According to a survey by Statista, around 385,000 laser hair removal treatments were performed in the United States alone in 2018. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure for most patients, and you’re far more likely to find long-term hair removal and management easier if you go through laser treatments. But before you get any kind of laser treatment, you need to make sure that your skin is compatible with the procedure.
But why should you make sure that your skin type matches your laser treatment? Laser hair removal is more efficient and has fewer complications if you use the correct laser with your skin type. This is usually determined by whether you have fair or dark skin.
How Skin Types and Laser Hair Removal Interact
Your dermatologist will often base your laser hair removal on the Fitzpatrick Scale, a measurement tool that’s used to classify your skin type based on your ethnicity, tanning ability, and overall pigment (or melanin content) of your skin. The Fitzpatrick Scale has six levels of classification for different skin types:
Ethnicity
Skin color(melanin levels)
Reaction to tanning
Type 1
Albinos and redheads
Very pale, white, ivory, always has freckles
Burns and peels very easily and doesn’t tan
Type 2
Most Northern Europeans
Pale white
Usually burns and peels, rarely tans
Type 3
People from the Meditteranean or the Middle East
White, light brown, or beige with golden undertones
May sometimes burn and gradually tans
Type 4
Most East Asians, Indians, and Pakistanis
Olive or light brown
Rarely burns but tans easily
Type 5
Most Africans, South East Asians, and people from Latin America
Dark brown
Burns and tans easily
Type 6
Some Africans and dark-skinned Asians
Deep brown
Rarely burns and never tans
Before you get any type of laser hair removal, it’s important to establish your skin type first. The laser used in hair removal is attracted to color, which might damage darker skin. Because lasers are directed to pigments in the hair follicle, any pigments in the skin can be affected if the laser is powerful enough. This may cause complications like:
1. Burning
Because of the high heat generated during laser hair removal, people with darker skin can experience burns if the laser is too strong and starts burning away skin pigment. This may cause discoloration, hyperpigmentation, or general skin irritation that can affect the results of the procedure. However, this complication is relatively uncommon.
2. Skin infection
If a strong enough laser is used on the skin, the exit point for removed follicles can get infected with bacteria. This can lead to serious skin complications and may require intense post-operative care to treat or manage. Because of the ablative nature of some laser treatments, even low-wavelength laser hair removal can cause significant wounds in the skin.
3. Increased or decreased hair growth
With some rare cases (usually with people with darker skin), the hair that grows around the laser-treated area may be thicker or return at a faster rate. Because the laser treatment damages the hair follicles so they fall out easier, the intensity may affect the skin around the laser treatment. This can cause visual changes to the hair around the area and may affect hair growth.
Even if the intensity of the laser used in hair removal isn’t anywhere close to other commercial-grade lasers, it’s best to make sure that your skin type can tolerate the treatment. Most dermatologists will check their patient’s family history, reaction to sunburns, and overall melanin levels before recommending the specific type of laser to use with their hair removal.
Types Of Laser Hair Removal
There are four types of lasers usually used in laser hair removal:
Ruby lasers
Ruby lasers excel at removing light patches of hair, but they need prolonged contact with the skin to remove all the pigment and detach the hair follicle. They’re excellent treatment options for people who don’t want a lot of pain during laser hair removal, since the pauses between each laser pulse are slower to minimize discomfort.
However, this type of laser hair removal will require multiple sessions to make sure that all the hair is removed, and is best suited for smaller treatment areas.
Alexandrite lasers
The Alexandrite laser is the most popular option for laser hair removal since it covers sizable areas in a short time. However, this efficiency also makes it one of the most uncomfortable laser treatments, since the laser pulses have almost no delay and repeat rapidly. This laser also penetrates the skin better, which allows for more hair removal.
Alexandrite laser treatments usually last for one to three sessions, depending on the area and the patient’s pain tolerance.
Diode lasers
Diode lasers are highly concentrated and reach deeper into the hair follicle, which helps them target the pigment more effectively compared to other lasers. It’s one of the most versatile laser treatments available since it’s able to remove most types of hair regardless of their texture or color.
However, diode laser treatments can be relatively expensive, with most cosmetic practices lacking the tools or expertise to operate the machine.
Nd:YAG lasers
Most lasers used for hair removal don’t penetrate the upper layer of the skin, since their wavelengths cannot pass through the melanin without damaging it. However, Nd:YAG lasers can target pigments deep within the dermal layer which allows for efficient removal of coarse or tough hair.
Nd:YAG lasers are relatively new technology, and you may have to check if your local cosmetic practice offers it as an option.
Here’s a table summarizing which type of laser works with which skin types:
Laser
Compatible Skin Type/s
Ruby
Types 1, 2, and 3
Alexandrite
Types 2, 3, and 4
Diode
Types 4, 5, and 6
Nd:YAG
Almost all types of skin
While patients may use the Fitzpatrick scale as a baseline for the specific laser treatment to consider, dermatologists have the final say in what laser type to use.
Personalized Skin Treatments At Ethos Spa NJ
Confirming your skin type is a necessary step to make sure that you’re a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. This will lead to a better outcome after your laser hair removal and will make you less likely to suffer from any complications and aftereffects from undergoing laser treatment.
At Ethos Spa, we have extensive experience in laser hair removal treatments and other skincare improvements, delivering fast results with excellent customer service. Our staff is highly trained with all the tools and equipment required, ensuring you get the results you want.
Compared to waxing and shaving, laser hair removal is a long-term solution that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Most people go through laser hair removal with no problems, but the process gets more complicated if you have a tattoo.
Is it possible to have laser hair removal on or near tattoos? Not really. Most dermatologists would advise that you look for alternatives for hair removal since lasers and tattoo ink are a volatile and potentially dangerous combination.
