Posted by
Brian Kerr on Wed, Mar 18, 2015 @ 04:49 PM
Help! How can I stop bruising when I get Botox or fillers like Juvederm or Sculptra?
We get this question A LOT.
To be completely honest, there is no way to guarantee zero bruising. Every time a needle is placed in your skin there is a risk of bruising. This includes vaccinations, giving blood and fillers placed into the wrinkles on your face. No matter what any doctor says, it’s impossible to guarantee that you will not bruise. It happens. If you get Botox or filler regularly, at some time you may get a bruise even if you don't normally bruise. However, a skilled injector can reduce the risk as much as possible.
Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the chance of bruising,
1. Avoid Certain Medications
These medications increase your risk of bruising: Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve). Avoid blood thinning supplements such as fish oils, or any other blood thinning agents. Tylenol is a NSAID that can be used with less risk of bruising but should still be avoided. Stop use of all blood thinning agents 7-10 days prior to treatment to reduce added risk of bruising.
2. The use of cannula versus a needle
At Silk Touch, our injectors often are able to use a blunt tipped cannula. Cannulas are ideal when used for certain injection methods and injection areas. A cannula is like a needle that does not have a sharp end. The benefit is that when it is in your skin it pushes blood vessels aside rather than cut into them. This can reduce the risk of bruising and pain.
3. Cool The Skin
Cooling the skin before, during, and after an injection helps to reduce discomfort and causes the small blood vessels to shrink. This can help reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.
4. Anti-Bruising Supplements
If you know that you bruise easily this is a great option to help reduce incidence and duration of bruising. Arnica Montana is a homeopathic drug that has been shown to decrease the incidence of bruising and is available at our front desk.
At this point, it’s safe to say that many of us, if not all of us, have heard of Botox. You hear about it on movies and tv, through friends. You may haven even started to see commercials on TV, since Botox’s recent FDA approval for the treatment of Migraines.
And it works. Ask anyone who’s done it. I bet they would all agree it’s pretty much the greatest when it comes to getting rid of pesky wrinkles and making you look 10 years younger. But like Band-Aid and Kleenex, Botox is a brand name that has come to define what the product does.
That’s where DYSPORT comes in.
Botox and Dysport are very similar. Both use botulinum toxin type A to smooth wrinkles caused by active muscles in the face. The neurotoxin is injected into the muscles to relax the wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes to get rid of crowsfeet. They both last around 3-5 months and have been FDA approved for both cosmetic and medical uses.
While Botox has the advantage of a name people recognize, Dysport is starting to catch people’s attention.
Dysport was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2009, but has been used in Europe for over 20 years. Botox, however, has been used in the United States for many years, which explains its popularity.
Difference Between Botox and Dysport
There are only a few small differences between the Dysport and Botox. Dysport has a smaller molecule, making the unit measurement a little different than Botox. For example, if you normally get 20 units of Botox, you would need 60 units of Dysport to have the same effect. As far as payment, to get the equivalent of Botox, you are paying about the same.
Dysport also has a slightly faster onset than Botox, taking 2-5 days to set in, while Botox takes around 4-7. Some claim that Dysport doesn’t last as long as Botox, but that is still being debated and studied.
If you look up reviews online, some people swear by Botox, and others by Dysport. Some research shows that Botox works better, and others that Dysport works best. Overall they are going to give the same effect. No more wrinkles!
Are you ready to try Dysport? You’re in luck! We have a great instant rebate going on this March. Claim a $50 Instant Rebate on Dyport Here.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 Laser skin resurfacing is the gold standard in laser skin treatments for the face, neck and chest. This procedure is one of our heavy-hitters –with absolutely amazing results from a one-time procedure.
Laser Skin Resurfacing improves the appearance of your skin by selectively targeting the superficial layers of the skin that contain wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation.
Fractional CO2 Laser - Boise, Idaho
Treatment is used to improve the following:
- Pigmentation problems (especially brown pigment)
- Age spots, sun spots and sun damage
- Moderate to severe wrinkles
- Textural irregularities
- Lip lines
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Skin laxity (sagging skin)
C02 Laser Recovery
Because this is only a one-time treatment with major results, fractional laser resurfacing downtime is a little longer than our other facial procedures. Right after the procedure your skin will probably appear red and slightly swollen, but this will fade within 2-5 days. For milder treatments, many patients are able to cover up the redness the next day and return to work or daily activities, but typically a return to make-up occurs around day 5. Additionally, many patients experience some skin peeling within the first week after the treatment. Using a moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of flakey skin.
Downtime can be adjusted by the physician. We suggest scheduling a complimentary consultation prior to your treatment to discuss your individual treatment route and downtime.
CO2 Fractional Laser Cost
The cost of fractional laser resurfacing varies depending on what laser is used and the size of the area that is being treated. We would be more than happy to give you a personalized fractional resurfacing treatment plan and cost estimate during a consultation with one of our expert laser physicians.
