Frequently Asked Questions

What is a peel?

A peel is a skin care treatment that uses Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s or BHA’s) to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture. AHA’s or BHA’s are naturally occurring acids that include glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid to name a few. When applied to the skin, peel solutions cause a mild irritation on the surface of the skin and cause the dead skin cells to slough off. This exfoliation encourages new, healthy skin cells to surface and thereby revealing healthy, glowing skin.

Will I be red and flaky after a peel?

The term “peel” can be very misleading. The day of the treatment the skin feels very clean and perhaps a little tight and dry, with very minimal to no redness after. (Make-up may be applied immediately after a treatment.) If any flaking occurs, it is typically very mild and it usually starts 1-2 days post peel and may last up to 5 days. Most people experience little to no “downtime”.

What kind of Microdermabrasion machine do you use?

We use a diamond tip (crystal-free) microdermabrasion machine which is highly effective at polishing the skin, helping to smooth the skin texture, improves discoloration and some acne, and leaves the skin feeling so soft and smooth.

What can I expect at my first skin care visit?

Plan on spending a minimum of one hour with your clinician for a complimentary skin care consultation at your first visit. We will spend a great deal of time asking you questions and getting a full sense of your skin health condition from the inside out. We will then cleanse and analyze your skin and recommend the best course of action to take based on your skin health goals. We will then proceed with the recommended treatment.

How often do I need to come in for skin treatments?

It depends on your skin health goals and what we are trying to achieve. On average, it is recommended to come in once a month for a treatment to begin with until you begin to reach your skin health goals. At that point, we typically put you on a “maintenance” schedule and recommend less frequent visits.

What kind of skin care products do you carry?

We carry several lines of clinical grade skin care products, which are very concentrated and highly effective. Most of the products we carry require a physician’s license to dispense, which yields a much better result for your skin. We are constantly adding to our product lines to bring you the best clinical skin care and the latest trends as well. Some product lines include: BioMedic/ La Roche Posay, Neova, Hylunia and Hymed by US Advanced Medical Research.

Why should I choose medical or clinical grade skin care products?

We are often asked if the products we recommend to our clients are comparable to over the counter skin care. Surprisingly, this is not an apples to apples comparison. While fancy department store brands spend millions of dollars on pretty packaging and advertising, medical skin care focuses their budget on research and development to provide the highest quality products at a reasonable price point. In addition, the concentration of active ingredients in medical grade products is typically greater than other products, offering more noticeable results. Due to the concentration of these products, a small amount goes a long way, making the investment stretch longer.

How does Laser Hair Removal differ from other hair removal methods?

Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal is non-invasive (no needles to penetrate the skin), so the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin is reduced. Waxing, shaving, bleaching and depilatories are all temporary methods of hair removal with hair re-growth occurring within 1 day to 2 weeks post treatment. Laser hair removal is a safe and permanent method of reducing unwanted hair.

How does the LightSheer laser work and is it safe?

The LightSheer emits a near infrared laser that targets the pigment (color) of the hair follicle. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment and damages the follicle, thereby significantly impeding the hair’s ability to regrow. The patented ChillTip sapphire hand piece continuously cools the skin on contact to minimize discomfort and protect the skin while directing the laser energy to the hair follicle. The LightSheer Laser has been approved by the FDA to safely and effectively treat excess, unwanted dark hair on almost any skin tone or type. All laser hair removal treatments are performed by physician-supervised Certified Laser Specialists.

What makes the LightSheer Laser different than other lasers or other hair removal methods?

The LightSheer Diode Laser System was designed from the ground up specifically for laser hair removal, so it has the wavelength, fluence, pulse width, and unique, active epidermal cooling system ideally suited for laser hair removal. The state-of-the-art laser provides for enhanced comfort during treatment, minimal risk of infection, speed and accuracy, and it minimizes skin irritation that other methods may create.

How many Laser Hair Removal treatments are necessary?