How Do Tattoos and Laser Hair Removal Treatments Interact?
Laser hair removal works by firing a specific wavelength of concentrated light at a location on your body. This light targets and weakens the pigment found in your hair follicle, which weakens its structure and removes it from the skin. There are different medical lasers that cosmetic treatments can use, which are tailored to specific types of hair and skin color.
Since most cosmetic lasers remove hair by targeting pigments, they cannot tell apart the pigments found in your skin and the ones used in your tattoo. If a medical laser is applied on a location that has a tattoo, it will remove both the hair and the tattoo, damage the tattoo, or cause serious skin conditions depending on the type of laser used.
Most dermatologists will usually dissuade patients from getting laser hair removal if they have tattoos in the same location. The closest that most cosmetic practices can do is to laser the skin around the tattoo. This can be a problem for people who have tattoos on areas like the arm or leg since these locations often have the most hair on the body.
Risks of Getting Laser Hair Removal When You Have Tattoos
There are three significant risks of applying a medical laser to a tattooed area:
Fading
Since the laser removes pigments, tattoos will most likely fade or even disappear with enough laser treatments. While it is possible to shield the tattooed area during laser treatment, this can reduce the efficacy of the procedure. This usually means more treatments will be required for complete hair removal.
Blistering
High-intensity lasers can burn the pigment on the skin, which can cause blisters and scar on the affected area. Unlike the natural pigment in the skin, artificial pigments used in tattoos react more violently to laser pulses, even if they’re on the lowest setting.
Nerve Damage
A rare complication of laser treatments is nerve damage in the affected area. This usually occurs if a commercial laser (the type you can buy online) is used on the area around the tattoo. Because these lasers don’t conform to the same safety standards, they can cause more damage to the skin and the nerves underneath the dermal layer.
Electrolysis as an Alternative to Laser Treatments
People with tattoos aren’t completely locked out of hair removal options: electrolysis, or permanent hair removal, is the best option to remove any hair on a location that also has a tattoo.
Electrolysis works by sending electrical currents straight to the center of your hair follicle, which destroys the growth center via chemical reactions and heat. Since this method doesn’t affect pigments, tattoos won’t fade or blister.
And unlike laser treatments, electrolysis is a more permanent solution for removing hair. It’s the only permanent solution to hair removal that’s recognized by the FDA and the American Medical Association, with a 100% efficacy rate with repeated treatments. Not only does this allow you to keep your tattoos, but it also improves their appearance once the hair is removed.
Safe and Effective Hair Removal Treatments At Ethos Spa NJ
While it’s a fast, reliable, and accessible solution, laser hair removal should never be used over tattoos. Any laser treatments near tattooed areas should always be cleared with your dermatologist to avoid serious complications. Other cosmetic treatments like electrolysis are a much safer alternative and provide better results.
Our staff Ethos Spa has extensive experience in providing safe and effective hair removal treatments for every patient while reducing any long- and short-term complications. As a leading cosmetic practice in New Jersey, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service, paired with innovative cosmetic tools and products.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Injectables are some of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States, with an increase of 39% in procedures performed in the past five years. Injections that treat facial lines and wrinkles are the preferred method of treatment, like Juvederm and Botox.
But what’s the difference between Juvederm and Botox? While these products treat the same issue, they work in different ways. Juvederm is a dermal filler, while Botox blocks nerve signals in the muscle that cause wrinkles. Patients looking to treat their facial lines should keep these differences in mind to better benefit from each procedure.
Juvederm vs Botox
Patients with no experience in cosmetic treatments may think that Juvederm and Botox are the same procedure, but there is actually a fair amount of difference between the two. Here is a quick table for comparison and contrast:
Juvederm
Botox
Active ingredient is hyaluronic acid
Active ingredient is botulinum toxin
Works as dermal filler
Works as a neurotransmitter blocker
Results are instant and last up to one to two years
Results take several days and last for months
Average cost is around $600 for one injection
Average cost is $10 to $30 dollars per unit depending on the region
Long treatment sessions, may need reapplication once a year
Short treatment sessions, may need several reapplications a year
Juvederm and Botox are effective at treating lines and wrinkles on the face, though there may be some slight variation depending on the exact area that needs to be treated. They can help improve your appearance better than makeup, and are both FDA-approved as preventive or active treatments to smoothen out lines and wrinkles.
Both cosmetic products are relatively painless, non-invasive and require little to no recovery time, which makes them preferable treatment options for people who don’t want to go through cosmetic surgery. In addition, maintenance and upkeep of these treatments are fairly minimal, with each treatment session lasting an average of thirty minutes to one hour.
Why Use Botox?
Botox is one of the leading cosmetic injectables used to treat facial lines and wrinkles, with a tried-and-tested history of efficacy. Here are the considerations you need to keep in mind when using it:
1. How it adds volume
Botox works by freezing the nerves that usually cause wrinkles to form in your face. It prevents muscles from flexing, which is the primary cause of wrinkles. This helps your skin appear smoother and any wrinkles less apparent after the injection.
2. Where it’s used
Botox can treat a wide variety of lines and wrinkles like glabellar lines, crow’s feet, and lines around the eyes, brows, and forehead. It excels at treating fine lines in the skin like bunny lines. It’s also used as a non-cosmetic injection for conditions like migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), muscle spasms, and eyelid twitching.
3. Why use it to treat lines and wrinkles
The two advantages that Botox has over cosmetic dermal fillers are cost and minimal side effects.
Botox injections are charged via the number of injections required, or units. This makes it a more cost-effective option if you don’t need to treat a lot of wrinkles. While pricing may vary depending on where you get it, it’ll always be a more affordable option than Juvederm.
Because Botox has been around and developed for so long, the risks of developing any side effects are minimal. Most patients report minor bruising and swelling which go away after a day of rest. Most dermatologists are also familiar with administering Botox injections, which further decrease the risk of complications occurring during and after the procedure.
