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Sculptra is an injectable fluid used to add volume to areas of the face.

It creates a soft, natural youthful silhouette of the face. Sculptra helps build your own collagen while slowly disappearing. If done well it does not have a “plumped” appearance that is known to happen with hyaluronic acid fillers used in the cheeks. Sculptra is good for adding volume to the following:

What is Sculptra made of?

Sculptra is a synthetic of lactic acid (generic name is “poly-L-lactic acid” or PLLA). Lactic acid is formed in our muscles after exercising.

Polylactic acid is lactic acid molecules attached together in strings (a polymer). Sculptra is made in a laboratory and includes no animal products and no human DNA. It slowly disappears by the movement of your own cell enzymes.

Is Sculptra FDA approved?

Sculptra received full FDA approval in 2009 for cosmetic use in the United States. For over five years Sculptra has had partial FDA approval. Sculptra has been largely used in Europe for over years now.

It has been approved in Canada, Europe, and over 20 other countries.

Is there any place Sculptra should not be used?

Yes. Sculptra should not be used in the frown lines, forehead, around the eyes, around the mouth or in the lips. There also may be other areas that are not allowed in your specific situation. Your doctor will inform you.

Is Sculptra safe?

Since 1999 Sculptra has been used in Europe. In 2002 Sculptra was reformulated. Since then it has had an excellent safety profile when treatments are done correctly.

In Geneva Dr. Vleggar has treated over 8,000 patients and has had less than 20 more serious problems. All of these problems were temporary (lasting 1 year or less). With Sculptra small invisible bumps can occur and will slowly go away. There have been very few cases reported of long lasting nodules. If so, they were reported prior to 2003 when Sculptra was reformulated with a smaller and smoother particle size.

It is now not recommend to treat the eye area because it more likely to develop temporary bumps. It more likely for the Sculptra to be visible there because the skin is so thin.

Sculptra is much more difficult to inject than Botox or hyaluronic acid fillers. So make sure your injector is experienced. Also, remember to follow all recommendations regarding post care and massage.

How long will Sculptra last?

Sculptra can last up to 2 years in most patients. Having one treatment once a year is important for maintenance. You will not want to from full volume to zero volume. It can take 45-90 days after treatment to see full results. This is because you’re is building your own collagen.

Do I need maintenance treatments?

Having one maintenance treatment a year is important so you do not fully return to your original volume. However, everyone is different and this cannot be foreseen exactly.

What does a Sculptra treatment feel like? Is Sculptra painful?

Sculptra is mixed with lidocaine (an anesthetic) so there is little discomfort with the injections. Nearly all offices apply a local numbing cream 45 minutes before the treatment.

Are there side effects with Sculptra?

Some side effects include small, typically invisible temporary bumps.

These bumps will go away on their own. Small visible bumps are common around the eyes, and are rare. It is not recommend to use Sculptra around the eyes. Small bumps can be massaged out or saline can be injected to break the bumps up. On occasion a small amount of anti-inflammatory (such as Kenalog) may be needed to be injected into the bump.

Seldom, small bumps can develop which can take months or a year to go away. These us typically because the massage was not done correctly.

Some common injection reactions might occur, such as swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, itching and discoloration at the injection site.

Sometimes, Sculptra treatment can trigger an acne flare. These side effects can subside naturally within 1 to 14 days after treatment.

Using anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin may cause bleeding or increase bruising at the injection sites.

If you have previously had facial herpes simplex, the injection may provoke an outbreak. It is advisable to talk to your doctor about this before treatment.

 

Why PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (or PRP treatment) is a favorite beauty procedure because of its simplicity and effectiveness. It is easy because it involves blood being drawn from a patient’s own body. The patient’s blood is then put into a centrifuge to separate the platelets, serum and blood cells. And then you have everything you need to trigger your body’s natural healing mechanism at will.

Let’s see how PRP can be used for enhancing your skin and appearance.

Removal for Acne

Almost all of us are affected by acne at some point in our life.  However, acne is common for those in their teens. Acne is the result of clogged pores. Pores are the natural breathing mechanism of the skin. Pores also secretes sebum that washes away dead skin cells. When your pores are blocked, it causes inflammation. And the result is tiny bumps on the skin known as acne or pimples.
When these bumps “burst” they can leave a semi-permanent scar on your skin.

How Can PRP Help?

The platelets in the PRP injections contains growth factors, which are known to stimulate the skin cells and trigger the production of new skin tissue. The production of new skin also means production of new collagen.  This greatly improves the skin appearance in and surrounding areas making it appear your skin more vibrant and soft.

With PRP you’ll see results with just 2-3 treatments. This is about in a month’s time.

