Frequently Ask Questions
BOTOX
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HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
Botox is a neuromodulator (form of botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s the repetitious contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. You will see your results gradually over 3-7 days following injection.
WHAT AREAS OF THE FACE CAN BE TREATED WITH BOTOX?
Botox can be used to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas, including the forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and lip lines. It may be injected to soften dimpling of the chin. Botox can also be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ or for a jaw slimming effect. Some of these treatment areas may be considered off-label.
WHAT DOES A BOTOX TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?
Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.
IS BOTOX PAINFUL?
The procedure is not considered painful. Most patients report a brief period of discomfort during the injection, which does not persist once the procedure is complete.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS?
While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 3-5 days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
The results of Botox typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their Botox results for longer periods by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months.
WHEN SHOULD I START GETTING BOTOX?
Some patients may wonder if they are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try Botox. There is no right or wrong age to start using Botox. Patients should be evaluated and receive a consult by a medical professional prior to treatment. Many millennials are starting to using Botox in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure.
IS BOTOX SAFE?
Yes, Botox is an FDA approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive Botox treatments.
SHOULD I DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENT?
A week before the treatment most physicians will advise patients to stop consuming alcohol or taking medications or supplements that thin the blood like aspirin, ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng. This will help minimize bruising after the procedure.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects from a Botox treatment may include bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the injection site, all of which will resolve without intervention after a few days to a week.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX AND OTHER NEUROMODULATORS LIKE DYSPORT AND XEOMIN?
While Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin treat the same symptoms in a similar manner there are differences between these products. For more details, please refer to the following blog posts:
https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/botox-vs-dysport/
https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/botox-vs-xeomin/
https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/botox-vs-dysport/
https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/botox-vs-xeomin/
facial treatment with PRP
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What is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injectable treatment by which a person’s own blood is used. Platelets are vital in the process of tissue healing, and the growth of new cells. PRP thereby promotes collagen production, regenerates the skin tissue, and essentially re-energizes your cells into rejuvenating themselves. The release of growth factors amphiphiles the healing process. PRP softens fine lines and wrinkles, tightens the skin, and improves skin tone and texture.
How is PRP administered?
The treatment of PRP involves a fraction of blood, collected or ‘drawn up’ from the individual patient into a syringe. The collected blood is then spun down in a special centrifuge to separate its components. The platelet rich plasma is then reinjected, and/or micro-needled back into the skin.
How long does a PRP treatment take?
Typically, a PRP treatment takes between an hour or two to complete. This depends on if the PRP is administered through injections only, and/or micro-needled into the skin. This timeframe includes an additional 30 minutes for the blood to be drawn and spun in the centrifuge, and topical numbing to be applied.
Do PRP injections hurt?
Some mild discomfort may be felt while the PRP is being reinjected. The sensation typically felt is a burning or tingling sensation. This sensation only lasts a few minutes after the PRP injected. We ensure our patients are comfortable throughout the entire PRP treatment and apply topical numbing cream and ice to aid any discomfort.
When will I begin to see results from a PRP treatment?
Generally, patients notice tightening and a more even tone to their skin in a week or two after PRP injections. These results continue to build for up to 6 months after treatment.
How long do results from PRP injections last?
Results from PRP injections can be seen for many years after treatment; However, these results vary due to the individual’s natural variation in quality of Platelet Rich Plasma, as well as their lifestyle. While we cannot stop the aging process, we can slow it down. Results from PRP injections can be extended with proper at home skincare maintenance.
What areas can I treat with PRP injections?
Technically, PRP can used to treat area of the body. For cosmetic purposes, PRP is most popularly used to treat the face and neck.
Is there any downtime associated with PRP?
There is no downtime associated PRP injections; However, after your treatment, your skin may be red. This is normal and to be expected. Redness usually lasts from one to 24 hours. You may also have a little swelling in some areas. Due to this, some patients like to be treated towards the end of the week, so they have the weekend to recover. Healing time varies from patient to patient. Healing may take longer if PRP injections are paired with micro-needling.
How many PRP treatments will I need?
Results can be seen after one treatment, but the exact amount of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Generally, 2‐3 treatments are advised, but more may be indicated for some individuals.