Why Use Juvederm?
Juvederm is one of the leading cosmetic dermal fillers, which are usually seen as long-term alternatives to treatments like Botox. Here are the considerations you need to keep in mind when using it:
1. How it adds volume
Juvederm is a gel that contains a generous amount of hyaluronic acid, which is inserted into the skin underneath your wrinkles. This “fills in” the grooves and lines in skin, giving it a smooth and supple appearance.
2. Where it’s used
Juvederm has several formulas that add volume to deep lines and wrinkles around the face like the lips, cheeks, around the nose, and lines around the mouth. It’s particularly effective at addressing lines like marionette lines and laugh lines. Unlike Botox, Juvederm has no applications outside of cosmetic treatments.
3. Why use it to treat lines and wrinkles
There are two major advantages to using Juvederm: efficacy and duration of the results.
Since its active ingredient is hyaluronic acid, it’s extremely effective at keeping water inside the skin. This helps it fare better against factors like ultraviolet radiation, smoke, and other environmental triggers that contribute to skin aging and wrinkle development.
Juvederm also lasts longer than Botox and requires minimal upkeep and follow-up sessions. On average, you can expect results to last around one to two years, though that may change depending on the area that received the treatment.
Professional Cosmetic and Skin Rejuvenation Treatments At Ethos Spa
Ultimately, the decision of using Juvederm or Botox will rely on your consultation with your dermatologist. Each injectable has its distinct advantages depending on how much and where it needs to be applied. You should also take into consideration factors like your capacity to commit to a treatment schedule and the potential cost of the overall treatment.
As a leading provider of skin treatment in New Jersey, Ethos Spa has extensive experience with administering injections like dermal fillers and Botox. Our staff is highly trained and well-equipped to provide you with amazing results with either treatment, along with providing premium customer service.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out more about our services.
Pregnancy can have many effects on the body, but one of the most apparent changes will show up in the skin. Because of the shifting hormone levels, stress, demands of the fetus, and other pregnancy-related concerns, women will often experience a decrease in their general appearance, especially in the latter half of their pregnancy. As a result, some pregnant and breastfeeding women look for skin treatments that can revitalize their looks.
But are there any cosmetic treatments that are safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women? Skin treatments that don’t penetrate the dermal layer or are minimally invasive are excellent choices, but data and clinical trials with other procedures like laser treatments are more uncertain. Patients should always consult with their doctor and dermatologist for further clarification.
Are There Safe Cosmetic Treatments For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women?
Because of the increased sensitivity that women experience during pregnancy and breastfeeding, most clinical skin treatments are usually not allowed. While skin treatments differ somewhat from most clinical treatments that involve drugs, they can still have considerable effects on a woman’s body, which can affect a developing fetus.
However, most dermatologists and doctors will usually allow skin treatments that aren’t too invasive or use drugs that can flow into the bloodstream. Based on research and experience, only one skin treatment safely falls under this category: certain chemical peels that use glycolic and lactic acid. Here are the considerations to keep in mind when using them:
How this skin treatment works
Products and serums that contain glycolic acid are very popular with clinical and skin treatments since it’s an effective exfoliant that can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. They’ve also shown some efficacy in treating acne – a common side effect of pregnancy – in clinical trials, since they contain powerful antioxidants and antibacterial compounds.
Lactic acid is a naturally-occurring compound that helps treat skin pigmentation and wrinkles. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and doesn’t linger after application, which reduces the likelihood that it’ll penetrate the dermal layer. These peels are also relatively safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, though most patients are advised against long-term treatments.
Why this skin treatment is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women
Most scientists agree that glycolic acid is safe for pregnant women to use since the compound limits itself to the skin and doesn’t penetrate the bloodstream. It’s also a safer choice than most chemical exfoliants like retinoids and salicylic acid. Products that have a concentration of less than 10 percent have exhibited the best results, though further research is needed to establish the safest dosage.
Your dermatologist would recommend that you start with a small dosage (typically with a cleanser first) to see if your skin can tolerate glycolic acid. Since every woman’s skin reacts differently to pregnancy, initial results may vary.
Other skin treatments have little to no data that can prove their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women, primarily because of the ethical considerations in clinical trials that involve pregnant women. As a result, most dermatologists and doctors will not clear a pregnant or breastfeeding woman for any other type of skin treatment like dermal fillers or Botox.
Why Most Cosmetic Treatments Can Be Dangerous to Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Women
Even if the skin treatment itself is fairly harmless, the risks they pose to pregnant women and the developing fetus can be very dangerous. Some problems from cosmetic treatments may include:
1. Exposure of the fetus to toxins
Cosmetic treatments that use toxins like Botox can leak their contents into the woman’s bloodstream, which travel to the placenta and into the developing fetus. These chemicals may affect the growth of the baby or cause serious complications that can cause birth defects. Studies and data about the interaction of cosmetic drugs and developing fetuses aren’t common, and most doctors and dermatologists will refuse to administer the treatment on principle.
2. Additional strain on the body
While it’s tempting to think that physical treatments like microneedling cause no harm to the fetus, they can drain resources and nutrients away that are critical to their development. When you undergo clinical treatments like microdermabrasion or even laser surgery, your body has to allocate resources and nutrients to heal from the strain of the procedure. This can lead to malnutrition and underdevelopment for the fetus.
3. Incompatible function with the body’s changes before the birth
Even if the patient has somehow gone through the skin treatment, there’s no guarantee that the results will be what they expect. Since pregnancy changes so much in the body (bloating, puffiness, acne, and weight loss in particular) the treatment may not have a discernible effect or may be exaggerated as the pregnancy progresses.
