4 Steps to Youthful, Smooth & Lifted Skin

Are you ready to enhance your confidence and achieve radiant skin? RF Microneedling might be the solution you've been looking for! This advanced treatment addresses a variety of aesthetic concerns, providing personalized options to suit your unique needs. Follow these 4 steps to embark on your journey to glowing, rejuvenated skin.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The first step towards achieving your skincare goals is scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Brandish. During this session, you'll discuss whether RF Microneedling is the right treatment for you. Dr. Brandish will assess your skin concerns, explain the benefits of RF Microneedling, and customize a treatment plan tailored to your aesthetic goals. RF Microneedling is highly effective for improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, minimizing pore size, and enhancing overall skin tone. The consultation is your opportunity to ask questions, understand the procedure in detail, and feel confident about moving forward with your treatment plan.

Step 2: Schedule Your Sessions

Once you've decided to proceed with RF Microneedling, it's time to schedule your sessions. Typically, a series of treatments is recommended for optimal results. Depending on your specific goals and the area being treated, Dr. Brandish will advise on the number of sessions needed. Generally, a minimum of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended to achieve noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance. Planning ahead and scheduling your sessions ensures consistency in your treatment plan, maximizing the benefits of RF Microneedling over time.

Step 3: Treatment Day

On your scheduled treatment day, prepare to spend 1.5-2 hours at our office. The session begins with progress photos to track your transformation. Numbing cream is applied to ensure your comfort during the procedure, which takes about an hour to take effect. For those who desire additional relaxation, laughing gas is available. Once you're ready, Dr. Brandish will perform the RF Microneedling treatment, a process that typically lasts about 30 minutes. This innovative procedure combines the benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness, texture, and tone.

Step 4: Post-Treatment Consultation

After completing your series of RF Microneedling sessions, we encourage you to schedule a post-treatment consultation with Dr. Brandish. This visit, typically a few months after your final treatment, allows us to evaluate your results and capture beautiful post-treatment photos to document your progress.

During this consultation, Dr. Brandish will discuss your satisfaction with the outcomes, address any additional concerns you may have, and recommend any further treatments or touch-ups, such as Botox or fillers, to complement your rejuvenated appearance.

RF Microneedling offers a transformative journey towards achieving smoother, more youthful-looking skin. By following these 4 steps—consultation, scheduling sessions, treatment day, and post-treatment evaluation—you're investing in your confidence and revitalizing your skincare routine. At every stage, Dr. Brandish and our team are dedicated to providing personalized care and ensuring your comfort and satisfaction. Embrace the power of RF Microneedling and unlock your potential for radiant skin.

Ready to begin your RF Microneedling journey? Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step towards a more confident you!

Your Common Radio Frequency Microneedling Questions Answered

Radiofrequency Microneedling has emerged as a popular treatment option for skin rejuvenation, offering solutions to various skin concerns. If you're curious about RF Microneedling, here are comprehensive answers to some commonly asked questions:

What can RF Microneedling treat?

RF Microneedling can address a wide range of skin concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: Smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

• Acne scars: Improves the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration.

• Skin laxity: Tightens loose or sagging skin on the face and body, providing a more lifted and youthful appearance.

• Uneven skin tone: Evens out skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and sun damage.

• Large pores: Minimizes pore size and improves overall skin texture, resulting in smoother and more refined skin. 

How many treatments do I need to see results?

The number of RF microneedling treatments needed varies depending on the individual's skin condition, treatment goals, and the severity of the concerns being addressed. Generally, a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart is recommended for optimal results. Some patients may notice improved skin appearance after the first treatment, but maximum results are noticeable after a series of treatments.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Brandish will assess your skin's condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Factors such as age, skin type, and the extent of concerns will influence the number of treatments recommended. It's important to follow the recommended treatment schedule to maximize the benefits of RF Microneedling and achieve long-lasting results.

How long do results from RF Microneedling treatments last?

RF Microneedling treatments can deliver noticeable improvements in skin texture, firmness, smoothness, and glow that can last for years to come. The longevity of results varies depending on individual skin characteristics, the specific concern being treated, genetics, and the quality of the treatment performed. Factors such as age, skin type, and lifestyle habits can also influence how long the results last. After your initial series of treatments, you may need one treatment every 1-2 years for maintenance as the aging process continues.

What is the difference between RF Microneedling and traditional Microneedling?

Regular Microneedling involves using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin's surface. These micro-injuries stimulate the skin's natural healing process, leading to increased collagen and elastin production. The result is improved skin texture, reduced pore size, and diminished appearance of scars and stretch marks.

RF microneedling combines the benefits of traditional Microneedling with the addition of Radiofrequency Energy. During RF Microneedling treatments, the needles penetrate the skin to deliver Radiofrequency Energy into the deeper layers of the skin. This energy heats the tissue beneath the skin's surface, causing controlled damage and triggering a more pronounced healing response. The heat also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to tighter, firmer skin with improved texture and reduced laxity.

