Allure Cosmetic Medical Center
664 Kingsley Ave, Suite #106
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 269-1509
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(904) 269-1509
Facial Rejuvenation
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic® is a purified protein, FDA approved for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in people ages 18–65. Botox can also be used to treat forehead wrinkles, crows feet (lines around eyes), chronic migraines, and excessive underarm sweating (Axillary Hyperhidrosis).
What is the procedure like?
It’s a simple, quick non-surgical treatment consisting of a few tiny injections with no subsequent downtime. The doctor decides exactly where to administer Botox Cosmetic® for the best results. The diagram below demonstrates the usual sites of injection for treating frown lines between the eyebrows:
Q. How does BOTOX work?
Through a few tiny injections, Botox Cosmetic® blocks the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles begin to fade.
Q. How can I be sure I’m getting real BOTOX® Cosmetic?
We ONLY purchase Botox® directly from the official source, Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox Cosmetic®. We have been verified and certified as an authorized Botox site, as listed on their website. Click here.
Proof of authenticity can also be found on each box & vial of Botox®. Look for the official “Allergan®” hologram label, lot numbers, and expiration date. All of this information can be tracked back and verified from Allergan.
Q. Is the procedure painful?
Our staff takes every possible measure to ensure your comfort. Some slight discomfort should be expected as a routine part of treatment.
Q. What are the side effects?
The most common side effects following injection of Botox Cosmetic® generally include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. As with any injection, localized pain, bleeding, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bruising are possible side effects. However, the great majority of our patients experience minimal if any side effects.
Q. Will I need anesthesia?
No.
Q. When will I start to see results?
You should start to see a visible improvement within a few days after treatment. The area may continue to improve for up to 1-2 weeks before final results are settled. To see before and after pictures of our Botox treatments, visit our Photo Gallery.
Q. How long will the results last?
With proper unit dosing, the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic usually lasts for 3-6 months.
Q. How will BOTOX® Cosmetic affect my facial expressions?
With proper dosing and placement BOTOX® Cosmetic helps to smooth out wrinkles without affecting your ability to laugh, smile, or otherwise express yourself.
Q. Is BOTOX® Cosmetic expensive?
Botox® is one of the most affordable cosmetic medical procedures available. For example, the usual dosage for the a frown line treatment (between the eyebrows) is 20 units. Our treatment price is $13 per unit. You can expect your Botox® results to last anywhere from 3-6 months. Follow-up treatments may be necessary 2-4 times a year.
Q. What else can BOTOX® treat?
Beyond cosmetically treating the signs of aging, Botox can also be used medically to treat chronic migraines, upper body muscular spasms, certain eye disorders, and Axillary Hyperhidrosis. For more information, please visit, www.botoxmedical.com.
History of BOTOXResearchers discovered in the 1950's that injecting overactive muscles with tiny quantities of botulinum toxin type A decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby rendering the muscle unable to contract for a period of 4 to 6 months.
In 1980, Dr. Alan B Scott, MD, a San Francisco ophthalmologist, first used botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in humans to treat strabismus (‘crossed eyes’). In 1989, BTX-A (BOTOX) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm (uncontrollable tremors of the eyelids), and hemifacial spasm in patients over 12 years old.
Several opthamologists who used Botox for eye muscle disorders noted wrinkle reduction in the areas treated with Botox. This lead to clinical trials and subsequent FDA approval of Botox for cosmetic use (Botox Cosmetic®) in 2002. Botox has also been approved for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating.
Interesting Facts About BOTOX
- It is A purified protein complex derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum
- BOTOX® is approved in more than 75 countries
- BOTOX® for therapeutic use remains one of the most widely researched medicines in the world
- In Florida, a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is considered the practice of medicine and therefore should only be performed by a licensed Physician, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.
- In 2004, over 2.8 million BOTOX Cosmetic procedures were performed in the US.
- The BOTOX Cosmetic treatment is the most popular of all physician-administered cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical combined) since its approval in 2002!!
Important Safety Information
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid drooping and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects, and therefore, should not receive Botox.
“What is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
Axillary Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe excessive underarm sweating.
This type of sweating is:
--inadequately responsive to topical (applied to skin) antiperspirants and deodorants; and
--often causes embarrassment to the sufferer and interferes with their normal daily activities.
