Why Sculptra Stands Out?
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a biosynthetic material that has been used safely for decades in the form of absorbable sutures. Its current form has been on the market for over 15 years and has successfully displayed safety and efficacy for correction of the nasolabial folds, also known as smile lines, as well as having effect on other facial wrinkles and or deficits. Sculptra effects can last up to 25 months! What’s so special about PLLA? Well, it is the only injectable product that works on multiple aspects of the aging process such as restoration of volumetric deficiencies and lifting of descending soft tissues. Long term effects are achieved by the stimulation of type 1 collagen production and the effects are gradually attained as the collagen generated expansion of the dermis and underlying soft tissue occurs. Stimulation of secondary collagen also plays a critical role as it works with mechanical stretching of fibroblasts. Research with PLLA has concluded a three-fold increase in dermal thickness with sustained results at 2 year follow up. Comparing this to other soft tissue fillers concluded that other products are more transient and can also require a larger amount of product needed. Finally, permanent implants can remain indefinitely but cannot accommodate for continued age related changes in appearance. Surgical facelifts and non-invasive skin tightening can improve the appearance of loose skin, but without volume, the face still lacks youthful proportions. Similar to other products and procedures, the recommendations and methods of PLLA are constantly evolving. This article is a reflection of Reveal Image Aesthetics experiences with the product and is meant to be used as a guide.
Q & A Session!
We receive questions from our followers on Instagram & below is a few key questions and answers you may have as well! 1. Can you explain the difference between botox and fillers? Dermal fillers, also known as injectables, soft tissue fillers, lip and facial fillers or wrinkle fillers, are medical products approved by the FDA for use in helping to create a smoother and/or fuller appearance in the face. Botox is an FDA approved medicine that is injected into muscles to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines,crows feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows of adults. 2. Can filler be used for scar revision? Yes and no! If the scar is a good candidate for subcision in the first place, then it should respond well after hyaluronic acid fillers (dermal fillers). Most depressed scars or acne scars can be treated by subcision as a first step or as a later step. Adding a filler after subcision can be an excellent option. 3. What is your opinion on preventative Botox? Preventative Botox can help when used conservatively! not all young patients need this. However, genetics, lack of sleep, dehydrated skin, stress and or excessive alcohol intake can cause early signs of aging even in younger people. These aging signs include crows feet, forehead wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, treatment with Botox needs a consultation with your provider which will be tailored to your individual needs. 4. What is “Baby Botox” & is it effective? Baby botox is a cute name for conservative dosing of Botox, which is more subtle and natural, creating a look that is not so stiff. This cosmetic procedure is effective when used for specific areas of the face to give a refreshed look! 5. How long does Botox usually last? Botox, which is a neurotoxin, works by blocking a signal from the nerve to the targeted muscle that prevents it from contracting. In general, Botox lasts 3-4 months. There will certainly be patients in which it lasts longer, in a 4-6 month range or shorter, in more of a 2 month range. It is common for first-timers to notice it may not last long initially, but can then last longer after the second treatment. Overall, individual results vary based on a variety of lifestyle factors. 6. Can you explain what a lip flip is & how does it differ from lip filler? A lip flip is a nonsurgical procedure that makes your lips appear fuller. Your provider injects Botox into the edges of your lips and/ or corners of your mouth to relax the upper lip and sometimes the lower lip creating a larger than normal appearance. Lip flip uses Botox whereas lip fillers are a type of dermal filler. With lip filler, your provider injects hyaluronic acid (HA) into any or all parts of your lips to add volume. Your lips will look immediately fuller after a lip filler procedure which differs from a lip flip procedure which results in a fuller look without any added volume with results showing in about a week post procedure.
All About Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a FDA approved injectable glucagon like- peptide 1 (GLP-1) that’s administered once weekly for obesity. How does it work for weight loss? GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that plays a role in your appetite and digestion. Incretins, hormones released by your small intestine, are sent out by your body after you’ve eaten a meal to help lower your blood sugar by triggering insulin and blocking other sources of sugar. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, known as gastric emptying. The results of these actions causes you to feel full, lowering your appetite and causing you to lose weight. Medications like GLP-1 agonists are referred to as incretin mimetics since they mimic these effects. Semaglutide can be given at any time of day, and you can take it with or without food. It is administered via injection just under the skin (subcutaneously) into your abdomen performed at the office by your provider. Before your initial visit, you will be sent for inital bloodwork to obtain baseline values. At each visit, your provider will weigh you and obtain vital signs, keeping track of how well your body is reacting to the medication. Since its effects work to slow down your digestive tract, i.e. the speed at which the food you eat is leaving your stomach, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or slow gastric emptying or transit can occur, moderately or severely. Be sure to discuss these occurrences with your provider. The overall goal is to lose 1-2 pounds a week, while limiting unfavorable side effects, and more importantly, feeling the benefits of the medication-less appetite, cravings, and portion sizes. Semaglutide will start with the lowest dose and adjustments are made every 2 weeks in order to achieve this goal. What are the potential side effects? The side effects frequently seen involve the gastrointestinal system, the most common includes nausea, constipation, and vomiting. These are also common after the dosage is increased. Other side effects can include bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain. IMPORTANT NOTE: if you experience severe nausea/vomiting or abdominal pain, contact your provider as soon as possible. Your provider will stop the medication if these serious side effects do occur. How to help with the nausea: Eating small, frequent meals is a great way to help reduce the nausea patients experience. Additionally, having a bland diet, such as consuming rice, toast and bananas as well as a low fat meal can help. Supplements can also help curve the nausea, these include ginger, unisom, and vitamin B6. Finally, avoid alcohol or lower the amount consumed. Sometimes, you may be prescribed anti nausea medication to be used as needed. Which is only used for severe nausea as it can cause constipation. How to help with the constipation: Staying hydrated and eating a high fiber diet are key factors to lessen the effects of constipation. Continue exercising as this will also help avoid constipation. If needed, there are over the counter stool softeners such as miralax, dulcolax, colace and senna that can relieve constipation.
