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When should I start injectables?

by | Oct 8, 2023 | Injectables

We often get asked when is the “right” time to start injectables, and while there is no “right age”, there are some signs and age milestones that might signal the time is now!

Think of it this way- when you buy a new car, you don’t wait until it’s falling apart to take it to the shop. Instead, you perform regular maintenance and routine care on it so it stays in good condition as time goes on. Your skin is no different! The best way to age gracefully is to perform regular preventative maintenance and take care of any problems as they arise rather than waiting until you are “falling apart”.

injectables

What signs should I look for?

We look at our faces every day, so sometimes it is difficult for us to see small problems as they arise. A good rule of thumb is that if you notice even the faintest lines between your eyebrows, on your forehead, or around your eyes while your face is in a neutral position, it’s probably time for an injectable neuromodulator (neurotoxin) like Dysport, Botox, or Jeuveau. Neuromodulators are the definition of a preventative treatment- they relax a target muscle so as to prevent the movement causing the fine lines you see at rest.

Our bodies typically lose 1% of collagen production per year after age 20, and bone loss begins around age 25. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with each passing year. Most people will begin to notice faint fine lines/wrinkles at rest in their mid to late 20s, so that is typically a good time to start neuromodulators if not sooner (before the lines ever even arise!).

injectables
injectables

What about biostimulating injectables such as Sculptra or Hyper-dilute Radiesse?

Biostimulating injectables like Sculptra or Hyper-dilute Radiesse (HDR) are another good preventative treatment that can be started truly at any age. These act like liquid fertilizers for your skin, increasing production of collagen and elastin to help preserve healthy skin thickness, elasticity, and volume. Remember- collagen loss starts as early as 20 years old so it is best to stay on top of that with these “pre-juvenation” procedures!

What about dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers have a broad range of use. They can be used at any age to plump up lips, help give lift by adding volume to the cheeks or temples, and can help correct volume deficits or darkness to areas such as the under eyes. Aside from spot treating at any age, the rule of thumb for fillers to combat signs of agining is around 1 syringe for every decade of life- so if you are 50 you will typically require 5 syringes, if you are 60 you will require 6, etc. Fillers vary in longevity, but most need to be re-done every ~ 9-15 months.

The bottom line is this: there’s no right age to start injectables. You should start when you’re ready, but as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So the sooner you start, the easier it will be to maintain a youthful, radiant appearance as you grow older!

Schedule an appointment online!

Dermal Fillers: Sculptra vs Radiesse

by | Aug 31, 2023 | accent aesthetics, Cosmetic Dermal Filler

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers have become one of the ultimate cosmetic solutions for anti-aging without going under the knife. Some fillers produce instant results, while others take time to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Sculptra and Radiesse fall into the latter.

Both products initially came to market as a treatment for HIV patients to reclaim lost volume in their face due to lipoatrophy. With such great results in the HIV population, these products were then introduced into the aesthetics industry for age-related volume loss.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a thick injectable filler whose main component is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral with the same chemical composition as the material found in bones and teeth. The injected calcium hydroxylapatite particles function as a scaffold for new tissue growth. Radiesse instantly volumizes the treatment area because the injectable consists of calcium microspheres that provide an immediate support structure beneath the skin. They dissolve after several months, just as the newly formed collagen and tissue appear, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated look. Radiesse results typically last about one year, with some patients enjoying younger-looking skin for much longer.

Before & After

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

Sculptra

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that triggers the body’s inflammatory response and stimulates increased collagen production. It provides delayed but longer-lasting results. Sculptra provides gradual results because the PLLA particles act as a foreign body that stimulates increased collagen production. The effects become apparent after several weeks, with the skin’s tone and texture gradually improving in the following months. Sculptra provides the longest-lasting results of all dermal fillers – up to 24 months.

Before & After

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gallery, sculptra dermal fillers

In conclusion, both products are a phenomenal choice for volume restoration. Radiesse can provide immediately results, is safe and effective for most people, with results lasing around a year. Scupltra’s results are delayed and gradual, not an option for individuals with autoimmune diseases or take an anti-inflammatory medicine regularly, lower maintenance, and lasts about 2 years.