Treatments
Botox® is a fast and effective way to temporarily treat Axillary Hyperhidrosis. It is FDA approved to treat this condition when topical medicines do not work well enough. During your treatment, Botox® is injected into the affected underarm area with a fine needle to temporarily block the nerves that trigger sweating. Based on the individual needs of each patient, a series of 10 to 15 injections will be administered to the underarm area where the condition is most profound. This treatment usually takes about 15 - 20 minutes to perform and results typically last 6 - 7 months. Within 4-weeks of initial treatment, a significant reduction in underarm sweating should be evident. There is NO downtime. You can immediately return to any regularly scheduled activities (i.e. work, school, sports, etc.).For more information, please visit http://www.BotoxSevereSweating.com/.
Iontophoresis
This is an older form of treatment for Axillary Hyperhidrosis and is considered less effective than Botox®. For this procedure, a physician will attach water saturated wool pads to the affected area and use low current electricity to alter the outer layer of the skin to prevent sweat from coming to the surface. This procedure is considered mild to moderately painful and usually requires several daily treatments over a period of 1-4 weeks. At-home versions of this device are available, but this treatment is no more effective than a prescription strength antiperspirant.
Medications
Oral medications such as anticholinergics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or clonidine can reduce nerve stimuli to the sweat glands and thereby reduce sweat output temporarily. NOTE: These medications can cause adverse side-effects such as difficulty urinating, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
Surgery
A variety of surgical approaches have been used to treat Axillary Hyperhidrosis, but they are usually reserved for the most extreme cases that do not respond to other treatments. One of the most common types of surgery is called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy. During this surgery, the patient is put to sleep with general anesthesia and then the nerves between the spinal column and underarm sweat glands are cut to stop the sweat glands from functioning. Other types of surgery include making incisions in the underarm area (after sedation) and surgically removing the sweat glands or obliterating them by laser. The benefit of surgery is the underarm sweating may be permanently stopped or significantly reduced. However, multiple risks associated with surgery include moderate pain, permanent scarring, loss of full range of motion of arms/shoulders, permanent nerve damage, complications from general anesthesia/sedation, and more.
ACNE TREATMENTS
Omnilux® Blue & Red Light Therapy
Omnilux is an FDA approved medical device with Blue and Red LEDs to:
• Destroy acne causing bacteria ú
• Enhance cell growth
• Decrease inflammation
• Decrease pore size
• Reduce oil production
How does it work?
P. acnes (Propionibacterium acne) is one of the key bacteria responsible for inflammation in acne. This bacterium produces natural chemicals called poryphyrins, which are sensitive to light at different wavelengths. Blue LED Light kills the bacteria that cause acne redness and inflammation. Red LED Light has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. A series of Blue & Red Light treatments help to decrease redness from acne and promotes healthier skin.
Who can benefit from this series of Blue & Red Light Therapy treatments?
Anyone suffering with mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Omnilux® is safe and effective for ALL skin types.
Is this treatment painful?
NO. This is a non-invasive, painless treatment.
What results can be expected from a series of treatments?
The light stimulates natural processes that go on even after the treatments have been completed. Improvement may be visible after one session. However, optimum results are usually achieved within 4-8 weeks after a series of 8 treatments. Studies have shown complete clearance of lesions in some patients. On average, 81% of acne lesions clear.
How many treatments will I need?
Over the course of four weeks, 8-treatments will be administered, alternating between blue and red LEDs.
How long do the effects last?
For most patients, acne is significantly reduced for six months. A series of treatments just once or twice a year may be needed to maintain acne clearance.
· May negate the need to use antibiotics
· No side effects such as skin peeling or other irritation
· Decreases redness and swelling
· No pain
*Also Omnilux treatments have skin rejuvenating and collagen stimulating properties, resulting in smoother skin.
Chemical Peels are also effective in the treatment of Acne/Acne scarring. We offer a variety of peels including salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, tricloracetic acid (TCA), and combinations thereof. Our chemical peels are customized to your skin type/ condition and range from superficial to medium depth. Chemical Peels are designed to:
• Smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
• Eliminate superficial blemishes for clear, radiant skin.
• Reduce pigmentation problems for a more even skin tone Encourage cell regeneration for a fresh, new, and healthy complexion.
Microdermabrasion is a freshening, skin-resurfacing technique that helps repair tired, damaged skin. We offer DiamondTome® Microdermabrasion which utilizes the polishing action of micro-diamond chips and the cleaning action of vacuum suction. During treatment, the wand is slowly glided across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin where most bacteria and debris is captured. After treatment, the surface of the skin is noticeably smoother. As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be necessary to reduce or remove acne scarring, fine wrinkles, and un-wanted pigmentation. In addition to the face, Microdermabrasion resurfacing can be done on the neck, back, shoulders, arms, hands, and legs.
