What Is The Best Device For Skin Tightening?
“What can be done about my loose skin?” This is one of the most popular questions we hear at SLK Clinic during our consultations. Loose skin can happen anywhere on the body as we age. Luckily SLK offers skin tightening solutions that can treat loose skin on practically any body part. BOOK NOW So what causes our skin to loosen? Men and women alike lose vital collagen and elastine during the lifespan as part of the natural aging process. Aged collagen and elastine increases the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. Loss of collagen, and more importantly elastine are two of the most vital contributing factors to aged skin. Age is not the only factor contributing to loose skin. Patients with significant weight fluctuations due to pregnancy or lifestyle choices may also benefit from skin tightening once their weight stabilizes. What is the best treatment for skin tightening? SLK Clinic offers a revolutionary solution for skin tightening. The Vivace device is a microneedling system that derives its power from specifically targeted radiofrequency waves designed to build new collagen and elastine. Vivace is one of the most revolutionary devices on the market and is completely customizable to each patient’s skin tightening needs. Vivace precisely delivers the perfect amount of tailored energy during every treatment to change the overall appearance and structure of the skin. The final result of Vivace establishes new elastine in the skin providing a lifting and tightening effect. Elastine production ramps up after Vivace is performed and continues to produce extra amounts until approximately six months after the procedure. How often should I have Vivace performed for skin tightening? Vivace for skin tightening should be performed in a series of three sessions. More sessions may be added as needed for tailored results. WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR AREAS TO TIGHTEN WITH VIVACE? Some of SLK’s most popular treatment areas include: around the eyes, submental “double chin”, arms, abdomen, back, flanks “love handles”, above the knees and derriere. What is the downtime after Vivace for skin tightening? There is practically no downtime after Vivace is performed. You may expect some mild, transient redness that resembles a sunburn the day of the treatment. Any redness will quickly subside. If downtime is a concern SLK offers special growth factors that may be used in addition to the treatment to reduce already minimal downtime. Is Vivace a type of surgery? No, Vivace is not a type of surgery although the results on some patients may resemble surgery. All patients with loose skin can benefit from Vivace skin tightening. BOOK NOW
Why Botox Alone Is Not Enough To Stop Wrinkles
BOTOX IS A ONE DIMENSIONAL APPROACH Although Botox has a household name and seems to be synonymous with anti-aging, it is a very small component of achieving youthful skin. Botulinum toxin can be found in various injectable forms including: Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau. Injected botulinum toxin plays a large part in slowing down the aging process by relaxing muscles. Although regular injections with neurotoxins are vitally important for wrinkle prevention, it is only one small part of aging prevention. BOOK NOW MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH Botox only treats one dimension of our face: the muscles. Our faces also have other organs that age with time such as skin, fat, and bone. To adequately prevent aging, a multidimensional approach is most effective. Addressing all components of the face are essential to a successful anti-aging regimen. HOW CAN I PREVENT SIGNS OF AGING? Our genetics cannot change but skincare, lifestyle choices and preventative measures can be addressed. Small acts of prevention can add up over time to have the overall effect of slowing down the aging process. SKINCARE ROUTINE TO SUPPORT BOTOX RESULTS: One of the first and most budget-friendly steps you can take is changing up your skincare regimen. Opt for professional-grade skincare products instead of off-the-shelf products from department stores or pharmacies: Retinol: Nouvelle Retinol 0.6% Correction Cream by Neocutis helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles by increasing cell turnover as well as the production of collagen. Sunscreen: The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield protects against UVA & UVB, blue (HEV) light, pollution, and infrared radiation (IR). Antioxidants: Biopelle Antioxidant Defense Serum delivers dramatic results to help repair damaged skin. It also is a strong protectant against environmental stressors, such as pollution and free radicals. The serum features powerful growth factors and anti-aging benefits and is fortified with Vitamin C, Ferulic acid and Edafence (which is an exclusive plant-based ingredient from Antarctica that delivers powerful antioxidant defense). Stem Cells/Growth Factors: As we age, the cells in our skin break down and skin stem cells are less able to replace them. Biopelle’s Tensage Stem Cell Cream features Cellpro Technology, a unique, natural ingredient extracted from snail eggs to help improve skin’s appearance during the aging process. LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE: Stop smoking: Tobacco smoke contains toxins that can lead to premature aging including dull and dry complexion, loss of skin’s firmness, premature lines and wrinkles, and leathery skin. Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Seek shade and cover up (hats, long sleeves, long skirts and pants). Eat healthy foods & stay hydrated: A healthy diet promotes healthy skin. Make sure you stay hydrated and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid spikes in blood sugar from sugary foods like sweets and pastries, because this can also cause wrinkles over time. Get enough sleep: It’s called beauty rest for a reason. Skin repair occurs predominantly at night time. Sleep gives your body time to refresh and renew itself. IN CLINIC TREATMENTS TO COMPLEMENT BOTOX: The following treatments are considered crucial anti-aging maintenance. Without a couple of these treatments per year, your skin’s quality and collagen production will continue to decline. Microneedling & Vivace (Microneedling with Radiofrequency) stimulates collagen and elastin. Building these skin proteins diminishes fine lines and wrinkles that have become too deep for Botox to correct on it’s own. These treatments are recommended every 6 months for maintenance. Chemical Peels help with resurfacing the skin reducing fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend 2-3 peels per year. Neurotoxin Injections (Botox) every three months to relax facial muscles is still essential to preventing those creases from facial expressions. WHAT DOES SLK CLINIC OFFER TO FIGHT SIGNS OF AGING? In the battle against signs of aging, SLK clinic offers many measures to help prevent and treat signs of aging. Radiofrequency, Botox, microneedling, chemical peels and medical grade skincare products all help with fine lines, skin tone, and texture. Used in combination with scheduled Botox injections, a patient will find wrinkles diminish and an overall slowing of the aging process. BOOK NOW
Is It Possible To Stop Responding To Botox?
BOTOX RESISTANCE: FACT OR FICTION? Can someone stop responding to Botox? The short answer is, yes but it’s highly unlikely. Botox (and Dysport) are composed of proteins, and our bodies are able to sense different types of foreign proteins and create antibodies against them. (For example the gluten protein in wheat, and the ovalbumin protein in eggs). Once recognized, these antibodies will circulate and neutralize any Botox once it’s injected, resulting in loss of efficacy. BOOK NOW HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ANTIBODIES? Again, the chances of being a true non-responder to Botox are extremely low. There are also no tests to determine if you have antibodies to Botox. However, there are a few things that can increase your chances of being a non-responder: If you received Botox prior to 1996. The batches of Botox produced in 1996 and earlier contained higher quantities of protein. This possibly rendered Botox more easily recognized and neutralized by the body. Receiving high doses of Botox. Individuals who receive Botox to treat neuromuscular disorders like dystonia, can receive very high doses of Botox, possible increasing the chance of generating an immune response to the Botox. However, if you receive a cosmetic dose (100 units or less) then this is not considered a high enough dose to warrant an immune effect. Receiving Botox too frequently. There is some scientific evidence to suggest that individuals who receive Botox sooner than every 2 months may be at higher risk for Botox resistance. This is why we recommend spacing apart your Botox appointments every 3 months. An early touch-up once in awhile is okay, but you should not make a habit of coming every few weeks for Botox. IF I AM RESISTANT TO BOTOX, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Luckily, it is thought that the immunogenicity wears off after a period of time. Also, Botox resistance is not thought to result in total lack of response, just a weakened response. One option you may try is trying other types of neurotoxins like Jeuveau, Dysport or Xeomin. Keep in mind that all of these neurotoxins have very similar chemical structures, so there is a chance you might not see a result from the other types either. You should keep this in mind if you are on a tight-budget. Alternative wrinkle-reducing therapies like microneedling may be a better option for you. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER REASONS SOMEONE MIGHT BECOME A NON-RESPONDER? In 99% of cases where someone says “their Botox didn’t work”, ” it wore off too soon,” or “they metabolized it quickly,” the patient is typically being under-dosed. If you are receiving, say, 30 units, and it’s wearing off in 6 weeks, then the most clear answer is that the dose needs to be increased. The higher the dose, the longer the duration. Other reasons for apparent Botox “resistance” include: Muscle adaptation. Sometimes other muscles responsible for movement will compensate for the paralyzed muscles, creating movement. Improper administration technique. It is possible that a new injector may make a mistake with dilution or placement of Botox. Unrealistic expectations of how much Botox needs to be used. If a patient is requesting an injection of only 12-20 units, then the provider should take the time to explain that the effect may wear off closer to 6 weeks. To sum it up, don’t worry if you believe you are becoming resistant to your Botox. Chances are, you are still a great responder. You just need to add some more units to your next dose. Maintain an open line of communication with your injector, be patient, and keep an open mind about how many units of Botox you might need. Contact us to schedule your complimentary Botox consultation BOOK NOW
Sugarbear Hair: Fact Or Fiction?
If every influencer on Instagram is a spokesperson for SugarBear Hair vitamins, they must truly work, right? Well, the truth about the vitamin and supplement industry is that they don’t require FDA approval for any of their products. This allows companies like SugarBearHair to take quite a bit of liberty in marketing their health claims. At SLK, we don’t take any skin or hair advice unless it’s backed by science, so let’s do a scientific breakdown of the ingredient list: Book Now VITAMIN B6 – FICTION Vitamin B6 is known to improve hair growth when it is injected, but unfortunately there is no scientific evidence demonstrating any effect with oral administration. VITAMIN B12 – FICTION If every influencer on Instagram is a spokesperson for SugarBear Hair vitamins, they must truly work, right? Well, the truth about the vitamin and supplement industry is that they don’t require FDA approval for any of their products. This allows companies like SugarBearHair to take quite a bit of liberty in marketing their health claims. At SLK, we don’t take any skin or hair advice unless it’s backed by science, so let’s do a scientific breakdown of the ingredient list: VITAMIN B6 – FICTION Vitamin B6 is known to improve hair growth when it is injected, but unfortunately there is no scientific evidence demonstrating any effect with oral administration. VITAMIN B12 – FICTION Deficiency of B12 can result in hair loss but this type of hair loss only occurs in vegetarian populations, those with gastrointestinal conditions, or malnourished populations. If you have a B12 deficiency, you should take a true b12 supplement and SugarBear hair supplements should not serve as a substitute. VITAMIN A – FICTION This ingredient is a real headscratcher for us. Not only is Vitamin A deficiency not an established cause of hair loss, but excess intake of Vitamin A is actually known to cause hair loss (and dry skin too). Additionally, beta-carotene (the food form of vitamin A – your body converts this precursor into Vitamin A in the digestive tract) supplementation may increase mortality from cardiovascular disease and may increase the risk of lung cancer in some people. Anyone living in an industrialized country like the US receives plenty of Vitamin A just by eating a couple meals a day, so we are really not sure why anyone would find the need to supplement this. If a nutraceutical company must use Vitamin A as an ingredient, no more than 2500 international units of Vitamin A is recommended. We will give SugarBear credit for staying within these guidelines – a single serving of bears only contains 2100 IU. So although it is not beneficial, this dose is not harmful either. FOLIC ACID – FICTION Again, we are not sure why this is included as an ingredient. There is already a considerable amount of folic acid in the diet as it is found in leafy greens and fortified grains. If you are eating a normal diet, extra folic acid will not change anything about your hair. VITAMIN C – FICTION There is some promising data showing Vitamin C promotes hair growth, but only when it is applied topically. There is no evidence showing it has any effect in any oral or gummy bear form. We also noticed a strange claim on SugarBear’s website that “a study found in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology references the use of Vitamin C to improve hair growth.” Well, that study happens to belong to their competitor, Viviscal®, which is a supplement that consists of shark and mollusk powder, silica, and vitamin C. Viviscal’s study actually shows some nice data demonstrating improved hair growth. So all we can conclude here is that maybe we should just buy Viviscal so we can reap the added benefits of shark and mollusk powder. VITAMIN B5 – FICTION Vitamin B5 deficiency is exceptionally rare, only seen in starvation. Again, if you are eating a normal diet, supplemental Vitamin B5 will not change anything about your hair. VITAMIN E – FACT Data is scarce, but oral supplementation with Vitamin