As we age, the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the outermost layer of our skin begins to slow, which can result in lines and wrinkles around our mouth. While we cannot stop the aging process completely, we can help to combat signs of aging using dermal fillers such as Belotero Balance®. This filler helps smooth mild to moderate superficial facial lines and wrinkles while maintaining natural-looking results, so you can look like the best version of yourself.
What is Belotero Balance®?
Belotero Balance® is an injectable treatment approved to temporarily smooth and fill in mild to moderate nasolabial folds as well as other mild to moderate fine lines and wrinkles around your lips and mouth. It is created with hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the body that is vital to maintaining youthful-looking skin. This filler has unique properties that allow it to adapt within the skin for even and natural-looking correction.
Overall, Belotero Balance® can be used to treat the following areas:
Nasolabial folds– Also called smile lines, these run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Marionette lines– These start at the corners of the mouth and extend down to the chin.
Vertical lip lines– Can form above the upper lip.
Corners of the mouth– Can turn downward as we age, creating the look of a frown.
Who is a Candidate for Belotero Balance®?
Adults 21 years and older who are interested in reducing the appearance of their nasolabial folds can often benefit from Belotero Balance®. You should not receive this treatment if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, have an infection at the treatment site, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. In order to best determine if this treatment is right for you and your anti-aging goals, contact our office today to schedule your consultation appointment.
The Belotero Balance® Treatment
During your Belotero Balance® treatment, your skin will first be cleaned and you will have the option of using a topical numbing cream. The skin is then sterilized and a small needle will then be used to inject the filler into the targeted areas of the face, particularly around the mouth, to smooth lines and wrinkles. Treatment is fairly quick, usually taking between 10-20 minutes to complete.
Belotero Balance® Results
Following your Belotero Balance® treatment, you may experience temporary swelling, inflammation, and bruising at the injection site. While there is no downtime required, we ask that you avoid strenuous activity, extensive sun or heat exposure, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and drinking alcohol for 24 hours after treatment to ensure the best outcomes. Results can last for 6 months or more, depending on the amount of product used and the area it was injected into.
What does Ultherapy do?
Ultherapy is an ultrasound-powered stimulator that precisely and gently warms the tissue just beneath the outer layer of skin for increased collagen production that tightens skin without surgery.
How does Ultherapy differ from other cosmetic procedures?
Ultherapy is one of very few devices that utilizes ultrasound energy – the same technology used for ultrasound imaging – for skin tightening benefits in areas throughout the body.
Can Ultherapy replace a facelift?
Many people experience great results from one or more Ultherapy treatment sessions, but it’s not a total replacement for surgical-grade results.
How long do results from Ultherapy last?
Depending on your age and degree of skin laxity or other concerns, you can see great results for up to a year or more.
How long does an Ultherapy treatment take?
Typical Ultherapy treatments take 30-90 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
A lot of patients simply come in for a single round of Ultherapy when their concerns become visible and they want improvement. However, optimal results come from a personalized Ultherapy plan of up to three treatment sessions.
Am I a good candidate for Ultherapy?
If you’ve got mild to moderate skin laxity in a specific area and you’re either not a good candidate or are unable to undergo surgery, Ultherapy is a great alternative. and pretty much any healthy adult who isn’t pregnant at the time is a good candidate.
How long does it take to see Ultherapy results?
Because Ultherapy uses your body’s natural regeneration process for its results, they take some time. Most people start to notice the first signs of improvement within 2 months, with peak results arriving around 3-4 months after the treatment.
How do I make Ultherapy last longer?
Your tightened skin will age as you continue to age, so there’s not a lot you can do besides undergo additional sessions of Ultherapy to make it last longer on your own. Your doctor can tell you what lifestyle habits might help keep your skin looking and feeling great aside from cosmetic procedures.
How do I get the best results from Ultherapy?
For the best results, choose an experienced team of professionals to provide your Ultherapy treatment session(s). Our physician, Dr. Gray, always spends a great deal of time considering your concerns and examining your problem area before recommending the best procedures for your ideal results.
Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?
