage is the other part of the equation. Seeing an injector with the perfect combination of skill and judgment, and you will never look “done” but rather a refreshed version of yourself.
Neuromodulators – erase wrinkles, smooth lines, soften, and often create a subtle lift.
Common products: Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®
Dermal Fillers – add volume. Depending upon the product they can build structure, cushion, fill in superficial fine lines, plump lips and rejuvenate eye areas. They are characterized by superficial, medium and deep applications. They all have slightly different compounds and consistencies and are designed to be injected at various depths within your skin. In many cases, a combination of two or more dermal filler brands applied to different areas will be most effective for optimal facial rejuvenation.
Common products: Radiesse®, Sculptra®, Juvederm Voluma®, Juvederm Volbella®, Juvederm Ultra® and Juvederm Ultra Plus®, Restylane®, Restylane Lyft®, Restylane Silk®
Other: Kybella®—treatment for correcting a mild to moderate double chin
With injectables from The Aesthetic Group, can age on your own terms.
Medical Aesthetician FAQs
Esthetics is the application of various treatments to the skin, to maintain its health and vitality. Estheticians are trained in skin wellness, helping their clients balance oil and moisture content and achieve a healthy, youthful complexion. As well as various facial treatments (described in more detail below), they commonly also perform body treatments such as salt or sugar scrubs, moisturizing or slenderizing body wraps, hair removal techniques such as waxing or threading, and hand/foot treatments to rejuvenate the skin.
A variety of treatments and products are used to protect skin from environmental hazards and combat fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull, uneven skin tone. Estheticians are also skilled in managing conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and dry skin, to name just a few. And finally, skin care treatments are wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating. If smooth, healthy skin is your goal, visiting a skin care professional can benefit you.
Dermatology is a branch of the medical profession, practiced by licensed physicians, who specialize in disorders of the skin. Esthetic practice specifically excludes diagnosis, prescription, or any other service, procedure, or therapy that requires a medical license. If you’re being treated by a dermatologist, your esthetician can provide complementary and support therapies. In addition, estheticians are trained to recognize early signs of many medical conditions affecting the skin and will refer you to a dermatologist in such a case.
Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments including nail care, hair care and styling, makeup application, skin care and more. Esthetics is one branch of cosmetology; some estheticians work in other branches of cosmetology in addition to their skin care practice.
Some common therapies:
- Chemical Peel: An exfoliation process, very effective in treating a large range of skin concerns such as aging, sun damage, acne, mild scarring, improving overall skin brightness and evening skin tone. Peels can be light, moderate or deep. Light peels require no down time from work or normal activities. Moderate peels may require a day or two of down time, and deep peels can require a week or more to allow the skin to fully heal. Estheticians who are not working in a medical setting perform light to moderate peels only. Deep peels are performed by a physician, or under a physician’s supervision, for your safety.
- Exfoliation: The removal of dead skin cells manually (scrubbing, brushing, or using a system such as microdermabrasion), with a chemical peel (a product that causes dead skin cells to shed) or with an enzymatic product that digests dead skin cells.
- Extraction: This is the process of deep cleansing the pores, either manually (using gloved hands and cotton or tissue around the fingers, with gentle pressure to remove the impacted pore) or using a metal extraction implement designed to clear blocked pores. This can also include the use of a lancet (a small sharp blade to lift the dead cells of the skin prior to extraction).
- Facial: A facial is the most popular treatment performed by estheticians. It is a good way for your therapist to get a good understanding of your skin prior to suggesting more aggressive treatments. A facial generally includes makeup removal and skin cleansing, exfoliation by mechanical, enzymatic or chemical means, steaming, extractions, facial massage, a treatment mask, serum/moisturizer and sunblock. For most people, facials can be scheduled every four weeks, although your therapist may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.
- Microdermabrasion: The process of resurfacing the skin using a machine that sands the skin’s epidermal (outer) layer, using either a wand tipped with crushed diamonds, or a spray of special crystals which are then suctioned back up along with the dead skin cells. It can be very helpful in improving skin texture, fine lines and the effectiveness of home care product penetration.
- Waxing: Removes unwanted hair at the root. There are two distinct types of waxes: hard and soft. Soft wax is applied warm to the skin in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth. Cloth strips are then applied to the warm wax, rubbed in the direction of hair growth, and quickly pulled off in the opposite direction. This method is best used on larger areas of the body such as the legs, back or chest. Hard wax is used without cloth strips. It is applied warm, in a layer about the thickness of a nickel, allowed to dry skin and then removed quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Hard wax is less irritating to sensitive skin and is excellent for the bikini, underarm and facial areas.
Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments including nail care, hair care and styling, makeup application, skin care and more. Esthetics is one branch of cosmetology; some estheticians work in other branches of cosmetology in addition to their skin care practice.
Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask your skin care therapist about her background, training, and experience—especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. Your therapist is a professional member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. Our members have been validated as meeting their state’s licensing credentials and/or core training requirements, and agree to follow a code of ethics which ensures you’ll be treated responsibly and with the utmost respect. ASCP also provides its members with comprehensive resources that allow them to keep up with changing trends, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date therapies available.
A chemical peel is an acid solution that is applied to the skin. It dissolves the outermost layer of skin cells, which then peels off over the following days to reveal the fresher, younger layer below. Peels are very effective in treating a large range of skin concerns such as aging, sun damage, acne, mild scarring, improving skin brightness, and evening skin tone.
