(1) What is Sculptra Aesthetic?
Sculptra Aesthetic is the only FDA-approved bio-stimulant for injection to stimulate your body's own natural production of collagen. It is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLIA), which stimulates collagen production, improves volume and restores a youthful skin "glow" over time. (2) What can I expect from the procedure? Topical numbing cream is used to desensitize the injection areas and Sculptra is injected directly into the target areas as outlined by our Master Injector and Aesthetics Director, Dr. Williams. Prior to the procedure, you will have a pre-op consult with Dr. Williams to discuss your areas of concern and develop a customized treatment plan to address your target areas over time. Since results are gradual with Sculptra Aesthetic, multiple procedures are suggested until baseline is achieved. Typically, the procedure lasts between 60-90 minutes. (3) Is there any associated down-time? Minimal swelling may occur for up to 7 days. Patients are given post-care instructions on how to achieve optimal results, which include using a rose quartz roller daily to make sure the Sculptra is evenly distributed and using daily sunscreen. (4) When will I see results? Sculptra is NOT a quick fix for volume correction or instant glow! Results occur gradually over time as the body naturally produces your own collagen in response to the injectable. Multiple sessions are usually required, spaced 6-8 weeks apart and collagen will continue to be produced for up to 2 years after your first procedure! Results are subtle, natural and have people wondering what changed and why your skin is improving with age! (5) How do I maintain results? Once baseline is achieved, it is recommended to follow-up with at least 1 vial of Sculptra Aesthetic per year to keep stimulating collagen and maintaining results. (6) How much does Sculptra Aesthetic cost? The cost of Sculptra Aesthetic is variable and how many vials are required will depend on the areas of concern, the age of the patient, lifestyle factors and prior medical history. Our board-certified Aesthetic Director, Dr. Kristen Williams, M.D. will have a pre-op consultation with you to go over your medical history, discuss your target areas and develop a treatment plan. On average, treatment may cost between $3000-6000 depending on the number of vials required for treatment. (1) What are lash extensions made of?
At Pacholec Center for Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Medicine, the lash extensions we use are made of either silk or mink fibers. These fibers are durable, strong, lightweight and silky smooth. They are the perfect combination for a subtle and natural look! (2) Who applies lash extensions at Pacholec Center for Weight Loss? Our Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Jessica "Kelly" Smith received her certification in lash extensions from Lash Addict Studio in St Petersburg, FL. She has been a certified medical assistant for over 8 years and uses her extensive knowledge of human anatomy to precisely apply lash extensions to our patients in a comfortable and safe manner. (3) How long do lash extensions last? Since lash extensions are applied to the lash itself and not to the skin, the extensions will follow the natural growth cycle of your own lashes. Depending on your lifestyle and how you care for you lashes, they may last anywhere between 2-4 weeks before a refill is needed. Refills take about 45-60 minutes and a full new set of lashes takes between 90-120 minutes. (4) Can I wear mascara with lash extensions? Makeup, including mascara, can be applied to the lash extensions if desired. However, waterproof mascara should not be applied nor should mascara be applied to the root of the lash as this will cause the lashes to fall out faster. The lash extensions we administer provide a natural fullness to the lashes so mascara is not necessary. (5) Can I get other procedures done at Pacholec Center for Weight Loss with lash extensions? Many of our other aesthetic procedures are fine to get when you have lash extensions on. However, Plasma Pen skin tightening on the face is one procedure that CANNOT be performed when you have lash extensions. They will have to be removed prior to this procedure. Other procedures, such as Botox, fillers, threads or Sculptra can be performed while you have lash extensions applied. One of our favorite ways to improve your look with minimal effort is a combination treatment of Botox + Lash Extensions! This combination is minimally invasive and will have you looking young and flirty in no time! (6) Can I get my lash extensions wet? It is not recommended to get your new set of lash extensions wet for at least 48 hours following the treatment. This recommendation is in place to make sure the adhesive dries completely before getting wet so you do not risk your lashes falling out early. After the 48-hour period, you can swim, shower and sweat but it is not recommended to rub your eyes after getting wet. Gently pat your eyes and face with a towel after getting wet to minimize rubbing of the adhesive. It is also not recommended to use a steam room or sauna with lash extensions as this can also decrease the durability of the adhesive and make your lashes fall out sooner. (7) Will my lash extensions harm the growth of my natural lashes? No, lash extensions will not harm the growth of your natural lashes as they are not applied to the root of the lash. The adhesive used to connect the lashes never even touches your skin as the lashes are applied about 1mm away from skin to each individual lash strand. Therefore, your natural lashes will continue to grow as normal. (8) What if I have an allergic reaction to the lashes? People who have an allergic reaction to lash extensions actually have the reaction to the adhesive and not to the lash itself. If the adhesive does not dry properly or accidentally touches the skin, then an allergic reaction may occur. Allergic reactions include swelling, redness and itching of the eyelids within 3 days of your treatment. An allergic reaction is avoidable if proper aftercare procedures are employed by the patient and the technician is properly trained on how to avoid touching the skin with the adhesive. Our lash extension specialist, Kelly, is vigilant about applying lashes correctly and executes precise measurements when determining where the adhesive should be applied to the lash so that there is no danger of accidentally touching the skin. (9) How do I take care of my lash extensions? Avoid water on the lashes and face for 48 hours post-treatment. Do not go to saunas or steam rooms while you have lash extensions on and especially not for the first 48 hours. Use a mascara wand to brush your lashes daily. You can use plain water or a specific lash shampoo to "clean" your lashes with daily as well before you brush them. (10) Can I remove my lash extensions myself? No! Lash extensions are applied to each individual lash and require a trained professional to remove them correctly so your natural lashes are not damaged. A lash removal appointment takes between 30-45 minutes depending on how many lashes need to be removed. Are you ready for your lash glow up? If you would like to book an appointment with Kelly, please call one of our clinics at Pacholec Center for Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Medicine. Kelly is available for lash appointments on the last Saturday in our Lutz clinic and the last Monday in our St Petersburg clinic of every month! (1) What is it?