4. Rare complications of skin treatments
Even though most cosmetic treatments have minimal downtime and post-operative aftercare, patients are always at risk of developing serious complications from otherwise routine skin treatments. Conditions like botulism, blood loss, infection, or nerve damage can have a disastrous effect on pregnant and breastfeeding women, and may likely turn into life-threatening situations if not attended to immediately.
Because of the unknown and untested risks of cosmetic treatments on a developing fetus or a breastfeeding woman, most doctors and dermatologists would rather act with caution and dissuade their patients from getting one. And because women’s bodies have distinct reactions to pregnancy, even safe skin treatments need to be monitored closely by the patient and their doctor.
When To Resume Cosmetic Treatments After Giving Birth
So when exactly can women get cosmetic treatments after pregnancy or breastfeeding? This question is particularly relevant for women who have already started skin treatments like Botox injections or were interrupted in the middle of their regular dermal filler application. If they wish to resume treatment, there are three general guidelines that they can follow:
Dermatologist/doctor’s advice
Above all else, any skin treatment a patient is considering must be cleared by their doctor and dermatologist. Aside from the previously discussed effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on the body, skin treatments are also a great strain on the overall well-being of the patient.
A patient may feel less satisfied with their skin treatment results even if they’ve had a discernible effect, which they may mistakenly label as the fault of the cosmetic practice rather than the natural changes brought about by pregnancy. Conditions like postpartum depression can amplify these feelings, which can cause more stress.
Setting expectations is also crucial when a patient starts their skin treatments again. Your body has gone through massive adjustments during pregnancy, and it will take some time for it to return to pre-pregnancy conditions. A lot of factors can affect how fast and how well this process takes, which limits the efficacy of skin treatments soon after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
While your doctor and dermatologist can give you a reasonable idea of what to expect, there are too many variables that can affect the results of skin treatments. As a result, most medical professionals will advise their patients that the results of their skin treatments may not be the same pre-pregnancy.
Patient and provider’s comfort level
Even if the patient is medically cleared to start skin treatments again, their comfort level – especially their pain tolerance – plays a significant role in deciding when treatments can resume. Some mothers may choose to delay skin treatments because they need to concentrate on the baby, even if it’s a regularly scheduled procedure like Botox. In these cases, dermatologists will have to agree to their patient’s demands.
On the other hand, dermatologists and doctors may also refuse to administer skin treatments to patients who they feel are high risk for developing problems during breastfeeding or to expectant mothers. Again, the unknowns of applying cosmetics and/or drugs to a pregnant woman are just too dangerous for clinics to risk.
It ultimately comes down to the relationship you have with your doctor and dermatologist. Because there are so many things that may affect the mother and their child, you likely need to go through extensive medical checks and clearance before you get the go-ahead to resume skin treatments.
After breastfeeding or pregnancy
Most medical professionals generally agree that the safest possible time for women to resume cosmetic treatments is after they finish breastfeeding or recover from pregnancy. While data and clinical trials on the exact time frame required for your body to acclimatize to both activities differ, most doctors and dermatologists agree that you can safely resume skin treatments one year after you’ve given birth.
Safe and Personalized Beauty Treatments at Ethos Spa
While some cosmetic treatments are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients should always consult their doctor and dermatologist before they get one. Predicting the side effects of cosmetic treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding can be complicated, and your dermatologist would likely recommend that you wait after that period has passed before getting any work done.
Our dermatologists and staff at Ethos Spa have plenty of experience with recommending skin treatments to women and specialize in offering long-term and safe results. If you want to know what skin treatment options are available to you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, visit our New Jersey clinic today.
Since the Restylane line of dermal fillers was approved for use in 1996, Restylane injectables have been used by millions of individuals to help fight signs of facial aging and restore volume to the skin. Two of the most popular products are the classic Restylane filler and Restylane Lyft.
So what makes Restylane different from Restylane Lyft? Restylane is great for moderate to severe wrinkles in common treatment areas like laugh lines and marionette lines. On the other hand, Restylane Lyft works well on deeper wrinkles and can correct the loss of volume in the chin, the cheeks and the back of the hands.
Restylane vs Restylane Lyft
Restylane products are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance that is responsible for holding the skin’s moisture and lubricating the joints and eyes. Hyaluronic acid works to replace volume loss by attracting water molecules and stimulating collagen production, making it a perfect ingredient for skin care.
Both Restylane and Restylane Lyft are gels made from stabilized hyaluronic acid and a sodium chloride solution with a pH level of 7. These two products can be distinguished by their viscosity and lifting power over specific treatment areas and the severity of the wrinkles.
Restylane
The original Restylane formula is an all-around solution for common facial areas which require correction and enhancement. The gel is injected into places where severe wrinkles and other signs of aging appear, filling in the gaps and lines to create a smooth appearance.
Restylane works wonders for adding volume and fullness to the skin, as well as enhancing the lips. If you want to fix the nasolabial lines between your nose and your mouth, most doctors would recommend classic Restylane. With this formula, you can see results right away but the full effects won’t be visible until after a few days.
As Restylane stimulates the natural collagen production in your body, you won’t need as many follow-up treatments and the results can last you 6 - 9 months.
Restylane Lyft
Compared to Restylane, Restylane Lyft is a newer product on the market. It is the first and only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler for correcting volume loss in the face and the hands.
As a thicker gel, Restylane Lyft can address the more obvious signs of aging related to volume loss.
Restylane Lyft is recommended for older patients who feel like they look hollow, gaunt, or tired. It’s a good product for smoothing deeper and more severe wrinkles like nasolabial folds, as well as adding fullness around the eyes. As its name suggests, it can lift and fill depressed areas around the face like the cheeks and temples. Restylane Lyft is also unique as it can restore lost volume on the back of the hands, making them look plump and smooth again.