Exciting news in the aesthetic world! The FDA announced last week that it has approved Bellafill, an injectable filler, for the treatment of moderate to severe acne scars. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting more than 40 million people, and this is big news for people with severe cases or lingering scars.
This new treatment is ideal for patients who have not responded to topical therapy, like Retin-A, which takes months and only improves very superficial scars; those who do not want to go through a series of five chemical peels; or those who have only a few scars.
If done properly, most patients will require only one or two treatments. And it’s permanent.
Bellafill incorporates both collagen and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. The collagen provides immediate volume and lift. Over time, it’s absorbed by the body, while the microspheres remain as filler. In a study of the filler on patients with acne, 85 percent of 147 subjects rated their appearance as improved at six months, and 90 percent were satisfied at 12 months.
For the past eight years, the FDA-approved version of this injectable was called ArteFill, and it was officially cleared as a permanent filler for nasolabial folds, a.k.a. smile lines. BellaFill is still used for full face-rejuvenation, volume restoration, smile lines, and under eye correction for hollowness and dark circles.
Sometimes it seems impossible to get rid of the extra fat around your knees, calves and ankles. Are you tired of wearing pants in the summer to hide your insecurities? We can help that extra weight dissapear through the use of Smart Lipo and Vaser technologies.
SmartLipo™ uses a paperclip-thin laser fiber which is inserted into a very tiny incision. The fat is melted by the laser in such a way that the body doesn’t experience trauma that’s associated with traditional liposuction. In a traditional liposuction procedure, the patient is put under, opened up and solid chunks of fat are sucked out. Local anesthesia is used in the Smartlipo procedure, and the client walks out in an hour or two. Several areas of the body may be treated at one time. Clients are back on their feet within a day or two and depending on the area treated, many may go back to work the next day.
Click here to see more Smart Lipo before and after photos
- Promotes tissue tightening through tissue coagulation
- Performed under local anesthesia (tumescent liposuction)
- Less bleeding and trauma
- Quicker recovery
- Small instrumentation
- Small incision
- Direct visualization of treatment area
- Dramatic results
Below is an excerpt from one of our past clients living in Boston, who had leg and ankle SmartLipo performed by Dr.Kerr here in Boise. We are so thrilled that she was willing to share this story about her life-transformation.
After several years of contemplating, debating, crying, researching, etc. I finally went ahead and had smart lipo performed on my legs. Initially I wanted my ankles and calves done since those were my primary problem areas but decided to also have my knees, inner/outer/back (including the banana roll) thighs done. Since I could remember i've always been self conscious of my calves. I am not a heavy person by any means. I'm between 5'2" and 5'3" and fluctuate between 98-102 in weight. My calves on the thickest part were 14.5 inches in circumference and my thighs on the thickest part were 20 inches in circumference. I had problems fitting into certain jean styles and boots. I hated the summer because I was never looking forward to wearing shorts. I hardly wore any boots either. There were some I could fit into but it just never looked right (imagine a sausage being shoved into a test tube, Yuck! D: )
Anyway, I started researching locally in Boston. I figured I wouldn't have any problems finding a surgeon here since Boston's one of the best medical places in the country. Initially I was deadset on wanting general anesthesia over local; I didn't want to experience any pain and I didn't want to be awake during the procedure. I got several opinions. The first surgeon told me it was basically water weight and that there was nothing i could do. That was a huge blow for me, but luckily I went ahead and got other opinions. I even went to the top rated plastic surgeon in Boston. In the end I just wasn't happy with the answers I received from any of the surgeons here. So I started looking out of state. I researched in California, New York, Florida, etc. I finally came across a doctor in Boise, Idaho. He had great before and after photos of all the body parts he's worked on for people including the calves! I was very excited to see those pictures because to me it was a dramatic before and after difference and that was more than enough for me. So I went ahead and contacted them; asked the questions, etc etc... Everyone that I talked to over the phone and emailed was super nice and accommodating. I sent them my measurements and photos of my legs. I talked to the doctor of the phone and we went over everything. He asked me why i was doing this and explained the procedure step by step. It was great because it didn't feel rushed at all. He was really understanding and most of all caring! Two weeks later I had everything booked: the hotel, flight, medications..everything. I was excited but very anxious
To read more of her story, please visit the link below:
http://www.realself.com/review/boise-smart-lipo-legs-calves-ankles-knees-thighs
If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Kerr about how he can help with your transformation, please set up a FREE consultation by calling us at 208-939-3110 or by filling out the contact information below
As one of the No.1 cosmetic procedures and wrinkle-fighter, you’ve probably heard of and even considered Botox. But, along with an interest in Botox comes a whole list of questions. One of the major ones being- Does it work? (Yes, see before and after pics!)
