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Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services and policies here.

Are fillers safe?

Severe complications from dermal fillers are uncommon. Potential risks vary depending on the specific filler used and the relative permanence of the filler substance and include: acne-like skin eruptions, asymmetry, bleeding from the injection site, bruising, infection at the injection site, lumps, palpability of the filler under the surface of the skin, skin necrosis (ulceration or loss of skin from disruption of blood flow), skin rashes with itching, skin redness, swelling, and under- or over-correction. In very rare cases, filler may accidentally be injected into the blood vessels under the skin. If your eye is affected, you might lose your eyesight or go blind. (Source: plastic surgery.org)

Are these medications safe?

Overall as a class of medication, they are generally well tolerated with few side effects. Be sure to raise any questions or concerns with your provider.

Can I get filler and Botox the same day?

The short answer: it depends. Patients often receive both treatments together and it is safe. However, as with anything, there are always caveats. Much of it depends on individual patient characteristics as well as goals of care as well as patient preferences and tolerances. That is why an individual consultation is always the first step to any successful relationship.

How is microneedling different from a chemical peel?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure where physical trauma is induced into the upper layers of the skin by small sterile needles to incite the body’s healing response. These “micro-traumas” cause the body to heal the skin by creating new collagen which causes the skin to be tighter and more toned. A chemical peel is a more superficial treatment where various chemicals are placed topically on the skin. The acidic components of the peel cause damage to the outermost layers of the skin which causes the skin to slough off, leaving new, fresh, soft skin underneath. Chemical peels can be of various strengths and penetration to give variable outcomes depending on the goals. Different types of peels also have variable recovery periods.

How long do I have to be on the treatment?

Duration of treatment will vary based on your goals and progress. Study groups were followed for many years. Rebound weight loss was common with shorter duration of treatment.

How long does filler last?

Depending on the product used for your procedure, filler can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Any time an injection is done, the volume of the filler is at its maximum. Your body will be breaking down or metabolizing the filler over the following several months, such that what you start with on day one is not what you have six months or a year into the process. Also during this time you will, unfortunately, continue to age, which means that you are experiencing ongoing bone, muscle, and fat loss.

How long does it take for Botox to work? How long does it last?

You may notice results within a few days, but it can take up to a week to see the full effect. The effect will typically last about three to four months.

How long until I see results after Emsculpt?

Emsculpt is a revolutionary treatment, a first in class, that can treat muscle along with fat. More recently with the advent of Emsculpt NEO, this technology can now treat muscle, fat, and skin in a single thirty-minute session. Beyond treating the tissues, patients will also report better posture, less lower back pain, and a trimmer waistline. You’ll see ultimate results about 10 to 12 weeks after the treatment. It is essential to maintain good diet and exercise choices throughout the journey.

How long until I see results after Exilis?

Exilis uses radio-frequency and ultrasound energy to induce collagen production. It will feel like a warm sensation to the skin but should not be painful. The technician will be with you during the entire treatment and the settings can be curated toward individual goals and tolerances. Treatments are typically done once per week over a four- to six-week period with best results seen at 10 to 12 weeks. Exilis Ultra 360 is a safe treatment from head to toe and is commonly used to treat the delicate tissue around the eyes, around the mouth, and the neck, as well as multiple other areas.

How much does this treatment cost?

Options both with and without insurance coverage are available, depending on your initial health assessment.

How safe is Botox?

Botox is generally considered safe. However, with any injection, there is always the risk of bruising and pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea, redness, temporary facial weakness, or drooping. Botox is very unlikely to cause breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, or slurred speech (Source: plasticsurgery.org)

Should I use sunscreen year-round?

Yes. In the Northeast, we think of sun and summer, but UVA and UVB rays are all around us, no matter the season. Additionally light from internal sources along with computers and other electronic devices are an ongoing threat. The bottom line: use sunscreen year-round to help prevent environmental damage and minimize the signs of aging on your skin.

What are the side effects?

Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, stomach cramping, bloating, and diarrhea are most common. You may experience more severe abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis, cholestasis, or also experience rapid heart rates.

What is PRP?

Also known as platelet-rich plasma, PRP is the plasma part of whole blood that boasts growth factors and collagen stimulators. A whole blood sample is taken from a vein then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the blood components and the plasma can be isolated and harnessed for its healing potential.

What is a botulinum toxin injection?

Injections of botulinum toxin involve several different injections into the muscles of the face. There are 43 muscles in the face and it’s vital that the person who performs the injection understands the anatomy and can optimize your treatment. A very small needle (similar to an insulin needle) is injected into specific muscles. The goal is to weaken the wrinkle-producing muscles preserving your natural facial expression. The number of injections needed will depend on your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. (Source: plasticsurgery.org)

What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?

Botox and Dysport are both types of botulinum toxin, which is the active ingredient that leads to wrinkle relaxation. The difference is the potency and the effectiveness which is related to the carrier protein, which is part of the botulinum toxin molecule. The safety profile is excellent for both products although there is a risk of side effects for all medications. There is evidence to show that the effects of Dysport show up sooner; however, Botox may last longer, although individual results may vary.

What should I avoid after Botox?

Do not rub or massage the treated area after an injection because it can cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of the face. This could risk temporary facial weakness or drooping.

What’s the big deal with sunscreen?

80% of visible signs of skin aging come from environmental aggressors, with the sun being one of the biggest culprits. Sun damage can cause dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging of the skin. Choosing the right SPF and being committed to regular product use can help defend against these effects. Broad-based UVA/UVB protection is an ultra-light easily absorbed formula. Choose a SPF of at least 30. Mineral sunscreen includes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin against sun damage and skin cancer by acting as a shield. Chemical sunscreens often include avobenzone, octanoate, and oxybenzone, which act as a chemical filter.

What’s the difference between JetPeel and HydraFacial?

JetPeel is a motorized device using jet propulsion technology to heal and improve the skin quality. The entire procedure, which involves three steps of lymphatic drainage, exfoliation, and product delivery, is all done in a no-contact manner. Various products can be delivered to the deep dermal layer to accomplish specific treatment goals, such as brightening, pigment, fine lines, etc. This treatment boasts super serums that are made with cutting-edge ingredients to deliver antioxidant protection and peptides to maximize glow. HydraFacial uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin, and requires contact with the skin.

Who can’t get Botox?

You may not be a good candidate for either Botox or Dysport if you are pregnant, have a history of botulinum toxin sensitivity, or have a milk allergy. As a precaution, you may need to discontinue blood thinners, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, and fish oil supplements, as well as thyme, turmeric, oregano, cayenne pepper, ginger, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba, as these may contribute to blood thinning as well. This can cause the blood to be thinner, which can lead to excessive bruising or swelling.

Why choose ZO®?

ZO® products are specifically formulated by legendary dermatologist, Zen Obagi, MD, and designed to optimize skin performance. ZO® is medical-grade skin care that is offered in physician offices, with educated, guided specialists who understand the products as well as how to complement and pair them for optimal results. The breadth of product line allows curated individual preferences.