The key difference between RF Microneedling and regular Microneedling lies in the depth of treatment and the additional skin-tightening effects provided by Radiofrequency Energy. While traditional Microneedling primarily focuses on skin texture improvements, RF Microneedling offers enhanced skin tightening and rejuvenation benefits, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking comprehensive skin revitalization.

Is there any downtime after an RF Microneedling treatment?

One of the advantages of RF Microneedling is its minimal downtime compared to more invasive procedures. After treatment, you may experience some mild redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area. These effects are temporary and subside within a few hours up to 2 days. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Brandish. Proper skincare is critical in boosting your treatment results and helping the healing process. 

Dermal Fillers: The Magic of Lifting the Aging Face

Cosmetic dermatologists have transformed the landscape of facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers, offering patients a non-surgical way to reclaim youthful contours and natural-looking results. Dermal fillers have increased in popularity for their ability to quickly enhance facial volume and provide significant lifting effects, making them a cornerstone of modern aesthetic medicine.

As we age, our skin undergoes noticeable changes: collagen production decreases, elasticity diminishes, and the underlying structure of fat and bone gradually declines. These factors contribute to sagging skin, hollowed cheeks, and deepening lines. Dermal fillers effectively counteract these signs of aging by replenishing lost volume and lifting sagging tissues, particularly in key areas such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline. 

The success of dermal fillers in achieving facial lifting with natural-looking results hinges on precise placement and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Experienced dermatologists like Dr. Brandish bring years of expertise, ensuring each filler injection enhances the unique contours of a patient's face without looking overfilled or unnatural. The skill lies not just in injecting fillers, but in sculpting a rejuvenated appearance that harmonizes with the patient's overall facial structure.

In practice, Dr. Brandish employs advanced techniques and a comprehensive approach tailored to lift and contour specific areas of concern. For instance, she expertly addresses sagging cheeks and under-eye hollows in the mid-face, effectively reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds and revitalizing tired features. By strategically adding fillers to the lower face, jawline, and chin, she enhances definition, lifts sagging skin, and restores a more youthful facial proportion.

Personalization is key in dermal filler treatments- Dr. Brandish meticulously assesses each patient's facial anatomy, skin condition, and aesthetic goals to customize treatment plans accordingly. This individualized approach ensures that the treatment enhances the patient's natural beauty while preserving their unique facial characteristics.

Beyond their immediate volumizing effects, dermal fillers also stimulate collagen production. Some formulations, like those containing poly-L-lactic acid, actively promote collagen synthesis over time. This additional collagen support further enhances skin firmness and elasticity, contributing to longer-lasting results that evolve with the patient's natural aging process.

One of the primary benefits of dermal fillers is their minimal invasiveness and convenience. Administered in an office setting with little downtime, these procedures allow patients to resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. This convenience contrasts with traditional surgical options, which involve incisions, scarring, and extended recovery periods.

Dermal fillers represent a revolutionary approach to facial rejuvenation by lifting and restoring youthful contours without the need for surgery. By replenishing volume, lifting sagging tissues, and stimulating collagen production, these treatments effectively diminish wrinkles, redefine facial contours, and achieve a more youthful appearance that enhances overall confidence and well-being. With skilled practitioners like Dr. Brandish guiding the way, patients can expect transformative results that rejuvenate their appearance and restore a natural, youthful glow. 

Different Types of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have become a popular way to enhance facial aesthetics without the need for surgery. These cosmetic injectables help lift and restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. Each type of dermal filler has its unique properties and benefits, making it essential to understand their differences to choose the right one for your needs and desired results.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid fillers, like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are the most well-known and widely used. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that plays a key role in maintaining skin hydration and volume- It is what makes the sponginess of our tissues. These fillers work by attracting and holding water molecules, which adds immediate volume and hydration to the skin. HA fillers are incredibly versatile and can be used in various areas of the face, including the lips, cheeks, and under-eye regions. One of the significant advantages of HA fillers is their reversibility. If the results are not satisfactory, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler, making it a safe and flexible option for many patients. The newer generation of hyaluronic acid fillers can last up to two years or more. The biggest advantage of HA fillers is their versatility. 

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Radiesse is a well-known CaHA filler. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones, joints, and teeth. CaHA fillers such as Radiesse provide immediate volume and also stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, which enhances their effects over time. Typically, the results of CaHA fillers last up to a year or more due to their collagen-boosting properties. They are often used to treat volume loss to produce a higher potential to stimulate collagen where it is injected. It’s also a great filler for deeper injections onto the bone for lift and volume enhancement. These fillers are contraindicated under the eye or in the lips.  

Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

Sculptra is a prime example of a PLLA filler. Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic material that has been used in medical applications for many years, especially in patients with severe facial volume loss. Unlike other fillers, PLLA works gradually by stimulating the body’s own collagen production over several months. It may require multiple injection sessions that results in a gradual increase in volume and skin thickness, leading to a more natural-looking enhancement. The effects of PLLA fillers can last up to two years, making them ideal for patients who seek subtle, long-term improvements rather than immediate results. This gradual enhancement can provide a more natural and less noticeable transition in appearance. These fillers are contraindicated under the eye or in the lips.  

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

Bellafill is a common PMMA filler. PMMA is a biocompatible synthetic substance that has been used in medical implants for many years. These fillers consist of tiny PMMA microspheres suspended in a collagen gel. When injected, the collagen gel provides immediate volume. Over time, the body absorbs the gel, leaving the PMMA microspheres in place to provide structural support. These microspheres also provide stimuli to continued collagen production. PMMA fillers are particularly effective for treating deep wrinkles and nasolabial folds, and their results can last for several years. Due to their long-lasting nature, PMMA fillers are often considered a semi-permanent solution for those looking for enduring results. Studies of Bellafill have shown up to 5 years of longevity. These fillers are contraindicated under the eye or in the lips.  

The variety of dermal fillers available today allows for highly personalized treatments that cater to individual aesthetic goals and preferences. Whether seeking immediate results, long-lasting effects, or a more natural enhancement using the body’s own tissues, there is a dermal filler suitable for every need. Understanding the distinct properties and mechanisms of each type of filler ensures that patients can make informed decisions to achieve their desired outcomes. From the reversible and versatile HA fillers to the long-lasting and collagen-stimulating effects of CaHA, PLLA, and PMMA fillers, the options are vast and designed to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns. This diversity in filler options empowers individuals to enhance their facial aesthetics in a way that best suits their personal goals and lifestyle.

Dose=Duration

If you have ever felt like your Botox did not work as well or last as long as you expected, you are not alone. While every patient responds differently to Botox, the decrease in duration or less than desired effects is most often due to improper dosing and placement. Botox treatments, when done by an expert injector, will not only give you beautiful results but increased longevity and efficacy! This blog will explain how Botox works, the importance of proper dosage, and its relationship with longevity. 

To understand the relationship between Botox dosage and duration, it's essential to grasp how Botox works. Botox is made from Botulinum toxin type A. When Botox is injected into muscle tissue, it will bind receptors on the muscle and prevent its contractions. Depending on the size and activity of the muscle, the number of receptors will differ. All this will eventually result in the overlying wrinkles being smooth and softened. This is why Botox is the number one cosmetic procedure in the world. 

The effects of Botox typically last between three to four months depending on several factors. This includes the strength and bulk of the muscle, individual patient characteristics and lifestyle, and most importantly, optimal dosing and placement. Research has consistently shown a dose-response relationship with Botox, where higher doses produce more significant and longer-lasting effects.

In Cosmetic Dermatology, Botox is used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, such as those on the forehead, around the eyes (crow's feet), and between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) as well as other areas. Studies indicate that higher doses of Botox result in a more pronounced reduction of wrinkles, longer duration of effect and better anti-aging effects. For instance, a study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology" found that increasing the dose of Botox for treating glabellar lines (also known as the “11’s” in between the eyebrows) from 20 units to 40 units extended the duration of wrinkle reduction from three months to up to six months in some patients.

Therapeutically, Botox is employed to manage conditions like chronic migraines. The dose required for therapeutic effects is generally higher than for cosmetic purposes. Clinical studies have shown that increasing the dose of Botox in the treatment of chronic migraines has been associated with a longer duration of pain relief and a decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks.

While the dose of Botox is a primary determinant of the duration of effects, muscle mass, and activity matters- The size and activity level of the treated muscles can influence how long Botox lasts. Larger and more active muscles have a higher number of receptors which require higher doses of Botox to bind to it so that the desired effects and longer-lasting effects are achieved. Patient-specific factors, such as age, metabolism, activity, and previous exposure to Botox, can affect the duration of its effects. Some individuals may naturally metabolize the toxin more slowly or rapidly, leading to variability in the duration of results even with the same dosage. Finally, the skill and technique of the practitioner administering Botox will greatly impact the duration of its effects. Accurately targeting specific muscles and appropriate dose disbursement will enhance the treatment's effectiveness and longevity.

The dosage of Botox plays a significant role in determining the duration of its effects. Higher doses generally lead to more extended periods of muscle paralysis and symptom relief, whether for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. However, the optimal dose must be carefully calibrated to balance effectiveness with safety. By understanding and appropriately managing these factors, Dr. Brandish can maximize the benefits of your Botox treatment to give you amazing results!