Botox is so popular because when done by a skilled and trained injector, the results are phenomenal. You can treat smile lines, frown lines and even put a halt to excessive sweating problems. As one of the top 1% in the nation for delivering Allergan products such as Botox (How about that Boise?!), we have had plenty of experience with Botox injections. Through out the years, we have found there are AMAZING uses for Botox. There are even medical uses for Botox, including treating migraines.
Here are some of our favorite uses for Botox:
Keep Crow's Feet From Etching Themselves Onto Your Face
Usually in your mid-30s, you start to notice a spider web of lines appearing around your eyes when you smile. Most likely the first time you see your thought will be “Oh my goodness, where did you come from and how long have you been there?” While many people consider these smile lines to be a sign of a happy life, no one likes once those lines become permanent lines (crows feet) that stay there even after you stop smiling!
Botox does wonders at eliminating the appearance of crows-feet. The non-invasive injections are quick and results last from 4-5 months.
Before and after photo from a testimonial on RealSelf.com:
Fix Permanent Frown Lines
Have you ever heard the expression “Don’t make that face or it will get stuck like that?” Well when it comes to frown lines, if you knit your eyebrows too often – you will get a permanent frown line(s) between your eyes. Botox can keep frown lines from developing and can help reduce the appearance of frown lines that have already formed.
Botox also works to prevent horizontal lines from appearing on the forehead. It's important to pick a trained and experienced injector (this is an important factor when you are getting any cosmetic procedure) because too much Botox in the forehead region can cause a mask-like effect that can look unnatural.
Read our testimonials and find out why Silk Touch Med Spa is one of the best in Nation.
Stop Excessive Sweating with Botox Injections
People who excessively sweat can benefit by Botox treatments under their arms. Botox works by blocking the release of acetycholine, the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands. The Dr. Kerr or one of our certified nurse practitioner injects Botox under the skin where your sweat glands rest. The procedure takes less than 10-20 minutes and you really do stop sweating.
For those who feel like they are dealing with excessive sweating, you may be dealing with a condition called hyperhidrosis.. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating problems are caused by the nervous system. BOTOX® effectively blocks the impulses sent from the brain to the nerves that cause excessive sweating. Deodorants and antiperspirants control sweat by clogging the pores, but are not effective on people with hyperhidrosis.
Surgical treatments for hyperhidrosis include cutting out the sweat glands or cutting the nerves that lead to the glands. These surgical treatments can cause permanent scars and nerve damage. BOTOX® treatments for hyperhidrosis take 10 to 20 minutes. The treatment begins working within the first week and last for six to twelve months.
Where does the sweat go? Your sweat doesn't go anywhere or get backed up because the sweat simply is not produced in the areas treated with BOTOX®. Remember, the rest of your body is free to produce moisture normally.
Eyebrow Lift
There are muscles in the face that pull down the eyebrows and muscles that lift up the eyebrows. A skilled Botox injector can carefully inject just the muscles that pull down, giving a lift to the brows. This will also give the eyes a more open look. Most people can expect up to 2 millimeters of lift, which sounds like a little but in the face is usually enough for a noticeable improvement.
Treat Migraines
In October 2010, the FDA approved the use of Botox in the treatment of chronic migraines (a condition that causes headaches that last more than 14 days a month). Doctors treat migraines by injecting Botox into areas where patients feel tension -- usually the temples, forehead, neck and shoulders. It works by reducing muscle tension and strain on the nervous system and Botox blocks the pain receptors found in nerve cells.
You think Botox is for you, but you are still unsure. Now what?
As you can see, Botox is as extremely versatile treatment that can fix a wide variety of problems! If you would like to no more about how Botox can work specifically for you, we’d be happy to sit down with you for a free consultation. Just give us a call at 208-939-3110 or schedule an appointment online.
Check out our monthly specials for deals on Botox and more!
Have your hands betrayed you?
You use your hands for a lot of things – and chances are, you also use your hands to reveal your age. In fact, a study published in The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, participants accurately estimated a woman’s age just by looking at her hands.
A lot of women spend time and energy focusing on making their faces and necks look younger, but ignore their hands. Daily sun exposure, constant movement and even just letting hands become dry and exacerbate crepiness, dark spots and prominent veins.
By starting to pay a little attention to your hands, you can prevent and even start to reverse some of the damage.
Exfoliate & Moisturize
Gently buff the backs of your hands 2-3 times a month. This will help remove dry, dead skin so that moisturizers can better penetrate the skin. Then be sure to regularly slather on the hand lotion.
Prevent Sun Damage
Hands are exposed to the sun practically 365 days a year. And even the people who consistently protect their faces with SPF typically neglect their hands. Overtime, sunlight breaks down skin’s collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles a crepey texture and a yellow or brown spots.
Make sure to apply a SPF 30 to your face and hands DAILY. Check out our top 5 sunscreens here.