E has been shown to increase hair growth upwards of 50%. It is thought that Vitamin E’s potent antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress in the scalp which is a known cause of hair loss. There are 8 compounds in the Vitamin E family and SugarBear chooses to use “dI-alpha tocopheryl acetate.” however we would prefer to see “tocotrienol” used as an ingredient. It is considered to be more efficacious than tocopheryl acetate because its structure allows for better distribution in the fatty layers of the cell membrane. BIOTIN – FICTION This is one of the most common ingredients in many hair, nail, and skin supplements. But the truth is, we already receive all the biotin our body needs (35–70 MG/day) naturally in our diets by consuming foods like spinach, tomatoes, eggs, dairy, and more. Plus your intestinal bacteria produce biotin for you too. Thus, biotin only needs to be supplemented when someone has a clinical (read: you had your blood tested and your levels are low) biotin deficiency, which only exists under conditions of extreme poverty and malnutrition, or in people with serious illnesses affecting the gut such as alcoholism or inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of biotin deficiency besides hair loss include numbness and tingling in the extremities, hallucinations, and red rashes around the eyes, nose, and mouth. So unless you have a recent history of digestive illness or malnutrition, plus some of these other symptoms, you probably have plenty of biotin. There is good evidence, however, that even if you do not have a biotin deficiency, biotin supplements can improve brittle fingernails if this is an issue for you. SO IN SUMMARY, DO SUGARBEAR HAIR REALLY GUMMIES WORK? Yes, it’s possible these gummies are effective due to the presence of Vitamin E, the only ingredient with any “Fact” behind it. However we conclude there is no scientific basis for any of the other ingredients. Is it worth the price-tag though? You be the judge! Book Now
The Three Types Of Microneedling
Did you know that there are 3 types of microneedling that have almost nothing in common with each other? Before choosing to undergo microneedling (or spending a lot of money on it), do your research and know the differences. Results can vary widely depending on which technique you receive. Book Now 1. MECHANICAL Mechanical microneedling uses a motorized pen with tiny slender needles to create thousands of channels that are up to 2.5 millimeters deep. These channels disrupt photo-aged, wrinkled, or scarred tissue to allow for remodeling of new skin to occur. This type of microneedling creates the most channels per square inch of skin. Because of this, patients do experience a mild amount of bleeding and redness. This is the most popular type of microneedling because it is both relatively economical and it is an excellent maintenance treatment for delaying the aging process. Good candidates: Individuals desiring to correct wrinkles or scarring. Individuals looking to lighten brown pigmentation. People with crows feet, forehead lines, or lip lines, people with body scars or acne scars. Examples: SkinPen Precision, MDpen, Skin Stylus 2. FRACTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY Fractional radiofrequency microneedling uses thicker needles to transmit heat deep into the skin. The basis of this therapy is thermal coagulation of tissue to stimulate collagen denaturation and renewal. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling generates many less microchannels than mechanical needling, thus it should be thought of as a heat-based therapy. Unlike microneedling pens, this therapy involves no bleeding and no downtime. The main goal of RF is to lift the skin and thicken the collagen, whereas mechanical microneedling plays a greater role in resurfacing the upper layers of skin. Good candidates: Radiofrequency microneedling is desirable for people who want to tighten, lift or contour their skin. It is effective for scar reduction as well. The heat damages oil glands so RF microneedling is also effective for reducing acne and shrinking oil-producing pores. Examples: There are a handful of RF devices on the market. Endymed Intensif, Secret RF, Vivace, Virtue RF, Morpheus8 3. MESOTHERAPY Mesotherapy is the least invasive of all the needling options. This minimally invasive option only affects the very topmost layer of skin, about 600 micrometers deep which is very superficial. Mesotherapy increases the permeability of the stratum corneum, allowing skincare ingredients to penetrate a little bit deeper. Typical skincare products applied during mesotherapy include hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, or Botox. The results are akin to a facial Good candidates: People who are relatively happy with their skin who are looking for an extra boost or glow for a few days. People preparing their skin for a big event like a wedding or vacation. Examples: Aquagold, stamps, dermarollers Book Now
PRP: Why it is important during microneeding?