How long does the effects last?

The effects varies depending on the individual. However, most people can expect the results to last about 18 months.

What Is a Vampire FaceLift?

Some people refer to the Vampire FaceLift as “vampire injections” because it involves creating an injectable using your own blood and the platelets it contains to fill in fine lines and wrinkles on your face.

Your doctor draws blood from your arm and spins it to separate out the plasma, which contains platelets. These are the proteins and growth factors that stimulate collagen production and thereby promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. There are many kits available to isolate these growth factors, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Once collected, the platelet-rich plasma is injected back into your face.

The Vampire Facelift reduces fine lines and wrinkles, restores volume and gets rid of that gaunt, anemic look. Doctors who perform the Vampire Facelift often overfill the area by 20 percent, because much of the PRP will be reabsorbed by your body. Normally the procedure takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

The Cost, Risks and Results of Vampire Injections

The Vampire FaceLift Procedure costs between $1,000 and $2,500 per injection.

Because your body cannot have adverse reactions to your own blood, there is a practically no risk of an allergic reaction to PRP injections. This in return may make vampire injections seem attractive to some eternal youth seekers. You can experience temporary mild irritation, swelling, bruising, itching or discoloration at the injection site.

The Vampire Facelift lasts just 15 to 18 months. You might start to see results immediately, and the full results are visible within three weeks.

The Vampire Facial is a non-invasive treatment.  It is made up of small injections into targeted areas of the face. The injections are very small and similar to those used in dermal filler treatments.

Before your treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with your physician. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment and your physician will ask about your medical history. Whether your treatment is on the same day or at a future date, it will follow the same steps:

  1. Preparation: The treatment area is fully cleansed and prepared.
  2. Targeting injections:Your physician will mark the areas on your face that need to be freshened or lifted with a special pencil. The pencil wipes away easily.
  3. Blood draw:Your physician will take about 2 teaspoons of blood from your arm. This is done in the same way you would have a regular blood test.
  4. Isolating PRP:The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge for 5 to 10 minutes. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speed to separate the lighter plasma from the rest of contents of the blood. This isolated platelet rich plasma (PRP) is “activated” with calcium chloride to begin releasing growth factors.  These growth factors once injected into the body, will increase collagen production and have other healing effects.
  5. Topical anesthesia:If required or requested, your physician can apply a topical numbing cream to your face to keep you comfortable during your treatment.
  6. Injection of PRP: The physician injects the separated and activated platelet rich plasma (PRP) back into your face.
  7. Repeat:For best results you will need about three treatments spaced about a month apart. Although a single treatment can be effective for some individuals.
  8. Watch and wait: Growth factors contained in the plasma stimulate the release of the skin’s stem cells. What happens is the skin is being tricked into believing that it has been injured and must heal itself with new, fresh tissue. This process allows the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels, and new cells. The results are not immediate, so you will have to wait patiently for a few weeks and even a few months, while your skin will begin to transform itself.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are usually consisted of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is naturally occurring in our body and as we age, the amount of HA decreases. Moreover, our skin loses ability to produce collagen and elastin. Hence, our skin looses its youthful appearances and becomes dryer and thinner. Dermal fillers are used to lift and smooth our skin, and to stimulate and encourage production of collagen and elastin. There are different types of dermal fillers, but all of them serve the same purpose of lifting and smoothing wrinkles, folds, add volume and bring back that youthful appearance.

Dermal fillers are injected using syringe and needle. The results are seen immediately. Side effects such as swelling may last up to two weeks. Different dermal fillers have different lasting time. We offer a wide range of dermal fillers that meet requirements of wide range of our patients. Some want more temporarily and more affordable solution while others seek for a more permanent solution, regardless of its price. Some prefer their fillers to be absorbable while others dare to make the decision to go with a non-absorbable filler. Different fillers are used to treat different conditions. Some work miracles with wrinkles and fine lines, while others are used to obtain face symmetry, fill in scars, or get a plumber and more defined lips. The usage of dermal fillers is getting more and more diverse. Some of the fillers that we offer at Ethos Spa are Juvederm, Bellafill, Volbella, and Sculptra.

Botox

Botox injections are one of the most famous and used treatments nowadays. It is a group of medications based on botulinum toxin that is used to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. Botox is used for a variety of different conditions, starting from wrinkles to cervical dystonia, excessive sweating, lazy eye, and much more. In some cases, it is used to treat migraines. Not always, but in majority cases, doctors use numbing methods including topical numbing creams, ice, and/or vibration. The numbing methods are used to ease discomfort associated with the Botox injection. The doctor may mark areas that s/he will be working on. Botulinum toxin is injected into the skin with a thin needle. The amount of botulinum toxin used varies and depends on one’s personal condition and area that has being treated.

