
FAQs
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Consultations
& Appointments
Yes! Each treatment will be customized to fit your unique body and facial anatomy. Since we do not treat patients as “one-size-fits-all,” our aesthetic provider will meet you in person to review your treatment plan. Even if you have had the treatment done in the past, a consultation is required. The consultation allows us to examine, evaluate, explain, and educate our patients.
The consultation fee is collected during your initial consultation.
All consultations are in person so the provider may closely examine and evaluate you to make a more accurate assessment and plan. It allows you to see the office and before and after images.
This is the most popular question we are asked, and we understand how important it is to budget finances properly for a procedure. Given the complex nature of aesthetic procedures and that each patient’s features are uniquely different, pricing and candidacy vary and can only be determined upon an evaluation. The fee will be discussed following an examination.
Consultations typically last between 20 and 30 minutes.
We are partnered with CareCredit to offer our patients a payment plan for dermatological, non-surgical, and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments and procedures.
The majority of procedures in our office are not covered and require payment out of pocket. However, you can check with your insurance provider before your scheduled appointment.
We accept all major credit cards, cash, and CareCredit as a method of payment. Check payments must be pre-paid a week in advance.
Yes! Our office staff will send you a text message two days in advance and on the morning of your scheduled appointment.
Botox
It is the most trusted product and is FDA approved to treat three areas of the face at the same time: the forehead, the frown line, and the crow’s feet.
We prioritize patient retention and happiness at Essential Aesthetics. We’ve discovered that Botox produces consistent results at every appointment, and our patients are pleased with the results.
In general, patients in their mid to late 20s every six months, and patients in their mid to late 30s or beyond roughly three times a year.
Our goal is to educate our patients about the need of receiving therapy in numerous places because injecting one set of muscles and not another might upset the natural balance, resulting in brow droopiness or unsatisfactory results.
We typically prescribe 64 units three times a year to treat three areas of the face. Typical units for frontalis lines (20 units), Lateral canthal lines or crow’s feet (24 units), and Glabellar or frown lines (20 units).
Botox Cosmetic typically lasts 4-6 months. We recommend at least three Botox visits per year to assess progress and address other aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and laser resurfacing.
Our new patient follow-up is only 20 minutes, and our standard Botox cosmetic follow-up is 10 minutes; we want to ensure that our patients notice the benefits and that any follow-up issues or queries are addressed.
Our appointment includes a full facial evaluation, not just lines, and wrinkles. Our primary focus is on the issue that you are most worried about. The consultation comes with a fee.
The provider considers areas that Botox Cosmetics does not address, such as the cheeks, chin, jawline, lips, and nose, because all of these factors contribute to balanced, natural-looking facial characteristics.
Our provider provides you with an estimate based on specific therapy and recommendations, which will be discussed at your consultation and before each session.
Fillers
Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid or Poly-L-Lactic Acid and are used for static lines where volume has been lost through the aging process. They can also be used for lip augmentation, contouring the cheeks, and defining the jawline and chin. Fillers can also stimulate collagen production under the skin.
Essential Aesthetics uses Juvederm collection of fillers, Restylane family fillers, and Sculptra.
The number of fillers you need depends on the area being treated and your desired results.
Dermal fillers will essentially smooth fine lines and replenish lost volume for a more youthful appearance. Fillers can have many advantages such as plumping thin lips, enhancing and filling shallow areas of the face, decreasing shadows or wrinkles under the eyes, and filling in or softening recessed scars or static wrinkles.
Dermal filler results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. It depends on the type of filler used, the location, and how quickly your body metabolizes. We recommend patients come every year to maintain their results.
Dermal fillers will not cause sagging. Dermal fillers are mainly used to replace lost volume as we age. Losing volume of dermal filler is similar to losing volume from aging or weight loss.
Common side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites. These typically resolve after a few days to a week. We recommend avoiding blood thinners such as Advil and Motrin before and immediately after treatment to reduce the chance of bruising occurring.
IPL
& Laser Resurfacing
Both Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and laser resurfacing treatments are non-ablative lasers used to rejuvenate the skin but in different ways. IPL technology targets pigmentation and vascular imperfections such as age and sun spots, freckles, birthmarks, rosacea, and broken capillaries.