A tube of freshly centrifuged PRP. PRP FROM 2010-2020 Although microneedling with PRP (also known as the “vampire facial“) is a relatively new therapy, the utilization of PRP in other fields of medicine such as dentistry, orthopedics, and reconstructive surgery has been increasing dramatically over the past couple of decades. PRP’s regenerative properties are now widely accepted among researchers, doctors, and nurses. Providers can now even use it to produce new hair! So what can this powerful substance do for your skin? Over the past 10 years, dermatology researchers have discovered that PRP is quite promising in regenerating skin that has been damaged through scarring, age, or UV damage. Book Now WHAT IS PRP? For those who aren’t familiar, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) consists of a patient’s own blood plasma that has been enriched by concentrating the number of platelets so it exceeds normal blood levels. Concentrating the plasma is desirable because plasma contains various growth factors that are instrumental in repairing skin. These growth factors include platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TFG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF). PRP growth factors stimulate tissue remodeling and when they are concentrated, they are associated with enhanced healing, upregulation of collagen synthesis, and promotion of tissue regeneration. The growth factors contained in PRP and their respective roles in the body. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMBINE MICRONEEDLING WITH PRP? The increased growth factor activity associated with PRP is believed to multiply the effects of microneedling to promote aesthetically-superior tissue remodeling. In other words, PRP with microneedling makes the skin more young and beautiful than microneedling alone. The synergistic effects of microneedling with PRP offers unique results. Studies show that combining microneedling and PRP in the same appointment produces thicker epidermis and more developed rete ridges, compared to PRP alone or microneedling alone. PRP combined with microneedling also achieves greater patient satisfaction scores compared to microneedling alone. It is well documented that PRP combined with microneedling produces superior benefits for depressed acne scars than microneedling alone. Rete ridges in the upper layer of the skin. What are rete ridges, you ask? Rete ridges are crucial structures in the skin that promote epidermal proliferation and provide a natural, specialized environment for our skin’s stem cells. Damaged or scarred skin lacks rete ridges. INJECTING PRP WITH MICRONEEDLING INCREASES ELASTICITY We also know from clinical studies that when injected (also known as the “vampire facelift“, PRP can nearly double skin’s elasticity. Why is this important? In photoaged skin, the skin’s network of elastic fibers has become destroyed. Elastin becomes thickened, tangled, crooked, degraded, and dysfunctional, resulting in elastosis, which is characterized by deep wrinkles, laxity, yellowing, and tough skin. To build elasticity, 3 injections of PRP are needed spaced 1 month apart. Above: Signs of photoaging include lip lines, brown sun spots, and crows feet lines next to the eye. If you have these signs of photoaging, you likely are experiencing premature elastosis (loss of elasticity). PRP DECREASES DOWNTIME For those patients concerned with downtime, PRP also accelerates healing following microneedling. In particular, it reduces redness and edema (swelling) a couple days earlier, which is a true testament to the regenerative power of platelet-enriched plasma. Since the application of PRP in dermatology is so new, it is likely we do not know yet all the benefits of applying PRP during microneedling. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRP AND MICRONEEDLING? Although the concept of PRP sounds simple (people get their blood drawn all the time, right?), how PRP is prepared can determine how much of a result you can see. To learn more about how SLK believes is the best way to prepare and purify PRP, read more here. Book Now
Microneedling vs Hydrafacial: which is better?