The importance of “Prejuvenation”

by | Apr 11, 2023 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado

Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

“Prejuvenation” is just a fun word we use to describe preventative, skin rejuvenation treatments/procedures. It is truly never too early to start preventing a problem. Think about your car- you take it in routinely for maintenance and care to keep it running longer, and your face is no different! Consistent prevention early on can help you maintain a naturally youthful appearance for longer without the need for more invasive or corrective procedures. At the most basic level, prevention starts with home care. A high quality SPF, antioxidant like vitamin C, and a retinol are the absolute must haves for everyone at ANY age.

After good home care, there are a few in office procedures and treatments that we recommend for good “prejuvenation” at any age.

    skin rejuvenation treatments
    • Neurotoxins/neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, etc)- these relax the targeted muscles to help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles from dynamic movements. The most common areas we treat include “11s”, upper forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), upper lip, DAOs (the muscles on the corner of your mouth that contribute to marionette lines), and platysmal bands (the band like muscles in your neck that give a “turkey neck” appearance. Dosage will vary from person to person depending on age and how you use your face! The best time to start neurotox is BEFORE you ever get a line! Neurotox is truly preventative- it’s purpose is to prevent the motions that cause static lines to form. To some extent you can expect to see some correction of existing fine lines and wrinkles with neurotox, but once a line is deep enough at rest it will never go away with neurotox alone.
    • Biostimulating Injectables– Collagen and elastin are 2 components that contribute to youthful, glowing, tight/firm skin. Sadly, we start to lose around 1% of collagen per year after our mid 20s, so it is never too early to start replenishing/maintaining those collagen and elastin stores. Sculptra, Hyperdilute Radiesse, Microneedling or Radiofrequency Microneedling, Ultherapy, and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF), are just a few of the options that can help achieve this. These “biostimulating” (aka collagen stimulating) procedures all work in various different ways to induce collagen synthesis in the skin, which helps combat the annual collagen loss we experience naturally! The results from these procedures look incredibly natural- you look better without being able to pinpoint that you had something done!
    skin rejuvenation treatments
    skin rejuvenation treatments
    skin rejuvenation treatments

     

    skin rejuvenation treatments
    skin rejuvenation treatments

    If you’re still not sure where to start, but ready to start somewhere, schedule a consult and we will discuss the best plan for you!

    Everything You Need to Know About Sculptra

    by | Nov 3, 2022 | collagen induction therapy, Injectables

    As we get older, our face loses both bone structure and fat pad volume, which leads to a sagging, aging face rather than a lifted, youthful face. Hyaluronic acid fillers help to rebuild some of that lost volume and structure, however collagen stimulating therapies such as Sculptra Aesthetic are another popular and very natural looking option.

    What is Sculptra?

    Sculptra Aesthetic is a safe, synthetic, biocompatible material made of poly-L-lactic microspheres that is injected below the surface of the skin to stimulate collagen production. Think of this as fertilizer for your skin- it can be used for global volume restoration and to spot treat specific areas depending on the placement and amount of product used.

    Sculptra Results

    As with any biostimulating therapy, the results of Sculptra Aesthetic are not immediate. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra Aesthetic worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute the product. A few days following the treatment, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may appear similar to as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time, up to 6 months, to see full results. Results have been studied out for 2 years, but likely last even longer than that especially if you keep up with maintenance therapy (recommended 1-2 vials per year after initial series).

    Consultation

    At your consult, we will discuss your specific goals to get a better idea of how many vials and sessions you may need. Up to 2 vials may be used per session, and most clients need on average 3 sessions about 6 weeks apart for best results.

    After your injections, your face may appear a bit swollen/puffy and you can expect some bruising at the injection site. You will be instructed to massage the treated areas for 5 minutes, 5 times per day, for 5 days following the procedure- this is to prevent nodules from forming under the skin and to ensure even distribution of this “skin fertilizer”. You will likely be a little sore as the lidocaine used to mix the sculptra wears off after the treatment.

    We will continue to assess and treat as needed until the desired results are achieved. Schedule your consult today to see if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you!

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