On average, 6-8 treatments are necessary 4-6 weeks apart (depending on the area) to achieve a substantial reduction in hair growth. Multiple treatments are necessary because hair grows in cycles and the hair must be in an active growing cycle in order to respond to the laser (not all hair is in an active growing cycle at the same time). The number of treatments necessary to achieve a desired result can vary by skin and hair type. Factors that may increase the number of treatments are medical conditions that make hormone levels unstable, darker skin tones, and various medications.

Who Cannot Have Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Individuals who have been taking Accutane in the past 6 months, individuals who have been taking photosensitizing oral or topical medications, individuals with seizure disorders, Epilepsy, or Lupis, pregnant women, tanned skin, dark skin, or people with very light hair. Laser treatments are not performed over permanent make-up, tattoos, or over active herpes lesions.

What is Micro-Needling (MicroPen)?

Automated Micro-Needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT) is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for treating the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and improvement of the skin’s overall appearance. During this procedure, tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin. The skin’s repair process results in improvement of the appearance of softer wrinkles. Automated micro-needling also creates superficial micro-channels which can be used with topical gels, creams and serums to help improve the appearance of the skin. Eclipse MicroPen™ is the most advanced medical-grade automated micro-needling device on the market.

The benefits of micro-needling are a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, younger-looking skin with fewer signs of aging.Eclipse MicroPen™ also has a positive effect on hyper-pigmentation as well as on hypo-pigmentation, acne scars, traumatic scars and stretch marks and generally creates a fresher appearance or glow to the skin.

Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results continue to improve up to 6 months after the treatment as collagen production continues.

What does the MicroPen Micro-Needling Treatment feel like?

30-45 minutes prior to receiving the treatment, a topical triple anesthetic numbing cream is applied to the skin. The feeling associated with the Eclipse MicroPen™ is similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating needle tip reduces discomfort while the applied hydrating gel also makes the treatment more tolerable.

What can I expect after the MicroPen Treatment?

Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on the Eclipse MicroPen™ setting used and the number of overlapping passes your skincare professional performs. On average, patients are red up to 2 to 4 days. Many patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours.

What is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox is a simple, non-surgical treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. It is the only treatment of its kind approved by the FDA.

Within days of just one 10-minute treatment there’s a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows.
Botox is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause frown lines between the brows that form over time.

In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows are better one month after treatment. Results can last for up to 4 months, and may vary.

Botox was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65, and almost 3.3 million procedures were performed in 2005 alone.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked Botox as the most popular physician-administered aesthetic procedure in the United States for the fourth year in a row (surgical and non-surgical combined).

Quick!
Simple!
Proven Results!
No Downtime!
Minimal and Brief Discomfort!

Common Questions About Botox

Q: Will I still be able to smile?
A: Yes! Most Botox treatments are localized to the forehead and brow area of the face. Your smile will not be altered.
Q: What percentage of patients who receive Botox are unhappy with it?
A: A 2005 study by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that only 1% of patients who’d received Botox were not happy with their results.
Q: Is Botox safe?
A: Botox has been used therapeutically for over 17 years. The formulation used to treat frown lines was approved by the FDA in 2002.
Q: How much does Botox cost?
A: The price of a Botox treatment varies depending on the area treated, as each area requires a different amount for optimal results.

Common Questions about Juvederm

Q: Is Botox and Juvederm the same thing?
A: No. Botox is a substance that helps relax the muscles that cause frown lines. Juvederm is an injectable filler that can be used to fill lines on the face that are the result of loss of volume in the face. Both Botox and Juvederm can be used to treat lines on the face.
Q: How long does Juvederm last?
A: Unlike other fillers that may only last 3-4 months, Juvederm is FDA approved to last a year.
Q: Will people notice I’ve had Juvederm?
A: Yes and no. Because Juvederm is injected in customized amounts, you get only the results you desire. People will notice you’re looking more youthful but they won’t assume you’ve had injections.
Q: How much does Juvederm cost?
A: Juvderm is sold in two versions: Ultra and Ultra Plus. Becky will help you determine which is right for you.