Laser resurfacing treatments work by stimulating deep collagen regeneration to help with skin texture concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scarring, pores, and much more. You can also receive a combination of both treatments for the best outcome.
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Ellie will assess your skin concern(s) and determine which laser will give you the best results. In some patients, a combination treatment of both IPL and resurfacing is needed for the best outcome.
The number of treatments needed depends on the skin concern and type being treated. With pigmentation treatments, patients begin seeing results as early as 2 sessions. Resurfacing treatments can take anywhere from 4 to 10 treatments to see optimal results. Appointments are scheduled 4-6 weeks apart to allow the skin proper time to heal. After you are fully satisfied with your results, we recommend maintenance sessions twice a year.
Immediately after treatment, you may experience redness or swelling which typically go away within a few hours to a few days after the procedure. It is important to protect your skin from the sun for a few days following treatment by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen frequently.
Brown spots that have been treated will typically get darker over the next 24 hours then slowly fade over the next 1-2 weeks. After an IPL rosacea treatment, you may experience redness, swelling, and bruising for 2-5 days after treatment.
We advise applying sunscreen daily and limiting your exposure to the sun for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment. Do not use retinol products or exfoliants one week before and after treatment. Use a gentle cleanser, avoid using an electric facial cleansing brush and extremely hot water.
There is very little risk of damaging the skin when receiving an IPL treatment in skin types I-III (very fair skin to fair skin). IPL treatments are not recommended in skin types V-VI (dark brown to black). It’s a non-invasive treatment that saturates the surface of the skin with light to target areas to reverse signs of aging and damage.
We will apply a topical numbing cream prior to treatment to help with any discomfort. You may feel a warm or prickling sensation during treatment. After treatment, your face will feel hot, but we will apply a cooling mask to help relieve this sensation.
IPL can improve lackluster skin for any age and skin type. It’s a non-invasive way to improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation, tighten pores, and minimize redness. IPL treatment will also stimulate collagen growth by treating the deeper layer of skin to improve texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
IPL treatments are typically spaced out 4-8 weeks apart. We recommend coming in twice a year for maintenance after completing a series of 6-8 sessions.
Laser
Hair Reduction
We guarantee permanent hair reduction after completing your recommended number of sessions, but we cannot guarantee permanent hair removal. Depending on your hair and skin, you may need to purchase more than one package to achieve desired results.
Depending on your hair type and skin tone, you may need anywhere from 6 to 12 treatments at 4 to 6 week intervals. Please note that even after completing a series of treatments, you may still need to come in for maintenance sessions.
It is required that you shave prior to your appointment and we recommend doing so the night before your appointment. If you come to your appointment unshaved, we charge an additional fee to shave the treatment area.
Patients will experience minimal discomfort during and after the treatment. There’s little to no post-treatment downtime required. We advise avoiding tanning after treatment to reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentation.
Four weeks before your treatment, avoid electrolysis, waxing, threading, tweezing, or plucking. No natural or artificial tanning (including tanning beds and spray tans) for at least 2-3 weeks before treatment. Exfoliating agents such as Retin-A or beta hydroxy acids, toners, and any irritating lotions should be avoided on the day of treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before and after your treatment. Please shave the entire region to be treated the day before your scheduled treatment.
Day of treatment, avoid strenuous sports activities, hot water, or saunas. Do not use any abrasive scrubs, loofahs, etc., for at least five days. Avoid rubbing and picking the treated area. You may also notice the smell of burned hairs during and immediately during your session; this is normal. Immediately after treatment, there will be slight redness, swelling around the hair follicles, and mild discomfort similar to a sunburn.
After your treatment, the hair may appear to grow for up to 2 weeks. This is simply the treated hair being shed from the follicle and is NOT new growth. Tweezing, plucking, and electrolysis are to be avoided between sessions. However, shaving is recommended between appointments and is again the day before your next treatment. Sessions are typically scheduled 4-8 weeks apart, depending on the area. Laser hair removal should be repeated every 4-6 weeks for areas above the waistline and every 6-8 weeks for areas below the waistline.
Chemical
Peels
Chemical peel agents resurface the skin by removing superficial layers of the skin to promote the growth of a new and healthy top skin layer. This helps to improve problems such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and skin impurities.