Are there any side effects or possible risks to PRP injections?
PRP used for aesthetic procedures are safe for most individuals. There are very few contraindications with PRP injections. The most common side effects associated with PRP injections are mild to moderate swelling and redness.
Who is NOT a candidate for PRP injections?
During your consultation, and assessment will be made to ensure you are the right candidate for PRP injections. Patients with certain health conditions are not a candidate for PRP injections. Patients who are pregnant are not candidates for PRP injections.
Derma Filler
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What Is Restylane?
Restylane is a crystalline gel made of hyaluronic acid, of non-animal origin, used in anti-aging treatments. Restylane is part of set of treatments called “dermal fillers” that are used to fill the cracks that form in the skin with the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The hyaluronic acid is a substance that the human body produces naturally but with the passage of time, external aggression, stress, is lost. Being non-animal hyaluronic acid, no allergy tests are required. It is a biocompatible and biodegradable product.
Who Can Have This Procedure Done?
This procedure can make people who want to restore the volume and elasticity of your skin. Restylane restores your skin from the inside and recovers the lost volume and brightness. No need for allergy testing prior to treatment.
What Results Can I Expect From This Procedure?
With the natural aging process, we lose essential substances to the health of the skin such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid precisely, that we are losing time, it is one of the substances responsible for maintaining the volume and hydration of the skin. Therefore, treatment with Restylane reduces wrinkles and fine lines, because moisturizes the skin deeply and restores volume.
Do I need to have a skin test?
No
Are there any side-effects?
The rate of reactions to RESTYLANE is very low. However, after the treatment some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve spontaneously within a few days after injection into the skin and within a week after the injection into the lips. Other types of reactions are very rare, but about 1 in 2000 treated patients have experienced localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitive nature. These have usually consisted of swelling at the injection site, sometimes affecting the surrounding tissues. Redness, tenderness and rarely acne-like formations have also been reported. These reactions have either started a few days after the injection or after a delay of two to four weeks, and have generally been described as mild to moderate and self-limiting with an average duration of two weeks. This text does not contain all the information known about these products. For more information please consult your practitioner.
Why do the lips sometimes become very swollen immediately after a RESTYLANE treatment?
The cause of this is not yet known, but there is no reason to believe that this is an immunological reaction. Normally, the swelling is gone within a week after injection into the lips.
Can RESTYLANE be used if I have undergone laser treatment or chemical peeling?
If you have recently had some other kind of facial treatment, you are recommended to wait until the treated area is totally healed and the skin has normalized (usually four to six weeks) before you undergo a RESTYLANE treatment.
Can patients with allergies of different kinds be more sensitive to RESTYLANE?
So far, no connection between patients with allergies and patients that report a reaction to RESTYLANE has been established.
Does RESTYLANE get stiffer in cold weather? What happens in the sun?
You should not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. in a solarium or by sunbathing) or extreme cold for the first few days after the treatment in order to avoid the risk of inflammation as the area has been disturbed. However, once RESTYLANE has integrated into the body, it will adjust to your normal body temperature.
How will my skin look without follow-up treatments?
The correction will gradually disappear until your skin looks like it did before the treatment. Follow-up injections will help you maintain your correction.
Recovery and Aftercare
It is not a treatment that requires special aftercare but is an outpatient procedure after which the patient can return to daily activities. During the first two days the patient may experience mild discomfort such as redness or swelling in the treated area. After that time, the patient will see the results of treatment and will not have any discomfort. The treatment lasts about 1 year, although a touch-up session every six months is recommended. If the patient decides treatment not be performed again you have no problem because the body is perfectly capable of degrading Restylane.
PRP Hair treatment
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How Long Does PRP Last for Hair Loss?
According to published reports, “plain” PRP (without ECM) tends to improve hair caliber and hair growth for about four to six weeks, requiring multiple repeated treatments as often as every other month. When using ECMs like ACell or BioD, the effects of PRP have been reported to be stronger and last longer. In our hands, at Bauman Medical, we have noticed that Hair Mass Index (aka HairScore) measurements performed with HairCheck cross-sectional hair bundle trichometry can improve and plateau for up to two years* when PRP is combined with ECM called “BioD-Restore.” On average, however, most patients will require their repeat PRP treatment after an average of one year in order to maintain the hair growth effects.
