Botox® continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country for the treatment of wrinkles, fine lines, and aging of the face. This skin rejuvenation treatment is quick, safe, and effective. To learn more about the Botox® injection services, read this month’s blog as we discuss what to expect for first time Botox users.

What is Botox?

Botox is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein that relaxes the muscles in the face for an improved appearance and younger looking skin. Botox works to temporarily weaken the muscles that cause laugh lines around the mouth, crow’s feet around the outer corners of the eyes, and other types of wrinkles. It does not paralyze the muscles or result in a frozen or unnatural looking appearance when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional.

Is Botox Right for You?

Over time, the contraction of the muscles caused by laughing, frowning, squinting, or smiling cause permanent wrinkles on the skin. Patients often consider treatment once they notice these visible signs of aging. However, Botox is used as a preventative treatment for people in their 20s and early 30s. Although this procedure is more popular among women, men can benefit from treatment as well.

Before the Treatment

You’ll meet with an injection specialist for an initial consultation. At this appointment, you will review your medical history and discuss which areas of the face you’d like to target as well as your overall goals for treatment. Moreover, your specialist will need to know the following information before you receive your first treatment:

• Medical conditions – especially muscle or nerve conditions, problems swallowing, or breathing issues
• Surgical history – previous facial surgeries can greatly affect treatment
• Medications – including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements, and vitamins
• Pregnancy – Botox is generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Any other conditions that could potentially affect your health

The initial consultation is also a good opportunity to ask specific questions of your provider to ensure Botox is right for you.

During the Treatment

The first appointment will most likely be easy and quick. Your specialist will review the information discussed at the initial consultation, including the areas to be treated. Your specialist will locate, mark, and cleanse the targeted area. If discomfort is a concern, a topical cream may be applied to numb the skin. The specialist will then use a small micro-needle to inject the Botox directly into the muscles. After the injection(s), ice and pressure are applied to reduce swelling. The appointment should take no longer than 30 minutes.

After the Treatment

Your specialist will provide aftercare instructions to minimize side effects such as bruising, redness, or minor swelling. There is no downtime with Botox. As a result, it’s safe to resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure. Botox is temporary and the results will last three to four months. However, for a continuous youthful appearance, schedule the procedure at regular intervals – every three months or before a special event.

Wrinkle Free Fridays will be returning to Belladerm in October. This special includes 20 units of Botox for $199 with every Friday appointment in the month of October. Botox is temporary and the results will last three to four months. However, for a continuous youthful appearance, schedule the procedure at regular intervals – about every three months. The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa will customize a Botox treatment plan according to your needs, beauty goals, and budget. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our Botox services and specials.

As aging begins to show its mark, our skin starts to lose elasticity and volume which leads to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles on the face. Unfortunately, we can’t stop the inevitable progress of aging that comes with the ticking clock. Injectable dermal fillers are a great way to restore the volume and radiance in your skin and return it to its original youthful state. Read on for how to turn back the hands of time with dermal fillers.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected just below the skin. Dermal fillers work well with your body because of the main ingredient – hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring substance is found in the body, and when injected, mimics your own HA. Fillers address a variety of concerns including sagging cheeks, loss of volume in the lips, and under eye circles without having to undergo surgery. A younger appearance can be accomplished with no down time and minimal discomfort.

Types of Dermal Fillers

Juvéderm: Juvéderm is known as the world’s #1 selling dermal filler collection because of their natural-looking and long-lasting results. With their variety of options, you’ll know your treatment will be customized to your specific needs.

• Juvéderm Ultra: One of the softest dermal fillers in the Juvéderm family. Juvéderm Ultra is used to treat mild to medium-depth wrinkles located from your nose to the corners of your mouth. Juvéderm Ultra treatments are usually relatively painless and quick. This is the ideal treatment for anyone seeking to smooth mild to medium-depth wrinkles or plump areas with minor skin depression.

• Juvéderm Ultra Plus: This filler is a thicker version of the Juvéderm Ultra. It’s used to fill in deeper facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. This filler choice is ideal for those looking to smooth deep folds and wrinkles or fill out deep skin depression or fat loss.

• Juvéderm Volbella: This filler is a combination of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid that creates subtle volume. Volbella is usually suggested to clients that are looking to increase lip fullness or soften the appearance of lines around the mouth. Vobella is also known for being the thinnest type of filler in the Juvéderm family, making it a great option for filling out and smoothing the under eye area.

• Juvéderm Voluma: Voluma is ideal for deeper injections into the cheeks as it is the strongest and thickest filler in the collection. When injected, it defines the targeted area while giving your face a natural lift.

Radiesse: This dermal filler is suggested for moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. If you are looking to fill nasolabial folds or correct volume loss in your hands, this is a great filler option. Over time, Radiesse stimulates your natural collagen, making your treatment long lasting with no downtime.

Restylane : Designed to act like your body’s naturally producing hyaluronic acid, this filler offers solutions for a variety of needs. Whether you are looking to correct severe facial wrinkling or fill in nasolabial folds, this filler will support and structure your tissue giving you a youthful appearance.