What Does It Treat?
This rejuvenation method is generally recommended for:
- Dull, oily or leathery skin
- Enlarged pores
- Polishing and reducing fine lines
- Mild acne/acne scarring
- Mild pigment irregularities
- Enhancing penetration of therapeutic agents
Microdermabrasion also cleans out your pores and prevents future break outs (if performed on a regular basis).
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
As with other skin rejuvenation techniques, more than one treatment may be necessary to reduce or remove acne scarring, fine wrinkles, and un-wanted pigmentation. Most patients actually feel and see a difference after the first treatment. Depending on the skin type and condition being treated, 4-10 sessions may be needed. Additional treatments are usually recommended every 1 to 3 months to increase/maintain improvement.
When Will I Notice The Results?
Immediately after treatment, your skin will be noticeably softer. Your skin will feel more vibrant and healthy. There is virtually no recovery time, no discomfort and you can return to work immediately.
An IPL Photofacial treatment is an effective way to improve the appearance of damaged skin. Our Starlux Palomar's Intense Pulsed Light system is used to remove/lessen skin discoloration such as age/sun spots, Rosacea, Acne scarring, and spider veins on the face.
Visit our Photo Gallery for more results.
Our IPL session usually lasts about 45-minutes. We begin by cleansing your face skin with medical grade skincare products that effectively cleanse and prep the skin for treatment. Then, a clear ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area for proper conduction. As treatment proceeds, you can expect some slight discomfort as the warmth of the laser and the “snap” of the pulses can make some patients uncomfortable. In some cases, a topical anesthesia can be used for maximum comfort. For sensitive skin, a cold compress is usually applied following treatment as some patients may experience a sunburn-like feeling. Some redness may be visible immediately after treatment and can last for several hours after treatment. However, most clients immediately return to work or their normal life routine, with little or no side effects.
What conditions do IPL Photofacials treat?
- Freckles
- Age Spots
- Sun Spots
- Birthmarks
- Hyperpigmentation
- Port Wine Stains
- Rosacea
- Spider Veins (Face & Legs)
What improvement will I see?
After a series of treatments, the skin will feel smoother. Spider veins and age spots generally improve after one or two treatments. Darker lesions or deep colored birthmarks will become lighter, but may require three or more treatments for correction. Many of our clients have seen 70% to 90% improvement in their condition over time.
How many treatments will I need?
For optimal results, a series of five treatments is recommended. Some patients may see significant improvement in 2 to 3 treatments while others require more for full correction of the issue. Follow-up treatments can be done once a year to maintain results.
Dermal fillers are injected under the surface of the skin to smooth out the wrinkle or fold. This process plumps up sagging areas and restores a youthful appearance back to aged skin. Dermal fillers can also be used to augment areas such as cheeks, lips, or marionette lines. Our physicians will consult with you to determine which filler will work best for your needs. We specialize in natural looking results that will not only improve your appearance, but your confidence as well.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural complex sugar found in all living cells.
It is a major component of the dermis connective tissue matrix, along with collagen and elastin.
Hyaluronic Acid retains water like a sponge, absorbing more than 1000 times its weight.
This helps to attract and maintain water, hydrating your skin and increasing its volume and density.
Our most popular dermal filler products contain Hyaluronic Acid.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Depending on the brand, dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6-12 months before re-treatment is necessary. Restylane® & Perlane® both last about 6-months. Juvederm® lasts approximately 12-months and Artefill®, a collagen based filler, is proven to last for years.
Which brand is the best?
When choosing a dermal filler, many clients consider a few main factors: cost, quality, and longevity. Below are the brands we carry and the benefits each offers.
Juvederm® is a Hyaluronic acid-based gel that is used to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. This product is available with and without lidocaine, a numbing agent that helps to make the injection process more comfortable. Depending on the look you desire, your treatment session make require more than one syringe (0.8ml). After just one treatment, you’ll get smooth and natural-looking results that can last up to one year. Over time, your body will re-absorb this product. Therefore, subsequent treatments will be necessary to maintain your look. Made by Allergan. Visit www.Juvederm.com for more details.
