Liz, Author at Accent Aesthetics

PRP vs. PRF

by Liz | Jul 6, 2022 | Uncategorized

By now you’ve probably heard of PRP, or platelet rich plasma, in either an orthopaedic setting or used for the famous “Vampire Facial”, but what exactly is this new PRF? PRP vs PRF

PRF stands for platelet rich fibrin, and is the second generation, new and WAY improved version of PRP. Our bodies have amazing healing and regenerative properties, and PRF seeks to take advantage of these. When used in aesthetics, it is an all natural way to reverse visible signs of aging.

How Does it Work?

When blood is spun it is separated into layers based on density- red blood cells, white blood cells/platelets, and plasma. The majority of our body’s healing capabilities lie in the white blood cell/platelet layer (buffy coat) and plasma layer. When we collect the plasma and buffy coat layers, that is called PRP or PRF depending on the tubes used to spin the blood (more on that below).

The first step in our body’s healing process is the formation of a fibrin clot matrix, followed by the recruitment of growth factors to help form new blood vessels, new cells, new collagen, and overall new healthy tissue. The half life of growth factors is very short, we are talking 6-8h, whereas a clot lasts a few weeks to a few months and releases growth factors continuously over that time period. So where does PRP vs PRF fit into all of this?

PRP vs PRF – What’s The Difference?

The only meaningful difference between PRP and PRF is the tubes used to collect them. PRP utilizes tubes with anticoagulants, whereas PRF tubes have no chemical additives. Anticoagulants are chemicals that keep blood from clotting, which is great when we want to send your blood to a lab and it needs to stay liquid for a long time, but is the absolute worst if we are trying to utilize your blood for the healing properties, as the formation of the clot is the first and arguably one of the most important steps in the healing process! So because PRP tubes have anticoagulants, no clotting factors make it into what is injected- you only get the growth factors, which are beneficial, but again only last a few hours on their own. Not much time to aid in any sort of healing or regeneration. PRF tubes on the other hand have nothing in them, so you not only get the growth factors for immediate help but also the clotting factors, which again release additional growth factors slowly over the next few weeks for the full healing spectrum!

So now you can see why PRF is the new and improved version of PRP, because why settle for just a few hours of growth factors with PRP when you can get weeks of your body’s full healing capabilities with PRF!

There are many ways PRF is used in aesthetics. It may be used as a liquid- injected directly into fine lines/wrinkles/other problem areas, microneedled into skin, or mixed with other products such as Radiesse or Sculptra. This may improve collagen/elastin formation, blood flow, healing of skin from inflammatory lesions such as acne, etc. PRF may also be heated and used as a solid (biofiller)- injected directly into areas where traditionally an HA filler (or other types of fillers) would be used to both improve volume and stimulate your body’s own collagen/elastin response in that area.

If you’re ready for a truly all natural way to reverse and prevent aging and other aesthetic concerns, come in for a consult today so we can see what PRF can do for you!

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What’s The Difference Between Neurotoxins and Fillers?

by Liz | Jun 1, 2022 | Botox, Cosmetic Dermal Filler, Dysport, Injectables

One of the most common questions we get is “What is the difference between neurotoxins and fillers? And which one is right for me?”.

Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins (NTs), or neuromodulators, are injectables made up of different forms of botulinum toxin which, when injected, relax the targeted muscle. Brands include botox, dysport, jeuveau, etc.

Relaxing dynamic muscles helps prevent static lines from forming over time in areas such as the glabella (11s), forehead, and crow’s feet (lines around the eyes). Neurotoxins can also help to smooth out lines that have already formed in these areas, but only to an extent. Once a line is there at rest, it is much harder to get it to completely go away, so Neurotoxins are actually best for wrinkle prevention!

Fillers

Fillers are injectables made up of hyaluronic acid (HA) (with a few brand exceptions such as Radiesse), which when injected can provide structure, volume, and contouring. Brands include Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, etc. Fillers are mostly used to treat something that has already happened, such as volume loss to cheeks that can cause the face to sag and create jowls or to fill a line caused by a dynamic muscle that has not been treated preventatively with neurotox!