Both chemical peels and laser treatments are skin resurfacing procedures that promote new skin growth and are commonly used to minimize acne scars and hyperpigmentation, correct sun damage issues, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels use acid solutions to treat the outer layer of the skin whereas laser resurfacing uses beams of light to penetrate deeper layers in the skin to stimulate new collagen.
Patients with skin types I-IV who want to see improvement in skin texture, reduce fine lines, reverse the damage caused by sun exposure, reduce the appearance of mild scars, and treat certain types of acne.
Chemical peels can also be applied to other parts of the body such as the hand, chest, legs, back, buttocks to remove acne or acne scarring, keratosis pilaris, and more!
The number of chemical peels and how often you receive them depends on your skin concerns, skin type, and ultimate goal for your skin. They are typically spaced out every 2-6 weeks apart.
First, your skin will be prepped with a medical degreaser to ensure the area is free of any oils. The chemical agent is then applied to the skin. You may feel a mild stinging sensation which temporarily and usually subsides after a few minutes.
After treatment, your skin will feel tighter and maybe more red than usual. It may also feel tacky and have a yellowish-orange tinge. This will subside within a few hours. Our chemical peels are self-neutralizing, so you should wait at least 4 hours before washing your face with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.
You will notice peeling 48-72 hours after your treatment. This can last anywhere from 2-5 days. It is important not to pick the peeling skin, otherwise, you may have dry, cracked, raw skin that could develop into hyperpigmentation.
The amount of peeling you have may vary depending on the skin condition or the depth of the peel. The success of a chemical peel should not be judged by the amount of peeling, but the end result produced. Whether or not the skin visibly peels, it is still sloughing off at an accelerated rate and will improve skin imperfections.
Avoid waxing, electrolysis, deploritory creams, and laser hair treatment one week before and after treatment. Discontinue using prescription topicals such as Retin-A or Differin as well as any products containing retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), beta hydroxyl acids (BHAs), or benzoyl peroxide 3-5 days before and after treatment.
CoolSculpting
Our certified CoolSculpting specialists will perform your treatment.
At our clinic, we approach CoolSculpting with a “Fire and Ice” method. After the CoolSculpting procedure is done we follow up with an RF massage which helps tighten and contour the skin after treatment.
CoolSculpting permanently reduces fat cells but cannot prevent the formation of new ones. Ideal for patients who can commit to healthy habits to maintain results.
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment that requires no recovery time.
The number of cycles needed would depend on the patient’s body fat composition and personal concerns. During your consultation appointment, our medical provider will conduct a full assessment of the treatment area to develop a treatment plan that best meets your personal goals.
CoolSculpting can eliminate up to 15-20 percent of fat cells in a given area.
You will begin seeing results as early as 4 weeks after treatment and with optimal results within three months.
The body’s lymphatic system will naturally and gradually dispose of fat cells and the skin will gradually return to normal.
Kybella
Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells under the chin to improve your profile. Kybella is identical to something in your body called deoxycholic acid which helps absorb fat.
The process should be repeated every 1-3 months with noticeable differences after 12 weeks or at least 3-5 sessions.
It’s commonly used for the double chin, but Kybella can also be used to treat stubborn fat in the armpits, jowls, and brat fat. Although these uses are not FDA approved, it is up to your aesthetic provider’s discretion.
Kybella kills fat cells so fat won’t come back in the treated area. Same with liposuction, if you normally gain weight it may come back in a new area.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, niacin supplements, high sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbs, spicy foods, and cigarettes for at least 24-48 hours after treatment.
With a single treatment, patients can see a reduction in fat as much as 20-30 percent.
Submental fat that ranges from moderate to severe, the absence of platysmal or neck bands, and high skin turgor.
Someone with insufficient fat under the chin, prominent platysmal bands, a lot of fat around the ear, anticoagulant therapy, and a history of dyslipidemia
The provider takes a series of facial impressions from patients to assess digastric muscle and the extent of the patient’s submental fat. In addition, patients will be asked to move their necks against resistance to evaluate the lateral margin of the approved treatment area; skin marking will follow this exercise.
The starting dose is approximately three vials for every 30 dots on submental fat marking, and each treatment area can receive up to 5 vials.