Microneedling and Hydrafacial Hydrafacial and Microneedling are two of the most talked about aesthetic procedures available to patients. The providers at SLK Clinic are frequently asked by our Nashville patients to discuss, compare, and explain which treatment option is better. Below are some of the most common questions we receive: Book Now WHY ARE THESE TWO PROCEDURES SO WILDLY POPULAR? Hydrafacial Infusion The hydrafacial procedure is a non-invasive technique that utilizes a suction device to extract debris in clogged pores, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin all during the procedure. The infusion aspect of Hydrafacial means serums are administered during the procedure into the newly unclogged pores. The procedure in essence is an extremely effective facial compared to traditional facial methods. The newly highly hydrated skin has the temporary effect of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. The Hydrafacial procedure is usually performed by a non-medically licensed provider such as an esthetician. Cleaning action of Hydrafacial using the suction device. Microneedling Microneedling is the process of causing controlled micro-injuries to the skin through the process of thousands of fine needle pokes. When there is an injury to the skin, the body begins to immediately repair itself through a process called the healing cascade. A vital component of the healing cascade is the addition of new collagen. Collagen production changes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by resurfacing the skin. Another very important aspect of microneedling is the needle depth as the procedure is performed. The needle depth determines what layer of skin is affected by the treatment. For new collagen to form, a needle must reach the dermis layer of skin. Only medically licensed providers can microneedle at an appropriate depth for collagen resurfacing. The healing cascade of microneedling. Growth Factor infusion during Microneedling Another positive aspect of microneedling is the addition of growth factors. Microneedling provides us a window of opportunity to infuse growth factors that normally wouldn’t be able to penetrate deep into the skin on their own. Growth factors significantly drive up collagen production because growth factors act as signalers. Growth factors summon stem cells which responsible for regeneration and new growth. When topical growth factors are combined with microneedling, growth factors are allowed to penetrate deeper into the skin than typically possible, thus increasing healing properties as well as collagen production. How does microneedling with growth factors stack up against Hydrafacial infusion? Both procedures have benefits and deciding between the two varies depending on what treatment goals are. If a patient is looking for short-term reduced appearance of pores for an event with no downtime, then Hydrafacial is the best procedure. If a patient is ok with a few days of redness and is looking for a permanent solution for fine lines, wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone, then microneedling is the best option. What does SLK Clinic offer? SLK’s mission is to deliver medical-grade aesthetic procedures that provide long-term results. Microneedling fits this treatment philosophy but Hydrafacial does not which is why SLK offers microneedling with growth factors and not Hydrafacial infusions. VIEW BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS OF MICRONEEDLING AT SLK Book Now
What is it like to TruSculpt your body?