The results of Restylane Lyft can last you 6 - 12 months, depending on the treatment area. In areas which experience more motion like the hands and cheeks, the filler may only last up to 6 months.
Which Restylane Injectable Is Best For You?
In addition to Restylane and Restylane Lyft, there are other Restylane injectable products available which may better suit your needs. The Restylane line of soft and firm injectable gels have different formulations of HA designed for specific purposes. Each sister product has a transparent, gel-like consistency that differs only in the size of the gel particles. Let’s look at Restylane Silk, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne:
Restylane Silk
Restylane Silk is a smaller and smoother gel compared to the other injectables in the Restylane line as it is designed specifically for lip augmentation. It is the first FDA-approved product for subtle lip enhancements that simultaneously erase the wrinkles around the mouth.
For younger patients who want to enhance thin lips, Restylane Silk is excellent for making your pout look fuller and plumper. Older patients can also treat volume loss and wrinkling around the mouth with this dermal filler as it can improve symmetry while keeping everything looking natural.
Restylane Silk is administered with an ultrafine needle for accurate, precise results. Your lips will become softer, silkier, and smoother after treatment. However, the hyaluronic acid in the formula breaks down faster because of lip movement so the results tend to last only 6 months.
Restylane Refyne
Restylane Refyne is good for restoring a natural look while treating mild to moderate wrinkles and lines. Mid-to-deep injections of this filler integrate with the skin to soften and smooth the laugh lines around your mouth, such as the nasolabial folds or marionette lines.
Created with XpresHan technology, Restylane Refyne can help you maintain control over your natural facial expression. Unlike facial treatments which freeze the muscles, Refyne keeps everything flexible for up to 12 months.
Restylane Defyne
Restylane Defyne is similar to Restylane Defyne in almost every aspect. However, Restylane Defyne works better to smooth out moderate to severe lines. Deep nasolabial and marionette lines can be erased by Restylane Defyne. Patients can get fantastic results for up to 12 months with full freedom of expression in the face and the mouth.
Treatment Areas
Average Cost
Duration of Results
Restylane
Moderate to severe lines and wrinkles, lips
$600
6 - 9 months
Restylane Lyft
Deep and severe folds or wrinkles, around the eyes, and back of the hands
$400 - $1000, depending on the exact treatment area
6 - 12 months, depending on the the exact treatment area
Restylane Silk
Lips and wrinkles around the mouth
$300 - $700
6 months
Restylane Refyne
Mild to moderate wrinkles and lines around the nose, mouth, and chin
$650 - $1000
12 months
Restylane Defyne
Moderate to severe wrinkles and lines around the nose, mouth, and chin
$650 - $1000
12 months
6 Must-Know Things Before Any Restylane Treatment
Once you have decided on which type of Restylane filler you want to get and where, there are a few things to keep in mind prior to your procedure:
Restylane sessions won’t last more than an hour.
Restylane products are made from hyaluronic acid, a material which is not made from animals so it’s fully biocompatible. You won’t need to take an allergy test because there is zero risk of an allergic reaction. The exact time you will finish the session depends on the areas your doctor will work on. Results are immediate and you’ll see a major difference once it’s over.
The Restylane injections are painless.
Restylane injectables contain an ingredient called lidocaine, a numbing element that keeps treatment virtually pain-free. An ultra-fine needle or a micro-cannula is used to inject the filler so long as you have the procedure done by an experienced, board-certified doctor, you can expect minimal discomfort.
You may experience some side effects.
Side effects and recovery time varies from person to person so it’s best to prepare yourself for the possibility of mild bruising, swelling, redness, pain, headaches, tenderness, lump formation, itching, or impaired hand function.
You will need some aftercare.
As with any cosmetic procedure, aftercare will help you minimize pain and achieve the best results. Avoid any extreme temperatures for the week after and skip the sauna, sunbed, or sun or cold exposure. Instead of massaging or rubbing the treatment area, press a cold compress to prevent bruising and swelling.
It is possible to dissolve the filler if you’re unhappy.
You won’t have to worry if the results are not what you expected. As hyaluronic acid is a compound that naturally breaks down over time, the results won’t be permanent. Your provider can also use an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler immediately.
You have to stop taking NSAIDs and other blood-thinning medication.
At least a week prior to your Restylane session, you will need to stop taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medication, like aspirin and St. John’s Wort. Supplements like fish oil and vitamin E should also be avoided in the meantime.
Book Your Restylane Session At Ethos Spa
At Ethos Spa, we help our patients achieve the beautiful results they want with the correct Restylane product. Our expert, board-certified doctors can help you figure out which injectables will work best for your cosmetic concern. Schedule a consultation with us today.
Unwanted hair growth is a common aesthetic problem, but when it becomes an abnormal symptom of an underlying condition like Hirsutism, traditional techniques like waxing, shaving, and plucking only serve as temporary solutions.
So does laser hair removal work for Hirsutism? Yes, laser hair removal is a viable treatment option for hirsutism patients, on top of PCOS medications and anti-androgens. In this article, we discuss how exactly laser hair removal can help with Hirsutism, and why it might be a better option compared to medical treatments.
Hirsutism: Everything You Need To Know
Hirsutism is one of the most distressing symptoms of underlying medical conditions, causing severe anxiety and self-consciousness particularly in women.
What Hirsutism Is and Its Common Symptoms
Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas of the body that either normally grow fine and sparse hair or don’t grow hair at all. This can occur in both men and women, who each have specific patterns of hair growth according to their hormones.
Hirsute female patients would grow a male type pattern of hair, which means thick facial hair, chest hair, back hair, and inner thighs. Male Hirsute patients also grow hair in these areas, but they are darker, thicker, and coarser almost to the point of extreme body oil production and hygiene problems.
