Wrinkle Relaxers (Neuromodulators): Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin
Botox® continues to be one of the most popular injectables in the world.
Neuromodulators like Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin are used to treat a wide variety of concerns and can improve your appearance within days.
Many patients experience results for up to three to six months, and for patients in their 20’s to early 30’s interested in Botox for prejuvenation, relaxing certain muscles can prevent or significantly delay permanently etched lines.
Neuromodulators such as Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin, relax muscle contractions in the face which are known to cause signs of aging. Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved to treat the frown lines, upper forehead lines, and crow’s feet. A simple 3-5 minute treatment can refresh a tired appearance, result in a brow lift, smooth away excessive chin dimpling, lift the corners of the mouth, soften crow’s feet, and slim a broad jaw.
The optimal time to start Botox is at the first sign of static lines. A static line is a line you can see when the face is at rest. When the skin has more healthy collagen, over the 3-5 month window that Botox is active, those lines are allowed to smooth and often keeps them from ever developing. This is why Botox is described as preventative. Dr. Mao adds that “If you start getting Botox early, and it’s done properly, you’re likely not going to need as much in the future. You un-train those muscles from working too hard and break the habit of frowning.”
We encourage our patients to understand that everyone’s facial anatomy, rate of volume loss, muscle strength, static lines, etc., are different; therefore, patients cannot predict or determine how much Botox they need based on anecdotal evidence from the internet or ‘what a friend had done.’
Click to register:
Alle Rewards Program
Aspire Rewards Program
Dermal Fillers: Juvederm® family of fillers, Restylane family of fillers
Today’s Dermal Filler products are tailored for different needs and different areas of the face. Dr. Mao uses various Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse fillers and customizes your injection plan for your specific skin type, facial structure, and needs.
Dr. Mao’s approach is wholly dedicated to natural outcomes. Results are subtle, but nonetheless transformative, paving the way for a lifetime of looking and feeling your best. Many of us look in the mirror daily, and what we see does not always fit with how we feel. You may feel that you look tired, angry, sad, or older than your physical age.
As we age, our skin loses certain components and becomes more prone to lines and wrinkles, which can deepen each and every year. The rate of loss is somewhat unique to each of us, It can be accelerated by lifestyle, or simply inherited genetics, The effects can vary, but typically result in sagging, lax skin and lines and wrinkles.
Juvederm and Restylane fillers are composed of a naturally occurring molecule in our body called hyaluronic acid, which provides volume and hydration. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our body – hair, joints, skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers correct volume loss and, because they are smooth, flexible gels which are intended for specific areas of the face and hands, they allow for normal movement and facial expressions.
Dr. Mao approaches facial aesthetics in a comprehensive way. Treatment plans are formed after an in-depth and informative consultation to address your specific needs as a whole. The outcome is subtle, natural and age-appropriate.
Subtle changes can have dramatic effects.
Sculptra®(poly L lactic acid, PLLA): an injectable treatment to stimulate volume and collagen
Sculptra is not a wrinkle filler – it is a biostimulator or volumizer. After injection, PLLA wears off but your own skin cells that produce collagen (fibroblasts) are revved up. It replaces the natural volume loss that occurs as we age. This is why a facelift may not be the right thing to do or only a component of what should be done if you want to look younger. A young face has fullness and roundness in the cheeks, around the eyes, in the lips and around the mouth. This fullness causes light to reflect with very minimal shadowing. Our eyes are drawn to reflected light. Light is beauty.
Why volume replacement is so effective at restoring a youthful appearance:
If you are noticing saggy skin, droopy skin and flattened contours, this is typically seen in the aging face. A more mature face doesn’t necessarily “fall” with time – it actually loses volume and deflates, leaving us looking less 3-dimensional than when we were younger. With age, our faces lose fullness in the cheeks, temples, lips and areas around the mouth and will show fat loss under the eyes which creates a hollow effect. Where there used to be light, now there are shadows. By replacing the volume loss, you reverse the creation of shadow and restore the reflection of light, and the appearance of youth and vitality.
A facelift will remove excess skin, and to some degree this will lessen the shadow effect, but a facelift will not restore volume. Volume is what keeps us looking young.
Sculptra is not recommended for use in and around the lips and in the tear troughs. Lips and undereye tear troughs are best treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane.
What is Sculptra made of?