To reduce swelling, it is recommended that you wear a chin strap with an ice pack for a few nights after treatment and elevate your head. Patients may experience numbness, redness, nodules, bruising, and firmness at injection sites after treatment, which usually resolves in 4-5 weeks. Icing the chin and neck is critical for reducing inflammation. Take Tylenol for the first 24 hours, avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours, and avoid salty foods.
Kybella is a medication that permanently destroys fat and typically requires two to four treatments, with a maximum of six to see final results. These treatments should be repeated every 4-8 weeks.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injectable treatment where a patient’s own blood is used. The blood is drawn into a tube and then put into a centrifuge, where its different components, one being PRP, are separated. PRP contains healing growth factors that give instruction to your tissues to regenerate and multiply.
PRP can be used to treat hair loss, fine lines, and wrinkles, skin laxity, as well as skin texture and tone.
The platelets are a component of blood that is extracted into more concentrated platelets to inject into the targeted area to accelerate healing. When using PRP injections for your hair it can increase blood circulation to stimulate hair growth and increase the thickness of the hair shaft.
Patients can notice results after just 4 to 6 treatments. However, it may take up to a year to see the most optimal results. It is recommended to space out your treatments 1 month apart.
Results of PRP will vary depending on the patient’s condition and results of initial treatment. It is suggested to have maintenance injections every 3 to 6 months once hair loss is contained.
There are several ways PRP can be used to treat skin concerns. It can be massaged into the skin after an RF microneedling treatment to help expedite the healing process of tissues. RF microneedling with PRP also addresses uneven skin tone/texture, large pores, facial laxity, and fine lines and wrinkles.
PRP can also be injected into the skin with dermal fillers or by itself. When injected into the wrinkles, PRP stimulates the production of collagen
Laser
Tattoo Removal
PiQo4 is a powerful system effective for a wide range of pigmentation issues by using four different wavelengths to destroy the targeted pigment. PiQo4 is the ideal option for tattoo removal, it allows the lasers to target and destroys every popular tattoo ink color on any skin tone. Once the pigments in the skin are destroyed, they are naturally removed by the body.
The number of treatments needed depends on how long you have had the tattoo, its location, size, and the pigments used. PiQo4 treatments may clear tattoos in about 8 to 12 treatments.
The cost of laser tattoo removal would depend on the number of treatment sessions needed. During your consultation appointment, our medical provider will conduct a full assessment of the treatment area to develop a treatment plan that best meets your personal goals — taking into account the tattoo, its location, size, the ink used, and the background skin color. With PiQo4 laser tattoo removal, you will see a gradual improvement, which is why we offer treatment packages.
PiQo4 should be spaced out 6 to 8 weeks apart. The time in between treatments gives your skin time to properly heal and remove ink particles.
In most patients, tattoos are able to be completely removed. However, there is a slight chance a tiny amount of pigment can reside. Microneedling and fraxel treatments can improve results.
Even though a tattoo may look fully healed after 1-2 weeks, it can take up to 4 months for all the layers of broken skin to completely heal. It is recommended to wait at least 4-6 months after receiving a tattoo to have it removed. Removing a fresh tattoo can result in negative side effects such as excessive skin blistering, scarring, and skin discoloration.
Some patients compare the pain of tattoo removal to receiving the tattoo. However, pain tolerance varies from patient to patient. At Essential Aesthetics, we strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We apply a topical numbing cream for all patients, but patients have the option for an injectable anesthetic for an additional cost.
RF
Lymphatic Massage
An RF lymphatic massage helps break down scar tissue post-liposuction or BBL and stimulates the body’s collagen to promote healing. It helps reduce swelling because it reduces fluid buildup, scarring, inflammation, and bruising.
It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before receiving an RF lymphatic massage.
RF lymphatic massages are usually comfortable and compared to a hot stone massage. Some areas may be more tender than others.
It feels like light pressure with the fingertips to re-open lymphatic channels and to move the fluid (swelling) back into these re-opened channels. It is a gentle experience.
For patients who have had tummy tucks or liposuction, it is recommended to start lymphatic massage 7-14 days after your surgery. This can help decrease any post-surgical swelling and speed up the recovery process.