Unlike most semi-permanent fillers, Artefill® has unique microspheres that your body does not absorb. It works with your skin to produce collagen that provides the support your skin needs for natural, long lasting results. Artefill® is a bovine collagen gel that requires a skin test prior to treatment. Depending on the look you desire, your treatment session make require more than one syringe (0.8ml). Artefill® results have been proven to last for several years before re-treatment is necessary. In comparison to the cost & frequency associated with some semi-permanent fillers, you could spend less long term to maintain your Artefill® results. Made by Suneva Medical. Visit www.Artefill.com for more details.
How soon will I see the results?
The reason dermal fillers are so popular is because they offer INSTANT gratification. Immediately after your first treatment, you can expect to see a 50 - 80% margin of improvement! Depending upon the amount of filler used, full correction of your problem areas can be achieved. Patients usually walk out of our office looking younger & feeling more beautiful than they did prior to walking in. For many of our clients, this boost in confidence is priceless.
Does the injections hurt?
As with all injections, some discomfort may be experienced. To increase your comfort, our staff will assess your need for pain management and determine what technique is right for you.
The Thermage® procedure is an all natural way to look younger without the risks, expense, or down time of traditional surgery. This non-invasive procedure is the only FDA approved treatment to tighten facial skin without surgery. It works thru radiofrequency (RF) technology, clinically proven to tighten & lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. Visit www.Thermage.com for more details.
What Is The Procedure Like?
The Thermage® procedure is done in one visit and usually takes 1 - 2.5 hours (depending on the size of the treatment area). During treatment, the deep layer of the skin is being heated with radiofrequency energy while the outer layer of the skin is being cooled with a cryogen. In response to the heat, the collagen in the deep layer of the skin contracts. Over time, new collagen is produced to further tighten your skin resulting in a healthy, more youthful appearance.
When Will I See Results?
Thermage® results are long lasting. In fact, they get better with time! Thermage® works by stimulating collagen reproduction. Therefore, how much and how fast your body reproduces collagen will affect how soon your results are visible. Realistically, you can expect visible tightening to gradually appear 2 to 6 months after treatment. During this time, you will notice your wrinkles have softened and sagging areas are now lifting. Some patients say their skin feels tighter immediately after treatment. Others exclaim they see a slight lift the same day. No matter how soon you see your Thermage results, the natural looking lift you receive will last for years to come.
How Long Do The Results Last?
Published clinical research has shown sustained results lasting at least 1-year; and in unpublished reports, results are seen lasting 2 or more years.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Unlike many laser procedures that require 4 or more visits to see some minimal results, a single Thermage® visit produces substantial results. About 90% of our Thermage clients client return again for additional Thermage procedures to maintain their youthful look.
What is the ReFirme?
ReFirme Skin Tightening (ST) is a fast and effective way to improve mild to moderate skin laxity (loose/sagging skin). This non-invasive procedure is FDA approved for wrinkle reduction and is safe on all skin types. ReFirme ST is an affordable way to achieve a more youthful appearance without the pain, expense, or downtime commonly associated with traditional surgery or other laser treatments. For more information, visit www.ReFirme.com
How does it work?
ReFirme features the revolutionary elōs™ technology that combines Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Light energies to safely heat the deep layer of skin (the dermis) to stimulate collagen growth. This rejuvenating process of building new collagen results in a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles while noticeably lifting sagging areas.
Who should be treated with the ReFirme ST procedure?
If your skin has mild to moderate sagging, ReFirme skin tightening is ideal for you. Individuals can also improve skin other parts of their body where there is looseness/sagging. Common treatment areas include: under the jaw (“turkey neck”), around the eyes, along the jaw line (“jowls”), the neck, upper arms, and abdomen.
What can I expect from my ReFirme treatments?
ReFirme is a fast and comfortable procedure that aims to tighten sagging areas of the face & body; and restore youthful luminosity to dull, aging skin. You can expect the texture of your skin to improve as a result of the tightening and firming effect of this treatment. You can also expect your skin to look smoother as the fine lines and wrinkles lessen.
How many treatments are required?
Most patients will have 5 treatments.
How often are treatments done?
Treatment sessions are typically 2-4 weeks apart.
How long do treatments take?
A ReFirme treatment session typically takes 30-40 minutes to complete.
Does it hurt?
When compared to traditional lasers and other anti-aging procedures, ReFirme ST is virtually painless! Most patients tolerate this treatment well without the need for any topical anesthetic. You can usually return back to work or your normal routine immediately after your treatment.
Are there any risks to treatment?
As with all laser-type treatments, side effects are possible and may include blistering, crusting, and pigmenting changes in the skin. Although these side effects are rare, they are possible.
