Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions
Botox│Fraxel│Laser Hair Removal │Titan│Limelight Facial │Juvéderm │Restylane │
Radiesse │Laser Genesis │Vein Therapy│
Botox
What exactly is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days, you may see an improvement that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment. Results may vary.
How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can last for up to 4 months. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment.
Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people are in and out of the physician’s office without downtime following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Who should not use BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or
Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose not to continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
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Fraxel
What is Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT)?
Fraxel® Laser Treatment (FLT) is a "fractional" treatment that produces thousands of deep, tiny columns in your skin, called microthermal treatment zones. FLT is "fractional" in that it intensively treats old epidermal pigment cells without affecting any of the surrounding tissue, which reduces healing time and promotes the skin's natural process for creating new, healthier tissue to replace the damaged cells.
How is Fraxel different from other laser treatments?
Until Fraxel, there were two types of available laser treatments. Ablative laser treatment, which literally means to vaporize at very high temperature, is very effective but has significant side effects and requires a lengthy healing period. The other available laser treatment, being non-ablative, has little or no side effects and almost no healing time, but requires numerous treatments over many months and has limited results at best. Fraxel treatments offer the effectiveness of ablative treatments with the benefits of the gentler, non-ablative lasers.
How Does Fraxel Work?
FLT is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin by targeting portions of specific damaged tissue. By creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas well beneath the outer most epidermal layer of skin, Fraxel® Laser treatments trigger the body's natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.
What are the benefits of Fraxel® Laser Treatments?
Since FLT has the impact of ablative lasers but the gentler benefits of the non-ablative treatments, healing time is significantly accelerated so there is minimal downtime. Because the Fraxel® Laser penetrates the non-living out layer of skin leaving it completely untreated, make-up can be worn immediately following the procedure. Some patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending upon their skin condition and treatment. Please consult your physician to understand how Fraxel® Laser Treatment will fit into your schedule.
What are the risks of Fraxel® Laser Treatments?
Swelling and redness are the most common side effects from treatment. If swelling does occur, it is minimal and will subside within a day or two. Redness may occur and will fade within a few days. There is a very limited risk of infection or scarring.
How many treatments will I need?
Clinical studies suggest that on average, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 2 to 4 weeks apart. Depending upon your condition and schedule, you and your physician may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Results are immediate and progressive. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months. This time frame and treatment structure allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable healthy skin cell growth.
How are Fraxel® Laser Treatments performed?
To prepare your skin for treatment, it will be cleansed. Then a blue tint, called OptiGuide Blue, is applied to the treatment area. The tint increases the contrast of tiny folds in the skin's surface, allowing the Fraxel® Laser handpiece to precisely read the discreet contours of the treatment area. A topical anesthetic ointment is also applied to the treatment area approximately 60 minutes prior to treatment in order for the anesthetic to take full effect. The procedure takes between 20 to 25 minutes for a full face. The blue tint and anesthetic ointment are washed off immediately after the treatment.
Is Fraxel® Laser Treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as having a "prickling" sensation. The topical anesthetic ointment and air cooling alleviates most discomfort.
What should I expect after Fraxel® Laser Treatment?
During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, and it will appear pink or red. Make-up can be worn to reduce the sunburned appearance. Your skin will naturally bronze over the next week or two. As you continue treatment, the sunburned to bronze conditions will repeat. Just like a natural sunburn, your skin will flake and exfoliate normally. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of dry flakes.
What precautions should I take after treatment?
Wearing sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher twice a day is especially important. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least 3 months after treatment. Wearing wide brimmed hats is highly recommended when out in the elements.
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Laser Hair Removal
The Cutera CoolGlide Difference
The Cutera CoolGlide was designed to be the most outstanding laser hair removal system on the market for all skin types, from light to dark, including tanned patients. Its unique design, longer wavelength, and innovative cooling allow extremely effective, safe and permanent results.
What do CoolGlide treatments feel like?
As the name implies, the CoolGlide handpiece cools and soothes as it glides along your skin. When the pulse of light is delivered, some patients experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation. No local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required; however some patients may prefer to use a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated.
How many treatments will I need?
Most areas require 3-6 treatments. However, the number of CoolGlide treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on multiple factors - hair thickness, the area treated and your hair's growth cycle. Interestingly, not all hairs are actively growing at the same time and actually go through three distinct phases: growth, regression, and resting. CoolGlide treatments work by disabling the hair that is principally in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter this active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area.
What happens after the treatment?