A session usually lasts from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the scope and scale
After the session you will notice you begin to feel better by about 50%, within hours after the massage you then feel 90% better. You may also feel incredibly rejuvenated, which can last for days after.
It is recommended to get a RF Lymphatic Massage every week with maintenance and follow up every 3-6 months.
RF Lymphatic massages can help to reduce the buildup of fluids, recovery time, scarring, inflammation, and bruising.
Sclerotherapy
Also known as “chemical ablation”, sclerotherapy is when a sclerosis agent is injected directly into the veins. A sclerosis treatment is a chemical that triggers a series of biological reactions that target the given area. The solution causes the vein to scar, forcing the blood to reroute to healthier veins
Sclerotherapy injections provide a faster resolution for problem veins, typically with fewer treatment sessions than with lasers. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive way to treat spider and varicose veins and reticular veins smaller than 1mm. Laser vein treatment may be a better option for you if you have spider veins on the face.
Sclerotherapy injections can begin to work immediately. Spider veins can fade away as soon as they receive an injection.
Radiofrequency (RF)
Treatments
It takes time for your skin to produce new skin cells, collagen and elastin. You should see changes to your skin tone and appearance within 2 to 6 months. Some people need 2 to 6 treatments.
Depending on your treatment goals, Dr. Ellie may recommend getting other nonsurgical cosmetic procedures during the same appointment. These treatments include: Microneedling, Dermal Fillers, or BOTOX.
Radio frequency skin tightening can give you the results of a facelift (rhytidectomy) without the need for surgery.
Radio frequency skin tightening is an outpatient procedure. It takes about one hour, depending on the treatment area. You go home soon after the procedure. The treatment area may feel warm. And you may experience tingling vibrations or mild discomfort. You should alert your provider if you feel an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Radio frequency devices use safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. This heat penetrates deep into your skin’s layers. There, it stimulates new skin cell production (regeneration). The treatment also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins give skin cells more strength and flexibility. As a result, sagging skin regains its firm shape and feel.
You can expect there will be some inflammation, swelling and redness like a sunburn that can last for 24 – 48 hours after the procedure. There may be some minor pinpoint bleeding and possibly some bruising. You will be advised on how to care for your skin during healing. It is important to wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure while you heal. We also advise you to avoid applying makeup for 24 hours.
Good candidates must be in good health, have signs of skin aging and realistic expectations. RF Microneedling can treat all skin types and colors including tanned skin. People who have active cold sores, a skin infection, a skin disease such as psoriasis, are receiving chemo or radiation, take anticoagulant medications, are pregnant or have a history of poor scarring including keloid scars, or poor wounding are not good candidates.
After treatments, you will immediately see an improved facial appearance. You may experience some redness or swelling, depending on the course of treatment created for you by Dr. Ellie. This may last a couple of hours and up to a few days. In the following days, you may see and feel minor scabbing that will naturally heal and shed off. You may cover the area with some make-up. Each RF treatment takes about 30 minutes. Immediately after the treatment, you can return to your daily activities
This treatment is not suitable for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, or any implanted electronic devices, as well as metal implants in the treatment area. Our provider will consult with you prior to choosing this treatment.
Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to penetrate the skin, causing micro-wounds that stimulate the wound healing process and collagen production. RF microneedling combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to amplify collagen and elastin production by reaching deeper layers of the skin. RF microneedling can treat more problems than traditional microneedling such as fine lines and wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation, skin laxity, and much more. RF microneedling is also a more customizable treatment because the puncture depth and RF energy can be adjusted from patient to patient.
RF microneedling can treat a variety of skin concerns including lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, pores, acne scarring, keloid scarring, stretch marks, skin laxity, texture, and much more.
RF skin tightening can treat lax skin anywhere on the body, cellulite, and wrinkles.
The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of the condition being treated and your overall aesthetic goals. Typically, patients need anywhere from 6-8 treatments to see optimal results.
It is recommended to come in every 2 weeks for RF skin tightening treatments and every 6 weeks for RF microneedling treatments.
RF skin tightening treatments are painless and are often compared to a hot stone massage. During your treatment, you will experience a warm, soothing sensation.
