Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified protein. Botox is the only FDA-approved prescription medicine that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate-to-severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. Botox is for use in adults. Injecting Botox is one of the most common nonsurgical procedures performed. Botox is commonly used for wrinkle reduction and prevention, facial slimming, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the underarms and palms), and softening the appearance of platysmal neck bands (vertical banding that becomes more visible as we age).
-
How fast does Botox work, and how long does it last?
The day you receive Botox treatment, you usually will not see any visible results. The initial onset of Botox results takes a few days. “Full effect” develops in about two weeks. On average, the results from Botox treatment last about three months. The length of effectiveness depends on your body’s metabolism, treatment location, and the amount of Botox used.
-
How much Botox will I need?
We customize each Botox treatment to the needs and desired outcomes of each patient. It is impossible, and not fair to the patient, for a provider to say “how much” someone will need without seeing them in person and discussing their cosmetic goals. No aesthetic nurse, doctor, or patient knows how much Botox is needed until a thorough aesthetic treatment plan is discussed. We do not expect you to know what you need. That’s our job! The puzzle of what cosmetic treatments and how much product you need is best solved together. During your consultation, we will work together to devise a treatment plan to best suit your aesthetic goals.
-
What is filler?
Dermal fillers are injections that are used to add volume to the skin, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance facial contours. They are made from a variety of different materials, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, and poly-L-lactic acid.
-
Do filler injections hurt?
Every patient has a different pain tolerance; no two patients are exactly alike. We believe in taking our time, providing a thorough explanation, and using a gentle touch. We try to make our patients as comfortable as possible during each and every treatment. Filler is nicknamed the “lunchtime procedure” because patients are able to have the treatment during lunch and return to work after their treatment. Believe it or not, like the patients before you, you too will survive!
-
How fast does filler work, and how long does it last?
The duration of the treatment result depends on the specific type of filler used and the area being treated but typically last between 6 months to 2 years. The longevity of the treatment is different for every person, as some have a faster metabolism than others. Lifestyle and age also affect longevity.
-
What is a HydraFacial, and how does it work?
A HydraFacial is a non-invasive, multi-step treatment that combines the benefits of gentle exfoliation, a chemical peel, and intense hydration to help improve the overall appearance of the skin. The treatment begins with a gentle cleansing and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Next, a chemical peel is applied to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, a hydrating serum is infused into the skin to nourish and moisturize the skin.
-
Is a HydraFacial suitable for all skin types?
The HydraFacial is a safe and effective treatment for all skin types and can help address a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne, and uneven skin tone. However, it’s always best to consult with a skincare professional before undergoing any treatment to make sure it’s suitable for your individual skin type and concerns.
-
How often should I get a HydraFacial treatment?
The frequency of your HydraFacial treatments will depend on your individual skin concerns and goals. Your skincare professional will recommend a treatment plan based on your needs, but in general, a hydrafacial treatment is recommended every 4-6 weeks for optimal results. However, some people may find that they need more or less frequent treatments.
-
What is microneedling?
Microneedling treatment allows for controlled induction of the skin’s self-repair mechanism. By creating micro- “injuries” in the skin, it triggers new collagen synthesis, but does not pose the risk of permanent scarring. The result of collagen induction therapy is smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin.
Microneedling procedures are performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile needle head. The procedure is normally completed within 45-60 minutes, depending on the required treatment and anatomical site. -
Is microneeding safe, and is there any downtime?
Microneedling is minimally-invasive with very little downtime. We raise the bar with SkinPen. This device is the only U.S.-engineered and manufactured microneedling pen on the market.
SkinPen not only delivers superior reliability, safety, and performance but also provides peace of mind knowing it is a product you can trust. -
Does microneedling hurt?
Patient safety and comfort are our top priorities. Through rigorous training, we know how to properly prepare your skin for microneedling treatment to minimize discomfort. Most patients report feeling pressure, but the numbing cream, along with precise treatment, does not cause pain.
Following treatment, some report a warm, glowy feeling for a day or two, and some report an itching feeling. We can help you reduce the effects that some people experience. -
What is a chemical peel, and how does it work?
A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a solution to remove the top layers of dead skin cells from the face. This process can improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out the skin tone. Chemical peels work by applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layers of the skin to peel off, revealing the smoother and more youthful-looking skin underneath.
-
Are chemical peels safe?
Chemical peels can be considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed skincare professional. However, it is important to remember that all cosmetic treatments come with some risks, such as irritation, redness, or pigmentation changes. A patch test is usually done before the full treatment to ensure that you don’t have any adverse reaction to the solution.
-
How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?
The recovery time after a chemical peel can vary depending on the type of peel and the depth of the treatment. Mild peels, such as a glycolic peel, can result in minimal redness and slight peeling for 1-3 days. Medium peels can take 7-10 days of recovery time. However, deeper peels such as phenol peel can take up to 2-3 weeks to fully recover. Your skin care professional will give you instructions on how to care for your skin after the peel and when you can expect to see results.
-
What is dermaplaning, and how does it work?
Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that uses a surgical scalpel to gently scrape off dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the face. This procedure helps to exfoliate the skin, leaving it smooth, bright, and even. Dermaplaning also helps in product penetration, therefore enhancing the results of skincare products.
-
Is dermaplaning painful?
Dermaplaning is typically a painless procedure. Some people might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the treatment, but this should be minimal. The procedure is gentle and performed by a professional, the chances of any pain or injury is very low.
-
Can anyone have dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is considered to be a safe procedure and can be performed on most skin types. However, certain skin conditions like active acne, eczema, rosacea, or sunburn may not be suitable for this procedure, so it’s best to consult with a skincare professional before undergoing dermaplaning to ensure it’s appropriate for your skin type and concerns.
-
How does Sculptra work to improve the skin?
In addition to restoring volume, Sculptra also improves the texture and quality of the skin. It gradually replaces lost collagen, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
-
Is Sculptra treatment painful?
Sculptra treatment is generally well-tolerated by patients. Your provider at River Oaks Skin Institute will use local anesthesia or a numbing cream to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
-
How many Sculptra sessions are needed to see results?
The number of Sculptra sessions required may vary depending on individual goals and skin condition. Typically, a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart is recommended to achieve optimal results.
-
Is there any downtime associated with Sculptra treatment?
There is minimal downtime associated with Sculptra treatment. Some patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites, but these effects typically subside within a few days.
-
Can Sculptra be combined with other facial treatments?
Yes, Sculptra can be combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments to enhance overall results. Your provider will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
-
When will I see the results from the Sculptra treatment?
Results from Sculptra treatment are gradual and become noticeable over time. While some immediate improvements may be visible, the optimal results usually appear after a series of treatments.
