For over 20 years, Botox® has been 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. If you’re considering the procedure, 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 of 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.

Who is a good candidate for Botox?

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.

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. Wrinkle Free Fridays return to Belladerm in October. Be sure to check for our monthly specials – 20 units of Botox for $199.

Are you having trouble with stubborn pockets of fat regardless of a healthy diet and regular exercise? You’re not alone. More and more people are turning to CoolSculpting, a non-invasive, body contouring procedure for both men and women that eliminates fat from the stomach, thighs, back, and arms without traditional surgery or liposuction. Read our blog to find out if CoolSculpting is right for you.

What is CoolSculpting?

Coolsculpting uses a safe, controlled cooling method to target and eliminate unwanted fat. During the procedure, the cooling method causes lipids to crystallize. Then they are gently removed through the body’s normal metabolic processes. Common treatment areas include:

• Back
• Love handles, muffin tops, or flanks
• Outer thigh fat
• Hip fat or saddle bags
• Belly fat
• Upper arm fat
• Chin fat

CoolSculpting is not intended for weight loss or as a treatment for obesity. In fact, many patients who opt for this procedure are extremely fit and healthy. Moreover, we recommend consulting with a trained CoolSculpting provider to evaluate areas of concern and discuss desired outcomes.

Who is a Good Candidate?

There are several factors used to determine who is a good candidate for CoolSculpting. In general, if you are in good health and not pregnant, most likely you are a good candidate. However, the procedure is not for individuals with a BMI (body mass index) of 34 or more. For those who are within 5 to 20 lbs. of their ideal weight, evaluating the tightness of fat in areas of concern is a determining factor as well. If you can pinch and pull the fat away from your body, you may be a good candidate.

What You Can Expect at the Appointment?

A typical appointment lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to four hours, depending on the parts of the body being treated. The area will be cold but not too uncomfortable. Patients can watch television, read, or listen to music as the provider performs the procedure. Results usually are noticeable after a few weeks and are long-lasting. Most patients opt for two to three treatments to achieve their desired reduction goals. There’s no downtime and post-procedure care is simple. As a result, the majority of patients are able to return to their daily routine immediately.

Any Side Effects?

CoolSculpting is safe, effective, and relatively simple. Some side effects include redness, bruising, or swelling but usually subside quickly. Some patients experience tingling, stinging, aching, or cramping but this will subside over time.

The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa can customize a treatment plan according to your needs, beauty goals, and budget. Contact us to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about CoolSculpting.

It’s a fact – as we age, our skin loses volume, which leads to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles on the face as well as around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Juvederm and its family of dermal fillers offer an efficient, minimally invasive solution to fill up those areas of lost volume so facial contours can be restored quickly. The hyaluronic acid (HA) gel stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, adding volume and more elasticity to the skin. Read on for everything you need to know about Juvederm.

What is Juvederm Exactly?

Juvederm is an injectable gel dermal filler that plumps lips, smooths wrinkles, and lifts and contours cheeks. This hyaluronic acid (HA) gel stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, which adds volume and more elasticity to the skin. Juvederm is known for its effectiveness and overall safe usage for the patient.

What are the Types of Juvederm?

There are several different types of Juvederm on the market today. Choosing the right one for you depends on the condition of the focus area and the desired results. It’s best to consult your skin care professional to decide on the best course of treatment for you.

Juvederm Ultra

One of the softest dermal fillers in the Juvederm family, Juvederm Ultra, is injected into the dermis layer of the skin and used to treat mild to medium-depth wrinkles located from your nose to the corners of your mouth. It also smooths out depressed scars and enhances lips. Juvederm 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 or fat loss. Results will last up to 12 months.

Juvederm Ultra Plus

Juvederm Ultra Plus is a thicker version of the Juvederm Ultra. It’s used to fill in depressed areas in the cheeks and correct deeper facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. Ultra Plus is ideal for those looking to smooth deep folds and wrinkles or plump areas with deep skin depression or fat loss. Results usually last up to 12 months.

Juvederm Volbella

Volbella is a blend of different molecular weights of HA that creates subtle, long-lasting volume. A member of the Juvederm family, Volbella is used to increase lip fullness and soften the appearance of lines around the mouth. Since it contains the thinnest, most spreadable gel, it is also used to fill in acne scarring on the face, and even smooth out the delicate under eye area. Volbella usually lasts up to 12 months.

Juvederm Voluma

The thickest and strongest gel of the Juvederm family, Voluma, is ideal for deeper injections into the cheeks. It gives your face a nice lift and boost of supple volume. If you’re looking for a natural contour and a defined, youthful look, Voluma is for you. No downtime is needed after the injection and it can last up to two years.

Juvederm offers a safe, non-invasive way to look younger. However, choosing the right injection specialist is key to receiving quality care and desireable outcomes. The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa will customize a treatment plan according to your needs and beauty goals.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our current special. Buy two syringes of Juvederm and get one free!