• Restylane Kysse: Lips with natural-looking volume and Kysse-able softness. Restylane® Kysse is the first lip filler designed with XpresHAn Technology™ for flexible movement and natural-looking volume proven to last for up to 1 year. 1-3 Enhance texture and color of the lips while maintaining a full range of expressions.

• Restylane Define: Crafted with XpresHAn Technology™, Restylane® Defyne helps smooth out deep laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines) as well as enhance chin projection. Using innovative cross-linking technology, Restylane® Defyne is a HA dermal filler that restores a more youthful, natural-looking appearance, while maintaining your expressions and movement.

• Restylane Contour: Restylane® Contour is the only cheek filler that uses XpresHAn Technology ™ providing flexible movement and natural looking results.

Liquid Lift: One of the most versatile options within the non-surgical options. Liquid lift can smooth wrinkles, enhance cheeks, restore volume, lift eyebrows, and plump lips. Results are immediate without prolonged downtime.

What to Expect

Typically, your treatment begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and your desired outcome. Your provider will review types of fillers, what their results will be and your standing medical history. It’s important at that time to disclose any medications, allergies, or neurological conditions you have with your injection specialist.

Prior to the injections being administered, the site is prepped, and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Once numb, your provider will then carefully inject the filler below the skin. Once the treatment is finished, it’s possible to experience some bruising and swelling which may last three to five days after treatment.

Our trained specialists are happy to discuss which filler is right for you and talk through any questions you may have. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our current specials. Buy two syringes of Juvederm and get one free! Plus, until September 30, 2021 Alle members can earn double points when they purchase a treatment of Botox at the same appointment. You also receive an additional bonus of 100 Alle points if you purchase one of the following products or treatments between August 3 and September 30: Latisse, SkinMedica, CoolSculpting Elite, or Kybella.

Beauty is all around us. Feeling and looking good begins with taking care of yourself and your skin. But when it comes to your skincare routine, how much product is enough? We’ll go over adequate application of some basic personal care items to give you a better idea of how to best care for and nourish your skin.

Fundamentals

More isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just – more, especially when it comes to skin care.

Depending on the product, applying too much can do more harm than good. Using products in excess can clog pores or cause your skin to break out. And the faster you go through it, the more you need to buy. Those expenses add up.

On the other hand, using too little product is an issue as well. You might not get the results you’re after, and you may be exposing your skin to harmful energies and pollutants. Finding that middle ground can be tricky but not impossible.

Cleansers

You want to use enough cleanser to remove makeup, sweat, and toxins. Naturally, the amount needed to do this effectively will depend on how much makeup you wear – and even how hectic your day was. Try a dime-size dollop of a cleanser that’s specially formulated for your specific skin type. Cleanse twice a day for the most refreshing results.

Exfoliants

Exfoliating removes dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. This process allows fresh cells to surface and provides a lively, healthy glow. Again, the proper amount will depend on your skin type. Those with dry skin should steer away from using certain exfoliants to prevent further drying of the skin. Deep-penetrating BHAs are oil-soluble and better for acne-prone skin, whereas water-soluble AHAs exfoliate skin with surface-level issues.

Moreover, manual exfoliants rely on force to scrub away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators dissolve or break down the bond between those cells. Start with a dime-sized amount of your chosen product and adjust as needed for application method and effectiveness.

Moisturizers

Want to keep your skin looking young and healthy? We’ve got one word for you: Moisturize. Do so every day – from head to toe – to help skin maintain its softness and elasticity. Moisturize your face and neck area twice a day, along with your feet and hinge joint areas like the elbows and knees.

We recommend using a daily moisturizer, but you should select one that’s right for your skin type. Depending on the area of application, you’ll want to use an appropriate amount of product to spread and work a thin layer into the skin without feeling heavy or wasteful. Apply smaller portions to smaller areas of the body and slightly larger portions for larger or longer areas, such as the thighs or arms.

Keep your skin soft and well-hydrated by looking for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Serums

Facial serums can be used for different reasons. Some help combat the signs of aging while others illuminate the skin or lessen visual flaws. With serums, less is certainly more. The anti-aging ingredients like retinols and peptides are highly concentrated, so using a small amount is best to apply a thin layer. They’re also most effective when used after cleansing or applied under a moisturizer before heading to bed.

Eye Creams

Distinct concerns such as dark circles or fine lines are often treated with eye cream. These products permeate the delicate skin around the eyes to promote the production of collagen, a protein that helps fight the signs of aging and keeps skin looking youthful.

Because it’s used in such a tender area and so close to the eyes, a small amount is the best idea. Go with lighter amounts during the day and a little more in the evening, to help the skin restore itself from the day.

Also, remember to apply products in order of their thickness, with the thinner or lighter items first.

As always, the beauty experts at Belladerm MedSpa are here to answer all your skincare questions. They’re also fully trained and qualified to discuss products, further explain how much product is enough, and recommend services to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment.