Frequently Asked Questions

Neurotoxins temporarily relax targeted facial muscles to soften expression lines. Common treatment areas include the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours before treatment. If medically appropriate, avoid medications or supplements that increase bruising. Never discontinue prescribed medications without medical guidance.

Dosage varies by anatomy, muscle strength, and treatment goals. Typical Botox Cosmetic estimates include:

• Frown lines (11 lines): 20 units
• Forehead: 10-20 units
• Crow’s feet: 12-24 units total, sometimes more
• Chin dimpling: 4-10 units
• Lip flip: 4-8 units
• DAO (downturned mouth corners): 4-6 units
• Nefertiti neck lift: 30-40 units
• Masseter: 30-50 units
• Underarm sweating: approximately 100 units total
• Trapezius: 40-80 units

These are estimates only, including some off-label uses. Units are not interchangeable between neurotoxin brands.

Yes, but underdosing may compromise results and longevity. We generally recommend adequately treating fewer areas rather than spreading a limited dose across multiple areas.

Initial results typically appear within 2-5 days, with full results assessed at approximately 14 days.

Results generally last 3-4 months, depending on the product, dosage, treatment area, and individual response.

We recommend waiting 14 days before evaluating results. Additional units may be administered if appropriate and are charged at our regular per-unit rate.

Our goal is to soften unwanted lines while preserving natural facial expressions. Every treatment is tailored to your anatomy and desired results.

Strategic injections may create a subtle nonsurgical brow lift. Results vary with individual anatomy.

A lip flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin to relax the upper lip muscle, creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding volume.

These muscles work together to control eyebrow movement. Treating both areas when appropriate helps maintain balanced results and reduce the risk of brow heaviness.

Avoid rubbing treated areas for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat, and facial treatments involving significant pressure for approximately 24 hours. Most routine activities can resume immediately.

All five are FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A products. They differ in formulation, dosing, and onset. Your provider will recommend the option best suited to your needs.

Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Certain neuromuscular conditions, allergies, or active infections may also prevent treatment. Eligibility is determined through a medical assessment.

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and soften wrinkles while maintaining natural proportions.

Common areas include the lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, smile lines, and lines around the mouth.

Neurotoxins relax muscles responsible for expression lines; fillers restore volume and enhance contours.

The amount depends on anatomy, volume loss, and treatment goals. Some areas need one syringe; comprehensive treatment may require several over multiple visits.

We prioritize facial balance, precise placement, and conservative treatment plans tailored to your features.

Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours and, if medically appropriate, medications or supplements that increase bruising. Tell us about recent illnesses, vaccinations, dental procedures, infections, cold sores, allergies, or previous filler reactions. Do not stop prescribed medications without medical guidance.

As a precaution, we recommend spacing elective filler appointments at least two weeks from vaccinations when practical. Rare delayed inflammatory reactions have been reported. This is not a universal requirement; do not delay medically recommended vaccines solely because of filler.

When practical, separate elective dental procedures and filler by approximately two weeks. Inform us about dental infections or upcoming procedures.

Active infections, fever, or significant illness may require postponement. Antibiotic use is assessed according to the reason for treatment.

Yes, but lip injections may trigger an outbreak. Preventive antiviral medication may be recommended.

Most patients tolerate treatment well. Many fillers contain lidocaine, and additional numbing options may be available.

Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common. Most patients resume normal activities immediately, though visible swelling may last several days.

Most swelling improves in 3-7 days; some areas, especially lips, may take two weeks or longer to settle. Schedule treatment at least two weeks before important events.

Results are visible immediately, but final appearance is typically assessed after 2-4 weeks once swelling subsides.

Hyaluronic acid fillers commonly last about 6-18 months, sometimes longer. Duration varies by product, treatment area, and individual response.

Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, excessive heat, and pressure or massage over treated areas for 24-48 hours unless otherwise directed. Follow your individualized aftercare plan.

Most hyaluronic acid fillers can be reduced or dissolved using hyaluronidase. Radiesse and Sculptra cannot be dissolved with this enzyme.

Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate volume. Products such as Sculptra and Radiesse can also stimulate collagen; Radiesse provides immediate support in certain applications.

Common effects include swelling and bruising. Less common risks include infection, nodules, and inflammatory reactions. Rare vascular complications may cause tissue injury, vision loss, or stroke. Severe pain, unusual skin discoloration, or visual changes require immediate medical attention; sudden vision or stroke-like symptoms require emergency services.

Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding and with active infection at the treatment site. Other conditions are assessed individually.

A medical-grade chemical peel that improves skin tone, texture, acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation by promoting skin renewal.

Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure. Stop retinoids and exfoliants 5-7 days before treatment as directed; avoid waxing or depilatories for 1-2 weeks. Arrive with clean skin and report medications, recent treatments, or cold sore history.

Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy and with active skin infections, sunburn, or open wounds. Certain medications, including isotretinoin, require individualized evaluation.

Mild tingling or warmth is common; discomfort is generally brief.

Peeling often begins on days 2-3 and continues for approximately 5-7 days. The amount varies.

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating, and excessive heat for approximately 72 hours to reduce irritation.

No. Allow it to shed naturally. Picking or pulling increases the risk of irritation, scarring, and pigmentation changes.

Use recommended VI Peel aftercare products. An approved barrier ointment, such as Aquaphor, may help particularly dry areas if your provider recommends it.

Follow your specific post-peel instructions. Avoid makeup on irritated or compromised skin, and restart retinoids or exfoliating acids only after healing.

Skin often looks brighter and smoother within 7-10 days, with further improvement over subsequent weeks.

Some patients improve after one peel. A series of 3-4 treatments, commonly 4-6 weeks apart, may be recommended.

Avoid direct sun during healing and use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, protective clothing, and shade.

Let us know; preventive antiviral medication may be recommended.

Report significant swelling, blistering, increasing pain, drainage, or unusual discoloration.

These treatments use targeted energy to improve tone, texture, pigmentation, and redness. CO2 lasers resurface skin and stimulate collagen remodeling; IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target discoloration and redness with less downtime.

Fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin texture.

Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks. Pause retinoids and exfoliants as directed, and report medications, recent procedures, and cold sore history.

Topical anesthesia helps minimize discomfort; warmth or stinging may occur.

More intensive resurfacing typically requires 7-14 days of initial healing. Redness, swelling, and peeling are expected; pinkness may persist for weeks.

Active infections, impaired healing, certain medical conditions, and abnormal scarring may affect eligibility. Darker skin tones require careful assessment of pigmentation risks.

Avoid sun exposure, strenuous exercise, excessive heat, and irritating products until cleared. Follow prescribed wound care.

Sun damage, brown spots, freckles, facial redness, rosacea-related redness, and superficial blood vessels.

Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks. Arrive with clean skin and report medications and recent treatments.

Usually minimal. Redness or warmth may occur, and brown spots can darken temporarily before fading over 1-2 weeks.

Many patients benefit from 3-5 sessions, often spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

IPL is generally not preferred for melasma because it may worsen pigmentation.

Recent tanning, active infections, certain photosensitizing conditions or medications, and higher-risk skin types require careful evaluation.

Vascular lasers use targeted light energy to heat unwanted blood vessels. The treated vessels gradually fade as the body clears them.

Depending on the device and skin type, treatment can improve facial capillaries, selected leg spider veins, and cherry angiomas.

Yes. They can reduce visible facial vessels associated with rosacea, sun damage, and aging.

Certain lasers, including the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, can treat selected small leg veins. Sclerotherapy may be preferable for larger or more extensive veins. Symptomatic or prominent veins may require evaluation for underlying venous disease.

Cherry angiomas are common, benign red vascular growths. Many respond well to vascular laser treatment, sometimes in one session. Atypical lesions should be evaluated before treatment.

Some facial vessels and cherry angiomas respond in 1-3 sessions. Leg veins may require additional treatments depending on their size, depth, and extent.

Patients may feel a brief snapping or warming sensation. Cooling may improve comfort.

Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks. Avoid self-tanner in the treatment area and arrive with clean skin. Tell your provider about medications, recent procedures, and healing concerns.

Temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness is common. Vessels may darken before fading; bruising or mild crusting can occur.

Most patients return to routine activities immediately. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, and excessive heat for approximately 24-48 hours or as directed.

Some vessels improve quickly, while others fade over several weeks. Leg veins may take 6-12 weeks or longer to show their full response.

Successfully treated vessels may remain closed, but new vessels can develop over time. Maintenance treatments may be helpful.

Recent tanning, active infection, certain photosensitizing conditions or medications, and impaired healing may affect eligibility. Larger or symptomatic leg veins may require vascular assessment.

Possible effects include redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, pigmentation changes and, rarely, scarring. Your provider will assess suitability and tailor settings to your skin and vessels.

Laser energy targets pigment in hair follicles to provide long-term hair reduction. Multiple sessions address different growth cycles.

Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks. Shave 12-24 hours before treatment, and avoid waxing, plucking, or threading for approximately four weeks.

Most patients require approximately 6-8 sessions; maintenance may be necessary.

It provides long-term hair reduction, but some regrowth can occur.

Usually minimal. Redness and mild follicular swelling generally resolve within 24-48 hours.

Avoid excessive heat, strenuous exercise, and direct sun exposure for 24-48 hours; use gentle skincare and sun protection.

Ultrafine needles deliver controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin remodeling.

Fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and mild skin laxity.

Avoid retinoids and exfoliating products for 5-7 days as directed, avoid tanning, and arrive with clean skin. Report medications, recent procedures, and cold sore history.

Pregnancy, active infections, cold sores, impaired healing, and certain medical conditions may prevent treatment. Blood thinners, immunosuppression, implanted electronic devices, and abnormal scarring require additional evaluation.

Topical numbing cream helps reduce discomfort; warmth or pressure may be felt.

Redness, swelling, and sensitivity commonly last 1-3 days. Temporary dryness or pinpoint scabbing may occur.

Makeup can generally be applied after 24 hours if the skin is intact. Avoid retinoids and exfoliants for 5-7 days or until cleared.

Many patients benefit from three treatments, typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Early improvements may appear within weeks; collagen remodeling continues for 2-3 months or longer.

Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat, direct sun, and irritating products for 24-48 hours.

Potential complications include burns, scarring, pigmentation changes, nerve injury, and unintended facial fat loss. Treatment depth and energy are tailored to facial anatomy, particularly in areas with thin tissue or existing volume loss.