Sculptra is made of poly L lactic acid (PLLA), which is a synthetic biodegradable polymer derived from corn and soy that is biocompatible and resorbable. PLLA has been widely used for many years in dissolvable sutures so its compatibility with the body is proven.
How long does Sculptra last?
Initial treatment with Sculptra generally involves 3 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart. The effects of Sculptra are long lasting but they vary amongst patients. Studies have shown that results last up to or greater than 2 years from the first treatment. Periodic touch up treatments will maintain the desired effects.
What are the side effects of Sculptra?
As with all other injections there can be temporary swelling and bruising. Other risks include the transient appearance of palpable nodules under the skin (usually not visible) which resolve spontaneously over a period of weeks to months.
Kybella®Chin Fat Reduction: nonsurgical injections to dissolve excess fat and permanently change the profile of the double-chin
Kybella’s active ingredient is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. This molecule is what destroys the fat cells beneath your chin. Kybella is the first injectable approved by the FDA as safe and effective for reduction of this underchin fat. Kybella is injected in a series of appointments – typically between 3 to 6 treatments – spaced about a month apart. Each injection session melts away a little more fat until desired results are reached. Discuss with Dr. Mao whether Kybella or another treatment will be appropriate for you.
The destroyed fat cells are processed out of your body just like any waste. These destroyed fat cells do not come back – but it is possible to accumulate new fat cells if you gain significant weight.
Medical Microneedling: skin rejuvenation
Microneedling is not new, but it is newly popular in this country. Needling the skin to create new collagen has been practiced in China (facial acupuncture) for hundreds of years, but automated microneedling is relatively new.
Microneedling is based on the ability of the skin to self-repair when a wound occurs. Microneedling creates microscopic pinpoint “wounds.” The skin responds by creating new elastin and collagen.
It is a safe, heat-free treatment that is successfully used on all skin types and colors. Microneedling rollers (“dermarollers”) that you can purchase online are not the same as medical microneedling done in a medical setting. These rollers, when rolled over the skin can cause microtears in the skin, and do not stimulate collagen nearly to the same extent.
What is Microneedling?
Dr. Mao uses the EVO pen, one of two FDA-cleared handheld battery-powered pens that holds sterile needle cartridges. Tiny, stainless steel needles pierce the skin at predetermined depths depending on the area of the face and the results you want to achieve. Microneedling treats dull skin, acne scarring, trauma scars, accumulated photodamage (sunspots), wrinkles and skin roughness, enlarged pores.
Why is PRP used with Microneedling?
Combining the treatment with PRP provides even greater collagen stimulation and faster healing. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) contains concentrated levels of platelets and growth factors that boost the collagen production.
Is Microneeding Painful?
The vast majority of our patients do very well with little to no discomfort, since we will prep your skin with anesthetic cream 45 minutes before your treatment.
How many treatments will you need, and how quickly do you see results?
Depending on what you are wanting to treat, 2-4 treatments are recommended. Results are cumulative so you will need to have more than one treatment to get significant results. Acne scar patients usually will need 6-8 treatments.
How will the skin look and feel after microneedling?
Your skin may feel warm, swollen and pink, and sensitive. Your skin may also feel tight, especially if you decide to pair your microneedling treatment with PRP. We recommend that the PRP be left on your skin until the next morning. PRP is transparent but your skin may look more tan. Leaving the PRP over your skin allows it to serve as your skin’s protective barrier, and it leaves the growth factors and platelets undisturbed to do its job.
Morpheus8: a minimally invasive microneedling treatment with radio frequency energy to remodel and contour the face and neck
Morpheus8 works to stimulate collagen, shrink pores, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, reduce stretch marks and aid in fat contouring. Morpheus8 uses stainless steel, medical grade needles to target the underlying tissue and deliver an extremely precise amount of radiofrequency energy. This stimulates collagen and improves skin laxity and texture over the next few months. Morpheus8 is one of the most advanced nonsurgical procedures for improving overall tightness in areas of the face including the forehead, cheeks, around the mouth and jawline, neck and chest.
How will the skin look and feel after microneedling?
Your skin may be pink and feel warm, swollen, and sensitive. Your skin may also feel tight, especially if you decide to pair your Morpheus8 treatment with PRP. We recommend that the PRP be left on your skin until the next morning. PRP is transparent but your skin may look a little tan. Leaving the PRP over your skin allows it to serve as your skin’s protective barrier, and it leaves the growth factors and platelets undisturbed to do its job.