RF microneedling treatments are slightly more uncomfortable than the skin tightening treatment, however, a topical numbing cream will be applied prior to treatment to help with any discomfort.
Vitamin B
Injections
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is not produced in the body. It is mainly found in animal products such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. It is a water-soluble vitamin which means it is not stored in the body and must be replenished regularly.
B12 is an important vitamin for healthy nerve cells and can be used as a treatment for fatigue, insomnia, depression, chronic pain, herpes, anxiety, brain fog, and anemia. B Complex is a cocktail of different B Vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. It plays an important role in keeping our bodies running like a well-oiled machine by converting our food into fuel.
You may experience a small bruise or soreness at the injection site, which is normal and goes away within a few days. Pink or orange urine 1-2 days post treatment is normal. Although rare, you may experience an allergic reaction after treatment. These are typically easy to recognize and our medical providers are trained and prepared to treat any adverse reactions.
Everyone’s body responds differently after receiving a vitamin injection, but patients typically feel noticeable benefits within 24 hours.
The more depleted you are, the faster your body will go through the nutrients. Patients generally start by coming in twice a week, at the beginning of their treatment. After you begin to see an improvement in symptoms, it is recommended to come in weekly or twice a month.
Common signs to look out for Vitamin B deficiency include lethargy, headache, depression, irritability, weakness, fatigue, nerve pain, moodiness, cognitive decline, or tremors.
There are no contraindications with any medications.
Sculptra
Sculptra is an injectable that stimulates and replaces lost collagen, restores fullness and refines the appearance of folds and wrinkles.
Sculptra can be injected in the nasolabial folds (smile lines), temples, cheeks, marionette lines, chin, jowls, jawline, neck, and acne scars for facial rejuvenation. Sculptra can also be injected in other areas of the body including the arms, upper knees, decolletage, buttocks, hip divets, and areas of cellulite. In male patients, Sculptra can be used for augmenting calves, pecks, and biceps as well.
Patient results may vary since Sculptra uses your own body to stimulate collagen. Typically, patients may see results starting at 6 weeks.
We advise avoiding aspirin, garlic supplements, green tea, flax and fish oil, vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids as they might increase the chances of bleeding and bruising.
We recommend that after Sculptra our patients massage the area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day for 5 days to help disperse the treatment and to avoid any collagen from clumping.
Sculptra adds volume by stimulating collagen production and does not affect fat metabolism.
In general, patients require about 3 treatment sessions to achieve desired results. They are spaced out 2 to 4 weeks apart. The number of treatment sessions you need depends on your skin condition and your desired outcome.
Our aesthetic professionals will determine the ideal number of treatments you will need to help you reach your goals.
Yes. Lumps are a normal side effect of Sculptra. It is important to follow the Rule of 5’s after your treatment to prevent lumps as much as possible: Massage the area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. If lumps do occur, they can be removed with a steroid injection administered in the office.
The number of vials may vary depending on the area of the body that is being treated and the amount of correction desired. Dr. Ellie will create a customized treatment plan for you and it may require multiple vials to be injected a few weeks apart.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Our clinic offers different vaginal rejuvenation procedures depending on the concern. We offer labial rejuvenation, G-shot amplification, and labial augmentation.
The upkeep varies for every patient. For labia augmentation, we recommend coming once a year and for patients who receive a G-shot amplification, it is recommended to come every 4-6 months.
Before the procedure, we apply a topical numbing cream for best comfort. However, there is little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.
There is very little downtime needed after vaginal rejuvenation. Patients are recommended to prepare to wear a tampon and refrain from any sexual activity for at least 4 hours after a G-shot treatment. Otherwise, patients are able to resume daily activities.
We advise patients to avoid drinking alcohol, strenuous activity, and sexual activity before or after the procedure.
Acne
& Acne Scarring
At Essential Aesthetics, we treat both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne is blackheads or whiteheads. Non-inflammatory acne is pimples or skin blemishes.
Our clinic offers fractional laser and IPL treatment to target acne and helps reduce the appearance of redness and acne scarring.
IPL is a gentle treatment that addresses both types of p.acne bacteria, while also helping to reduce pigmentation, redness, and overall texture of your skin. The light penetrates through various skin layers, killing acne bacteria and reducing the production of sebum (skin oil) that characterizes acne.