Build Collagen
Simply applying a retinol cream on the backs of the hands every night will help to boost collagen. Increase collagen not only reduces wrinkles, it can also camouflage prominent veins cause by a loss of the hands natural fat. Retinol can be drying, so make sure to add your regular moisturizer or hand cream on top.
Consider a Professional Treatment Route
If you want fast, more dramatic results, put your hands in the hands of experts. Laser treatments, such as IPL (intense pulsed light), can help reduce age/sun spots and can improve the overall complexion of your hands.
Fillers and fat transfer can be also be used for overall hand rejuvenation. The increase in volume helps with wrinkles and the appearance of veins and tendons. For particularly large veins, sclerotherapy treatments can be very effective.
What treatment route is right for you? Request a complimentary consultation.
Healthy Advice with Dr. Brian Kerr
Question: Is there anything I can do to get rid of stretch marks?
Answer: Stretch marks are areas of the skin that have lost collagen, elastin and have been damaged. Creams containing peptides can help fade the marks slightly.
Prescription retinol will work, but only on new marks that are still red or pink.
The most effective method is to use a fractional laser, such as an Affirm or CO2 laser, which fades both new and old marks. The C02 creates a laser pattern of tiny holes in the skin, which causes a significant boost in collagen production and fills in the damaged areas.
Newer treatments, such as Microneedling, are also used in scar revision. Microneedling can be used by people with all skin types and unlike lasers can be used throughout the year.
Which treatment route is right for you? Schedule a complimentary consultation.
Check out our Healthy Advice column every other Thursday in the Idaho Statesman Lifestyle section.
Who doesn’t want long, full and dark eyelashes? Most women we know sure desire those lashes that actually make you look younger! Sure, you could put 10 coats of mascara on to try to achieve that length, but ultimately you’ll just end up with a lumpy, clumpy mess. Ask any staff member here at Silk Touch how we get keep our lashes healthy and long and you will get the answer, “With Latisse, of course!”
If you’re not familiar with Latisse, it is a prescription treatment that helps eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker by applying a thin line of the product to the upper eyelid, at base of your eyelashes.
It is important to use Latisse as directed. It is a once-a-day topical medication to be applied directly above the upper lash line. Be sure to use a clean brush each time and don’t allow excess liquid to seep into your eye. With regular, daily use, full results are seen at 16 weeks, but noticeable growth is seen in as little as 8 weeks. When this medication is stopped, expect the appearance of the eyelashes to return to the way they looked before starting treatment.
Will Latisse change the color of my eyes?
NO!
The same ingredient in Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution), is in another Allergan product, Lumigan, used to treat glaucoma. For glaucoma patients, one to two drops of Lumigan are placed directly into the eye four to six times a day. That’s up to 12 times the amount used on the lashes with Latisse. Approximately one percent of glaucoma patients using the drops in their eyes experienced a darkening of the pigment of the iris. That is where the “buzz” about Latisse turning blue eyes brown started.
When the iris changed color in this small percentage of glaucoma patients, it did not magically happen overnight. Instead, the color slowly changed, starting around the edge of the pupil and moving outward.
So in theory, does Latisse have the potential to darken the iris? Theoretically yes, but in all the clinical trials for Latisse, no cases were ever reported.
Right now get a instant rebate for a FREE Box of 3ML Latisse with your purchase of a 5ml Latisse. Limited rebates available. Give us a call or stop on by to reserve yours!
Stop that! Are you over exfoliating?
File this one under the way-too-much-of-a-good-thing category. Many women inadvertently give themselves problem skin by exfoliating too hard and too often.
Why does over-exfoliating matter?
You risk your skin and stripping off the top layer. That’s not all: When you rob your skin of needed moisture, it responds as if it were an injury and produces more oil, which often results in acne.
Over-exfoliating can also break blood vessels, causing redness. To avoid self-sabotage, use a face scrub or sponge only once or twice a week, or not at all, if you’re using retinoid or glycolic acids. And when you dry your face, remember to blot gently to avoid further damaging your skin.
Treatments that exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin:
Microdermabrasions use a small hand-piece to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin and improve its tone, texture and clarity. Microdermabrasions are safe for all skin types and there is no downtime involved.
Chemical Peels give a topical exfoliation. The chemical peel is designed to remove the top layer of the skin, revealing the fresh, young skin underneath. There are many options when it comes to chemical peels, each developed to treat specific skin conditions.
Microneedling also provides similar benefits to mechanical exfoliation. Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is quickly gaining popularity as the go-to treatment for skin rejuvenation. The difference between this treatment and the other methods is that there is no removal of the outer layers of skin. The premise of microneedling is to create a controlled wound response in the skin to stimulate growth factors without abrading the epidermis.
How does your skin rank? Request a complimentary Digital Visia Skin Analysis.
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