What causes hair loss in women?
Hair thinning in women which affects nearly 40 million American women is mainly due to heredity and can start any time after puberty. However, we also know that female pattern hair loss can be strongly influenced by age, nutrition, stress, surgery, medications, illness, social/lifestyle factors, hair care and more. As hair follicles weaken and stop producing hair, hair loss occurs.
What causes hair loss in men?
In men, we know that hair loss follows a very specific, progressive pattern that is passed on through heredity and is triggered by hormone–specifically dihydrotestosterone or DHT. An estimated 60 million American men are suffering from male pattern hair loss. As hair follicles miniaturize and weaken, coverage of the scalp diminishes leaving thinning or balding areas.
How is a hair loss diagnosis obtained?
The first step for anyone with a hair or scalp problem is to visit a full-time, credentialed hair restoration physician with experience and expertise in accurate diagnosis, successful treatment and long-term follow-up required in the medical management of hair loss patients. A medical hair loss “work up” starts with a detailed medical history, including family history, history of medical illness, poor nutrition, current medications, hair care regimen, recent surgeries and a detailed history of the hair loss situation. A scalp biopsy, blood work or other testing (like a HairDX genetic test) may be performed if indicated by the history and physical symptoms. Physical exam would include evaluation of the scalp for signs and symptoms of hair loss and any concurrent problems, such as inflammation. HairCheck cross-sectional trichometry is used to measure Hair Mass in the relatively permanent areas of the scalp compared to the non-permanent or at-risk areas. Video dermoscopy with a HairCam device is used to determine if there is decreased numbers of follicles in the affected areas, a decreased caliber of follicles in the affected areas, or a combination of both.
What are PRP hair regrowth treatments and how do they work?
PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma for hair regrowth is an in-office, non-surgical, autologous treatment derived from the patient’s own blood that can be performed in about an hour. After the area of concern is identified, evaluated and measured, standardized medical photos are taken in the photo suite. Special gentle and sterile techniques and equipment are used to separate and concentrate the platelets and plasma from a small sample of peripheral blood.
A small sample of the blood and PRP is tested in a hematology analyzer to measure and document the improved platelet concentration. PRP contains growth factors and cytokines that have been shown to be responsible for stimulating and enhancing hair follicle function. The PRP may be combined with ECM or Extracellular Matrix (like ACell or BioD) for a stronger and longer hair growth result. The scalp is prepared with antiseptic solution and anesthetic (a “ring block,” not simply local anesthetic gel) is used to completely numb the scalp for a 100% painless procedure.
Small injections of the PRP deliver the powerful platelet-derived growth factors into the skin at the level of the weak follicles. Electronic, mechanical microneedling is performed. A session of Low-Level Laser Therapy is performed before the patient leaves the office.
A small sample of the blood and PRP is tested in a hematology analyzer to measure and document the improved platelet concentration. PRP contains growth factors and cytokines that have been shown to be responsible for stimulating and enhancing hair follicle function. The PRP may be combined with ECM or Extracellular Matrix (like ACell or BioD) for a stronger and longer hair growth result. The scalp is prepared with antiseptic solution and anesthetic (a “ring block,” not simply local anesthetic gel) is used to completely numb the scalp for a 100% painless procedure.
Small injections of the PRP deliver the powerful platelet-derived growth factors into the skin at the level of the weak follicles. Electronic, mechanical microneedling is performed. A session of Low-Level Laser Therapy is performed before the patient leaves the office.
Who is the ideal candidate for PRP treatments for hair loss?
At Bauman Medical, we focus on two types of hair loss patients when it comes to PRP treatments: patients with areas of “weak quality” hair growth on the scalp, where functioning hair follicles can still be observed, and patients with small areas of alopecia areata. In our experience, these are the patients who appear to have the greatest success with PRP hair regrowth treatments.
How does combining ACell or BioD with help with the overall results of treatment?
It has been reported that when Extracellular Matrix or ECM products like ACell (porcine bladder-derived) or BioD (human amniotic placenta-derived) are added to PRP in appropriate quantities, a stronger and longer duration of hair growth improvement has been observed.