It is important not to exercise and not to rub and massage the area. Try to keep area intact as long as possible so the Botox injected does not migrate to the different area. Botox injections are considered as safe procedures, especially if they are performed by an experienced physician. Still, there are possible side effects that every candidate needs to be aware of and those include swelling, bruising, headache, droopy eyelid, crooked smile, tearing or dry eyes. Some more serious side effects have been experienced by a number of patients and those include muscle weakness, sight problems, difficulty swallowing, speaking and breathing, as well as loss of bladder control. The results are usually visible within a few days after the treatment. It all depends on everyone’s individual case. The results can last three months or longer.

Intense pulsed light or IPL laser is used for various skin treatments including skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, acne, acne scars and much more. It has a different wavelength to treat different conditions and so it can be used on different skin types and tones. The light spectral range is designed so it can target different structures such as hair follicles, pigmentation spots or excess of melanin, scars, and so on.

IPL vs Laser

IPL is similar to laser treatments but not equal. Both, IPL and laser treatment, use light to heat and in that way treat or reduce targeted issues or areas. IPL treatment has been used for two decades so it is not a new treatment when it comes to cosmetic, aesthetic and medical treatments. It is considered to deliver semi-permanent results; it all depends on the condition that is being treated. When it comes to hair removal, it reduces around 75 % of hair and patient’s will require touchups. When it comes to pigmentation, sun and age spots, it will deliver permanent results if skin is protected and maintained in the future with sunscreens and other topical creams. It delivers satisfying results that patients on Realself report around 76% satisfaction rate.

The price for IPL treatments ranges and it averages around $ 500 per treatment. Depending on the individual case of a patient, but patients usually require more than one treatment. It can be combined with other treatments to deliver best results. Again, it all depends on the condition that is being treated. Moreover, IPL encourages production of collagen, stimulating skin’s natural rejuvenation and healing process. Patient has to wear protective eyewear during treatment and usually cooling gel is applied to the area being treated. Depending on the size of the area being treated, treatment may last from few minutes to one hour. The procedure may cause slight pain and discomfort associated with needling pinching. The healing may take from few hours up to one to two weeks. It all depends on how your skin reacts to the treatment and how long it takes to heal.

 

 

We don’t appreciate the advantage of voluminous cheeks when it comes to our overall appearance until the volume is gone. There are many different options to consider that can add volume to our cheeks and give us back that youthful appearance. Augmentations of cheek volume include non-invasive treatments that require minimal to no downtime and those invasive procedures that require some downtime. The option to augment cheeks is accessible for many people from different walks of life. On the other hand, treatments are priced differently but they are highly affordable and there are payment plans available as well. There is a misconception that only women undergo cheek augmentation. The truth is that men do it frequently and it benefits their facial appearance, bringing them back that youthful glow.

Injectable fillers

The safest and most affordable way to add volume to the cheeks is with injectable fillers. The best fillers for cheek augmentation are Voluma, Perlane, Restylane, Radiesse, or Sculptra. These fillers are not permanent and last anywhere between 6 months to 5 years. The injection procedures are fast and simple. There is minimal number of side effects including bruising and swelling. Some fillers are accompanied by fewer and short term side effects for some they may last up to one week. Usually, they resolve pretty quick.

Fat grafting

Another option that is considered to be semi-permanent is fat grafting. Fat is injected in the targeted area and results last as long as fat is not lost or dissolved. The great thing about this procedure is that patient’s own fat is used so there nothing foreign is injected into your skin. This procedure costs more than fillers, but it yields longer lasting results.

More invasive treatments

There are other more invasive treatments such as facelift and cheek implants. Those are both surgical procedures and require some downtime but yield permanent results. Usually, these procedures yield some other benefits or are advised to be accompanied with other treatments to yield more natural results. For example, facelift gets rid of wrinkles and sagging skin, lifting eyebrows and giving volume to cheeks. On the other hand, cheek implants add lost volume to the cheeks but are advised to be combined with wrinkle treatments such as peels, and fillers so the overall youthful appearance looks natural.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is FDA approved treatment for skin laxity, aging skin, smooth lines, and wrinkles. It is used on face, mainly to lift eyebrows, under the chin, on the neck, and on the chest. It uses ultrasound energy and adequate temperature to stimulate collagen production and regeneration and in that way deliver amazing results. The entire treatment stimulates natural process performed by our bodies, so-called neocollagenesis. It does not involve an injection of foreign substances into your skin. It rather stimulates your skin to rejuvenate itself.