What Causes Hirsutism
The first cause of Hirsutism is either an abnormal production of androgens or abnormal stimulation of the hair follicles. Androgens are the hormones responsible for the development of male reproductive characteristics, the most common one being testosterone. This would explain women diagnosed with Hirsutism growing beards and mustaches, or getting deeper voices than their female peers.
Another cause is the intake of certain medications like estrogen, opium, and steroids. Some steroids are prescribed by doctors to treat hormonal issues like delayed menstrual cycles in women, but there have been recorded cases of Hirsutism as a side effect of the hormone-inducing compound.
Other drugs that can cause Hirsutism include the following:
DIAZOXIE is used to treat symptoms of hypertension and severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) following pancreatic cancer surgery. It can cause Hirsutism because it induces enzymes that make testosterone more active.
DANAZOL is a synthetic androgen commonly used to treat fibrocystic breast disease in females and hereditary angioedema. It affects the ovaries and pituitary gland and prevents the release of certain hormones. Its androgenic effects have been known to cause Hirsutism as a side effect.
FLUOXETINE or PROZAC is a drug used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic attacks.
PHENYTOIN or DILANTIN is often used as an anti-seizure medication, with Hirsutism as one of its many side effects.
CYCLOSPORIN is used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to prevent organ rejection following kidney, heart or liver transplant. It often causes unwanted hair growth because it stimulates hair epithelial cell proliferation.
MINOXIDIL is used to treat male pattern baldness and promotes growth of hair for both men and women, but excess liquid that runs down on the face from the scalp may trigger unwanted facial hair growth. It has also been recorded to be absorbed by the blood and cause Hirsutism as a side effect.
ACITRETIN or SORIATANE is another drug for treating severe psoriasis with Hirsutism as one of its side effects
STREPTOMYCIN is an antibiotic anti-TB drug with Hirsutism as one of its side effects
The third cause of Hirsutism is likely to be any underlying medical condition that relies on androgen-stimulating medications.
Among the most common are PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, compromised thyroid, and anorexia:
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS): Hirsutism is perhaps one of the most distressing symptoms of PCOS in women, adding to a list of other abnormalities like irregular periods, obesity, infertility and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.
CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA: This is a genetic condition that causes abnormal production of steroid hormones, including androgen and cortisol, the hormones responsible for secondary sex hair growth.
THYROID: Scientists are still struggling to prove how thyroid causes hair growth indirectly, but historically, there is a correlation between an under-active thyroid and abnormal hair growth.
ANOREXIA: Excessive hair growth is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against starvation, which is an effect of anorexia, along with other eating disorders like bulimia.
Rare cases of abnormal hair growth between eyes or on the forehead is called hypertrichosis, and can be caused by any of the medical conditions mentioned above.
There are still some rare cases of Hirsutism that up to now have no identifiable causes linked to them. Hormones are always tricky, but they’re not unsolvable.
What Treatments Are Available for Hirsutism
Treatment for Hirsutism is not absolutely necessary if doctors find that it isn’t linked to severe conditions like endocrine malfunction or ovarian cysts. More often than not, treatment of the underlying medical conditions can also indirectly affect and inhibit the growth of hair, but there are other remedies that target hair growth specifically, with laser hair removal being one of them.
1) Medication
Hirsutism medications usually take up to six months, which is the average life cycle of a hair follicle, before you can see any significant change. These include anti-androgens and oral contraceptives for androgen-caused Hirsutism; and Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream for women with facial hair.
2) Proper diet
Hirsutism in women has been associated with excess insulin in the bloodstream, leading to a spike in circulating androgen and insulin-like growth factor. Switching to foods like non-starchy vegetables, legumes, antioxidant foods, and fruit are good remedies to insulin imbalance. Avoiding fatty sugary foods can also help regulate the production of hormones, specifically androgens.
3) Vitamin e and B6 Supplements
Yes, supplements can go a long way in tempering abnormal hair growth, especially given that it’s a hormone-induced condition. Vitamin E in particular normalizes the production of androgen in the body, while Vitamin B6 reduces prolactin, a hormone that stimulates testosterone.
Some of the richest sources of these vitamins are fish, avocados, organ meats, soybeans, walnuts, peanuts, bananas, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ oil, and broccoli.
4) Laser Hair Removal
If all else fails, cosmetic treatment is the way to go. Laser Hair Removal uses pulsed light to target hair at the follicles and significantly reduce hair regrowth by 90%. With laser hair removal, Hirsutism patients can easily manage overgrown hair without consistent upkeep. With regular use, laser hair removal may also diminish hair regrowth over time.
Laser Hair Removal: Does It Work For Hirsutism?
Laser hair removal is the perfect resort for Hirsute patients who aren’t fully satisfied with the results of medical therapy. This is especially true for cases that aren’t particularly caused conditions that cause hormone imbalance, or cases that have no identified causes at all.
It’s one thing to know that your prescribed medication can help lessen excessive hair growth, and another thing when the cause is unclear and therefore difficult to target. Luckily, laser hair removal doesn’t need to know the cause to get its work done.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The technology used in hair removal by lasers is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, a very precise microsurgery technique that matches specific wavelengths of light to damage the hair follicles. The “selective” part here means that it cannot affect the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin.
During treatment, melanin (the pigment in the hair) absorbs the light emitted from the lasers, and converts that light energy into heat, effectively damaging the hair follicles and inhibiting hair growth.
For this to work and yield the best results, the following reminders are advised:
1) Take precautions
The cardinal rule to any cosmetic procedure is to consult with a certified clinician first. Whether or not you are a Hirsute with an underlying medical condition, it’s important to make sure that you are eligible for laser hair removal before undergoing it. Certain skin conditions, medical prescriptions, and medical histories can give you higher health risks than potential benefits, so taking the effort to confirm will save you time and worry.