Which one is right for me?

So which treatment is right for you? That all depends! Everyone, no matter how old or how young, can benefit from wrinkle prevention with neurotox. A skilled injector at Accent Aesthetics can help decide if fillers are a good option for you as well.

Gallery, AdvaTx, Hyperdilute Radiesse dermal fillers, Intracel, Ultherapy, Neurotoxins, chemical peels, IPL, Genesis, microneedling

Gallery, AdvaTx, Hyperdilute Radiesse, Intracel, Ultherapy, Neurotoxins

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What To Expect at A Neurotox Appointment

by Liz | Mar 16, 2022 | Botox, Injectables

Wondering what to expect at your next neurotox appointment?

First, we will discuss which product you want to use factoring in price, look/feel, onset time, etc. Next, we will take before pictures to help track your progress. Then, we will go over the consent and have you sign it. Finally, I’ll take a look at your movement to help determine how many units are needed per spot. Then we ice, and inject!

The biggest thing to remember is that just because a number of units worked for you one time does not mean that same number will work again. Multiple studies have been done showing that dose = duration, meaning the higher dose we use, the longer the product will last. Results can last anywhere from 3-5 months.

Knowing the average number of units used per treatment site can help give you an idea of pricing beforehand, but just know that everyone is different and these numbers are not hard and fast rules. Here’s a few averages for the most common areas: “11s” need anywhere from 10-30 units, the forehead needs 10-30 units, and crow’s feet need 4-15 units per side. Remember that Dysport is dosed a little differently than Botox and Jeuveau, but it roughly comes out to 2-3x the number of Botox units.

Have any other questions about neurotoxins or other injectables?

Schedule a consult so we can find the perfect dose for you!

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What You Should Know About Hyperdilute Radiesse (HDR)

by Liz | Feb 18, 2022 | Cosmetic Dermal Filler

Wondering what all the hype over hyperdilute radiesse (HDR) is about? Here’s everything you need to know about this new favorite injectable anti-aging/pre-juvenation procedure.

Radiesse is a filler made up of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres- which is different than your traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane products. The difference? When Radiesse is injected, your body metabolizes the CaHA microspheres, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Loss of collagen and elastin is one of the leading causes of aging, so stimulating our body to ramp up production of these leads to visibly smoother, firmer, and younger looking skin. Traditional HA fillers simply add volume and structure where injected. HA fillers are like a band-aid in a sense, whereas HDR is treating the actual problem.

Who is a good candidate for Hyperdilute Radiesse treatment?

Everyone! HDR can be used for pre-juvenation, helping to slow the aging process, or it can be used to treat an area already showing signs of age such as skin laxity and fine lines/wrinkles. The Radiesse is simply diluted down differently depending on each individual’s goals.

Where can HDR be used?

Everywhere! Most commonly we see HDR used on the face to address thinning skin, fine lines, and sagging that causes jowls, and on the neck to address “turkey neck” and “tech neck”. But HDR can also be used to treat unwanted cellulite, “bat wings” from sagging skin on the backs of the arms, dimples, and even that stubborn upper knee laxity.

What is the downtime?

Thankfully very little to none! Depending on the area treated, some bruising/swelling can be expected, but on the face and neck especially most people experience virtually no visible signs of having any procedure done. Some report mild soreness for a day or two post-procedure, but nothing a little Tylenol or ibuprofen can’t handle.

When do I see results?

Collagen production post-procedure takes about 6 weeks, and most people need 1-3 treatments 6 weeks apart followed by 1 treatment per year for maintenance for ideal outcomes.

We can’t wait to see you for HDR! Contact us to book your first consultation.

Gallery, AdvaTx, Hyperdilute Radiesse, Intracel, Ultherapy, Neurotoxins, chemical peels, IPL, Genesis, microneedling