Peels can be light, moderate or deep. Light peels require no down time from work and your normal activities. Moderate peels may require a day or two, and deep peels can require a week or more of down time to allow the skin to fully heal. Estheticians who are not working in a medical setting perform light to moderate peels only. Deep peels can only be performed by a physician, or under a physician’s supervision, for your safety.
Acne is the most common skin disorder, and 85 percent of all Americans will experience it some time in their lifetime. While commonly thought to be an adolescent problem, it can appear at any age, most often on the face, back, and chest.
The causes of acne are complex, but usually involve the overproduction of oil, the blockage of follicles that release the oil, and the growth of bacteria in those follicles. This can be triggered by many things, including a change in medications or a change in hormone levels caused by stress or other factors. It’s important to treat acne early to avoid scarring.
There are 4 grades of acne. Grade 1 is the mildest form, with open and closed comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). Grades 2 and 3 include papules and pustules as well. Grade 4 is the most advanced form, with all the above plus the appearance of cysts or nodules beneath the skin surface, that can be dime size or larger and often require medical attention to treat. Acne is not only painful but can be very emotionally and psychologically challenging as well.
Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic skin disease that causes varying degrees of redness and swelling, primarily on the face, but also at times on the scalp, neck, ears, chest, and back. It is considered a vascular disorder (a disorder of the blood vessels).
The condition can develop over a long period of time and is more common in adults, particularly those with fair skin. More women get it than men, though in men the condition is often more pronounced. Severe, untreated rosacea can lead to a disfigurement of the nose called rhinophyma.
There are four grades of rosacea:
- Grade 1: Mostly redness.
- Grade 2: Pimples and other blemishes.
- Grade 3: Edemas (swelling due to fluid retention) and inflammatory bumps on the nose.
- Grade 4: Symptoms affecting the eyes.
No one knows the cause of rosacea, but it is thought to run in families and can be aggravated by environmental factors and diet. Although rosacea can be accompanied by pustules, it is not acne. Researchers believe rosacea might be caused by several things: abnormal function of the blood vessels, sun damage, and an abnormal inflammatory reaction.
People with rosacea often learn that certain things trigger their flare-ups. It is believed that fluctuations in temperature (especially extreme heat or cold) is a common trigger. Spicy foods and alcohol consumption can also cause flare-ups.
Thanks to the wonders of science, and innovation by skin care professionals, you can choose from a wide range of anti-aging treatments. You need not have wrinkles or discoloration to actively participate in an anti-aging regime—many smart consumers begin caring for and protecting their skin at a young age.
Consumers today are opting for minimally invasive procedures to avoid downtime and the unmistakable appearance of having had surgery. People may notice after treatments with your skin care professional you simply seem healthier, happier, less tired, and more confident.
Your skin care professional may be able to provide a wide variety of facials, microdermabrasion, chemical exfoliation, galvanic treatment, and phototherapy (exposure to light-emitting diodes or intense pulsed light). He or she may be trained in a host of other treatments that, while not strictly anti-aging, go a long way toward making you feel more attractive, such as hair removal, makeup application, and sunless tanning.
Like many people, you’d love to have that bronzed look but don’t want to expose yourself to harmful ultraviolet rays. With spray tanning and airbrushing, there are ways to get this attractive look safely.
The tanned look has been popular for decades and reached a new level of sophistication in the 1970s when tanning beds were invented. Many people found them a fast way to get an even, year-round tan. However, dermatologists soon became alarmed at the growing incidence of skin cancer and started educating the public about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet rays.
Some manufacturers of tanning beds promote the misconception that getting a base tan in a tanning bed will protect you from an even more damaging sunburn. But dermatologists agree there is simply no safe way to sunbathe or use a tanning bed.
Discover how our medical aesthetician services can elevate your skin.
Tan Rx FAQs
Your tan will last anywhere between 5 to 7 days. The length of a spray tan depends on several factors. The first thing to know is that it cannot last longer than 7-10 days. This is because by the 7th day, the outermost layer of our skin will begin to shed naturally. With this being said, taking the recommended steps preparing for your appointment and avoiding certain skin care products and activities after your tan will ensure your tan lasts as long as possible.
Any undergarments or a bathing suit. We offer disposable underwear and/or bras. Attire for men is either boxers, briefs, swim trunks, or shorts. Wear nothing if you prefer not to have tan lines (men excluded).
- Our formulations are customized to each skin type, skin tone, and desired color. Therefore, we can blend the perfect color solution for each individual client.
- We use violet additives, which are opposite of orange on the color wheel, that work to cancel out those pesky unwanted orange tones!
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the ingredient in self tanners that tans your skin. DHA is a carbohydrate compound derived from sugar cane, approved by the FDA for use in sunless tanning solution. DHA is a naturally derived ingredient that has been used for ages. It was the first ingredient to be used for sunless tanning.
When applied to the skin, a reaction occurs that causes it to brown. The brownish polymers that are created in the skin mimic a sun kissed beach glow!
Formulations of self-tanners have come a long way from the orange tans which gave DHA a bit of a bad rap. Now professional solutions contain many natural additives to work with DHA to ensure the best possible spray tan.
Erythrulose, a berry derived sugar extract, is another ingredient that causes a similar chemical reaction as DHA, which is found in our solutions. They work together to yield a gorgeous, long-lasting color.