2) Consider the skin type and hair type
Your skin and hair type will come into play because not all lasers work on all skins. Melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair color, is also what absorbs the light energy from laser therapy. This means that darker hair, or hair with more melanin are less prone to burning than red and blonde hair is. This also explains why there are different lasers and different treatment schedules for each patient. Generally, people with hair darker than their skin tone require less treatment time because the laser can easily detect the hair follicles to target.
3) Know when to book an appointment
Your laser hair removal treatment is best scheduled when your hair is in its active growth cycle, or the anagen phase. At any given time, almost 10%–15% of your hair may be in the catagen or telogen stage, which is why sessions are often scheduled 4-6 weeks apart to allow all follicles to grow and restart the cycle.
How Effective Is Laser Hair Removal VS Other Treatments?
One of the main selling points of laser hair removal, with or without Hirsutism is the little to no risk of irritation or skin damage from shaving, and little discomfort from stubble growth.
For Hirsute patients particularly, the promise of 80-90% of their hair losing regrowth ability may exactly be the result they need for easier maintenance and higher self-confidence.
Listed below are other treatment methods and how they compare to laser hair removal:
Effect on Hair:
Longevity of Results:
Risks
Shaving
Only targets the surface level of hair, causes rougher regrowth of hair
2-3 days, depending on genes
Razor burns, causes bumps and ingrown hairs
Waxing
Weakens the hair follicle, causing finer hair regrowth
4-6 weeks, depending on frequency of treatment
Painful Burns the skin, causes irritation
Plucking
Removes Hair from the roots just underneath the skin
3-5 weeks, depending on frequency
Painful and time-consuming, Causes ingrown hairs, Hyperpigmentation
Hair Removal Cream
Dissolves body hair
5-7 days, depending on amount of cream used and treated area
First to second degree chemical burns, skin irritation, skin darkening, allergic reaction
Laser Hair Removal
Damages hair follicles and inhibits hair growth
About 80-90% of the hair never grow back
Redness and irritation
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost For Hirsute Patients
The price of laser hair removal varies widely on the type of laser used, skin type, and medical well-being of a patient.
Patients with light hair and light skin or dark hair and dark skin will usually need a more elaborate and longer treatment plan due to the increased difficulty in detecting hair and hair follicles. Because the lasers need to be able to “see” the hair and selectively burn its roots, the most ideal candidates that need the least number of sessions are the fair to olive-skinned ones with darker hair.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, one session of laser removal can fall anywhere between $250 to $600, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Collecting the estimates from this study will produce this list of price ranges per session:
half legs – $250 to $650
half arms – $250 to $650
bikini area (regular) – $150 to $450
bikini area (Brazilian) – $250 to $500
upper lip – $100 to 300
full face – $250 to 650
underarms – $150 to $250
chest – $150 to $450
back – $300 to $400
On average, most treatments are finished within 3-6 sessions, but patients with Hirsutism usually require more, especially when targeting larger areas like the back or areas with fine or wisps of hair like the cheeks and upper lip.
Things To Consider Before Booking An Appointment
Hirsute Patients have many things to consider before booking an appointment for a laser hair removal service. Usually, med spas that do offer it are licensed to conduct various hormonal tests, especially for testosterone levels, as these may influence the patient’s response to laser therapy.
Some of the underlying medical conditions behind Hirsutism like PCOS, thyroid dysfunctions, and adrenal hyperplasias may also affect the longevity of the results and therefore the total number of treatments needed, but not significantly.
Finally, the price of a laser hair removal session largely depends on the lasers being used. More than 15 laser systems are FDA-approved and commercially available in most cosmetics clinics today. Each of them (ruby, alexandrite, diode, Q-switched and long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet, and intense pulsed light sources), with their own depth of penetration and wavelengths. People with Hirsutism usually need either alexandrite and diode laser systems, and in some cases, a combination of both. These are also the most expensive lasers in the market.
For those eligible for and interested in the treatment, you can expect to spend $300 per session and several thousand dollars in total. But because treatments are spread a number of weeks apart, usually payments can also be done in increments. Certain med spas even offer discounts for clients that can pay for several sessions at once, or opt for multiple areas in one session.
When you consider the costs of minimizing hair growth and eliminating the need for routinely wax sessions or new blades, laser hair removal is right on par.
We all have different relationships and levels of comfort with body hair, but those with Hirsutism consider removal to be a necessity for their hygiene, comfort, and confidence.
Say Goodbye to All Your Unwanted Hair With the Help of Ethos Spa
Whether you will undergo laser hair removal for cosmetic purposes or to address a medical condition, it is important to consult a professional that can customize a plan for you based on your needs.
You can trust the doctors and staff at Ethos Spa to listen to your needs and light the path for the journey to your hair-free, worry-free, and happier self.
Botox, or botulinum toxin, has been growing in popularity over the last few decades for treating facial wrinkles. About 1.5 million Botox procedures are conducted in the U.S. each year, with its anti-aging properties being the most popular purpose of the treatment. But there is another, lesser-known property of Botox that is becoming more well known: its wound-healing potential.
So how does Botox influence wound healing? Botox works by blocking the nerve signals causing muscles to move. As a result, the tensile forces surrounding the wound minimizes movement, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by twitches and other muscle movements during the repair stage of wound healing.
Effects of Botox On Wound Healing
Botox can produce many healing and restorative effects on the body. It plays a particular role in different stages of wound healing, especially for tissue and cell repair. Here are three ways Botox can improve the rate of wound healing:
1. By suppressing muscular activity
Botox is a neuromuscular paralytic agent, meaning it blocks the nerves that are responsible for muscular activity, suppressing both regular and irregular movements like spasms. When you get a Botox injection in a certain spot, the muscles in that area relax and the wrinkles soften, which explains why it’s most often used on forehead lines, lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, and the frown lines.
