Wrinkles can make you look tired, worn down or even angry. Their appearance can be diminished using cosmetics, but the wrinkles themselves will continue to develop. These skin creases happen to us all and are the result of regular facial expressions and muscle movement. Though there are preventative measures for wrinkles, they are bound to happen at one time or another.
A Botox® procedure may be a good choice if you are plagued by wrinkles and find yourself constantly wondering what can be done about them. Botox® is a brand of protein-based chemical fluid that is injected into a client’s facial muscles in order to smooth current wrinkles and prevent further ones from forming. This fluid limits the contraction and movement of facial muscles in actions such as laughing, frowning and squinting, which is what causes wrinkles.
Botox® starts working immediately and takes full effect after about a month. Depending on which part of the face is a “problem area,” Botox® needs to be re-injected every three to six months.
If wrinkles are a huge concern and you have tried all the standard methods (moisturizers, serums, etc.), then Botox® could be the next step to consider.
Other than a good skin care routine, wrinkles are not something we can get rid of or “exercise away.” In fact, it is facial muscle movement that causes wrinkles to begin with! But if wrinkles are a source of unease, Botox® may be the answer.
A Botox® injection is usually performed by a licensed aesthetician.
Once you find an aesthetician you are comfortable with, Botox® will likely be on the menu of services they offer. Most aestheticians provide a no-cost consultation for new clients. This will allow you to voice your questions or concerns and make an informed decision about whether Botox® may be right for you.
Here are a few things to remember to mention or ask during your consultation:
Also, ask to see reviews, testimonials and before/after pictures of their previous work. It may be helpful to bring a before/after picture of someone who had the same area done; look for something subtle, not overdone and stiff.
A Botox® injection usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on how many units (injection) the client is receiving.
A superfine needle is used to inject the Botox® into the face. Botox® is usually considered to be a small level of pain, like getting a flu shot. No anesthesia is needed to get an injection, it is entirely an outpatient procedure.
Clients usually pay directly after a Botox® treatment. The cost varies based on how many units/injections of Botox® you are receiving and your aesthetician’s specific menu pricing. In general, Botox® costs $10-$20 per unit, and each session will use 20-65 units per treatment, putting the average cost per session at approximately $600. Keep in mind that this is for one session, and Botox® takes two to four sessions per year if you want to maintain a wrinkle-free look. That is a median cost of $1,800 per year.
A good way to decide if Botox® is cost effective for you is to estimate how much you are already spending on skincare. If you use expensive skincare products, especially moisturizer, you may already be budgeting $900-$1,300 per year on your skincare routine.
The effects of Botox® can be seen in as little as two days after the initial injection. The full effect takes approximately two weeks. The difference is noticeable: Wrinkles in the injection area are smooth. There will also be some limited movement in the face muscles since that is where Botox® is targeted. The effect tends to last three to six months, but be sure to ask your aesthetician how long you can expect the results to stay.
If it is your first time getting Botox®, you may want to take a picture of the injection area two days after your appointment and again two weeks later, so you can document the difference. A certified Botox® specialist should make the treatment area look natural and not stiff. Wrinkle-free skin can help you look and feel your best without having to pack on makeup.
This boost in confidence and self-image makes a positive impact on clients who choose Botox®.
Side effects of Botox® are minor and usually allergy related. There is little to no recovery time since it is an outpatient procedure. You can get your Botox® injection and leave directly after your appointment, carrying on as normal. Keep an eye on the injection site; if you have a serious skin reaction, be sure to consult your doctor or aesthetician.
Even with a Botox® treatment, it is important to keep up a good at-home skincare routine to put your best self forward. Avoid over-exposure to the sun and follow directions from your specialist. Botox® is designed to be non-disruptive to a person’s normal routine and should not require much aftercare.
It is always important to make an informed decision before having any procedure. Speak with an aesthetician or specialist if you are interested in receiving Botox® treatments. If you know someone or have a friend who has done Botox®, ask them how they felt about the results to help decide if it is right for you.
Botox® provides an answer to the previously unsolvable problem of wrinkles. If wrinkles are getting in the way of you being happy with your appearance, Botox® can help restore your confidence by getting rid of wrinkles.
At South Florida Doctors Group , we can help you get rid of wrinkles with Botox®. Visit us at our Prembroke Pines office today.
Are you curious about what exactly a chemical peel is? The skin on the face, hands and neck can get easily damaged by sun, work and age. When dead skin gathers on those locations and begins to affect how you look and feel, it is time for a chemical peel.
Chemical peels exfoliate and remove dead skin, leaving behind healthier and softer skin you can show off. However, there are many kinds of chemical peels you can book an appointment for. The question is, what treatment will work best for your skin?
There are, of course, hundreds of skin care routines, thousands of products and millions of tips for getting clearer, cleaner, smoother skin. However, few of them have the proven effectiveness and strength of a chemical peel. Performed by skilled aestheticians, a chemical peel can remove years of dead skin cells and unwanted blemishes. It can practically reset your skin to a more youthful appearance. Plus, it feels amazing.
Chemical peels are an FDA-approved treatment that rejuvenates the skin and can help fight conditions like dry skin, rosacea, melasma, brown spots and even oily skin. Basically, if you are not happy with any aspect of your skin, there is a good chance that a chemical peel treatment can work wonders.
