FAQs

Mesotherapy is a painless alternative to Liposuction. Fat and cellulite are eliminated from targeted sites using the same techniques previously described. Unlike liposuction, only the fat in the fat cell is removed. After a number of sessions when a blend of medicine is placed directly into specific areas, patients can lose two to six inches in their saddle bags, hips, thighs, waist, love handles, back fat and chin.

How does Mesotherapy work on Cellulite?

Cellulite is an accumulation of fat, fluid, and toxins trapped in a hardened network of connective tissue fibers in the mesodermal layer. Mesotherapy is used to cause an increase in venous and lymphatic flow as well as the elimination of fat and dimpling in the treated area. In approximately four weeks, a patient's skin appears significantly smoother, unlike liposuction, which often ends up making the condition more prominent.

Will the Results Last?

The results do last! However, aging is a dynamic process. We cannot stop aging. As your body continues to age you will need to address the symptoms of aging as they manifest. Mesotherapy is used as a preventative against the ravages of aging.

Are the Treatments Painful?

We insure that the experience of having Mesotherapy is relatively painless. A variety of modalities are used, for example, a topical anesthetic.

Are There Any Side Effects?

You may experience some bruising, which typically resolves over a one-week period. To speed up the healing process, we can recommend the appropriate supplements and or pre treatment when appropriate.

How Does Mesotherapy Work on Age Proofing & Skin Rejuvenation?

This treatment is called MESOGLOW. Vitamin and Antioxidants injections under the skin rejuvenate the cells, making them metabolically active, thus stimulating collagen and elastin production. This treatment gives mature skin a healthy youthful appearance and aids in improving skin tone. For age proofing you can start in your mid twenties with Mesotherapy vitamin treatment to help wrinkles from forming. Treatments on the face, neck, and arms are recommended 2-4 times a year.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This will vary based on the extent of the fat/cellulite in the area to be treated. The number of visits can be anywhere from 3-8, sometimes more. MesoGlow takes 4 treatments 2 - 4 Weeks Apart, then Maintenance 3 - 4 Months Apart.

How Fast Will I See Results?

Results vary based on your body type and the severity of the condition. On the average, based on conditions, the results can be seen in two or three sessions. For certain conditions you may see results immediately.

Sclerotherapy is performed in a doctor's office. Sclerotherapy involves the injection into the problem vein of a sclerosing solution, using a micro-needle. This sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to turn white and then eventually disappear. The number of veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient's overall medical condition. The procedure usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Most patients undergoing sclerotherapy report little or no discomfort. However some mild discomfort may occur, and a cramping sensation may be felt for 1 to 2 minutes when larger veins are injected.

How successful is sclerotherapy in treating varicose and spider veins?

Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. The first sclerotherapy treatment corrects about 50 percent to 70 percent of treated vessels, so 3-4 treatments are suggested for optimal results. A few (less than 10 percent) of the injected patients who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all. In these instances, different solutions or a different method, such as laser therapy, may be tried.

In general, spider veins respond to treatment in 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time and need treatment.

What happens after the treatment?

There is no downtime. After the treatment you will be able to drive yourself home. You may resume your regular activities and are encouraged to walk, but to avoid vigorous activity on the first day of treatment.

Depending on the type of veins treated, you may be advised to wear support hose or compression wraps to "compress" the treated vessels.

Based on the kind of veins treated, a complete post care package and instructions will be prescribed for your individual needs.

How will I know if I am a candidate for sclerotherapy?

Prior to the procedure, you will have a initial consultation with our physician who determines if you are eligible for sclerotherapy. You are not eligible for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are bedridden. You can have sclerotherapy if you are taking birth control pills. Your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, depending on your current health and your

health history.

What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?

This procedure is very safe. Although rare, certain side effects could be experienced after sclerotherapy. Larger injected veins may become lumpy and hard for several months before resolving. Raised red areas may appear at the injection sites and should disappear within a few days. Brown lines or spots on the skin may be noted at the site of the injections, possibly caused by a form of iron that escapes from the injected veins. In most cases, they disappear within 3 to 6 months, but can be permanent about 5% of the time. Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last several days or weeks. Other side effects rarely develop, such as inflammation, swollen leg, small ulcers, or allergic reaction to the solution.

The lines that appear on your face actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. For example, two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between your brows.

How Does BOTOX Cosmetic Help?

BOTOX Cosmetic works by blocking nerve impulses, which reduces the movement of those muscles. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smooths out, and the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows begin to fade. BOTOX treats the cause of these lines by reducing the muscle contractions that cause the lines to form over time.

How Does BOTOX Help Excessive Sweating of Underarms, Hands and Feet?

Botox treatment helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops. Botox treatment is very effective. Clinical studies involving 322 patients show that 81 % achieved a greater than 50% reduction in sweating - compared to only 41% not treated with Botox.

What Is The Treatment Like?

BOTOX Cosmetic is a quick and minimally invasive treatment. Our doctor makes a few tiny injections into the muscles that cause moderate to severe lines, or just under the skin of the underarm, hands or feet in the area of severe sweating. The doctor will determine exactly where to administer the injection to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required. The entire procedure takes approximately ten minutes. Discomfort is minimal and brief - most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You may resume normal activity immediately.

How Soon Will I See a Difference and How Long Will It Last?

For lines and wrinkles, you can expect to see results within days after your treatment; however, the full benefit is usually reached in about 10 days. Touch ups may be necessary.

Visible results can last up to four months. After that you may be ready to return for a follow-up treatment. Your own results may vary - be sure to talk to the doctor about what you can expect.

For excessive underarm sweating, and excessive sweating of the hands and feet, you should notice a significant reduction in sweating within four weeks of your first treatment. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed, and you may continue to experience some sweating from untreated areas. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should contact the doctor for a follow-up consultation. The median duration of response was 201 days, or 6.7 months. It is not a cure: your symptoms will return gradually, and you will know when the time is right for another treatment.

For your convenience, schedule your follow-up treatment in advance. If you decide not to continue with BOTOX the area treated will eventually go back to its pre-treatment appearance or condition.

Are There Any Adverse Reactions to Treatment?

For those who have encountered adverse effects, the most common include headache, respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Other side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, pain in the face, and muscle weakness. These effects generally occur within the first week and usually go away on their own. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, or Lalmber t-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects. Most patient do not have any adverse reactions.

How Does BOTOX Cosmetic Compare to Other Options?

Compared to other aesthetic treatment options, BOTOX Cosmetic is relatively inexpensive. According to a survey by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it's one of the least costly facial aesthetic procedures.

BOTOX Cosmetic can make a big difference in the appearance of your lines and wrinkles. It is a great way to invest in yourself!

JUVÉDERM is the only HA filler with FDA approval to last up to one year. Ask your physician how you can get long-lasting results with JUVÉDERM.

JUVÉDERM injectable gel is a "next-generation" smooth consistency gel dermal filler that helps to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds like your "smile lines" or (nasolabial folds) the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth). JUVÉDERM comes in two formulations: JUVÉDERM Ultra and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus.

JUVÉDERM is indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds).

What does JUVÉDERM do?

JUVÉDERM injectable gel temporarily adds volume to facial tissue and restores a smoother appearance to the face.

What is JUVÉDERM indicated for?

JUVÉDERM Ultra and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus injectable gels are indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis (below the outer layer of skin) for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases running from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth, aka smile lines or parentheses).

Why does JUVÉDERM come in two formulations?

JUVÉDERM injectable gel is available in two formulations to allow your healthcare professional to tailor treatment to your unique needs. JUVÉDERM Ultra provides versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds. JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus is a more robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles.

What makes JUVÉDERM different from other dermal fillers?

JUVÉDERM is the ONLY hyaluronic acid (HA) filler FDA approved to last up to 1 year. The unique manufacturing process provides a high concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid for long-lasting results. It also works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel. All other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers currently on the market are made of granular consistency gels. And, JUVÉDERM is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in persons of color.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in all mammals that helps to hydrate and add volume to your skin. In addition to its use as an aesthetic treatment, hyaluronic acid has also been used for more than 20 years for injection into arthritic joints to aid movement as well as for eye surgeries and wound repair.

What is cross-linked hyaluronic acid?

"Uncross-linked" hyaluronic acid in its natural form is in a liquid state. "Cross-linking" is the process through which hyaluronic acid is made into a gel product that can be injected into the skin for long-lasting results.

How is JUVÉDERM injectable gel used in treatment?

Our healthcare provider eases JUVÉDERM injectable gel into the skin using a fine needle to temporarily fill in and augment the treatment area and smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as "smile lines" or (nasolabial folds) and "marionette lines" (oral commissures). JUVÉDERM temporarily adds volume to the skin and may give the appearance of a smoother surface.

What will treatment with JUVÉDERM injectable gel accomplish?

JUVÉDERM injectable gel will help to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing. And one treatment could smooth your lines and wrinkles for up to 1 year. Ask your doctor what you should expect from your initial treatment and when they would recommend rescheduling another appointment.

Is treatment with JUVÉDERM injectable gel painful?

Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection. The smooth consistency gel of JUVÉDERM allows your doctor to administer it easily and smoothly. And, JUVÉDERM is injected directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort. An anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area to further minimize discomfort.

Or choose the new JUVÉDERM XC injectable gel, a colorless hyaluronic acid gel that contains a small quantity of local anesthetic lidocaine to help prevent discomfort.

How long does treatment usually take?

The injection process takes only about 15 minutes. You'll also need to allow time to consult with your doctor prior to treatment.

Does the correction last forever?

No. Correction is temporary; therefore, touch-up injections as well as repeat injections are usually needed to maintain optimal corrections.

How long do results last?

JUVÉDERM is the ONLY hyaluronic acid (HA) filler FDA approved to last up to 1 year.

What are the possible side effects of JUVÉDERM injectable gel?

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injections site reactions such as redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures there is a risk of infection.

Can people with different skin tones/colors be treated with JUVÉDERM?

Yes. In fact, JUVÉDERM injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has proven its safety and effectiveness in persons of color. Studies with JUVÉDERM showed no increased risk of hyperpigmentation or hypertrophic scarring in patients of color.

Restylane has been used in more than one million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and to enhance the appearance of the lip border. Restylane can be used to treat worry lines that run across the forehead (forehead lines), crow's feet at the corner of the eyes (periorbital lines), frown lines that run between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), smoker's lines which are vertical lines on the mouth (perioral lines), marionette lines at the corner of the mouth (oral commissures), deep smile lines that run from the side of the nose to corners of the mouth (nasolabial furrows), cheek depressions, acne scars and some facial scars.

How long does Restylane last?

Clinical studies have shown the average Restylane treatment results can last six months or even longer. The unique NASHA technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

Restylane is proven to deliver a longer lasting effect than traditional collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year. (Individual results may vary.)

What Can I Expect?

Restylane does not require any pretesting but you should take a few precautions before being treated. You should avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to treatment, because they may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to a recurrence.

Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by a ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may decide to numb the treatment area.

Is Restylane Safe?

Since 1996, over one million Restylane treatments have been safely administered in more than 60 countries. This innovative treatment is now approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds.

Restylane has a highly favorable safety profile. It's composed of Non Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA) a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane is fully biocompatible. There is virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction, so no allergy testing is required before use.

Based on clinical studies, Restylane treatments produce a very low occurrence of adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling a the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

What Are The Advantages of Restylane?

Restylane is different from Botox.

Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

Restylane is different than other hyaluronic acid-based products.

Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products,, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Restylane is different from bovine collagen.

Restylane is proven to deliver a longer lasting effect than traditional collagen with virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Bovine collagen is derived from cowhide and requires an allergy test. Restylane can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required.Restylane can provide beautiful, lasting results.

Perlane is made from non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) gel. This means that Perlane contains no animal products. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the skin and other tissue, there is no need for a skin test when using Perlane filler.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found throughout all living organisms that retains water -- absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight -- and adds volume to the skin's surface. In addition, hyaluronic acid binds with collagen and elastin and transports essential nutrients to these fibers. The triple combination of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin and contributes to its overall appearance.

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As the skin ages and is exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, the cells lose the ability to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin begins to lose volume, often resulting in the formation of facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers composed of crossed-linked hyaluronic acid are used to help temporarily replace lost hyaluronic acid and to restore skin volume and a smooth, natural appearance.

How does Perlane work?

The idea is simple- Perlane® is a cosmetic dermal fillers that adds volume within the skin. It consists of hyaluronic acid. In the human body, natural hyaluronic acid provides volume and fullness to skin. After treatment with Perlane®, the hydrophilic, or "water loving," nature of the hyaluronic acid molecules allows them to bind many times their own weight in water as they slowly break down. This process helps maintain volume for about six months to a year.

How do Restylane and Perlane filler compare to one another?

Perlane is primarily the same product as Restylane, but Perlane filler contains a larger concentration of hyaluronic acid. Because of this higher concentration of hyaluronic acid, Perlane is usually used for larger folds, while Restylane is better suited for smaller wrinkles or to maintain the results of a previous Perlane injection. Because of the differing levels of hyaluronic acid, Restylane is less expensive than Perlane filler.

Where can Restylane and Perlane be used?

Restylane and Perlane are FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).

Can Perlane be used in combination with other fillers?

Most facial correction needs beyond superficial lines will be restored most naturally by the use of product layers. Perlane is the ideal "middle layer" for deep folds.

How long does the effect of a Restylane treatment last?

Lines, wrinkles and folds: In general, follow-up treatment is needed after 6 to 12 months.

Lips: In general, follow-up treatment is needed within 6 months.

Overall, the time to when follow-up treatments are needed depends on many factors, such as the structure of the skin, lifestyle, age, the degree of perfection demanded by the patient and the injection technique of the practitioner. Clinical experience indicates that follow-up treatment will add to the duration.

Are they safe?

Restylane is the world's most studied cosmetic dermal filler with more than a decade of use. Restylane and Perlane have well-defined safety profiles and are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).

Restylane has been used in over 1.4 million treatments in the U.S. and is available in more than 70 countries, with dozens of studies published in medical literature. Clinical studies have shown no significant differences in the safety of Restylane and Perlane.

Restylane and Perlane contain no animal proteins. This may limit the risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reactions. Both products contain trace amounts of gram-positive bacterial proteins and are contraindicated for patients with a history of allergies to such material. No allergy testing is required before use.

After your treatment with Restylane or Perlane, you may have some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, and tenderness. This will normally last less than seven days.

LATISSE solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.

What is hypotrichosis of the eyelashes?

Hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

How does LATISSE work?

The active ingredient in LATISSE is bimatoprost. Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of eyelashes occurs by increasing the percent of hairs in, and the duration of, the anagen (or growth) phase. Lashes can grow longer, thicker and darker because bimatoprost can also prolong this growth phase.

How do I apply LATISSE?

LATISSE is a once-a-day treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes.

How soon will I see results?

LATISSE users may see results starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks. The growth is gradual overnight, over time.

Is LATISSE a replacement for mascara?

No, LATISSE does not work in place of mascara. However, mascara is a nice complement to LATISSE to help make your new longer eyelashes look even more attractive.

Is LATISSE different from nonprescription products that indicate eyelash growth?

LATISSE solution is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.

What if I forget to apply one night? Or a few nights?

If you miss an application or a few, don't try to catch up. Just apply the LATISSE treatment the next evening and stay on schedule.

What happens if I stop using LATISSE?

If you stop using LATISSE, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

Can I get a prescription for LATISSE from any doctor?

First, ask your doctor if LATSSE is right for you. Although any doctor can prescribe LATSSE, some may be more familiar with this product than others. Etcetera Medical specializes in Allergan Products.

What are the possible side effects of LATISSE?

The most common side effects after using LATSSE solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and /or eye redness. This was reported in approximately 4% of patients. LATISSE solution may cause other less common side effects which typically occur on the skin close to where LATISSE is applied or in the eyes. These include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness o the eyelids.

What should I do if I get LATISSE in my eye?

LATSSE solution is an ophthalmic drug product. If any gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. The eye should not be rinsed.

Who Should NOT use LATISSE?

Do not use LATSSE solution if you are allergic to one of its ingredients.

What are the ingredients in LATISSE?

What is skin hyperpigmentation?

This is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become abnormally darker than the surrounding skin color. This occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation is a possible side effect of LATISSE but may be reversible after you discontinue use.

What is elevated intraocular pressure (lOP)?

This is a condition where the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. LATISSE may decrease IOP. So talk to your doctor if you are using lOP-lowering medications. Concurrent administration of LATSSE and certain lOP-lowering medications in ocular hypertensive patients should be closely

monitored for changes in intraocular pressure.