Plasma Pen is a skin tightening device used to enact controlled micro-damage to the upper layer of skin causing fibroblast stimulation (known as “fibroblasting”). (2) What is it made of? It is a hand-held device which utilizes plasma energy to target fibroblast stimulation beneath the dermis. It does not contain needles, nor does it actually come in contact with the skin. When it comes within a couple centimeters of the skin, an energetic reaction occurs and a carbon crust forms on the top of the skin surface. When the carbon crust scabs and falls off, new collagen is produced by the underlying fibroblasts in the dermal layer over a period of 6-12 weeks. (3) What to expect from procedure? Plasma Pen skin tightening is a 30-45 min procedure depending on area used with 2-step topical numbing process. Pain should be minimal during the procedure and there is downtime for about 2 weeks post-procedure. The plasma energy created by the device increases collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production over the following 6-12 weeks for smoother, firmer and healthier skin. (4) Is there any down-time? Downtime is 7-14 days, and it is crucial to remain out of direct sunlight and to always wear a mineral-based high SPF sunscreen and a hat when outdoors post-procedure! The carbon crust scabs take about 3-7 days to fall off completely, depending on the individual patient's healing abilities. Mild swelling and/or bruising may occur for the first 1-3 days post-procedure. (5) When will I see results? Results are gradual and usually can be obtained after 1-2 procedures, although more may be required depending on area, skin type, lifestyle factors etc. This procedure does require a pre and post-op appointment with Dr. Williams in either of our St Petersburg or Tampa, FL clinics. The pre-op appointment is important and includes a thorough discussion of the patient's goals and target areas for treatment. The post-op appointment occurs 6-weeks after the procedure to check collagen production and skin tightness and determine whether another treatment may be needed. Additional treatments cannot be done until at least 12 weeks post procedure, as it takes about 12 weeks to achieve optimal collagen production. (6) How long do results last? Once baseline is achieved, results may last 3-5 years on average. The patient's skin type, lifestyle factors, age and adherence to a strict skincare regimen all factor into how long results will stay viable. (7) What treatment areas do you target at Pacholec Center for Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Medicine? Upper and lower eyelids, crow’s feet, forehead lines, accordion lines, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, smoker’s lines/vertical lip lines, neck crepe and “orange peel” skin are all acceptable target areas at both our St Petersburg and Tampa, FL clinics. While the Plasma Pen skin tightening device can be used all over the body, we are not currently offering services outside of facial areas. (8) Is this device FDA approved? The Plasma Pen skin tightening device has current FDA class II approval. (9) How do I maintain results? Collagen supplementation is key to extend and maintain results over time. Dr. Williams recommends Skinade collagen drink, which is clinically proven to support collagen formation, diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture. All of our Plasma Pen patients will receive at minimum a 30-day supply of Skinade to assist in optimal collagen formation. (10) How much does Plasma Pen skin tightening cost? Plasma Pen skin tightening ranges in price depending on treatment area. Smaller treatment areas, such as the fine lines above the upper lip (i.e. "smoker's lines") start around $1200. The most popular treatment area is the double blepharoplasty (i.e. upper and lower eyelids) which starts at $1895. More extensive skin resurfacing can be upwards of $2500. All procedures include at least a 30-day supply of Skinade collagen supplement drink with price. Your actual price will be determined at your pre-op consultation with Dr. Williams in either of our St Petersburg, FL or Tampa, FL locations. Call today to set up your consultation! |
Dr. Williams, MD MPHOur Aesthetic Director, Dr. Kristen Williams, is board-certified by the American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOMP) in Aesthetics. Her favorite treatments are collagen-inducing procedures, such as Sculptra, threadlifts and Plasma Pen skin tightening. All aesthetic treatments are oferred in both our St Petersburg, FL & Tampa, FL locations. Archives
July 2023
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