Neuromodulators
BnTx stands for botulism neurotoxin, an injectable substance used safely for over 50 years for muscle relaxation all over the body.
BnTx is injected with microfine needles into the face and neck expressive muscles, to stop their unwanted effects. You really don’t need to look that worried, do you? ;)
See below for BnTx before and after below the mouth corners. No more “RBF”!
Current cost/unit: $11
Xeomin by Merz is my preferred neurotoxin: it takes between 1 to 5 days to take effect, and contains no preservatives or unneeded proteins unlike other types.
Cost per unit is $11. The average face needs 30-45 units but everyone is different in their facial expression muscle use, and how “shut down” they choose to be.
All neurotoxins last 4 to 6 months, which is why I make sure and see you every 4 months! Bruising or side effects are rare and minimal.
Before Xeomin (left) above eyes and mouth corners.
After Xeomin (right) you can see the eyebrows and mouth corners at rest are lifted, giving an alert, awake and happier expression.
Fillers
Fillers are used all over the face. I prefer to use fillers based on substances found in the body that are bio-compatible & semi-temporary made of hyaluronic aid gel or calcium hydroxylapatite.
Fillers come in different densities for specific areas, to restructure a space like the cheekbone, or smooth a deep lower face wrinkle.
Fillers usually contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort. Bruising is common around the mouth or eye areas, so schedule social events accordingly!
Cost ranges from $185-$600 per syringe, and again, you are only charged for the amount used (with the exception of Radiesse).
Below: before & after images of nasolabial lines and under eye creases filled:
This model has had cheek bone filler to tighten the under eye creases. She also had filler to soften the lines from nose to mouth
Youthful cheeks
have a more defined curve. When we age - and who doesn’t? - that curve flattens. This causes changes to the mouth & jawline as well. Fillers create shape and structure in the cheekbone to keep that youthful “apple cheek”.
PDO Threads
PDO thread procedure is a fantastic addition to minimally invasive cosmetic care!
Polydioxanone polymers, a type of slow dissolving suture thread, trigger significant collagen and fibrin growth in the skin were they were placed. Collagen and fibrin in our skin acts like the springs in a mattress which keep the surface firm and smooth.
PDO threads dissolve in 4 to 6 months, leaving behind a tighter surface.
Threads come in different forms: barbs to lift, volumizing to fill, and monos to smooth.
Lower face lift below:
Actual patient, Phoenix, AZ , February 2019
NO FILLER! These show you how small volumizing threads can be used to define the lip border and stimulate collagen for fullness.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Advance consultation is required to both observe the skin structure and to give a client time to prepare by taking skin-protective supplements for a few days.
Thread procedure of the lip usually requires a simple oral anesthetic block as the lips are sensitive.
Temporary bruising is possible, so plan ahead as to timing of your procedure. Please read the Pre and Post Procedure Instructions & PDO Information + Consent if you have scheduled PDO threads.
COST: variable depending how many threads and what type used. Face/jaw lift -$800 to $1200 is usual.
Actual patient, February 2019. After her PDO lift, there is an absence of lines around the mouth corners and a more defined jawline. Great results!
RADIESSE
BIO-REJUVENATION
This is the process of placing Radiesse filler under the skin to cause collagen stimulation and fullness, smoothing both fine and deep wrinkles. This is especially effective in the face, neck, decollate, and hands.
Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa), which basically is phosphate and calcium, both of which are found in the human body.
CaHa is nontoxic, hypoallergenic and compatible with the body’s natural tissues.
It’s fast and easy with minimal downtime, boosting blood supply and improving cell turnover.
The “Radiesse neck wash” is where the filler is hyperdiluted, which means adding water to the product so it can spread under the skin more evenly.
The below patient had a Radiesse lower face & neck wash for excellent results.
Radiesse “wash”:
using CaHa filler to smooth larger areas
Aging skin is like a mattress with old boxsprings. There is sagging and loss of support when the collagen and fibrin layer is broken down. Every procedure I do stimulates regrowth of collagen and fibrin, and RADIESSE is the best at this for the face, neck and decollete.
Microneedling with Stem Cells
NEW!
Nuova power pen has 3 x the effect of regular low level microneedling, & when combined with stem cells and hyaluronic acid, the effect is WOW!
Microneedling is the application of a “pen” made of many tiny needles on a numbed skin surface in order to stimulate collagen, blood flow and cell turnover.
This can be done on almost anyone on the face, neck and decolletage.
It can also be used to treat melasma, acne scars and dull skin.
Hyaluronic acid serum is used with it to help “plump” up cells.
Stem cell extract is applied during needling and every day for a few days.
The Nuova procedure requires about 20 minutes of numbing and results in about 24 hours of variable redness. Effects last 1-2 months.
Cost: Roll-out cost of the Nuova MN with AntiAge stem cells is $300 for the next 6 months!
Make a difference in your skin.
Stem cells can only make a difference if they can be pushed deeply into the skin, the Nuova pen is how.
Medical Grade Peels
Medical grade peels improve the growth of skin cells and brighten the skin, as well as treat sun spots, rosacea and acne scars. Again, they work best in combination either with serial peels or use of other modalities.
I love the ViPeel, it is self neutralizing and has a “sheet” like peel on days 3 & 4, so has less downtime than some other peels.
ViPeel before and after, peel series over 5 months
Mesotherapy to dissolve fat cells
PCDC is available just in time for summer and beach days!
This is a chemical compound of two FDA approved chemicals, phosphatedylcholine (PC) and deoxycholate (DC) compounded into an injectable fluid.
Using tiny needles, PCDC is injected into the superficial fat layers on the body or face for permanent fat dissolving.
More than one treatment is best in order to continue dissolving layers, usually waiting 4-6 weeks apart.
Some bruising and a feeling of heat occurs, so bring cold packs to the appointment if doing large areas.
Lasers and radio frequency treatments
Phoenix med spa location only:
The Clearlift Nd YAG laser has no downtime or prep needed and is done in a series to brighten and even skin tone, as well as for rosacea, acne, and loose skin.
OFF-SITE:
The Juvashape RF does skin tightening and stubborn area fat reduction with just heat and no downtime. It also can be used for a Microplasma peel, resurfacing the skin while tightening it. This requires skin numbing cream application in advance. Expect approximately 48 hours of redness before a skin shedding is seen.
ALMA CO2 machine is used for skin resurfacing of any body area- as well as the Femilift procedure for vaginal renewal. Maximum skin numbing is done and expect 1-2 weeks downtime. This is done in conjunction with another colleague in a nearby Med spa.
Products I like….
Tretinoin 0.1%
Tretinoin is the one most-advised skin cream by dermatologists. It speeds cell turnover and clears pores, leaving skin clear and pores clean. Originally developed for acne, it is great at any age. Talk to me about how often YOU would use it, as frequency varies with skin type.
Fight Club price $80
Nu-Cil Eyelash serum
Use of this eyelash twice daily results in proven longer & darker eyelashes. I saw a noticeable difference in a week - and it works without the prostaglandins other serums have which cause a dark ring around the iris.
FC price $80
ELASTIderm eye serum
I love this rollerball serum! It contains bi-minerals and malonic acid for skin smoothing, but the real trick ingredient is caffeine to help minimize puffiness and shrink capillaries around the eyes. Use it twice a day.
FC price $85