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.

Did you know that the visible signs of aging are linked to volume loss of our facial tissue? Over time, a decrease in volume and elasticity leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and etched lines on the face. Injectable dermal fillers can help smooth lines, plump lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. Read our blog to learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected directly under the skin. They’re composed of several compounds, including hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the body that keeps skin hydrated and volumized. Dermal fillers address a number of common age-related concerns by smoothing under eye circles, lifting cheekbones, smoothing lip lines, and replacing soft-tissue volume loss. This restores the skin to a more youthful appearance without expensive cosmetic surgery or downtime.

Are you a good candidate?

You’re a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have fine lines and wrinkles and the desire to look younger. Dermal fillers work by “plumping” the skin, filling in the lines and wrinkles, and smoothing out the skin in the process. The number of injections required depends on your individual needs and the area you wish to treat. With so many filler products on the market, it’s difficult to know which option is best. Certain fillers work better for a particular area so we recommend consulting an injection specialist about which treatment is right for you.

What can you expect during treatment?

Since dermal fillers are non-surgical, treatment can usually be completed in an office visit. Depending on your provider, your initial treatment often begins with a consultation to determine your needs and desired outcomes. The injection specialist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have prior to treatment. Although the risk associated with injectable fillers is relatively low, it’s important to disclose any allergies, medications, or neurological conditions you have to your provider.

Before the actual treatment, the injection site is cleaned and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Your specialist will then carefully inject the filler under the skin. You may notice results immediately, depending on the area. It’s not uncommon to experience mild bruising and swelling at the injection site. This usually lasts for about three to five days after treatment; however, the side effects will vary from patient to patient.

Generally, dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months but results depend on several variables, including the patient and the injection area. For example, the treatment for nasolabial folds (smile lines or folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth) usually last longer than lip injections.

Injectable dermal fillers offer a practical, cost-effective 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 spring special, Beauty in a Box – one syringe of Juvederm and 20 units of Botox!

Everyone has their own glow; they just need to see it for themselves. At Belladerm MedSpa, we’re passionate about providing innovative skin care services and products to help our clients love their bodies. In the business of this festive month, take some extra time to pamper yourself by scheduling an appointment at Maple Grove’s state-of-the-art medical spa.

Where Did Your Glow Go?

As you age, your body loses hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance that gives your skin structure and volume. HA retains moisture so your skin looks and feels more supple, firm, and youthful. With dermal fillers such as Juvederm®, you can make sure your skin gets the HA it needs to decrease volume loss and produce a softer visage.

Lift Your Spirits

Combine fillers with Botox® for a more complete, longer-lasting anti-aging routine. BOTOX® is a purified, naturally recurring protein that can help reverse the effects of fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment only takes a few minutes and is performed by our expert injection specialists.

Now is the perfect time to try BOTOX® with our Wrinkle Free Fridays promotion. When you book your BOTOX® appointment for any Friday through December 20, you can receive 20 units for only $199.

Start the New Year Fresh

With 2020 approaching, this is the season to start fresh. The Halo™ hybrid fractional laser triggers the skin’s natural healing response to promote deep dermal revitalization and epidermal renewal. Halo™ combines non-ablative and ablative wavelengths in a single pass to improve tone and texture and restore a youthful glow.

Ditch the Stress

Let’s face it—holidays are stressful. So while you run your errands, stop into Belladerm for a facial or to purchase a gift card for that special someone on your list. Facials detoxify the skin, promote blood circulation, and lower stress. Routine treatments can be your best defense against dead skin buildup and clogged pores. We offer the Bella Classic Corrective facial for women and the Gentlemen’s Executive™ facial for male clientele.

If you’re looking to take your skin cleanse a bit further, try our HydraFacial™. For those who struggle with fine lines, congested or enlarged pores, oily skin, acne, hyperpigmentation, or brown spots, this four-in-one facial is the perfect treatment. The HydraFacial™ will help you achieve radiant, replenished, younger-looking skin.

One More Tip

Microneedling increases the production of collagen, making your skin look and act younger. AQUAGOLD® is a new micro-channeling treatment that combines the restorative benefits of microneedling with medical-grade cosmetics. This revolutionary device is made of 24-karat gold needles smaller than a human hair. AQUAGOLD® allows your provider to apply a customized blend of anti-aging products directly under the skin, giving you a vibrant complexion.

When you come into Belladerm, we’ll give you a free consultation and help you select which services or products are right for your goals. What are you waiting for? Find your glow today.

Contact us to learn more.