When will you see results?
Some patients begin to see benefits of Morpheus8 within 1 week of their first treatment but tightening and firming and contouring unfold over 1-3 months after each treatment. On average, 2-4 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart are needed for optimal results and depending on the specific skin issue you’re wanting to improve.
Photo-rejuvenation with Forever Young BBL: turn back the clock on aging
Forever Young BBL™ is clinically proven to not only correct sun damage but to prevent the signs of aging skin. This non-invasive treatment delivers BroadBand Light (BBL™) to the epidermis and dermis, stimulating changes in skin tone, texture, elasticity and pigmentation – with visible, long-lasting improvement after one treatment.
BBL™ is the perfect treatment option if you are concerned about pigmentation issues or rosacea. Use BBL™ to reduce unwanted melanin and eliminate the fine vessels that cause redness. BBL™ uses photothermal energy to gently heat the upper layers of skin, stimulating the regeneration of cells and taking years off the face, neck, hands or almost any other part of the body – often after just one treatment. Use BBL™ alone or as the foundation for other Sciton procedures.
Forever Young BBL™ is not just an aesthetic treatment for existing skin damage. It can also be a preventative regimen – what we call “Prejuvenation™” – for keeping young skin looking young. With regular Forever Young BBL™ treatments, your skin will look clearer, smoother, and ten years younger!
Effective on all body areas: Face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. Over 1000 gene expressions became “rejuvenated” to be more like youthful skin resulting in decreased elastosis (photoaging) and more uniform collagen deposition. Visible improvements in fine wrinkles and pigmentation.
In the first long-term, visual and clinical evaluation of BBL™ treatments, a blinded panel of physician evaluators determined BBL™ treated patients appeared 9 years younger than their actual age!
Patients who maintain a regular regimen of BBL™ treatments annually can reduce and delay the long term signs of skin aging in a way that looks very natural. Forever Young BBL is the only device that has been clinically shown to change the expression of genes associated with aging, longevity, and increased lifespan through extensive, published clinical trials.
Laser Hair Treatments: permanent hair reduction
Reveal soft, smooth skin without the hassle of shaving, tweezing or painful waxing! Forever Bare BBL™ by Sciton uses a sapphire plate on the hand-piece provides continuous cooling even at maximum power, to cool the skin before, during, and after treatment.
Laser hair removal is an ideal treatment for unwanted body hair, and is ideal for clients who suffer from ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal has been shown to be effective in treatment/prevention of pilonidal cysts (ingrown hairs that cause intense localized skin irritation and infections).
Forever Bare BBL™ provides a treatment that is fast, effective, and pain-free. The innovative technology allows for extremely even heating of hair follicles and minimizes missed areas that occur with traditional hair removal devices. Forever Bare BBL™ is the safest, and most comfortable hair removal option.
Laser Acne Treatments: clear up acne with the speed of light
Forever Clear BBL™ is a cutting-edge acne treatment that uses the power of light to comfortably and effectively clear acne without creams or medicine. BBL™ is the world’s most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device delivering light energy deep into your skin to stimulate and regenerate your skin cells, leaving you with clear, healthy, radiant skin.
Forever Clear BBL™ reduces inflammation and redness while destroying acne-causing bacteria, making way for clear, healthy skin. Forever Clear BBL™ is fast, comfortable and non-invasive – with visible results after just one treatment. No expensive creams and no toxic medications!
Ultherapy: nonsurgical lift
Ultherapy is a completely non-invasive way to lift and tighten the skin on your brow, chin, neck and décolletage.
Using the energy of ultrasound, this innovative device reaches deep below the skin to the structural layers. In this way, Ultherapy targets a similar tissue depth as a surgical facelift. Ultherapy uses time-tested ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin naturally—without surgery or downtime.
Sagging, inelastic skin is an inevitable result of aging. Ultherapy helps reverse some of this drooping with ultrasound energy, emitted from the device as heat. This heat, delivered to the layers of deep skin and muscle, causes the skin to tighten and stimulates the production of new, tighter collagen. The ultrasound energy treats deep layers of tissue while leaving the surface untouched. This device has been FDA-cleared to lift and tighten the brow, chin, neck and decolletage (wrinkle improvement).