When can you expect results from PRP and how long do they last?
Typically, we can measure improvements in Hair Mass Index using HairCheck months before the results are visible to the naked eye. Increases in Hair Mass Index using the HairCheck device predict how much visual improvement the patient is likely to see in the months to come. It takes six to twelve months to judge the results of PRP “visually” in the mirror or with standardized photos. Measurements are taken every three months, so the plateau phase of improvement can be tracked. When Hair Mass Index starts to decline, the patient’s next PRP is planned. With the exception of alopecia areata, the average hereditary hair loss patient can expect to need PRP with ECM on an annual basis.
What is Hair Mass Index (HMI)?
Hair Mass Index, HMI or HairScore is the unit of measurements obtained from the HairCheck tool. It is a numerical representation of the cross-sectional area of a bundle of hair that grows from a 2cm x 2cm area of the scalp. Consider for a moment the thickness of a ponytail of hair. This thickness is a product of the amount of hair fibers within the bundle as well as the thickness of each individual hair fiber. Therefore, Hair Mass Index or HMI is a highly accurate and sensitive measurement of the amount and quality of hair growing from the scalp in any given area. Doctors and others can learn how to accurately perform HMI measurements with HairCheck through the HairCoach training and certification program.
What are the risks and benefits of PRP treatments?
PRP is a comfortable, in-office, non-surgical procedure that takes about an hour start-to-finish, and most of that time is spent in the preparation phase… meaning you, the patient is just relaxing! Most patients notice a brief period of inflammation during which their scalp remains somewhat pink and numb for a few hours. Swelling is rare (about 15% of the time) and if it occurs is noticeable in the forehead or around the eye area the next day. Any swelling takes about a day or two to resolve. Hair growth improvements can typically be measured in about three months, but it takes six to twelve months to visually “see” the difference in photos and in the mirror.
The main risk of PRP is that your doctor or technicians are using careless or outdated preparation and application equipment or techniques… resulting in a poor or less than optimal outcome.
Patients with certain blood disorders or on certain medications are not candidates for PRP treatments. PRP is immunologically neutral and poses little risk of allergy, hypersensitivity or foreign-body reactions. At Bauman Medical, we use the yesPRP system of kits and centrifuges to assist in a consistent quality of preparation of PRP.
The main risk of PRP is that your doctor or technicians are using careless or outdated preparation and application equipment or techniques… resulting in a poor or less than optimal outcome.
Patients with certain blood disorders or on certain medications are not candidates for PRP treatments. PRP is immunologically neutral and poses little risk of allergy, hypersensitivity or foreign-body reactions. At Bauman Medical, we use the yesPRP system of kits and centrifuges to assist in a consistent quality of preparation of PRP.
Is there a recovery period or downtime after PRP treatments?
There is no activity restriction after a PRP treatment. Patients may shower/shampoo/condition their hair normally just several hours after the treatment and resume normal daily and athletic activities. As mentioned previously, some brief mild inflammation noticeable as redness/pinkness and numbness of the scalp may be present for several hours. No harsh chemical coloring or perming treatments should be performed for at least 72 hours. Use of topical hair growth treatments like Minoxidil 82M or similar can resume the next day. Laser therapy treatments can also be resumed the next day.
SCLEROTHERAPY
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HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCLEROTHERAPY FOR LEG SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL?
After several spider vein removal sclerotherapy sessions, most patients notice a 70-90% improvement in the appearance and symptoms. The full effect and benefit of treatment usually take several weeks. For this reason, many sclerotherapy specialists recommend waiting 3-6 weeks in between sclerotherapy treatments. Compared to surgical removal of veins, sclerotherapy costs less, requires no hospital stay and anesthesia, and allows a quicker return to work and normal activities.
WHAT TYPE OF VEINS CAN BE TREATED WITH SCLEROTHERAPY?
Other than leg spider veins, sclerotherapy can eliminate prominent hand and arm veins, chest spider and blue veins, and small veins in other parts of the body. Although sometimes used for facial vein removal, laser vein therapy is a safer option.
IS SCLEROTHERAPY PAINFUL?