To ensure utmost comfort, we apply a topical numbing gel prior to your treatment. A cool coupling gel is also applied to the skin during treatment.
The three different types of acne scars are:
- Boxcar scars – shallow to deep in depth with well-defined edges
- Rolling scars – undulations on the skin, shallow, measuring a few millimeters wide.
- Icepick scars – deep, severe, V-shaped scars that are narrow in length.
We treat all three types of acne scars. For patients with mild and shallow scars, we use non-ablative treatment options such as laser resurfacing or PicoFractional. Patients with deeper scars benefit from an ablative treatment such as RF microneedling.
Depending on the severity of your acne or acne scarring, you may need anywhere from 3 to 8 treatments for optimal results. Maintenance sessions twice a year are recommended after you have completed your treatment plan.
Dermal fillers can be used to treat depressed acne scars by helping raise the indentations and volume loss caused by acne.
PDO Threads
PDO thread lifting uses sutures made of Polydioxanone (PDO), a complex sugar, to approximate and fixate sagging tissues. PDO has been used as a safe suture material in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries for over 30 years.
The ideal candidate for a PDO thread lift usually has sagging, crepey skin that they would like to improve the appearance of. People with heavy jowls or hollow cheeks are also good candidates.
Patient results may vary but common treatments for PDO threading include higher cheekbone contour, cat eye contour, defined jawline, softer eyebrows and smile lines, and smoother necklines.
PDO thread lift treatment is long-lasting, has little risk of adverse reaction, does not require any incision, treats several areas of the face and body, and has little to no downtime.
Given that treatment done in our office is highly customized, the cost of a PDO thread lift varies with each patient. For more information on this service, please call our office at 925-855-1773.
You will notice subtle improvements to your skin immediately after the treatment. Your results will continue to improve over time, with optimal results showing after 6 to 12 weeks.
Results typically last up to a full year.
PDO threads can be used in adjunct with other treatments such as dermal fillers, Botox, and lasers to help maximize the effects of each treatment.
Dr. Ellie will begin by assessing your areas of concern to determine which PDO thread is best for you. This typically takes 15-30 minutes. The treatment itself can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Before treatment, avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours. Avoid consuming omega fish oils, vitamin E, chili ginseng, garlic, krill, and other such supplements at least two days prior to treatment. Avoid Aspirin-based medications 1 week prior to treatment.
After your PDO treatment, avoid smoking and drinking for 1 week to help with the healing process. Avoid aggressive or prolonged chewing, wide yawns, and big smiles for up to 1 month after treatment. Avoid laying down in either prone or side position for 4 hours after treatment. We recommend sleeping on your back to decrease the possibility of movement of the threads. Avoid dental procedures for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
Laser Fractional
There are so many conditions and skin treatment that Fractional non ablative laser resurfacing can treat such as: age and sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, discoloration and hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone scars from acne, or even surgical scars.
It is a non-ablative laser treatment, stimulating collagen production without damaging or ablating the skin. As collagen production increases below the epidermis, the skin appears tighter, more even, and younger. Fractionated laser beam means that the laser is delivered in tiny dots to only a fraction of the skin. It only needs one pass over the skin to produce effective results, resulting in minimal downtime!
We often use a topical anesthetic during the rejuvenation treatment. Due to the non-ablative nature of the laser, most patients find the therapy fairly comfortable. In addition, for added comfort, we employ a cooling air system that blasts cold air into the treated region.
Due to some redness and swelling, patients often have a short recovery time. The day after the treatment, patients can resume their routine activities. Redness, swelling, and slight discomfort comparable to sunburn may occur, but these adverse effects may disappear within a few days. Sun exposure should be avoided before and after treatment, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be worn daily. Once your skin has healed completely, stay hydrated, moisturize, and wear an SPF of 30 or higher to help protect it in the long run!
Due to non ablative laser resufacing limited downtime procedure, it usually requires multiple treatments for significant results. Typically, at least 3-4 treatments about one month apart are necessary to obtain optimum results, although this varies by each patient’s individual goals.
Your skin appears dry and blotchy, and you gradually observe that pores are shrinking and scars are becoming less noticeable. The final results will be noticeable in one week, as your skin improves with time.