Frequently Asked Questions
BOTOX®
What is Botox® Cosmetic?
It is a purified protein administered in a simple, non-surgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines. Botox® has been used for over 16 years to treat a variety of medical conditions.
What is a Botox® treatment like?
Botox® Cosmetic is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Shah will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results. To ensure our clients are completely comfortable a topical numbing agent is applied to the treatment area. A few tiny injections of Botox® Cosmetic are administered directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.
How soon will I see a difference?
A person can expect to see results within a few days after treatment. The appearance of the treated area may continue to improve for up to a week.
How long do Botox® treatments last?
Botox® treatments generally last 3-6 months. Just 2-3 treatments a year will help a person to maintain a more youthful, fresh, and well-rested appearance. With reapplication results tend to last longer.
Restylane® 
What is Restylane®?
Restylane® is a safe and natural cosmetic filler that is made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally produced by the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin.
Is Restylane safe?
Yes. Restylane® has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons worldwide since 1996 and was approved by the FDA in 2003. Restylane® is fully biocompatible and allergy testing is not required.
How long does Restylane® last?
Restylane® is proven to deliver long-lasting results. The effects of Restylane® generally last about 6 months.
How is Restylane® different from Botox® Cosmetic?
Restylane® is a natural, non-animal cosmetic filler, whereas Botox® is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscle. Many patients are very happy with the combination therapy of Botox® for the upper facial wrinkles (crow's feet, forehead lines, and frown lines) and Restylane® to fill in the wrinkles/folds of the lower face, as well as lip enhancement.
What is the difference between Restylane® and collagen injections?
Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cows) and requires an allergy test about 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Collagen injection results typically last 3 months. In 2003, the FDA approved human, bioengineered collagen fillers known as Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast. Allergy testing prior to treatment with these products is not necessary, however results typically last 2-4 months.
Restylane® is a non-animal based product, and is biosynthetically produced of hyaluronic acid which is found in all living organisms. There is no need for allergy testing so Restylane® can be administered immediately - no waiting is required. Results last up to 6 months. Due to its safety, effectiveness, and long lasting results, Restylane® is our preferred dermal filler.
Microdermabrasion
What conditions can be treated with Microdermabrasion?
Our Microdermabrasion system can safely and effectively treat sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, mild acne, and provide a healthy exfoliation to the skin. Microdermabrasion polishes away dead surface skin cells to expose healthier skin and promote new cell turnover. Microdermabrasion can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Is there any recovery period?
The entire treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and there is no recovery period. Patients can apply make-up after a treatment and return to work immediately.
Acne Treatment
I like to lay out in the sun for my acne - it seems to help clear it up. Is this helping my acne?
No. Your skin may appear to look less broken out for the first several days after you've been in the sun, however, you are actually doing more harm than good for your acne. The reality is that the ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin's surface and damage the follicles. The damaged follicles close off, which triggers more acne, 2-4 weeks after the sun exposure. Needless to say, you are also putting yourself at risk for skin cancer and premature aging.
Is acne controllable?
Yes. Acne is believed to result from the action of hormones on the oil glands, as well as the accumulation of dead skin cells within the oil ducts and pores. This unfortunate combination of factors leads to clogging of pores and oil ducts, thereby creating the breakouts. We offer several effective options for controlling and treating acne such as topical creams, antibiotics, and skin treatments.
Chemical Peels
What are the benefits of Chemical Peels?
Our chemical peels will help to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, which is crucial in obtaining a more youthful, healthy complexion. As we age, the top layer of our skin becomes damaged, causing it to look dull and weathered. Exfoliating the skin with a treatment such as a chemical peel will help to slough away the damaged skin cells, increase cellular turnover, and create a more even toned and smooth skin. Additional benefits of chemical peels are:
- Lightening hyperpigmentation
- Improving or smoothing skin texture
- Helping to clear-up acne prone skin
- Maintaining an overall "glow" to complexion
What can I expect from a Chemical Peel?
The entire process lasts about 50 minutes, with very little discomfort. Most of the peels are very gentle, with no downtime, and can even be scheduled during a lunch hour. There is minimal redness and mild flaking will occur 3-4 days after the procedure. Best results are achieved when chemical peel treatments are performed in a series.
Genesis Laser Therapy
What is Genesis Laser Therapy?