In the hands of experienced vein doctors, the discomfort of a vein treatment injection sclerotherapy should be minimal. An occasional spot may be more sensitive than others, but generally, the procedure should be well tolerated for most patients. Even the needle-phobic ones. In fact, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort occurs during the procedure. Of course, pain perception is somewhat subjective, but several factors may affect the level of discomfort during injections. These include:
the skill of your doctor
the patient’s overall pain sensitivity
the type and caliber of the needle used
the nature of the sclerotherapy solution (some solutions are more painful than others)
the inclusion of numbing medicine in the solution
the sensitivity of the area injected (ankle, foot, shin area and the back of the knee)
the use of topical numbing cream, especially for sensitive areas of the leg.
In addition, veins that usually ache before sclerotherapy tend to be generally more sensitive to injections than the ones that do not.
the skill of your doctor
the patient’s overall pain sensitivity
the type and caliber of the needle used
the nature of the sclerotherapy solution (some solutions are more painful than others)
the inclusion of numbing medicine in the solution
the sensitivity of the area injected (ankle, foot, shin area and the back of the knee)
the use of topical numbing cream, especially for sensitive areas of the leg.
In addition, veins that usually ache before sclerotherapy tend to be generally more sensitive to injections than the ones that do not.
IS SCLEROTHERAPY SAFE?
Sclerotherapy, when performed appropriately by a specialist, is a remarkably safe and effective technique. Common side effects are usually temporary and well tolerated. These include itching, tenderness, skin bruising, and pigmentation, as well as the growth of fine vessels in the treated area. Fortunately, serious complications like allergic reactions, skin ulcers, and blood clots are rare. You should always discuss the risks and treatment alternatives with your physician.
HOW TO PREPARE ONESELF FOR SCLEROTHERAPY?
Avoid tanning during the weeks leading to sclerotherapy. Do not take any NSAID medications (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin), vitamin E, or herbal supplements that increase your chances of bruising. Don’t shave within 24 hrs of the treatment as the solution used for cleansing purposes may cause some stinging. We also recommend that you bring a short that you can wear during leg vein sclerotherapy.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO HAVE SCLEROTHERAPY?
You can have sclerotherapy at any time of the year; however, patients having leg vein sclerotherapy feel more comfortable wearing compression stockings during the colder months of the year. Moreover, complete healing, including the disappearance of the treated spider veins, bruising and pigmentation, may sometimes take several weeks. Consequently, if you want to make sure that your legs are ready for summer, make sure to start the treatment accordingly.
I HAVE SEEN VIDEOS SHOWING SPIDER VEINS MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR WHEN INJECTED. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
The precise injection of any clear liquid in a vein will make a vein temporarily disappear from view. Patients should not be misguided however into thinking that that’s all there is to it. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution that is intended to chemically damage and shut down the targeted veins.
Accordingly, one should expect a certain degree of inflammation to follow, including redness, swelling and tenderness. Also right after treatment, a certain amount of blood often leaks out of the injected vein causing bruising and dark blue discoloration. Even under the care of the most skillful and experienced vein doctors, it may take several weeks of healing for real clearance of these spider veins to occur.
Accordingly, one should expect a certain degree of inflammation to follow, including redness, swelling and tenderness. Also right after treatment, a certain amount of blood often leaks out of the injected vein causing bruising and dark blue discoloration. Even under the care of the most skillful and experienced vein doctors, it may take several weeks of healing for real clearance of these spider veins to occur.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE FIRST SCLEROTHERAPY SESSION?
As the initial bruising subsides, some veins may disappear completely, others may show little islets or isolated beads of clots along the track of the vein. Some veins may survive but become much thinner and weaker and more susceptible to closure with the following session.
Moreover, sometimes one can see the emergence of new and thinner veins around a successfully treated larger vein. These veins can be easily treated during a follow-up treatment session. Generally speaking, most patients should expect an improvement of at least 50-60%, over a few weeks after a single treatment.
Moreover, sometimes one can see the emergence of new and thinner veins around a successfully treated larger vein. These veins can be easily treated during a follow-up treatment session. Generally speaking, most patients should expect an improvement of at least 50-60%, over a few weeks after a single treatment.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE VEINS TO DISAPPEAR?
It depends on many factors, including the technique of injection, the type, and strength of the solution used in sclerotherapy, the density and thickness of the vessels in a given area, as well as the skin complexion of the patient. In our experience, most spider veins disappear between 2 weeks and two months. Reticular veins may require more than one session to disappear.
IS SCLEROTHERAPY SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
It is advisable that pregnant or breastfeeding women postpone sclerotherapy, as fetal safety is not established. In addition, many women experience spontaneous disappearance of the unsightly veins in the months following delivery, making treatment unnecessary or simpler.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SCLEROTHERAPY?
Serious medical complications from reticular and spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy are extremely rare when performed by a qualified physician. Common side effects of spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy are usually temporary and well tolerated. The most common side effects of sclerotherapy include:
Swelling, redness, tenderness, and itching (these tend to gradually disappear within hours to days).
Some bruising, which gradually fades over the course of a few weeks in most cases
Retained dark blood clots.
Brown pigmentation and matting (the appearance of blush like a microscopic network of fine red vessels).
Small skin ulceration that would heal leaving a permanent scar. This should be a rare event in experienced hands and is minimized by a meticulous technique and use of the mildest solution that can achieve the desired result.
Allergic reactions to the commonly used sclerotherapy solutions (tends to be very rare).
Swelling, redness, tenderness, and itching (these tend to gradually disappear within hours to days).
Some bruising, which gradually fades over the course of a few weeks in most cases
Retained dark blood clots.
Brown pigmentation and matting (the appearance of blush like a microscopic network of fine red vessels).
Small skin ulceration that would heal leaving a permanent scar. This should be a rare event in experienced hands and is minimized by a meticulous technique and use of the mildest solution that can achieve the desired result.
Allergic reactions to the commonly used sclerotherapy solutions (tends to be very rare).
weight loss with HCG injection
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What is HCG?
HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone predominantly present in pregnant women. Its innate biological purpose is to act as an emergency food source drawing on the pregnant woman’s stored fat to feed her fetus. In men and in women who are not pregnant, the HCG hormone combined with a low calorie diet functions much the same way, using the body’s stored fat for energy and nourishment.
How much weight can I expect to lose on the HCG diet?
The average person loses around a pound a day, safely cutting as much as 30 pounds of stored fat in as little as 30 days. Because each person is unique, the amount and time can vary.
Is there a difference between over-the-counter HCG and HCG injections overseen by a doctor?
While there are over-the-counter HCG applications touted by weight loss product promoters, only HCG injections prescribed and overseen by a medical weight loss physician interact correctly with the body to generate safe, natural and sustainable weight loss. The main reason HCG diet doctors recommend injections is that it is the way to raise the level of HCG in the blood. Drops, pills and sprays are less effective and unlikely to be absorbed into the blood.
How does HCG work?
The HCG hormone helps the body create more hormones. Since hormone deficiency is often a suspected culprit in weight gain—think thyroid, menopause or andropause—the HCG hormone helps. HCG instructs the body to utilize fat reserves through the hypothalamus.
Won’t I feel weak or like I’m starving?
Experience tells us that it’s possible to consume a low number of calories (say 500 or so a day) and not feel hungry. HCG in the blood stream suppresses appetite. Drawing on excess fat, your body is flooded with 2,000 to 3,000 calories—more than enough to provide nourishment and energy.
Since it’s a female hormone, does HCG work in men?
HCG hormone functions are related to metabolism and energy. So yes, it works safely and effectively in men and doesn’t interfere with healthy sexual function. In fact, men often lose more weight than women on the diet.
What can I eat on the HCG diet?
Your HCG diet doctor will design a plan that includes specific amounts of foods like starch-free vegetables, low-sugar fruits, lean meats, some varieties of fish, sugar-free beverages and other high-nutrient, low-fat, low-sugar items.
Besides certain foods, what else do I need to avoid?
Some creams, lotions, oils and make-up need to be avoided during the diet since they can be absorbed through the skin, send the wrong signals to the body and interfere with the action of the HCG hormones.
Won’t I gain the weight back after I start consuming more calories?