Cosmetic experts and wound specialists have recently witnessed the effect of this muscle suppression on scar formation and wound healing. Patients who had sustained wounds to the forehead developed less visible scars as a result of the Botox weakening the surrounding muscle activity, thereby allowing the acute phase of wound healing to be undisturbed.
Larger wounds or deeper wounds from surgical operations are the results of the muscles being pulled apart, so a Botox treatment near those areas would weaken the pull on the muscles and hasten the healing process. Botox is now recommended as both precaution and aftercare around surgical incisions, especially for the face.
2. By increasing collagen production
Apart from temporarily paralyzing the muscles around a wound, Botox has also been discovered to help stimulate the production of collagen during the early stages of wound healing.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up 25% to 35% of the body’s overall protein component. Its more immediate role in wound healing is to attract fibroblasts and keratinocytes that help the skin and tissue repair, but it also plays a key role in protecting the blood vessel walls from any damage and assisting blood circulation around the wound.
With collagen promoting better circulation and facilitating in tissue repair, the wounds close more tightly, scar more smoothly, and heal with significantly lower risks of clotting and inflammation.
3. By aiding scar removal and reduction
A 2018 study published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal found that Botox-treated wounds developed narrower and less elevated scars than the scars treated with placebo and not treated at all. This isn’t surprising given the collagen-boosting property of Botox injections, but is it enough to consider Botox as a scar deterrent in the same manner we consider Serica Formula or topical steroids?
Does Botox have the potential to become an all-in-one anti-aging, anti-scarring treatment that eliminates the need for collagen supplements and antioxidants?
No, Botox is not capable of being that all-in-one treatment. However, it is highly recommended to combine Botox with other treatments and healthy lifestyle choices for skin care and restoration.
Here are some of our top aftercare and maintenance tips to get the most out of your Botox wound-healing process:
Minimize sun exposure: Too much sun exposure can create a negative effect on your Botox, and it also causes squinting, prompting the muscles around the eyes to contract. Sun exposure can also negatively affect your wound healing, as the sun’s UV rays are extremely damaging to the skin cells, slowing down the process of cell regeneration. This is a crucial step in the tissue repair stage of wound healing.
Eat collagen-rich food: Your diet is a big part of your health, and that includes the longevity of Botox. With collagen-rich food, patients can extend the lifetime of their Botox while also preserving their results and preventing bruising. By adding extra collagen to your diet, you can assist the new tissue growth process in wound healing.
Stay hydrated: A more hydrated body is better equipped to preserve the aesthetic effects of Botox, as well as to maintain the amount of moisture needed for a wound bed to close faster.
All of these practices, when paired with Botox, can affect the rate at which your skin cells repair themselves. Your Botox treatment provider should give you a list of prescribed activities and supplements, as well as discouraged practices, to make the Botox last longer. If you received Botox specifically for wound healing, these recommendations still apply, along with a few extra precautions.
Caring for Wounds Near Botox-Treated Areas
Adults can also get minor, shallow cuts in the face either from sports activities or just unforeseen accidents. What happens if these accidents occur after a Botox injection?
The good news is that Botox near the wounded area will still engage in its healing process, but there are certain steps and precautions recommended so you can prevent infections and hematoma, or bruising. These include:
Washing Carefully: The most important step in first aid is cleansing, to lower the risk of infections. For Botox-treated areas, this is best done by spraying clean lukewarm water near the wounded area. Avoid scrubbing vigorously with soap or a damp cloth and make sure to treat the area gently. Remember that physical pressure on Botox-treated areas can potentially disrupt the Botox from settling in properly.
Covering the Wound with an Adhesive Bandage: Once the bleeding stops and the area is dry, cover up the area with a band-aid or a gauze pad that can protect the wound from foreign substances. Do not blow on the wound as this may lead to germs.
Informing Your Treatment Provider: Wounds with severe bleeding can cause hematoma or bruising near the Botox-treated area. Call your treatment provider at once if:
Bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes within washing and cleaning
The wound is deep or longer than 1/2 inch
The wound is embedded with debris, such as stone or dirt
The wound is caused by an animal bite
The wound is extremely painful
The wound is caused by a dirty or rusty object
You feel hot or feel swelling
Botox can aid in the healing of wounds, but only at a certain stage of the wound healing process. When a wound is stuck at a particular stage and drainage of body fluid is hard to control, there isn’t much that Botox can do to help. Doctors and first aid medics are the most equipped to diagnose what treatment to provide.
More Medical Benefits of Botox
Using Botox for wound healing isn’t particularly unheard of. Most people don’t realize that Botox treatments serve many purposes outside the cosmetic world.
Here are some of the other ways Botox is commonly used for medical-related purposes:
Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition characterized by excessive underarm sweating that can cause extreme social anxiety from the body odor and sweat stains. Botox injections are administered in certain spots of the underarm to relax the overactive muscles of the sweat glands and lessen the sweating.
Chronic migraines: Botox injections are also used to disrupt the pain signals being sent to the brain during a chronic migraine. Its effects include a decrease in the total number of migraines in a month. Treatment for this condition requires a doctor that knows how to administer shots of Botox beyond cosmetic uses.
Urinary incontinence: People who experience involuntary leakage of urine can benefit from Botox injections in the bladder. This helps the bladder muscles to relax and temper the compulsion to urinate, with the effects lasting 4 to 6 months.
Experience the Medical Wonders of Botox At Ethos Spa
Ethos Spa is the leading Botox treatment provider in New Jersey. Our aestheticians are trained to provide you with the best and safest botox experience, whether it’s for medical or cosmetic purposes.
Schedule an appointment with us to find out what other improvements you can achieve with our botox and filler services.