Immediately following your CoolGlide treatment, the area may appear a bit red and swollen. Three to seven days after treatment you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair. Actually, most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment and are not regrowing. Between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hair, but it is permissible to shave.
What are the possible side effects?
Although patients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn. These effects typically last for several hours or less. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.
How does the CoolGlide compare with electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a tedious, invasive, and painful process that involves inserting a needle into each individual hair follicle and delivering an electrical charge to them one at a time. Electrolysis often requires years of treatments at regular intervals. By delivering light energy to hundreds of hair follicles at a time, the CoolGlide effectively treats an area in just seconds that would take over an hour with electrolysis.
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Titan
How does the Cutera Titan work?
Titan uses a safe infrared light to heat the dermis well below the skin's surface. During the procedure, the skin's surface (epidermis) is protected through continuous cooling with the Titan handpiece.
The Titan difference
Titan's light-based platform provides a more uniform distribution of energy for heating the deep dermis than other energy sources, such as RF (radio-frequency).
Who can be treated?
Since the Titan procedure heats tissue under the skin's surface, patients of any skin type or age can be treated. Your practitioner can advise you if the Titan is right for you.
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Limelight Facial
What does the treatment do?
The visible light delivered by the Limelight Facial procedure is selectively absorbed by the pigmented spots and red areas on your skin. It's the heating of the pigmented cells that causes the therapeutic effect.
What do treatments feel like?
When the handpiece is placed on your skin, it will feel cool and comfortable. When the pulse of light is delivered, you may feel a mild, brief pinching sensation.
How many treatments will I need?
Typically, one or two treatments are sufficient to see dramatic results. Additional treatments may be required for very large or dark spots, densely freckled areas, or excessively sun-damaged skin.
When will I see results?
Many patients see significant improvement within two to three weeks of treatment. Your complexion will be clearer and younger looking. However, your final result may not be apparent for a month or more.
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Juvéderm
What is 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 “parentheses” (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.
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).
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™ injectable gel employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results. This advanced manufacturing process works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel. All other currently approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers 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.
How is Juvéderm™ injectable gel different from BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a “next generation” hyaluronic acid dermal filler that provides volume and is used to treat wrinkles and folds resulting from a loss of volume beneath the surface of the skin such as perioral lines and nasolabial folds (lines around your mouth and nose). Juvéderm™ restores your skin's volume for a smooth, natural look and feel. BOTOX® Cosmetic is not a filler. BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes muscle activity and is used to treat moderate to severe lines caused by the dominant frown muscles between the eyebrows (the glabellar area). This allows the two vertical lines between the brows, often referred to as the “11,” to temporarily diminish for a smoother appearance. For important safety information about BOTOX® Cosmetic, see above.
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.
How is Juvéderm™ injectable gel used in treatment?
Your 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 “parentheses” (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 the results last about 6 months.
Is treatment with Juvéderm™ injectable gel painful?
Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection. Juvéderm™'s smooth consistency gel 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. Your doctor may choose to numb (anesthetize) the treatment area to further minimize 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 practitioner 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™'s unique formulation provides results that last up to 6 months or longer.
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.
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Restylane
What is Restylane®?
Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
What is Restylane made of?
Restylane is a cosmetic dermal filler composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin.
How is Restylane different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.
What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, St. John's wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these 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 another recurrence.
Is Restylane safe?
Yes. Restylane has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. Restylane has a highly favorable safety profile. It's composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use.* The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days.
Can Restylane be used anywhere on the face?
Restylane has been used in more than 3 million treatments7 in over 70 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles. It is currently indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
How long does Restylane last?
Restylane is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane effects generally last for about six months. The unique NASHA™ technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.
How often should I have Restylane treatments done?
Treatments are typically scheduled at six-month intervals. Please be sure to consult your physician about recommendations for follow-up treatments.
How is Restylane different from Botox®?
Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, 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.
Do the injections hurt?
Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an 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 anesthetize the treatment area.
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Radiesse
What is Radiesse?
Radiesse is a safe, next generation cosmetic dermal filler that is setting a new standard for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles such as Nasolabial Folds. Radiesse safely fills and corrects smile lines, Nasolabial Folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Radiesse is made of unique calcium-based Radiesse microspheres suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. Simply put, Radiesse treatments deliver a natural look that lasts.
How does Radiesse work?
Radiesse works below the skin’s surface. Tiny calcium-based microspheres form a “scaffold” to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen to create a natural, full, youthful look. Radiesse does more than just temporarily fill-in facial lines and wrinkles ─ it rebuilds your skin’s foundation, without the risks associated with permanent fillers.