The HCG diet targets fat loss rather than muscle loss. Muscle mass helps ensure an efficient metabolism. By elevating hormone levels, including testosterone, the HCG hormone creates an anabolic state (muscle-building) that counteracts the catabolic state (muscle-breakdown). There are hormone receptors on muscle fibers that respond to the increased hormone levels in people taking the HCG hormone. And because the new healthier lifestyle choices formed during the diet give you more energy and strength, you’ll be motivated to keep up the good work long after you’ve finished the program. With a leaner, stronger body, you’ll be better able to exercise and get back to activities you enjoy.
Why do some people regain weight after the diet?
Some people make the mistake of continuing to stick to a very low calorie diet after they’ve lost the excess body fat. This tells the body it’s time to go into starvation mode and store the food you consume as fat. Soon the pounds start adding up. The body needs a certain amount of fat to support healthy function of the brain and other organs as well as tissues. Another common reason for weight gain is a return to not-so-healthy eating habits. The processed, carb-laden, sugary, fatty foods you used to eat might be tasty, but they’re not friends of your weight or overall health.
MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT
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WHAT IS A MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT?
First started in 1995, this procedure gained millions of fans as doctors began releasing videos and photos of their work online. Watching just a few videos will show you how the treatment can restore your beauty because you see what patients looked like before and after the procedure. When you have an injury, your body sends cells to fight the damage and heal you. The principle behind this procedure is similar. It uses thin and fine needles that puncture your skin and create a small injury. Your body will send healthy cells to that area at the same time that it produces more collagen. In just one treatment, you may find that your skin looks and feels better.
HOW MUCH PAIN DOES IT CAUSE?
Many patients hear the word needle and immediately think that it will hurt. The most popular device used for this procedure is a DermaRoller, which has a tiny diameter. Depending on what you need, the doctor might use a roller with a diameter of as small as 0.5 millimeters or as big as 2.5 millimeters. The needles do not go deep into your skin, which means that you shouldn’t feel much in the way of pain. If you have a tattoo, you’ll find that this is almost a walk in the park. Most patients claimed that they felt no pain but a small amount of discomfort.
IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM RESULTS
When you read the directions on a skin rejuvenation cream or lotion, the fine print might claim that it can take six to eight weeks before you see any changes or results. A microneedling procedure provides immediate results and others that you’ll see in the future. As your body fights the injury, you’ll notice that your skin appears slightly inflamed and pink. This makes the skin look healthier and can give you a natural glow. The results improve over time, with some patients finding that they love the way they look after a month.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can get the full benefits of this non surgical procedure in only one appointment. Here at Miami Medical Spa, we recommend that patients schedule their appointments at least one month apart. You must give your body time to fight the injury that it thinks you had and take time to recover. Depending on the results that you want to see, you may only require one appointment. After your first session, you have the chance to go home and get an idea of how well it worked. This lets you decide whether to come back for another treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The microneedling procedure is one that we do in the office. After you check-in and come to one of our treatment rooms, we apply a topical anesthetic and give it time to work. It allows the needle to penetrate your skin and reduces the pain that you would otherwise feel. With anesthesia, the needle feels more like a small pinch than anything else. We will then use the needle to puncture your skin in different directions as we focus on your problem areas. Though you may notice some bleeding before and after the procedure, it is very mild and stops within a few minutes.
YOUR DOWNTIME
Unlike a skin lift and other surgical options, this treatment is less invasive, which means that you won’t experience an extended downtime. At the end of your session, we will control any bleeding that you experience and make sure that you are comfortable before sending you home. The anesthesia will wear off in the coming hours, but you may find it difficult to talk or eat until then. We recommend placing an ice pack on your treated skin to control bleeding and reduce inflammation. Ice packs can also reduce any discomfort or pain that you feel after the treatment. Though you may not want to head right back to work, you’re fine to work the following day.
WHY CHOOSE THIS PROCEDURE?
Looking at the microneedling purpose is the easiest way to see why you should choose this procedure. It works best on the face and can target any area where you have scars or see the signs of aging. You might choose this treatment because you have certain conditions, including:
Sun or age spots
Acne scars
Skin tone issues
Wrinkles and fine lines
Oversize pores
We also recommend the treatment for men and women with stretch marks. Stretch marks appear when the body undergoes major changes such as rapid weight loss/gain and pregnancy.
