Care of the whole person: body, mind and beauty.

MedAesthetics by Dr. Remenson

Botox and Dysport

What is it and is it safe?
Some people associate the word “Botox” with the word “toxin” fearing that the body will be poisoned by it.
It is correct that Botulinum A Toxin was first discovered in association with a deadly disease Botulism more than 100 years ago. Since then it was studied and purified in the laboratory. Precise dosing and guidelines were developed as to how to use it.
In 1987 it became available commercially for cosmetic use. It has been FDA Approved for treatment of frown lines, horizontal wrinkles on the forehead and so called “laugh” lines around the eyes.
In 2009 FDA approved Dysport, another version of Botulinum Toxin as effective and safe as Botox.
Millions of people have been injected with Botox for a variety of medical conditions, some of which include muscle spasm and headaches. When used properly, it is safe and effective and requires no “down time.” It is truly a “lunch time procedure,” which fits well into the lives of individuals trying to balance the ongoing responsibilities of family, friends, and a career.
How does Botox/Dysport work?
When injected into a muscle it causes weakness or paresis of that muscle. The skin overlying the muscle becomes softened and relaxed.
How long does it last?
In most people the effect lasts 3-4 months. Some individuals report effect as long as 6-12 months after injection.
When will I see the results?
The effect of Botulinum A Toxin begins to appear in 2-6 days, peaks in 1-4 weeks and gradually declines after 3-4 months.

Fillers (Perlane, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse)

Perlane, Restylane, and Juvederm are Hyaluronic Acid (HA) products. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. Native HA helps maintain structure, create volume, lubricate. Radiesse is Calcium Hydroxylapatite, which is a substance similar to bone. As we age, our skin starts losing elasticity, water content, and structural support. Fillers help restore these elements where they are needed most: nasolabial folds (from the nose to the corners of the mouth), Marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin), the mid-face (cheek bone area), and around the mouth and lips.
Juvederm Ultra and Restylane are indicated for lip augmentation and contouring. Both materials are gradually absorbed, with a cosmetic result that lasts 6-12 months.
Perlane, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Radiesse are indicated for moderate folds and wrinkles of the nasolabial folds, Marionette lines, mid-face/cheek bone area) Results last anywhere from 6-18 months, depending on the product. Subsequent treatments, when performed with appropriate timing, often require less product than the initial treatment.
Do I have to miss work?
Not really.Immediately after your procedure, it is normal to experience some swelling and tenderness which may last 2-3 days. Some bruising may occur as well, which usually resolves within 1 week. Makeup can be applied the following day. It is recommended to stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and advil, as well as certain vitamins such as vitamin E, garlic, and gingko, for 1 week prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.
How many syringes do I need?
Each face is unique. We recommend a complimentary aesthetic consultation to determine your specific needs.
Is it painful?
Since these products are injected under your skin, there is some pain associated with the procedure. We discuss pain management during your consultation. The options include topic anesthetics (creams), a dental block, similar to when having dental work, which completely numbs the area of treatment, and mixing a small amount of anesthetic with the fillers.
When do I see results?
Immediately!

Laser Hair Removal

Using state of the art technology, we are able to permanently reduce the amount of unwanted hair. This eliminates the need to wax or shave.
What are the common areas that are treated?
Upper lip, underarms, bikini, back, and legs
How many treatments do you need?
Most people need 6-8 treatments. Since not all hair grows at the same time (some follicles are resting under the skin in telogen phase) there is a need for repeated treatments. Each laser procedure treats the follicles of actively growing hair. Those other hairs that are dormant will enter into the growing phase at different times. These hairs will be treated during the course of therapy.
Is it painful?
Typically patients describe a “rubber-band” snapping sensation, not actual pain. For individuals with high sensitivity for pain, we offer topical anesthetic.
When do you see results?
The treated hair becomes weak and damaged, and continues to “grow” for 7-14 days before falling out. It is recommended that you do not wax or pluck your hair. Shaving is allowed if necessary.
Can any type of hair be treated?
No. In order for a laser to target hair follicles, there has to be a difference between the color of the skin and the hair. Naturally blond, red or gray hair can not be treated since the lasers do not recognize the difference in pigments between the skin and the hair. The same holds true for very dark skinned individuals with very dark hair.

Brown Spots

What are the commonly treated areas?
Face, neck, upper chest area, and hands.
What are brown spots?
They are collections of pigmented cells that develop as a result of sun damage. They are also sometimes called an age spot, liver spot, or solar lentigo. We evaluate them first to assure that they are benign (non-cancerous).
How many treatments are needed?
It depends on the number of spots. Typically one or two sessions are necessary.
Is it painful?
The discomfort is minimal, and most individuals do not require anesthesia.
How soon will I see results?
Lesions first become raised and appear darker. In about 10-14 days they flake off leaving healthy skin underneath.

Vascular Lesions

What are they?
Usually they are either dilated blood vessels called telangiectasia or red/purple round spots known as cherry angiomas. Dilated blood vessels typically appear on the face. Many patients have Rosacea as an underlying skin condition. Angiomas can appear anywhere on the body. These lesions do not carry a risk of cancer, but people who have them often feel self-conscious.
How many procedures will I need?
Usually one to three depending on the size and amount of lesions.
Does it hurt?
There is some discomfort during the procedure; it usually does not require any anesthesia.
What should I expect?
The treated area will usually appear bruised, since the goal of the treatment is to destroy the dilated blood vessel. Then the body reabsorbs it leaving beautiful normal skin and no scar.

La Roche Posay

Using the right skin care products is of paramount importance for achieving healthy and beautiful looking skin. Our practice is offering La Roche Posay, a physician grade skin care line. The difference between these and department store products is essential: the amount and the type of active ingredients .The doctor can recommend the products that are suitable for your skin type. Our staff can answer any questions you may have about them. Ask them: what are they using? And judge for yourself!

These are some of the products that are available.