After the procedure, you may see some improvements, but you can expect to see results after 2 to 3 months. How long results last depends on the patient and patient’s lifestyle. There are some side effects that accompany Ultherapy and those include mild redness right after the procedure. This redness is gone within few u to 24 hours after the procedure. Other side effects include swelling, tenderness, and tingling but those usually go away within few days. Some temporarily bruising and numbness can develop. All side effects easily resolve within one week.

Syneron Profound System

Syneron Profound System is FDA approved treatment for signs of aging. The expected results include tightening of the sagging skin in the neck area, jawline, and face and overall rejuvenation and improvement in skin appearance. Syneron Profound is a bipolar radiofrequency device that is consisted of a hand-piece similar to microneedling hand-piece. That hand-piece has 5 micro-needles that are connected to electrodes. Those needles deliver bipolar radiofrequency to the deep dermis, encouraging production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. By encouraging production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid it rejuvenates aging skin.

The entire procedure is minimally invasive and it works by the principle of stimulating skin’s natural wound healing process. This treatment delivers improved set of results such as volume to the face, improved texture, tightening, wrinkle removal and softening. Desired results become visible within first two weeks after the treatment. Syneron Profound lasts longer compared to many fillers. The results can last for up to 9 months. It is good for all skin types. There is minor discomfort during the procedure and it is usually described as warm and prickly sensation. There are minor side effects right after the treatment and those include sunburn appearance and burning sensation on treated areas. Other side effects that may last longer are small red dots. Those will fade away within few weeks.

There are many different treatments that can be described as a nonsurgical facelift. Pretty much all treatments that contribute to facial rejuvenation in many different ways. Those include skin tightening, anti-aging and wrinkle treatments, improvement of skin appearance and pigment. Some of the treatments that are called nonsurgical facelift are energy transfer which uses radiofrequency to heat up tissues and therefore deliver skin tightening results. Moreover, there are those treatments that improve the lost volume of the face. Those include fillers or fat grafting. Last but not least are resurfacing procedures that include peels and Vampire facelift and much more. Usually combining different treatments that benefit skin tightening, loss of volume, and well as skin resurfacing will deliver best results.

The combination of treatments that we offer at Ethos Spa in New Jersey is Syneron Profound, Vampire Facelift, and Sculptra.

Syneron Profound System

Syneron Profound System is approved by FDA in 2016 and it is already becoming the favorite treatment for signs of aging. It is successful in tightening sagging skin in the neck area, jawline, and face. Syneron Profound is a bipolar radiofrequency device that is consisted of a handpiece that has 5 micro-needles that are connected to electrodes. Those needles deliver bipolar radiofrequency to the deep dermis, encouraging production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. In this way, it is rejuvenating your skin.

Vampire facelift

The Vampire Facelift is simply done by injecting blood into patient’s skin. Actually, the mixture from patient’s own blood is injected in different areas to treat wrinkles. There are minimal side effects and it includes slight swelling and possible bruising. Not everyone can undergo this treatment. It is important to take the advantage of our free consultation to see if Vampire Facelift is the right treatment for you. It works great on people with older skin since it yields better results for patients with thinner skin.

Sculptra

Sculptra is injectable stimulator that is used as a replacement for collagen lost in the process of aging. It is used for deep facial wrinkles and folds such as smile lines, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles. It is expected to last as long as two years. In fact, Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid stimulator and it penetrates deep dermis affecting skin structure. Its particles are absorbed, stimulating collagen production.

It is important to understand that there is no cure for rosacea but it can be kept under control with a variety of different treatments. Since there are many different types of rosacea, there are different treatments that can treat different types pf rosacea. All of you know suffer from rosacea can do a whole lot to keep it under control. By working with your physician, you can determine triggers and what improves or worsen your condition. Your physicians will be there to support you with oral and topical medications to help you keep your Rosacea under control. On the other hand, skin and laser centers can aid you with more advanced treatments to keep your rosacea under control and help you to improve your skin appearance.

Rosacea Laser Treatments

When it comes to choosing the right rosacea treatment, it all depends on the type of rosacea you have. The treatments that will benefit you the most might not benefit other patients who suffer from rosacea. Patients will mild rosacea can keep it under control with medications and creams. On the other hand, more serious types require other treatments such as laser or even surgery.

Laser treatments are great for those who suffer from telangiectasia or visible blood vessels. Results are visibly improved skin appearance and minimized blood vessels. Laser treatment may be beneficial for those suffering from rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is a rare form of rosacea that causes the nose to swell and deform.  On the other hand, patients who suffer from erythema or redness can benefit from topical gels.

If you suffer from any type of rosacea and oral and topical medications provided by your physician are not working for you, contact us to make a free appointment so we can look into other options that may benefit the appearance of your skin.

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