Frequently asked questions:

I got a "surprised" look from Botox- my eyebrows arch up too high.

This is easy to fix- a tiny dose of Botox above your brow(s) will balance your forehead. I err on the side of too much lift to avoid the unfixable problem of "droop" or heavy brow.  In the future we'll try to get it right the first time, but sometimes a touch up is the only way to make it perfect. This kind of touch up is free.

I had Botox®, but I still have wrinkles!

Botox® and Dysport® take 2-7 days to take effect. If you have waited 10 days and you still have muscle activity that creases the overlying skin, you may need a slightly higher dose. The dose that is effective for a certain area varies from person to person, and sometimes from treatment to treatment. I encourage follow up visits so that I can fine tune your treatment. Touch up treatments are usually under $100. Another reason for persistent wrinkles after botox is that they are too deep to resolve with botox alone. You can have the wrinkles filled with an injectable dermal filler to get more thorough and immediate results.

The effects have gone away faster than I expected.

Some people seem to go through products faster than others. If your Botox® fades earlier than 2 1/2 to 3 months, we should increase the dose a bit. Restylane® and Juvederm® usually last 4-9 months in the lips and 9-12 months or more elsewhere, except when using small amounts for subtle results. I discount the second and subsequent syringes of filler (on the same visit) to encourage patients to use enough product, so that it will last the expected length of time.

I have a lump or bump.
Lumps that are felt and not seen don't need any treatment, but I'm happy to take a look at it. If you can see the filler through the skin, I can usually help. Please come back for a touch up.  The undereye area is particularly difficult due to thin skin, and often requires a minor touch up for the best results (this is usually free).  

What are the differences between the various filler products?

Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm® are clear gels containing hyaluronate, a molecule natural to our body.  These products are FDA approved, and safe enough to be used medically for injection to cushion arthritic joints. Cosmetic effects last approximately 4-9 months in the lips, 6-18 months in the cheeks, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. There are differences in the density/flow properties and in the amount of water the product absorbs after injection that help us decide which filler to use where.

Sculptra® is a substance similar to absorbable suture material (stitches). For clients in need of volume restoration in the cheeks or temples, it can be injected to stimulate the production of collagen. More than one treatment may be required. Please call or email for more information.

Wondering about a filler not listed here? That usually means I have decided not to use it for some reason (gets lumpy, can cause allergy, etc), but feel free to ask!
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PRICE LIST (subject to change)

Botox® $12 per unit (may be discounted if using 40 or more units)
Dysport® approximately 10% less than Botox®

Common price ranges for various areas:

• Frown lines only $180-300

• Entire forehead $240-360

• Crow’s feet $120-360

• Upper lip or chin $60-120

• Neck (platysmal bands) $120-240

• Underarms: $450-700
  

Dermal Fillers: More than one syringe may be needed for adequate result.

Juvederm®, Restylane®, Perlane®
1st syringe $450. Two syringes $800.  Subsequent syringes on same visit $400.  The discount when using two or more syringes is meant to encourage patients to receive the proper amount to correct the problem. One syringe contains 1cc which is a tiny volume of gel, enough for young clients or for lips, but not enough for many other areas, such as cheeks, marionette lines, and "the parentheses."

Differences between the products are minor, all are FDA approved and have been used safely for many years. Rarely, complications occur; please be sure you read the consent form. Restylane® and Perlane® are great for the upper face or jaw line, including cheeks, temples, and chin. Juvederm® is slightly smoother in texture, best for natural-looking lip enhancement or treatment of marionette lines, "parentheses" and lower cheeks.  Both products treat earlobes and hands and can be used for general skin rejuvenation due to their stimulatory and hydrophilic effects.  .

Sculptra® is a unique product that stimulates your own collagen production. It is best for thin faces. $750 per session (a minimum of two sessions is advised).