There are a number of chemical peel options, so ask one of our staff which is right for your issue and skin type.
An acne lift uses alpha hydroxy and salicylic acid to remove oil from the pores. They form a resurfacing agent that can greatly improve facial skin and reduce acne. These are fantastic for patients who have tried multiple kinds of acne creams and medications but have been left unsatisfied.
The Jessner peel is formulated to help with sun-damaged skin and uses a mix of lactic acid, resorcinol and salicylic acid.
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can help reduce signs of aging and sun damage. Resorcinol can help with eczema, acne, psoriasis, and other skin problems. The salicylic acid is also an alpha hydroxy acid and can help treat keratosis pilaris, certain kinds of dermatitis and acne.
Peels using glycolic acid tend to be milder, with a quicker recovery time. It is an ideal peel for those with sensitive skin.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that works great for many different skin types. Some of this power comes from its tiny molecular structure: The glycolic acid molecule as actually much smaller than the lactic acid molecule and thus can penetrate deeper into pores.
Before you come in for your appointment, make sure you are extremely hydrated and moisturized for a few days leading up to the appointment.
This also means stopping the use of all products that can dry your skin out a day or two before your chemical peel. Check your beauty products: Does it contain acid, or do you know from experience that this product dries your skin out? Give it a rest for the next couple days, and allow your skin to recover.
Any exfoliant use should also be severely limited or stopped completely in the days leading up to the procedure. Facial scrubs, exfoliating beads and other mechanical forms of exfoliation should also be limited.
If you are prone to hand sanitizer and your hands are part of the upcoming peel, you may want to take a break in advance. Hand sanitizer often contains alcohol and can severely dry out the skin of your hands.
The whole process usually takes less than an hour, from lie-down to application to completion. Chemical peels use acidic compounds to remove dead cells, so there is a light feeling of burning. This tingling sensation should not be painful, more of a light irritation. If real pain is experienced, inform the chemical peel technician, who should still be in the room or nearby during the treatment.
Chemical peels come in different strengths, from medium to very light, which means the feeling could be lighter or stronger depending on the choice.
Chemical peels are not terribly invasive, but like any procedure or treatment, there is some recovery time involved. It is wise to put a week or two between a chemical peel and a big event or photo shoot. Skin can remain slightly puffy and red for a little while after the treatment, which is something you should be prepared for. It also takes a few days for the skin to begin peeling, and it could take a week after that for all the dead skin to come off. Once that is done, the skin will be fresh, brand new and incredibly soft to the touch. It is advised to stay away from harsher face products (or hand products) that could damage the new skin.
During the recovery process, patients should make liberal use of lotion and sunscreen to further protect their new skin. To keep the new skin clean, avoid harsh soaps, and use products that have a hydrating component to them — ceramides can be a real help here.
Daily skincare products and routines are extremely important for the long-term health of your skin. However, occasional chemical peels performed by qualified aestheticians can make a difference in the long run, not only in how you look but also how you feel about yourself. Call our office today to set up an appointment for your chemical peel.
Laser hair removal is for anyone who is looking to get rid of hair growths on their body. During the procedure, a beam of light is used to attack hair follicles, inhibiting the growth of new hair. The technique effectively delays future hair growth, but it typically does not permanently stop it. Keeping hair permanently away from certain parts of the body normally requires maintenance laser treatments.
The lasers used for this procedure tend to be most effective on those with darker hair types and lighter skin tones. The more contrast there is between the patient's hair color and skin color, the more effective the treatment normally is. The idea is for the laser to only be absorbed by the hair follicles being removed and not the patient's skin. More contrast makes that task easier.
A laser can be used to remove hair from pretty much any part of the body, but it is typically not recommended for areas around the eyes like the eyebrows or eyelids since there is always a risk of the laser causing a serious eye injury.
For most people, anywhere from two to six sessions are needed to eliminate hairs on a part of their body. The length of time between each session varies based on the spot being treated. Areas like the back of the neck are prone to slow hair growth, so the sessions can be as much as four months apart. Hair tends to grow very fast in other areas like the upper lip, so getting rid of hair in this area might require one session every month.
During the procedure, the patient will be given a special set of goggles to protect their eyes from the light beam. The site the treatment will be performed on will be shaved. The doctor might then apply a topical anesthetic to the patient's skin to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
A hand-held laser is then pressed against the patient's skin. When the device is activated, it sends laser beams into the patient's hair follicles. The device might have a cooling instrument attached to protect the patient's skin, or the doctor might use a cooling gel.
When the laser passes through the patient's skin, heat from the beams damages hair follicles. This inhibits their ability to grow. It is normal for patients to experience a prickly sensation on their skin whenever the device is activated.
The procedure does not take much time. Small areas like the upper lip only take a few minutes, while larger areas like a person's back can be completed in about an hour. After the procedure, the patient might experience some swelling and redness for the first few hours.
Thanks to laser hair removal, you do not have to constantly worry about unsightly hair growths or the bumps that occur when you try to remove them with a razor. At South Florida Doctors Group , we can help you get rid of any unwanted hairs. Visit us at our Prembroke Pines office today.
South Florida Doctors Group is located at
18503 Pines Blvd #306
Pembroke Pines, FL
33029.