Seeing below the surface:
Ultherapy is unique because it allows Dr. Mao to see the area being treated via a computerized ultrasound monitor, just as a physician would look at an ultrasound to visualize your uterus or heart.
During your appointment, the device will be passed back and forth across the skin. Some patients experience only mild pinching while others describe greater discomfort. We will discuss oral pain medication options at your consultation.
Please note, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home after your treatment if you take a prescription pain medication. You may arrange a friend or family member to drop you off and/or take you home. If needed, we can help arrange to have a professional driving service pick you up and take you home.
What To Expect With Ultherapy
You will be able to return to your normal activities right away. Some people experience slight redness or subtle puffiness for a day or so and others may experience bruising at various levels.
Some of our patients see a difference in their skin fairly quickly. But you shouldn’t expect to see results until after 3 months, once the new collagen has developed in your skin, with continuing improvement over 6 months. The results are long-lasting, but you will see a lessening effect after a couple years, or whenever the natural aging process causes skin to look saggy once again. You can always choose to have an additional Ultherapy session.
Is Ultherapy Painful?
Each of our patients has a slightly different treatment experience; some find it mildly uncomfortable while others with high sensitivity levels know they will require greater comfort measures, such as medical-grade, oral CBD or prescription medication. You may experience the sensation of warmth or tingle beneath your skin or a pinching sensation. Most people tolerate the treatment well. After the treatment, you will experience some tenderness and soreness over the treated areas for 2-4 weeks.
What are the risks associated with Ultherapy?
Non-surgical treatments do carry a risk of certain complications and side effects, as with virtually all medical procedures. Side effects associated with Ultherapy include: swelling, tingling, bruising, tenderness, temporary numbness.
It is important to note that Ultherapy is FDA-cleared and is safely administered by a trained professional. Dr. Mao has performed hundreds of Ultherapy treatments and has been trained using the most advanced protocols.
How many treatments are needed with Ultherapy?
Most people only need one Ultherapy session to get results, and it is recommended to do a treatment every 18-24 months for maintenance. A smaller percentage of people may benefit from a second session several months later, depending on your degree of skin laxity.
PRP Hair Restoration: a clinically proven, nonsurgical treatment for male and female pattern hair loss
Male and female pattern hair loss is a genetic problem that evolves over time. Options, like prescription drugs, are often partially effective and carry the potential for unwanted side effects. The myriad of over-the-counter supplements is also unvalidated and often less effective.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair restoration involves a simple injection of your own platelets into the scalp:
- Increases blood supply to the hair follicle
- Increases shaft size (hair thickness)
- Increases hair density (number of active hair follicles)
- Triggers and maintains the growth phase of hair follicles
- Decreases hair loss
PRP for hair loss is a quick series of injections that uses your body’s own platelets and growth factors in an easy 3-step process:
- your blood will be drawn from a thin, butterfly needle into a state-of-the-art, clinically proven PRP tube and is placed in a swinging bucket centrifuge. Dr. Mao uses the ProGen PRP collection system which has been shown in studies to yield the highest concentration of platelets and growth factors
- your concentrated platelets are drawn up into a syringe
- using a fine needle, your platelets/serum are then injected strategically into your scalp in the areas that require improved hair growth
How do I know if I am a good candidate for PRP for hair restoration?
Talk to Dr. Mao for a proper diagnosis for your hair loss, and to create a treatment plan.
How many treatments are required?
Treatment will vary based on your need. You may be recommended initially to have a few treatments spaced one month apart. After the initial series, based on clinical studies most physicians suggest treatments 2-3 times per year as maintenance.
Do the PRP hair injections hurt?
There may be some sensitivity but our patients tolerate this treatment well because of Dr. Mao’s injection technique and use of thin, high quality needles.
Is there any recovery time?
There is no downtime or a long recovery process. You may take a warm shower the evening of the treatment, or wait until the next morning. It is advised to avoid using dyes or chemicals on your hair for 48 hours. After 48 hours, you may color your hair, do chemical straightening or perming.
Is this a cure for baldness?
PRP is not a cure for baldness (adrogenic alopecia). The genetic issue remains. However, clinical evidence shows that regular treatments can significantly slow down the effects of androgenic alopecia and even works to increase hair density and hair thickness.