Genesis Laser Therapy is an innovative, technologically advanced way to promote vibrant, radiant and healthy looking skin. This treatment is a way to treat conditions that are commonly associated with premature aging such as sun damage, excessive redness, large pores, uneven skin tone and texture, and fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment also helps to stimulate new collagen production which results in firmer, smoother skin.
How many treatments will I need?
On average 4-6 treatments are needed in order to achieve optimal results. Treatments are scheduled 2 weeks apart.
How does Laser Genesis work?
By gently heating the upper dermis well below the skin's surface, Laser Genesis stimulates collagen production. Collagen production helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the texture of the skin.
What kind of downtime is associated with Genesis Laser Therapy?
There is no downtime associated with this treatment. Most patients experience mild redness that disappears within a few hours and makeup can be applied immediately after treatment. A calming gel is often applied to the treated area to reduce the appearance of any redness.
Photofacials/ Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
What are Photofacials?
Photfacials are a revolutionary advancement in laser cosmetics using pulsed light systems that combine optical and electrical energies to rejuvenate and beautify the skin.
Am I a candidate?
If you are bothered with fine lines, superficial wrinkles, age spots, freckles, melasma, rosacea, small facial veins, and large pore size; then IPL treatments may be right for you. The IPL treatment system is the best technology to date for removing large swaths of discoloration on the areas of the face, neck, décolleté, and hands.
How many treatments do I need?
To achieve optimal results a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart is recommended. Most patients will begin to see improvement in skin color and tone after the first 1-2 treatments.
Titan™
How does the Titan treatment work?
The Titan treatment gives you an all-natural option to enhance skin tone. Titan utilizes a safe infrared light to heat the dermis well below the skin's surface. During the procedure, the skin's top surface (epidermis) is protected through continuous cooling with the hand piece. The laser's deep penetration heats the dermis causing collagen production that delivers immediate and continual results over several years.
Who can be treated?
Since the Titan procedure heats tissue under the skin's surface, patients of any skin type or age can be treated.
What does the treatment feel like?
With each Titan pulse you will feel a brief heating sensation. Some patients are more comfortable taking a mild pain reliever prior to the treatment.
What kind of downtime is associated with the Titan Treatment?
None. Immediately following the treatment, you may notice some redness and mild swelling in the treated area. Both should dissipate within a few hours.
Vein Therapy
What is Laser Vein Therapy?
Laser vein therapy allows us to treat the smaller veins on the legs by delivering a precise dosage of energy to each vein. During the treatment, light energy is delivered through a hand piece, targeting each vein in a series of brief pulses. The blood vessel then absorbs this energy and the vessel coagulates (clots) and is safely reabsorbed in the body.
Is it painful?
Most people experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the hand piece. Topical numbing ointment can be applied 20 minutes prior to the procedure to reduce any discomfort. Following the treatment, pain is minimal to non-existent.
How do I know if I need both Sclerotherapy and Laser Vein Treatments?
During your consultation with Dr. Shah, your veins will be identified and a treatment plan will be determined. Patients with small, superficial red veins can often be treated with Laser Vein Therapy in a series of 3-4 treatments at 4-6 week intervals. Many factors contribute to these unsightly veins, these include: weight gain, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and heredity. Due to these contributing factors, occasional touch ups may be required to keep the new and emerging spider veins at bay.
Laser Hair Removal
What areas can I have treated with Laser Hair Removal?
Just about any area on the body can be treated. Using a focused laser beam, we can target a small area such as the chin or upper lip, or larger areas such as the back or legs for safe and effective hair removal.
Is it painful?
Patients describe it as quick and easy with a sensation of a warm rubber band "snapping" on the skin. To minimize any discomfort a topical anesthetic is applied 15-20 minutes prior to the treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people see very satisfactory hair reduction after 3-5 treatments. The treatments are usually spaced 4 weeks apart.
What kind of results can I expect?
Each treatment will result in less hair growing back, as well as the hair progressively becoming finer and lighter in color.
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
How does cosmetic teeth whitening work?
A light activated, professional grade gel with an active ingredient of Hydrogen Peroxide is applied to the surface of the teeth. A laser light system is setup directly in the mouth area. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down by the laser, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged.
How long does the treatment take?
The entire process takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes including the preparation time.
How long do the results last?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with our at home whitening system.