Ideal candidates for laser hair removal will have a lighter complexion and dark hair. This is because the laser used will target pigment in the hair follicles. At Pinnacle Dermaology we have a laser that is safe for all skin types including black skin.
What areas can laser hair removal be used?
Laser hair removal can be used to target hair on the face, underarms, back, legs, bikini area, and more. Treated hair must have pigment and may not be blonde, red or gray.
How can I prepare for laser hair removal?
To prepare for your laser hair removal appointment, be sure to avoid prolonged sun exposure for 4 weeks prior, avoid products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol in the treatment areas 48 hours before treatment, and shave the area within 48-72 hours before treatment.
Should I shave before my laser hair removal appointment?
Yes, you should shave the treatment area within 48-72 hours hours before your appointment.
How many laser hair removal sessions are needed?
The number of treatment sessions needed can differ from patient to patient. However, in most cases, optimal results can be achieved in 6-8 sessions.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal can effectively delay hair growth for long periods and can permanently stop hair growth for most treated follicles. However, some hair follicles will persist but the hairs should be finer.
What should I do after laser hair removal?
Following laser hair removal, avoid direct sun exposure to the treatment area, apply cold packs to the treated areas to treat swelling, and wear loose, soft clothing that will not irritate your skin.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Laser hair removal should not be painful. However, it may cause mild discomfort for some. Many patients describe the treatment as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin.
How long does laser hair removal take?
Smaller treatment areas can take just minutes to complete, while larger areas may take 45 minutes to one hour.
How do you know if laser hair removal is working?
Results of laser hair removal can often be seen within the first few weeks after the first appointment. The results will become obvious as the hair in the treatment area begins to fall out, and hair regrowth is slower than before.
Will my diet affect my varicose veins?
If you already have varicose veins, adopting a healthier diet can reduce discomfort, throbbing, and foot or leg swelling associated with these veins. A healthy diet to reduce varicose vein symptoms will include foods low in salt, as salty foods cause water retention, which causes your veins to work harder to circulate blood
Who is at the highest risk of developing varicose veins?
The majority of people who develop varicose veins are individuals between the ages of 40 and 80. Genetics plays a big role in who gets varicose veins. Women are more likely to develop them than men. Pregnancy can also lead to varicose veins, as added body weight can add pressure to the legs.
Can spider veins turn into varicose veins?
No, spider veins cannot turn into varicose veins over time. Spider veins and reticulr veins are much smaller and more superficial. Many patients have all three types of veins.
Are compressions stockings actually an effective treatment?
Compression stockings may provide some symptom relief and help prevent vein disease from progressing. However, they will not eliminate varicose veins if you already have them.
If I have varicose veins, should I change how I exercise?
If you have varicose veins, it is advised that you do low-impact cardio or weight-bearing exercises. Walking and biking are great low impact exercises that specifically fous on building up calf muscles. Also prolonged sitting is not good for varicose veins so flexing ankes and taking frequent short walks is recommended..
Will one procedure eliminate my varicose veins?
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for varicose veins. This should be done under ultrasound giuidance therefore cardiovascular surgeons typically perform this procedure. Most people will need about 2-4 treatments to see optimal results when treating varicose veins. Recurrence is also common so maintenance treatments are often required. Sclerotherapy of spider and reticular veins can be performed by a dermatologist.
What will happen if I leave my varicose veins untreated?
If varicose veins are left untreated, they may continue to become worse over time which can lead to pain and/or swelling in the legs.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
To diagnose varicose veins, your doctor may recommend a test called a venous doppler ultrasound of the leg. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to look at blood flow throughout the valves in the legs.
What Is Sclerotherapy and How Does It Work?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special solution directly into the vein. This causes the vein lining to become inflamed and to close off and scar.
What Happens When a Varicose Vein is removed By Treatment?
When a varicose vein is removed, it will not affect the blood supply to the legs because the blood is redirected to deeper, healthier veins.
To learn more about Belotero Balance® to treat lines and wrinkles around the mouth and lips, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gray! Our staff at Pinnacle Dermatology & Skin Rejuvenation is thoroughly educated on all of our treatment options, so feel free to ask any questions that you may have.