TruSculpt ID is a revolutionary FDA approved fat burning device that came onto the market in 2018. The device utilizes radiofrequency energy to raise the internal temperature of fat cells for a specific time period required to kill fat. Sounds like science-fiction, right? So what is it like to TruSculpt iD your body at SLK? Book Now The Consultation At our clinic, every TruSculpt iD treatment begins with a detailed consultation. It is vital to have a consultation to discuss and visualize your treatment concerns in order to build your custom contouring treatment. Every patient is unique and has different needs which is why there is not a one treatment fits all approach. In the consultation, a medical provider will map out your best treatment plan and amount of sessions required to meet discussed goals. The Treatment A patient can either be treated the same day as the consultation or come back on another day for treatment. The appointment begins with photographs of the treatment area in order to track progress. The TruSculpt iD device is then applied to the patient according to the agreed upon treatment plan developed during the consultation after the photos are taken. Treatment begins once the device is applied to the body. The treatment from start to finish lasts approximately 15 minutes to one hour. TruSculpt iD treatments are commonly described as feeling like a hot stone massage or the sensation of entering a hot bath. The temperature is gradually increased over the first five minutes then maintained for the last ten. Overall the treatment from start to finish is very comfortable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT_oWdiL09Q&t=1s&ab_channel=JasonEmer%2CMD When Will I See Results? It takes 12 weeks to see final results after a single treatment, though some patients start to notice a change around six to eight weeks. The body relies predominantly on the lymphatic system to remove the dead fat cells naturally and this process takes up to 12 weeks. SLK Clinic recommends layering two to four treatments in order to achieve best results. TRUSCULPT ID BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS Are There Any Side Effects? TruSculpt iD is very unique in that any side effects experienced are very minimal and very transient. A patient treated with TruSculpt may experience mild redness, tenderness, and some swelling. However, any of these side effects experienced are very mild and typically resolve within a few hours to days. Book Now
5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Filler Injector
About 95% of the success of your filler treatment depends on who is behind the needle. Results can be vastly different depending on the injector’s experience, aseptic technique, and artistic eye. Because of this, anyone considering a filler procedure should evaluate all options carefully. Whether you’ve never gone under the needle before, or you’re looking to switch to a new injector, here are 5 things to consider before settling upon a new filler injector: Book Now 1. Does this injector’s clinic specialize in filler? In other words, is filler the passion of this practice? Log-on to the injector’s website and count how many services are listed on their treatment menu. Does their clinic offer 30 or more procedures? If so, considering there are only 40 hours in a work week, how many hours are they truly able to dedicate to filler? The more items listed on the treatment menu, the more “spread thin” the practitioner becomes. Filler is a game of practice, and one must perform a lot of filler treatments, frequently, to perfect the art.Additionally, while you are taking a look at the injector’s website, use your intuition to gain a sense of where the staff really focus their energy. If you sense that the practice spends most of its efforts on something like breast augmentation surgery or mole removals, perhaps you may want to continue searching for a practice with a greater emphasis on filler and facial rejuvenation. 2. Are they a “master injector”? Does the injector have “master injector” written on their Instagram profile or website? This title may sound appealing but this is actually a “made-up” term that some clinicians self-label themselves as. In truth, there are no classes or certifications that any doctor or nurse can take to certify themselves as a “master injector.” Anyone can choose to write this on their website since it is not a legally-regulated term. So be careful of this marketing tactic. Instead, look for valid credentials such as the injector’s schooling, board-certifications, and state licenses. What schools did they attend? Where did they complete their clinical rotations or residency? How many years have they been licensed? Although you may have to do a little bit of Googling to find the answers to most of these questions, most states allow the public to look up a nurse or doctor’s license status on the state website. In Tennessee you can view the license history of any doctor or nurse here: Tennessee Department of Health License Verification. 