Is Radiesse safe?
Yes. Over 250,000 patients have experienced Radiesse and more than 4,000 physicians have been trained to provide Radiesse treatments. Through years of rigorous industry and independent research worldwide, Radiesse has been shown to be safe and effective. With Radiesse, you get safe, clinically tested, FDA Approved reliability.
Is Radiesse right for me?
If you are beginning to notice facial wrinkles, lines and folds, you may be an excellent candidate for a Radiesse treatment.
Why “fill in” wrinkles with Radiesse?
Over time, tissue volume diminishes, leaving what is commonly seen as lines and wrinkles, including the deepening of Nasolabial Folds, accentuated smile lines (sometimes called “marionette lines”), fallen cheek pads and sagging jaw lines. Radiesse can be injected into the skin in order to compensate or correct these areas. By using your body’s ability to grow collagen and regenerate tissue, Radiesse produces natural looking results for a fresh, rested, healthy appearance that still looks like you.
How is a Radiesse treatment performed?
Radiesse is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, quick, and minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Typically administered in a doctor’s office, with the use of a local anesthetic, Radiesse treatments have little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities soon after treatment.
How soon can I expect results? How long will the results last?
The results are immediate. Radiesse continues to deliver results as it works with your body to stimulate new collagen and regenerate tissue. Results typically last a year or more, longer than the former leading cosmetic dermal filler, saving you time and money. Since results may vary, be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor.
How many treatments will I need?
Many patients will achieve their desired result after just one treatment. Because Radiesse is a longer-term cosmetic enhancement, and to ensure your satisfaction with the treatment, your physician might schedule a follow-up visit, where a touch-up treatment might be recommended.
Are there any side effects?
Normal, injection-related reactions such as mild irritation, edema, swelling, itching, discoloration, or tenderness at the injection site may occur. These conditions typically resolve on their own within one to two days.
Could I have an allergic reaction to Radiesse?
Radiesse is biocompatible, meaning there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction. You do not need to undergo skin allergy testing, common in certain animal-based or permanent filler agents, prior to treatment. However, if you believe you are having an allergic reaction to Radiesse, seek medical attention immediately.
Is Radiesse permanent?
No. Treatment results are relatively long-lasting, but not permanent. Over time the tiny calcium-based microspheres gradually break down into basic calcium and phosphate ions which are safely and naturally absorbed into your body, leaving your own collagen in their place.
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Laser Genesis
How does Laser Genesis work?
By gently heating the upper dermis well below your skin's surface, Laser Genesis stimulates collagen regrowth. Additional heat is generated in dilated capillaries to reduce redness.
How many treatments will I need?
The treatment results are often subtle. On average, you may require four to six treatments in order to achieve optimal results. Every patient's condition and needs vary. For more information about your expected results or the number of treatments necessary, consult your healthcare professional.
What are the possible side effects?
Although most patients report few if any side effects, the most common is a slight redness that disappears within a few hours of treatment. Consult your healthcare professional for complete information about the benefits and risks of treatment.
What kind of textural improvements can you expect with Laser Genesis skin therapy?
Over the course of four to five treatments, Laser Genesis can help restore the skin's youthful glow and appearance by smoothing out uneven texture caused by aging, sun damage or scars. You will see a more even, healthy complexion as large pores are reduced in size, and minor imperfections are diminished. The individual treatment results are subtle, but the overall effect of multiple treatments can be quite dramatic.
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Vein Therapy
The Cutera CoolGlide difference.
The Cutera CoolGlide combines the ideal laser wavelength with the most flexible parameters to deliver a superior vascular laser system. It treats a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veins quickly, safely, and effectively. Patients with dark, light or tanned skin can experience outstanding results with minimal bruising or blistering.
How does CoolGlide Vein Therapy work?
The Cutera CoolGlide systems deliver pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin's surface, where it should be.
How many treatments will I need?
Often, patients find that one or two treatments are sufficient. However, the number of treatments necessary depends on the number, color, and size of the vessels being treated. Since individual results vary, ask your medical professional about your specific condition.
Do the treatments hurt?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Although no local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, many patients opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. Following the treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.
What are the possible side effects?
Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less than 24 hours. Some patients may experience bruising and, in rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.
When will I see results?
Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins have shown significant improvement within two to six weeks of treatment. However, your final results may not be apparent for several months. Over time, it is possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be removed with the Cutera CoolGlide.
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