3. A clinician with prescriptive privileges. A major mistake some filler patients make is choosing to receive filler in an office that doesn’t have a provider who can prescribe treatments in case a complication from filler arises. Dermal filler is an FDA Class III medical device implant, meaning the FDA considers filler to fall into the category of the top 5% riskiest of all medical devices that exist in the USA. Although rare, complications of filler can range from infections, to abnormal growths requiring surgery, to vision loss. Some of these complications occur immediately, but some don’t appear until 2-6 months after the injection. If a complication occurs and there is not a nurse practitioner or doctor immediately available, treatment can be incorrect or delayed, resulting in long-term, unsightly side-effects. (Emergency rooms are notoriously inadequate at recognizing and treating filler complications.) To ensure your best chances of being properly taken care of both during and after your filler treatment, you should ensure that you have met with the office NP/PA or MD to establish a patient-provider relationship with them. 4. Does the injector practice in a clinic? Would you trust going to see a dentist in a nail salon? Well, if you wouldn’t trust other medical professionals in places like a salon or massage spa, you may want to reconsider receiving something as specialized as filler injections there either. When filler is placed as deep as the bone, fat, or muscle, this is the practice of medicine. And if any nursing school or medical school would lose accreditation if they had their students train in places like a hotel room, hair salon, or massage spa; this should be a message to us all that we should question any nursing or medical graduate who consciously chooses to perform medical procedures outside of the clinical setting. A treatment room at SLK Nashville. 5. Do you and your injector share a similar sense of beauty? Only you can decide if you and your injector are an aesthetic “match.” Most injectors say their results are natural, but everyone has a different definition of “natural.” Look at the injector’s face and the faces of other staff in the office. If you think they look over-filled, out of proportion, or frozen, chances are they will treat you in that same manner. Feel free to schedule consults at several different skincare clinics before you make your final decision. A trustworthy skincare clinic should be accommodating and respectful of the fact that you want to do your research. Before and after chin augmentation using filler. Summary. Although the end-goal of dermal filler injections is cosmetic, don’t forget that they are medical procedures with lasting effects. And while price is one obvious factor you should consider, I encourage you to evaluate price in proper context. You often get what you pay for when it comes to dermal filler injections. Keep in mind that only a portion of your money is used to pay for the syringe of filler. The other portion is paying for a team of providers that will take care of you, the best trainings, a safe and clean environment, and the most up-to-date tools and techniques. Although your filler appointment is only 45 minutes, your filler and it’s impact on your skin lasts much longer. A price variation of $100 may signify a significant difference in your final outcome. Book Now VIEW SLK’S BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS OF FILLER HERE: filler before/after photos
Does Trusculpt ID Really Work?
TRUSCULPT: DOES IT REALLY PRODUCE RESULTS? What if we told you there was a way to permanently kill up to 24% of fat cells in a non-invasive way that requires no downtime? Does this sound too good to be true? Fortunately this type of non-invasive fat removal is completely accessible at SLK Clinic with Trusculpt ID. Book Now How Does Trusculpt iD Work? The Trusculpt iD device utilizes radiofrequency waves that penetrate sections of fat down to the muscle layer. This optimized energy delivery system provides selective apoptosis (cell death) of the subcutaneous adipose (fat) tissue while sparing the skin cells. Cell death is accomplished through increasing the internal temperature of treated fat cells to 109.4F for a precise amount of time. Increasing internal fat cell temperature is achieved through the interaction between radiofrequency waves and water molecules within fat cells. Water molecules in fat cells are excited by radiofrequency energy. When water molecules are excited, they vibrate very quickly. This water molecule vibration translates into friction and friction results in heat. Heat steadily increases within the fat cells the longer the water molecules are excited by the energy. It treats the entire fat layer, resulting in clinically proven results averaging 24% fat reduction with each treatment. Fat cells cannot survive 10 minutes at 109.4F, thus they permanently die. After treatment, the body naturally metabolizes and removes the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system over a period of 12 weeks. These cells are irreversibly damaged and will not return. How Many Treatments Are Required? For best results a patient should be treated approximately three times per treatment area. Significantly noticeable results are best seen when treatments are layered since up to 24% of fat cells can be killed per treatment. Many patients see results as early as six weeks and will continue to see improvement up to 12 weeks. Are My Results Permanent? Yes, results are permanent. The fat cells permanently killed by Trusculpt iD are naturally removed by the body. The histology studies have shown inflammation and fat necrosis from beneath the skin layer down to 1.5cm in depth. These studies are complemented by clinical studies which show an average of 24% fat reduction in the treatment area measured by ultrasound. However, it is important to note the remaining cells can become larger in size with an unhealthy diet or lack or exercise. (However they will shrink again if you return back to a healthy lifestyle). WHAT DO THE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS OF TRUSCULPT ID LOOK LIKE? Click here to view real before and after results of truSculpt iD: trusculpt id before/after photos Book Now
